All Sorrows Are Less With Bread

[Alexandra Sawyer]

The months that had passed since Alexandra had arrived in Goldcrest had been a welcome relief from her previous life of turmoil and anguish.  Her nights were still wrought with the sorrow of the loss that brought her to the city, but she was slowly but surely coming into her own and moving forward with the life her parents had sacrificed so much to give her.  With their final words forever echoing through her heart Alex minded her studies at the Enclave, performing whatever duties she was tasked, most of which involved running errands in town or delivering messages.

Most of the mages weren't fond of playing the role of courier but Alex enjoyed it.  She felt more at ease outside, even if it was the city and not the woods and grasslands she was used to.  Still, to get out and feel the warm sun on her cheeks and the salty breeze that blew in from the ocean rarely failed to put a song in her heart and a spring in her step.  It also afforded her the chance to make a detour through the city to see her friend.

Luck had been with Alex today.  When she'd been given the satchel of documents to take to the docks scores of fresh bread had just been pulled from the ovens.  She delayed long enough for the bakers to turn their attention elsewhere and made off with an entire loaf hidden within her Enclave robes.  She'd been walking along, humming a tune to herself as she broke off a piece of the still warm bread when Alex caught sight of the gangly boy. With a smile that was nothing short of mischievous, Alex veered off her course and started for the boy. Jack McCarthy was the furthest thing from an enigma as Alex had ever found. He wore his heart on he sleeve and said what he felt, for better or worse. Befriending the chaotic street urchin had been a breath of fresh air. She adored his whimsical, outlandish stories and his genuine outlook.

Tearing off a large chunk of bread, Alex slowed her pace, sneaking along now and drawing ever so close to her target.  The bread lifted off her palm and floated lazily through the air until it carefully came to rest upon Jack's shoulder like a doughy parrot.

[Jack McCarthy]

God, he was hungry, and it certainly wasn’t the first time that thought had flooded through his mind, and certainly not the first time Jack had flirted with the idea of being ever so hungry indeed. Because these days hunger was more often than not a constant companion for Jack ever since he was a small child, if he wasn’t tired or sleepy or anything in between odds are he certainly was hungry. Part of the reason he was practically skin and bones is because he really hasn’t had a decent meal in his life. Living on scapes, bread and hands out and the occassional pieces of grasses when he’s gone a few days without food. Those were desperate circumstances, it wasn’t like….he had a particular affinity for grass, he wouldn’t ask for it to be served to him on a plate….he took no enjoyment out of eating grass would be the crux of his point and what he was trying to say.



But he didn’t need a lot in the way of food or so he thought he could survive with the bare minimum...but man that didn’t really get rid of the painful hunger pangs or the constant aches in his stomach that greeted him almost on a daily basis...and as he sat in his usual space on the ground he couldn’t but imagine what one of those massive feasts would taste like, one of those rich and full meals that the rich people that could afford those kind of things would have every day.



No sooner did this thought occurred to him that he felt something lightly brush against his shoulder, as per usual he flinched quite a lot more than necessary which was his normal reaction to any and all physical contact, eventually his eyes shifted in the direction of the small speck of bread on his shoulder, blinking lightly, he seemed to be rationalizing how exactly it found its way to Jack’s shoulder. Until his eyes grew wide and he stood up rapidly “Oh my god...I did that” Jack concluded his hands shaking “I can summon food!” He said a maniacal laughter escaping his mouth “I KNEW I WAS MAGIC. I KNEW IT! I NEVER HAVE TO GO HUNGRY AGAIN. I’M THE LORD AND MASTER OF FOOD! WHOSE. DELUSIONAL NOW HUH?! NOT SO CRAZY ANYMORE!”

[Alexandra Sawyer]

The gangly vagabond's reaction to the bread perched upon his shoulder elicited a playful giggle that was more liken to the kind one would expect from a small child, rather than the young woman it had came from. Alex dodged a couple people who were hurrying on their way and closed the distance between herself and Jack. His outlandish display was garnering more attention than, she assumed, he'd prefer and even though she found it all terribly amusing, she thought it best to put an end to the fallacy... right after she let him carry on a bit more.

