Chapter 03

Slowly and reluctantly, I uncover my face. I blink, close my eyes, and blink again; streaks of sunlight penetrate through the fogged window, blinding me. I groan, turning away to hide underneath the blanket from the blinding rays.

I burrowed myself into the warm bed, rubbing the remainder of sleep and blurriness from my eyes, finally turned back, wiping the fog from the window, and stared at the sunlight extending across a rosy sky. It was beautiful. The warm rays glittered across the window, warming my chilled skin; it was filled with many promises. A newness to come.

Usually, I would be ecstatic to participate in the morning hours, especially ones as beautiful as this one; however, I couldn't bring myself to feel nature's pull. Events of the previous night flooded my mind. I felt mortified, its weight resting uncomfortably on my chest. At this moment, I felt guilty and remorseful, and it stung. A lot, as if a thousand needles were sticking in my skin, turning my emotions jagged and my insides tight.

"What are you feeling guilty for? All I saw was you acting in self-defense."

I rolled onto my back, the pain wasn't intense as when it first started, but a few tears couldn't help themselves from rolling down my face. "That's not th' point…"

"Suppose this is about your "morality vows" to your goddess. In that case, she understands the difference between an intent to do harm and self-defense."

I sighed annoyingly and sat up, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. I shivered as my bare feet touched the cold wooden floor. Waiting for the slight dizziness and nausea to subside, I carefully stood up and stretched out my sleep-worn and sore muscles.

Going over to the sink, I leaned against the porcelain frame and stared at my reflection. You don't need to be vast in medicine to know I didn't look well. The veins all around my body were visible against my ashen skin, and the dark color of my veins was making it unsettling. A cold sweat glistened on my skin, and my face was flushed with an intense red.

Even the spell I had cast on myself to change the color of my eyes and hair had canceled out, and I was once more staring back at its golden hue through the red curls; however, they would be gold if they had any ounce of life to them now they only resembled a honey color. And my usually pink lips were pale, cracked, and slightly bleeding.

"You look like shit." The unfamiliar that's been rumbling in my head showed himself. He took my reflection in my eyes, down to the whites turned black. My skin turned white as a sheet of paper to the point the black veins were even more detailed.

I averted my eyes, staring down into the sink. "Don't contort my image however you, please... Tis' distasteful."

The familiar chuckled. "Why? Going down memory lane?" He sighed, "Fine. Would this image fit more to your liking then?"

I looked up and immediately regretted doing so. My hands tightened around the sink as I stared at the woman staring back at me. Dark red curls fell around her freckled face, her lips were carefully painted black, and her beautiful purple eyes shined brightly. The woman wore her signature purple wide-brim hat that would cover her whole head like an umbrella and curled down into a spiral. The hat was sewn from a rare material that reminded one of soft velvet, and the silver strap bore a black raven emblem.

Seeing this woman made my stomach churn, and my heart felt as if it was being squeezed. Her warm, gentle smile, the last smile she ever gave me, worsened the pain.

My eyes narrowed. "I warned ye about taunting me."

A faint glow surrounded my hand as I reached into the mirror, gripping the unfamiliar by its throat. "Maybe ye need a reminder o' who ye'r bound to."

"There's no need for violence, Scarlette. I'm very well aware of who you are." The unfamiliar glared at me. "Then again, it looks like you need reminding that it's your fault you are stuck with me."

"I'm fully aware o' this, bit despite our permanent contract. I'm still yer master." My grip tightened, and the unfamiliar neck began decaying. "I suggest ye show me some respect 'n' stop deliberately pissing me off. Understand?"

The familiar glared at me as parts of its face started peeling away, debating whether to test my theory. However, they knew better than to call bluff on any of my threats, and with that in mind, they remained silent for a moment before nodding.

I removed my hand, taking a step back. "Good, now that we're on th' identical page, I could o' sworn we had awready 'greed on th' form I wanted ye to tak'?"

The familiar sighed, disappearing from the mirror; the black cloud poured onto the floor and became a large grey wolf. Seeing the wolf brought back some pleasant memories, reminding me of Anya. A grey wolf I cared for and loved when I was a little girl. The familiar bore the white-silver fur, glossy and thick; short over the body but longer at the neck and even bore the same hazel eyes.

