With My Last Breath

Ari knelt down, pulling her woolen brown cloak over her head in a vain attempt to keep the sudden harsh pelting rain from her face. More importantly, to hopefully shield her face from a pair of Knights that were stopped in the middle of the muddy cobble main road. They were talking to locals with much excitement. Their hand motions forming shapes of some of the garbled speech Ari could just barley hear a short distance away. "Blonde...dress....tall." Ari couldn't be sure, but it did seem like they may be talking about her. Her heart began to pound in fear, the hair raised on the backs of her forearms and she felt sweat beginning to slowly drip down her spine, despite the cool and crisp air. Did she dare rise from her hiding spot? Should she stay here and hope they don't notice her behind the wooden crates in the alley? She peeked to look at the guards uniforms. The cloaks were black and adorned with Gold and Silver celestial symbols. A large star dominated the center trim. Her family crest consisted of these symbols. These knights were, without a doubt, from her Court. Ari's breath came out in short gasps of fear. She had no idea what would happen if she was forced to return. She had seen her mother angry but the consequences could be much more dire considering she hadn't just skipped a lesson, she'd completely bailed on a marriage. Fear rose up inside her and she felt nauseous at the thought. She'd never planned this. The consequences she imagined, could be far worse than she even knew. The two knights shook their heads, finished talking with the locals. When they turned with their backs facing Ari she took the chance and ran into the alley behind her. Her feet splashed dark mud up her legs and skirt as she darted from side street to alleys. Her breath coming in shallow gasps as she barley avoided tripping over trash and sliding on the slick cobblestones. Her lungs burned with effort, tasting copper. She only slowed to a fast walk where she found she could blend into a medium crowd that gathered in the center of the smaller street market. People shouted advertising their wares. Ari's heart still in her throat, was slowly slowing. The rain began to pour harder down. Ari made her way out of the crowd, waving a stall keeper off as she broke away. I can't believe I thought I was far enough away. The Crowne will always be searching for me...Ari thought. I need to find a way out of this town now, before I'm spotted. I cannot return to the Inn now. Fear twisted in her belly. I'll have to wait until nightfall I suppose. Ari ducked into another alley. With nothing but the clothes on her back, a few coins and jewlery in her pocket. Ari had nothing to sustain her. Ari gazed upwards towards the sky as she walked forward. Rain pelted her face mixing with the tears of sorrow and frustration that escaped her eyes. She couldn't tell if the sun would set soon. Ari looked forward again and made a left. She had decided to make her way to the bakery. Whether it was risky or not to head there was quickly overridden by the thought of being hungry and alone on the road. The smell of fresh baked bread wafted down the street, mixing with the fresh scent of the rain as the clouds eased a bit. Ari saw a young boy. Probably around the age of eight. He looked wet and his lips were almost tinged blue from the cold. He carried various leather items on his person. As she made her way closer she could hear his small voice shout out, sounding hoarse about his wares. Ari's empathetic heart sank at the sight of the boy. He must be freezing. Ari's own breath started to form clouds when she exhaled. She made her way to him with a gentle smile. The boys eyes lit up when he realized he had a customer. He stammered for a moment. "Hel..Hello Miss. I have fine leather goods for sale here. My Papa makes them. He works in the tanneries on the other side of town. I..I'm learning to help." He gave her a nervous grin. "Hello, young sir." Ari replied. What might you have here?" The boy spoke quickly, his teeth chattering. "Water bladders, bags, some leather jewelry and knives with wrapped handles with beautiful engraved sheaths. Papa said the blades are made by the Smithy just out of town." Perfect. I actually need some of these things. Ari first looked at the two leather messenger bags strapped to the boy. They were large. Seemed waterproofed as they were quite dry on the inside, despite the steady rain of the day. Ari chose the black one with a wreath of flowers embossed on the opening flap. She also selected a water bladder and a steel four inch blade that felt nice in her hand. Not too large, she could easily slice of apple without too much trouble, or worse if she needed to defend herself. She shuddered at the thought. Ari looked at the boys bright green eyes and asked "How much for these three items?" The boys brows furrowed in concentration. "Um, three silver and two coppers Miss. Are you sure you wouldn't like a bracelet as well?" The boy rolled back his sleeve to reveal some beautiful but somewhat rudimentary leather bracelets that hung off his arm loosely. "Every lady deserves some fine jewlery" The boy said with pride. Ari could tell he'd had some help with the construction. She smiled but politely replied "Not this time sir" The boys face fell for just a second and a bit of guilt ate at her for a second. Ari pulled out her handful of coins and carefully counted the amount she needed for the items. The boy placed the knife and water bladder in the messenger bag and handed it to her when the coins hit his hand. He counted them, looked up to her and beamed. "Thank you so much miss!" Ari draped the bags strap over herself. "Miss would you like help adjusting the strap?" The boy asked. Ari stopped for a moment. "That would be lovely thank you." The boy stepped onto a nearby crate and adjusted the strap for her, showing her how to do it herself next time. Ari slipped the remaining coins back into her pocket and thanked the boy. He hopped down and waved at her before walking away. Ducking into the bakery. Warmth hit her bones for the first time in hours. The smell of freshly baked good filled the air. The Baker brushed flour from his hands and greeted her warmly from behind the counter. "Welcome Miss. What might you be looking for today? We have fresh loaves of both barley, white, wheat and a few oatcakes left." Ari thought for a moment. A fresh loaf of white bread sounds heavenly but probably won't travel well... "I'll take your remaining oatcakes Baker." The man nodded. "Good choice, I have about a bakers dozen left. May I interest you in some salted meats and waxed aged cheese my wife makes? You could make a hardy meal with it. It's quite Gouda" he said with a wink. Ari smiled and then she thought for a moment. "Yes, sounds lovely. Thank you. " The baker nodded again, and began wrapping the food in brown paper. She soaked in the warmth. This was the driest she felt all day.