RFC-Miniarc-An Average Day-22 (Anna)

The two approached the hutch, crouching to peer at the visible inhabitant. The small golden fluff paused in her meal, turning to watch them in turn with big green eyes.

“Does she have a name?” Cloud asked over Anna’s shoulder.

“Mm. Quill.”

“I see. You know, our brethren do not have names as we know them. They recognize each other through more reliable means. But, as you both live amongst men, you will have to adopt some of their ways, like the more sociable members of the Temple. Quill is a fine name. How did you decide?”

“Brother did. Asked him because he’s smarter.”

“It is good to know your strengths.” Cloud opened the latch of the hutch. The golden fluff ball inside bristled and squeaked. “Hm. Wary of strangers. I suppose the little ones don’t make her any nicer. Does she allow you to come close?”

“Only with food,” Anna said.

“That is a start.”

“Learn a trick now?”

Cloud chuckled. “I’m afraid there aren’t any tricks when it comes to communion. That is its purpose. To lay two souls bare so they can reach a deeper understanding. The only thing I have for you is a methodology. How the Temple has lived together with our brethren for generations.”

Cloud closed the hutch and stood, offering a hand to the crouched Anna. She stared at the hand before ignoring it to stand on her own, facing her new teacher with a blank expression. The young tamer chuckled. “The first step on the road to understanding is knowledge. You must know everything about the one you wish to commune with.

“In ancient times, a tamer would live amongst their interest, adopting their ways. As that option is unavailable, we will take the more modern method. We will adapt the flocketts to you as opposed to you adapting to them. Lucky for you, the Temple has extensive information on flocketts. Shall we take a walk?”

Anna trailed after her as she headed for the back gaden. As Cloud spouted facts about her new friends, Anna kept her away from the more dangerous plants with quick tugs on the end of her skirt. The flowers were pretty but strange and delicate. Gajin had warned her of casually touching them, as she was just as likely to hurt them as be hurt by them. The latter was certainly worse.

If she were hurt, the head maid would heal her with a chuckle and pass her a candy to make her feel better.

However, if she hurt one of the mistress’ plants, everyone would be disappointed.

Since Cloud was helping her learn about Quill, she decided it would be good to pay her back by shielding her from the disappointment. Paying back debts was important.

Her new teacher was quite knowledgeable. They walked around the garden for hours and Cloud didn’t run out of things to tell her. From the amount of food she should feed her friend and her diet, which needed to be changed so the new mother could keep up her strength while feeding six kits, to the optimal temperature to keep the hutch. There was even a proper way to brush their fur to keep it from knotting.

The rumbling of Anna’s stomach interrupted Cloud. “I believe that’s enough for today,” the young woman mused, turning back towards the house. “Come on, little sister, before the beast in your belly breaks free.”

Anna hurried after her, eager for the head maid’s cooking. “You know a lot.”

“Does it seem so? It’s nothing too impressive. Many children know their home and its residents. The Sanctuary is my home. I know its secrets and its residents. Ask me of worldly matters and you will find me lacking.”

“Head maid says people know too much.”

“Oh?”

Anna nodded seriously. “Too many words distract from purpose. People should know what they need. If they need more, they learn more.”

“I see…and what is your purpose, little one?”

“Help Lady Lou. Bite baddies.”

Cloud chuckled. “I think you will need bigger teeth to bite an enemy that can threaten Lou.”

Anna pouted. “Growing.”

“Yes, you are.”

“Going to be big. Bigger than you. Bigger teeth.”

“Do you know if your parents were tall? We take after our sires.”

Anna frowned. “Ask brother.”

“Well, all hope is not lost. We—is something wrong, little sister?”

Anna ignored her. Her lessons with the head maid did not stop with studying. She was also trained as a guard, with a focus on utilizing her senses. The five most people considered and the less tangible ones, including intuition. It was whispering to her that very moment.

Following the feeling, she jogged toward the front of the house. Her intuition proved correct as she spotted someone coming up the long drive. A young man, tall and strong like the well-fed laborers who lived at the edge of the slums. His golden skin and short, curly brown hair was an unusual site near the capital but the sword at his waist was all too familiar.

Friends did not come brandishing arms. That made the stranger a baddie.

“This is unexpected.” A careful hand lightly touched Anna’s head. “Hold on a moment, little guardian. He knows your lady and may have business here.”

“Lady Lou’s friend?”

“Not even a little.”

Anna nodded. Then she would wait until he said what he wanted before biting him.

When the stranger grew close enough to recognize them, he froze momentarily before continuing forward with a frown. He stopped several paces away and cleared his throat. “You’re from the qualifiers. The guide, right?”

“Mm. I don’t recall your name but I heard of your team’s tragedy. May your friend run through ever green meadows and whisper comforts with the wind.”

“Ah…thank you, I suppose.” His gaze flicked to Anna before returning to Cloud. “I’m looking for…Lady Tome. Is she here?”

“Unfortunately, not.” Cloud urged Anna forward. “This is one of her servants. I’m sure she can take a message.”

“…a child?” Anna growled, making the stranger jump. “By the saints’ grace.”

“Growing,” the small girl grumped. She didn’t like unwelcome visitors looking down on her. As a guardian of the estate, she had to inspire fear. Or respect. Or, at the very least, a healthy bit of caution.

“Anna is very competent,” Cloud said. “And sweet. You seem to bring out the worse in Lou’s household.”

Anna had to restrain the urge to growl again as the stranger continued to look at her dubiously.

“If you need further convincing, her brother is the house steward.”

The stranger paled. “This house…” He shook his head. “Fine. Tell…Lady Tome, Robert Quintana visited her. A few of the acolytes that are headed for the Bleak Peaks for the recent campaign have come together to look after each other’s interests and exchange information. There is a rumor going around that…Lady Tome will be attending the campaign as well. I am here to extend an invitation to the next meeting.”

He pulled out a folded note from his pocket. Anna hurried over, watching him carefully as she snatched it from his hand and stepped out of range. “I have message. Leave.”

He sighed. “It’s not like I want to stay. Have a good day.” Robert started down the drive but he had only taken a few steps before he looked over his shoulder. “I’ve got a question.” He glared at Cloud. “What do you see in that woman?”

“Why do you ask, hero?” Cloud asked, flashing her sharp canines with a grin. “There is danger in simply eying a predator’s dinner.”

“For saints’ sake, I’m not interested in her!” Robert snapped. “It’s…I’ve heard a rumor that Lou is going to the Bleak Peaks because of Alana. And I’ve heard another rumor that they’re…involved. Of course, I don’t believe a word of that nonsense but I don’t understand how the two of them are even friends.”

“It seems you’re going to ignore my advice.” Cloud huffed. “Go on, get going. Before the little guardian loses her patience.”

“Wha—whoa!” Robert jumped out of the way of snapping teeth, his wide eyes staring at the little girl that had tried to snap off one of his fingers. “What in the Abyss is wrong with you?!”

“Bad! Talking mean about Lady Lou! Not invited! Leave!” She punctuated the order with a yowl that sounded more like a wounded kitten than the fearsome roar she imagined.

“Fine! Saints.” Robert shook his head as he hurried down the dirt path leading up to the house, quickly breaking into a jog.

“What a good protector you will make.” Cloud vigorously rubbed Anna’s hair. “Half grown and you’ve managed to send the next Harvest Hero running. Lou will be proud.”

Anna grinned proudly but the moment was ruined by her growling stomach.

“An empty stomach means an empty heart.”

“Bring Quill?”

“A wonderful idea, little sister.”