Rushing away from the man, Sophia went into the small crowd glancing around for her mother hoping they could avoid the councilman for the rest of the day. Danger was radiating off of him making her sure it would be best to be surrounded by others where he couldn't touch her or watch her too closely.
Sophia didn't know why, but she felt a certain kind of fear when she stood next to the man and it kept growing by every interaction. There was a sense of vulnerability since she could see the way his eyes roamed over her figure with an emotion she was not sure of and although many would consider it a complement, Sophia felt dirty on the inside almost like she should be ashamed.
"Sophia!" Ruby waved over to her child who was standing in the middle of the center. Her mother had a warm smile and stood close to a cart that seemed to be selling beautiful clothing.
The beautiful girl sighed and walked over to her mother feeling safer than she did just a moment ago.
"Mother." Sophia greeted her hoping the interaction with Randel could be forgotten and that the old woman wouldn't bring it up.
As if reading her daughters mind, Ruby turned to the rack of clothing she was standing by running her fingers through the silk.
"I don't believe I have bought you new clothing in a while. Most of the new designs are surprising beautiful."
"I don't see the point." Sophia whispered to herself, but Ruby heard the soft words her daughter spoke making her frown.
Ignoring her, Ruby began to pace around the racks looking at all the different clothing hoping Sophia would follow her example.
Rolling her eyes and sighing, the girl began to wander around the silks looking at the beautiful designs she knew her mother couldn't exactly afford. Ever since her fathers death, they had been living in poverty eating only simple meals throughout the week. And as Sophia looked around absentmindedly, Ruby snuck away to look at other items trying to think of what she could afford for her only child.
The different colored dresses and coverings would catch anyone's eyes since they were very rare to be worn in the village. Only the rich usually could afford such clothing which meant Sophia was always looking for donations of clothing the others considered trash. Sophia however did like the idea of visiting the world after hearing of some of the adventures the men had when they went abroad meeting new people.
Such things as poor clothing didn't bother Sophia, but she couldn't help but admire the beautiful designs from a distance since even she couldn't ignore the beauty. Perhaps in a different life, she could one day enjoy clothing made for a queen.
But here she was, in a life that was short lived.
"Ahh. If it isn't the chosen one!" Came a deep voice from her side that was filled with some joy.
Sophia glanced up looking at a chubby short man who often kept to himself in the village. He didn't really associate with anyone due to his short temper and tried to focus on his business since he loved the gold coins that he could add to his collection. Many in the village had started rumors about the man, but Sophia had no idea what was true.
It was said he traveled the world but wasn't able to live to their standards making him return back to the village only to take advantage of them.
"Don't look uncomfortable child!" He chuckled noticing the girls hesitation with his appearance. "I simply just am surprised to see you out and about! Most of the chosen stay home with family, but here you are looking at a new outfit for yourself. I didn't imagine you as the type to care for fashion." The man said eyeing her attire noticing the holes in her clothing.
"I guess I am trying to enjoy the last of my days. But perhaps I came to the wrong part of the market." She mumbled looking away not wishing to talk to another strange male in the village. Randel was obviously too much. She had enough of uninvited accompany for the day and didn't wish to speak to another man who could perhaps have ill intentions.
The belly of the man began to rumble once again as he laughed over the small girls words. She was one to give a sarcastic remarks making many in the village scoff at her imprudent behavior, but the man seemed rather amused by it. She had the feisty personality that not many in woman had in the day and age.
"Yes. It's a tragic thing really. They want us to believe it's a privilege, but they are killing too many of our women. I'd like to send a councilman out there one of these years! I might actually attend the show." He said looking toward the clothing Sophia was brushing her hand against. He noticed her looking around but she didn't seem too keen of any of the ones so far she came across which somehow caught his attention. "It's a shame, I feel like you could have made a contribution to this village. It's getting rather boring with the same folk."
"I don't believe that's the way the skies have chosen for the sacrifice to work sir. The gods have made it specific for a woman to be the chosen. But I have my own opinion on which man I'd send." She remarked thinking of the encounter with Randel from earlier.
There was still a deep root of anxiety within her whenever she thought of the man. But the girl made the merchant chuckle as though she had impressed him.
"I'm sure you do." He sighed. "I don't think any of us really know what the purpose of the skies were however. There have been too many years of men in high power deciding our fates for their own benefit. I would say perhaps we don't know the truth behind the chosen. Or even know much about the wolf men since the councilmen like to teach their own lies. What we know of the Wolfmen is only about their negative qualities."
The large man began to walk back to his cart, but his words were still registering in her mind making her ponder. Without much more thought, Sophia continued after him picking up her skirt running toward the man not ready for the conversation to end.
"Wait!" She called out reaching him by more of his designs. The fat older man turned looking at Sophia with a curious look. The small child had reminded him of someone he once held dear.
"Yes?"
"Do you know things about the Wolfmen?" Sophia asked curious if this worldly man actually knew more about the feared race that roamed the forbidden woods.
The man narrowed his eyes studying the girl.
"The same things as others…" He muttered giving her a look of concern. "Haven't you heard the stories of the race?"
"You mean the monsters?" Sophia asked making him frown.
"You know, I can tell you my own opinions, but you should decide for yourself. That is a part of growing my dear." Looking toward his cart to the side of his business stand, the man had an idea concerning the dark haired beauty. "Come. I think I have something for you."
He began to walk to the cart where many could not see his business. Sophia however stopped at the entry of the cart not wanting to arise suspicions of the situation. Even though her death was near, she wanted somewhat of a decent reputation.
The chubby man glanced behind smirking at the girls reluctance, but he wasn't going to force her inside. So he quickly went about his way to find the item he felt belonged to the woman he had a brief conversation with.
Looking through some of the material he ordered, the man had an eye for beauty. In his spare time he often would create his own masterpieces thinking of the girl he once loved who died many moons ago.
Finally lifting up a box and opening the lid, the man pulled out a deep rich red colored hood that somehow would look more appropriate on this small girl in the doorway than anyone else in the village.