Chapter 2: Too Safe

When the younger brother was left alone in the small room he shared with his older brother, now sitting with his half-eaten plate, he began to eat slowly.

After a few minutes, the mother was washing the dishes and noticed a small figure behind her reflected in one of the spoons. She turned and saw her little son, Rin, standing with his hands behind him in shyness, his gaze fixed on the ground.

“Mom, I’m sorry,” Rin apologized sincerely.

She smiled and pulled him into a warm hug.

“Of course, little one… don’t worry. I’m not mad,” she said, her smile gentle and reassuring.

“I sent Aurel to buy us some apples. I knew it would lift your spirits a bit,” she added.

“Uh? Huh?! For real?! Apples?! At this time?!” Rin exclaimed, surprised.

“Yes, they’re a bit expensive, but you’re worth it,” she said before kissing his forehead.

After a while, the front door was knocked three times.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The mother slowly stood, straightening her apron, and walked toward it. “Who’s there?” she asked, her voice calm but curious.

“It’s me, Kaelar,” he answered.

She opened the door slowly, smiling at her husband. The evening air was cool, and a few dry leaves stuck to his boots. His golden eyes brightened as he saw her, and his black hair fell messily over his forehead from a long day of work.

“Welcome back, sweetie!” she said with a warm smile, stepping aside to let him in. The faint smell of cooking and the cozy warmth of the house greeted him.

“Sorry for being late today as well…” Kaelar said, rubbing the back of his neck, tiredness clear on his face.

“No worries, everything was alright. They behaved at least,” she said with a gentle chuckle, fixing the table a little.

“What took you so long?” Rin asked, running a hand through his messy hair, his small footsteps tapping softly on the wooden floor.

“Uh… hey, buddy… sorry man, had to work extra today,” Kaelar said to Rin, letting out a tired sigh.

“By the way, where’s the hard head?” Kaelar asked with a playful tone.

“Oh… he’s out buying treatment for them,” she said with a chuckle, glancing toward the window where the last sunlight made the room glow.

“treatment? What kind of treatment?” Kaelar asked, curious.

“It’s just apples,” she explained, smiling softly. “I noticed they haven’t had any in a while… might cheer them up for the next few days.”

“Oh… uh… apples…” Kaelar said, biting his lips thoughtfully.

“Hey… don’t worry… it’s from my own savings,” she said, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

“No, no, really, no worries… t… they deserve it,” Kaelar insisted, giving a small smile.

Rin’s bright blue eyes darted between his mom and dad, curiosity shining in them.

“Oh… um… so… how about I go take a bath?” Kaelar asked, scratching the back of his neck.

“Sure thing! Let me prepare it for you,” she said with a chuckle, heading toward the bathroom. “I already bathed Rin this morning, so don’t use up all the water, we still need to get Aurel cleaned too.”

The morning sun spread warm light across the village, casting long golden streaks on the cobblestone streets. Smoke rose slowly from small hearths, carrying the smell of fresh bread and warm porridge into the cool air. The market was coming alive, wooden stalls lining the narrow streets, baskets full of fruits and vegetables spilling their colors into the sunlight. Red apples gleamed beside deep purple grapes, and bundles of herbs hung above the stalls, swaying gently in the breeze.

Merchants called out cheerfully, selling their goods to anyone who passed. The clatter of carts and the laughter of children filled the air. A blacksmith hammered tools, pottery clinked as it was arranged, and fabrics flapped softly in the morning wind.

Through the busy crowd, a boy moved carefully. Aurel, his black hair catching the sunlight and golden eyes alert beneath his hood, walked slowly through the stalls. He paused at a table full of shiny apples, lifting each one with gentle hands, choosing only the best.

“Good morning, young master,” said the elderly vendor, smiling. “Looking for something special today?”

Aurel nodded. “Just some apples… the best you have.” His voice was calm, steady, carrying a quiet care.

“And how much is this basket going to be?” Aurel asked.

“Oh, it’s sixty Elionians,” the elderly vendor replied with a warm smile.

“Sixty what?!” Aurel exclaimed quietly, his eyes darting around the busy market.