I remember the day I found her alone in the fjord between snow-capped bushes, shivering from the dropping temperatures. Her fur was thick and clung to her frame like a windbreaker in a gale, and from several yards away, I could barely count each of her ribs. With every step closer, she would move away, her movements faltering, seemingly pained until she eventually sunk low into the snow.

Seeing one of Nirena's majestic creatures abandoned by her pack and on the verge of losing hope of survival broke my heart. However, despite the heartache, it also gave me the determination and power to calm myself to approach her. She bore resistance at first, biting at me, scratching at me, and whimpering in the attempt to growl, but was in so much pain and weak to do so. The sound she resembled was along the lines of a wounded howl.

After what seemed like ages, the little pup tired herself out, and I could finally gently bring her into my arms. I sprinted back home, carefully, of course. When I had entered the house, breathing heavily, covered in snow, and cradling a wounded pup, the looks on my parent's faces still tickled me.

I could tell they were apprehensive about my taking care of her. I understood why. I'd never taken care of a living creature before. Reading mothers' medical books and putting words into practice was different. Not to mention contained knowledge on mundane medicine. I knew my helping could do more harm than good; however, my mother and father supported my decision. Their support gave me the courage I needed to try something at least.

Although getting her to warm up to me proved quite the challenge, once she let me tend to her more severe wounds, she wouldn't let me do anything further. She would hide between mothers' chair and the divan and make a wounded howl at the window before nipping at me if I'd get too close. She would only emerge slightly outside her hiding spot whenever I left food and water. And on cold nights, whenever she was asleep, I would use a levitation spell to place a blanket on her without fear of waking her up.

Little by little, after proving I could be patient and give her the space she needed, Anya soon began following me around and allowing me to continue examining her until she was back to total health. Everything was going well, Anya became my best friend, and I thought I would have her in my life forever until one night, Anya disappeared.

That night I was frantic. I snuck out and scoured the fjord calling out her name repeatedly until my voice was hoarse. Ma and Papa found me where I had first found Anya crying and scratched up from stumbling over large roots, getting scratched by branches, and falling down hills during my pursuit.

Every day, day and night, I made it my priority to find Anya, but having a full moon gone by, I decided to call it quits. I accepted that my job was done, used my knowledge and power to help another, and was satisfied.

Until one harvest, I was helping my mother in the garden. I heard a loud howl from the fjord, and upon looking behind me, Anya was standing on the hill amongst the trees. She had grown since the last time I saw her, and her fur had become fuller. Overwhelmed with emotion, I ran towards her; she howled once more before running down the hill to meet me halfway.

I hugged her, and we both tumbled and rolled in the wheat field, overfilled with joy to be reunited with a friend.

"She came asking if it was alright to be with you. She chose you to be her master, take care of her, and may your bond strengthen…."

The voice was gentle as it echoed off the wind, and when I closed my eyes, it felt as if a warm hand caressed my face. I knew it was Nirenda thanking me for caring for her creatures and, in return, allowing me to keep caring for Anya. That day, Anya became a protector wherever I went and my best friend. I will continue to thank Lady Nirenda daily for allowing me to bond with such a beautiful creature.

"Going down memory lane, are we?" The unfamiliar's voice brought me back to the present.

I sighed, grateful for the interruption, a happy story that only gets sadder. "Something lik' that."

"Why do I have to be in this form? Wouldn't it just be easier to be in your head?"

I went over to the window seat at the end of the room and sat, pushing back the curtains. More light flooded the room. "Ye could bit what good urr ye in my heid?"

"Pretty powerful, actually…."

I chuckled. "That doesn't require ye taking control o' my body 'n' powers."

"So let me get this straight, since becoming limited in power, you're compensating by me being your guard dog?"

I looked down at him smirking. "That is one o' th' deals in th' contract, wis it not?"

He sighed. "That is correct…."

I turned to lean against the wall, hugging my knees to my chest. "Besides...that form provides a little peace o' mynd. I would muchly appreciate it if you stayed lik' that."

The familiar sat there silent for a moment, then sighed again. "Fine, since you asked so nicely, but would you at least use my name?"

