The only smile (open)

[thebookbinder]

Mortimer only shook his head at the young girl’s threat; her words of ‘bad luck’ didn’t shake him. On the contrary it made him want to help her more. Mortimer had always loved a good challenge and it seemed that this girl was going to be one of his hardest yet. “You don’t know what bad luck is.” and he meant it. He knew what bad luck was, and this girl was not. Mortimer felt his lips curve into a prideful smile; she wasn’t flinching away from his touch like he expected her to. Mortimer knew that he was getting in, that look on her face…she was thinking about what he had told her. Will she believe me? he wanted her to. He wanted her to tell him that she wanted his help and he could gladly do it. He’d take her hand and take her to his home and she’d feel wanted. His family would certainly make her feel welcome. His family was always kind and warm. He had taught his family that well.

Mortimer kept his hand gently on her back, not making any intentions to move it. He was happy that she wasn’t freaking out by his touch. People always had an easy time trusting him; maybe it was because he just looked so peaceful? Mortimer had never met a person who didn’t come to trust him easily, even the Adderhead trusted him! That could have been, however, because that disgusting pig wanted his cure so badly he’d so anything for it…but that didn’t matter. A soft sigh left his lips, thinking back to the last time he had seen that man…It was just after he started to go crazy. A shudder went down his spine at the thought of the night he spent in the dark dungeon. Nothing was right in the dank, water filled cell. He saw so many things that made him cry out in pain, and Mortimer never cried over anything. He closed his eyes. With his spare hand he rubbed at his eyes, trying to wash away the dark images he saw flashing before his eyes. “You don’t want to end up alone like you are now. It’s a fate worth than death.” his voice sounded a bit cold, worry also weaved in.

Mortimer would never call this young girl ‘bad luck’. This girl only made herself believe that she was bad luck and it would take a lot of work to change that. Bad luck was what Mortimer had ten years ago. This wasn’t her fault, it was the person who ruined her life by taking her parents away. “Would you like to come home with me?” Mo’s soft voice broke the silence that had taken over the forest about them. She was lost in thought and he was just waiting for her to snap out of her trance. “I think you’d like my daughter Meggie.” such pride dripped off her name. He was so proud of his daughter and he loved her so much. “I think you’d also like my Wife and son. Those two are always together too.” he chuckled, but there was no humor in it. He didn’t like that about his son and wife. He felt like they were planning against him or something. “There’s also Doria…He’s always hanging around with Meggie.” he made a face at the name. That boy was taking Meggie away. At least the boy was a better suitor than Farid. “So…? What do you say?” he winked at her happily. A wide smile played on his handsome face.

[Isabella "Issie" Alice Weberg]

Issie looked at the man, what had he said his name was? oh yeah, Mo. She looked at him suspiciously. Did she trust him? No, yes, kinda. Some how all of those answers. Why did he want her to go with him? why did he care? this thought just wouldn't go away. But on the other hand...Issie missed actually sleeping under a roof. Besides there was one other place she had to visit before she left ombra, and this mans house was bound to be closer to it then the strolling players camp.

Still a small amount of fear stayed with Issie. Bad things happened to girls that trusted men around his age. things worse then death. Yet Issie didn't think this man would do something like that. Would he? He didn't seem like the type that would. But how could she tell? She had never met one of them, how could she tell if he was one of those types of people. There really was no way to tell.

On the other hand Issie was sure she could take this guy on. Issie sighed. "I don't really have a better option do I?" she said softly to the man. That was her version of a yes. She was to proud to come right out and say it.

[thebookbinder]

Mortimer stared back at the girl with a gentle smile. He didn’t care how she gave him a suspecting look, like he was somehow lying to her. He would never do such a thing! Mortimer never…well almost never lied to anyone. It just wasn’t who he was. Did this little girl trust him? It looked like a little bit of yes and no. She still had that suspicious look on her face, but she seemed a bit softened up. He didn’t understand why she didn’t see why he wanted to help her. It wasn’t that hard to see why. He was a proud parent, and he hated the idea of children living all on their own with no one to love them. Whenever he saw fatherless children he felt hatred for the clone of the Cosmo. All because of that man’s rash actions a lot of families lost their men. Mortimer felt bad for everyone who had to deal with that thick headed killer.

