Our second world- book one: Past beginnings

Chapter 22: Grace

After wandering around the city for a few hours, I made my way to the large fountain in the central plaza. Finding a seat on a bench nearby. Feeling a spot of cold on my cheek, I looked up to see a tiny flurry of blue snow fall around me.

"My Lady, please don't freak out when you get this message. I wanted to let you know that I have returned from the southern mountains. I will await you at home, but should you need me, call, and I will be there. Until then." I smiled when I recognized Elen's voice in my ear. Her powers still amazed me.

Lost in my own thoughts, I didn't notice the man sitting next to me until he loudly cleared his throat.

"Hey there," He said coolly, sliding a little closer," What's a babe like you doing by yourself?"

"Waiting for someone," I replied, crossing my ankle over the opposite knee.

"You've been waiting for quite a while. Why don't you come and spend some time with me and my buddies?" Said the man, stretching his arm behind me.

I stood up before he could touch me and moved away. He followed and grabbed for my arm. I reached him first. Digging the heel of my foot into the crook of his knee. With a small yelp of pain, he doubled over, clutching his leg.

"Ouch! What the heck?"

"Don't touch me and don't follow me," I ordered, walking to the other side of the fountain. I sat down on the bench there.

"Come on, don't be like that," He purred.

"Grace!" I looked up at the sound of my name and relaxed when I spotted Haren and Marylyn walking towards me.

"What took you two so long?" I asked, standing up.

"Sorry. Mary got a little lost. I hope you weren't waiting too long for me." Haren replied, pulling an arm around my shoulder." Is this guy bothering you?"

"Please refrain from starting any unnecessary fights, darling." I put a bit of emphasis on the last word.

"Of course, dear. Anything for you." Haren replied, picking up on what I was planning. He pulled his arm from my shoulder and laced his fingers in mine," Shall we go?"

"Yes." I allowed him to lead me down the street for a while before letting go of his hand and linking my arm around his," Thanks for that."

"No problem. After all, it is the big brothers' job to get rid of boys that bother their younger sisters." Haren laughed.

"I'm older than you," I replied, playfully shoving him.

"Yeah, by two months. I'm still taller."

"You wish," I laughed.

"Forgive me if I come across a rude Grace, but I thought that you were an only child." Marylyn said.

"I am, but after I moved out of my dads' place, Harens' aunt practically adopted me." I answered," So you aren't wrong."

Haren nodded, as he led us back to the inn. When we arrived, I finally noticed the other boy that was with us. He was tall. Well, taller than me, and had long tangled black hair that stuck out in every direction. He was wearing a simple tan coat and plain black pants along with dark brown flats. His messy hair obscured his eyes from view, but at one point, I had seen the reflection of soft brown peek out from behind the curtain of black. Haren and Marylyn didn't seem to mind him being there, so I chalked him up to be someone they knew and headed to my room. Pulling my backpack from under the bed where I had stashed it before we left, I put my purse inside and retrieved my mini sewing kit. Before heading back downstairs, I stashed my bag back in its hiding place under the mattress. When I got back down to the main floor, I found the others seated around one of the circular tables. Marylyn and the boy from earlier were talking together while Haren watched with a drink in his hand, and August was sitting next to Haren.

I sat down in the seat next to Haren and set my small sewing kit down on the table in front of me. Opening it up, I pulled out a needle and carefully threaded it with a dark red thread. Tying a small knot on the end of the thread, I began sewing up the tear in Marylyns' new cloak. My work was slow under the dim light of the candle chandelier overhead. After a short time, however, my eyes adjusted to the light, or lack thereof, and I was able to work a little quicker.

After stabbing my finger more times than I'd care to enjoy, I was finished. Tying the final knot to secure my work, I handed the cloak back to Marylyn.

"Wow, that looks really good," the black haired boy remarked.

"It's not my best work, and the lighting could have been better, but it should stay," I explained, nursing my throbbing finger.

"Thank you, miss Grace," Marylyn replied, slipping it back on around her shoulders.

"Miss Grace?" Asked the boy." Why so formal? You aren't like some princess from a foreign country or something, are you?"

"That's only in stories," I laughed." Unless you count shrine maidens as princesses."

"Ah, well, I've heard the four of you are traveling through the mountains. I'd love to guide you all," he said." For a price of course since it is my job and all."

"That'd be great. We'd make fast progress with a guide," glancing at Haren, I added." If it's ok with you."

"I don't mind," he sighed, leaning back in his chair." August?"

"I say we go for it."

"Then it's decided." the boy smiled, shaking our hands." The name's Thomas, and we can discuss payment after the trip. Sound good?"

"Great."

"Come with me," August said, hauling the boy to his feet." let's get something to eat."

"I'll come too," Marylyn added, hurrying after them.

I waited for them to make their way to the bar area on the other side of the room before scooting closer to Haren.

"Tired?" I asked, placing a hand on his arm.

"Incredibly," He replied with a yawn." But, what can you do?"

When he stretched arms over his head, the edge of his shirt lifted slightly. revealing his defined figure.

"Guess all that time teaching Setosza benefitted you as well," I joked.

Flicking my forehead, he laughed," Jealous?" He teased.

"Hah! as if! Mine are just as good, if not better." I said with a laugh.

"Sure they are," he replied sarcastically, fixing his shirt.

After that, I hadn't been able to think of something else to say and we fell into a comfortable silence. Soon after, Marylyn, August and Thomas returned with food. I took my time eating and around 7:30, I decided to head to my room.

It was small. Not suffocatingly so, but just enough to tease the edge of my claustrophobia. There was enough room for a twin-sized bed, a chair with a small desk, and a wardrobe that had been shoved into the corner. I took off my coat and hung it on the bedpost before crawling under the covers.

Sometime later, I heard footsteps on the stairs as Marylyn joined me. The thick blanket swaddled around us as we found peaceful sleep.