In Dire State

He walked over to Moon and pointed out the bag.

"It is empty," she laughed, "It was delicious. I thank you, Sir Benjamin."

"But… I didn't see it," he pouted and purple eyes curled into crescents as she giggled.

"Another time, maybe. The city of Oxharbor is beautiful. Thank you for showing me. Hm, is your cheeks still in pain?" Moon looked amused and he frowned.

"It isn't funny, you know," he explained, "I like a lot of people, it's true. It's not like I did anything with them but kiss and it wasn't my fault we broke up."

"Mmhmm," Moon nodded and touched his cheeks.

"Neh, are you judging me? Miss Moon," he whined, "I'm not a bad guy you know. My brother is smart and I know I am not as smart as him, but I am not scared to fall in love. He is, I know it."

Benjamin was about to continue but he felt the coolness of her palms seeping into the heat of his cheeks. His grey eyes widened before they closed, relaxing into the touch. He felt like he was floating over the highest peak of mountain tops. When the palms left his cheeks, he leaned forward wanting them again.

"Sir Benjamin," Her voice sounded so close to his face, "Are you falling asleep?"

"Huh?" He blinked open his eyes to see they were barely a nose away from one another. Pulling back quickly, he couldn't hide the redness covering his entire face. Her soft laughter rang in his ears and he followed her wherever she wandered.

By the time they returned back at his brother's shop, Charles was speaking with a blonde man, one the Moon Goddess had already met.

"Sir Bruin Huffman," she greeted and blue eyes turned to her, "I didn't think we would meet again."

"Miss Moon," the blonde whispered quietly, "I… didn't know you would be here at Oxharbor."

Bruin saw her smile and he smiled back wider when he realized she was wearing the red shoes he bought her. He remembered watching her leave and he wanting to at least walk her home, but the arms around him tightened. This was the closest they've ever gotten and he looked at the purple haired female.

"Remember, Sir Bruin," Miss Rebecca stated staring coldly at him, "You will be my husband. Do not cheat on me with anyone, especially that female."

Since then, the wedding date was prepared and Bruin actually came to see Charles and Benjamin to invite them. He didn't think he would ever see Moon again. Yet… Here she was smiling at him. He felt sick.

"Did you enjoy Oxharbor, Miss Moon?" Charles asked as he saw his dear twin looking like a puppy with his master.

"Yes. Oxharbor is a beautiful city. Is your leader around? I wish to ask them to help those in Baystall."

"You've been to Baystall?" Bruin questioned slowly and she nodded.

"They are in a dire state. I worry for the people's health."

"Miss Moon," Benjamin smiled at her, "Um, the leader of Oxharbor is my mother."

"R… Really?!"

Moon could not believe it! The leader of this beautiful city was from a woman who still prayed to her? How wonderful that information was for her to hear! She grinned happily and was about to ask if she could speak with their mother once more, but Charles spoke up.

"The people of Baystall are being helped already, Miss Moon. Our mother had bought slaves to fix this city you called beautiful. Didn't you notice? They were in our home."

'So… what I thought was right…' The Moon Goddess clutched her dress.

"It helped both cities. They gain monetarily and we can more hands."

"That is not true," she shook her head, "If both cities were thriving from the exchange, then why is Baystall still struggling to eat? So many were thin and the children…" she covered her face for a moment, "I understand it does help giving work to the people of Baystall, but they are still poor, Sir Charles."

Charles stared at Moon whose eyes were hard and in pain. What did she expect from them? What more did she want?

"Baystall had helped in the past, Miss Moon," Bruin touched her shoulder, "It was successful but all of the cities had tried."

"Why… Why don't you all take them in? Have them leave Baystall behind to a welcoming city with nice people and warm food," Moon tried and Benjamin moved from behind her to lean against the counter.

"Mm, that probably isn't good. Mama said Wolftown tried to take in a small group, but they ended up returning to Baystall. They even walked the entire time with no stop," Benjamin explained and Moon found it almost insane. Why would people want to continue living in unkempt places, very little activities, and struggling in their daily lives?

Fingers touched her face and she turned to see the blonde warrior of Springcall staring at her. Thumb ran underneath her eye and she blinked slowly at him.

"You worry too much for others, Miss Moon," Bruin said softly.

"Do you not? Such trying time for some and not for others. It is not fair, Sir Bruin."

The blonde warrior could not help his lips twitching upwards. Moon was still the same as when he met her. He had wondered if she was alright and seeing her before him settled the worry in his heart.

"Yes, it isn't. I can speak to my mother, Miss Moon," Charles glared at the blonde, "You should be careful, Sir Bruin, if your fiancée sees you behaving this way, a fight will surely occur."

Moon's eyes widened slightly and she blinked at the blue eyed man. Bruin stepped back and nodded, offering a smile to Charles. The Librarian was glaring at the warrior, and the younger twin was frowning deeply.

'Marriage… It makes sense. I wonder if it was that woman with the purple hair?'

"Congratulations, Sir Bruin. May you be happy in your marriage," Moon bowed in blessing and blue eyes seemed to be staring at her deeply.

"Moon," Bruin said quietly with a solemn look, before a smile was forced on his face, "Thank you."