They followed the winding path that led toward the farmlands, the sun now dipping low in the sky, casting long shadows across the earth.
Aurelia leaned closer and whispered, voice low.
Aurelia: "Art thou certain this is wise? I mean no slight, but… well…" she fidgeted, her nose wrinkling. "I am not fond of such labors. The dirt… the smell…"
Mavie tilted her head, casting a glance her way.
Mavie: "And why is that?"
Aurelia: "Farming… it doth… unsettle me. I scarce enjoy such things."
Mavie: "Be that as it may—thou art still to help, like it or not." Her tone left little room for argument.
Aurelia groaned softly, glaring at Mavie as they walked.
Soon they arrived at the farmstead. Fields stretched wide before them, filled with crops in varying states—some green and full, others withered from the coming heat. Men, women, and even children worked the soil with tired hands.
One of the farmers greeted them with a respectful bow.
Farmer 1: "This is our land, m'lady. Forgive us for taking thee from thy duties—'tis no demand of force."
Mavie: "No apology is needed. We are here of our own will."
Farmer 2: "Bless thee, Lady Mavie… Lady Aurelia. May the gods favor thy hearts."
Mavie: "Then, shall we begin?"
One farmer eyed her armor.
Farmer 3: "M'lady, thou intend to labor in full plate? It shall be most stifling…"
Mavie: "I am well enough."
Farmer 2: "As thou wish, m'lady."
They made their way toward the fields. Another farmer spoke:
Farmer 1: "Would ye have us teach thee how best to tend the crops?"
Mavie: "There is no need. We shall manage."
Though doubtful, the farmers returned to their work. Mavie let out a soft sigh.
Aurelia groaned, whispering:
Aurelia: "Ughhh… must this truly be done?"
Mavie: "Enough. 'Tis but farming. The world shall not end for thee." Her tone was cold.
Aurelia: "A-alright… no need to scold, Lady Mavie."
Mavie: "I do not scold." She scoffed quietly and moved to aid the farmers.
Aurelia glanced her way, sensing the weight in her friend's mood. Best not to press further. With a quiet sigh, she followed.
A farmer soon handed them tools. Mavie accepted with a nod of thanks, while Aurelia offered a forced smile.
Mavie began her work—gathering wheat with practiced care, moving with patience and precision. Aurelia, less eager, poured water with distracted hands.
One farmer chuckled softly at the sight.
Farmer 3: "Lady Mavie—ye are deft at this. Hast thou worked the land before?"
Mavie: "Hm?" She looked up. "Perhaps… long ago. When I was but a child."
Farmer 3: "A fine thing, learning such skills. The land teaches us all." He gathered the wheat from her hands.
Mavie: "If thou sayest so."
Mavie hummed softly, her hands steady as she worked. She glanced toward Aurelia, a faint smirk at the corner of her lips.
Mavie: "Art thou enjoying thyself there?"
Aurelia blinked, looked up from her half-hearted watering, and sighed.
Aurelia: "Huh? Pfft—nay… not in the least." She pouted and wiped her brow.
Mavie let out a small chuckle.
Mavie: "Well then… good fortune to thee." She turned back to her task, hands deftly moving through the wheat.
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-༶•┈┈⛧┈♛ HOURS PASSED♛┈⛧┈┈•༶
The sun had begun its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of gold and deep orange. The air grew cooler, the long shadows stretching across the fields. The farmers worked with quiet determination, their baskets now full, their faces tired but content.
Mavie straightened, brushing stray hair from her face. She glanced at the gathered harvest, then at Aurelia, who sat upon a nearby stone, fanning herself dramatically.
Aurelia caught her gaze.
Aurelia: "Never again shall I be coaxed into such toil… my poor arms."
Mavie simply shook her head with a faint smile.
One of the elder farmers approached, bowing low.
Farmer 1: "Lady Mavie, Lady Aurelia… thou hast our deepest thanks. Without thine aid this day, much would have been lost."
Mavie gave a small nod.
Mavie: "Think naught of it. The kingdom must stand together in times of need."
Aurelia, still fanning, added quietly:
Aurelia: "Aye… though next time… perhaps I might aid in the library instead…"
The farmers chuckled softly at that.
The fields were saved, the harvest secured—though Mavie's heart still weighed heavy beneath her calm expression. As they made their way back toward the castle, baskets of grain and produce carried behind them, a small peace settled over the kingdom once more.
For now.
Mavie and Aurelia walked along the cobbled road of the kingdom, their boots tapping softly against the stone. The late afternoon air was cool now, the sky dimming into twilight. Townsfolk bustled about—some heading home with baskets, others lingering near stalls that still remained open.
Aurelia: "Oh! I had nearly forgot—Mavie, wouldst thou come with me to purchase more ink?"
Mavie glanced her way, brow slightly raised.
Mavie: "Again? Art thou always running out?" She sighed, though her tone was light.
Mavie: "Well… very well." She nodded.
The two made their way down a side street toward a small scribe's shop tucked between a tailor and an old book merchant. The wooden sign above the door swayed gently in the breeze.
Aurelia opened the door, the bell above giving a faint chime. The scent of parchment and aged leather filled the shop.
Aurelia: "Master Alric? Have you still ink in stock?"
An elderly man behind the counter looked up and smiled.
Alric: "Ah, Lady Aurelia! Indeed I do—freshly mixed just this morn." He moved to the shelf and fetched a small jar of deep black ink.
As Aurelia busied herself inspecting the ink and haggling softly, Mavie stood quietly by the door, her gaze drifting to the window. The image of her broken necklace flashed through her mind again. Her chest tightened. She looked down, exhaling slowly.
Aurelia glanced over, noticing her friend's faraway stare.
Aurelia: "Mavie? All is well?"
Mavie blinked, glance at Aurelia.
Mavie: "Aye… merely tired, is all."
Aurelia frowned slightly but chose not to press further.
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They soon left the shop, Aurelia carrying her little jar of ink in a cloth pouch. The street lanterns were being lit, one by one.
Aurelia: "Come… let us find supper. Methinks thou hast earned a rest this eve."
Mavie nodded faintly.
Mavie: "That… would be welcome."
And together, they walked on—two figures amidst the quieting streets, beneath a sky turning to stars.
As they walked through the streets toward the castle, a sudden shout echoed down the road.
A breathless young guard came running from the western gate, his armor muddied, eyes wide.
Guard: "Lady Mavie! Lady Aurelia! Forgive me—ye must come at once! There is… a problem—"
He paused, trying to catch his breath.
Mavie: "Speak plainly, good man. What trouble brews?"
Guard: "Another beast… it was sighted near the western farms—an enormous creature, unlike the others. It hath frightened the farmers nigh to death. They say its eyes burned red and it moved with unnatural swiftness."
Aurelia exchanged a look with Mavie.
Aurelia: "By the stars… again?"
Mavie: "Gather what men thou can. We shall investigate this night. Aurelia—will you aid me?"
Aurelia: "Aye, of course."
Without delay, they followed the young guard toward the western path. The sun had set fully now—darkness crept across the land, and a cold wind stirred the leaves. Mavie's steps were swift, hand resting upon her sword hilt.
Mavie's thoughts:"Another monster…? Or something worse…?"
As the three figures disappeared into the misted road, the lanterns behind them flickered — the kingdom's peace would once again be tested.
(TO BE CONTINUED)