A normal life

A new guard

Not looking ahead where I was going I bump into something hard in front of me.

“Oh, hi. Sorry about that, it was my fault I didn’t look where I was going.”

A hot guy I just met: “Not a problem ma’am, I think the fault was not only yours. I am happy to admit my contribution to this act. Wow, what wondrously blue eyes you have. It is like nothing I had ever witnessed. Pardon me for being so crude”

Who the hell is this guy, I have never seen him here before? And what is up with the way he talks? I am quite educated, but this is over the top.

Damn girl, you literally walked into his biceps. Those things are huge. And also, you have been standing here for the last minute staring at them without uttering a word. s**t.

Hot guy, I just embarrassed myself in front of: “My apologies, may I introduce myself?”

“You may.”

The hot guy introducing himself: “My name is Anthonieos Johanios Protagunus of the Western Protagonists.”

“I am well. You can call me Cassy.”

Anthonieos: “Cassy… What an unusual name for an elf. Is it short for something else?”

“Well, yes, … I mean, no it's not. My parents liked unusual names.”

Anthonieos: “Well, it is unique and perfectly lovely, just like you. Unfortunately, I must bid you a due as I am to start at my new profession. It is nothing too extravagant. For the time being, I am a carpenter up until the end of winter, then I will ascend back to my predetermined position as a driver.”

“Driver?”

Anthonieos: “Yes driver in a way, but also personal protection. I need to follow the princesses' school busses and ensure their safe arrival at the castle. Well, I guess it will only be the princess as her sister had already finished her last cycle, she has spent the winter learning different cultures, but will be doing it for another planetary cycle or two, or that’s what I gather from my understanding of the situation.”

“Sounds very interesting, maybe we will run into, well, maybe not into, but see each other again soon so you can elaborate further, but for now I won’t hold you up any larger, staring at his arms. Sorry I meant to say longer. Have a nice day.

Anthonieos: “There it is again, the blue sparkle. Magnificent. I really hope to meet you again and a good day to you as well.

Oh my word, what did I just do. He is working for my dad and driving behind me next spring. I cannot lie. Well, at least my wardrobe won’t give me away. And what about Pieterre?...

What about Pieterre. You can’t be distracted. Not now while you are on your quest for self-discovery. Focus Cassy, focus. Therefore, I prefer animals. Way less drama.

My pets are uncomplicated. Dangerous, yes, but uncomplicated. The bigger the teeth the bigger the heart. All it really takes is a loving stroke between the eyes for them to calm down and two fingers under their jaws. Most animals have a hard time opening their jaws when you do this.

If only elves were this simple. If only one could, with a few tricks, understand and perhaps tame those around you. If my dad could by stroking my mom between the eyes, calm her, and regain her loyalty, trust, and above all love. I should tell him to consider it. Anything is worth a try at this stage. What is the worst that could happen? A smack on the side of the head.

I say if the pros outweigh the cons, maybe it is worth a shot. Or maybe he should place his fingers under her jaw and pull her closer to him. She might find it incredibly romantic. As if though he is pulling her closer for a kiss. When in actuality he is just trying to get her to keep her mouth shut.

One would be able to stop a lot of arguments using this method now that I think about it.

It is getting late and colder now, maybe I should go inside? I would say that my parents are probably worried about me, wondering where I am, but to be honest I doubt they even noticed that I haven’t been in all day.

I can hear my stomach growling. Darn, I forgot to eat again. This happens more often than you would think. As I rush to the kitchen, I can’t stop imagining running into Anthonieos strong arms again. 

Stop it, Cassy you said no boys. Not for the next Cycle at least.

Mmmm, what smells so good? The delights of having a chef at home. She is amazing. The things she can do with Dragonroot berries and Starshrooms. To die for. I sometimes think she knows me better than I know myself. Well, at least she knows my stomach better than I do, and my taste buds.

I am a difficult person when it comes to food. Guess that is why I don’t eat a lot. I do not enjoy anything too spicy or too bland. Nothing mushy either. But Nimranique just gets me. 

Nimranique:” And look who is waltzing in here as if she owns the place. Or shall I say as if her parents own this place?” She says mockingly.

“Never, I am but a humble servant girl begging, no pleading for some crumbs of your plates. I have heard tales about your cooking from the neighboring villages. Word has traveled far and wide of your glorious meals fit for royalty. Though I have yet to experience such delights in my life. Please note, it has been a long journey and I need to get back to my master with feedback. He has sent me to see if the rumors are true. If there really is just the tiniest bit of magic left in your pots.”

Nimranique: “O you silly girl. You should know better than that. We have not had magic in this kitchen for many moon cycles. Or have we?”

“See I knew it, there is still magic in this world if only for my taste buds.”

And was it magical! Like every time Nimranique cooks, it was like heaven in my mouth. I can taste the stars, the moons, and the sun all at once. She never disappoints. 

Ok, maybe not never. I remember us experimenting with new recipes for my dad’s coming home meal. This was the first time we ever cooked on dragon fire instead of the normal furnace. We tried, we failed. Way too much smoke. And the smell. My stomach is turning just thinking about it.

Typically me, I just had an amazing meal and managed to ruin it with such a vulgar memory. Do not think I will be eating anything else for the rest of the day. I did enjoy helping Nimranique in the kitchen. I mostly only prepared the pets' food, but was memorized by watching her. She had a way with a knife that made cutting seem like an art form all on its own. Every fruit, every vegetable carved as a sculptor would his final masterpiece. With love and attention to detail.