Moving up behind Jack, Alex paused for a few moments to listen to his full rant. She brought a hand up to cover her mouth to stifle any giggles or laughs that were threatening to escape and give away her position. Finally, after letting Jack go on for a bit she reached up, standing upon her tip toes in order to reach, and light tapped his non-bread crumb covered shoulder. "Hi, Jack." She said, her tone of voice matching the cheerful and bright smile on her face.

[Jack McCarthy]

Of course, if Jack had put a small moment of thought into these events he would have known that magic powers don’t exactly sprout up ever so randomly, like she seemed to be acting or rather he seemed to be hoping. In fact being able to materialise food in apart of exactly none of the magical arts. So unless the Gods above have seen fit to grant Jack with unseemly magical gifts (Unlikely considering the God’s haven’t seen fit to grant Jack a house let alone magical ability) something didn’t add up.


But as always Jack seemed to have let his excitement get the better of him. As he jumped up and down and laughed manically believing with all his sizeable heart and soul that all his problems were over, he walked back and forward practically dancing with utter glee on his face on his tip toes oblivious to the stares all around him “HAHAH! I KNEW IT. I’M THE MOST POWERFUL MAGICIAN IN THE LAND! ALL OF YOU! YOU’RE ALL INVITED TO A FEAST COME ONE COME ALL. IT’S A JUBILEE A FESTIVAL WHY ARE YOU ALL LAUGHING AT ME? Jack wondered out loud wondering why so many people were amused at an honest to God miracle that was before their eyes

But Jack jumped practically six feet in the air once he felt someone prod him as he turned around to behold a giggling Alex behind him. It didn’t take him long for his face to fall as he figures out what was happening

“Oh….” he muttered slightly embarrassed and taken back

[Alexandra Sawyer]

Alex didn't mind the display so much as the look of defeat that washed over Jack's features when he realized what was actually going on. Her frown mirrored that of her much taller friend's as she peered up at him with all the grace and refinement of a heartbroken puppy being chastised for having an accident on the floor. She blinked a couple times, the disappointment in taking the air out of Jack's joyous moment evident in her deep, expressive gaze.

"I, uh..." She stammered a bit then fell silent. Her hands clasped behind her back as she dropped her gaze. The frown deepened on Alex's features, causing the dimples in her cheeks to surface. "I was just playing." She admitted ruefully, kicking a small rock while avoiding Jack's embarrassed expression. She hadn't meant to cause any distress or lead him on. She often felt she acted well before thinking, resulting in such callous and heartless displays as toying with a young man she knew didn't come across food nearly as often as she. "I'm sorry."

[Jack McCarthy]

Yes, it was true that the wind was slightly taken out of Jack’s sails just a little now that figured out that he wasn’t some kind of demigod in human form, and that he couldn’t summon food by a mere thought which….he wasn’t going to lie that would more or less solve around 90 percent of his problems. Maybe he did let his thoughts run away with him just a little bit as all his dreams seemed to come true all at once (Well, at least those that don't involve a certain barmaid).


So yeah consider Jack just a smidge crestfallen.


Jack shifted side to side for a moment scratching the back of his head ruefully getting those old familiar pangs of guilt he felt seeing someone upset even if he wasn’t the exact cause of it. (And yes these were vastly different from the hunger pangs. Jack had a long of pangs localized in his stomach) “I don’t suppose that was just a coincidence and I actually did that bread appear no?” Jack signed knowing full well what the answer was “I mean you didn’t startle me or anything...but it was very dangerous for you...as a highly trained warrior, I could have snapped your neck in two...with my bare hands.. So just be careful”

[Alexandra Sawyer]

Alex couldn't help it. Even the hint of guilt she felt for (in her mind) toying with her friend's emotions couldn't hide one, simple fact: Jack was in need of a smile. It was instinctive, nothing Alex had consciously thought of or even intended. It was simply in her nature to want those around her (especially people she cared for) to be happier than they were. Her eyes gleamed brightly in the sunlight as the smile spread across her features. It was full, encompassing the entirety of her face. "You're good at a lot of things, Jack." She assured him with a nod. "But I don't think magic is one of them."

