Chapter 4
four
The market is bustling today, with vendors and crafts, as children run through the streets and a happiness blooms inside of me. This is what I dreamed of when I left Mohasha, this beauty and love surrounding me daily.
I often walk these streets, the people waving as I pass. To them, I’m not just a leader but a friend. My long hair is braided over my shoulders with flowers woven in the locks, and I play with the silver ends. The blue skirt stirs the dirt at my sandaled feet, but I don’t mind.
As I walk along, the fragrant smell of pastries, fish, and sea salt waft through the air.
Pastries are one of the best things the mortals have created.
I can never quite stop my draw to them. The sugary cinnamon buns hold a special place in my heart.
I heard there is a new shop that has them, so today I’ve decided to give them a try.
The stand is not huge, just a small area at the corner of a street, but my mouth waters at the smell floating from it. As I approach, I am already eyeing the huge buns that they have on the table when something else catches my eye. No, not something — someone.
He stands with his hands holding a tray, his eyes are a shade of blue that almost appear white, while his hair is a blue much darker than my own, appearing black in the shade. His tunic has the sleeves rolled up the elbows and I catch myself holding my breath.
Turning, he catches my gaze and smiles, and I know right then — that I’ve found what I was looking for. My twin drop. He almost drops the tray in his hands as his eyes take me in from head to toe, a blush crossing his face.
“Beautiful,” He mumbles under his breath, quickly putting the tray down and coming to me. “Can I help you with something, Talae?”
I want to roll my eyes, of course he knows who I am. Perhaps that was the reasoning for his response and not the twin drop bond between us. A sadness fills my heart unexpectedly. Quickly I remove the thought and give another gentle smile.
“I would like one of these sticky buns please, I heard your stand recently opened.” I take a step towards his table.
“Of course, I would be honored. However, it’s not my stand. It’s my mother’s.” He grabs a linen cloth and grabs for one of the sticky buns before handing it to me. “She always dreamed of having one, I just finally could build one for her.”
I take the sugary pastry from his hand. “That’s wonderful.” I take a bite of the sticky bun, enjoying how he watches me as I do. I lick my lips and try to hide the blush blooming on my cheeks. “What is your name?”
“Thesix, my Talea.” He bows slightly.
“Just call me, Drāhēn?.” I blurt. “I never was one for that title.”
“Drāhēn?.” He says the word as if it is an answer he’s always wanted. “Beautiful … just like you are.”