The Pearl Of Vynes - Chapter 3 Village Exploration

As the first rays of sun hit his face, he rolled over to see his wife’s even breathing, suggesting she was still fast asleep despite the bright greeting from the sun. Smiling to himself, he kissed her lightly on the forehead and sat up on the bed. Getting up he threw on shirt and trousers, walking into the kitchen. He noticed the bedroll and cover the traveller was using last night were already neatly folded on the floor. The traveller however was definitely missing. Walking to the back of the house he noticed the man was sitting on the ground not too far away from the house, watching the morning sun rise over the mountain. The morning chill hadnt faded yet as he walked through the dirt towards the visitor, the earth still hard from the chill of the night broke beneath his feet and felt the slight chill in the soil between his toes. From behind he could see the traveller was definitely in a much better condition, no slumping or anything that seemed to keep the visitor down. Sitting down next to the traveller, the visitor broke the silence.

Im mighty thankful, It seems I’ve caused trouble again. It seems to be a bad habit of mine the traveller said without turning towards him yet, soaking in the sights of landscape.

Not a problem Mister, Alice was the one that helped you all the way back here the father said

Ill have to make sure I thank her when she wakes up the traveller said as he gazed into the countryside.

Do you have a name Mister? the father asked.

The name’s Miles. It stuck considering how far I always travelled” he said with a light chortle.

Well Miles, its a pleasure to meet you, the name’s Joel. Planning to join us for breakfast?” Joel asked. Miles’ loud growl from his stomach sounded agreement at the thought.

Breakfast sounds lovely; the stomach’s hadn’t had much love recently Miles said patting his stomach as he got himself up and brushed the dirt of his person.

Joel looked him up and down properly for the first time, no covers or sickness to hide the man’s physique or intense character. Miles looked roughly the same age as he but his attitude bespoke a lifetime of experience and wisdom. His clothing although torn and filthy could barely hide the muscles so heavily pronounced and as Miles stretched his body, the flexing of biceps and muscles surely told of a man that was just a merchant. Armour wouldn’t look strange on the man, that’s for sure Joel thought to himself.

So please tell me more of the village, Im not sure exactly where I’ve ended up Miles laughed as he talked with Joel while walking back to the house.

“The village is a bit newer some I’m not sure there is really something written down officially, but the merchants and villagers called this place Noire ‘al Medan” Joel explained as they walked.

“Hmm, you’re right I’ve barely heard of this place, has it been under attack recently?” Miles asked.

“Unfortunately yes, we’ve had it tough but recently everything’s been calming down” Joel said with much hope behind his smile he had across his face.

The scent of breakfast enticed the two men inside, and enveloped the household to welcome a new day. Joel and Miles came back inside, he could see Narissa adding extras to last night’s soup, probably dandelions from the road nearby. Narissa came over and quickly told both of the men off about the dirt they had tracked into the house, she was wielding the spoon more like a weapon than a cooking utensil. While Joel tried to calm Narissa down, Miles was right behind him with a grin enjoying the small fight between the couple.

“Smells wonderful” Miles said as he put his hands together and rubbed them together, warming them up in preparation of the meal. Three of them sat at the wooden table, four chairs standing upright for them to sit on. Joel started to hand out bowls and spoons onto the wooden table as he reminisced as usual over his work and smooth finish he had given to the wood. Joel could remember the day he had to make the table, chopping the trees and sanding down the wood as he created something from the very little they had. The whole house was a labour of love for Joel, his spirit had seemed to envelope the house and there wasn’t something he hadn’t had a hand in creating.

The scent of breakfast wafted through the house, rousing Alice from sleep. Alice’s stomach growled loud enough for the rest of the occupants to hear her from the kitchen. Rubbing the sleep on her eyes, Alice came in wearing a simple night dress into the kitchen joining the other three for food. Joel gestured to Alice and she walked over so Joel could pick her, placing Alice down on her comfortable father’s lap. Joel let out a small sound of discomfort as Alice made herself secure in her father’s arms.

“You’re not getting any lighter there Alice” Joel stated. Alice looked up at her father and pouted, finally looking at Miles, having now recovered she stared at his full figure. Miles sensing Alice’s attention stood up with a slight bow.

Pardon my lack of manners ladies for not introducing myself earlier. My name is Miles and a travelling merchant by trade. Thank you for the wonderful care you have given me he said with a twinkle in his eyes. Narissa smiled at the man’s actions and Alice beamed that the man had made a full recovery, she hadn’t taken a good look at him when she first found him. Being barely able to move yesterday he now had the full energy of spring in him. He was still wearing the necklace that had captured her attention earlier. Despite not being in the sun it shimmered and glowed like it had a life of its own. Miles noticed Alice’s intense concentration on his necklace and grasped it in his hands and hid it back underneath his shirt.

Ah, I believe you’re the young lady that helped me.” Miles said as Alice stopped concentrating on the pendant he was wearing, “Allow me to give my thanks to you Miles continued, reaching behind his back and presenting a number of wild flowers and roses that were very healthy and freshly picked. Joel raised his eyebrows in surprise, he was very sure that Miles’ hands were empty when they walked in the house. Alice reached for them, clasping them in her hand and smelling them with great inhaling. Joel shot his wife a questioning, which she returned with a slight shrug, definitely surprising Narissa but not dangerous in itself.

Ill put them into a pot for you dear Narissa said as she took the flowers away from Alice and filled water up in a small clay vase outside, returning with the vase of flowers and sitting it on the window sill of the kitchen. Alice smiled at the strange man; he bore a presence of mystery that was almost irresistible to her. Joel could also sense it as well, tightening his arms around Alice to make sure the man couldn’t charm her away from him.

“Is there anything I could do to repay for your kindness? Miles said as Narissa filled the bowls on the table and some of the now crusty bread. Alice was already soaking her bread into her left over soup, gobbling up the soggy but flavourful bread.

Many hands have always made light work. I’m sure I could use your help to till the soil for the coming planting season Joel said relaxing a little so Alice had more room to finish her breakfast while she was on his lap. Alice finished her bowl and squirmed, Joel pushed the chair letting Alice fall of his lap and walk with the bowl and cutlery back to the kitchen bench. Running back to her room, Alice came back in her peasant smock and dirt covered shoes.

“You can go play outside for a bit dear” Narissa said to Alice, nodding in response she ran off to the back of the house and started to dig in the ground and form small dirt mountains while she waited for her father to finish his food. The three adults enjoyed the meal and conversed a little as Miles started telling a couple stories of the trips he had made. As they finished their food Miles and Joel took the bowls up to the kitchen bench as they still talked

“How old is the little one?” Miles asked
for visiting.

“Alice is getting close to ten now” Joel replied.

“She’s definitely going to grow into a wonderful woman someday” Miles complimented.

“For sure. But the suitors are gonna have to get through her father first” Joel laughed showing off his muscled bicep, clapping his other hand on top of it. Miles smiled along with him. Joel walked outside and grabbed a hoe lying on the side of the house, Miles following from behind.