In spite of the harsh lesson she had to hand out (with a smile no less), Alex remained undeterred. Jack may not have manifested the bread from nowhere, but that didn't mean there wasn't bread to be had. Glancing down, Alex unbuckled and opened the flap to her satchel and carefully withdrew the loaf of bread she'd smuggled from the Enclave kitchen. There was only about a quarter of it missing, as Alex hadn't been able to resist a bit of it herself, and she offered it to Jack. "I kept it wrapped." She said proudly. "I still warm."

[Jack McCarthy]

Pissh. Smiles, why would he need to smile for?! He had a great life he was totally fine with his lot in life Happy happy happy, that’s what Jack’s days for full of. Every single day was a day full of immersible joy wonder and merriment. He woke up in the gutter smiling and he never stopped.


Totally….


Jack was glad to see that she didn’t take Jack’s impulsive actions to heart, he knew that Alex didn't have a mean bone in her body..not like the other not so nice joke Jack cold tell it was in good jest...as a master tricker himself, he could tell the goods ones from the “Let’s get one over that weird homeless smelly guy” So he was glad he didn’t hurt her feelings or anything “Of course I’m talented.” he said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world “Watch I can put my whole fist in my mouth” However before Jack can demonstrate this modern day miracle. Jack went eyes went wide and his jaw went slack was Alex revealed the full loaf of bread at her disposal staring at it like it was a three course meal. His eyes moved from Alex to the bread as if scared it might vanish at any moment , his nostrils beginning to flare carnine like, examining the scent all the while cationly and slowly approaching Alex as if afraid she was going to take it away any moment


He really should say thank you but he was dumb struck


Holy shit...Food

[Alexandra Sawyer]

Alex stifled a giggle at Jack's wild claim. She didn't doubt he could do as he said but was a little relieved he hadn't gotten the chance to show it. Her eyes lit up even more, if such a thing was actually possible, as she gladly handed over the loaf of bread. She'd gone to bed hungry herself far more nights than she'd care to remember. She couldn't stand anyone else having to go through all that. If she had the means she'd see the end to the squalor and despair she saw whenever venturing into the Commons.

"Don't eat it all at once, you'll get a stomach ache." She warned, her tone taking on that of a doting mother. Her hands clasped behind her back and she rocked back and forth on her heels. It always gave her a warm feeling to help Jack out. He'd gone out of his way so often to ensure she found her way through the sometimes dangerous city and she felt it was the least she could to repay him. "I almost didn't make it out with that." She did giggle at that. There was something exhilarating about snatching the load of bread out from under the noses of the other mages. Alex was nothing if not a rebel. "I thought they were going to catch me."

[Jack McCarthy]

Alex might be in the middle of telling Jack that he had cursed the bread or dipped it in the most potent venom possible and in two minutes time his vital organs would boil alive and Jack wouldn’t care. Jack wouldn’t be able to hear her even. As of this moment all he cared about is is the warm soft breath as he hunched over almost anomalistically and tore into the bread. When you live on the street, he learned no finest or manners. If there was food you better eat it fast before someone punches you in the face and ripped it out of your hands. Alex really couldn’t understand it, but the food was like stardust. It didn’t come around very often, totally rare but oh so valuable.


Jack set about sitting down and started gnawing at the loaf of bread his legs kicking as he did, again he would have shown some more appreciation to Alex


….But...Y’know….Food.


“They must work you hard at that house you work for. You’d think they’d have an entire team of chamberpots….waiting for them...hell they probably pee for them” Jack  said between mouthful of breath

[Alexandra Sawyer]

"Hey!" Alex swatted playfully at Jack's shoulder. Even though she feigned offense from the misguided (although not wholly inaccurate) comment, the bright smile never wavered. Although she could see where many could take offense to the strict schedule and numerous rules and regulations imposed on mages at the Enclave, Alex found it a welcome reprieved to the horrors she'd experienced only mere weeks before. She'd yet to fully come to terms with the loss of her parents, but the safety and security the Enclave provided offered a relief so overwhelming it had driven her to tears when she was first brought in.

