| I wake as usual when my sister rises at dawn. Unlike most days, she dresses quietly and exits the room. Still only half awake, I turn around and go back to sleep. I wake up fully sometime later, but I stay in bed a while longer, stretching leisurely. |
| With growing excitement, I get up and put on my bracelet. I quickly make my bed and open the shutters. Leaning out the window, I draw a deep breath. The fresh springtime air is pleasantly warm already, the bright blue sky almost cloudless. An auspicious day to begin my journey! |
| I get my travel bag and set it down next to my chest. A familiar creak sounds when I open its lid, and I carefully take out my new tunic. I hold it up and admire it once more. The sleeveless and knee-length garment is dark green with delicate white embroidery at the seams. I don it and place the other pieces of the set, a hooded cloak and woolen stockings, in the bag. |
| Although I'd love to take my beautiful red dress with me, it reminds me too much of the breakup with Andrew, and I select my blue one instead. Neatly refolded, I put it into the bag. I slip on a pair of panties and pack the rest of my underwear. A laundry bag containing my menstrual pads follows. I close the chest and fetch my rolled up travel blanket. It still fits easily into the bag, and I fasten the buckles. |
| I sit down on the edge of my bed, pick up my satchel from the floor and place it in my lap, then open the drawer of my nightstand and take the long knife from it. The sharp blade gleams in the morning light when I partially unsheathe it for a moment before I put it into the satchel. |
| My money pouch is next, heavy with the additional coin from my parents to make it easier for me to get by at the outset. I look once more at the detailed map showing the way to the capital, roll it up again, return it to its case, and add it to the satchel as well. Needing naught else from the drawer, I close it. |
| I go to the dressing table and hang the satchel on the back of the chair in front of it. For possibly the last time, I sit down at it to comb my hair. As I gaze into the mirror, I become a tad wistful after all. When my hair is nice and smooth, I clean the wooden comb and put it into the satchel. My assortment of hairclips follows, and I fasten the flap. |
| With a deep sigh, I slowly look around the room, then pick up my bags and head downstairs, closing the door behind me. I deposit my bag at the entrance and enter the kitchen. "There you are, my dear," my mother says. "Breakfast has been ready for a while." |
| "Sorry, Mom," I say with an apologetic shrug. "Maisie let me sleep in." |
| "Yes, she mentioned that." She looks me over. "The tunic becomes you." |
| "Because it's gorgeous!" I spin around. "And I love the soft fabric." |
| "I'm glad you like it so much," she says with a smile. "I couldn't let you go out into the world without something special to wear." |
| "I can't thank you enough for it," I say happily. I sit down in my regular place at the table and put my satchel on the chair next to me. Taking my time, I eat a hard-boiled egg, flavoring each bite with salt and pepper, and a slice of bread with butter and honey, then take my cup and lean back, sipping the fresh lemonade. |
| My mom takes my plate away and returns with a bundle and my canteen. "Sandwiches for later and more lemonade." |
| I set down my cup and put them into my satchel. "Thank you, but you don't have to pamper me." |
| "Yes, I do. It's not like I'll get another opportunity for it anytime soon," she says, a hint of sadness in her voice. |
| I stand up and hug her tightly. "I told you numerous times I'm going to visit you at some point." |
| "And I hope you keep that promise, young lady." She puts her hands on my shoulders and looks at me. "You always have a place here in case you change your mind, you know that." |
| "I know," I reply gratefully, "and I really appreciate that." |
| When she goes to the counter, I drink the remaining lemonade and grab my satchel. She returns and hands me a round bag. "A small loaf of bread, a piece of the cheese you like best, and a bunch of apples." |
| "Thanks again, Mom." I kiss her on the cheek. |
| She gives me a kiss as well. "I love you, sweetie." |
| "I love you too." I exit the kitchen and go back to the entrance where I put on my sandals. After the food is stowed in my bag, I pick it up and close the door. |
| Brad, Maisie, and my dad are waiting for me at the already fully loaded cart nearby. On my way towards them, my sister comes forward and intercepts me. "I still can't believe you're going away to become a ranger of all things!" |
