Douce Dépendouce

Chapter 11

I crossed my arms and gave him an intrigued smile, watching as he worked his way towards me, giving me a firm light kiss before he crawled out, working his way to get dressed.

"I'll be back by night," he said a few minutes after.

I turned towards him now sitting up as I watched him button up his shirt and pull on his ringmaster's coat, smoothing it out.

"You'll have dear Xin and Zee to keep you company," he said as he pulled on his gloves, then taking my hand before he kissed it softly once more.

"A horse who doesn't speak at all, and a jester who doesn't speak English. What a match," I said jokingly, seeing him smirk.

"Correct you are my dove, but I promise I'll be back as soon as I can," he replied. "Just a few simple tasks that need to be done."

I smiled gently and soon watched him give me one final last look before he disappeared in a cloud of purple smoke. I sat there, staring at the place he had just vanished. I then bent forward, grabbing my phone as I remembered the messages from Linda.

Hey, how are you doing? Sorry it's late. Could you come over tomorrow? I wanna talk.

I sighed, quickly typing back a response as I laid back down, peering out of the window at the rain. I watched it for a few minutes before I got a response, soon getting out of bed and pulling my sweater back on. I sighed as I re-tyed my hair and pulled on my helmet and gloves, heading my way out once I had gotten dressed. Once I stepped out, I was hit with a cold chill, the smell of wetness filling my senses. I remembered not bringing a jacket with me and in hindsight, was now a stupid idea. Now, I had to deal with being wet, and cold.

I didn't know where Xin had put Hu, or where even either of them were. I headed towards the Circus tent, pulling back the curtain as I walked in the arena, heading to the back of the it. I had always seen him lead him back here, and always emerge out when I had requested. I didn't know truly what to expect, but before I could pass the halfway point, a familiar puff of purple smoke stopped me. I jumped back, seeing Xin standing there. I caught my breath, mumbling as I looked at him.

He didn't even react to my reaction, he just stood there. I looked at him, knowing that I'd have to speak to him, hoping that he would know English and just not listen to it.

"Where's Hu?" I asked, hoping that he could understand what I said.

He did the same thing he did last. He just limply stared at me, soon turning around slowly and heading to the back of the tent, disappearing behind the curtain. I started after him, wrapping my arms around myself as I waited. I truly hoped that Ydris wouldn't be long. Not for his company, but for simply being here alone. I knew Xin was harmless, or that's what I hoped, but when he just stood there and stared at me without an expression or any sort of words made me uncomfortable. Ydris had never told me the backstory of him, or where he even found Xin. I assumed that it must have been something with Pandora, something that I'd probably never want to know.

After a bit, Xin emerged with Hu. I waited until Xin handed me the reins before I gave him a small thank you. As I did, he titled his head again, soon wondering off back into the back of the tent. I quickly led Hu out and checked my girth and stirrups before I mounted him, heading back to the stables.

Once I had reached my destination, my sweater was dripping off of me. The wool had been soaked and was now heavy on my body, along with my riding pants and gloves. I was shivering harshly as I untacked, groomed, and gave Hu a few treats and food before I dashed into the tack room, greeted by heating. I simply let out a breath and stayed there for a few minutes, the warm air struggling to warm my wet clothes. I looked around the nearby cupboards in hope to find a spare jacket, but all of them were empty. The only things that were in there were medication, show clothes, and vet supplies. I then headed back out, picking up to a reluctant jog as I entered the rain once more. Once the tram had dropped me off at Jarelheim, I worked my way up the familiar path leading to Lindas. I blew into my hands as I headed up the final staircase and sprinted towards Lindas home. I slowed back down and lightly knocked, hearing her faint voice approve. As I pulled open the door, I saw her sitting in her reading corner, her eyes glued to the window. She watched as the rain poured down and no sign of a book was nearby.