Regynn Winters

Local Aid

“You did what?” Clair gave her sister a dumbfounded look.

Kyalith shrugged, “What? It was just a note.”

“Sis you can’t go around leaving notes for your friends from a “mysterious man”. It’s just creepy, and wrong.” Clair replied, air quoting and shaking her head. “Why did you do such a thing?”

“She’ll tell Marc and that will light a fire under him. He just doesn’t realize that they’re meant for each other. He just needs a nudge.” Kya explained. “No harm will come of it. I promise.”

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Regynn had read the note several times, her mind reeling at the idea that there was a man in Boralus who had seen her and found her attractive, attractive enough that he wanted to get to know her. She found the idea comical but the note was folded and tucked safely in her pocket, and occasionally she would pat her skirts to hear the crinkle of the paper.

At the sound of her name she looked up, smiling at the old man who approached with a basket brimming with day old bread and meat pies, “Here you go miss. I hope the folks near the docks appreciate you.”

She had turned, starting down the road when she heard her name called again. Stopping she waited for the man in the apron who hailed her. “Pops told me what you’re about doing. It’s a dangerous place, you be careful, there’s ruffians and pick pockets a plenty down there.”

The priestess nodded, shifting basket with a smile, “Yeah, but there’s hungry people down there too.”

After collecting another basket and a satchel that she’d slung over her shoulder Regynn headed down the stairs from the upper wall, heading toward the Ashvane docks. As she passed the registrar’s office she noticed a man watching her from the window, she nodded in greeting, blinking when he stepped from the building and began walking beside her, “Here. Let me help, those baskets look heavy.”

Regynn stopped, pulling back from him when the man reached out for a basket. “I’m sorry but I don’t know you. Why would you want to help me? There’s nothing in here but stale bread and mushy fruit. I’ve got nothing of value to interest you.”

The man turned his palm up, smiling warmly, “I’ve seen you coming through here several times, loaded down with baskets full of food and returning with them empty hours later. I think it’s great what you’re doing. I also think it’s sad that it took an outlander to bring the plight of the locals to light. Truth is I never noticed until I saw what you were doing and it shames me. I want to help.” He reached for the basket it again, smiling when Regynn let him take it, “My name’s Jonah by the way, Jonah Townsend.”

“I’m Regynn Winters, it’s nice to meet you.” she replied.

“Oh, I know who you are, there’s folks already talking about the lady priest that’s feeding the poor.” He smiled again and Regynn noticed how his blue eyes crinkled slightly at the corners. She glanced down quickly, taking in the fine cut of his clothing, his sturdy yet elegant boots, the well-crafted sword at his hip and the dagger sheathed at the small of his back; clearly, he was from a wealthy family though he didn’t seem the spoiled, rich type.

They chatted amiably as they walked down the street and the priestess found herself relaxing enough to let her curiosity get the better of her, “Jonah, you didn’t by any chance leave me a note the other day, did you?” she queried.

He glanced at her quizzically, “No. I thought about it but I didn’t know where to send it. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious, it’s nothing important.” She replied before quickly changing the subject.