Peace and Tranquility

Two days passed, and Aiden finally received his new Priest uniform. The light armor was adorned with ancient markings that seemed to shimmer in the light, like the tongue of old. The hoodie and cloak were seamlessly integrated with the armor, giving Aiden a sense of fluid movement. He tried it on, admiring the way the white and gold colors complemented each other. A small cross held the cloak together, adding a touch of elegance to the overall design.

Aiden carefully placed the uniform by his bed, making sure it was immaculate. He then headed downstairs, the aroma of herbal tea wafting from the kitchen drawing him in. Mother Rosibelle sat at the table, sipping her tea and studying some papers. Aiden leaned in, kissing her cheek, and she smiled warmly.

"I'm going to spend some time with Cordelia before I leave tomorrow," Aiden said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "She's been busy with the medical shop, I'm sure she's got some new herbal remedies to show me."

Mother Rosibelle nodded, her expression understanding. "Yes, Cordelia and her parents do wonderful work with their herbs. I'm sure they'll be happy to see you." Aiden smiled, feeling a sense of comfort knowing that he had people like Mother Rosibelle and Cordelia in his life. He headed out to meet Cordelia, looking forward to their time together before his mission tomorrow.

As Aiden walked through the village streets, the atmosphere was vibrant and joyful. Children played freely, laughing and chasing each other, while adults worked with a sense of purpose and community. The village seemed to embody a spirit of unity and devotion, where faith and goodwill filled the air.

Aiden approached the "Wild Flower" medicine shop, a charming two-story building that exuded a sense of serenity. The flower beds by the porch were bursting with colorful blooms, and the outdoor seating area invited relaxation. The tables and chairs were arranged invitingly, where villagers could sit and enjoy herbal teas, renowned for their soothing properties.

The sign above the door read "Wild Flower," and the building's simple yet elegant design seemed to reflect the gentle art of healing that took place within. Aiden smiled, feeling a sense of peace wash over him as he approached the shop. He could imagine Cordelia and her parents working amidst the calming atmosphere, tending to the needs of the villagers with kindness and care.

As Aiden entered the shop, the door creaked and the bell above it rang out, announcing his arrival. The peaceful atmosphere enveloped him, filled with the sweet and soothing scent of herbs. People sat in the chairs to the left and right, patiently waiting to make their purchases. The center of the room featured shelves lined with jars and bundles of herbs, adding to the calming ambiance.

Aiden greeted everyone present before making his way behind the counter. Cordelia's mother stood there, her features a mature and loving version of Cordelia's. She wore vibrant colors and simple clothing adorned with flower patches, and her hair was styled in a beautiful milkmaid braid with a delicate flower crown. Her warm smile and gentle demeanor seemed to radiate a sense of nurturing and care, making everyone feel at ease.

Aiden greeted Cordelia's mother with a warm smile, addressing her as Auntie Abilene. She responded with a charming smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Aiden, dear! Cordelia is in the back attending to some patients, and her father is stocking up on some new arrivals. You know where to find him."

Aiden nodded and took an apron with lovely flower designs, tying it around his waist. He made his way to the back of the shop, where Cordelia's father was indeed busy stocking shelves. Aiden was greeted by the sight of Cordelia's father, a tall and slightly bulky man with a shaved head and a trimmed platinum beard. His violet-colored eyes sparkled as he looked up, and Aiden could see the resemblance to Cordelia in his features.

Cordelia's father wore a practical outfit, with his shirt sleeves rolled up and black pants, complemented by the same apron design as the one Aiden wore. Aiden joined him, and together they began to unpack and organize the new stock, working efficiently and in comfortable silence.

After loading the stock, Old Man Earl patted Aiden's shoulder, a warm smile on his face. "Thank ye, Young Lad," he said, his voice rich with a Viking accent. "Now, let's get to work on those herb blends. Once we're done, ye can spend some time with Cordelia. She's been lookin' forward to seein' ye."

Aiden nodded, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect of spending time with Cordelia. He followed Old Man Earl to the area where they would work on the herb blends, eager to learn and help out. As they worked, Aiden couldn't help but think about the time he would get to spend with Cordelia, and he looked forward to it with anticipation.

