Page 12 of A Soul to Guide

She still held onto the stranger’s arm by tightening her fingers around his shirt, refusing to let go of her saviour, but her hands eased their panicked strength.

He saved me from those people. Maybe he’ll travel with me.He appeared to be far nicer than he first seemed. Why would he help a stranger when he gained nothing from it?

Her grip strengthened, and Raewyn opened her mouth to speak.Okay, here goes...

Standing at the south gate, Raewyn adjusted her bag straps before she fiddled with her hood, checking to make sure she had everything in place. Freshly bathed, with plenty of food and water, she was ready to leave this town.

She’d been waiting there since dawn, making sure the stranger didn’t leave without her.

When she’d asked if he would be willing to take her on his travels, he’d agreed without argument. She’d released a sigh of relief, especially since he hadn’t asked for compensation.

He’d only asked her two questions.

The first was if she’d menstruated recently. She lied and said she had – Elysian women’s cycles were different to humans due to the time difference. If she’d said no, he wouldn’t have understood she was only in the middle of her cycle and wouldn’t bleed for quite some time.

She figured he worried she’d bring Demons upon them. It’d been an uncomfortable discussion to have with a complete stranger, a human male at that, but she understood the necessity of it.

Secondly, he asked if she was a fearful person, as the scent of fear she could produce during the nights in the forest could bring danger.

Although she wasn’t impervious to being afraid, she informed him that she should mostly be fine. Probably a lie, considering Raewyn had never been face-to-face with a bloodthirsty Demon before, but they’d cross that bridge if they ever came to it.

When just a fraction of warmth hit the side of her face, she knew the sun was beginning to rise and fidgeted further.

Did I bring enough food and water?He said he wouldn’t be sharing his own with her unless he found food along the way.What about my sleep blanket? Should I have bought a second?She’d bought it recently, since she found Earth’s summer just a little chilly at night.

She’d also brought cleaning products – not just for her body, but also for her second dress and socks. She had no underwear since she didn’t like the ones available here.

She turned her face downward and sneered at the boots on her feet. She didn’t just hate them; shedespisedthem with a passion.

However, the humans had made unkind comments about her not wearing them within the streets.

Elysians didn’t wear shoes, wishing to feel the soil beneath their feet, to connect with it on a spiritual level. They often wore cloth or gold over their arches for decoration.

These shoes not only disconnected her with this world, but all worlds in general.

Raewyn touched her head wrapping, feeling the bumpy texture of the two braids she had in her hair for ease of management during their travels. She expected that privacy was about to become scarce, so being able to wash her hair freely without him seeing the whiteness of it would be difficult.

“Ready?” the stranger said right next to her.

Raewyn started and let out a squeal.

She turned to him with a few huffs, trying to recover from being startled. “How long have you been standing there? I didn’t hear you approaching.”

“I’ve learnt to be quiet on my feet.” Now that he was close, his scent washed over her. “They’re opening the gate. Have you obtained everything you need?”

“Yes,” she answered, pushing her satchel behind her so it would be more comfortable. Between her medium-sized breasts, she gripped the strap tightly. “You won’t need to worry about me, I promise.”

“Good, because I’ll only look out for you if I must. I will protect you, though, if we encounter any Demons, Duskwalkers, or bandits.”

Raewyn’s pointed ears twitched under her hood.What’s a Duskwalker?She’d never heard or read about those in any of her texts. Were they a new creature on Earth, one that arrived after the Elves left?

She didn’t question him on it, knowing it was best she didn’t reveal just how little knowledge she had of this world. She gave him a weak smile instead.

“This is for you.” He handed her a rope with fragrant pouches attached to it. “Tie it around your waist. It’s filled with herbs and spices, and it will help to hide your scent from all those who may hunt it.”

“Thank you,” she said as she took it and wrapped it around her centre. “That’s very astute of you.”

Silence bled between them, and Raewyn nervously rested her weight back and forth between her feet. Why did she get the impression he was looking over her with an assessing gaze?

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