An Addition to the Party

 Becoming uncomfortable rather quickly, I turned back to meet eyes with Nox. His dark eyes gleamed in the night, his similarly dark hair swaying in front of his face.

“The flowers grow randomly after I perform my magic”, I lied, “But I’m feeling quite tired after the ceremony, so I think I’m going to head back and sleep. If you need me at all after this, you can contact me through the Guild’s office.”

“Trying to run off?” he asked, smirking. A shiver ran down my spine.

“Not at all. Why do you need something?”

“Well, how am I supposed to contact you without even a name?”

“Nia Evans. But please remember not to leak my information to people. Even the Guild. Don’t mention a connection with the name Nia Evans and the title Cursebreaker if possible. I understand slipping up, though, just don’t go spreading it.” I turned to leave and gave him a wave goodbye, leaving him standing alone in the darkness. He was still smirking, and his energy became rather eerie. Whether it was all in my head or not, I wasn’t sure. But I would much rather be safe than sorry. Part of me wondered whether I should’ve given him a fake name instead of my own. Once I got far enough, I turned around to make sure he wasn’t following me and was glad to see he wasn’t. Tomorrow I will be leaving the city, so I won’t have to worry about it from here on out.

                                                                     _______________

I was surprised to wake up the next morning feeling rather refreshed, considering I stayed up so late. But I wasn’t going to complain. I slip on a forest green cotton skirt to match my eyes and a white button-up that I tuck in. I pull on worn brown boots and pull my blonde hair into one long loose braid down the back. The Cursebearer has been moving westward from city to city for as long as I’ve chased him. The next closest settlement is a tiny town named Dunwold. It sits in thick forests, closed off from most of the country. With the ocean to our south and the mountains in the north, most of Fiore, you can only travel from east to west or vice versa. My original country, Renatis, is much more open and versatile, making it a well-known country for trade. I hope I can go back to it soon. I quite miss it. But thinking of home made me think of Papa. My grandfather was the only one from my family who treated me as more than Cursebreaker. He was growing rather old when I left Renatis, and a part of me was constantly anxious that I would never get to see him again before he passed. Part of why I was so desperate to find Cursebearer.

But before I begin crying, I exit the inn. The bright sun causes me to squint, erasing any semblance of tears. I continue on the same path as yesterday, down towards the docks. I wanted to soak in as much of the ocean as I could before I left. I debated stepping out on the docks again, but ultimately decided against it. What was the point? It wouldn’t get me any closer to my goal. I just had a little time yesterday, is all. I keep my eyes down towards my feet, beginning to count in my head all of the supplies that I need for my trip. It was a repetitive process I did while travelling. There wasn’t much to do other than think on my journeys. It would’ve been easier if I had a friend or even a pet on this journey. But it would be dangerous for whoever joined me. My family had mentioned that the Cursebearer knew of the Cursebreaker’s existence and that it was their entire goal to eradicate our family to make sure they’re able to curse others to their heart’s content. Truly an evil family. You’d think that someone would’ve been able to stop them before it got to my generation, but I guess that goes to show how good they are at protecting their identities. In comparison, I was rather lax. I took some precautions, but to be honest, I’ve given out my name to far too many people. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cursebearer knew it by now.

As if on cue, a chipper voice called out, “Nia!”. To say I was startled would’ve been an understatement. I think I must’ve jumped nearly a foot off the ground, a hand flying to my chest. Looking up from my feet, I once again see a familiar head of red hair. Oh lord. She came running up to me with a smile, and for a second, I questioned whether Ira had a twin. She wasn’t nearly this happy any other time I had seen her.

“Nia! Over here!” she yelled, throwing her hands in the air. She was pushing through a few people in line at a food stall. I began walking over towards her and gave her a wave to show that I had seen her.

“Is everything alright, Ira?” I ask, she looked too happy to have any issues with her curse, but I wonder if someone else she knew became cursed. If that were the case, that means that the Cursebearer would still be in the city! Excitement began to creep in.

“Everything is absolutely fantastic!” she nearly squealed, “I went back to that crappy tavern and gave them a piece of my mind. Quit on the spot, and it's all thanks to you! I would’ve been stuck like that forever, alone until I died.”

“Please don’t mention it. I’m just glad that you were able to do that for yourself. I didn’t get the greatest impression when I went there earlier. I’m glad you respect yourself enough not to stay in that environment. That takes a lot of strength in itself. What are you going to do from now on?”

“I’m glad you asked”, she said with a smirk, suddenly latching onto my arm, “Can you please bring me along with you? There’s nothing left for me here, and if I can be frank… I want to run away.” She smiled at me, but on closer inspection, she looked rather nervous.

“Running away from what?” I asked.

“Nothing illegal!” she quickly clarified, “I just… honestly, it's a little too personal to share, but just know that the only way to avoid it is to leave town. And if I’m going to leave town, I want it to actually be for something. I want to feel like I’m starting something new. Does that make sense?”

“It makes sense, but I don’t know. I travel from place to place constantly. If you’re looking to start a new life, I’m not the person to look for.”

“It has to be you! Helping you with your work feels like it would be gratifying, and not to mention, you’re a woman. I won’t have to worry about anything while travelling with you!” Helping me with my work? It would be nice to have someone around more familiar with the country and its surroundings. There have been a few times when I got lost while reading my map. Best case, she could even know of any shortcuts, or towns that aren’t shown on the map.

“Fine, but we are leaving within the hour, and you’ll have to adhere to a few rules that I set.” Great Moon, please don’t let me regret this decision.