Cordelia and Lyonis stepped through the cobblestone streets. Her large wicker basket was tucked into the crook of her elbow, filled with charms, and Lyonis carried the four small boxes for her under one of his strong arms. Cordelia handed out charms to familiar faces who passed by them as they strolled down the street. They offered her words of thanks, but she couldn't help but notice their eyes glancing suspiciously at the man who stood beside her.
"Those charms..." Lyonis's warm, deep voice cut through the sounds of celebration surrounding them, " What are they, and what are they used for?"
Cordelia smiled and turned to look at him. He always had questions, "They're just bundles of dried flowers and herbs. A simple offering to help protect against bad luck."
"So... they're enchanted?" Lyonis looked down at her, his amber eyes glistening with curiosity.
She shook her head, "Not at all. There is a simple magic in small everyday intentions. Even seemingly insignificant acts of good faith favor a positive outcome. The fact that people believe there is good intention in these charms gives them power. Positive intention invites positive energy. It won't save them from fate, but it could help tip the scale in their favor."
"They're really not magical?" Lyonis stared at her, unwilling to believe that she was handing out artifacts that weren't even remotely enchanted. The way people flocked to her and requested their charms with such admiration and feverish need made it seem like they really were magical.
Cordelia laughed, "Probably not in the way you're thinking. Small thoughts and actions, positive feelings, and actions of goodwill carry subtle but impactful energy. Not everything needs to be magically manipulated to hold power. Kindness is infectious, and when it is shared with others, it lifts everyone and everything around it for the better. The same could be said for evil intentions - bad energy elicits bad manifestations. For example, doesn't it feel good when someone does something nice for you? Don't you want to share that feeling with others? There is nothing supernatural about it. It is simply human interaction."
Lyonis nodded as if it made perfect sense. But Cordelia could see that he was mulling over her words in his mind, taking the time to think about what she had said. She watched his face soften as if happiness washed over him and wondered what he was thinking about.
...
"You have a beautiful outlook on life, Cordelia," Lyonis said after watching her interact with another neighbor. She had handed over a charm to an older gentleman who was hunched over a cane, placing the string that tied the small bouquet together around his wrist. It dangled from his arm like an oversized bracelet. A smile formed over the man's wrinkled and tired face.
He had encouraged her to hand over the charm to a younger person, saying he was far too old and such a gift would be wasted on him. But Cordelia was adamant and brushed off the elderly gentleman's insistent pleas to disregard him. The gentleman had mentioned how he always looked forward to the festival every year and that he was grateful to know such a kind woman.
He then shot a threatening glare at Lyonis, who could only offer a small nod in consolation. He had noticed that Cordelia was fiercely protected by the townspeople, especially those close to her. They had warmed up to him slightly after word of his actions saving her from the wetlands spread. But despite that, they were still wary of him.
"I apologize that everyone seems so hostile towards you, Lyonis. I feel like that's my fault. Everyone treats me with unwarranted respect. They act as if I'm unapproachable royalty." There was sadness in her words. Despite the warmth and reverence that everyone seemed to show her, Lyonis couldn't help but feel like Cordelia was very lonely.
"Ah... As if they could scare me off. It is your decision who you invite into your life." Lyonis smiled down at her. He knew the feeling all too well. In Gresas, he was also considered unattainable. The loneliness and seclusion that came from his lofty status seemed like an unwarranted and frivolous feeling. Those who approached him only feigned kindness and friendship in order to gain his favor in hopes of improving their own status. They used kind words and offered him favors, only to use those actions against him at a later date.
Even women only seemed to approach him for his good looks or in the hopes of elevating their status with marriage. It had turned him bitter and cold towards people. No matter how aggressive or mean-spirited he became, nobody seemed to oppose him. They would swallow their thoughts and plaster fake smiles upon their faces, and only speak words of praise in front of him. Though he knew that behind his back, they looked down on him and only spoke ill of him. He was lucky to have a crew who treated him as an equal, not someone to fear or manipulate to use for their own personal gain.
"It must make you feel lonely..." He watched as Cordelia's eye widened ever so slightly at his comment. It was as if he were the first person to acknowledge how her status isolated her. But her expression softened and saddened, and a deep sigh left her chest.
