A Twisted Tale

Chapter 1- 2019 A.D.

A sea breeze rustled the trees sending leaves dancing a fall recital. Silvery blue eyes took in the warm autumn day. Though the skies looked long and inviting, a deep loneliness settled in.

The owner of the eyes breathed in the salty air of the small harbor. He was a gentleman of European ancestry. He stood a solid six foot five with chestnut and auburn curls that laid in a sumptuous mess around his head. Light freckles dusted his nose and cheeks where a thick stubble formed on his jaw. His height alone made him easy to spot in the bustling crowds. Men eyed him to determine if he was easily dealt with while, the fairer sex caressed his shoulders with lingering sights.

“Another lifetime, another attempt...” The statement drifted like sea moss trapped in a wayward current. Prayer or plea, he was at his wit's end.

Walking away from the quiet port, he headed toward a little pub near the city center. It was a cheap but tasty dive that changed selections every few weeks. He needed a strong cup of coffee and not that fancy junk. That, and a hefty meal to begin another century of hunting.

As he walked inside, he took in the simple décor. It was small and only had about fifteen tables and booths. A short walk from the door sat a counter with enough space for about eight and gave view into the cook's window.

“Aye, Rin! Mornin' love! Just yourself today?” A chipper waif of a girl greeted him and gave him a menu. Knowing how he was, she placed a large mug of pipping hot coffee in front of him.

“We added Scandinavian and French breakfasts for a limited time or I can grab your usual.” He considered the menu as she sat a small pitcher of heavy cream and honey besides it.

“What comes on the Scandi-plate, Dina?” She paused and looked at her notepad.

“The Scandinavian Plate has smoked fish, fresh bread with butter, local honey or jam, boiled eggs, cheese, pickled veggies like radishes, cucumbers and the sort with muesli.” Dina panted a slight bit as she had read everything off in one breath. Just as Rin was getting ready to order, the door chime jingled a merry tune and Dina's robust voice greeted the newcomer.

“Welcome in! Sit where you please and I'll be over in just a moment with a menu,” He heard no complaint or question as he chuckled at the young waitress.

“After running out'a air there, I feel like I haf'ta take it, Lass!” Her cheeks flushed a soft pink as the gentle ribbing teased her. Clarifying what type of fish he wanted and how done he wanted his eggs, she popped his ticket in the window, grabbed a menu, glass of water and made her way to the other patron.

Going back to his coffee, he considered the last time he encountered his wayward soul. It had been ninety-three years since it had last found him. That time was in the city of New York and he had been a merchant trading with companies like Ford Motors and Standard Oil. He had amassed wealth over his lifetime and knew how to disappear when things would look suspect. He came in with high quality paints, ways to cure leather to make it more supple and ways to improve the efficacy of the workers.

He often was sent to look for lavish gifts for the wives of such men and it paid well. It allowed him to continue his search and disappear long enough that it was not suspicious that he did not age.

Not a gray hair nor gray whisker would peek through the dense curls. No crow's feet or smile lines adorned his cheeks. It was the reason he could not stay in a place more than ten to twenty years at a time. He could use the “good genes” line only so much before someone started snooping around for answers. Rin couldn't just come out and say he was immortal and that he wouldn't age as mortals did. One year's worth of aging was around thirty five mortal years and that was more than enough to make some wonder.

He nodded his thanks as Dina's mahogany ponytail swayed behind her as she hefted the large plates to him and sat them down gently. Refilling his coffee and making sure all looked correct, she went back to checking on the other customers and he resumed his thoughts.

As a child, his Mam would tell him of the mysterious world he hailed from. He knew that he was set to correct a broken pact but didn't know how that was related to his task of finding this pesky soul. Though out the years, he sharpened his skills to blend into the society around him. Being of immortal birth had allowed some transfer of power. He was able to alter space on a small scale which came in handy when collecting items for his frequent moves. Also, he was able to pause time for small periods.

He had met the soul as a fiery little brunette looking after the small general store. She had brilliant hazel eyes that looked like mead in front of the fire and soft, plump lips that made clouds envious. Her hair was beautifully waved in deep valleys and peaks. Her clothing was part of the trend; the slim and masculine cut seemed to swallow her like the Whale did Jonah and to him, she was glory.

Her eyes had locked on his and she flushed a flattering shade of pink as she looked away. When she noticed he was still there, eyes firmly sat of her, she let her lips curl into a frown. He too had blushed and made a quick retreat. The next few days was spent with him passing the store with no true reason to go in. He had spared hidden glances in hopes that he saw her again.

That time came when he was summoned to look for a quick snack for the employer's daughter. He didn't mind because she was a toothache with no whiskey. He could escape his interactions with her and look for anything interesting. Looking around, Rin noticed that he had made his way to the general store the beautiful girl spent time. Making his way inside and removing his hat, he looked at the food items that were there. Trying to look inconspicuous, his eyes looked for the young lass that drew him in but only saw the shop keeper helping another genteel woman in her midday finery. Settling on half a pound of caramel wafers and a couple of oranges, he waited his turn.

Not noticing the figure in lavender behind him, he startled and dropped his hat. Turning after picking his hat off the ground and dusting it off, he turned to look at amused hazel orbs with cinnabar flecks. Feeling his cheeks redden, he averted his eyes to the other patrons.

“You act as you were glomming the place! Wondered when you would stop in.” Her voice was firm but playful and he made the connection to the term he heard 'bearcat'. She had spunk but it was refreshing. Compared to the other encounters, she actually put her charm out first.

Her frowns drew down when she noticed the lack of response to her messing about. “Hey, no need to be a killjoy, I am just having you on. You got a name that I can use?” Her lashes looked like dragonfly wings as the framed large amber orbs. Taking a moment internally to compose himself, he gave a smooth bow.

“The name is Kayin Britt. But a hotsy-totsy lass like you can call me Rin. Pleased to meet your acquaintance,” and placed a soft press against her knuckles as he rose to his full height. Just as he was about to ask her more about herself, a hard voice pierced his conversation.

“Why is it everytime that I have to track you down, you are completely unaware of the stress you put me thru?” A woman with mousy brown hair appeared in the doorway of the diner. She had on a smartly black skirt suit with an ivory colored blouse under it. Her hair was pulled up in what looked to be once a neat bun. Now, it had loosened and there were wispy strands that came undone in her frantic search. Her eyes were an average mocha that almost gave an ebony glow in the establishment's dim lighting. Her chest was heaving as she tried to regain her breath and composure.

Rin took in her appearance and realized that she was normally dressed a bit more relaxed around him. This business formal look was not... her... shit. Grabbing the annoying device from his inner pocket, he looked back at her with wide eyes.

The woman looked at him and saw the expression on his face. She sighed and put her hand on her hip as she gave him a look of pure exhaustion.

“You forgot. The meeting at Laranholtz Gallery? You completely forgot it is today, didn't you?” He opened his calendar and dropped his head. It was at half-past noon and it was a quarter til noon. Seeing Dina as she approached due to the commotion, he pulled out a few bills and handed it to the waitress and grabbed his stuff to leave.

There was a woman watching the scene unfold as he scrambled out the door never seeing her there.