I laughed. "Crakin' huv a go, yer name fur now on wull be Feign."

Feign stood up, growling. "But I already have a name!"

I nodded. "I summoned ye, so obviously I know yer name, bit' I also know th' consequences of' uttering yer given name carelessly." I glanced at him. "So lik' I said yer name wull be Feign."

Feign sat down yet didn't speak another word.

I returned my attention outside again. The sun rose above the horizon, the rays penetrating the dense trees. Upon opening the window, I took a deep breath and welcomed the fresh aroma ticking at my nose.

The wind's giddy currents flowed through the woodland canopies, unaware of how its song soothed those who could hear. They move choreographed by the wind in perfect time with one another. Even the windchimes joined the chorus, constantly tingling from furious chimes to only end in delicate ones.

However, the short yet peaceful moment lasted only for a moment as my internal clock reminded me of the required work. I closed and latched the window before standing up and exhaling a long, exaggerated sigh. Talk about a mood killer.

"What are you up to now?"

"There's a chill in the air," I said, stepping off the platform and heading to my wardrobe. "I'm assuming Madam Qunaura's planning an earlie snowsieze 'n' I'm running wee on supplies, so I'm needin' tae stock up, harvest th' lest o' th' produce from th' back green 'n' a list o' ither things."

"I don't understand why you continue to help these humans, especially after what that drunken bastard did to you."

I removed the remaining fabric of clothing that clung to my body from sweat and turned to face the mirror on the door. "Come now Feign, aye humans ur tairible, selfish creatures bit thare ur some who see th' world from a different point o' sicht. I can't go around lumping every human th'gither juist fur o' some ill experiences in my life. It's hypocritical."

"Scarlette, I've been with you for half your life, and every human you let into your life has never had your best interests."

Feign appeared next to me, his eyes scanning over my body. Somewhere on my body from head to toe, I had some scars, let them be small, big, barely noticeable where the mark was fading, and to some that, unfortunately, didn't heal well. Each one was from fights, magic that went wrong, or the abuse of humans. However, the ugliest was the scar of betrayal and ignorance going down and across my body.

The upside-down cross was red against my pale skin and reminded me why I would never again trust the word and loyalty in a human so carelessly.

"They've used you, abused you, and nearly killed you. Yet you continue to risk your life to save them. Why? Why go so far for people who see you as a devil, even physically mark you as one, and would love nothing more than to see you being burned on a cross?"

Feign sighed at my silence. "Or have you forgotten what they did to that orphan boy you were so fond of? To your paren-

My eyes twitched and then narrowed as anger rose within me. I let it slip for a moment, causing cracks to run across the mirror's glass, finding the weakness that was once visible.

"Nae anither word," I said, my voice eerily calm yet strained as I battled my anger into submission.

Feign flinched away, his head hanging low, and his tail limps between his legs. "Scarlette I-

I held up my hand, silencing him. "Mention thaim or that nicht casually ever again," I turned to stare down at Feign, who took another step back. "And ye shall fin' yersel' wishing ye ne'er accepted my summons. A permanent contract wid be th' least o' yer worries."

Feign whimpered and stared at the floor as my angered aura seeped out and surrounded him in an eerily dark purple mist.

"No…My apologies. I meant no offense…."

I faced the cracked mirror and was startled by my image. My eyes had turned to a dark violet color. For a moment, I stared back at my younger self, someone who only knew violence and revenge and didn't mind getting blood on her hands to achieve her goal.

The mark on my back pulsed as I let the darker parts of my magick loose, and I quickly closed my eyes, commanding my aura to soften. Breathe in…Breathe out…Look at your surroundings. Only you are in control of yourself. I tell myself, reciting old words from an old friend.

I focus on the feeling of breath entering and leaving my lungs, imagining myself in a wheat field similar to the one I grew up with, surrounded by a calm, gentle breeze. I looked towards the setting sun and closed my eyes, breathing in again.

When I opened my eyes and returned to reality, I felt my aura and body calming. I exhaled in relief, seeing my reflection was my own. I need to move on and forget.

Dwelling on the past isn't fixing anything or bringing them back. I thought, waving my hand across the mirror and watching the cracks reverse, returning the glass to its original form.

