CHLORENDIA
The stable smelled of hay and horse, with a faint trace of leather and the earthy scent of the animals themselves. It was calm, the kind of calm that settles after the chaos of a busy day. The setting sun filtered through the wooden slats, casting warm, golden beams across the stalls. I hadn't planned to spend my evening here, but Lylda had practically dragged me, claiming he had something to show me.
Now, I stood with my arms crossed, staring at him as he fumbled with something behind his back. "Lylda, if you don't hurry up and show me, I swear I'll—"
"Alright, alright!" he said, cutting me off. With a flourish, he brought out a small hand poppet.
I blinked. "That's it? You wanted to show me… a doll?"
He shot me a sheepish smile, his cheeks tinged with a faint pink. "It's not just a doll. Watch this."