Chapter 102Of Dreams and Smells

"He dreams."

The voice surprised me completely as I dropped toward the street. Hitori hadn't seen me and the voice had sounded completely different. Older, more calm. I knew the sound well enough by now, having heard it often enough lately. I managed to control my fall, smiling as I felt myself slowing down and landing nicely. I turned to face the man who had spoken.

"Afentis."

"Hello Amy, I hope I didn't trouble you?"

I shook my head. "We better go somewhere else."

Afentis smiled. "I see you've found a new freedom and..." He looked at my face. "lost one as well. I'm sorry." He started walking away from the city and I fell in step next to him. Glad for the company but unsure of it's implications. He smelled nice, comfortable, like an old book, but not as stuffy.

I sighed. "It's not your fault, I'm grateful in fact." An old thought came to me. "Even though I need some time until I can protect them again."

Afentis didn't miss a step but I could see surprise on his face. "I see. Janus certainly is a resourceful guy."

I could resist. "Do you know why he seems to know everything and ... eh... why he sounds so familiar?"

"Perhaps, but it is not for me to share. It's his secret. I guess he meant for you to overhear that meeting a month ago."

I nodded. "He gave me the keys and told me I would find something useful there." A thought crossed my mind. "Why are you here now?"

He smiled kindly. "I was looking for you, after my gift two nights ago I wondered how things have fared for you. Yet I can tell not all has gone as well as I'd hoped. Still, you have surprised me, Amy."

I looked at him. "Why?"

He laughed once, soft and polite. "Mainly because you adapt and learn too quickly. Even with my blood you were supposed to discover your abilities only after weeks, perhaps months." He sighed. "I guess that's why I decided to give you the strength you needed." He took a deep breath. "You didn't ask for this and I apologize for having turned you against your will, Amy. Perhaps you will understand and forgive me for what I've done after enough time passes."

Surprise crossed my face. I had never thought badly of him, for all my misadventures, so many good things had happened to me as well. I guess to me there was nothing to forgive anymore.

He continued. "When you turn someone, they become quite weak compared to yourself. Of course they become stronger if turned by a strong one, but still. Even draining all the blood of a kin wouldn't give you all their strength. It's always only a fraction. Of course, drinking the blood of a strong one does help a little." He smiled. "Amy, I have something to ask of you."

Though the words caused thoughts to run through my head I looked up at him.

"Will you travel with me?"

I stopped in thought and surprise. Travel with him? My curiosity definitely wanted to be near him, so much to learn, so much to experience. But, my feelings wanted to be alone, pull myself together again. But couldn't I do that if I was with him?

No... Being with him would mean new experiences, new things to trouble my mind. Be it good or bad, the new thoughts would keep me from working through the old ones. If I were to choose for him right now, I would forget myself. I would hurt myself or the others around me later. I didn't want to say no, but for once I felt it was better.

"Take a week." His voice kind and open.

"A week?" I looked at him, his eyes gazing into mine.

"Give yourself a week for your thoughts, help yourself through this and decide then. I wouldn't ask you to join me right after such circumstances."

Afentis... Always the father. Caring and forgiving. Giving me space when it was needed the most. "Alright, how will I find you after a week?"

He smiled. "I will be at the little cafe where we had a warm drink, do you remember?"

I nodded. "I do, I will see you there in seven days."

"And Amy?"

"Yes?"

"You are an amazing person."

He leaned over to kiss my cheek, as soft and ethereal as a ghost. Nothing but the faint echo of his lips on my skin. A heartbeat was lost, gone with the surprise of that simple gesture. Such kindness and politeness controlled his movements normally that it came as more of a surprise. It was a warm touch, despite the slight coldness of his lips, and I had raised my hand to hold my cheek without even realizing it.

He didn't disappear like previous times. When I was able to focus again I could see him walking away with a gentle step. If his face was visible to me I am sure it would show a smile. I breathed deeply and smiled.

Incense.

My nose had picked up the smell of incense on the wind. I tried to smell it again, there it was! I had a growing feeling where it came from, mixed with the soft smell of burning wood and leaves with an undertone of hot earth. I supposed the slow winds of today kept their scents localized, it came from the park.

I knew who were making the fire.

The gypsies.