Edie

Edie

SasatheShy

--

Chapter Three: Fragile Flower

--

Lavan took a good glimpse about as he entered the inn first. He was greeted by sweet, delicious aromas. Pork? Onions? Whatever the smell was, it made him feel thankful that he and his three companions may not have to sleep out in the woods while visiting Forter.

His friends were just as pleased as he was by the inn. Roddy wiped his boots on the provided red rug as he sighed. “Yes, yes -- this is nice.”

“Toasty,” said Blythe as she looked at the different people.

“Let’s see if we can’t get checked in,” Lavan said as he went up to the bar. The others followed right behind him.

Behind the counter stood two beautiful women. Both chatted away as they prepared beverages for the guests. As they noticed Lavan, their eyes nearly popped out from puzzlement.

“Evening,” Lavan said as he bowed his head. “Are you in charge?”

Tonisha stood up straight. She smiled at Lavan, showing off her new blue satin dress. Pip was impressed by her amount of cleavage. “Yes. You four looking for a room?”

“Two rooms,” Lavan said. “One for me and my good friend, here. And the other for these two lovebirds.”

With her hands on her hips, Tonisha carefully inspected them. “You aren’t from around here, are you?”

“What was your first clue?” Lavan asked, sounding rude. He only gained a chuckle from Tonisha as she stepped behind a small box. “Yes, we are outsiders. Yes, we are hunters. And before you ask, yes, we have coins.”

“How long you plan on staying?” Tonisha asked as she opened her money box.

“As long as necessary,” Lavan answered. “We’re desperate. Season’s been a rough one.”

“I see --” Tonisha said. “Well, up to a week will cost you two hundred coins for two rooms.”

“Sounds good,” said Lavan. He pulled out his share of the coins: fifty. The others took out their own pay as Tonisha gratefully accepted.

Hiding away the coins, Tonisha got out two rusty keys. One was a silvery color as the other was orange. She handed the orange one to Lavan, and gave Blythe the silvery one.

“Up the stairs,” she said. “To the left. Rooms four and six.”

“A pleasure,” Lavan said. “Oh, another thing. We were wondering if you wouldn’t, by chance, have a freeze box? You see, we have three loads of cargo here that could stink up the place.”

Tonisha noticed the two dead hares and quail. She didn’t seem bothered by the dead animals, which made the hunters feel at home. “Not a problem. I wouldn’t think so, anyway. We got ourselves a new cook. Let me bring her out here, and she can show you what she has.”

“Thanks,” Lavan said, watching Tonisha leave for the back of the inn.

Leigh had the opportunity to talk with the hunters. She gave them a naughty smile as she came out from behind the counter. She walked beside Pip, making him flush all over. “Where ya’ll exactly from?”

“A small village south of here,” said Blythe. “Called Naltin.”

“Naltin? Never heard of it…”

Pip gulped, standing still as a statue while Leigh’s intrusive hand sneakily went up his arm. Leigh looked over at Blythe. She blinked. “Oh my! Yer a woman!”

Blythe went pink. “I am.”

“I’m sorry, dear,” Leigh smiled. “I had no idea. How about ya come with me, and we can fix ya up pretty?”

Baffled, Blythe found no words as Lavan and Roddy held back snickers. Leigh removed her hand from Pip’s shoulder as she gently took Blythe’s hand. “Come on, sweetie, it’ll be fun. Ya can meet up with yer friends later.”

Curious as to what Leigh had in mind, Blythe handed the key over to Roddy. She kissed his lips tenderly. “I’ll meet you in the room.”

“Sure,” he said, watching Blythe get dragged away. “Damn, that blond woman is scary. She better not hurt Blythe.” Turning, Roddy noticed Pip seemed a bit out of breath. “You okay there, Pip?”

“I -- I think so,” Pip said, believing that Leigh’s single touch had just given him a boner.

Lavan laughed. So far, this inn did not seem half bad. The service ladies had an odd sort of kindness that made the atmosphere seem perky and fun. Even the guests seemed impressed with the place. They drunk ale and beer as they exchanged gossips and stories. Lavan took notice of the food at some of the different tables. Stews, breads, fruits, vegetables -- and any food that appeared like artwork made Lavan’s insides boil hungrily.

--

Pig’s Thigh Inn’s kitchen was no longer empty. It now was being run by Edie as she had three helpers, including Amana. With it only being her second day, Edie had impressed Tonisha, Leigh, and the entire staff. The first evening, the inn became packed with hungry citizens, and as they tried her food, they came back for more this very night. It made Edie feel so proud of herself, and she knew that her parents would have been just as proud.