| "And I still can't believe you're back together with Vance," I reply mockingly. |
| "He was very eager to show me what he had learned since our catastrophic first time." She giggles. "And he had learned so much." |
| "This isn't the first time you told me that. Nor the second. More like the tenth," I say tartly. |
| She gives me a sheepish look. "I'm sorry." |
| "Don't be, I was merely teasing. I'm happy for you," I say, though not entirely without longing. "Admit it, you can't wait for him to move in with you now that I'm departing." |
| "You're not wrong. I was pleasantly surprised he readily offered to live here on the farm when I mentioned you might be leaving. I'll miss you though." She embraces me. |
| "I'll miss you too, Sis." We separate. "Thanks again for the satchel, it's beautiful." |
| She smiles. "My pleasure. I had a feeling you'd like the black one." |
| I proceed to the cart where Brad takes my bags from me. He stows them in the rear, and I face my dad who regards me sternly. "Jenny, I'm sure I made it clear what I think about this foolish idea of yours." |
| "Yes, Dad," I say patiently. "I'm well aware." |
| "But I've learned a long time ago you're too stubborn to listen to anyone once you have set your heart on something." His features soften. "So I can only wish you success in your endeavor." |
| I'm glad to be granted his approval at last, albeit only reluctantly. "Thank you, that means a lot to me." |
| "Although we live in peaceful times, I'll remind you again there are still dangers you might encounter. Don't hesitate to defend yourself with the knife I gave you," he says gravely. |
| "I'm prepared to use it if necessary," I reply resolutely, "though I hope I'll never have to." |
| "Good. I assume you'll have other means to protect yourself when you're a ranger." He gives me a big hug, holding me in his strong arms. "I love you, Jenny." He kisses me on the forehead. "Be safe." |
| "I love you, Dad." I give him a kiss on the cheek, then get on the cart and sit down next to my brother. He sets it in motion and we pass close to the farmhouse that has been my home for all of my life. My dad stands on the porch, an arm around my mom's shoulders. Maisie is seated next to them on the trunk. "Farewell," I call out, waving energetically. They wave back, and we continue until I turn around eventually. |
| We keep mostly silent for a good part of the way, then Brad says, "Sorry I didn't get you anything fancy like the others." |
| "You gave me a warm blanket to sleep in at night and a map to find my way. I probably wouldn't get far without them," I say earnestly. |
| He gazes at the sky for a moment. "Well, if you put it that way, I gave you the best parting gifts." |
| I affectionately slap his arm. "Try to find a middle ground more often." |
| "You're one to talk!" He chuckles. "You were moping around all winter and swore you'd never fall in love again, just because your relationship with your first boyfriend didn't work out." |
| "Hey, I'm over him now." Quietly, I add, "I think." |
| He looks at me. "It would have helped if you'd at least have tried to find another sweetheart, but no, you just had to wallow in your misery." |
| "If you say so," I reply, slightly annoyed. |
| He nudges my side with his elbow. "Trust me, the right lover will make you forget all about him." |
| I smile impishly. "I guess, but I doubt finding the right one is going to be easy. I'm sure I'll have to go through quite a few before I do." |
| "So you're gonna leave a trail of broken hearts in your wake? And here I thought you wanted to become a ranger to break some bones." He roars humorously. |
| I laugh heartily. "I'll try to avoid breaking anything, but I do want to learn the art of sword fighting." |
| "You and your swords." He shakes his head. "And it's all my fault." |
| "Please don't say that." I momentarily put my temple on his shoulder. |
| Brad lets out a snort. "Well, Dad certainly thinks so. If I had kept a closer eye on you, you wouldn't have gotten lost and met the ranger who you now seek to emulate." |
| "He's worrying too much." I wave dismissively. |
| "Can you blame him?" He sighs. "You don't even know if it's an actual profession, nor do you have any idea where to find them." |
| "And that's why I'm going to Arton." I make a sweeping motion with my arm. "Everything can purportedly be found there!" |