Mortimer removed his hand from the girl’s shoulder, realizing what she was thinking. Oh god…Never! That’s disgusting! Why would this little girl think that I would do that! That’s…horrifying! Mo’s face showed disgust as he scooted away from the girl a bit, biting hard on his lip. He was a bit upset. He had read hundreds of books with men like that and he was nothing like any of those scummy men! He would never be like any of them either. He had a loving family; he had no reason to become one of those men. This girl is much too mature for her age….just like Meggie. every second longer he spent with this girl she reminded him more and more of his own daughter. No. Meggie’s not like this girl! Meggie wasn’t cold and untrusting like this girl. Mortimer! Don’t say that. Don’t be cruel. a loud, aggravated sigh let his lips as his hands ran though his choppy hair. This is not you. he was right. It was the Bluejay, slipping into his mind. He shook his head, his hair whipping him in the face. He winced at the sharp slap from his hair. His hair was only long in the front and curled a bit in his face. Meggie liked to say that it made a heart, and it did look like it. The Bluejay didn’t have hair like that, he liked his hair short. So when he fought it wasn’t in his face. Get out. Not now. the voice in his head was dangerous. Now that the Bluejay was leaking in, he didn’t want him…

A smile over took the thin line that had become Mo’s lips and he gave a nod to her. He was glad she was giving into him and letting her help him. “Alright.” he sounded indifferent about it now, but happiness was slipping out. He slowly rose to his feet, placing his hands on his back. It cracked, and he let out a groan. He just remembered that he wasn’t able to sit Indian style without getting a backache. Stupid. he rolled his eyes. Not smart, Mortimer. Next time remember to sit in a position better for your back. Mortimer held his hand out to her, willing to help her up. “I’m sure my wife will adore you.” he chuckled a bit as he looked down at her fiery red hair. Resa might even attack her the moment she sees her messy hair…she just loves fixing things. Maybe even a little too much. He opened his mouth to make a remark about her hair and what his wife would do to it, but quickly shut his mouth, deciding that it was better to left it unsaid for now.

[Isabella "Issie" Alice Weberg]

Issie looked at the man for a second. for once the hard angry cold glare melted away and what was left in her eyes was not only the normal sadness, though that was there and sadder then ever, but a short of pleading, as if deep down there was a small girl in Issie begging to be helped. Begging to have some one, ANY ONE care about her. Begging to be a little girl again. but then the cold face was up again. she got up without taking Mo's hand. her awkward gangly body became more evident when she stood up. it was as if some one had grabbed her arms and legs and pulled until she was stretched out. Also now her birth mark was clear. she wondered what she must look like.

"Why did you jump back?" she asked Mo. She didn't think she said any thing bad. did he read her mind or something, could he do that? It wouldn't surprise her, this man was odd. Maybe there was something she was hiding

And thats when she realized something. This man reminded her of some one. But who was it. For the life of her she couldn't think who. But she was certain she had heard or seen this person Many times.

[thebookbinder]

Mortimer would gladly help this girl in an instant. She looked like she desperately needed the help. A sad orphan such as she deserved to be loved. Mortimer looked down at her with observant eyes. She only physically showed her sadness for no more than a split second then it was hidden away by coldness. Mortimer took a step back, seeing that she didn’t want his help up. Another sigh escaped his lips. He knew she wanted his help, but she just wouldn’t show it! Why did she have to be so difficult about this? Someone was willing to show care for her and she acted like she didn’t want it. Well…Meggie did that too. a rough hand moved to the back of his short hair, rubbing at the back of his neck. It’s probably just a girl thing… a shrug left his shoulders. It’s probably just better to go along with it.

Mortimer studied her figure. She looked awkward with long arms and legs. Then there was the birthmark, he studied it carefully for a moment before looking away. She was probably self conscious about it. Just like Mo was self-conscious about the dog bite on his arm. Unconsciously Mo’s hand moved to the bite on his arm. Every time he thought about it, he saw Basta and his mangy mutts coming after him. He also felt the pain too. Those dogs sinking their teeth into Mo’s flesh…He gripped at his upper arm, his lips pulled into a thin line.

Only when Issie called out to him did he come back into reality. Mo didn’t have an answer for her at first. He wasn’t going to say that he could tell what she was thinking. No! Then she’d really be cold towards him. “My back was getting stiff…” it was a valid lie. Mo’s back wasn’t what it used to be. Getting old wasn’t something Mo wanted to live through anymore. Mo’s grip loosened as he rolled his sleeves up a bit more, his scar slightly peeking out from under his black shirt. He glanced over at his scar for a second. He disliked that scar so much, at one point in time he had even contemplated cutting it away. At that time he had been the Bluejay and he didn’t think straight during those times.

Another sigh came from Mo as he gazed around the small meadow area. He saw the opening from where he had come. “We’ll have to start heading back now if we want to make it before the sun goes down.” a hand pointed to the gap in the trees “This way.” Mo took a few steps forward before stopping and looking back, hoping the girl would follow. At least I hope this is the right way. After spending ten years in this world full of forests Mo still found a way to get lost from time to time. He hoped today wouldn’t be one of those days. Mo had always been so bad with directions, even in the real world. Meggie always was in charge of the map. He felt foolish whenever he made the wrong turns and got them lost even when Meggie gave the right directions. Those were the good old days. Sadly this world didn’t have maps or routes to make traveling easier for the people of this world.

