The golden light of the sun shined brightly through the window, casting a glare off the small mirror. Despite it being the heart of winter, the room was filled with colorful flowers, and it left the room smelling fresh. Vibrant splashes of paint showed underneath the decorations, adding to the chaotic, mesmerizing colors. After years of darkness, Daisy was going to live everyday surrounded by beautiful colors from now on.

She ran a comb through her thick brown hair. It’s dark brown wood was ornately carved with floral patterns. It was one of the many gifts her uncle had given her. She set the comb down with a warm smile, but her eyes glanced over at the wall next to her small vanity.

Four figures were poorly painted on the wall. Three adults with a child standing between a woman and man. Her smile faded slightly, and she brought her fingers to her lips then pressed it against wall.

“Love you.” She wiped her eyes as she left the room.

Daisy frowned as she stepped into the main room. The shutter were closed causing the room to be filled with dark shadows. Her nose wrinkled at the appalling, musty scent of medicine, and a dark lump sat the table. She stormed over to the shutters and threw them open making Uncle Elias wake with a startle.

“Uncle, how many times do I have to tell you to sleep in you bed?” She scolded him as she started a fire.

“I’m sorry dear.” Elias scratched at his stubble.

“Sorry isn’t enough.” Daisy pouted. “You are the town’s healer. What would happen if you ended up sick?”

“There’s always mistress Gheldrielle.”

“That’s no excuse.” Elias sighed in relief when there was a knock at the door. She glared at him but ran to open the door. A tall, lithe beauty stood before her. “Good morning, mistress Gheldrielle!” Daisy smiled brightly.

The elf returned the smile and bowed to her. “Good morning to you as well child. May I use your alchemy tools?”

“Of course.” Daisy let her inside. She scowl painted her lips when she noticed dirtied utensils. “Please excuse the mess.”

“It seems that no matter the race, it falls to the women to maintain a household.” Gheldrielle smirked knowingly.

“Don’t worry, I’ll clean it up.” Elias gave them an embarrassed chuckle that faded quickly under the elf’s intense glare.

Gheldrielle’s gaze rooted him to the spot. “Dark circles around the red eyes, shaking legs and hands, and a foul stench on the breath.” She placed a hand on his forehead. “Hot to the touch. You’re sick.”

“Uncle!”

“I’m not.” Elias’ cough contradicted his protest.

“You are, and that is unacceptable.” Gheldrielle grimaced sadly. “Child, gather water and place it in the cauldron. I’ll need boiling water to clean the tools.”

“That’s not-”

“In bed, now!” Gheldrielle snapped. Elias quietly backed away into the only dark room.

“Will he be fine?” Daisy’s eyes became misty. “I don’t know what I’d do-” A warm hand interrupted her.

“Don’t worry child.” Gheldrielle said, “I know a draught that’ll cure him, but I’ll need that water first.”

“Of course!”

Daisy collected the bucket by the door and ran towards the well. A few of the housewives waved at her as she passed, and she set the pail under the spicket. The water came out in spurts when she pumped the wooden lever. The new contraption fascinated her, especially since it made drawing water faster.

“Morning Lady Daisy.” She turned to see Krietsky come up behind her.

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“How many times do I have to tell you to simply call me Daisy? I’m no lady.” She huffed as she struggled with the pump.

“Allow me.”

Daisy stepped aside. The young man was barely taller than she was despite being older. Krietsky groaned as he pumped the lever, each pump produced a little more water than when she worked it. She chuckled slightly at watching him struggle with the pump, and Krietsky wiped his brow when the pail was full.

“Thank you for coming to my aid.” Daisy smiled with a small curtsy. “I’ll see you later.”

“If you want… I can carry it for you.” His arms shook as he lifted the wooden bucket.

Daisy smiled as she reached for the handle. “We can carry it together.” A few of the housewives chuckled at them.

Daisy hummed joyfully as they walked together. Krietsky stared straight ahead, his movements stiff as wisps of steam rose from his head.

“Is there a reason why you’re fetching water today instead of Lord Elias?” He stuttered.

“Uncle is sick in bed, and I needed to get water for mistress Gheldrielle.” Daisy’s smile faded. “She says she can make something to help. What about you?”

“Master Nathaniel and I were working on making ceramic pipes.” Krietsky’s eyes sparkled. “If our experiments work, then he thinks we’ll be able to use them to pump water into everyone’s houses.”

