Chapter 2

Nathan steps into the busy market street. Ophelia and Alyssia right behind him. He weaves through the small crowd with ease. Ophelia and Alyssia stop at a fruit market stall. Ophelia reaches for a few coins in her pocket and pays for three apples. She hands each of them one. Their steps continue steadily. Nathan takes a big chunk of his apple. Their steps slow to a halt due to commotion. In the middle of the marked lay a huge man. Mid-forties maybe. Two figures loom over the man, a female and male. The female scowls down at the unconscious male. His feet move on their own, within a hearth beat he halts in front of the two. Ophelia and Alyssia share a glance, then fall in step behind him. The female tilts her head at Nathan. "who may you be miss?"

He flashes a smile. Alyssia and Ophelia scrunch their faces at that. Both snicker at the scene. He throws a short glare over his shoulder. "Its lovely to meet you" the female tilts her head down in respect. "My Name Is Avery." Nathan studys her for several seconds. "The pleasure is all mine, I am Nathanial." Averys cheeks tint a soft pink. His Grin widens, "You are very pretty miss Avery." The pink depends into a deep shade of Crimson. Behind Nathan the two girls snicker and cover each other's mouths. "Look at that fool he is trying to charm her" Alyssia musses quietly to Ophelia. Nathans eyes narrow briefly but doesn't react to the taunting. "What is the pleasure of having you in our village?" The male beside her watches their moves closely. His eyes never straying far from Avery. "We are..." her words trail off. Avery Leans closer to her male companion. His voice low. Her eyes study Nathan while listening. "My Apologies. We have a strict schedule." Nathan nods, his lips slightly parted. "Will you stay long in the village?" Her eyes meet those of her companion. "We will stay for a little while, maybe we could talk sometime over lunch?" Alyssia and Ophelia glance at one another. Weird. "Of course, that sounds lovely" His eyes crinkle. She returns a small smile.

The three finally got back to Nathans Tiny House they sit down in the living room, on a low lying slightly worn out sofa. It's a light mint Fabric. In Nathan's usual spot are Little tears along the armrest. His Eyes twinkle. "so pretty..." The girls look at one another supressing a laugh. "Don't tell me u are already swooned" Ophelia, the one with dirty blonde hair says. Nathan's cheeks flush. "I am not swooning over anyone" Alyssia grins at him "sure\~" He groans at her. "I just met her quit being a nuisance" They both chuckle at him.

The Door Swings open. All heads turn. A Female, Realynn. She has her black wavy short hair in a half bun. Her eyes a stunning Amber. Alyssia stands, walking to Raelynn. Realynn's breaths are quick. Nathan Follows after his sister. "Raelynn? Whats the matter?" Her eyes dim. "Another Ashborn-" Her chest heaves. Ophelia watches from the couch. Worry flickering in her eyes briefly. "Explain." His voice has a sharp edge to it. "The others caught a Ashborn." she stumbles over her words. Ophelia speaks gently. "Rae sit down, calm your breathing and then explain. slowly" The female sits down in a chair in the dinning room. The Group is silent while Raelynn catches her breath.  Alyssia studies Raelynn's form. "Where was the Ashborn found?" She glances sideways at her. "They caught Him by the river." Nathan clears his throat. "Where is that Ashborn now." He paces infront of her chair. "They threw him in the comunity house" Alyssia raises her brow. "In the cell?" Raelynn nods. "That Cell is not able to close." Nathans Eyes harden. "what." She shrugs. He Turns to raelynn. "Rae did he have weapons." Quite for a few sseconds. "Yes" He tenses. "What kind of weapon" Ophelia listens carefully. "A bow, i think-" His movements pause. "Did you guys take it." A slow nod. "Where is it now." Alyssia chimes in. Rea's voice is tight. "The weaponry" Ophelia stands. her steps are soft on the wooden floor. She stops beside Alyssia. "Are *you* okay?"  Raelynn blinks. "Yes, just..." Her eyes dart to the floor. "Lia, i apreciate that you want to help. But wrong moment." Ophelias eyes narrow. "Excuse me?" He sighs. "You heard me" Her brows almost hit her hairline. "You are joking." He keep his eyes on raelynn. "Did you guys gather any information?" She shakes her head. "I went here straight after the others got him." a slow nod. Ophelia looks at alyssia. "Did he seriously just do that?" her head tilts at ophelia. "Ignore you? or dismiss you?" she just shakes her head. Raelynn lifts off the chair. "Lets pay a visit to our unanounced guest." His voice leaves no room for discussion.

The Four enter the Comunity house. Raelynn leads the way. Flinching slightly Alyssia keeps pace with Ophelia. The Other female complaining about her brother. "I can hear you, you know?" he says over his shoulder. "Good!" Alyssia chuckles. Nathan and Raelynn stop. two guards stand at each side. the cell not completely shut. Both bow to the group. Raelynn and Nathan head inside the cell. A male, about 19 or 20 sits slumped against the right stone wall. His head lifts slightly. Silence fills the room. Nathan Studies the males dark clothes. „Is he dead?" Alyssias Voice asks from behind. "No you idiot." Nathan replies. A groan carries its way over to them. "Don't be dramatic" Her huff is answer enough. His eyes focus on the male. "So why exactly are you in our village." Silence. He raises a brow. The males head tilts higher. He spits infont of nathans feet. Raelynn scoffs. She steps closer to Nathan. "Rae ill be fine." The females tension eases.

"Didn't realize children were hiding beasts." Alyssia tenses. The males almost black shirt shifts. Ophelia glances sideways at her. "You okay?" Nathan turns back. "Lyssa?" Her eyes are fixed on the tattoo.  She stays rooted in place. He follows her gaze. His breath catches. "Oh lys..." The male grins at ayissia. "Scared little girl?" Her eyes don't sway. "Watch it." Nathan growls at the male.

They slowly make their way back out. "Lyss are you okay?"  Alyssia hums softly in response.  Ophelias gaze softens. "you know, you can talk to us..." Lyss averts her eyes "I don't need pity"

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