Getting to Oak Tree Town was challenging to say the very least. I transferred flights at three different airports before finding myself in a small transient community. Surrounding the tiny airport were a few amenities including a hotel and a handful of restaurants. Struggling with my one large suitcase, I managed to make my way out of the building and across the street to the agreed upon cafe. It was a small place full of what I assumed was travelers. I glanced around and found a middle aged woman sitting at a table by herself, slowly sipping from a coffee mug. On the table facing me was a simple sign with my name hand written on it in all capital letters.

Veronica was the kind of woman who aged incredibly well. While it was obvious that she was no longer in the prime of her youth, her mature age only enhanced her features. The wrinkles around her blue eyes grew more prominent as she beamed a welcoming smile at me. Her auburn hair was neatly pulled back and held in place by a tied kerchief. A floor length blue, white, and black colonial looking gown covered her body and gave her the look as if she were from a completely different time than me. The woman stood and immediately took my hands in her own.

"Welcome, Selene." Her voice was softer than I imagined it to be. There was a warmth to it that washed over me and settled a few of the nerves that had built up inside of me.

"Veronica. Thank you for meeting me here," I responded, squeezing her hands gently before pulling back and sitting down at the table. Veronica slid down to resume her previous position, flowing with incredible grace. I was hit with a small pang of jealousy before quickly brushing it off.

We sat in silence for a few moments. Veronica let me order a simple breakfast and coffee and patiently waited for me to eat. Once I finished, the woman began to explain my new life to me.

"Oak Tree Town is special in more ways than I can explain. The people who live there are all deeply attached to it, just as I am. It is more than just a town to us. It is our home. And while our lives may seem simple, they are difficult but truly rewarding. I sincerely hope you develop the same feelings we have and become a permanent resident of our community." Veronica smiled with her eyes and I could tell her words were genuine. I wondered if all the townsfolk had her same attitude. I certainly hoped they did.

After nearly an hour of chatting about ourselves, Veronica finally decided it was time to carry on with my travels. We loaded my suitcase into the back of a horse drawn wagon. I sat beside Veronica as she took the reign and encouraged the animals into a fast walk. It was my first experience with the large animals. Of course I knew horses existed. But like most city born and raised people, I did not interact with them nor with many animals at all. I had a pet cat as a child, but aside from that I did not see many animals at all. I explained that to Veronica and she let out a throaty laugh. I blushed in embarrassment. Perhaps it wasn't the best thing to confess.

"Then why on earth are you so keen on becoming a farmer?" Veronica asked, laughter still lingering in her words. The redness of my face deepened considerably. An awkward silence filled the air around us. I looked down at my feet and sighed.

"I want a new life. I want a fresh start," I stated quietly. Our conversation died then. Surely Veronica did not want to dig into my past. Silently I thanked her for that. I pushed out the thoughts that were seeping into my mind and looked at the passing scenery.

Before long we rode through an archway and into a large cobblestone plaza. It was empty save for a small stall at the far end with a man standing in it looking incredibly bored as he inspected his fingernails. Veronica stopped the cart in front of the man's lonely stall.

The man was a frumpy looking person. His reddened nose was too big for his face. He wore plain brown clothes accented with off colours of green. His round glasses slid down a bit too far. The brown moustache on his face was sparse and small. Despite his appearance, a friendliness emitted from him that instantly brightened my mood. Perhaps I would find a home in a place with such seemingly wonderful people. He tipped his green hat and smiled.

"Good morning, Veronica," he said in a soft voice. The woman beside me smiled.

"Good morning, Jonas. I would like to introduce you to Selene. She is going to be the new farmer here," Veronica stated, placing a hand on my shoulder. I half smiled at the man. His blue eyes grew a bit wider as he took in my appearance.

"You mean the old place at the top of the mountain beside Eda's?" His voice was laced with a hint of disbelief. My smile faded into a frown. Veronica nodded encouragingly.

"Yes, and I believe she will make that farm flourish." As if her words had some sort of influence, Jonas cracked a smile with a jovial laugh.

"Then I believe the same. Welcome to Oak Tree Town, Selene. I'm Jonas and I run things here at the Trade Depot. There aren't many vendors here, but when they do come down, just come talk to me and I'll tell you who is buying things at the highest price. I'll also let you know who wants specific shipments and what they'll reward you with if you complete their request." I offered him a small smile as if I knew exactly what he was talking about. In reality, I had no clue. I discreetly crossed my fingers in hopes of learning what I needed.

Veronica led the wagon through a village so small I could blink and miss it. A handful of buildings lined a tiny network of cobblestoned streets. Rustic signs hung from each building, announcing what could be found inside as if it were a medieval town, or what I imagined a medieval town to be like anyways.

As quickly as we entered the town, we were back into the wilderness. The wagon took a right turn on a dirt path and we began to slowly ascend a graciously sloped mountain of sorts. I gazed around at the sights.

"I would give you a tour of the town, but it is rather inconvenient with a wagon. I figured you may want to get settled in your home first, so tomorrow morning I'll come by and we'll walk to town," Veronica explained. I nodded and continued to look at my surroundings.

We came upon fields of abundant crops. The smell hit me and it felt like I was breathing for the first time in my life. I nearly felt intoxicated as I took in the scent of food and earth. Deep within the fields I could see people working away, some watering, some weeding, some harvesting, and all of them were doing the work by hand. For a brief moment I thought I had fallen backwards through time. For the first time in what felt like forever I was finally excited about something.

At last we reached a small, run down house in the middle of a large unkempt field. Without any sort of direction I knew it was my home. While it certainly would need a lot of work, more than I could fathom, it felt like it was the place where I finally belonged. Veronica stopped the wagon near the front door of the tiny house. She let out a sigh.

"I know it isn't much, but here it is: home sweet home for you. I'm sure it has been a long day for you. Get settled in. If you feel like adventuring, you know which way it is to town. Like I said, I'll be by tomorrow morning to give you a tour and introduce you to the villagers," she confirmed. I smiled and jumped down from the wagon seat. Veronica handed me my suitcase and left me with a smile bigger than I had ever seen in the city. I nodded at her and watched as she turned the wagon around and left my property.

I took in another breath of fresh natural air and let it set in my lungs. I looked at the door and laid my hand on the knob. My smile only grew bigger.

"Let's do this, girl," I muttered to myself and opened the door.