Wiping at her forehead, Edie took a sharp knife and began cutting up some carrots. She loved working with carrots, having hardly had them at her village. Carrots had great texture and worked great in stews, salads, and even desserts. She cut the carrots in strips for the topping of a green salad.

“You’re a busy bee,” came Tonisha’s enchanting voice as she entered the kitchen. She came up behind Edie and peered over her shoulder. “I am so lucky to have you. Business is booming.”

Edie couldn’t help but smile. She looked up at Tonisha. “I’m glad.”

“Listen, I came down here for a reason,” Tonisha said. “There’s a group of four upstairs, and their leader, it seems, would like to talk to you. Mind coming up for a second?”

This surprised Edie. She wanted to be spoken to? Nodding, she turned to her assistant chefs. “I’ll be right back.”

--

Agitated, Lavan tapped his fingers on the bar counter. How long was it going to take? He had already told Pip and Roddy to go on up to the rooms. He’d join them as soon as he could. But time was ticking.

“This is ridiculous,” he grumbled. “Maybe she tripped over that fucking dress.”

With a turn of his head, Lavan was about ready to go through that back room on his own, not caring if it was restricted or not. Twisting his body, he took one step before watching the door open. He saw Tonisha returning, and he sighed. It was about time. His eyes followed to the other woman.

Immediately, he froze.

She was beautiful. Though she was not dressed fancy like the ladies surrounding her, and though her hair was up in a pony-tail and falling into her face, she was beautiful. Lavan had to re-control his breathing, knowing it had stopped altogether as soon as he had sight of her. Her light brown curls and lovely brown eyes… Her light skin seemed beat up, yet smooth, and he wanted a touch. He brought his hand out, but froze as she walked over to him with Tonisha. He drew his hand back, putting it at his side as his eyes never left her.

“This is Edie,” said Tonisha to him once close enough. They halted before him as Edie bowed. “She is our personal cook.”

“Hello,” Edie said.

That voice. It was -- innocence. It made Lavan weak at the knees.

Smiling, he accepted her bow as he nodded. “Nice to -- meet you, Edie.”

Tonisha raised a brow. She had a distinct assumption that Lavan was drawn to Edie. “Well now, I’ll let you talk with her about your dilemma. I need to get back to work, myself. Please enjoy your stay.” She folded her hands and left, believing that Lavan would, indeed, enjoy his stay at the Pig’s Thigh Inn.

The two stood facing one another in silence, but for two completely different reasons. Edie took notice of this man’s rough posture, and she noticed the three dead animals on his back. He smelled of pine needles, dirt, and burnt wood. His scent was a bit powerful, but it suited him.

“I heard you wanted to ask me something?” Edie finally spoke, breaking the awkward pause.

“Y -- yes,” Lavan stuttered. He straightened up, and gave her a genuine smile. “I was wondering if you may, by chance, have a freeze box so that I may put these guys in there.”

“I do,” Edie said. “Come with me.”

“Thank you, miss,” he said as he followed her. He eyed her backside up and down. He could just make out her small, soft buttocks hiding underneath that ugly dress. It made his pants tighten, and he did best to not further inspect her from behind as she led him into the kitchen and up to a decent-sized freeze box. She opened it, and shoved aside some cold foods to make room.

She faced him. “Those things won’t spread germs, I hope?”

This question made Lavan take a step back. He laughed and shook his head. Edie was quite adorable. “No. Not when frozen.”

He placed them inside, making sure to not touch them against the other food inside. Once the freeze box’s door was closed, he turned towards Edie, taking a better look at her overall appearance.

The hunter approved.

“Thank you,” he told her. “I appreciate the borrow. I may be here for a long while, so --”

“I understand,” Edie said. “It’s no trouble.”

“Well,” he shrugged. “I suppose I should let you get back to work, as well.”

Edie agreed with him. She was not sure why, but something about this man made her feel weird, and it scared her. “Yes.”

Affirming his gratitude, Lavan slowly began to turn towards the exit. Halfway through, though, he quickly spun right back towards Edie’s lovely face. “My name is Lavan, by the way.” And with that said, he left.

Unusual. The man was unusual. Besides that, he left Edie in a dazed position. She had never seen a man act in such a bizarre manner before. He was peculiarly friendly, yet he moved and spoke as if he had an abnormal disease. Had it something to do with her? Did she stink? Was something on her face? Immediately, Edie rushed to the clean counter and looked down at her reflection. She wiped at her face using her hands and shook her head.

“What am I doing?” she asked herself as she went back to her station. She picked up the knife and continued slicing up the carrot.. She cut sluggishly, thinking of that man. “Lavan…”

--

“Well? What do you think?”

As Pip and Roddy had dropped jaws, Blythe twirled for them in her new present. She was fitted into a deep teal dress that had the same design as Leigh’s, showing off her small cleavage, even if there was barely anything to show. She had make-up adorning her face and her short hair had been covered up by a long wig falling to the middle of her back.

