SJ left Cristy at the cottage in town once they had delivered a significant number of bear steaks to Floretta. She asked Kerys to get a message to Bashvik that she would leave for Asterfal tomorrow so that he could inform the chancellor. Then, SJ ensured that she took some bear steaks to Earloqis, as she still felt guilty about Kibbles stealing meat. She had not long since ported back to Farleck and was lighting the stove when Terence walked in.
"Hi, SJ."
"Hi, Terence. Good day?"
"Not bad. I managed to finish carving the basic statue. I need to start on the finer details."
"That's great. How long do you think it will take you?"
"Not sure yet. The image I was given of the statue in the square at Killic is a little vague. I may have to go there to make sure I get everything right."
"That sounds like a good idea. I am sure Floretta will be happy to see you."
If SJ had never considered that a skeleton could blush, she believed she had just witnessed it.
Terence coughed before he replied. "She is a fine lady."
"She is indeed," SJ smiled.
Charlotte and Brian worked so closely together that SJ had become a little concerned about Terence, who spent much of his time alone. He never complained, though, always just carrying on with his work at all hours of the day. SJ gradually started to get the skeletons into more of a routine, making them stop work in the evenings and spend time doing other things, but Terence always ended up going back to his woodwork.
"I am going to be heading back to Asterfal again tomorrow."
"Already?"
"Yes. The chancellor would like to discuss a matter with me. Apparently, he would like an outsider to look into problems there."
"Could we help at all?"
SJ had never asked anything from the skeletons since they moved into Farleck. It was as much their home as hers, and the amount of time and effort they had put into making the place so perfect she could never pay back.
"I hadn't even considered it. Perhaps at some point, but for now, I will go and check out the problem."
"No problem. You know that you only need to ask, and the three of us will be there to help."
"Thanks, Terence. It means a lot to me."
"You're home then," Charlotte said as she walked in carrying a large basket of fresh herbs. Since the vegetable patch had flourished, they had also started growing herbs, and Charlotte would regularly dry and chop them so that SJ could take them into Killic to sell for her. She had earned herself several coins, and Floretta was regularly asking SJ for different herbs. SJ had even placed an order on the auction house through Alice for various seeds which weren't local to the territory. A couple of them had been fulfilled quickly, but there were still some other herbs that hadn't been filled yet, and SJ would check while she was in Asterfal with some of the merchants. She was sure that Yawnee would know who to speak to.
"Where's Brian?"
"Where do you think?" Charlotte sighed. "As soon as I free him from his duties, he always disappears down to the jetty."
"He does enjoy his fishing."
One of the pots from the stove suddenly clattered to the floor behind SJ, making her jump. She spun back around to see a sheepish-looking Kibbles with a fish hanging from his mouth.
"That was going to be my dinner," SJ said, putting her hands on her hips.
Around a mouthful of fish, Kibbles squeaked and took off, flying outside.
"He is so badly behaved," SJ said, staring after him.
Charlotte and Terence couldn't keep the grins from their faces.
"There are fresh vegetables in the pantry. I can prepare some for you quickly enough," Terence offered. Since he had spent time with Floretta in Killic, his cooking had come on leaps and bounds, and he would often now cook for her when she came home.
"If it's not too much of a problem?"
"Not at all," Terence replied, walking to the pantry.
"I will go and do some tailoring for a bit then," SJ said as she walked through to her tailoring room.
Since she had set up the room, it had almost every conceivable colour of fabric she had managed to get from Nexis. There were small rolls of so many different things, and she had even started making things that she didn't have recipes for. There were only basic items such as towels or drying cloths, but she enjoyed the time designing and creating new items. It was relaxing after spending most of her day in the office reading and writing responses to letters.
She was finishing sewing a cloth when Charlotte knocked on the door, and the savoury smell of coffee filtered into her nostrils.
"I thought you might like one," Charlotte said.
"Perfect," SJ said, turning and taking the steaming mug. Terence had made some beautifully crafted mugs and tankards from many of the wood offcuts. He had also whittled and produced a significant number of wooden spoons and cutlery and planned to sell some in Killic soon.
"Have you seen that demon of mine?" SJ asked.
"I think he had been down at the jetty. I heard Brian cursing rather loudly," Charlotte chuckled.
"Ha. I will be in for an earful when he comes back to the cottage then," SJ said, shaking her head.
"Dinner," Terence called.
Placing her work down, SJ collected her mug and followed Charlotte back to the front of the cottage. Sitting on the table was a plate covered with seasonal fried vegetables and a dipping sauce. The food was presented in the shape of a fan surrounding the sauce, reminding SJ of the plates she had seen in first-class restaurants in London.
"This looks amazing," SJ said.
"I hope you enjoy it," Terence said, cleaning up where he had been cooking.
The vegetables were perfectly cooked and crisped, and the sauce Terence had made complemented them well. Wiping the last of the sauce on her finger, she sucked her finger clean.