“Is something wrong, young one?” asked the vendor.

“I… I don’t have that much,” Aurel admitted, glancing at the bright red apples.

“Oh… and how much do you have?” the vendor asked.

“Five… only five,” Aurel said, sincerity in his voice.

“Ah… five, hmm… then I can give you only one apple for your five Elionians,” the vendor said thoughtfully, stroking his chin.

“One? Is it really that expensive everywhere?” Aurel asked, a small frown forming on his brow.

“Well… yes. You may find apples elsewhere, but the finest ones are here, young gold eyes,” the vendor said, smiling kindly.

Aurel looked around the bustling market, weighing his options. He took a deep breath and nodded. “Alright… then, just one, please.”

After a few moments, he began walking back home, weaving through the busy market. He watched the stalls, the merchants calling out their wares, the chatter of buyers, and the clatter of carts. A sudden bump on his shoulder startled him.

He hadn’t noticed much until he realized he had collided with a young girl.

By the time he looked down, she was already on the ground. Quick to react, he held out his hand.

“Oh! I… I… I apologize! I didn’t see you,” he said, noticing her grasp his hand and rise slowly. As she brushed the dirt from her dress, Aurel’s eyes traced the fabric with curiosity. It was a full-length linen gown, the central panel a deep forest green that contrasted beautifully with the soft, unbleached cream of the sides and lower sleeves. The long bell sleeves flared elegantly at her wrists, and along the neckline and down the front seams ran delicate, dark geometric trim, woven into the fabric like tiny patterns whispered from another time. The linen was heavy and natural, giving the dress a sturdy yet graceful sway as she straightened herself.

His eyes lingered for a moment as he took in her face. She had light blue eyes and long brown hair, her expression tight with frustration and a faint hurt in her gaze.

“Uhm…” she murmured, saying little.

“You alright?” he asked, genuine concern in his voice.

“Can’t you watch where you’re going? That hurts,” she replied sharply, then looked up and met his gaze, her eyes taking in his features.

“I… I’m sorry. I didn’t notice you. I was looking away,” he apologized again, a hint of earnestness in his tone. “Aurel is my name.”

“Oh… uh… Lilly,” she said softly before looking away quickly, brushing past him as she hurried down the street.

He stood there for a moment, watching her as she hurried through the crowded market streets, her figure slowly disappearing among the people. A few thoughts crossed his mind, but he brushed them aside and continued his way back home.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

His mother, Elariel, opened the door and smiled as she saw him standing there.

“Hey, it was too crowded, wasn’t it?” she asked warmly.

“Yeah, a bit… anyway, I bought one apple for Rin,” Aurel said.

“O..one? Why?” she asked, surprised.

“Uh… I ate mine, but I got this one for him. It was a bit expensive,” he replied, holding up the bright red apple.

She smiled softly. “Alright then… go give it to your brother.”

Aurel walked toward the room he shared with Rin and gently opened the door.

“Hey… got you an apple!” he said.

Rin jumped off the bed and rushed toward his older brother, snatching the apple with a wide grin, his feet bouncing against the floor in pure happiness.

By the time the house grew quieter, the light slipping through the windows had changed.

The sun was no longer bright and high, but low and tired, painting the room in shades of orange and gold.

By the time the house grew quieter, the light slipping through the windows had changed.

The sun was no longer bright and high, but low and tired, painting the room in soft shades of orange and gold.

“Aurel!” his mother called.

Aurel stepped out of his room and walked toward her.

“Yeah?” he replied.

“The water is warm,” she said. “Go take a bath before sleeping. Tomorrow, you’re going to help your daddy on the farm.”

“Sure, I will,” Aurel said, heading toward the bathroom. He prepared clean clothes, then stepped into the warm water as the last light of sunset filtered through the window.

The quiet of the room settled around him, broken only by the faint sound of water.

Okay… um… Lilly was her name.

Why was she upset? Was it because I bumped into her?

Did I really hurt her? No way… or maybe?

I don’t know…

The thoughts drifted through his mind as the warm water flowed around him.

For a brief moment, the warmth made him feel safe.

Too safe.

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