A Flowery Man

Contrary to the last time Iris was walking through the Heights with Aerowyn by her side, there was no forceful dragging, no attempts at escaping. They walked side by side, Iris the epitome of nervousness—eyes darting to every movement within her peripherals. Aerowyn’s gaze showed no hint of tension, and they passed by men and women and children, some of them briefly looking at the two, but averting their eyes when they saw nothing out of the ordinary.

“Are you sure no one can see through it?” she asked, apprehension giving her tone a slight shakiness.

“We’ve walked by a few different watchguard patrols, and I believe two or three wandering Oathbound. We haven’t been caught yet, have we? Now stop looking like a lost orphan. Walk like you belong, straighten your posture and look confident.” Aerowyn said.

But…she was a lost orphan?

Reluctantly, she did as he said. It was awkward, to say the least. She was so used to trying to stay away from others’ attention—she didn’t have a lick of experience with boldly walking down streets like they were doing right now.

According to Aerowyn, what he’d done in the castle during their escape had taken a greater toll on him than he’d hoped for. Hiding someone else who also had a Trait was so taxing, he was still weary even now. It barely showed on his face though, with him keeping up this new “illusion” as he so called it. He’d said he didn’t want to erase peoples’ perceptions of them, but rather misdirect.

“Like one would deflect the blade of a stronger opponent, rather than block them completely,” He’d explained before they left his family’s residence, grandfatherly voice and all. “Now, what they will see when they look at you is a girl with slightly different features, more girlish and with slightly different colored hair. I aim to make myself appear slightly younger, with some other changes of course. How do I look?”

She’d watched as his face morphed before her like clay, ending with a younger and more youthful looking man, clean shaven with brown hair ending at shoulder length.

“For this outing, we can use different names, just in case. I’ll be Oake, and your name will be…Lily.” He’d said.

“Like the flower?”

A smile had been his only response.

So now they sauntered through the Heights, heads held high like they fit right in.

“Hold on…where are we going?” Iris asked. Why hadn’t she thought of asking that before? She was so used to just being dragged along she didn’t even question it. That would have to change, whenever she got around to not being chased into the dirt, of course.

“A friend, or more specifically—a tailor.” He smiled, eyes losing some of their focus as he thought about something or other.

They came upon a medium-sized shop, large by Reaches’ standards, though somewhat similar to the House Night residence in terms of decor. Sparsely decorated, like the owner didn’t put much thought into making it more homely.

Iris followed Aerowyn through the door, a chime announcing their arrival. There were only one or two other patrons in the shop from what she could see. But her attention didn’t last on them for long. From behind the counter to their right, a bustling could be heard as a taller man stood up from behind the counter with a leather bag of cloth in hand.

“There you are,” he said looking at the box. His focus landed on them, and his demeanor changed instantly, his face lighting up with a huge smile partially hidden by the ridiculously well manicured mustache extending far past the corners of his mouth.

He set the box down and leaned over the counter, “Hello there! Greetings, and welcome to Dave’s Craft Shop! I’m Dave, if you were curious. How can I help you two on this lovely day?” His tone was infectious, reminding Iris of the days her and Tar would find some good junk during their diving, leaving her in a state of bliss for the rest of the week when they could finally afford good food.

“We are looking for a couple outfits and leathers for the little one.” Aerowyn said, motioning towards Iris. She shot him a glare that he must have seen since the corners of his mouth curled up in a smirk.

“Wonderful! Although, I can’t so much help you with the leather part, but my husband can.” He turned towards one of the two customers in the shop, a large bald and bearded man of average looks, but with a size that made it seem like his muscles were going to rip the fabric of his clothing, “Hammy! Need some sizing for leathers.”

Oh, so not a customer, then.

Dave spun back to them, “Hammy will help you get what you need, I’ll be with you when I finish with this customer.”

The giant of a man came over, his large stride eating up the distance. He looked over Iris' tiny frame, then guided them to the back of the shop where he started rummaging through some larger crates stuffed to the brim with leathers.