"It's not that bad." Alex insisted with a little of a pout touching her lips. She even went so far as to place her hands on her hips as she looked up to Jack, eyes narrowing slightly. "It's better than having to run for your life everyday." The response came with it a touch more weight and seriousness than Alex had intended. Her demeanor instantly sobered and she dropped her eyes to the ground as memories began to flood her mind. It was a stark reminder of her current state. She may carry a cheery, pleasant exterior but she remained a nervous, uncertain, almost tragic mess underneath.

[Jack McCarthy]

Considering how narrow Jack’s pallet happened to be, as far as he knew bread was the exact same as the finest cakes ever produced for kings and queens. Which is probably a good thing. If Jack had ANY idea of the world of taste that was in front of him, odds are his head might very well explode. All he ever knew was bread and more bread . The discovery that there might be too much for him to handle….



Jack never really gave any thought whatsoever to Alex’s mage abilities whatsoever. It never crossed his mind for one moment, which probably is a good thing, The concept would...astonishingly easy for him to get the wrong idea of….So Jack just thought of her not as a mage just…..a friend.



Even though he will admit that he knew some of her past and it didn’t really sound all that….pleasant.



Jack's head raised an inch once Alex’s tone sobered, he shifted his feet back and forward not sure exactly what to say during moments like this., he was exactly the last person you’d like to be a shoulder to cry on...but sometimes he just couldn’t help himself. leantned towards Alex, looking more than a little uncomfortable “You ummm….you want to see if I can shove my entire fist down my mouth”

[Alexandra Sawyer]

The dour mood that had fallen over Alex disappeared in a hail of giggles. Her eyes lifted to Jack and she reached out the swat playfully at his shoulder. He may not have known it but Alex found it terribly difficult to remain in poor spirits while in his presence. His habit of awkwardly attempting to distract or cheer her up whenever he sensed distress never ceased to work wonders.

A low sigh escaped as the laughter died down and Alex was left to peer up at Jack and offer him a bright smile that seemed to encompass her entire face. Dark brown eyes gleamed brightly as they watched him, content to simply be out in the sun with a friend and nothing more. "How have you been, Jack?" Alex said finally, turning her eyes away to look out over the streets around them. She still hadn't gotten used to how busy and full Goldcrest always felt. She could scarcely believe the city could hold so many people, places and things within its walls.

[Jack McCarthy]

Oh thank God, the awkward moment was over with. Jack could never deal with people upset around him, he found it personally distressing to have to deal with the most harrowing parts of life and really couldn't deal with drama and bad vibes. He couldn’t deal with the bad vibes. He just crumbled in the face of them, he was so damn relieved when the subject was swiftly changed to something far more agreeable. Laughing along with Alex as he did.




“Ohhhh,” Jack said leaning back still nibbling on the bread before folding his arms clicking his teeth as he answered “You know me, surviving. Eating….Planning” Jack said a smile forming on his face moving closer “So I know this guy who can take me to this forest where according to legend a ultra valuable and rare ruby lies. It could set me up for life...Ok there is a teeny...tiny little hitch that according to legend, the forest is crawling with evil magic and the trees actually whisper to you, if you stay too long they’ll drive you insane….but I mean...come on! Is that the worst an evil cursed forest can do? Whisper? Like I’m meant to be afraid of trees?! Unless the trees suddently start to grow legs and shoot lightning out of their bottoms...or where….I’d assume their bottoms would be….I’m not an expert in trees anatomy I’ll be fine.

[Alexandra Sawyer]

It took only a few words from Jack for Alex's brow to furrow curiously. He always had a plan, it seemed, though they rarely came to fruition. The more he spoke, though, the more Alex began to worry. She didn't like what she was hearing. Even though she wasn't sure which forest Jack was talking about, she knew there were many places around the world that had been scarred by magic. Dangerous places no one dare venture.

"Jack." Alex spoke, the concern showing plainly in her voice and her bright, brown eyes that were peered up at him. "Please be careful." She pleaded. "Don't go messing with magic." She went so far as to reach out and tug gentle at the sleeve of Jack's tunic. "Places like that, if this one exists at all, are dangerous. There are reasons the only thing you hear about them are rumors. No one is stupid enough to seek those places out."