"But running away from it isn't any better."

I looked at Feign putting on my undergarments. "I haven't run away... I've awready come to terms ower th' fact I wull ne'er see thaim again."

Feign gave me a look of suspicion. "Have you?"

"O' coorse, I have," I said, picking out my attire for the day.

It was one of my older ones, with all the patched-up holes in the skirt with a random assortment of fabrics I had left. It wasn't made for social occasions, but it was helpful when I was doing a lot of work around the cottage. However, despite the lousy patchwork, the dress was still pretty, and I remembered why I had worn it so regularly.

The dress contained a white bodice. It was tight fitting, and I reminded myself I needed to fix that part later. The bodice hung off my shoulders, curving down into a square neckline, highlighting my breasts, yet in a refined and modest manner. The sleeves were short, and the ends puffed out and tied off with a thin black strand.

The purple corset that went over the bodice also had a tight fit. Still, I truly enjoyed how it formed against my body's curves. And The ankle length skirt was a pale purple seamed with black that kept enough warmth in the autumn weather without getting overly hot.

"Scarlette, do you remember we're connected?" Feign asked. "Depending on your moods, your thoughts leak into mine. It's worse when you're asleep." Feign took a step closer to me but went no further. "Those bad memories you're trying to forget are all that plague your dreams."

I remained momentarily silent, then closed the wardrobe, forcing a smile. "How aboot we pat an end to this chat shall we?"

"Scarlette-

The smile fell away, and I narrowed my eyes. "I said enough!"

Feign sighed, saying nothing more.

I left the room and went downstairs to begin my morning routine, a cup of tea. I turned on the stove, placed the kettle on the burner, then snapped my fingers, creating a spark big enough to ignite a flame. As the water boiled, I went into the pantry, retrieved a bucket of refuse from yesterday's harvest, and hauled it out to the back of the cottage.

I glanced at the sky as the newly chilled air moved the clouds, and streaks of brilliance broke through from a patient sun only to be covered again by the clouds.

It's going to be a cloudy day. I thought as I went into Lunas' stable. "Morning, Luna, breakfast." I poured the compost into her trough, and she quickly trotted over, wasting no time to eat before I finished dumping the last bucket.

"Slow doon, ye'r eating as if I don't feed ye." I lifted my hands, commending one of the water barrels to lift and pour into Lunas' waterer, refilling it, then placing the barrel down outside to be filled again in the next rainstorm.

"I'll come back oot efter my chores 'n' groom ye."

Luna lifted her head to nuzzle my neck before dropping her head back down.

I chuckled. "Okay, okay see ye efter."

I returned inside, entering the door just before the kettle started to steam. I gathered my favorite spices, peppermint and lavender, packed in a lovely filter of my making. I placed them into the teapot and boiling water and put them on the table next to an orange candle to steep.

"What are you planning on doing first?" Feign asked, curling up on the rug next to the fireplace.

"Hm...I suppose I kin do count o' my inventory foremaist." I said.

Feign yawned, his mouth stretching wide, revealing his sharp teeth. "Are you still helping those humans?"

"Keeping track o' my inventory isn't' juist fur th' villagers. I tak' pride in bein' prepared fur anythin'" I said. "Ye ne'er know whin ye'll ned a stamina potion, anesthesia, or a poison nullifier. Mother Goddess has a funny wey o' keeping one on thair toes."

Feign snorted. "If you ask me-

"Well, tis a guid thing I didn't ask," I said, taking a piece of bread from the basket and spreading some honey butter I made, then poured the tea into the mug, adding milk and honey for a little bit of sweetness. "Tis not lik' I will be asking fur yer hulp."

"You know, you're a little more coarse this morning."

I snapped my fingers, lighting the orange candle, the smell of orange zest and the aromas from the tea mixing in a pleasant aroma in the air around me. I clasped my hands together and closed my eyes, giving my gratitude to the Lords and Ladies who provide the gifts of life, substance, and strength.

I picked up the warm mug, cradling it in my hands for a moment to warm my cold hands. "Of course I am, ye'v bin provoking me all mornin'"

"Scarlette, you are the master; you can do as you please. However, when you summoned me and formed our contract, you stated I was to eliminate anyone you deemed a threat. I don't remember humans ever being an exception."

