With My Last Breath

Chapter 4: Soft Sigh

Hours later, the sun peeked over the canopy. Bursts of pink and orange lit up in between wispy white clouds. Weaver turned to Ari and said with a smile and said “Not long now and we will be in Beaumont.” Ari nodded, limbs and eyes heavy with exhaustion. Attempting to distract herself, she asked, “Weaver, what kind of work do you do now?” Weaver replied, “I used to be a healer and obviously, a weaver. Now I’m a performer.”Ari’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?” She asked. “Absolutely, I am a net aerialist. I perform aerial acts on a suspended net. It’s really quite fun. As far as it all works; We send our equipment ahead to the next performance location and pick up extra work like escorting folks like yourself. Steel and Scout used to be soldiers. They protect us on the road. They do jousting and sword skill performances.” Ari was impressed. “That sounds thrilling Weaver. What does Myra do?” She asked. “Well, she organizes the events, negotiates the pay, helps set up our acts, mostly the behind the scenes type stuff. She used to do fire performances, but she stopped enjoying doing the performances and quit doing them altogether two years ago."

Ari tried picturing Myra fire throwing and was dumbfounded. "Well it seems like you all really work together as a team."

Weaver laughed quietly and said; "We do, sometimes we squabble like the found family we really are, but overall it's a good life both personally and professionally. I wouldn't have it any other way. Sometimes, I'm really grateful I didn't get what I wanted at some points in my life becuase I wouldn't have all this." Weaver guestured to everyone. "Traveling the continent, doing work I love and spending time with the people I love most. It's also helped me overcome my old fears. I have no problem talking to anyone anymore. I used to be a scared mouse, waiting for the cats paw. Now, I do anything I want, with very little limitation." Ari felt a pang of an emotion. She couldn’t quite get a grasp on. Was she jealous of Weaver’s freedom? Was it because it seemed like Weaver’s life had been transformed? Although, Ari was sure it hadn’t been easy, perhaps a part of her that was in transition at this current point of her life, wished her transformation had been less about running from the Crowne and more simple, like Weaver, a career pivot. In the distance, hooves thudded closer to the group. Pulling Ari from her thoughts. Scout had returned from riding ahead and shouted a small distance away. “Just over the hill we will be in the outskirts of Beaumont. Once we reach the tavern, I expect the last half of payment to be released into Myra's hand for those we are escorting today. Minus you, little mouse." Scout said with a wink at Ari. Annoyance bubbled in Ari's gut.

She, nor her wrist, had forgotten about last night's encounter. Weaver must have seen her expression and gently patted Ari on the shoulder. “Ignore him. He talks before he thinks sometimes.” Weaver said with a tired sigh. They continued on. Out of the forest and into the small village. Ari couldn’t help but to look around. It seemed so strange to her. She’d never been to a place with such a small amount of people. Beaumont wasn’t tiny by any means, but it was a stark contrast to the Capital or even just the Moonshadow Palace. In a short walk, right when Ari was sure her feet were going to fall right off if she kept on walking, they arrived at the Tavern “Twisted Oak”. Myra stepped in front of the group and held out her hand. People stepped forward and dropped coppers into her hand. Ari stepped up and attempted to do the same.

Myra stared at her with a confused look. “Hey. No. You don’t pay me” Myra said firmly. Ari protested, “You got me through the forest relatively unscathed, I would like to show my appreciation.” Myra, gave her a deadpan look. Then without warning, grabbed Ari’s sore wrist for a moment and dropped it. Ari sucked in a pained breath. “ I couldn’t help but to overhear some of your conversation with Weaver, little Wolf. Could you really find work in this condition? Could you really embroider fine details like this?”Ari stopped, unsure how to respond. Myra shook her head, I didn’t think so friend. At least until you are able to do your trade, you are strongly encouraged to stick around with us for just a bit. You can do whatever you want, to be clear but I feel like offering you some work you can physically do is the least we can do for now. I will pay you. As long as your part of the troupe, I will pay for your room and board when we are in town. I won’t have you sleeping in the street on my account. Now, hurry along inside, get warm and we’ll all get a meal together in a few minutes.” Stunned, Ari turned and looked at Weaver. Weaver smiled and waved her inside. “I’ll catch up with you Anna. I promise.” Ari, turned back to thank Myra but she had wandered away. She could hear her tell Scout to get his head out of his ass and find a place for the horses to get some proper care. Scout huffed, clearly annoyed. She watched Scout and Steel head towards the Livery. She turned and Myra and Weaver were headed towards a vendor selling something. Ari shook her head and headed inside the tavern. The warmth of the fireplace hit her like a wall as soon as she entered the doorway. She made her way closer, careful not to bump anyone in the crowded space. It seemed to pull her in like a moth to a candle flame. Ari sat at one of the tables and rested her chin on her crossed arms. Ari was sure she’d never walked so far in the last four days in her life. Before she could even blink a second time, her eyelids so heavy, she fell asleep right at the table.