Their final task of the day took them to the sparkling creek at the edge of the farm. The water was cool and clear, reflecting the deepening hues of the sunset. Arpious filled the buckets with ease, her boots sinking slightly into the soft mud of the bank.
The boy splashed nearby, skipping stones across the water's surface while Elara collected herbs growing along the creek bed. Arpious couldn't resist joining in, her competitive streak emerging as she tried to outdo the boy's skipping record.
The peaceful scene was a fitting end to the day's work, the gentle babble of the creek soothing their tired bodies. With the buckets full, they made their way back to the farmhouse, the setting sun casting long shadows behind them.