A Human’s Guide to Surviving Magical Mishaps

Amelia slides something onto my wrist and I look down to see an ornate wooden bangle around my wrist. It looks oddly familiar and I quickly realise that it looks familiar because it is VERY similar to the necklace Amelia is wearing. In fact I would go so far as to say they are a matching set. Why would she want to split up a matching set of jewellery? These look like they're designed to be worn together. My confusion is clearly showing on my face because Amelia laughs. "I see you noticed the similarities between these items." She touches her own necklace again. U nod.

"They... Are they a set?" I question.

"In a way, yes. My husband had them made for me. The bracelet he gave me when I was pregnant with Ashton, this necklace... Even though it was meant for my birthday... We would have been married twenty five years." She answers. I am HORRIFIED and immediately go to pull the bracelet off my wrist.

"I cannot take a gift that your husband gave you, these belong together and they belong to you!" I object. She puts a hand over mine to stop me removing it.

"I WANT you to have it. To me, this necklace represents my husband's love for me. This bracelet was from him, so in a way it's a gift to you from both of us. It can signify the debt that we both owe you, that our entire family owes you." She glances at Ashton with a raised eyebrow and he shrugs. He is also still convinced that he owes me. Fae really seem to take debts seriously. Does no one here just do stuff for people because they care? I look at Amelia's face closely. She really does look like she wants me to take it. There's no conflicting emotions in her face, only earnest desire for me to accept it, but still I hesitate. I don't WANT more debts. But would taking this help her feel the so-called debt is reduced? Or would it increase it?

"That bracelet was given to me to acknowledge my efforts in caring for Ashton, doesn't it make sense for you to have it? You've been caring for him too." She says knowingly. I blush thinking of what she interrupted between us, although I'm fairly sure that she is actually just referring to her husband's request for me to take care of him. This feels like a gift I SHOULD say no to, but I don't actually think I can. Also it's gorgeous and I do sort of really want it. The green gemstones remind me of the eyes that Ashton and his mum share which I suspect is why Ambrose chose them in the first place. I sigh, relenting.

"Okay, I will accept it. But rather than thinking about it as a symbol of debt, can it just represent friendship? Friends do not keep score. You just take care of eachother." I say sincerely. Amelia's eyes look watery, but she's smiling. "Okay." She agrees. Ashton's mum lingers for a while before saying goodbye to both of us.

"I heard from Finvara that you two are going out. I expect you plan to leave straight afterwards?" She directs the question to Ashton who nods.

"Yes. It seemed easiest. Unless you object?" He waits for his mother's approval, slight hesitation on his face.noveldrama

"No, no. I don't object. I just wanted to be sure of your plans. Good luck on your hunt and I'll be waiting for you to return." She tells him. Ashton relaxes. Amelia turns to me.

"And I hope to see you again soon as well." She finishes. Huh? That was unexpected, but sweet of her.

"I would like that." I respond with a smile.

Ashton and I are alone again. He didn't actually get up from the bed throughout his mother's visit, but I guess she made it pretty clear that she was here to see me more than Ashton. He was just sort of... here. Right now, he's still lounging against the pillows and it's actually offensive how great he looks, which is why when he raises a hand and crooks a finger at me, I don't hesitate to join him. I collapse onto the mattress beside him and he takes my hand. I'm confused for a second until I realise he's looking at the bracelet.

"You know, I always thought that my mum would like you, but I never expected her to like you quite so much, at least not right away." He says thoughtfully. I frown.

"Does that bother you?" I ask, a little confused. I thought he WANTED me to get along with his mum. Is it weirding him out or something?

"No, not at all. I just thought that it might take longer. Apparently you work fast." He smiles and kisses the hand he's still holding before releasing it.

"It's good to see my mum wearing something colourful. She never liked black and while it IS a mourning colour, I doubt it was doing anything to comfort her. That necklace will comfort her. Thank you." He says quietly. I smile because he thanked me without any formal drama about owing me. Maybe he's finally realising that not everything we do has to be a trade?

Eventually it is time to get ready to leave. Ashton prompts me to get changed and ready. Apparently there's another dress for me in the dresser. I didn't realise. I check the drawer and sure enough there's another sort of revealing but very floaty dress. On top of it is the charmed hair comb that his mum told me to keep. When was this even put here? Well, I suppose it doesn't really matter. The dress is blue again and honestly looks fairly similar to the one I'm already wearing. The shade of blue is a little different and it drapes differently, but I suspect it will still be flattering and a little revealing. I'm not sure I'll be getting used to fae fashion anytime soon. Although I have to admit it IS comfortable. Ashton is still perched on the edge of the bed. I'm holding the dress up and I stare at him with a raised eyebrow.

"What?" He asks and I roll my eyes.

"You told me I should get changed." I point out. He nods but doesn't move. Okay, the guy is not catching on.

"Are you planning to just sit there and watch?" I ask, a little sarcastically. Ashton's ears turn a little red and for a moment he's speechless, then his mischievous grin returns.

"Is that an option?" He says and I inhale so fast that I choke on air.

"W- What?" I stammer out. He just continues to smile.

"Well, you asked if I was planning to watch. I'm asking if that's an offer." He clarifies, clearly enjoying this too much. Wasn't he supposed to be the embarrassed one? Now I'm bright red again. I wish everyone would stop making me blush, the colour really doesn't suit me. Ashton gets to his feet and takes a step towards me.

"Nope! It is time for you to leave." I insist, rushing towards him. He lets me spin him around and laughs as I push him towards the door.

"I'm going, I'm going." He is grinning ear to ear. I kick him out of the room and stand with my back pressed against the door. I am incredibly embarrassed, but not because of his joking question. I'm embarrassed because a very large part of me was tempted to tell him to stay.