“This street is very dark…”
“Oh!” Lea’s knees softened like a foal’s. She shuffled in place, fixing her manner as she took in the man in front of her.
“You startled me,” she smiled to laugh at herself, hand stilling her pounding heart. He did not seem dangerous. Lips still smiling her words, “It is dark out here, yes. But I kind of like it that way.”
Between buildings, the stars narrowed into their own walkway. She, from meadows, had never before seen a street like this – a journey of dreams, she liked to think. Her chin tilted upward, her eyes following that road once again, without care in the world for only one more moment…
And then it occurred to her that perhaps the stranger was offering assistance. “I do know where I’m going, if you’re worried,” she lied.
“I was worried,” Jack gave a nod and raised his hand, walking over toward a sign post, touching it. The top of the post gleamed with light, illuminating the old side street. Jack knew the city like the back of his hand, taking one job or another, making ends meet. He made it his business to know what roads were good or bad. He spent most of his time at the temple of Sarenrae, and a particular illness had taken it’s toll on the local orphanage. It had been a very hard night, doing his part in healing the children enough to be comfortable. But fevers were still high, there wasn’t much they could do but pray, heal as they could, and wait the sickness out.
“People usually don’t travel down this road, at least not on foot... Cart and horse mostly.“ Jack regarded her curiously, “You seem without either.” He smiled a little, “My name’s Jack. If you know where you’re going, I don’t wish to keep you. If you would like an escort I am at your service.”
