130 Life with you part 5 (1/2)

The sun had already begun to break over the horizon when Arei finally lifted himself from the icy water of the tub and dried off. He lumbered back toward the bed, dropping his trousers on the floor. The maids would be in soon, and if he wanted to keep up the lie it would have to be believable when they came in.

A gentle rap on the door before it was opened, woke Arei. He hadn't realized he'd fallen asleep. He glanced toward the window. It was later than he'd expected. The maids must have saved their room for last. He glanced toward the young maid when he heard giggling. His eyes followed hers from his trousers on the floor to the small hand resting across his waist.

”Sorry, Sir. I'll be out of yer hair in just a tick.” She said as she busied herself around the room.

Two hours later had Arei glad to be immortal and not easily exhausted. He smiled as an eager Jos practically buzzed beside him with excitement. When she wasn't studying the many trinkets, pottery, and silks of the market; she was asking countless questions about the bustling town itself. The glint of metal caught his eyes as a jeweler's stand came into view. He let her lead them through the open shop, his eyes catching on a stunning stone. ”Look around, see if anything catches your eye... my treat.” He said, not taking his focus off the stone. When she released his hand and began roaming the small enclosure, he lifted the stone. The shop owner approached him as he continued studying the item.

”Lovely, isn't it?” The owner asked.

Arei nodded. ”Would you be able to set it?”

”Of course.” the owner said. ”In any fashion you would like.”

Arei's eyes looked around at some of the other items in the shop. His eyes locked on a necklace with a stallion carved into it. ”Did you do this?” He asked.

”Yes, I did. Do you fancy it?” He asked.

Arei looked over to Jos to make sure she was still preoccupied, before asking. ”Could you set it in a necklace like that one? Two stallions on either side, one with wings, one... of the sea?” He pulled down the neck of his shirt to reveal the tattoo marking him as Areion. ”Something similar to this symbol?” He asked.

The man nodded glancing back and forth between his face and tattoo before shooting a glance in Jos's direction. ”For you, of course... but it will take some time.”

Arei nodded and worked out the details with the man as Jos continued looking around contently. When he was satisfied the necklace would be made the way he wanted, he trailed Jos to a table of shells. She didn't turn when he came up behind her or when he ran a hand over hers. ”It's nice. Would you like it?” He asked following her fingers over the edges of the large conch shell.

Her surprised eyes met his. ”Can I?”

”The bag, please.” She asked and watched as he pulled the large saddlebag from his shoulder and placed it inside. Once the bag was back on his shoulder and his hand was free, she eagerly grabbed it.

He chuckled, ”So eager to go see old rocks, are you?”

She nodded. ”I'm eager for anything you are willing to teach me.” She squeezed his large hand between both her small ones.

Arei used his grip on her and pulled her closer. When they were toe to toe, he bent and placed a light kiss on her lips. ”And I find myself surprisingly eager to teach you.” He murmured against her lips. He laughed as her eyes widened and her cheeks colored. She had definitely understood his meaning. He ran is free hand threw her hair and stroked his thumb across her blushing cheek. ”We should be going. It's a bit of a distance away and our mode of transportation is a bit slower than I'm accustomed to.” he winked down at her but knew she didn't understand his meaning. He unhitched the horse and lifted her up. After placing the bags across the rear of the horse, he hoisted himself up as well. She nestled against his solid chest as he snapped the reins softly.

She let out a content sigh as the horse set a steady pace. She leaned her head back to look up at him. ”Is this what it's like? To be a person?”