"That was amazing. Thanks, Terence. I think you may challenge Floretta soon."
At the mention of her name, he coughed again, "I will never be as skilled as she is at cooking."
It was evident that the giant orc skeleton thought a great deal of Floretta. SJ had no idea what skeletal relationships were like, but considering they still had their full mental states, it was assumed that finding a partner was still possible.
After eating, SJ took another cup of coffee and walked down to the jetty. Brian was sat at his usual perch with two lines cast out into the lake.
"Hi, Brian," SJ said as she approached.
"Hi, SJ. That demon of yours stole one of my catch."
"He stole one from me that I was planning for dinner. I am surprised he isn't the size of a troll the amount he eats."
Brian chuckled. Hearing the skeletons laugh always sounded a little strange. Sometimes, their bones even jingled together.
"How has the fishing been going?"
"Well. I have a new bait configuration. I have discovered that some of the fish really like the yellow ground beetles."
"Oh. I still don't know what types of fish are even in the lake."
"There are several. Some are predatory, others not. I think there is a Kaslik in here somewhere."
"What's a Kaslik?"
"It feeds on other fish. Well, most fish will feed on other fish, being honest, but it's a predatory one. I was reeling in yesterday, and something took my catch as I did. That is usually a sign of a Kaslik."
SJ sat down on the jetty, removed her boots, and dangled her feet into the cool water. The moon was bright in the sky, and its reflection rippled on the lake's surface. At night, the serene lake was devoid of usual forest sounds, with sleeping animals and birds, allowing even a pin drop to be heard.
"Did you want me to set you a rod up?" Brian asked.
"No. It's fine. I am just enjoying the peace," SJ replied as she lay back on the jetty, folding her hands behind her head and looking at the stars in the night sky.
'Dave. I have never thought about it before, but the stars I can see in the sky are the same as those from Earth?'
"Excellent question. It's a little complicated to explain because they are and they aren't."
'How does that work then?'
"The system creates the stars as it does all worlds. Whether it be here on Amathera or back on Earth. The level of interaction it has with various beings and worlds varies, but Amathera is situated in the same area as Earth, on a different plane."
'Different plane?'
"Yes. There are multiple copies of the universe as you know it, and depending on which one you are in, the sky will vary slightly."
'Does that mean that aliens exist then?'
"What you call aliens, the system just classes as another race. No different to the races we have here on Amathera. If you were on Earth and a troll suddenly turned up, you would think it was alien."
'I suppose so. I hadn't considered it before. So the system controls everything in the universe?'
"Created, controls. It all depends on your interpretation."
'So you could work on another world then?'
"No. I am specific to this world. My coding doesn't allow me the ability to see others or interact with others. I would love to visit other worlds, but unfortunately, I can't."
The concept of multiple worlds, not just Earth and Amathera, was mindboggling, and SJ couldn't quite believe she hadn't considered the question before. Arriving in Amathera was shocking, but learning about other worlds was even crazier. Her mind reeled from the possibilities.
Brian suddenly sat upright and began reeling in. SJ propped herself on her elbows and watched as a large silvery fish was brought onto the jetty, flopping about. Brian skillfully picked the fish up and unhooked it before dropping it into a net he had positioned at the side of the jetty.
"Are you releasing them?"
"Yes. Since we don't eat them, I will release them. I will only bring back the decent ones for your meals."
SJ smiled. Her dad had been a fisherman, and she remembered her childhood sitting down at the canal side with him in Manchester. The fish were never as large or edible from the canal, but she used to enjoy the time she spent with her dad.
"Right. I better get some sleep," SJ said, standing and picking her boots up.
"Night then," Brian said as he recast the line.
SJ walked back towards the cottage, the soft grass tickling her bare feet. Terence had returned to his woodwork area and was happily working away on the statue for Killic. SJ found Charlotte inside, laying out herbs on the kitchen surface. Everything seemed right in the world when she was at Farleck. There was never anything that caused concern.
"Kibbles? Come on, it's bedtime," SJ called from the cottage doorway.
She spotted Kibbles' head emerging from a flower bed, with insect wings sticking out of his mouth. He took off and flew over to her, swooping inside and heading straight to their room.
"Night, Charlotte," SJ said as she retired for the evening. As she entered her room, Kibbles had already made himself comfortable curling up on the extra pillow by her head. After undressing, she slid under the soft blankets and turned to look at the little beastie. His eyes were closed, and in the moments he had been settled, he had immediately started to snore. Small crackling sounds came from his nostrils when he did. She reached over and stroked his tiny head, making him shift on his pillow, leaning into her hand. SJ continued to stroke him until she fell asleep.
"Morning, SJ. Coffee is on the table, and breakfast will be ten minutes," Charlotte said from the bedroom doorway.
