5 ~ Formal Introduction
1059 Words
Alexander stares at her in disbelief.
"W...What?"
She puts the little bag of coins in his hands. "Take it. I will have more to give you this week, as it seems the fair has attracted more people than usual and I hope to bring in more customers for the tavern while the fair is ongoing."
Alex shakes his head and puts the bag of coins back in her hands. "No, Miss... you worked hard for that and it's your money---"
She takes his hands again and puts the bag back in them. "Exactly. Mine to do as I please. And it pleases me to be able to ease your burden even just a little so that you may find a way to cure your mother."
Alex has tears in his eyes but still tries to refuse. "Oh Miss, I appreciate your kindness very much but it is not right. You earned that money and should be able to spend it or save it for yourself."
"And I choose to spend it helping a friend. It is not charity, Alex, I am your friend," she says firmly when he opens his mouth again. "Do not think this will make me think any less of you. Pride will not help your mother if she worsens because you would rather do things alone. Do not let her suffer when there is a way to help ease her pain and possibly cure her."
Alex says nothing for a bit, trying so hard to keep his sobs in.
Tala embraces him. "You are like a little brother to me, Alex. And our mothers were friends when mine was still alive. It would break my heart to see you lose yours. I know the feeling of being alone and I do not wish it on anybody."
Alex nods. "Thank you, Miss. I... I promise to work even harder to be able to pay you back someday."
Tala smiles. "I know you will. But do not worry about it. Now go, it is getting really late. Your mother will be worried."
Alex waits for her to go inside before turning to leave to go back home.
Tala sighs as the feeling of restlessness come crashing back. She goes to the balcony again, hoping the cool breeze blowing from the north will give her some comfort.
Her throat is a little sore from all the singing at the tavern so she just hums softly to herself as she sits on her rocking chair.
"No song tonight, Miss Nightingale?"
The voice is familiar but it startles her nonetheless, not really expecting him to come back. And not especially at this time of the night again.
She pretends to be calm even though her heart is racing. "Not tonight. I have sung all my songs at the tavern...if you haven't heard."
"Word of a fae princess singing at the tavern has indeed reached my ears. I was wondering if it was you. And so it is."
Tala snorts. "Fae princess? Is that your way of apologizing for leaving so abruptly last night? Unnecessary flattery?"
The man chuckles. "I am duly chastened. I do apologize for leaving without saying a proper goodbye. My... dog ran away."
Her eyebrows rose. "You have a dog? Where is it now? I didn't hear it last night...
"Locked up, nice and tight so he won't run off again." he seems to be amused at a personal joke.
Tala crosses her arms over her chest. "I'm not sure I'm comfortable talking to someone who locks up his dog. The poor dear must be suffering so."
He snorts. "Oh, believe me, he's hardly mistreated. Just being disciplined. He's got plenty of room to run around. Just not here. Wouldn't want him acting up again, the drama queen."
She smiles despite herself. "I shouldn't worry, then. It sounds like you two are very close."
"Closer than you can ever imagine," he mutters. "You're home very late tonight. Do you always come home at this hour?"
The possessive tone in his voice makes Tala frown. "What is it to you? I don't need nor do I want to answer such an impertinent question from a complete stranger."
"My apologies...I am put in my place once again. Forgive me, please. My name is Wolfe."
She raises an eyebrow. "Like a dog...wolf?"
He chuckles. "Sure. Like wolf. Just with an E at the end."
"What difference does it make?"
"Nothing, really. I guess it's all just in my head."
She giggles. "I'm tempted to call you wolfy because of that e."
"Please, don't."
"It's settled then, Wolfy."
He groans. "At least don't let anybody else hear you say that."
She grins. "I'll make sure everybody knows."
He laughs. "I'm never going to win, am I?"
Her smile widens. "Such a fast learner."
"What about your name, Miss Nightingale?"
Tala pauses a little to think about it but figures there isn't any harm in giving her name. After all, he could just ask around and he'll find out.
"My name is Tala. It means morning star."
"What a fitting name. You shine just as bright and beautiful."
She smirks and stands up. "Resorting to flattery again? I should go to bed now before my ego inflates too much."
"Will you be singing at the tavern again tomorrow night?"
"Why? Are you going to be there to listen?"
"Depends."
"On what?"
"Are you going to sing for me?"
She bites back a smile. "I don't know. You haven't actually requested a song."
"I'll know the song when you sing it."
"Oh, so you will be there to listen."
"Only because I know you'll be singing for me."
She pretends to ponder it. "Hmmm, we'll see. Goodnight, Wolfy."
"Goodnight, Moon."
Tala goes inside, closing the door behind her, and smiling to herself.
She was flirting.
With a stranger.
Her.
And it felt nice.
Ohh, she forgot to ask if he was the quiet one at the stall with Scout this morning but they were having such a lovely and pleasant conversation that she completely forgot about it.
This must be how Lucy felt when talking to her new love interest.
Humming to herself, she goes to the bathroom for her nightly ablutions and then to bed, no longer restless.
And with a sweet smile on her face for the first time in years.
- Writer
