CHAPTER SIX: A GLANCE

"It's two silver coins for a night.", the lady informed. Iris let out a defeated sigh, worry heavy in her heart. "That will have to do. Thank you.", She was tired, and Aviva was hungry. The lady tossed the coins in a drawer underneath the counter and turned back to her newspaper. "Have a lovely evening.", her voice was void. "Right well...you as well.", Iris said and quickly made her way to the bar, just past the blackwood frame. This building served everything, a bar, restaurant and an inn. "This is no place for a child, ay.", A man behind the bar grumbled, glancing at the wide-eyed child. Iris could barely lift her lips into a smile as she rested her hand on her daughter's head. "I know, I am meeting a friend. She should be here soon. Do you have any food?", she hoped they did indeed sell food. She did not want to walk all the way to the top floor to the expensive restaurant. "I think we can find something. Ya! Ma! We got any food we can sell?", the man yelled towards the back. An old woman came out the door, a wooden spoon in her hand. "Don't go yelling at me! I'll swat ya like a flea.", She warned. The interaction caused Aviva to giggle. The older woman sauntered over to the giggling child. "Oh, sweet pea, ya are just adorable. Is ye hungry, huh?", the woman asked while pinching Aviva's chubby cheeks. "Yeah!", Aviva slammed her hands on the bar top gleefully. "Then we have to do something, don't we?", the pair laughed together. "Thank you.", Iris watched Aviva happily eat some steak and feeding her vegetables to the woman. "Eh, no worries.", the man brushed it off and cleaned another glass. "Iris!", the sudden call of her name spiked a known fear in her chest. Her heartbeat was erratic. 

"Levi!" 

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AVIVA:

I bend down a little, resting my hands on my knees. I take deep breaths. There is no chance for me to be pardoned for my 'crimes'. My sister will be left alone, what about Kayda, should I try to contact them? I can't, it's not safe, neither is this. If he finds me again, all these years would have gone to waste. Should I run again? Can I run again? I don't think I will succeed this time around or at the very least not now. I won't be able to keep my promise to Amelia. What will they do to Kayda? This might put them in danger as well. My head hurts. Mama, what should I do! I kicked the shrubs Infront of me, refusing to let my tears fall.

I take slow and unsteady steps out of the alley, keeping my hand on the wall. "I thought you would be gone by now.", Dimitri taunted. I groaned and for a split second, I wished I had drowned in the river. "And I thought you would have learned a few new tricks by now, other than barking.", I replied, facing him with my arms crossed. He scoffed and pushed me against the wall, a scowl on his face. The rough bricks were digging into my skin as he caged me in-between the wall and him.

"Don't test me Aviva. I am no longer bound by the Village laws. So, I suggest you watch your mouth.", He warned and increased his grip on my arm. I hissed in pain and glared at him. "Did the dog get a promotion? Do you really, I am scared of you, now that you are a Dragon Rider? Oh, I am so scared, I'm shaking in my boots.", I scoffed and tried to remove his painful grip. Dimitri clicked his tongue and pulled me closer, a glare evident. 

"Is there a problem here?", A voice stopped Dimitri's pathetic excuse of a threat. Rowan had his arms crossed and was glaring at Dimitri and his hold on my arm. Dimitri cleared his throat and moved away from me. "No problem, just having a friendly conversation. It would do you good to mind your own business, man.", He scowled at Rowan. Rowan merely raised his eyebrow and took a step closer. Dimitri smirked and faced him fully now. Oh, if they fight, I can attempt to leave! And then maybe Dimitri can be put in his place again. I bit my lip in anticipation.

"Are you out of your mind?! He is Rowan Fox, part of Team 10. One of the best teams- if not the best. Do you have a death wish?", the man was out of breath when he reached us. His whispers were harsh as he tugged on Dimitri's clothes. Finally, he hit Dimitri upside the head and forced him to bow with him in front of Rowan. I was a bit disappointed that they wouldn't fight. "I am so very sorry sir, he is new. Please forgive him.", the man pleaded and forced the now scared Dimitri to apologize. Rowan rolled his eyes and came up next to me. "Scram!", he tsked and waved them away. "OfCourse, right away sir.", his words and actions were equally rushed as he pulled Dimitri away.

I was impressed with team 10's reputation but more relieved that it got rid of Dimitri. I have no energy to deal with him today. I look up to Rowan, meeting his eyes. "Thank you.", my voice just above a whisper. He smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "Let's take a walk through the village." Rowan suggested and wrapped his cloak around me. I was glad as it was a cold day, winter was on its way. "Very well.", I was unsure why I agreed but anything was better than being trapped in that awfully small room. 

It was silent as we walked through the village. I didn't know whether I should speak or not. Though Rowan took the initiative. "Did you grow up here? It is beautiful.", Rowan asked and looked over at me. "Why? Are you going to write in your report?", I asked. Rowan laughed and shook his head. He clasped his hands behind his back. "No, no, I'm just curious. I will keep the information to myself.". "Uh no - we moved around a lot. Never stayed in one place for too long." "I was born and raised in the Fox village. Ever been there?" "For two years, long ago.", I answered truthfully.

Another silence lapped over us as we sat on the stone bench for a bit. I couldn't even say that it was awkward. "I'm really curious about something though. Why did you steal the egg?", Rowan had kind smile on his face. I frowned and shrugged. "My sister had a terrible fever and was in a weak state. I had no coins for medicine. I saw a campfire and they were asleep. I didn't know it was an egg at that time. I was desperate and my sister was dying. So, I took everything that looked valuable and sold it that very night. Everything apart from the egg that is." "You seem to care for her a lot.", He said. I smiled when I thought about my little sister. "Yes, she is the only one I have left. I would do anything for her.", I murmured and tried to blink away the exhaustion creeping up on me. 

"Master Thoradon is a reasonable man, he will give you a choice. You will make the right one.", Rowan said as he stood up and held his hand out for me to take. I reluctantly took it. "I can live with my consequences, I don't think my sister can.", I said as I walked back to the courthouse. Rowan walking behind me. 

"What will we do now?", Kayda asked just as Rowan held the door open for me to enter. Amelia immediately ran to me and hugged me. I hugged her and carried her back to the furthest bed. I kissed her head as I placed her down. I started braiding her unruly curls to distract myself. She appeared to be in one of her silent days. "I don't know Kayda. Just make sure you stay hidden and safe.", I replied. "Of course, Avi.", Kayda promised. "Did you eat?", I asked Kayda as I looked around the room in search of food. "Yes, but raw bird isn't as tasty as the cooked meat you make Avi.", Kayda complained. I snorted as I answered Kayda. "I have spoiled you too much.".

"Is something funny?", Tristan asked from his seat at the table. I scowled at him. "Your lack of humor.". Tristan rolled his eyes and beckoned the two of us to come sit at the table. Only then did I notice that there was plates and utensils set out. An idea formed in my head. "I can make us lunch!", I offered with a wide smile. Tristan scoffed and stared at me. "Do you think that we will eat anything you make right now?". I shrugged and inspected the wooden utensils.

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