“We would like something durable, but lightweight, if possible. She’ll need maximum flexibility of her extremities.” Aerowyn said, getting a grunt from the man.

“Hammy is an interesting name.” Iris stated as she watched on with undisguised interest.

“Call me Hammer, or Ham for short.” His timbre was like church bells vibrating within Iris’ bones. Yet his tone was curt, as though he wasn’t the talkative type.

“Your parents have a unique naming convention.” Aerowyn chimed in.

“They didn’t name me Hammer.”

“Oh? How’d you get the name?” Aerowyn asked, no doubt curious like Iris was.

Hammer looked back at Aerowyn for a moment, before pulling out a few leather pieces with straps criss crossing together in a tangle. He stepped up to Iris, lifting her arms as he started sliding pieces of leather armor over her body. First came the cuirass, which now rested with two bands over her shoulders. Up next were two vambraces that started just above her wrists, coming to a stop below her elbow. Lastly, he placed two leather cuisses on her thighs. Each piece was a little large, but he tightened them with the paired straps and buckles, ensuring they wouldn’t move.

Hammer gave them a brief description as he was finishing up, “They’re a little big, as you can see–but hopefully she’ll fill them out. They’ve all been cured and varnished, hence the shine. It’ll be more durable because of that, but don't expect them to be flexible or bend as much. You’ll still be able to move around due to the minimal amount of pieces, though.”

Iris moved around a little, twisting her arms this way and that, even lifting her legs up as high as she could. It was a noticeable weight, but a manageable one. She was shocked at the quality as she ran her fingers across their surface, applying pressure to certain parts. There was a smoothness there, but she could still feel the underlying texture of the leather. The pressure she applied barely budged the armor, like her fingers were met by the bark of a tree. Iris’ eyes shone as the quality of the craftsmanship behind it all.

She looked up to find Aerowyn handing over a gold coin to Hammer.

“Aer–Oake, I can’t afford to pay you back for this.” Her voice trembled in awe.

Aerowyn looked down at her, smiling lovingly, “Not to worry, Lily. I’d do anything for my perfect little sister.”

She held back her shock at being called ‘little sister,’ and Hammer’s mouth curled ever so slightly up, before returning back to his reserved mien. Dave decided to come back over to them, clapping his hands when he saw her.

“You look stunning! Except that outfit underneath is not fashionable with those leathers. Come, let's get you changed.” He grabbed her hand, dragging her along to another section of the shop. She looked back pleadingly at Aerowyn, but he just smiled at her and gave a little wave.

Dave brought her to another section of the store; one with more plain clothes, the colors of which didn’t have the same vibrant range of the clothes she currently had on. He stopped her and took a step back, eyes roving over her figure. He ended up having her take off the armor to get a better look, and after a second appraisal, he nodded to himself while grabbing a few different shirts and pants of a dull brown and black

“I think these will work. But try them on, just in case.” he said while handing over the clothes.

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She did as he asked and found all of them were a semi-perfect fit, if slightly baggy. The material wasn’t as fine as the clothes she’d gotten from Aerowyn’s residence, but they were still of a much higher quality compared to what she’d worn while still in the Reaches.

“Much better! Now you won’t look like a blind woman picking out random items from their wardrobe. I’ll give you a few sets, and I’ll even throw in an extra one for free. Just promise you’ll come back here if you need anything else.” Dave gave her a wink and a smile.

Iris smiled in return, “Of course, thank you, Dave.”

“No problem, dear.” Another chime rang out from the front of the store, Dave’s eyes lighting up with the promise of another customer.

He took her back to Hammer and explained the deal he promised before exiting to tend to whoever had just come in, his voice trailing off with what must have been his signature greeting. “Greetings! Welcome to Dave’s…”

Aerowyn handed over some silvers and thanked Hammer, Iris offering her own thanks as well.

Iris was beaming as they made to exit, admiring her new clothes and armor along the way while Aerowyn trailed behind her. She was so caught up in her admiration that she didn’t take notice of where she was walking as they were walking through the front door, bumping into another customer that was just stepping into the shop.

