Veela, carrying a bouquet of vibrant wildflowers, entered the modest, cozy home of her dear friend, Rosa, nestled within the urban enclave of Puertomarino. The dwelling showcased the architectural finesse of the time, with timber walls adorned in intricate carvings that spoke to the craftsmanship of an era rich in tradition.

Veela wore an open blue and white dress that flowed gracefully with her movements. The colors harmonized with the flowers she carried, and her black hair cascaded down in gentle waves. Her green eyes sparkled with warmth as she exchanged greetings with Rosa.

Adelina, Veela's sister-in-law, stepped into the home wearing a black and blue dress complemented by a vibrant red cloth. Her light brown hair framed her face, and her brown eyes conveyed both curiosity and kindness. The contrast of their attire added a touch of diversity to the gathering, mirroring the unique personalities that enriched Rosa's home.

The entrance, marked by a weathered wooden door, welcomed guests into a space that exuded warmth and history. Inside, tapestries depicting scenes of local life adorned the walls, adding a splash of color to the intimate setting. A central hearth, its flames dancing in a simple stone fireplace, cast a comforting glow over the room.

The furniture, fashioned from dark wood, offered a nod to both simplicity and elegance. The dining table, dressed in wooden plates and pewter goblets, awaited the feast prepared with care by Rosa. The inviting aroma of roasted meats, hearty stews, and the subtle hint of herbs lingered in the air, creating an olfactory tapestry that transported visitors to a culinary journey of rich flavors.

Rosa, a resilient figure with a gaze as deep as the roots of an ancient tree, welcomed Veela with a determined smile as she crossed the threshold. Her strong presence became evident as she effortlessly carried a heavy pot from the hearth to the dining table, a task that spoke volumes about her resilience. The muscles in her arms, sculpted by years of hard work and determination, flexed subtly beneath her sleeves. She donned a dress in faded black and blue hues, modestly adorned with a touch of white cloth. The attire, simple yet elegant, spoke to the timeless grace that resonated with the rustic charm of her home. The fabric draped in a way that suggested both comfort and a quiet strength, subtly reflecting the resilience of the woman within.

Rosa's reddish-brown hair framed her face, complementing the earthy tones of her home, and her gray eyes held a depth that mirrored the wisdom acquired through life's challenges. Veela and Adelina observed, realizing that the mother's strength extended beyond the physical – it was a quiet, indomitable force that shaped the atmosphere of the cozy home.

"Veela, it's good to see you," Rosa said with a warm embrace, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

Veela returned the embrace and held her friend at arm's length, her vibrant green eyes filled with concern.

"Rosa, how are you holding up? And how is young Mateo?"

Rosa's smile wavered for a moment as she thought of her son, Mateo, a bright and energetic boy who had brought light into her life even after the darkness of her husband's loss.

"I'm as well as I can be, dear Veela, and Mateo... He's growing every day, just like his father."

Rosa is a widow then, I should be respectful to her. Adelina mused, while unfamiliar with Rosa, she greeted her with a formal but friendly tone.

"Good day, Mrs Rosa. I'm Adelina, Tavion's wife. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Rosa's eyes flickered with recognition as she gazed at Adelina. "Ah, Adelina, dear, I remember you from the wedding. It's a pleasure to see you again."

Adelina, feelingfelt a pang of remorse for not recognizing Rosa earlier, spoke with sincerity. "I apologize, Mrs. Rosa. I should have remembered you from the wedding. Please forgive me."

Rosa offered a forgiving and understanding smile. "There's no need to apologize, dear. It was a whirlwind of emotions for me when I got married. I understand how it might slip one's mind. Your presence today is what matters most."

Adelina couldn't help but sense a deep sadness resonating from the older women. Adelina, while engaging in the heartfelt conversation, couldn't help but contemplate the challenges she must face as a widow.

it must be difficult for Rosa, Adelina mused, feeling a sense of sympathy and sadness for the young mother. society tends to cast shadows over widow women, and they often find it nearly impossible to secure a second marriage. Even worse, if a widow has a child, she's not only grappling with her own grief but also shouldering the responsibility of a child in a society that prefers men to fulfill such roles. I wonder... How is she even getting by?

Adelina's ponder was interrupted by Rosa, "Thank you for visiting me. Now, why don't you join me for lunch? Oh and while you are at it, would you please set the flowers on the table." Veela and Adelina exchanged glances and responded with enthusiasm. "We'd be delighted, Rosa."

As the three women gathered around the dining table, the warm aroma of a home-cooked meal filled the air. Veela and Adelina had brought a small bouquet of flowers. A blend of lavender, yellow, red, and blue, added a burst of color to the table, symbolizing gratitude for Rosa's hospitality.

