New experiences and indulgences can have the disadvantage of going entirely against Melina's nature. How long must she spend outside of her natural environment?
My sincerest apologies for the delay.
Special thanks to volunteer editor stbkvln, who has stuck with me for the equivalent of 100 novel pages, providing feedback on the good, the bad, and everything in between.
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Chapter 6
Melina relished the light tingle of cool, humid air on her cheeks as she inhaled through her nose. The scent of new grass coming to life on the edges of the dirt streets was light and sweet, like a shy maiden's smile. She watched the humans around her scatter for cover at the first hint of the drizzle worsening, while she leaned nonchalantly against the wall of a clothing shop.
She nibbled a sticky bun which had been given graciously by a street vendor, who'd praised her beauty as if it were a remarkable accomplishment. Melina had lingered a minute afterward, watching other customers to verify that the vendor did indeed normally accept coin for his goods. She noted the advantage she held, knowing she may have a use for wringing additional services from humans in the near future. It was strange for her to imagine that such interactions may become commonplace, rather than rare curiosities to indulge in. It all seemed to require so much effort in comparison to her usual everyday life.
A half dozen men attempted to make passes at her during the scant few hours she was roaming about. Melina gave each a pitying look, wishing she could tell them how lucky they were to be rebuffed. It was a shame she wasn't hungry; several would have made sumptuous candidates.
She continued observing passersby and learning from their mannerisms: typical greetings, bartering, merchants hawking their wares, and other such conversations. There seemed to be an abundance of hushed whispers and suspicious glances, as small gatherings of humans passed hurriedly. It made them look incredibly shifty in comparison to those purchasing from shops, but she didn't spare them additional thought.
When Melina had had her fill of humans, she returned to her room at the inn. Aunty had made several attempts to start a conversation with her throughout the day, but she paid her no mind. She had what she needed from the doddering old woman, and had no desire for further interaction.
She considered continuing her observations in the common room, but felt weary at the idea of filling her time with more people. While there were a dozen activities she would've preferred, lounging in the soft bed was the best she could do while avoiding the surrounding forest. There was only so much she could learn in a single day, and she needed time to process it.
Several hours later, Melina prodded carefully at a knot in the wood of the shared wall. The loose piece fell free easily, just as Vardan had showed her. It was almost perfectly at eye level, and bespoke a surprising reason for Vardan to have chosen that particular room. Melina was unsure whether he'd been the one to place it, or had simply discovered it, but she doubted Aunty knew of it.
The floorboards glowed with a dull roar of conversation and music. She waited until she heard footsteps and laughter from the hall, then peeked through the hole. Both her room and Vardan's had faded into near-total darkness, but Melina had no trouble seeing in it.
Vardan stepped into his room leading a red-haired young woman by the hand, his natural smile wide and full of mirth. She was extraordinarily short, barely at eye level with his collar, but was full-figured. Plump lips and cheeks radiated sweet innocence, and the tight-laced bodice of her dress barely contained her breasts.
Her smile matched Vardan's, though Melina could hear the nervousness of her racing heart.
"Now then, to business," said Vardan cheerily as he released her hand and lit a candle by the bed. "We both know the
true
reason you accepted my invitation." The girl chuckled at that.
"Honestly, it can't be as awful as you say." Her voice was quiet and gentle, and she spoke as if frightened to be doing so. She was positively adorable.
Vardan held up a single finger, a sign Melina had recently learned meant "wait a moment," and rummaged through a small saddlebag.
"Oh-ho, you have yet to bask in its glory. Behold!" he said as he withdrew a large item of jewelry on a thick gold chain. It was ornate, gaudy, and encrusted with half a dozen colors of carved glass. Vardan held it up to the light. "You see, Ivette? I've no idea what my grandmother was thinking! So many colors and designs, yet not a hint of artistry to unify them. I wouldn't force it upon my worst enemy, let alone a betrothed."
Ivette giggled. "Oh come now, it's not the worst I've seen." Vardan scoffed, and his smile widened.
"I should like to see the worst, then!"
"May I?" asked Ivette, reaching a delicate hand for it. Vardan gave it to her, and placed his hands on his hips as she examined it, as if itching for affirmation. She held it up to the light, dangling it by its many appendages, and turned it over several times.
"It... has a certain charm. Is it a necklace?" she asked.
"No, that's what's strange about it. Apparently, it's meant to be worn like so." He took the trinket, maximizing contact between their hands as he did, and held it to her forehead. He laced it delicately about her hair like a crown, allowing her plenty of opportunities to pull away if she so desired. She raised her eyebrows expectantly.
"Well now..." Vardan trailed off as he absently brushed strands of hair from her face, tucking them behind her ears. Ivette grinned and blushed deep scarlet.
