The Next Day
Gaga stretched languidly. He had slept well and deeply once he got to sleep. He looked over towards his roommate's bed, only to see it empty; Joconan was already up and about. Gaga got up, and after making his bed, went to the door and looked outside. He was surprised to see that the sun had just come up, but the caravan was already busy. Gypsies went about various tasks, cleaning tools, preparing for the day's work. A delicious smell drew him towards the center of the caravan, where Niobe was stirring an immense cauldron carefully.
She looked up at him and grinned, "Good morning, Gaga-san. Get yourself a bowl and spoon and I'll serve you up some breakfast."
He did so, and she ladled out a large scoop of porridge into his bowl. Unlike normal porridge though, this had bits of almond and apple mixed in, and it was well sweetened with milk and honey. She dusted some cinnamon over his bowl before handing it back to him.
"Try it and tell me what you think."
He tasted it, and it was delicious, sweet and creamy. "It's wonderful! You are an incredible cook Niobe-san; you turned porridge into a treat."
She flapped a hand at him, pleased. "Oh, please, spare me my blushes!"
"It must be difficult, feeding so many people every day."
"Not really, the main problem is keeping large enough quantities of food fresh long enough. We usually only take enough for us to make it to the next town, so it doesn't spoil. Since we'll be here for a while, though, we'll get new supplies almost every day, as well as some of the treats that don't keep so well. Speaking of which, later this morning I'm going to send Onua shopping, would you mind going along? One person can only carry so much."
"Of course I'll go; I'm glad to help out."
"Good, that's one thing off my mind, now eat your porridge."
"Yes, ma'am." Gaga smiled as he ate, reflecting that even though he was technically her senior, Niobe was a mother to everyone who met her.
As he was finishing Niko came up and sat next to him on one of the benches. "I'd like to apologize for yesterday, Gaga-san, and for my behavior towards Grenda-chan. She just seems to irritate me."
"That's quite all right Niko-san. The princess can be a bit trying, but she has a good heart."
"Who can be trying?" Gaga turned to see Grenda and the other girls standing right behind him. He jumped up, startled.
"Princess! Oh, um, ah…"
"Oh, forget it. I'll let it pass since you're on vacation."
Niko looked up, not at all concerned. "Good, you've arrived. Grenda-chan, you'll be practicing with me again today. Beth-chan and Erumina-chan will be setting some equipment up, and Yuushi-chan and Kokoru-chan will assist Joconan-kun in selling some of his carvings. Let's get started."
As they all left to begin their duties, Onua walked up. Gaga noticed her arrival and greeted her.
"Good morning Onua-san!" He felt that weird tingle again as she smiled at him and replied, "Good morning! Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I did. Thank you for asking, and you?"
"Very well, thank you." She turned Niobe. "Mother, I'm ready to do the shopping."
"Good. Take this basket, dear. Gaga-san here's a list of what you need. Onua, Gaga-san will be helping you shop today."
"Thank you Gaga-san, I really appreciate you coming along."
Gaga blushed and said, "It's no problem at all, I'm glad to be with you." Realizing how odd that sounded he hastily amended, "I-I mean, I'm happy to help." His blush deepened with embarrassment as Onua smiled at his mistake.
Niobe saved him by saying, "Shoo you two! I've still the bread to bake, and I'll need some of those supplies before dinner."
"Oh, of course, Niobe-san. Shall we, Onua-san?" Gaga said, and then they walked off.
Niobe smiled, it was obvious that Gaga was smitten by her daughter, even if he didn't realize it himself.
Notes: …I don't really need notes, do I? Oh, well, I'll just give you a preview of what will happen in the next chapter. Gaga finds out something that shocks him, after being put in a confusing situation. (confusing to him, anyway.)
