here by the ocean

“Damn,”

“Sorry?”

Ava gave the girl a tiny smile, still brushing the girl off as more people ran by the pair. She shook her head at the “thank you.”

A shaky smile spread over Sun’s features when Ava shook her head. She was truly so happy she’d met her.

“Don’t worry- how could you not be frazzled in all this mess? I can lead you part of the way to the ocean but I have to come back to help.”

“You seem to be doing alright. That’s more than fine! As long as I’m close I’ll be fine.”

“I’m not going to hurt you. Where’s home?”

“Sorry. I just - I’m a little frazzled. The sea. If you’d just point me that way I think I could get there.”

Ava helped up her companion after she was shoved aside by a towns person mid-panic, brushing the girl’s skirt off for her.

Seeing a familiar face nearly brought tears to Sun’s eyes, but she fought them back - at least until she was alone.  “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“Well, if you do, tell her I sent you that way. She’s usually nicer to those who know me. Yeah, love it actually. Being at sea is what my dad did and I like feeling like he’s still kind of around. I’m out a lot of the time, yeah. What do you do?”

“I will certainly do that! Well, of course. You’re her son, so I can imagine she’d be more fond of those that know you. That’s sweet. I’m sorry he’s not still around, though. I’m glad you’ve got something to help you feel close to him. Oh! I’m a handmaiden. So, I do what I’m needed to do. And usually a little extra. I like feeling useful, so it’s nice.”

Ava gave her companion a smile as she laughed, watching the tinier girl walk along the dirt path.

Relaxing, Sun tucked her hands into her pockets and let a smile settle onto her features as they strolled along. 

Oh? I’m sorry to hear that, I hope acts of kindness towards you become more frequent ms…I’m sorry I don’t think I ever caught your name?

Oh, no! No! It’s really okay. I’m prone to messing things up and making messes, so...I can understand why people get frustrated with me. It doesn’t bother me so much anymore. But...thank you. Oh! It’s Sun! Lovely to meet you, Miss...?

Merciful Neptune, you don’t have to apologize for something like that! I can understand the sentiment. Rather, I have a very hard time keeping my mouth shut about things, although how relevant they are to the circumstances can vary. And legs are very difficult appendages to use- I can’t blame anyone for tripping over them!

I’ll keep that in mind, thank you. Can you, really? Oh! I don’t think that’s a bad thing, though. I mean, it’s good to have opinions and voice them. I think it’s kind of brave, actually. They are! They have a mind of their own almost all the time. I’m glad someone understands. Or can at least commiserate!

“You should see me at work if you find yourself clumsy. I spent nearly two hours fixing something I ripped recently. Had to get help and everything. Company makes the walk a lot better, especially when it’s someone you can chat with. I used to. Not so much in the recent years. I stay busy most of the time. Have you been to town much?”

Sun giggled, eyebrows raised in amusement. “Really? That sounds a bit like me, actually. I tend to make more messes than I clean up, honestly. I’m certainly glad you find me to be someone you can talk to, then! Oh! Well, it’s good to stay busy, isn’t it? I haven’t! This, uh, is actually my first time going!”

“She is. You might know of her. She’s the tailor in town. Wonderful woman. Marvelous mum. You are more than welcome. And the docks. I work on a fishing boat.”

“Is she? I don’t think I’ve met her, but that’s good to know! Sounds like she certainly is. Reallly?! And you like it? Being out on the water all the time? Or, I’d imagine you’re out there quite a lot, aren’t you?”

I believe we are. Oh dear. But yes, it is dreadfully exciting, getting lost in a crowd like this!

It is. Not that I stand out from the crowd normally. Well, unless it is I’m falling on my face which is...all the time. But that’s not the point and I’m rambling. Sorry.

“My mum always said there’s hope in everyone. Just have to dig for it. It’s really no trouble. I’m not needed right now, so I might as well accompany a pretty girl to the market. Keep her safe and all that knightly stuff.”

“She sounds like a very lovely woman! I don’t think I’ve ever heard my mother say anything like that. Thank you so much! I really appreciate the help! Oh! Oh, my. Well, thank you. I’m not sure about all that, but...thank you. So, uh, where is it you’d be needed? If you don’t mind me asking.”