[Isabella "Issie" Alice Weberg]

Issie looked at the mans arm. that scar. It reminded her of something. she couldn't put her finger on it. Just then a bird took off and it hit her. "The blue jay." she murmured. Her eyes grew wide, her face lost what little color she had, even the way she saw the man changed. Less of a fool and more of a person to be respected, mabey even a little feared. she was in the presents of one of the song she had been sung. Shoot one of the stories she herself had sung.

But that was impossible. this old man couldn't be the blue jay could he? No way! And yet...No he was to compassionate. the blue jay was a killer, a thief. Yes he worked agents the evil Adder head. but He hardly seemed the type of character to just settle down, be married and have children. that wasn't possible. But that scar. that scar was the tell tale sign of the blue jay. was this man him? could he be him? could the one person who had taken an interest in her be the one of the vary few that she herself had a interest in. There was hardly a person left who hadn't heard of the blue jay.

[thebookbinder]

Mo’s gaze followed hers. That was when he saw the beautifully colored bird perched on a low branch. A Bluejay… Ever since he had been after that bluebird Mo couldn’t even look at the animal without getting nervous. He swallowed hard, watching as the bird took off into the sky probably feeling a bad vibe from Mortimer. Mo looked back down at the girl, just as she stated the name he hated so much. He shook his head several times. “No! No, no, no! That’s not me.” he sounded nervous. He quickly pulled down his sleeve. She eyed that scar with fear and respect. He didn’t want people to look at him like that anymore. When people looked at him, Mo only wanted to see friendly faces. When people saw the Bluejay they looked at him with fear, hatred and respect. Not anymore…Never ever again.

It seemed Mortimer finally got his answer. The Bluejay was to stay locked up hidden in the deepest of confines in Mo’s mind. I’m never letting you out again. You, Bluejay, only cause me grief. This little girl had solved his problem. With that look of fear and respect he knew what he had to do. Mo didn’t want people hating him again. He didn’t want to risk his life with a bunch of common thieves. He wanted to keep his son and daughter safe from every kind of evil, including the horror within. Then there was Resa. His wife hated no one more than the Bluejay. Did he want his wife to hate him? No. He still wanted some adventure back in his life. No. The only adventure you need is to protect your family…that should be enough for you. For the time being it eased his thoughts.

Mo knew he didn’t look like the Bluejay. He never had. Mo was unfit to be this cruel killing thief. Mo was too kind and compassionate to run a sword through people. Letting the Bluejay over take him was the worst mistake he had ever made. The Bluejay didn’t want him to give up his life as a man on the run. He didn’t want him to be so close to Resa or Meggie. Being so close to Resa and Meggie was the only reason why Mo was still himself, and not that crazy bird. They both shared a dislike for just settling down, though. Mo never had been one to just stay in one place for so long. That was why he had been a traveling book binder in the real world. He was able to move from place to place without having to stick to area for too long, even if it only was for a trip. Mo had gotten antsy over the years as had the jay in his head.

A sigh left his lips. His eyes never left the little girl’s. “At least…not anymore.” his voice was nothing but a low mumble. He sounded ashamed and embarrassed. He didn’t want to admit that he was the Bluejay but the scar was enough evidence against him. Even the description of the man behind the Bluejay still described Mo; even if he looked a bit more worn around the eyes. He was still in shape and had all his hair and everything. He didn’t even have that many wrinkles on his face, only a large worry line on his forehead, given to him by his son and wife. His hand moved to his face as he rubbed at his tired eyes.

The Bluejay was no more.

[Isabella "Issie" Alice Weberg]

Issie stared at him for a second. her mind was racing faster then it had in a long time. This man, this old man who seemed to be so caring, was the notorious Blue jay. that made no sense. why would the blue jay take an interest in her? but still he had said he wasn't the blue jay now. What had changed? had the blue jay gone soft? Could she trust him? And of course most importantly, would any one believe her if she told him?

"So let me get this strait. You are suppose to be one of the most famous thief/fighter, to ever live?" she said unable to keep the laughter out of her voice. With that laughter came a Sudan lightness in Issie's face. her enter face seemed to change to something, much more sweet and cute looking with a smile. "No offense but you don't look the part. Shoot I'm pretty sure most of the strolling players could take you." she said. She had a sweet laugh.more like a giggle. something that you wouldn't expect to come out of the mouth of someone who looked like her. It was high toned. It was truly amazing what a smile could do for her face. It was like she was a new person. A happier person. Some one who had reasons to smile and be happy.

But as fast as it came, the smile faded from her face. but still that light it had brought seemed to linger there for a few minuets. Issie hadn't laughed in a long time. And she didn't realize how nice she looked with a smile on her face. It was a pleasant change. But she did know how much better it felt to laugh. She had almost forgot that. It had been so very long.