68th of Vhalar, 710
By the Empress and her court, she was stunning.
Tucked in the corner of the general store, blush hidden by a book and standing as far from the counter as he could, Luther's eyes lingered on the beauty who was busy bartering with his brother Magnus. Skin the color of caramel cloaked in a light blue dress, curly dark hair, warm eyes that hid a hint of mischief, and smile that could make a heart sing from across the room; the boy was truly smitten by the sight of her.
She looked near the same age as him, 15 or 16 arcs, though he had never seen her in the village before. In fairness, Luther tended to have his nose buried in his tomes whenever he and his brother made the trek out from their family's farm, so it could be that he had never noticed her before. Now, however, he could hardly tear his gaze from her.
Their eyes met, and she waved at him with a curious smile.
Luther's face burned with embarrassment as he turned his eyes to the page. He couldn't make sense of the words, his mind was too far gone with panic. Had she noticed him staring that whole while? Did she think him a fool for doing so? He was a fool regardless, and as blush crept from his neck to the tips of his ears, Luther sent a quiet prayer to the Empress for a quick and merciful death.
"Luther! Get your face out of that book and come say hello to my new friend!" Magnus called from the counter with a knowing smile. The woman may not have known, but Luther's brother had noticed his staring. And now he was determined to embarrass him further for it; the Wolfmother take the bastard.
Book closed and eyes glued to his boots, Luther took careful steps to his brother's side. A sharp elbow to his side forced his gaze upward, glaring eyes at his brother turning soft as he caught the woman's curious green. His turned dry, and betraying red threatened to claim his cheeks again. Forcing a nervous smile, Luther tried to form the words for an introduction.
"Hi," was all that he could manage.