“Oh, sorry—” Her breath caught as she took in the obstacle standing before her.

Standing in the opening of the exit was Milo, the same Oathbound from the night of her escape accompanying him. He wore the same grim expression, eyes darting around the shop, stopping briefly on Aerowyn before landing on Iris.

She could still feel the telltale pull of the man’s Trait like a blazing candle in a dark room. She couldn’t move, fear paralyzing her.

What was he doing here? Didn’t Aerowyn say they wouldn’t send anyone with a Trait? Why hadn’t Colin just killed him when he had the chance?

The newly obtained armor did nothing to alleviate her mounting dread, and she was so sure Milo was about to reach out and grab her by the throat just to drag her all the way back to the castle.

“Something on my face, girl?” Milo’s tone sent ants crawling across her skin.

Iris struggled to form words, to come up with some excuse to get her out—

“Apologies for my sister, Oathbound. Lily has always held the Sovereign’s most noble and loyal guard in such high regard. I’d say she may just be slightly intimidated standing before you, never has she been so close to one.” Aerowyn’s smiling form appeared next to Iris, a hand resting on her shoulder as he spoke to Milo.

He showed none of the same anxiety that was causing Iris’ limbs to tremble.

Milo grunted, “Well, my dear friend…”

“Oake.”

“...Oake. Have you seen a girl about her age that’s just as wiry? Black hair, tan, a bit average looking…should be tagging along with someone older by chance?” Milo inspected Iris, gaze searching.

Aerowyn adopted a thoughtful expression, “I can’t say I have. Lily here has been struggling to eat due to a sickness, so it’s not often you’d see someone as thin as her. I would have remembered if I had. You’ll have to excuse my lack of assistance, Oathbound.”

“Hmm…” Milo leaned down to get a closer look at Iris, causing her to shrink back slightly. “You’re right in saying it’s not often to see someone of that frame. Which is why I find it so peculiar that ‘Lily’ seems to be just the right size to match.”

Aerowyn’s face didn’t change, but Iris felt his hand tightening on her shoulder.

“As I said, she has been sick, much to the dismay of our father. I can assure—” He was cut off when Milo’s hand snaked around his throat in a stunning display of speed and strength.

Milo sneered, “Something is off about you two, so here is what—”

“Enough.”

Hammer didn’t need to yell. The statement, accompanied by his extremely resonating voice, was enough to stop Milo mid sentence. He walked up to Milo, his immense frame dwarfing the Oathbound’s almost twofold. The Oathbound behind Milo laid his hand on his weapon but didn’t draw it.

Milo—who still had his hand around Aerowyn’s throat, just stared up at Hammer, completely void of any hesitation or panic. “So this is where you’ve been holed up, huh Hammer? I wondered where you’d gone after The Bellowing Forge closed down.” He looked at Aerowyn, who was still in his grasp clawing at the limb cutting off his airway. “Going to kill me like you did your dad?” The last part came with a menacing smile in Hammer’s direction.

Hammer didn’t react to the jab, but his meaty hand closed around Milo’s wrist as Iris could only look on helplessly. The metal of Milo’s vambrace groaned in protest as Hammer started squeezing. From the sound of it, Iris assumed Milo could either let go of Aerowyn, or be forced to chance walking back to the castle with a mangled arm. Thankfully, he chose the former. After he let go, Aerowyn sucked in great mouthfuls of air, coughing a few times as well.

Hammer let go of Milo’s wrist. “Get out.”

“This doesn’t concern you. I’m just going to ask these two a few more questions and then we can leave.” Milo said.

Hammer’s expression turned even more stony, if that was somehow possible. “I said get—”

“Hammy? What’s going on?” Iris looked back to find Dave turning the corner and taking in the scene. He looked between Hammer and the two Oathbound, one of which had a slightly dented vambrace in the shape of Hammer’s massive hand. Then his eyes found Aerowyn and Iris. Aerowyn was still rubbing his throat while Iris stood like a small bug caught between much larger predators fighting over territory in the wild.

