The steady, slow creaking of the cart's aged wheels persisted throughout both day and night. Despite the trio's efforts to catch up on rest, the discomfort of the wooden seats and the constant wheel creaks made it impossible to sleep for more than a few hours at a stretch. Though for Aiken and Luna, a few hours was all that they needed while Selina was the complete opposite, and even though it was uncomfortable to sleep in their current situation, she would force herself through it. When she would finally awake, Aiken would often remark on Selina's crankiness, despite her sleeping for half a day. This would lead to a back-and-forth of bickering resembling siblings, with Luna and the driver as their sole audience.
It had been a few days since they departed from Uni, the road they traveled was mostly quiet and empty. The only interruptions were the sounds of animals at night and the occasional merchant heading in the opposite direction.
Selina laid against the wooden seat across from Aiken, she put her hand over her face and left her other hand to hang over the edge of whatever space was left on her seat. “Are we there yet?” She complained.
“No, not yet.”
“What’s taking so long?!” Again, she complained.
“The roads are long Selina, traveling usually takes more than one day.” Leaning against the cart's end, Aiken casted a gaze at the vivid blue sky overhead, visible through the small openings of the cart’s white curtain. “You should be glad we’re in a cart and not traveling by foot.”
“By foot?! I’d die doing that in these boots!”
“I probably would’ve gone deaf from all of your complaining.”
Immediately, Selina grabbed her staff and slammed it across his chest.
Wincing from the impact, Aiken gasped deeply to reassure that he was still alive. “What the fuck?!”
“As if you weren’t just talking shit!”
“You could’ve killed me, hitting me that hard!”
“Oh, don’t be a baby! You’re supposed to be the big and strong swordsman!”
“What does my sword have to do with you almost breaking my chest with your staff?!”
“Shut up!” Selina swings her staff at Aiken again, though this time she misses.
“Relax! That thing is a weapon!”
Luna who always sat and slept next to Aiken, regardless of what was happening was now a few steps away beside the driver watching the madness unfold. The driver cackled in his seat, which immediately grabbed their attention.
“You two are quite the party, you banter like I’ve never seen before and it’s only been two days and a half.” Luna who was sitting under the talking driver, howls in agreement. “I think your pet agrees with me as well.”
“Yeah, well Aiken doesn’t know how to keep certain comments to himself.”
“I let my words flow out of me Selina.”
“And that’s why we’re always yelling at each other.”
“I disagree, I don’t yell, you yell and after a while I dislike being yelled at so I return the yelling.”
“So, like I said we’re always yelling at each other.”
Aiken's face scrunches up as he observes Selina's quick-witted words. “Yeah… but it always starts with you.”
Selina squints, clearly annoyed but keeps her staff low and to herself.
Again, the driver cackles at their banter. “Well, if you want a break from your back and forth with each other take a peek out of the carts curtains, I think you’ll like what you see.”
In perfect sync, the trio stick their heads out from the cart, taking a moment to observe the scene mentioned by the driver. A sea of purple flowers blankets the surrounding field, and the gentle scent of lavender gradually wafts into their noses. Each flower is meticulously planted, forming a perfect alignment with its neighboring blooms, and at the edge of this enchanting field, a sun-kissed wooden sign caught the light, bearing the radiant inscription “Aster.”
“Whoaaaaa.” Selina couldn't pull her eyes away from the field of flowers, a scene she could scarcely believe existed beyond the familiar blooms of Salem.
“It’s beautiful.” Aiken remarked.
“Welcome to Aster Village folks.” The driver exclaimed, urging his horses forward by cracking their reigns once more.
Luna's nose incessantly savored the subtle scent of lavender wafting from the flowers. If given the chance, it would be inevitable for Luna to attempt munching on the numerous purple flowers scattered around. Similar to the other two, it's safe to say she loved the fragrance just as much.
The cart glides steadily along the narrow road, passing the village's welcome sign and allowing the lingering scent of lavender from the purple flowers to envelop the trio a bit longer.
“Now, I’ve only been here a few times but Millie’s Tavern, where I’ll stop and we’ll separate is a great place to spend some time in, and you can get a room there as well.”
“That’s good to know, lord knows we need an actual bed to sleep in.”
“YES! No offense but the wooden seats are terrible for sleeping!”
The driver laughs. “None taken.”
The driver snaps his reins once more, causing the already slow cart to decelerate further until it comes to a complete stop. Aiken jumps out from the rear of the cart, stretching his aching back after resting on the uncomfortable wooden seats that Selina just complained about. Aster presented a distinct contrast to Uni. The concrete side streets of Uni gave way to dirt paths in Aster. While the buildings here were shorter and more spaced out, they still housed the same businesses in their smaller vicinity. Unlike Uni, the structures in Aster were visibly constructed from older materials, featuring darker and less appealing colors that starkly contrasted with the beautiful purple flowers just outside. Yet, just like Uni, Aster teemed with people hustling about, attending to their daily needs, spending money, and relishing in their brief respite from home, even if only for a few hours. Aiken's and Selina's boots sank slightly into the soil of Aster, signifying that Luna's white fur would inevitably get dirty during their entire time here.
