Chapter Six

Alora

The sweet sickly smell of pancakes whisk through the air, and up my nostrils. I slowly open my eyes to find myself in unfamiliar surroundings. I look around the dimly lit room, and memories from the day prior begin to flood my mind. After the attack, I had fled, and reached the outskirts of a small village. There I was rescued by an aloof red-headed woman. I look down to see all of the bandages, they were a little sloppy, but without them my wounds would be far greater than they were currently.

I swing my legs over the side of the bed, and carefully stand up. I let out a small moan of pain, but I suck it up, and walk to the door. From there I follow the smell, through a large hall. At the end I reach the dining hall. Sitting at the end of the table, is the red-headed woman, my savior.

"Good morning Ms?"

"Everly Von Elrod, you may call me Everly for the remainder of your stay here." She says in a cold, serious tone. I sit down across from her. "And you are?"

"Oh I apologize for forgetting to introduce myself. My name is Alora."

She nods in response, and continues eating. We eat the entire meal together in silence. Everly abruptly stands up. “Your wounds are to dire for you to travel. It looks as though you’ll be staying here for a while. I’ll find you a more comfortable room for the remainder of your stay.” She begins walking. “Follow me.” I quickly stand up, and follow her down the hall, to a large oak door. She lightly pushes it open revealing the grandiose room.

“This room is for me?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“I couldn't possibly stay here. This room is to grand for someone like me. I dont wish to be a bother, you allowing me to stay here while I recover is already a to kind of a gesture. The room I have is just fine-”

“I insist. I’ll allow you to look around for a bit.” She walks over to the door, before turning back to me. “Come find me if you need anything.” She leaves, closing the door behind her.

Everly

After finishing la comtesse et son chevalier for the third time I go to the library in search of another novel. There I find Alora. I stand in the doorway for a second watching her struggling to read; she mouths the words, almost sounding them out. "You can read?" I ask, startling her.

"Ah Everly, I didn't see you there." She says, nervously. "I can't read that well, but my mother taught me a little."

"What book are you reading?"

"Little red riding hood."

"Really? It's one my childhood favorites."

She cracks a small smile. "Mine too."

I grab a book from the shelf before walking over to her, and sitting down next to her. We sit in the peaceful silence reading together for a few hours. Maybe having company won't be so bad…