I indulged in a long sip of tea before sighing and putting the cup down with a little more force intended, causing Feign to flinch. "Tis not lik' I have a choice. I would love nothing more than tae show thae humans how I feel about them."

Feign stood up and curled on the rug again but with his back towards me. "We shall see; as you said, your goddess has strange ways of keeping you vigilant."

I scoffed slightly, but the short smile only lasted for a moment, and I ended up staring silently into my tea mug. I had a bad habit of getting ill whenever someone used my words to prove themselves right and be right. I topped off my tea and stood up. "I'll be in my workshop…."

I went behind the cloth curtain and sighed in annoyance, seeing precisely how I had left my work table. Opened and unopened jars remained spread out, and my spellbook lay on its podium. The spices I was grinding sat uncompleted within the mortar with the pestle still inside. Usually, I would leave my work area neat and organized, but with last night's events, I would have to let this one time slide.

I first cleaned up my workspace, setting everything back in its assigned place. Once finished, I sat on the desk, summoning the clipboard on the wall closer, letting it float beside me, giving the hand space to cradle my mug. I allowed the jars to flow off the shelves as I went down the list, noting what was low and how much of a priority it was.

However, just as I got lost in my workflow, a knock at the door startled me. I paused, glancing out the small window, confused. Who can be knocking on my door so early of all time?

The knock wasn't loud and didn't sound urgent, yet it had a slight firmness to it as if the stranger had heavy hands. But that wasn't what had me so startled or confused; it was the fact I hadn't heard or felt anyone come up.

Feign peaked his head through the curtain, yawning. "Are you expecting company? And why so early in the morning?"

The firm knocking came again. I placed the jars back on their shelves and stood up. "Ye know I don't accept guests at such an hour."

"Does anyone know where you live?"

"Na, th' only fowk who shuid know whaur I bide ur th' villagers."

"Then possibly one of the villagers, then?"

I shook my head, slowly making my way to the door. "I'm not sure. I wasn't alerted by the wards that someone was coming close."

I summoned one of my battle daggers. The blade wasn't long, but the silver, serrated claw blade had severely damaged humans and the proper Eternals. I preferred not to have a repeat of last night.

Unlatching the door, I paused a moment before swinging it open. However, the tall man towering over me halted my tongue.

The stranger was handsome, his hair was reddish-brown, long, about shoulder length with a few braids throughout the waves, and before he turned to look down at me, the back was partly pulled into a ponytail. His eyes, my favorite feature, were a mesmerizing emerald green, dots of silvery light performed ballets in the glittering light, and his face was young but rugged with untold years with features robust and defined as if molded from granite.

The gentleman tipped his hat, bowing a little, his expression apologetic. "Oi deeply apologize for de disturbance dis mornin'." His voice was deep, and the accent was foreign and prominent in his speech. "I need pointin' in de roi direction. Oi didn't expect to find a cottage in the fjord, but oi saw de chimney smoke from de hills."

Despite how handsome the man was, what caught my attention was the way his aura surrounded him. The ambiance was a gentle combination of blue and purple, it wavered around him in a calm rhyme, yet I noticed the shimmering white wavering in and out in a protective manner as the exterior color. A method is only done when one is trying to conceal themselves.

Either I'm standing before a human with a beautiful understanding of aura control, or he isn't human. Feign, what is he?

"I'm working on it. Between his concealment aura and the wards in the area, It's taking some time." Feign said, sitting behind the door.

I quickly hid the dagger behind my back and summoned it elsewhere but didn't let my guard down. My summons ability has been compared to the speed of a Sorceress, and I was ready to undermine anyone who threatened my space.

"Oh na, tis alright. I didnae mean to open th' door sae aggressive...I thought ye wur someone else…." I said.

The gentleman stood up straight, about to say something else, but before he could get a word out, Feign pushed past and stood in front of me, growling, causing the man to take a sudden step back.

"Feign? What are ye-" I began; however, Feign lunged at him without hesitation, going after the man's throat, but the man backed away, blocking. Feign's teeth latched onto his arm instead.