“You’ll need a serious bath after this place Luna.” Excited about having the freedom to play amongst the dirt roads and side streets of Aster, Luna howled and hopped around, immediately dirtying her white fur. Aiken smiles and chuckles, knowing at the hassle Luna will give him while they’re here and after when he tries to clean her. “Cozy.”
“Alright you two! It was nice traveling with you, but I think I’ll head back to Uni and take those boys out.”
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
“Thank you for the ride, and I appreciate dealing with our back and forth’s so graciously.”
“No worries swordsman, it was great entertainment. Make sure you three take care of yourselves, hopefully our paths cross again.”
The driver guided his horses and cart, cracking the reins to set them in motion. They slowly departed Aster, retracing their path, and bid farewell to Aiken, Selina, and Luna— the latter engrossed in digging her paws into the dirt.
“Can we go to the tavern he mentioned and get our rooms situated?” Selina tugged on Aiken’s sleeve, begging and not asking.
“Yeah, we won’t get much done feeling the way we feel right now.”
The dirt road behind them extends to a crossroads, offering paths that lead deeper into Aster or toward the opposite side. Adjacent to the crossroads stands a moderately sized old building with weathered black bricks and misty windows. At the top, a sign reads "Millie's." Inside the tavern, the first floor is crowded with worn-out tables and chairs, all occupied by the men of Aster. The clinking of glass cups resounding as they hit rims greets Aiken's ears upon entering. Laughter and storytelling create a lively atmosphere within the tavern. Aiken heads to the far end, taking a seat at the bar. An older woman with greying hair efficiently serves drinks to those seated in front of her, while two younger women emerge from the back periodically, delivering drinks and food to the packed tables. Despite the weathered tabletop, marked with chips in its wood, Aiken is unfazed.
“What can I get for ya?” The older woman behind the bar, takes notice of Aiken and is quick with pulling his attention.
“Surprise me.”
The older woman smiles, exposing her teeth behind her wrinkled lips. “You look like a strong man, so maybe a strong drink to get you loose.”
Reaching for an emerald green bottle of liquor from the shelf behind her, amidst other colored bottles containing various types of alcohol, she pours the drink into a small cup for Aiken to consume in one gulp.
“Thank you.” Aiken puts the small cup to his lips and downs the drink in one go. The alcohol possessed a robust and bitter flavor, reminiscent of wood, prompting Aiken to grimace almost immediately. Nevertheless, it went down smoothly, instantly enveloping Aiken in a warm and cozy sensation throughout his body.
“How is it?” The older woman asked.
“It’s good, what do I owe you?”
“Don’t worry about it, it’s on the house.”
“Can I have one?” Selina’s voice splits their conversation and she sticks her head in front of Aiken.
“Absolutely not.” Aiken grabs the back of her collar and pulls her away.
“But why?!”
“Because you’re too young!”
“But that’s not fair!”
Annoyed, Aiken ignore’s her complaints and turns back to the bartender.
“I wouldn’t expect someone as youthful as you to have a kid.” The bartender said.
Aiken chuckled. “She’s not my kid, we’re just working together.”
The bartender’s eyes gaze at the sword on Aiken’s back. “A swordsman? Then I’m guessing you’re playing bodyguard?”
“Something like that.”
“Well, I won’t bother you too much on that. But it’s only right that I welcome your group to Aster. The name’s Millie, like on the sign out there.”
“Nice to meet you Millie, I’m Aiken, she’s Selina and this down here is Luna.”
Millie smiles, again exposing her missing teeth. “So, what brings you to our sweet little village?”
“Just passing through, searching for a room to rest in for a few days and, perhaps, some potential work.”
“Well, I’ve got a room big enough for the three of you. Two separate beds as well.”
“How much?”
“400 gold a night.”
“I’ll take it.”
Millie nods her head and pulls a set of keys with the number 56 etched into an attached wooden tag, sliding them over to Aiken. “I’ll need you to pay upfront.”
Aiken digs in his satchel and pulls out an abundance of gold coins. “Here’s 2000 gold; that should cover a week’s stay.”
Millie smiles and tosses the keys to Selina.
“Take Luna upstairs and situate yourselves, I’ll follow right behind you guys once I’m done here.”
Hesitant, Selina took a few moments to observe the busyness surrounding them. Unsure if it was the right decision to leave Aiken on his own but Luna calmed her concerns by turning away and heading upstairs ahead of her. Selina knew that if Luna sensed any level of danger, that she would never leave Aiken alone, so she took the key Millie gave her and hurried upstairs where she aching for rest in a proper bed.
