Amara – Reunion

Author's note: this chapter is from Seraphina's point of view

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Getting out of the car among the buildings and people had an invigorating effect on me. It was different from the elegant solitude Aldus's mansion provided, and I enjoyed the change.

The fair was on the cobblestone street that was blocked for motorized traffic.

Strings with small triangle-shaped colorful flags were stretching high between buildings and lampposts, giving it a festive vibe. The vendors had their stalls set up on both sides of the street, leaving in the middle enough space for three (or maybe four) people to walk side-by-side without touching each other.

There were a lot of people and the clamor mixed with laughter, lifting up my mood instantly.

While checking the merchandise offered, I could see anything from food to shoes and jewelry. They also had games for kids and grownups and upbeat music filled the space.

I went from one stall to another and enjoyed the variety of offerings. As per Aldus's request, I made sure to speak Italian with people.

Everything that the fair offered was wonderful, but it reminded me that I am absolutely penniless.

Merchants were smiling and presenting me with things to try to what I waved with a smile, telling them that I am just looking. I don't want to risk breaking something or spoiling it in any way, because I have no way to pay for it, and asking Aldus for money was embarrassing.

This made me happy in some way, because it told me that I was an independent young woman who didn't wait for handouts. Did I have a job? That would be a good feeling, to have my own money, so that I can afford to buy things without asking for permission.

While thinking about my own money and what I would buy, I stopped at the stand with accessories, and I touched gently a long necklace made out of white seashells.

"Let me know if you want something.", Aldus's words startled me, and I pulled my hand back like the necklace was a hot potato.

"I think they are pretty, that's all...", I shared my thoughts, embarrassed that he caught me. He probably thinks that the necklace is tacky. Compared to things that Aldus has in his home, and all the clothes and accessories that he prepared for me, these look like cheap knick-knacks.

Aldus picked a necklace out of white seashells and put it around my neck.

"We will take this one.", Aldus said before I had a chance to object.

I brushed the seashells with the tips of my fingers, feeling the smooth texture of their curves. "Thanks."

Aldus smiled a little before giving money to the vendor without haggling.

Several stalls later, we found a place where fresh seafood was prepared. The older man was grilling octopus, prawns, and several types of fish that smelled divine. Both I and Aldus got one portion of mixed seafood that was served on a paper plate with lifted edges to keep the food in. The food came on top of the bed of finely sliced cabbage and with a wedge of lemon.

"This is amazing!", I exclaimed as the spices exploded in my mouth and Aldus's expression told me that he didn't approve of me talking with my mouth full.

I lowered my head in shame. It seems that I just increased the number of etiquette classes that are bound to come my way.

My gaze fell on something moving in an alley and I saw that it's a puppy. He was tiny and dirty and… adorable.

Without thinking, I approached the fluffy creature that is probably white when clean.

I squatted with my back facing the fair, without entering the alley.

"Come here, little guy…", I said while waving a grilled octopus tentacle.

Aldus observed my attempt to get the puppy's attention. He cleared his throat and reminded me dryly: "In Italian."

I cringed internally. Why do I need to speak Italian to a dog? It's not like he will respond. But rules are rules.

"Veni qui, cucciolo…"

Aldus hummed in approval.

Little by little, the puppy approached the tentacle, and I retracted my hand gradually so that he comes closer to me. By the time I allowed him to get his prize, he was at my arms reach and I patted his head as he ate.

"Can we keep him?", I asked Aldus while squinting up toward him. The sun above Aldus's head made it hard to see his expression properly.

Aldus leaned on the wall next to me and observed the pup with a frown before his gaze settled on my face. "You like the creature."

I confirmed. "He is cute and on his own. We can give him home and train him. It will be a good company."

"Can you handle it when he dies?"

I paused. "Why would he die? He is just a pup and even though he is dirty, he looks healthy."

"He will die eventually.", Aldus stated a fact.

Of course, I knew that he will die but… "That is a long time from now."

"Not for us."

"What?"

Aldus looked at me seriously and spoke in a flat tone, devoid of emotions. "One year, ten or fifty. It might seem long but when you are an immortal, you realize how quickly that passes. I am telling you from experience that for us, time is insignificant. I remember many creatures who were dear to me, yet they perished before I had enough of them, and with them gone, a piece of me died as well. That does not mean you should avoid getting close to mortal creatures but be prepared that they will change and die while leaving you behind with a heartbreak."

My heart tightened as Aldus's words sank in and I understood how lonely he is. I could not imagine his pain as he watched people grow old and die, yet he didn't change. Did he love someone only to watch that person die? It must have been devastating and I knew that behind his cold demeanor must be a soft heart full of scars.

I lost my memories, and I am dismayed because of that. And he lost people who were dear to him, over and over again. I don't know what I lost, but Aldus remembers every moment, every face, every smile... and he watched them fade and disappear without a chance of reliving them again.

I felt a lump in my chest, and it was difficult to breathe.

"Serina, we need to go." Aldus's words filled with urgency, made me look up at him again.

I was confused. What about the puppy? OK. Forget the puppy. We can feed him and move on. But what about the fair? Aldus said that we can stay until the evening, and it's barely lunchtime. "What?"

I realized that the street behind me is quiet. Too quiet. Other than the music, I couldn't hear anything else.

And then I heard a woman's voice. "Massimo, cosa sta succedendo?"

I wanted to turn around and see what is going on, but Aldus grabbed my arm and pulled me up.

"Move, now!", Aldus said through his teeth, while his eyes darted behind me as if he is assessing some threat.

Aldus dropped his plate with seafood on the ground and dragged me to move swiftly behind the stalls and into one alley which opens to the next street, away from the fair. I had no idea what happened, but I understood that this is not a good time to ask questions.

Suddenly, the space behind us exploded into shouts and screams and as we ran away, they didn't diminish in volume. Is there a mob chasing after us?

Anxiety swelled inside me and I hoped that my feet will not freeze in panic.

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