Old Man Earl's hands moved deftly as he demonstrated the process of refining the herbs. "Ye see, Young Lad, it's not just about gatherin' herbs and mixin' 'em together. Ye gotta refine 'em, get rid of the bad parts, and bring out the good. That's how ye create blends that truly help people."

Aiden watched intently, fascinated by the process. He carefully followed Old Man Earl's instructions, learning how to identify the good and bad parts of the herbs and refine them to bring out their peak potency. As they worked, Aiden felt a sense of pride and purpose, knowing that the work they did would ultimately help people in need.

As the hours passed, Old Man Earl finally declared it was break time. "Take a break, Young Lad, like everyone else," he said with a warm smile. "Abilene's baked some treats for us. You know, my Sweet Blossom's baking is always a delight."

Aiden's eyes lit up at the mention of food, and he gratefully accepted the offer. Old Man Earl led the way to the porch, where Auntie Abilene was already seated, surrounded by an assortment of heavenly baked goods. The aroma of freshly baked treats wafted through the air, enticing everyone to indulge.

Old Man Earl sat down beside his wife, affectionately wrapping his arm around her. Together, they sipped tea and savored the baked goods, enjoying each other's company in comfortable silence. The atmosphere was peaceful, filled with warmth and love, as they took a moment to recharge before returning to their work.

Aiden sat with Cordelia on the top floor balcony, surrounded by the warm and cozy atmosphere of their little haven. They sipped tea and indulged in the delicious Berry Nut Pie and Cottage Pie, savoring the flavors and textures. As they ate, they gazed out at the breathtaking view, taking in the rolling hills, lush greenery, and vibrant flowers that dotted the landscape.

The balcony offered a serene spot to relax and unwind, and Aiden felt grateful to be sharing this moment with Cordelia. They chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company as they soaked in the peaceful atmosphere. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, adding to the tranquility of the moment.

Break was over and everyone was back to work Aiden asked Old Man Earl about his Viking heritage, and Old Man Earl's face broke into a hearty laugh. "Ah, Young Lad, ye want to know about me Viking roots, eh? Well, let me tell ye, it's a story worth tellin'."

He began to recount his tale, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "Me father came here during the Second Era of the Great War, fightin' alongside the Priests and other races. After the war, most of the Vikings returned home, but some stayed and settled by the sea and mountains. Me father was one of them, and he met me mother right here in this village. They fell deeply in love, and I'm proud to say they were among the elders who founded this village."

Old Man Earl's expression softened, his voice filled with affection. "I was born here, and as I grew up, I found me own love in this village. Me Sweet Blossom Abilene, she's like a flower I've never seen before - gentle, carin', and beautiful. She's the sunshine in me life, and I'm grateful every day for her love and companionship." His eyes shone with happiness as he spoke of his wife, and Aiden couldn't help but smile at the warmth and love that radiated from Old Man Earl.

Old Man Earl's eyes sparkled with pride as he continued, "And then, I was blessed with Cordelia. Ah, she's the light of me life, that one." He smiled and sighed, his face radiating happiness. "I feel like the luckiest man in the world to have Abilene and Cordelia by me side."

His expression turned serious, and he gently placed his hand on Aiden's shoulder. "Aiden, I want ye to protect Cordelia, whether I'm around or not. I see no better man suited for me precious daughter. Ye have a good heart, and I trust ye to keep her safe."

Old Man Earl's voice took on a hint of regret. "When Prince Nox arrived, I wasn't around, unfortunately. I had to venture to another city to procure some rare herbs to combine with ours for our tea and herb products. I wish I'd been here, but I'm glad ye were able to... handle the situation." His eyes searched Aiden's, filled with trust and expectation.

Aiden nodded, accepting Old Man Earl's blessing with a sense of gratitude and responsibility. Old Man Earl's face broke into a joyful laugh, and he patted Aiden on the back. "Ah, I'm ramblin' on and on, am I? Alright, alright, let's get back to work, Young Lad! We've got one last batch to finish before the store closes. Let's get to it!"

With renewed energy, Old Man Earl and Aiden focused on completing the last batch of herb blends, their hands moving in tandem as they worked efficiently to meet the deadline. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of camaraderie and purpose, as they worked together to create the finest herbal remedies for the village.