"Thanks, Charlotte," SJ said as she yawned and stretched. She got better treatment at Farleck than she ever had in any hotel back on Earth. As she climbed from the bed, Kibble stirred, stretching off, and then hopped to the window. SJ walked over and opened the drapes, letting the early morning light in before opening the window so Kibbles could take care of his morning business.
After she was washed and dressed, SJ walked into the front.
"Perfect timing," Terence said as he placed a bowl on the table.
"What delights have you made this morning?"
"It's only porridge, but there is fresh honey in the jar. Brian found a new hive and got some yesterday."
SJ opened the jar on the table, which contained the freshest honey you could imagine. It still had bits of honeycomb in it. After putting a large spoonful into her porridge, she stirred it before tucking in. As usual, the food was perfect.
"Thanks, Terence," SJ said, wiping her mouth on the napkin she had made.
"My pleasure as always," Terence said. "You said you were going to Asterfal again, didn't you? Could you get a set of detailing chisels? The ones that came from Killic aren't fine enough for the statue's features."
"Of course. Is there anything specific you need?"
"Just fine detailing chisels. I would expect any of the main carpentry shops in Asterfal to have them."
"No problem, I will ask when I am there. Right, I had better get going, or I will be late for the coach. No time for my kata this morning."
SJ had checked with Alice before returning to the cottage, and the coach was due to leave first thing. Alef would be driving them as usual in Killic's official coach.
"Kibbles?" SJ called as she walked outside. The little wyvern came flying around the side of the cottage before landing on her shoulder. Charlotte and Brian were already at work in the vegetable patch, even as the morning light was still rising in the sky.
"I will be back in a few days," SJ called as she walked to the portal area.
"Be safe," Charlotte called.
"Always," SJ said as she activated it.
When she arrived, the cottage at Killic was quiet. After leaving her room, she walked out to the kitchen to find a burnt pan of porridge by the stove. It was evident that Cristy must have tried to cook something, but it hadn't gone very well. The cottage still smelled of burnt oats, so she opened the windows to allow fresh air.
"Cristy?" SJ called. There was no reply. Leaving the cottage, she locked the door behind her and headed into town.
The usual morning activities were underway, the traders opening their shop fronts and the stall in the town square unpacking their goods for the days trading ahead. She passed pleasantries with those she passed before turning down and heading to the docks. She had said she would meet Alice at hers this morning. As she crossed the bridge to the island, she saw Setu leaving his home.
"Morning, Setu," SJ said.
"Morning, SJ. What has brought you to the island?"
"I am meeting Alice. We are off to Asterfal today."
"Again?"
"Yes. I have some errands to run."
"Ok. I will catch you when you return."
"No problem," SJ smiled as she walked towards Alice's. Alice and Darren's home was situated at the end of a row of houses positioned behind a stand of trees. It was an idyllic cottage looking out over the lake; the trees gave it privacy from the main island to the dock on the other side. She had spent a couple of afternoons with them, and SJ could understand why Alice wanted to stay there rather than move to a larger house in the town.
The door was open as SJ walked up the short path leading to the front door, and SJ could hear voices inside.
"Where are we going to go today?" Cristy said.
"We are going to head north of town and then towards the forest at the north of the lake. One of the hunters believes that there is a large group of hoglings which we will be hunting today."
"Am I alright bringing Patch with me?"
"Of course, but he will have to come around town and not through to get to the far side."
"No problem. I will let him know."
"Morning," SJ called from the doorway.
"Morning," Darren replied. He was standing with Cristy in the lounge, sorting through his gear.
"So you are off hunting with Darren today?" SJ asked, seeing Cristy.
"Yes," she smiled.
"I also noticed you didn't do very well cooking your breakfast this morning," SJ smiled.
Cristy huffed. "No. Floretta makes it look so easy."
"I bet you left it heating and got distracted doing something else, didn't you?"
Cristy slumped her shoulders, not replying.
"I opened the windows to clear the smell," SJ chuckled.
"Where's Alice?" SJ asked.
"Just getting packed. She is in the back," Darren said.
"Am I alright going through?"
"Of course."
SJ walked down the short corridor before coming to their bedroom and knocked on the door.
"Hello?" Alice replied.
SJ opened the door and walked in. "Morning, Alice. Do you need a hand with anything?"
"I thought I heard you," Alice smiled. "No. I am sorted now; I am just packing the last few things."
SJ watched as Alice picked up several items and placed them in her inventory. Once she was happy with them, she turned to leave the room.
"Ok. All packed. We better get a move on. Alef will be waiting."
"No problem."
SJ and Alice bid farewell to Darren and Cristy. SJ was glad she had seen Cristy before she left, but she was a little disappointed to leave when she had only just returned. However, she would be here when she got back. If they didn't go now, they wouldn't return before the festival, and neither of them wanted to miss it.
Alef had the coach all prepared by the time they arrived at the stables. Once they were settled, they began the trip back to Asterfal. Kibbles had made himself comfortable on Alice's lap, and Alice stroked him as they discussed her plans in Asterfal.