Rosa graciously accepted the bouquet of flowers, a radiant smile gracing her face. "Thank you, both of you. These are lovely. They brighten up the room just like your presence does."

Rosa, with delicate hands, arranged the bouquet in a vase, placing it at the center of the table. Veela beamed with gratitude at Rosa's words, accepting the compliment gracefully. "It's a pleasure to bring a bit of brightness to your home, Rosa."

As the trio settled around the table, Veela, curious about Mateo, inquired, "And where is young Mateo, Rosa?"

Rosa's eyes twinkled with affection. "Oh, he's outside, playing in the garden. Let me tell you about the time he tried to convince the neighbor's cat that he's the feline whisperer."

Adelina, intrigued by Rosa's mention of Mateo's feline whisperer skills, leaned forward with a smile. "A feline whisperer, you say? Please, do tell us more about this charming tale."

Rosa couldn't help but giggle, a light and infectious sound, as she prepared to share the tale of Mateo's escapade with the neighbor's cat. "Oh, you won't believe the lengths he went to make friends with that cat. One day, he decided to serenade it with his own made-up cat language, complete with meows and all. I must say, the cat seemed more confused than impressed!"

Adelina chuckled, picturing the adorable scene. "A feline serenade, you say? Mateo sounds like quite the imaginative young lad."

Veela joined in, "I can only imagine the look on the cat's face. Did it eventually warm up to Mateo's unique talents?"

Rosa, still smiling, continued, "Surprisingly, yes! After a few days of serenades, the cat began to visit regularly. I suppose it appreciated the entertainment, or perhaps it just couldn't resist Mateo's charm."

As Rosa finished her story, the door burst open, and in ran Mateo with youthful exuberance. He sported a green tunic paired with peach-colored pants, a vibrant blue cloth draped over his shoulder. His black hair tousled with the energy of his adventures, and his gray eyes gleamed with mischief, mirroring the same captivating shade as his mother's.

"Hey, Mateo," Rosa scolded playfully, "you should at least say hello before you dive into the meal."

Mateo flashed a mischievous grin, "Hello, everyone! But, um, where's the food?"

Veela chuckled, "It's alright, Rosa. He's just excited. Kids and their endless appetite for fun and food!"

Rosa playfully squeezed Mateo's cheek, making him squirm with laughter.

"You're lucky you're so charming, young man. Now, let's enjoy this meal together."

As they settled into the meal, Veela turned to Mateo with a warm smile. "Mateo, how old are you now?"

With a mouthful of food, Mateo grinned and proudly announced, "I'm 7!"

Veela chuckled, "Such a big boy already!"

Mateo grinned happily, his youthful exuberance infectious. Adelina, always ready to bring joy to the moment, chimed in with a humorous remark.

"You know, Mateo, when I was 7, I thought I could speak to plants. I'd give them pep talks and tell them all my secrets. But, shh, don't tell anyone – plants are excellent secret keepers!"

Mateo's eyes widened with amusement, and he giggled, imagining Adelina having top-secret conversations with her leafy confidants. The lighthearted banter continued, adding a sprinkle of humor to their delightful gathering.

After savoring the last bites of Rosa's delicious meal, Mateo hopped up from the table, his energy seemingly boundless. "I've got to check on my secret hideout in the garden!" he exclaimed, rushing towards the door.

Veela and Adelina exchanged amused glances as Rosa chuckled, "He's like a whirlwind, that one. Always on the move, even after a hearty lunch."

As Mateo disappeared into the garden, Rosa leaned in, her eyes expressing both pride and a hint of exhaustion. "Honestly, I don't know where he gets all that energy. Sometimes I think he has a secret stash of sunshine hidden somewhere."

Adelina, with a playful smirk, quipped, "Maybe he's been having those secret talks with your plants, Rosa. They must be sharing their sunlight tips!"

Rosa laughed, a sound that echoed the warmth of her home. "Wouldn't surprise me at this point! But seriously, it's a relief to see him so lively. Keeps the house buzzing with life, even on the quietest days."

As they settled with their cups of tea, the fragrant warmth filling the room, Adelina gently broached a more delicate topic. "Rosa, if you don't mind me asking, what happened to your husband? I hope I'm not prying too much."

Rosa's gaze softened, and she took a thoughtful sip of her tea before responding. "His name was Javier. We were deeply in love, and he had this way of making every day feel like an adventure. But life had its own plans, and he left to serve in the army. However he got rotated to serve on the wall….. and well he left us too soon."