"Feign Stop!" I quickly grabbed Feigns's jaw, attempting to open his mouth; however, my efforts only made him sink his teeth more deeply into the man's flesh.

I narrowed my eyes, glaring into Feigns' amber ones, entering into his thoughts. If you don't let go at once…I tightened my grip thinking of the enchantment. I felt the warmth and prickly feeling in my hands as I sent volts into his body.

Feigns body jerked, and he thrashed around, growling until he finally released his hold on the man's arm and fell to the ground whining, his body shaking as the muscles contracted one by one.

I looked at the gentleman standing before me, his arm lashed and continually bleeding. "Come, come in 'n' let git that quickly looked at."

"D-Don't let that…. man into this house!"

Did you figure out what he is?

"I still can't tell what he is exactly, but I was able to crack through his aura, and I felt how dangerous he is."

Without identifying his species first, I will not allow you to harm a man. Just get inside.

"But-

I glared down at Feign Inside now!

Feign slowly stood up, growling and hesitating. Still, with one look in my eyes and how I bawled my hands into a fist, ready to hurt him again, he promptly did as he was told.

"I am sorry about this. I don't know what cam ower him." I said, opening the door and stepping aside. "He's ne'er attacked a guest lik' this afore, bit come in so we can get that wound checked 'n' cleaned."

"Yer don't 'av to do that. Oi can get it patched up, my-

"Sur my companion not only attacked, bit injured ye as well. Th' least I kin do is clean 'n' bandage it fur ye."

The man looked like he would say something more but sighed and remained silent. He removed his hat, revealing the sides of his head were also braided, and his scalp between the braids bore strange markings I couldn't identify.

Erse? I wondered where this man could be from, and from his accent, mannerisms, and attire, there are several places he could perhaps reside from.

I closed the door and pointed to the duvet. "Ye kin hang yer jacket on the rack and hae a seat thare. I'm going to git my supply basket."

Not waiting for a response, I went behind the curtain and reached in the cabinet for the basket I kept all my first aid supplies in when Feign entered the room.

"You still brought that man inside?!"

"Ye sure hae th' audacity to shaw yer face to me," I said, giving him a quick glare.

Feign growled at me, and I could see the blood still on his teeth. "And you sure dare to bring him in here without clarification on who and what he is."

"I've got a suspicion on whether that man is human," I said.

"Yet you're still stupid enough to bring him in. Have you forgotten you are wanted, and the people who put the bounty on your head will use anyone they can, human or eternal, to find you?"

"'N' how mony o' they assassins survived efter meetin me?" I asked, then sighed. "Listen, let's just say Feign, I'm curious as tae how come this gentleman wis able tae get around to walk around my wards so easily."

Feign snorted, stepping aside. "I can't control what you do, but mark my words Scarlette that curiosity will be your undoing."

I shrugged my shoulders, chuckling. "Aye, that is true, bit if death wants to pay me a visit, then thay know whaur tae fin' me."

Without waiting for Feign's retort, I walked back into the sitting area and sat beside the man putting the basket in my lap. I reached for his arm, stopping just before my hands made contact, and glanced up at him. "May I?"

The man undid the cuff of his torn sleeve and rolled up his arm, nodding at me. "Ye may."

I took his arm gently and grabbed the jar containing a clear liquid from the basket. "Let's clean it first."

"Alcohol?" The man asked.

I nodded. "Aye, distilled it myself, so it might burn a little." I took my tweezers, grabbed a cotton ball, dipped it into the jar, and dabbed the wound. "Let me know if it burns awfy much."

"'Tis gran', 'tis not too brutal." He said. "But ye distill ye'r own alcohol?"

"Aye, wi' bein' a doctor 'n' bevvy bein' hard to come by aroond' ere. I figured it wid juist be easier to mak' my own." I said, putting the lid back onto the alcohol jar, then picked up the jar of salve, opened it, and took some spreading it over the man's wound. I felt his arm tense and heard him suck in a quick short breath.

I paused. "Sorry, did I hurt ye?"