“It’s not you,” Roddy exclaimed. He had made Blythe pout, since he had sounded humorous when he announced his opinion, but he was dead serious.

Pip agreed.

“Not me?” Blythe asked. She looked down at the dress. “I sort of like it, though. I want Lavan’s opinion. Where is he, anyway?”

“Still downstairs,” said Pip. “He’ll be up soon, I’m sure.”

On cue, Lavan walked into the room. “Here you are…” he said softly as he closed the door behind him. Not noticing Blythe’s new attire, he sat on one of the beds.

His three friends watched with concern. Something was not right with Lavan. Blythe decided to talk first.

“Lavan,” she said. “What do you think of my new dress?”

“Oh, it’s --” Lavan began as he looked up. His eyes bulged out. “Holy shit!”

Glaring, Blythe stuck up her nose as she stormed out of the room. Men could be such devils, at times.

“Never mind her,” said Roddy. “Are you okay?”

Taking in a deep breath, Lavan let it out slowly. He stared over at Roddy and Pip, not sure what to say to them. “Well -- to be honest, I -- I just met the most beautiful creature in -- all the land.”

“A woman?” Pip asked, making Roddy snort.

“Of course a fucking woman,” Roddy said. He turned to Lavan, hoping by creature, Lavan had meant human and not something around the canine category. “You meant a woman, right?”

“You two are sick,” Lavan said. “Yes, a woman. She’s the inn’s cook.”

“Oh,” Roddy said as he stiffened up, giving off a grin. “Well then…”

“You should see her,” Lavan said, showing that something about the woman had changed a part of him. He let his hands come up as he explained to them what she looked like. “She’s so beautiful. She has brown hair and brown eyes. She has such a face.. A face to die for.”

Pip unpacked his belongings as he listened. He heard Roddy snicker, “Fuck. Lavan’s crushing on a woman he’s met for five minutes tops.”

“But she’s no ordinary woman,” said Lavan. “And -- well --”

Standing to his feet, Lavan headed for the door. Roddy gaped at him. “Where are you going?”

“It was crowded downstairs,” Lavan said. He grinned. “Perhaps she could use my help?”

When their crushed friend left the room, Roddy began laughing hysterically. “Damn. I think I might like this stay.”

At that very moment, Blythe came back in wearing a different dress. This one was a deep blue, but a bit tight and a bit long. She held the ends of the dress up so it wouldn’t drag along the floor as she smiled at the two men.

“How about this one?” she asked.

“No!” said the two in unison, causing a great huff to escape Blythe’s lips as she left the room in yet another angered manner.

--

Making his way downstairs, Lavan looked around the busy room. He walked over to a table of three. All of them men, they sat puffing on cigars and playing a dangerous game with a knife.. One man held his palm on the table as he stabbed between his fingers with the knife. The man that escaped with the fewest scars (or fewest cut off fingers) would win the golden prize. Taking the hint that they were busy, Lavan moved on to a different table. He smiled, seeing a man and a woman sitting eating dinner. They sipped on a broth of some sort, and Lavan was eager to ask them how it tasted. He moved over to them and cleared his throat, gaining their attention.

“Sorry for interrupting your dinner,” he told them. “But I was wondering how the meal is?”

The woman smiled. “Oh, it’s just delightful. So full of flavor. Are you the cook?”

Going red in the face, Lavan shook his head. “No, no. I’m not. I was just pondering what to order here.”

Surprised by his intrusion and question, the woman could only nod as she shooed Lavan away using her eyes.

Lavan saw no sign of Tonisha nor Leigh. He was tempted to sneak down below in order to see Edie again. He was also tempted to just sit and order something from one of the small menus. He noticed the selection was little, but even so, the inn was more crowded than a colony of ants. The food had to be fantastic.

Debating his situation did not seem to go well. So, with a final thought, he decided he’d break the rules. Without looking back, Lavan descended through the back door, down the stairs, and into the kitchen.

Looking around, he spotted Edie working on her own at a counter. She was now covered in flour as she worked with some dough. Rolling up his sleeves, Lavan went over to join her.

“Hi again,” he said, causing her to jump out of her skin.

“God,” she gasped. “What are you doing?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I -- actually, I was wondering if I could help?”

“Help?”

Edie was stunned. The man acted even stranger, and now seeing he had snuck down here in order to help, she was becoming more afraid. She turned her attention on the dough, kneading it with her hands. “You’re not supposed to be down here.”

“I know,” he said. “But since you’ve lent me your freeze box, I just figured I’d lend you a hand.”