Huh? Why was he conscripted to serve the northern Roble army, doesn't the northerners not do that? Adelina wondered, however she could sense the weight of Rosa's words, and offered a sympathetic nod. "I'm so sorry to hear that, Rosa. Losing a loved one is never easy." However curiosity nagged Adelina, "But why did he leave you and Mateo to serve in the army? Especially the northern army"

Rosa took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting both sadness and pride. "Javier was born in North Roble. Despite living in South Roble and marrying there, he was always considered a North Roble citizen. When he was conscripted and forced to enlist in the defense against the Demi-Human races in the Albellion Hills, he had no choice but to go. He died defending us from the threat they posed."

Adelina, moved by the involuntary sacrifice, lowered her gaze. "That's an immense burden to bear. He truly gave everything for his people, even when he had no say in the matter."

Rosa nodded, a mixture of sorrow and admiration in her expression. "He believed in the unity of Roble, and that belief cost him his life. Even though I struggle to comprehend his choice, I find solace in the idea that his sacrifice, misguided as it may seem to me, was driven by a deep sense of duty and love for our homeland. Mateo and I honor his memory every day, holding on to the love and strength he left behind."

However, as she continued, a hint of bitterness tinged Rosa's words. "Honestly, sometimes I can't fathom why he risked his life for that wall. I never saw the point of it. Even if the wall fell, South Roble would be fine. The bay protects us. Javier's sacrifice seems almost... misplaced, defending something that had no impact on us."

Adelina, understanding the complexity of Rosa's feelings, spoke gently, "It must be difficult, Rosa, to grapple with the reasons behind his sacrifice."

Rosa sighed, her gaze distant. "Difficult doesn't begin to cover it. I appreciate his dedication to Roble, but I can't help but be bitter. He left us for something that, in my eyes, had little bearing on our safety."

Veela, with a thoughtful expression, gently interrupted, "Rosa, I understand your perspective, but I disagree with your worldview. Roble is like a sword, and the North is the blade while the South is the hilt. One cannot be truly useful without the other."

Rosa, intrigued yet skeptical, asked, "Why do you see it that way, Veela?"

Veela explained, "The unity of Roble is its strength. The wall might seem distant, but it protects the entire realm, ensuring the safety of both North and South. Javier, in defending the wall, was safeguarding not just one part of Roble but the entirety of our homeland. The North and South are intertwined, each crucial for the other's prosperity. It's the delicate balance that makes Roble resilient."

Rosa, her expression softened but still tinged with anger, responded, "I understand what you're saying, Veela, but it's hard for me to shake off the bitterness of losing Javier."

Veela gently grasped Rosa's hands, her eyes filled with empathy. "I know the pain is deep, Rosa, but believe me, there will come a day when Roble won't suffer at the hands of the Demi-Humans. Queen Calca is working tirelessly to bring about a new era, an era of hope and peace for Roble. Men like Javier won't have to sacrifice their lives to defend the wall. It will be a time when the unity of our realm will bring about lasting tranquility."

Rosa, though still carrying the weight of grief, found a glimmer of solace in Veela's words. The hope for a future without the need for such sacrifices began to kindle in her heart, and she nodded, appreciating the comfort and vision of a better Roble.

Veela, feeling Rosa's sadness, gently held her hands and said, "I know it's tough, Rosa, but imagine a future where Roble is peaceful. These three gold coins are a small gift to help you, a sign that there's hope for better days."

Putting the gold coins in Rosa's hands, Veela added, "Let these coins be a reminder that you're not alone. We're here to support you, and things will get better."

Adelina observed the exchange, so that's how she's being taken care of, she thought. Veela is financing Rosa's life. But do my in-laws know about this? She pondered the implications of this silent support.

Adelina, discreetly noting Veela's compassionate support for Rosa, allowed the conversation to gracefully shift. Veela, sensing the moment, gently remarked, "Well, it's getting quite late, and we should probably head back."

Rosa, understanding the need to part ways, called out to Mateo, instructing him to bid his farewells. However, Veela intervened with a warm smile, "Oh, that won't be necessary, Rosa. We had a wonderful time, and there's no need to disrupt Mateo's playtime. Please give him our regards."

As Veela and Adelina respectfully said their goodbyes to Rosa, expressing gratitude for her hospitality, they stepped out into the evening. The soft amber hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow on the streets of Puertomarino. Cobblestone pathways wound through the medieval enclave, lined with timber-framed buildings adorned in quaint carvings. The evening bustle included merchants closing up shop, their wares neatly arranged, and townsfolk going about their activities. The occasional snippet of conversation, accompanied by the distant sounds of laughter, painted a picturesque scene of a community winding down as Veela and Adelina headed home, however she couldn't help but question Veela's aid to Rosa.

"Veela, does your family know about you helping Rosa? It seems like a significant contribution."

