I'll Bring You To Northham

Then he was alone with the female who had gone to pet his horse. What in the world of Nevrisea just happened to him? No women ever ran up to him with all those questions nor did they even want to be near him! He was a slave, had scars, and was a quiet man. It… It just didn't make sense for Moon to even want to be near him.

"Sir Torrence," she turned to him, "Did I scare you?"

"…"

"I just…" Moon sighed and held herself taller, "I have been searching through all the cities to find those who are devoted to the Moon Goddess. If they meet the requirements, then they pass."

"Pass?" He questioned tying up the bag he had brough with him to collect the fishes, "You are speaking nonsense, miss. I don't think we should be near one another."

"Wait," Moon covered her face and calmed the excitement buzzing in her, "Okay. How about I answer what you want and you answer what I want?"

He shook his head and she frowned. All she wanted was answers! Why couldn't he just give her the answers so she could see if he was the one or not. She pouted and walked toward him, but he backed away from her.

"Sir Torrence," she frowned, "Why can't you just tell me? I just… It is so important. My life depends on it."

"…"

"…"

"I know you are truly devoted to the Moon Goddess. I can tell from her symbol on your body. You marked it yourself?"

She stared at the jagged lines on his stomach and knew it must have been painful. She hoped it was Torrence who marked himself and not another person. His golden eyes adverted hers and she took a deep breath. Even though she would really want to have the answers, she could not force it out of him. It wasn't right for her to force it out of him.

"I apologize," she dropped her shoulders and let out a smile, "I don't mean to be a bother. I am desperate. I'll head to Northham then. Have a good day, Sir Torrence."

She walked away with her head high, but with a heavy heart. So close, she was always so close once again and yet still… not one could meet her standards. Was it too high that she couldn't find any man to fit it? Maybe she should look at females…

'Yes! I will do that now. If no man can fit my requirements, then I will search the women of Nevrisea!'

Patting herself in the back, she felt she now had a backup plan. However, the more she thought about it, the more she found herself questioning it. How was she to mark a female?

'Hmm,' she sounded as she tapped her chin, 'It wouldn't be the same, but maybe if I can mark through the mouth?'

She continued to think on her walk, trying to come up with if marking a female was a possibility now.

'No… that won't do. Hmmm…'

"Miss," a hand touched her shoulder and she turned her purple eyes to the raven haired man, "Going by foot would take a while. I'll bring you to Northham."

"Thank you, Sir Torrence," She smiled and was helped onto the horse. The man sat behind her and they were on their way to the last city she needed to see.

Being on a horse reminded her the time when she was riding with Sir Daniels Barrett from Wolftown. Ah, she wondered if he was doing well. Then her mind went to all the people she had met on her journey and she found herself smiling. If she were to fail, then at least she met kind people along the way.

Warm chest pressed to her back, she wondered if Torrence ever wanted a shirt or was this just how he liked to be. It reminded her of her brother. She smiled thinking they'd get along. Torrence was quiet and the Sun God could also be quiet as well.

'Hm, very much alike,' she laughed to herself.

"Sir Torrence, how long will it take to arrive at Northham?"

"By foot would take 2 days since the terrain is harsh. On Lula, we will make it there in 1 day."

"Lula… That is your horse's name?" She smiled and leaned forward to run her fingers up and down the brown horse's nose to forehead, "Thank you, Lula."

The horse neighed happily trotting down the road. Torrence heard the female laugh and he furrowed his brows.

Lula was a feisty horse.

When he was working for his old master, he was treated kindly. It took awhile and through many people who had bought and returned him, he felt no other would be willing to want him. However, the old man stared at him and asked for him. Torrence really thought the man just wanted to torture him, use him as a punching bag like the others.

The old man only wanted company.

That… surprised him.

Torrence was taught how to protect himself, how to hit a target, and how to cook for himself. He was very thankful to the old man. Later, he was gifted Lula. He had never received a gift from anyone, so to receive the mare, he cried. After that, he did everything he could to help the old man. The day he passed, Torrence dug a grave and prayed over his master's body.

He prayed to the Moon Goddess like his master had done.

The last thing he was asked from the old man was to visit the river and make sure his nephew was doing alright.

So, he did. That was when he met Clete Jackson. Lula didn't care for the green haired man. She cared even less for those in Baystall when he returned. The female leader scoffed at him, berated him, said he was pathetic and no one would want him. That was fine for him. He learned a lot from the old man so he didn't need the scraps the leader would give or what little attention the people in Baystall offered.

He was fine being alone and with Lula.

Lula understood him.

"I can tell you two have a strong bond," Moon smiled and looked at him, taking him out of his memories, "When I was in Baystall, the people there barely wished to speak your name aloud. Did something happen?"