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Calliope the Humble - Page 2

Most handsome gentleman of Calliope

I first saw him in the tavern while I had my breakfast. It was hard to not notice him. He couldn't have been much older than me, yet his hair was white as the fallen snow. He was in a secluded corner of the tavern, reading a book in a language I didn't recognize. Intrigued, I chanced glances between bites, making sure to not garner his attention. His intense focus as he read showed me he was a scholar. However, with its foreign lettering, the book gave me no clue as to what field he studied. That made me all the more interested in him.

By chance, I spotted him again while in the marketplace. I had merely gone to see if I could find a quill of good quality to use as I worked, but when I saw him, I had to take a chance and shadow him, if only to get a better look.

I was amazed by his height; he was tall for a human. While not of the finest quality, his clothing showed that he didn't struggle for money. His boots, in particular, caught my eye; they looked like he had just gotten them from the cobbler. He wore mostly muted greys and blues, which seemed almost dull when paired with his shockingly white hair. That hair… Thick and slightly disheveled. It's etched in my memory.

Also etched in my memory is what I saw him do while in the market. During my visit, I saw a few older boys bullying this smaller boy; he couldn't have been older than 6. Before I could respond, I saw the man walk towards the group. Seeing him walking towards them, the bullies ran off. I suppose they were intimidated by his tall stature. I continued to cautiously follow.

He then knelt down to the boy's level and spoke. "Are you alright?"

That voice. Deep and resonant. It stirred feelings within me I didn't know I had.

The boy started to cry. "They took me coin. 'Twas special, that coin. I needed it for Mum."

The man cocked his head, curious. "Your mum?"

"Yessir. 'Tis her birthday, it is. I wanted to get her a present."

"I see. Well, I don't see why you still can't get her that present. Come with me. I'll take you to the right stall to get a present for your mum."

"But sir, I told you, I don't 'ave the coin."

"Don't worry about that coin or any other coin. I'll take care of that. You just pick out the gift."

"... You mean that, sir? You'd do all that?"

"But of course. After all, a birthday is a very special occasion." He winked at the boy. "Come now." He stood up, offering his hand to the boy. The boy took it, and they headed off in a different direction.

I started to follow, but as I moved forward, I bumped into a stall. He turned and looked at me.

It couldn't have been more than a few seconds, but it seemed like ages. I peered into his round, inquisitive eyes, blue as the clear sky. I was entranced by them.

Then I realized what I was doing. Panicking, I pulled my cloak closer to me and walked away.

I don't know who or what he is, but I need to know more. I have to see him again, and soon.

Humble Calliope

I, Calliope, have gained enough experience that I am considered to be Level 2 among my fellow men.