The man cleared his throat and shook his head. "Naw, it just suddenly burned, is al'"

"Stoatin, that means tis awready workin'." I said, placing the salve on the cloth bandage, covering the wound, and began wrapping the bandage around his arm. Once tightly covering his arm, I put everything back into the basket. "Thare ye go."

The gentleman looked down at his arm, and I saw the corners of his mouth turn into a half smile. "Thank you." He reached into his vest pocket. "'Oy much?"

I stood up, waving my hand dismissively. "Na charge."

"Yer sure? Oi wud loike ter pay yer for de supplies you've used on me."

I smiled at his generosity, placing the basket on the table. "I appreciate yer generosity, bit I'm sure. However, I dae ask ye tae participate in a cuppa wi' me."

"Thank you for de offer, but I 'av apologize oi'm more av a coffee drinker." The man said as he stood up, fixing his shirt sleeve.

I smirked, reaching for a jar on the counter and holding it up. "I have coffee as well."

The man's expression turned to surprise. "Ye do? Oi'm sorry oi don't mean to assume, but oi thought coffee wus scare in dis region. Oi haven't found gran' quality coffee 'ere."

I pulled out the coffee percolator and prepared the coffee while waiting for my kettle to boil. "Yer correct, guid quality coffee grounds ur solid tae come by in this region, bit whin I used tae travel, th' places I've bin were where coffee was an everyday refreshment 'n' thay took pride in whit type o' grounds thay imported."

The man pulled a chair from the table, "May oi?"

I nodded. "Ye may."

He sat down, looking around as if he was scanning his surroundings. "'oy shall oi address yer madame?"

"Madame," I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Na needs fur such formalities, ye can ca' me Scarlette."

"Scarlette, such a beautiful name." He said as he smiled at me, the gentle pink vibrating with his aura matched the gentleness in his eyes.

I turned to the whistling kettle as warmth flared on my face. "Thank you, 'n' ye sur? May I ask fur yer name?"

"It's Issac."

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Issac," I said when I felt the angered presence of Feign in my mind.

"What do you think you are doing?! You're just having a conversation and casually giving out your name to that…parasite?!"

I frowned, narrowing my eyes at the slur, but remained placid to not draw attention to myself. Watch your mouth, you don't have to accept my decisions, but I will not allow you to use such foul insults.

I glanced back at Issac with a smile. "Wid ye lik' milk, cream, sugar, or honey wi' yer coffee?"

Issac raised a brow. "'oney?"

I nodded. "Aye, I discovered that honey gives the coffee a bolder 'n' sweeter taste than if ye wid pat milk or sugar."

"Which do ye prefer?" He asked.

"Weel efter some preservation, I've come to enjoy honey th' maist." I said.

His brows furrowed in thought for a moment, then he nodded slowly. "Gran' so, oi usually 'av mine with milk, but I'll try it wi' 'oney dis time."

"Ye sure? If ye prefer it a different wey I kin mak' it.

"'Tis gran' so, oi'm open ter tryin' new things."

"So ye'r an adventurous type?" I asked, setting his cup in front of him.

Issac nodded. "Thank you, an' oi suppose yer can say dat, me endeavor 'as me travelin' al' over many regions."

I sat across from him, my steaming mug cradled in my hands as I leaned back in the chair. "Oh? What do ye do?"

Issac smiled. "My apologies, but I can't discuss my profession so loosely."

I looked at him over my mug, my curiosity peeking as a pale yellow mixed with the other colors of his aura, revealing to me that there was indeed something he was hiding. "It must be important fur it to be so secretive. Is it dangerous?"

"It can sometimes be, but 'tis nathin' oi can't manage." He said and reached for his mug, taking a sip. "Hmm... That's gran', 'tis not strong an' it 'as a pure pleasant taste."

I found myself smiling. "Told ye." I sat up, put my mug down, and leaned forward to cross my arms on the table. "Tell me, Issac, whit brought ye to my doorstep?"

"Oi wus' eaded in de direction ter a village called Lyngager, but I am unfamiliar wi' dis region," Issac said and sighed, setting his mug down. "Oi sadly 'ad naw other choices, but ter suk in me pride an' seek direction."

I raised a brow in amusement. "Lyngager? Whit do ye need from that backwater village?"