“That sounds amazing. You must be learning a lot.”

“I am.” Krietsky opened his menu. “Look, I’m nearly level four. It took my other siblings years to reach this level. It’s all thanks to master Nathaniel that I’ve made it this far.”

“You sound like you’re having fun. It makes me want to have a crafters class too.”

“I wouldn’t recommend it.” Krietsky’s smile faltered. “You should desire a class people will respect.”

“I respect your class.” Daisy smiled brightly at him. “Potters make such beautiful things like vases, dishes, statues. Your class is incredibly important Krietsky.”

His face turned deep red. “Thank you. Looks like we’re here.”

Daisy gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before taking the pail. “Thanks for the help.” She waved at him as she headed inside. Krietsky waved as he backed away, and he disappeared down the street.

“I have the water for you!” She called out as she entered the house.

Gheldrielle quickly took the bucket and poured it into the small cauldron. “Excellent.” She smiled warmly. “I was a little worried, but it was a good thing that boy was there.”

“Yes, I’m grateful as well.” Daisy replied, trying to ignore the heat coming off her cheeks.

----------------------------------------

The roaring flames danced wildly within the stone kiln. The heat barely registered on Krietsky’s skin as he watched the wood burn. His eyes were glued to the bright yellow of the flame. Its color reminded him of Daisy. He flinched when something stung his ears.

“Pay attention Krietsky.” Nathaniel said. He sat at a bench carving runes into a wet clay pipe. “You need to manage the fire, otherwise the temperature in the kiln won’t remain stable.”

“Yes master!” Krietsky’s face burned more from embarrassment than from the fire.

“So, what’s on your mind?”

“Nothing’s wrong sir.”

“Don’t lie.”

Krietsky’s feet dug into the snow. “Someone said they respected me.” He glanced over at his master expecting to hear laughter, but all he saw was a warm smile.

“It’s good to have people’s respect.”

“This person also wanted a crafter class as well, but I told her it wasn’t worth it.”

“Her?” Krietsky’s stomach fell at Nathaniel’s chuckle. “I see how it is now, but why would you tell her not to desire a crafter’s class?”

“You know what it’s like being a crafter!” Krietsky replied, “Daisy shouldn’t want that.” His mouth snapped shut.

Nathaniel sighed and knelt in front of him, grasping his shoulders tightly. “It’s admirable that you want to protect her, but you shouldn’t dismiss her desire so easily because of your own insecurities.”

“But crafters are a respectable class.”

“You sound like your mother.” Krietsky cowered under Nathaniel’s stern gaze. “I won’t have an apprentice that denigrates himself as well as other crafters. We’re going to show everyone how important crafters are. Do you understand?”

“But you’re a hero, and I’m simply a potter!”

Nathaniel forcefully turned him around to look at the assortment of pipes they made. “It’s thanks to the pottery skill that those were made!” he shouted.

“You made those master.”

“No, we made them.” Nathaniel tapped his forehead hard. “You played an important part in making them too. Don’t diminish it.”

Krietsky stared at the ground. “I don’t feel important.”

“You should, because Daisy thinks you’re important.” The boy stared at Nathaniel in shock. “It’s time you changed your mindset son.”

Nathaniel opened the kiln and ushered one of the giant robots towards it. It pulled out the large clay pipe inside with two massive hooks, the red clay glistened with a teal sheen. The behemoth set the pipe down with the others and loaded another into the kiln. The arcanum infused clay looked beautiful despite its simple design.

“They are, aren’t they.” Nathaniel chuckled at him, and Krietsky realized that he had spoken out loud. “And you had a hand in their creation.”

“Forgive me master.” Krietsky whispered, “I didn’t mean to disrespect you like that.”

“I truly do understand son.” Nathaniel placed a comforting hand on his back. “But as my parents told me; you don’t get to level one hundred without caring a few burdens. Let those burdens drive you to be the best.”

Potters make such beautiful things.

“Then I want to make the most beautiful pottery in the world.” Krietsky replied. “I want everyone to know the name Krietsky La’ Maire!”

“But you’re not a La’ Maire, remember.” Nathaniel smiled proudly at him. “You are a Light, and don’t you forget it.”

Krietsky wiped the tears from his eyes. “Yes sir, I won’t let you down!”