| "Yeah, just make sure you don't find more than what you're looking for," Brad says warningly. |
| I frown. "What's that supposed to mean?" |
| He gestures pacifyingly. "Don't take it the wrong way, but I'm certain you've heard the stories of how life in the capital tends to change people." |
| "And you believe that could happen to me?" I ask incredulously. |
| He raises his eyebrows. "I think you fail to realize how many temptations await you there." |
| "Too many to yield to them all?" I say with feigned thoughtfulness. "Indeed, that might be a problem." |
| He chortles. "Then again, I hope the big city is ready for you." I wonder what might await me there until we arrive in Brackenbrook. "Is it all right with you if I drop you off at my first delivery?" |
| "That's fine." He stops the cart soon after. We alight and open the rear gate. He assists me unnecessarily as I shoulder my bag and satchel, and I hug him for a long moment. "Take care, Brad." |
| "Take care, Jenny," he says warmly. "Don't forget to write." |
| "I'll send the first letter when I've started my training," I say and head down the main street towards the alchemist's shop. When the bakery comes into sight, a deluge of memories of the time Andrew and I spent together causes my step to falter. Pausing for a moment, I take a deep breath, irritated he still affects me so much. I should have talked to him sometime, but the longer I avoided seeing him, the less I was inclined to do so. |
| As I pass the front of the bakery on the other side of the street, its door opens, and I can't help but stop and stare. A customer having both her hands full comes out and thanks Andrew behind her. To my horror, he follows her outside, deeply inhaling the fresh spring air. While looking here and there, he recognizes me. His face lights up and he crosses the street. |
| I try to keep my emotions in check. Andrew looks less boyish than the last time we met, but it only makes him more attractive. He says hello with his usual friendliness, and I greet him in return. As he stands before me, I notice he's a good bit taller than me now, so he must have grown a little as well. "It's good to see you again," he says with a smile. "How have you been doing?" |
| "Well, I'm fine now," I reply evasively. "Very excited, in fact." |
| He regards me curiously. "I assume it has something to do with your fancy getup and luggage?" |
| "You're right." With a sudden surge of pride, I continue, "I'm leaving for Arton with the eventual goal of becoming a ranger." |
| Andrew gazes at me, seemingly in awe. "You're really doing it. Chasing your dream." |
| I grin. "I can barely believe it myself." |
| "Oh, wait here. I'll be right back." Without waiting for a reply, he hurries inside the bakery. I wait impatiently, feeling queasy. He better not bring Becca along, or I'll probably flee. Running away seems like a fairly good idea, but Andrew coming out again prevents me from doing something so stupid. I'm glad to see he's alone. He swiftly returns to me, offering me a big chocolate chip cookie. |
| "How nice. Thank you." I take it and eat it in small bites to make it last longer while he watches me in silence. "Absolutely scrumptious. By far your best yet." A thought occurs to me, and I ask suspiciously, "Wait, did she bake it?" |
| He ignores my tone. "Actually, it was a joint effort." |
| "Well, I can't argue with the results," I say with mixed feelings. |
| "She's really sweet," he says, his affection for her evident. "I'm sure you'd like her if you got to know her." |
| I wonder whether that would make it better or worse. "I guess." |
| "Tell you what, why don't you pay us a visit when you return." His brows furrow for an instant. "You do intend to come back sometime, right?" |
| I shrug. "Someday, yes. Very well, I'll come by." |
| "I'll take that as a promise." He gives me a quick hug, surprising me. "Goodbye, Jenny. And good luck." |
| "Thanks. Goodbye, Andrew." I stare after him as he leaves. With a sigh, I proceed to the alchemist's shop. Even the brief physical contact with my former boyfriend reminded me of our intimate times together, and now I'm excited in more ways than one. Finding a lover or two is definitely going to be one of my top priorities once I reach the capital. |
| A short while later, I enter the small store. Only Sophie is present, standing behind the counter. She greets me and says, "How nice to see you, Jenny. Anything in particular I can help you with?" |
| "Is my brother in?" I ask as I step forward. |
| "He is," Kyle says, coming out of a doorway off to the side. "What can I do for you, Sis?" |