Issac chuckled a bit. "Yer tone suggests ye've heard of it."

I sighed, leaning back in my chair and crossing my arms. "Aye, I know o' it, ye'r not far from thare. Afore ye turned onto th' path o' my cottage, if ye would o' kept straight, ye would o' reached th' gate in a quarter."

"Really? Oi wasn't aware dat oi wasn't so far aff."

"Na ye weren't," I said and smirked. "Don't ye carry a map when ye travel?"

Isaac sighed. "Oi do, but oi 'ad gotten into a scuffle wi' sum bandits a few days prior an' me map got destroyed in de process."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Aye, cannae say I'm surprised, th' amount o' ravagers hae bin on th' rise recently especially wi' th' colder season quickly approaching."

Issac nodded in agreement. "That's true." He pulled a pocket watch from his vest pocket and glanced at it briefly before placing it back and sipping down the rest of his coffee. "I thank you for tendin' ter my woun' an' the coffee Scarlette an' would love ter chat witcha further, but I'm afraid oi' av ter be 'eading out now."

"Oh o' course." I said and stood up. "I'm sorry I've bin taking up awfy much o' yer time."

Issac put on his coat and grabbed his hat. "Nonsense, I've been travelin' for days now. It's nice ter take a break an' enjoy sum gran' company for once."

I smiled, blushing a little at the comment as I opened the door for him. "Thank ye, bit if ye don't mind me asking, what brings ye to Lyngager anyway?"

"I'm lookin' for someone," Issac said.

"Oh? Are they in trouble?"

Issac slowly nodded. "Very much so, they're wanted for murder, theft, and the murders rangin' from civilians ter royal officials. Last tin' oi 'eard she was in this region, but that was a couple av weeks ago. I doubt they'll still be 'ere, but I'm not takin' any chances."

"A murderer in Lyngager. I'm not surprised." I said. "We get mony walk s o' life 'ere. Anythin' ye can tell me? I'm familiar wi' juist about everybody in th' village 'n' I usually tak' note on who leaves 'n' who enters."

"I can't say much; however, sum say she can change 'er appearance ter easily blend in wi' de crowd because o' that it's been a pain ter track 'er down." Issac reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a folded paper. "'Ere's a wanted poster I snatched from another village."

I took the paper, unfolding it, and an uneasiness washed over me. It was a wanted poster, admittingly a beautiful hand-drawn portrait of a person. With the mask they were wearing, I couldn't identify much, but from their eyes, I could tell they were a woman. The woman's hair was long, wavy, and red, and her eyes were a dark purple, an almost violet color, but her dark gaze could send chills down anyone's spine.

"275,000 pounds? Did it go up?" Feign asked once again, forcing himself into my mind without warning.

Aye…It did, by a whole 150,000…

Feign scoffed. "They're getting desperate. They've got someone to add onto the bounty price."

I scoffed. They can try…

"Do you…know this person, Scarlette?" Issac asked, looking at me anxiously, but his eyes were intense, and I could have sworn his bright green eyes darkened in color.

"You better keep it together. You must avoid drawing attention to yourself if this is a bounty hunter." Feign warned.

I know…I know…

I took a deep breath, collected myself, and shook my head. "No, unfortunately, I don't…I don't recall meeting such a person. Do ye happen to have a name?"

Issac shook his head, put on his hat, walking toward his horse. "No, but everyone seems to refer to 'er as The Killing Raven and has described how dangerous she is."

My chest tightened hearing that name again, and I quickly hid my nervousness with a smile as I handed the paper back to him, but he just shook his head.

"Keep it, yer never know whaen it might be useful." He said, getting up onto his horse with little and graceful effort. "I'll be in town for a few days, so if you ever cross paths, I won't be too far."

I nodded. "Aye…Thank you."

Issac smiled down at me. "No, thank you, Scarlette, for your 'ospitality, oi 'ope we can cross paths again."

I smiled a bit, giving him a short curtsy. "We shall see if Fate should hae us catch up wi' again Issac' n' may the…gods bless ye 'n' keep ye safe on yer quest."

Issac stared at me momentarily before smiling, his eyes bright again. Without another word, he cracked his horse's reins and took off down the thoroughfare.