Hated to Loved

Chapter 6: The Strange Girl

Thayne's POV

I walked away from Ember, towards the Mayor's office and talked quietly to myself.

I didn't even notice Chip at my feet trying to get my attention as I murmured "Why am I so awkward. GOD HELP ME! Just say thank you and walk away, and for gods sake stop blushing!"

I reached the building and walked inside.

"Hello mister Robbins, why are you here?" Asked the assistant.

"Well, um, I'm here to give him this," I said showing her the sword, "and to tell him that my master's shop burned down"

"Oh, I'm so sorry. He's free right now, if you want to go in?"

I nodded and she opened the door, announcing that I was here and he turned towards me.

"Ahh, Thayne! It's been awhile! How are you?" He asked as his assistant exited the room.

"Well, I guess I am fine, although my master passed away not even a hour ago"

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, he was a good man, a dear friend" the mayor said and I nodded.

"Yes sir, but that's not why I'm here. I'm here because before he passed, he managed to recreate the sword and in the note he left me, he stated that he'd like you to have it" I said holding the sword out to the mayor.

He took it and twisted the handle, revealing the blade. "Ah, it's more beautiful than I would have imagined. My ancestors sword..." He said more or less to himself as he fingered the blade, then laid it on his desk and turned to me.

"You have done well. I am terribly sorry for your loss, may I ask how it happened?"

"Oh, um, a fire started and he was crushed when the building fell. A friend got me out and tried to help him out, but he handed her a note and pushed her out so she didn't die also" I said. As I thought of how Ember could have died, I felt like I wanted to cry.

Just the thought of losing her was too much, especially after having lost my master.

"Ah, tell her thank you for trying, tis the best she could have done. If you need somewhere to stay till you get the shop back up, you are more then welcome enough to stay with me and my wife"

"No, thank you very much sir, but Ember already offered me a place at her home. Though she has to ask her mom, but even if she says no I'm sure I'll work something out so I don't impose on you and your wife" I said politely and the elder man nodded.

"Very well, if there is any way I can help, let me know"

"Yes sir" I said, and we talked a little while longer before I took my leave, walking to Ember's house.

I was greeted by a smiling Ember and the sound of someone moving around in the kitchen.

"Thayne! Come on, she said yes!" Ember exclaimed, pulling me downstairs by my arm. "Close your eyes" she insisted, about half-way down and I laughed but did as she asked.

She continued to lead me into the basement.

"Okay, now open them!" She said and let my arm go, leaving a feeling as though something important had left me, but I ignored it, taken by awe from how well the room was decorated.

There was a bed in a corner and a small dresser. A nightstand and a lamp stood by the bed and the floor was a shiny hard wooded flooring. There was a cream colored rug a little ways from the bed and a nice, old looking chest with rusted hinges.

"Do you like it?" She asked, excitement laced her voice and I nodded.

"Its... Wow, it's amazing! Thank you!" I said, turning to her. Her eyes lit up and a smile formed on her lips.

"Glad you like it!" Her face then went somewhat serious. "Um, so, I have a question" she said sitting cross legged on the floor and I sat on the bed.

"Okay, what's your question?"

The smile returned and she asked "So, are you gonna eat with us, or are you still gonna eat slop?"

"Oh, haha, very funny," I said jokingly, before answering "I will eat with you guys"

Ember's mom called her and Ember jumped up. "Come on Thayne! Let's go"

We ran upstairs and Ember's mom greeted us.

"Ah, you must be Thayne. I heard about what happened, I'm really sorry. If there's anything more we can do to help let us know, okay?" She said, offering me a small smile and I nodded.

"Thank you ma'am, but I will move out as soon as possible, I don't want to intrude"

"Oh nonsense. Stay as long as you need, and if you need anything, ever, let us know. I'd love to help, and I know Ember would too, right Ember?" She asked, then we realized Ember had slipped away while we had talked.

"Ember? Wonder where she went..." Ember mom mumbled clear confusion in her voice. Ember had just been right there! I was starting to panic but calmed myself down.

"Uhm, don't worry ma'am, I'll go find her" I said going outside through the backdoor.

I saw Ember talking to a girl who appeared to be 10 years old.

The girl looked out of place with her sandy blonde hair that fell in locks over her shoulders and green eyes. But that wasn't what was weird about her. She wore a white dress that appeared to be the type that roman girls would wear and a simple golden circulate sat on her head with a single emerald encrusted into the circulate.

And upon her chest lay a necklace. It was on a gold chain and on it was a white jewel that glowed strangely.

I didn't trust her, not yet at least.

I walked over to the girls who turned to me and somehow got roped into their adventure.