"Loneliness is something I have grown accustomed to." Cordelia's eyes drifted down the street as if she were recalling something. Her forlorn expression cut Lyonis deep in his chest. He sympathized with her. They were more alike than she knew. "I am a witch. Relationships... even friendships are not something easily formed for a creature like myself. I cannot have a normal life. I've accepted this." But something in her voice told Lyonis that she hadn't quite accepted it. There was resentment and sadness laced in her words, and despite her stoic face, he could see the disappointment written in her grey-green eyes.
Cordelia seemed to notice that he had caught on to her sadness, and she quickly turned to smile at him, "It is alright, Lyonis. My life here is more than I could have ever hoped for. I am happy and content."
"Hmm..." Lyonis felt like her words were more to convince herself and not him. He wanted to make her happy. He wanted to show her that she was worthy and deserving of affection and love, and he wanted to give her a life that was filled with more joy than she could ever dream of. He felt tension grow in his heart. He had been fighting the impulsive thought of stealing her away when he left. The feeling swelled in his chest. He wanted to take her away, but he knew that would only make her resent him. What was he going to do when the time came to leave Ville Marais?
The pair walked towards Cafe Lavigne. The cafe was busy as usual. Almost every table outside was occupied, and there was a small line forming out the front door. People quickly received their goodies and walked with eager anticipation out the front door, clutching their brown paper bags filled with sweet delicacies. Lyonis noticed there were employees he had never seen before bustling about the cafe, clearing tables, dropping off orders, ushering patrons, and welcoming them inside.
A short blonde woman of middle age noticed Cordelia and waved at her from the patio. Her eyes glanced over at Lyonis, and her brown eyes widened but diverted them quickly as she rushed over to greet Cordelia. "Oh, Madame VonElise. It is good to see you! Blessed Festival! What brings you here? Are you looking for Gabrielle?"
"A blessed festival to you as well, Flora. I was actually looking for Mauve. Is she here?" Cordelia smiled down at the woman, who blushed under her gaze.
"I will gladly go fetch her for you, Madame. Will you be staying for your usual? I just cleared a table. You and your.... friend are welcome to stay for a while." Flora glanced over at Lyonis. She seemed apprehensive and unsure of how to address him. She blushed harder, her ears growing a deep crimson as her eyes trailed over Lyonis.
"Oh... I wish I could stay... but I can see you're rather busy. I can come another time that is better. I have other errands to run in the meantime." Cordelia waved her hand at Flora, dismissing the woman's offer.
"Not at all, Madame. I will go grab Mauve for you. She needs an excuse to take a break. Please wait here and I'll go fetch her." Flora motioned to the table, and Cordelia nodded, stepping towards the table to sit down. Lyonis reached over and sat the boxes on the table before pulling the chair out for Cordelia. He noticed Flora's mouth drop as Cordelia took his offer and sat down at the table. It was as if no one had ever seen someone, let alone a man, accompany the great Madame VonElise. It was probably even more shocking to them to witness her being treated and courted like an actual woman.
Flora scurried away and moments later arrived with a brown paper bag and two piping hot cups of steaming liquid. "Madame, Mauve will be right out. I packaged up your favorites. I hope you and your friend enjoy them."
Cordelia reached into her wicker basket and pulled out a charm, handing it over to Flora, "Thank you, Flora. I hope you have a pleasant festival." Flora bowed in thanks before rushing off to continue her work. Cordelia opened the paper bag and pulled out a pillowy soft pastry covered in white powdered sugar. She dunked it into the steaming cup and blew on it before taking a small bite. Bits of powdered sugar clung to her rosy lips, and she licked the sugar away before taking a sip of coffee. Cordelia closed her eyes and hummed in satisfaction. A small tuft of white sugar clung to her cheek. Lyonis resisted the urge to reach across the table to kiss the sugar off her porcelain skin but stopped himself as Mauve rushed over. The motherly woman pulled Cordelia into an embrace and kissed both her cheeks.