Seeing this, Dave’s carefree bearing turned to one that screamed murder.

“You fucking dare…” He stormed towards them, slowly at first but then picking up speed. If Iris was honest, seeing Dave furious was scarier than Hammer’s rough countenance.

Milo must have agreed, because he took one look at Dave and spun around so fast Iris wasn’t sure how his spine didn’t break. He grabbed the younger Oathbound by the arm and forcibly pushed him away. Iris watched as both of them strode down the busy streets, Milo’s head turning back every so often.

With the two Oathbound gone, Aerowyn profusely thanked Hammer and Dave, shaking their hands and offering coin as compensation for their intervention. Iris didn’t know if it was an act, but he was selling it pretty well.

Dave just waved him off and smiled mischievously, “No need for that, Aerowyn. Anything for an old friend, right?”

Iris stilled. She noticed Aerowyn had gone silent as well and was no longer trying to shake Dave’s arm from its socket.

“Sneaky bastard. How’d you know?” Aerowyn whispered as his eyes darted around to make sure no one overheard. It’s not like anyone could have—the only other customer in the store was the one Dave had left Iris to go help, and she was standing in the far back corner, probably doing her best not to listen in.

If Dave’s smile could have gotten any wider, Iris was sure it would crack open his cheeks. He tapped his nose a couple times, “Everyone has a certain scent, my friend. I’ve been around you too many times for you to fool me.”

“Damn, I should have known you of all people would sniff me out. Didn’t think about that in the literal sense.” Aerowyn cursed jokingly.

Hammer watched on along with Iris, confused at the interaction.

“Haha. I don’t think you’ll have that same problem with anyone else. You two go along, now. If I was a betting man, I’d say the two of you are involved in something I’d rather not be privy to.” Dave said, looking between Iris and Aerowyn.

“Thank you again, Dave. I’ll find a way to reimburse you—”

“Nonsense. You’ve helped me more than anyone else…besides Hammy, of course.” Dave looked at Hammer lovingly.

Aerowyn and Dave clasped hands before Aerowyn led Iris back towards House Night, this time heading a different direction so as not to run into Milo again.

***

Milo

“Sir?” Yule asked, tone concerned.

Milo threw another glance back towards the tailor shop and the people walking behind them. Hopefully he hadn’t taken too much offense. How the hell was Milo supposed to know The Flower worked there?

“Milo, what’s going on? Why did we leave?” Yule prodded.

There had been something off about those two. His eyes were telling him one thing, but his domain had been giving him a different scene. Oake and that girl…Lily was her name, if Milo’s memory served him right, had seemed…off. It was like looking at a painting, but one where the artist had drawn a more underlying picture within the frame. He needed to trust his Trait more. It wasn’t like he’d had it for long–only 10 or 12 cycles.

He would have dug further, asked more questions, but Hammer had so rudely interrupted his duties. To add more wood to the fire, The Flower just had to be the owner, of all things.

Dave’s Tailor Shop?

Hah. What a joke!

“Milo!” Yule grabbed his shoulder, forcing him to stop in the middle of the busy street.

“What?!”

“Sir, do you mind telling me why we decided to bail?”

Yule had been a good friend in the short time since he’d sworn into the Oathbound contingent. That was the problem, though. He was too new, too young to remember.

Milo sighed and blew a raspberry, “That last individual, he’s an old acquaintance.” He started walking again with Yule in tow as he continued. “Used to be known by another name: The Flower. Nothing more than a tool for the Sovereign and Crownmother. Whenever there was someone they held distaste towards, their answer? The Flower. Underground group causing a ruckus within the city? The Flower. Even the royal brats asked the King to use him for their own purposes every now and then. Everything was easy before he retired.” He cursed to himself, “I’m confident against most people in the city, noble Patriarch or otherwise. But him? No thanks, I’d rather live to see another day.”