*I do not own jane and the dragon or its characters
It's a lot shorter then I wanted it to be, but I'm getting through a head cold and feel cruddy. Any way, hope you'll enjoy. This is my return to the story game Arc2, picking up after Kyra4s Pepper Faire.
He had been sent into town to retrieve a few items for Sir Theodore, and took the liberty to purchase a few sweets. Surprisingly, Smithy managed to purchase everything he needed at a fair cost, though his reputation as an honest blacksmith might have accounted for that. He did not care to browse any longer then he had to, despite the obvious encouragement from the merchant's daughters. Without the necessary the coin nor desire for such frivolity, he set about on his way back to the castle.
The weather had been fine, as fine as it could be for the time of year. Soon, the birds would fly away, to warmer, comfortable places. The squirrels busy in their activities of gathering, they too will find warm spaces. Soon, the king will grant him leave, to stay with his family and assist with the pigs care during the harshest of the winter months. Yet, there would still be time for other things before then.
Thoughts of dinner, followed by the burn of hunger pangs reminded him that it had been few hours since he had last eaten. With the weather, as pleasant, with the sweet notes of the dying leaves; it was the time of year for hot beverages, and stories exchanged around a fire. Once again thoughts of dinner came to mind, his mouth watering at the thought of Pumpkin soup. The breeze whispered, telling him truths beyond truths, reminding him of where he would rather be. All of it, like thin threads, wild strands of black, he could almost taste it; the flavor of home.
All of it made him anxious to rush back to have the first taste. While he was not extravagant in words and lifestyle, his palette was capable of discerning, more so than others if he cared to admit. He smiled a little at the thought of fresh bread, and spiced soup, and brilliant smiles. His gaze shifted between the trees, and birds, then to the figure near the largest of them. Happily, surprised, he breathed deeply before he continued. "Pepper!" he called.
Shaking away whatever had been bothering her a second ago, she flashed him one of her better smiles. "Smithy, fancy seeing you here."
"Likewise."
"Are you on your way back to the castle?"
"Are you?"
"Oh yes, I have to get back to the soup. It has had enough time over a low fire I would think."
"Did you have a pleasant Faire day?"
Her grip on the item in her hands tightened. "I cannot recall a better time, nor a better day in which a faire could have been had. Everything was lovely, Jane found… Well.. A gift, and I.." Pepper sighed."I delighted in it as well."
"I had a decent time as well."
Glad for the company, she fell into step with him, exchanging pleasantries as they made their way homeward together.
"When we get back, I would love it if you would try my soup."
"It would be my pleasure. Oh, I almost forgot," opening his parcel."would you care for some sweets?"
"Thank you Petal. I did not know you cared for these kind of sweets? What is your favorite? Perhaps I could make some for you."
Giving her a long side glance, he scratched the back of his neck, looking off into the distance. "Can you guess?"
"I can try."
It would not be long before they were inside those castle walls again, in a warm kitchen, surrounded by loved ones with full bellies of lovely soup. Until then, they would delight in each others company, in the comfort of a friend.