Veela nodded, "Yes, they are aware. Javier, Rosa's late husband, was a close friend of my father, Alejandro. However, it's been a while since my father visited. He claims it's due to a busy schedule, but I suspect there might be more to it."

Adelina, intrigued by the possibility of hidden reasons, questioned, "What do you think might be the reason, Veela?"

Veela sighed, "I'm not entirely sure. I've asked my father about it, but he never gives a clear answer. The few times I've brought it up, I thought I saw him pained by the question."

"I see," Adelina acknowledged, her curiosity lingering as she processed Veela's words. Breaking the thoughtful silence, Veela turned the conversation toward a lighter note.

"But enough about my family matters. How did you find Rosa and Mateo, Adelina?" Veela inquired, her green eyes filled with genuine interest.

"I truly enjoyed the visit to Rosa's house," Adelina responded, her tone reflecting sincerity.

"Yet, I couldn't help but sense the undercurrent of sadness from the moment Rosa greeted you. It's as if her smile masked a deeper sorrow."

Veela nodded in agreement with her observation. "You're perceptive, Adelina. Rosa has been through a lot, and even after all these years, the pain of Javier's passing lingers in her heart. It's a wound that time struggles to heal."

Adelina's gaze turned reflective. "It reminded me of my grandmother, you know. She lost her sibling at a young age, and there was always this subtle sense of missing someone, a quiet sorrow that never completely faded. Even in the warmest moments, there was a shadow of loss."

As they walked through the bustling streets of Puertomarino, the fading sunlight casting long shadows, Veela didn't immediately know how to respond to Adelina's revelation. The weight of unspoken emotions lingered in the air, casting a subtle veil over their conversation.

The sounds of the evening, the distant chatter of townsfolk, and the occasional clop of horse hooves became a backdrop to their shared thoughts. The awkwardness between them was palpable, like a delicate dance around uncharted territory.

Veela glanced at Adelina, her green eyes reflecting a mix of empathy and uncertainty.

"It's... hard to find words in moments like these," Veela admitted, her voice carrying a note of vulnerability.

Adelina nodded, understanding the challenge of expressing emotions that transcended casual conversation. "Indeed, some sentiments defy simple articulation."

Their steps continued in a comfortable silence, each lost in their own contemplation. The streets of Puertomarino gradually transformed as they approached the more affluent part of the city. The quaint charm of Rosa's neighborhood gave way to grander architecture and meticulously kept gardens.

As they turned a corner, the imposing mansion that belonged to Veela's family came into view. The estate stood as a testament to the wealth and influence that Veela's family wielded. Tall, ornate gates opened into a cobblestone courtyard, leading to a sprawling mansion adorned with elaborate carvings and lush ivy climbing its walls.

As Veela and Adelina ascended the marble steps, the grandeur of the mansion contrasting with the warmth of Rosa's modest home, the imposing double doors swung open. A line of maids, clad in neatly pressed uniforms, stood in a precise formation within the opulent foyer, their eyes attentive.

"Welcome back home, Lady Veela," the head maid, a woman of dignified poise, greeted in a formal tone, a practiced blend of respect and professionalism.

Adelina received a similar acknowledgment, her title pronounced with measured courtesy.

"Thank you," Veela responded with a nod, acknowledging their presence. The mansion's air carried the scent of polished wood and a hint of beeswax, the meticulous care evident in every detail.

Adelina, standing amidst the grandeur, looked momentarily perplexed as if she had forgotten something. After a brief pause, she turned to Veela with a light chuckle.

"I should probably check in with Tavion. I don't want him to think we got lost in the city's labyrinth."

Veela smiled, understanding the dynamics of familial responsibilities.

"Of course, Adelina. Family first. Tavion might be in the study. I'll catch up with you shortly."

As Adelina made her way towards the study, Veela remained in the foyer, surrounded by the hushed efficiency of the mansion's staff. The grand tapestries, hanging with regal splendor, seemed to silently witness the interplay of tradition and modernity within the walls of the esteemed household.

Veela decided to ascend the grand staircase, the polished wood steps leading her to the second floor. As she reached the midway point, a large glass plane caught her attention. The fading sun painted the sky in hues of amber and rose, casting a warm glow over the landscape. The city below seemed to stir with life, yet from this vantage point, it exuded a peaceful charm.

Veela took a moment to soak in the breathtaking view, the sun's descent signaling the close of another day in Puertomarino. The sky transformed into a canvas of warm hues, with streaks of orange and pink casting a serene ambiance. The city below shimmered with the fading light, and a gentle breeze whispered through the air.

As the vibrant colors painted the heavens, Veela couldn't help but smile brightly. In that quiet moment, overlooking the beauty of Puertomarino, she whispered to the breeze, "I have a feeling that everything will be alright for Roble."