"Cordelia, thank the stars you are feeling better! Our dear Gabrielle did a fine job nurturing you back to health. How are you!? What brings you here? Ah, Sir Lyonis! Welcome back. So good to see you again." The woman bombarded them both with endless words and questions, not bothering to take even a breath. She released Cordelia and went over to hug Lyonis, who patted her on the back. They had become well acquainted when Cordelia went missing, and Mauve had been his biggest supporter, even encouraging her son Damas to join him in the search. "I have been meaning to stop by the apothecary to get with you, Cordelia. I need to go over some things with you regarding the wedding." Mauve's large eyes widened as if remembering something important.
"OH! Sir Lyonis! You must come with Cordelia to Damas and Gabrielle's wedding! It is next week. You absolutely must attend! I won't take no for an answer. Someone responsible must keep an eye on Cordelia...." Words cascaded from Mauve's lips like a waterfall.
"Mauve... Mauve...." Cordelia laughed, seeing her friend overcome with frenzied anticipation. "Mauve! Please... You're so busy right now. Let me drop off these to you so you can get back to work. I do not want to keep you. Here..." Cordelia picked up two of the boxes and placed them into Mauve's strong arms. "The top one is for you. The bottom is for Damas and Gabrielle. Please keep it safe until the wedding. Now, Lyonis and I be on our way."
"Oh! But I need to go over some things with you regarding the wedding. I know! I'm off tomorrow morning, I will stop by the apothecary, and we can go over the details!" She turned back to Lyonis, "Sir Tualon. Promise me you will accompany Cordelia to the wedding." Her eyes shot a threatening glare in his direction, and he laughed.
"Well... that's up to Cordelia, Ms. Lavigne. I would never impose myself on her." He heard Cordelia sigh at his comment, and she interrupted him before he could continue.
"He'll be there, Mauve. I'll see you tomorrow morning, now please get back to work. We won't keep you a second more." She turned Mauve and gave her a small push. "Blessed festival, Mauve!" The cheerful woman glanced over her shoulder and winked at them before rushing inside.
Cordelia sighed deeply and rubbed her temples before collecting her basket in her arms. Her eyes met Lyonis, and she looked apologetically at him. "I apologize for getting you swept up in her plans, Lyonis."
"Not at all, Cordelia. I am looking forward to the wedding." He stood and grabbed the other two boxes off the table, "Where to next?"
"The St. Vincent Inn..." Cordelia started walking down the street, "I need to thank your crew for letting me monopolize your time."
Lyonis balked at her words. Did she want to meet his crew? It wasn't something he had planned to share with her. His crew was a rowdy, uncouth bunch. They were difficult and mostly unapproachable. Agis, in particular, was especially unhappy with how Lyonis chose to spend all his time with Cordelia. He voiced it every chance he could get. And while the rest of his crew didn't voice their opposition, he knew they were probably thinking similar things. Lyonis couldn't help but worry that they would bully Cordelia or say something disrespectful. It was a meeting he had wished to avoid.
But Cordelia was determined to meet them. She even went as far as putting together gifts. She didn't pause a moment and walked down the street towards the inn with unbridled confidence. Her grey-green eyes seemed to sparkle the closer they got as if she couldn't wait to meet them.
"Cordelia... I want you to know that my crew... is not a pleasant bunch. They can be quite unfiltered and rude. I would gladly bring these...." Cordelia interrupted him before he could finish.
"If you're trying to keep me from meeting them, it won't work, Lyonis. I am over 250 years old. I've met my fair share of unruly people. I doubt they could say or do something I haven't already experienced." She glanced over at him from the corner of her large eyes. "Unless you're trying to purposefully keep me from meeting them. Are you that ashamed to even bring me in their presence? Or are you hiding something from me? Perhaps a secret wife I should know about?" Her playful expression was feigned to her real thoughts. Her distrust gripped Lyonis's chest. It wasn't that he wanted to hide her from the crew - he just didn't want to share her with anyone. Their already limited time would be wasted being spent with his raucous crew.
"Ha! I have nothing to hide from you, Cordelia. I just want to keep you all to myself. Our time would be better spent alone." Lyonis shrugged, and he watched as Cordelia averted her eyes, her cheeks flushing pink.