The Crossing (Book 1)

Chapter 19

     "I'm just going to use your washroom before I come down." Cera set the guitar down next to the chair and looked over at Brae.

     "Of course, take your time. I'll just put something together to eat while you do that." Brae stood up quickly and started walking for the door. He snapped his fingers and turned back as Cera stood up, "I almost forgot, it's the beginning of spring for us, our first harvest. The market will be busy and there will be a lot for you to see. I thought we could go, or I could take you...show you. We should be able to move through town freely without too much curiosity."

     Cera smiled as Brae turned, took a deep breath and walked out of the room shaking his head. Walking into the washroom she turned to the mirror and stared at her flushed cheeks and chided herself, "Get a hold of yourself. This isn't even real." She quickly braided her hair loosely and fixed the loose tendrils around her face before staring at herself again, "Yes, it is."

     Minutes later, rounding the corner toward the table she found a platter with toast, a type of spread, and fruit. Two ewers sat next to the platter, one with juice and the other with water. She knew she had guessed right about the kitchen when Brae walked out of the adjoining room with two plates. He looked over at Cera and smiled as he put the plates on the table, one on each side. Brae held out one of the chairs for her and as she sat down, he pushed her chair in and crossed to the other side of the table to sit. He noticed her looking at everything but that she kept her hands in her lap.

     "You don't have to wait for me."

     Cera smiled, "I was just looking at everything. What is that?"

     "It's a creamed butter. I didn't know what you would like"

     "It looks great. Thank you." Cera grabbed at the fruit, tossing some grapes in her mouth and nodded at the ewer of water that Brae held up for her.

     "You don't have to keep thanking me. It's all my pleasure." Brae smiled.

     Cera shrugged her shoulders and smiled, "I'll try to stop, but I can't guarantee it."

     Brae nodded and stared at Cera, trying to decide if now was the right time. When Cera stopped smiling he placed his elbows on the table and locked his hands together by his fingers, "Are we going to talk about it?"

     Cera narrowed her eyes, "About what?"

     "I've heard you talk to me."

     Interrupting, Cera gave a breathy laugh, "I should hope so."

     "In my mind."

     Cera watched Brae point at his head without lifting his arms off the table. She was ready to laugh, but he was being completely serious. Brae quickly stretched his arm out and grabbed her hand in his, making her jump.

     Can you hear me? Brae watched as Cera's eyes widened.

     Holy shit!

     Brae let her go and laughed.

     Cera frowned and quickly changed the subject before she started thinking she was in a coma again, "So, I started thinking about the harvest after you left the room. Do you expect a lot of people to notice me even though it'll be busy?"

     "There haven't been many new people in Amarundia, or any of the lands for a while now. New people tend to get noticed, but I think their curiosity will fade with how busy it always is." Brae knew what she was doing but didn't want to press her just yet.

     Cera tilted her head, "Are you worried?"

     Brae stuck his thumb in his mouth, licking off the spread that had been left on his nail as he spread it over a piece of toast, "No?"