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The air smelt foul – of booze and debauchery. Granted, she had certainly smelt worse, but it had never stopped her stomach from churning.
The teen sulked outside, leaning against the side of the building, her mismatched eyes staring as people walked upon the wood of the ship.
A hand went to fiddle with one of hair braids nervously, twirling and tugging upon the blonde tress. Her palms itched but she ignored it.
She knew why she was here, of course – the urge. It made her feel better if she stole drunkards, those that she thought the world could do better without.
“Are you alright?”
The voice pulled her out of her thoughts, giving her a fright. Focusing, she saw a boy, just a bit taller than her standing in front of her. Her hand went to her chest and she could feel her heart thumping beneath her fist.
“Sorry, sorry – didn’t mean to scare you.” He quickly said, raising his hands as if to calm her. “You just seemed out of it.”
“I…” She started out before taking a deep breath, “I’m fine. Just lost in thought.”
The boy nodded, moving to place his arms by his side. “I see…” He pursed his lips before looking around. “It’s not the best location to lose yourself in.” He comments.
The girl nodded, sighing softly. “Yes – I know that.” She then smiles at him, being polite. “But thank you for checking on me.” Her feet shuffle for a bit before she turns to walk away, having lost confidence in her ability to quell herself for the moment.
“Wait!” The boy asked, moving to follow her, walking beside her. “My name is Wyll.”
Confused as to why he wanted to talk more, she dared not give away her real name. Best to lie, then. She wasn’t ‘Joy’ she was, “Lettie. My name is Lettie.” She stated. “What more do you want?”
“Well – I assume you came here for something and I didn’t want to run you off.” Wyll let out a laugh, smiling at her.
At this, Joy pursed her lips. “I… I did, but the time for it has passed.”
He frowned, eyes flickering to look back at the Tavern. “Surely not. What was it you came here for?”
Damn it.
“I was to meet a friend.” The lie came easily from her lips. “Seems like he either came while I was thinking or not at all.”
At this, the boy looked nearly wounded, frowning. “How awful! To promise to meet but then ignore you.” He shook his head, as if he couldn’t believe it.
Feigning a sigh, Joy shook her head. “It’s no matter – I’m heading home now.” She began to walk again.
“Hold on – How about you come with me instead?” He asked, a smile upon his face, his eyes twinkling. “I’d actually rather not go inside alone.”
She felt a thrum inside of her as he offered. Wyll offered his hand, smiling at her and she felt compelled to take it.
“… Well, alright.” Joy murmured, clasping his hand with hers, allowing him to lead her back to the Tavern.
It was… nice. Honestly. The two teens snuck into the tavern – on the technicality they weren’t really supposed to be there but knew the staff also really didn’t care.
They managed to make their way upstairs, where a few bards were having a spirited performance, entertaining the few drunkards strewn about.
“Care to dance?” Wyll whispered to her, as if a secret just between the two of them. Not quite giving a response, Joy moved closer, placing her hands on his shoulders.
Just this once – nothing bad has to happen because of it.
As if in their own little corner of the world, the two spun, their laughter soft and hushed, nearly drowned out by the drunken praise for the band.
Joy felt the most normal she had been in quite some time – almost as if she wasn’t put under the pressure of her father any longer.
It couldn’t be told whether it was minutes or hours as they danced, only stopping when their feet began to hurt, ignoring the flush that began to envelop their cheeks.
They stood, breathing heavily, looking at one another. Joy noted how lovely his dark brown eyes were, the shape of his smile as he looked down at her.
Suddenly, with the excitement of the dance, she closed her eyes, not sure what to expect – however, when she felt his lips upon hers, she felt an eruption of exhilaration within her.
It lasted but only a few chaste seconds before he pulled back, the two looking at each other with wide eyes before delving into soft giggles. A first dance, a first kiss.
Despite the happiness that had filled her, Joy suddenly felt a familiar sickening feeling rush over her. Her hands began to tremble. She had to leave.
Pushing back from Wyll, she turned, beginning to race down the steps.
“Wait – Lettie!” He called from behind, attempting to follow her, though she ran too fast.
It hurt to ignore him, but she continued, eventually clambering down into the sewers, knowing she had lost him for good.
Collapsing onto the ground, heaving as she was out of breath, Joy shuddered as she felt her sense of self beginning to slip.
“Mistress!” The voice stated, Gods – that creature again! It appeared before her, frowning, as if scolding a pup. “It’s been too long. Come, now, let me help you.”