Snow Angel (On Hold)

Chapter Two: Always Trust Your Instincts

Chapter Two: Always Trust Your Instincts

My eyes widen as I take in the hundreds of people crowding the blocks surrounding small cottages and booths, paths lined with stone walls. All the air in my body quickly leaves as I take in this new sight. I have never seen so many people in my life. People of all sizes and ages are scattered all over the place. Bright colors assault my eyes as flags and clothes dance in the wind that are hanging from the booths and cottages. Small humans run around playing and pulling along goats and other small animals. Foods are being distributed to willing customers and the sound of bargaining rings throughout city.

I stand behind a tree watching this with pure amazement and joy. I'm just about to step out when I realize that I was just about to step into a crowd of hundreds of people with my tail on full display. This chilly winter air gives me the excuse to wear a heavy jacket and cover my wings, but my tail is another story. I've never had to hide my odd traits when I was at home because Eve and Ben already know about them and accept them. These humans here do not know of my oddities and will probably never accept them. At least I don’t expect them to so kind. For now, I will just have to come off as an everyday human and hide my strange traits.

After some thought, I roll up my tail like a lasso and tuck it inside my jeans. I pull my heavy jacket down to cover some of my backside to cease anyone's curiosity. After placing my hair so that it's covering my pointy ears, I start to walk towards the crowds of people. As I blend into the crowd, numerous people try to get me to buy certain goods, but I decline. I don't have any money since I've never had the opportunity to use it, so I try my best to avoid the sellers. I pass booths filled with foods, while others with clothes. I even passed one booth that sold a variety of small animals that were being held in small cages. Children pulled anxiously at their parent’s arms to eye to tiny animals and I couldn’t help but smile. I continue my stroll as I follow the path in front of me.

Smiling people nod to me as I pass and squirm through the crowd. The smell of a bakery fills my nostrils with delicious, taunting smells. My mouth waters as I approach a stand that has hot cakes and steaming pies littering its tables. The seller notices my interest and starts throwing deals my way. As hard as it was, I decline his offers, seeing as I have no money or anything of value besides my necklace, which is something I could never give up. It’s the only thing that I have left of my life before Eve and Ben, even if I can’t remember it.

I continue my way and am captivated by these giant, furry animals tied to posts. I immediately recognize them as horses, but I have never seen them up close. I walk up to the beautiful creature curiously, not knowing what to expect. He eyes my cautiously, but senses my good intentions and knickers lightly. The deep sound brings a smile to my face as I reach out and stroke his soft dark grey muzzle. His eyes are a deep and calming brown, and his soft fur soothes my nerves. I never expected to find such wonderful creatures within this crowded city.

The horse's silver dapples stand out against its white coat and I run my fingers over them. It takes me by surprise when I realize just how big this animal is, and yet how gentle he is with me. He nuzzles my side with his large head and I rub his forehead. "And how are you, my beauty?" I whisper in his ear in his language. Before the horse can answer, another voice breaks my trance.

"Looks like he's taken a liking to ya. How much do ya got on ya? I’ll give ya a good deal," a short, stubby man says to me. He has a strong accent that I’ve never hear before, and he eyes me with interest because money might be involved. He puts on what he thinks is a nice smile as I continue to stroke the horse.

"Oh, I don't have any money. I was just intrigued by this alluring animal," I say while looking into the intelligent eyes of the horse.

"Yeah, he's quite a beauty, ain't he? Well ya listen here, he's yours if ya willin' to make a fair trade," he says back. He looks interested in me, but tries to pay attention to his pocket watch with greater interest. As much as I would love to take him up on this offer, I don't think Eve and Ben will like it too much if they came home to a two thousand pound animal in the kitchen. Not only is there no where to keep him, but they would also know that I disobeyed them and went to the markets alone.