Millie paused to serve drinks to the other patrons beside Aiken, quenching their thirst for more alcohol before returning to him.
“You’ve got some support behind you.”
“They just know that you can’t be too careful no matter where you go.”
“Talking just like a man who fights for a living.”
Millie refills Aiken's small cup, replenishing it with the same alcohol she initially poured for him.
“If you want work, then you’ll have to meet with the village chief herself. I’m sure she has something that needs addressing that a man of your alleged talents could handle.”
Like before, Aiken downs the drink in one quick gulp. That bitter robust wooden taste still prominent, as well as that smooth warm feeling after.
“Where can I find the village chief?”
“At the summit of the crossroads stands a large and white house, the sole one of its kind in the village.”
“Sounds like my day, tomorrow is going to be a long one.”
“The village chief is quite the woman.”
“What do you mean?” Aiken asked.
“You’ll see when you meet her.”
Aiken nodded. “Regardless that’s great information but I do have one more question.”
“What’s that?”
“Do you folk have a place to clean ourselves?
Millie laughed and then nodded. “The building behind the tavern is a bathhouse, you’ll be able to freshen up there.”
Aiken nods, sliding the small, empty cup back to Millie. He rises from his seat at the bar and ascends the stairs, recalling the number 56 engraved on the wooden tag affixed to the room keys. Locating the room, Aiken was met with a mischievous Luna chasing a squealing Selina, attempting to transfer the dirt from her white fur onto Selina. However, Selina’s luck turned with Aiken’s arrival, as Luna’s attention swiftly shifted to him. She leaped across the room, and landed on Aiken’s legs.
“Looks like you two are having some fun.”
“Well, if you consider being chased by a dirt covered monster as fun, then yeah.”
Aiken stroked Luna’s head, and she purred with contentment, resembling a cat.
“Good news, if you want a bath, the building behind the tavern is a bathhouse.”
Exhausted, Selina laid in bed and stretched her body. “That’s amazing, but I’m tired and my body hurts so maybe tomorrow.”
Aiken nods and laughs. “I’m going to guess that the reaction you give me on the information I just shared is going to be very different when you hear it again tomorrow.”
But, in the comfort of the new bed she was laying in, Selina’s attention drifted away into a sleep she’s been begging for since painfully waking up from her sleep on the cart as they traveled. Aiken sighed at her uncomplicated nature. He proceeded to unpack his sword and belongings in the room, he directed Luna to watch over Selina, and took a handful of gold coins before making his way to the bathhouse situated behind the tavern.
As the sun set, the encroaching night cast its dimness. The building adjacent to the bathhouse, though small, saw a constant flow of village folk coming and going. Approaching, Aiken observed steam billowing from inside, offering a preview of the warm water awaiting him. Excitement coursing through him, Aiken hurried inside and was promptly met by two pathways—one designated for women and the other for men. Between these pathways stood a table occupied by a man and a woman, both sporting small circular glasses fogged from the steam emanating from the bathhouse.
“Welcome sir!” They spoke in unison. “To use the bathhouse, it’ll be 200 gold.”
Aiken dropped the gold onto their table and the man sitting on the right side of the table beside the men’s entrance pointed. “Make your way inside and enjoy your time in the bathhouse.”
Perplexed, Aiken simply nodded and followed the instructions. He undressed and entered a spacious square bath, immersed in hot, steaming water that eased his weary body. Aiken wasn't the sole occupant; the room was large enough to accommodate multiple men, yet they maintained a comfortable distance, preferring to relish the steam and warm water without creating any awkward atmosphere.
Aiken settled into a comfortable position, leaning against the bath's edge. Finally finding a moment of peace, a sense of home enveloped him. Thoughts of his mother and the warm meals she used to prepare filled his mind, and he realized how much he missed having that waiting for him every day. It had been a year since he left home to become a mercenary, and a few months since he last sat down to send a letter back for his mother to read. Not that he was intentionally avoiding communication, but Aiken felt he had nothing significant to update her on, choosing to keep to himself during his travels with Luna. At times, he wondered if he was mistaken, if perhaps his mother didn't want to hear about his adventures but simply wanted to know about him and how he was feeling.
These thoughts crossed Aiken's mind occasionally, yet he would convince himself that if it wasn't interesting to him, it wouldn't be to her either. The situation in Uni and the woman from that vision resonated with the homesick feelings he experienced now. Unable to run home and discuss it with his mom, Aiken considered sending a letter, updating her on his experiences. Maybe she would provide an answer. Though he knew the chances were slim, as his mother was not one to be upfront about certain things. Aiken felt that even if she had the answer, she might never explicitly share it with him. Still, he believed it was worth a try.
After spending some time in relaxation, he retraced his steps to his room with a piece of paper in hand that he acquired from Millie, and spent portion of his night writing a letter to his mother, hopeful that sharing the vision he had encountered might lead to some meaningful connection while also desiring to hear about her and about home.