To her dismay, Edie had no idea how to react. This man -- he was not ordinary. People don’t just return in a matter of minutes to offer help. No person was that generous. Nonetheless, something about this man made Edie accept his offering. She pointed to a bowl. “Wash your hands in there.”

“Alright,” Lavan smiled. He went over to the bowl and dipped his hands inside. He washed them well and then used a side rag to dry them. He returned to Edie’s side. She had laid out a new piece of dough for him.

“There,” she said. “Roll it like I am.”

“Alright.”

Using his hands, Lavan placed his palms on the sides of the dough. He began rolling it and folding it, copying Edie’s movements. “What’s this for?”

“Bread,” Edie said.

“Right,” Lavan chuckled. He kneaded the dough well for a beginner, and Edie noticed this.

When the two finished kneading the dough, Edie told Lavan to let it set. It needed to rise. Smiling, he nodded as he stared down at her. “Thank you, Edie, for allowing me to help you.”

Pushing a strand of hair behind her left ear, Edie cautiously allowed her eyes access to Lavan’s face. It was the first time she’s gotten a pretty decent look at him. He was handsome and young.. Maybe in his early thirties.

“You’re dirty,” she suddenly whispered. She had said this soft enough that Lavan had to lean forward a bit in order to understand. When he had realized what she meant, he chuckled with an obnoxious tone.

“Well, that’s what happens when you live outdoors for a few weeks,” he answered.

“Weeks?” she asked as she blinked.

“Weeks,” he nodded. “And the only water source for miles is that found in lakes or streams.”

Edie blushed. She lowered her head, feeling ashamed. “I’m sorry. That was rude of me.”

“No,” Lavan said. “It’s fine. It’s the truth. I should probably see if I couldn’t take a steamy bath in my room.”

“There are available toilets with tubs of water to heat up,” she told him, making him grin.

“Good to know.”

Edie kept her head lowered. This man…? Why did he continue staring at her? Why was he grinning? Currently, they were the only two in the kitchen. Amana had left with the others to deliver a tray of food to a large order made. But Edie was missing their company. As she stood there alone with this man, it made her want to desperately think back on her terrible past. However, there was a part of her that said this man was not dangerous, and that he would not hurt her.

Lifting her head with caution, Edie kept her distance as she glanced up at him. She saw he was no longer grinning, but smiling benevolently.

“W -- what?” Edie asked.

“I’m sorry,” Lavan said. “It’s just --” he paused, considering what to say. Thinking, he finally came up with something. “You have flour on your left cheek.”

Edie’s hand immediately came up as she rubbed at her cheek. She felt her face become very hot. “Is it gone?”

Shaking his head, Lavan took her hand. He was a bit puzzled when she began shaking, but he led her over to the washing bowl. Taking the rag, he dipped a tip of it wet and he gently wiped the flour smudge.

At first, everything seemed fine. Edie relaxed as he took care of the flour she could not see. She thought nothing of it as he handled the rag with care. She even closed her eyes, which she had not expected on doing. Her body reacted to this man’s touch in a way she’s never experienced before.

But as she felt his fingertips stroking her opposite cheek, reality struck her.

Gasping, Edie flung back as she stared up at him with fear clouding her vision. “N -- no!”

“I --” Lavan gaped. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean --”

“No!” Edie shrieked, shaking her head. “Stay away from me…”

Lavan stepped forward, sensing something was not right. “Edie…”

“No,” Edie said, breathing in and out hoarsely. She stared down as her knees began to wobble. “Leave… Go -- please go.”

Putting his hands up, Lavan nodded at her as he backed off. “Alright, alright. I’m leaving.”

Her eyes stayed on him as he headed for the exit. He looked back at her one final time before stepping out.

Lavan did not leave. Turning, he spied on Edie, watching as she shook uncontrollably. She weakly fell to her knees and she began crying. She hugged her body, and kept her legs close together. Her position made Lavan want to punch his own lights out. He was stupid -- he should not of touched her cheek so carelessly. Now, he wished to go back in there, kneel, and wrap his arms around her, and comfort her. But if he did this, he was afraid she’d hyperventilate and pass out.

Why was she like that?

Lavan needed answers. He knew it was fast, but -- he liked her. She was so fragile and different. She appeared as innocent as the doe Lavan had nearly killed, if not for Roddy’s clumsiness. Fragile. A fragile flower ready to bend. That was her. Lavan did not want this to happen. He wanted to know her secrets, her feelings; her everything. He wanted -- and needed.

Turning, Lavan let her be, knowing the other chefs would return to her soon. But while venturing up to his guestroom, Edie’s image stabbed at his heart, and he knew that in the next week or so, he’d do everything in his power to make her trust him.

He’d do anything, he knew, for that fragile flower.