Fruit, Favors, and Fate

The man who had harassed Althea staggered to his feet, his face twisted in a mixture of rage and disbelief as he turned to the hooded figure. His voice trembled with both anger and hesitation. "What... what the hell do you think you're doing?"

The hooded man stood tall, his imposing presence sending a shiver through the group of thugs. He tilted his head slightly, his voice smooth yet laced with steel. "I believe I should be asking you that. Why were you harassing this woman?"

The thug scoffed, straightening himself in an attempt to regain some dignity. "That's none of your business."

A smirk played at the stranger's lips, just barely visible beneath the shadow of his hood. "Not my business, huh?" His tone was mocking, laced with amusement, and it only fueled the thug's fury.

Grinding his teeth, the thug growled, his pride unwilling to take the humiliation. With a sudden burst of aggression, he lunged at the hooded man, swinging his fist. But before the blow could connect, the hooded figure sidestepped effortlessly, swift as a whisper in the wind.

With a well-placed kick, he struck the thug right in the backside, sending him tumbling forward with a heavy thud. The man groaned, sprawled on the ground in a heap, utterly humiliated.

Althea stood frozen, wide-eyed as she took in the scene. Her breath hitched when the hooded man turned his attention toward her and took slow, measured steps in her direction.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" His voice was softer now, tinged with concern.

Althea quickly shook her head. "No, I'm fine..." she hesitated before bowing her head slightly. "Thank you... for helping me."

For the first time, she really took a moment to observe him. His face was mostly hidden beneath the hood, but what intrigued her was the mask he wore—dark, intricate, covering the lower half of his face, leaving only his eyes visible. And those eyes… dark red, sharp, and impossible to read.

Realizing she had been staring, Althea quickly broke eye contact and bent down to retrieve her fallen basket. She sighed in relief when she saw that some of her fruits were still good to use. Picking up an apple, she rubbed it against the fabric of her dress before placing it back in the basket.

"It's ruined," the man pointed out, watching her actions.

"No, these are still good," Althea replied, her focus still on gathering what remained of her goods. "I can't afford to waste anything."

His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he gave a slight nod. Althea stood upright, smoothing out her dress as she held onto her basket. She looked up at him and bowed slightly once more. "Thank you again. I hope one day I can repay your kindness."

The man waved a hand dismissively. "It was nothing. Anyone would have done the same."

Althea felt a bitter laugh rise in her throat, but she swallowed it down. No, not just anyone. If it had been someone from the estate, they would have simply turned a blind eye. But she kept that thought to herself.

"Where do you live?" he asked suddenly. "I can walk you back."

Althea quickly shook her head. "No, there's no need. I've already taken enough of your time."

He was silent for a moment before speaking again. "Then at least let me accompany you to the market's exit."

She hesitated but eventually nodded. "Alright."

They walked side by side through the bustling marketplace, weaving through the crowd. As they passed a fruit stall, the man suddenly came to a stop.

"Wait here a moment," he said, stepping toward the vendor.

Althea blinked in confusion but said nothing, watching as he spoke to the stall owner. She then glanced down at her own basket, now nearly empty. Just one apple and one orange remained. Her lips pressed together in disappointment. What a day…

A few moments later, the man returned, and Althea's eyes widened as she saw what he was carrying—two large baskets overflowing with fresh fruit.

She parted her lips to say something, but he merely nodded for them to continue walking, as if nothing had happened.

When they reached the end of the market, Althea turned to him. "This is where we should part ways."

He nodded in agreement but then lifted one of the baskets toward her. "Here. Take this."

Althea's eyes widened in shock. "I can't accept this."

The man let out a soft chuckle. "I went overboard and bought too much. I'm a traveler, and I don't have anyone to share this with. There's no way I can finish all of this on my own. Consider it doing me a favor."

She bit her lip, deep in thought. It was true she had just lost most of her fruits, and rejecting something so fresh and valuable would be foolish. Besides, the man didn't seem suspicious in any way—at least, not in a negative sense.

After a moment's hesitation, she finally reached out and took the basket. "Thank you... I really appreciate this."

He inclined his head slightly. "Safe travels, you."

Althea turned to leave, clutching the heavy basket in her arms. But after a few steps, she paused. A sudden warmth filled her chest as she glanced over her shoulder. Flashing him a bright, genuine smile, she called out, "Thank you!"

As she walked away, she couldn't help but think—maybe her luck hadn't run out after all.