| "You can wish me a good journey," I say frivolously. |
| "A good journey to you then. Bye!" He promptly doubles back, making me giggle. |
| Sophie shakes her head, sending a look of disapproval after him, and gives me one as well. "It's always the same with you two." |
| "You don't have to worry about it any longer. I'm about to leave Brackenbrook and won't return for quite some time," I say as Kyle turns about and joins us. |
| Her expression turns apologetic. "Oh, I didn't mean it that way." |
| "I know," I say with a friendly smile. |
| "So you're going to be one of them rangers, huh?" Kyle asks me, rubbing his wife's back. |
| I nod my head. "That's the idea." |
| "If anyone in our family can do it, it's you." He grins. "Of course you're the only one who'd ever even attempt something like that." |
| "Right," I say dryly. "Well, I better get going now." |
| "Wait." Sophie raises her hand. "You should get something from us." |
| "I appreciate the offer, but it's really not necessary," I say politely. |
| "I insist," she replies firmly. |
| "Just accept if you know what's good for you," Kyle whispers in my direction. |
| She shoots him another disapproving look. "May she have a perfume of her choosing?" |
| "Sounds good to me." He gives her a kiss on the temple. |
| Sophie comes out from behind the counter, and I set down my bags. We go to the other side of the room, stopping in front of a cabinet with two shelves on top, each row displaying about half a dozen small glass bottles, stoppered and labeled. "Which one would you like?" |
| "I'm not sure," I answer uncertainly. "I only used whatever my sister had on a few occasions." |
| "Very well, let's find out what you like then." She opens a bottle labeled Pure Rose and holds it up to my nose. "What about the classic?" |
| I give it a sniff and say, "A bit too samey for my liking." |
| She closes it and puts it back. After hesitating a moment, she selects another one and gives it to me. "Perhaps a different kind?" |
| I unstopper the bottle of Tranquility and smell it, but I'm not fond of its woody character. "Sorry, but I don't think it suits me." |
| She switches it with one called Summer Breeze. "How about this one?" |
| "Not bad," I say, assessing its floral nature. |
| "So we're getting closer." She takes the bottle from me and hands me one with the label Dusk. |
| It's very fragrant. "Fairly nice, though a tad obtrusive. Do you have a milder variant?" |
| "Not as such." She takes the bottle of Wild Flower and opens it for me to smell. "This one is similar, though rather unusual." |
| The scent is pleasantly sweet with a note of vanilla. "Oh, it's wonderful." It's still as fascinating when I give it another sniff. |
| Sophie replaces the bottle of Dusk. "Do you wish to sample any of the others?" |
| "No need for that," I reply, elated. "I love this one!" |
| She smiles. "Would you like to wear it?" |
| "Sure," I say eagerly. |
| She moistens the tip of her finger with it and applies it to one side of my neck, then repeats the procedure for the other one. "There, that's enough until you find out what amount works for you." I nod, enjoying my new aroma. Sophie stoppers the bottle and puts it back. She briefly opens the cupboard to take out a small flask. "I'm going to wrap it up for your journey." |
| I follow her to the counter and wait there while she proceeds to the back room. Kyle leans forward for a moment to inhale the air around me. "Is that the perfume you decided on?" |
| "Indeed it is," I say, quite pleased with my choice. |
| Amusement shows on his face. "Reminds me of a woman I know. I think it's quite popular in her line of work." |
| "So what does she do?" I ask warily. |
| He looks straight at me. "She meets with men who tend to be much happier after spending some time with her." |
| "And how would you know that?" I respond in an insinuating manner. |
| Kyle is caught off guard. "Uh, well—" |
| "She's one of our customers," Sophie interrupts him as she walks out of the back room. "But she prefers the one called Moonshade. It does have the same base though." |
| "There you have it," he says quickly. |
| She comes to me and hands me a neatly tied cloth bundle. I can feel the weight of the flask inside as I carefully put it into my satchel. "Thank you, Sophie." |
| "You're most welcome," she says as we hug. |
| Kyle comes around the counter to embrace me too. "Safe travels, Jenny." |
| I pick up my bags and bid them farewell, then leave the shop. |
