The afternoon air was warm and inviting unlike the forest. The songs of crickets and birds filled the air as Kythone pushed vines away for Alex to walk through. The environment was warm and welcoming, like grandma's kitchen on Christmas. Alex felt safe here and like he belonged, which he rarely felt. Children ran around on the fields, chasing flower petals and bugs. The town seemed to glow under the soft sunlight as people danced. Alex stared in amazement as women danced and men drank.
"Brother Kythone! Brother Kythone!" A young girls voice rang in Alex's ears as they finally stopped walking. The girl ran over and hugged onto Kythone's leg. She looked to be around five maybe six? Kythone smiled and crouched down to feel her features. His smile widened when he finally recognized her.
"Anni! Oh how I missed you!" He picked her up and she blew out the candle that was on his hat. "How did I do today? Was I faster this year?" He asked her as he sat the basket in the hand of an older woman.
"Yeah! It's one inch taller than last year." Anni said matter-of-factly. "Soon you'll be able to go in an hours time!" Kythone laughed at her enthusiasm and nodded. She smiled a toothy grin then patted his shoulder, wanting down.
"This is Alex. Now be polite and go make him a welcome crown will you?" Kythone sat her down and shooed her off. "That's Mrs.Talla's youngest, Anni." Kythone turned to Alex. "Speaking of Mrs.Talla we should go find her. Anni don't make anything to extravagant! You have the big show tonight!" Kythone yelled to Anni then led Alex down the path, somehow weaving through people easily.
Alex ran into at least five people but they didn't bat an eye. Elven were very non-confrontational people. Kythone stopped and knocked onto a door. The door opened softly and a woman who looked no older than twenty opened it. "My dear! You're home a full hour earlier than last year! Good job!" She hugged him and then pulled away to look at Alex. "Oh my! Who's this?"
"His name is Alex. He believes that we are freaks of the forest and that we should burn." Kythone said bluntly.
The woman sighed, "That rotten sister of yours. She never was one for the truth." She turned back to Alex. "Now let's get you a bath and some warm food while Kye starts the medicine for Mrs.Kally." The woman opened the door wider for the two and motioned for them to come in. Kythone felt the door and walked in.
"Mrs.Talla? Can I use the sprites?" Kythone asked as he stopped in front of a small door, possibly a closet.
"Of course! I always allow you to use them!" The woman, Mrs.Talla, exclaimed. Kythone opened the small door and took the basket that was in it. He sat on the ground and started his work, making medicine for their aunt. Mrs.Talla led Alex into a small kitchen. It was simple and warm, filled to the brim with the smell of amazing food. "Now dear, what would you like? There is more than enough for you to fill yourself with." She smiled at him as she put her long golden hair in a ponytail.
Alex let himself feast upon food as he pleased. He had never had this much amazing food in his life and he loved it. Kythone walked in the kitchen soon after with Anni, who was holding a flower crown. Alex was given the flower crown and he put it on. The roses on it turned from a bright red to a dark purple then a soft purple. Anni examined it then nodded.
"I'm not surprised." She dusted off her loose green dress, "The flowers say he is no threat." Anni confirmed. Mrs.Talla smiled and patted her head.
"Thank you. Now help your brother with getting that to Auntie." Mrs.Talla dismissed them and Anni guided Kythone. Alex continued stuffing his face in bliss. Alex was more than happy to eat, since he hadn't eaten since this morning.
"Mrs.Talla?" The new voice came from the doorway. Mrs.Talla turned to the new guest and smiled.
"Aura! There you are! Meet Alex Rune." The girl at the door silently walked in. Aura circled him once and studied him. She sighed and nodded to him before going to Mrs.Talla's side. She was standing at about Mrs.Talla's shoulder and was skinnier, and dirtier than normal girls that Alex had seen around his town.
"AURA! YOU'RE BACK!" A young boy ran out of nowhere and wrapped himself around the girl. Aura smiled slightly and picked the boy, who looked similar to Anni, up.
"Glad to be back Aatami." Aura said just above a mumble. Anni and Kythone returned from the errand they went on and greeted Aura. Kythone felt her face and nodded, saying a joking, "Don't worry she's still our pet human."
"I'm no pet of yours." Aura laughed and ruffled his hair. Kythone laughed and touched her forehead then her hand.
"For safe travels and happy memories." It was a tradition he did every time she returned from her travels. He sat his fist in her palm and gave her something. She smiled.
"Children quickly! Quickly!" Another woman ran into the house. Her hair was messy and filled with leaves and sticks. Her eyes were sunken from low sleep. Her face was pale and ghostly. "She returns! She returns!" Kythone turns to her and places his hands on her bony cheeks.
"Mrs....Mrs...." He was having trouble figuring out who it was. The two youngest hid behind Aura. Alex sat at the table, watching in wonder. While Mrs. Talla studied the surprising guest. "Mrs. Nur!" Kythone finally anounced.
"Mrs.Nur looks nothin' like that!" Aatami protested. "Mrs.Nur would never leave da' house like dat'" Aatami's speech was broken from worry as he hid closer to Anni.
"Tammy's right! Mrs.Nur would never let a bird make a nest in her hair! Imposter!" Anni stomped her foot. Mrs.Nur shook her head before shakily sitting at the table, beside Alex.
"Children please listen. I'm no fake. I've just got a story to sadly tell."
YOU ARE READING
Beauty Scars
FantasyA young witch boy lives with a group of Elven and other magical children. His sister is after him and he must protect his family. Will the boy be able to face his problems or will he melt into the dark?
