The Bear, the Goose, the Rabbit, and the Cicada

Chapter 1 (part 1)

The Goose

Eurus went over all the clothing one last time to make sure she had everything she'd need for her trip. There was the worn burgundy skirt that went down to her ankles, the one she's had for years. The two plain wool shirts. The thick, itchy shirt to keep her warm while she slept. Her father's trousers, mended by her mother to fit her slimmer legs. Her boots, which could use a little mending too, thin cloth to protect her feet from blisters, and the strip of leather that held her hunting knife against her calf.

She nodded, satisfied, and began to pack the clothes into the same bag she'd used every year for this trip. After years of making the trip, she was an expert at making the clothes as compact as possible, leaving room for other essentials.

Her mother brushed aside the cloth separating her small room from the rest of the house and poked her head in. She held a bowl of freshly picked fruits against her hip. "You'll be staying for breakfast tomorrow morning, won't you, Dear?"

Eurus shook her head, even though she smiled. "No, Ma, you know I'll be leaving at dawn. I always do."

Her mother shrugged, a soft smile on her face. "That doesn't mean I can't ask and see if you will one year. I also came to tell you Jalon is joining us for dinner, since you're leaving tomorrow."

Eurus took a slow breath as her mother's head disappeared. Did Jalon have to stay for dinner? It's not like she'll be gone forever. She didn't think she could take another session of "When we're married..." She pressed her thumb into the little notch on the hilt of her hunting knife, willing her anger to cool. Just one more dinner with Jalon, and I'll be free of him for a fortnight. Eurus hoped her parents would come to see Jalon's many flaws and decide he is not good enough for their daughter while she was gone. Hopefully she'd come back to a more pleasant suitor. One that wasn't so annoying at dinner. But she could survive one more dinner with Jalon, couldn't she? It'll be worth the annoyance anyway. She's to be with the people that truly matter in a couple days. They're worth all the annoyances in the world.

With this thought in her head, Eurus went to help her mother with dinner. 

The Cicada

Notos was writing, as always. He intended to pack his things for the trip, but he found the sunlight streaming into his village was too beautiful not to write down. His fingers became stained with the charcoal as he wrote. As he let his mind wander, it eventually found its way back to the trip, the one he should be packing for.

He returned to his small house, scolding himself for getting lost in his thoughts. He packed his clothes and the tent fabric. It was always his job to bring the tent fabric on these trips. Boreas brought the poles that held it up. All of them had certain items they always brought, which reminded Notos he also needed to pack the wooden bowls and ceramic pots and jars. Where did he put the basket for those again?

There was a knock on his door, which was odd. The sun was setting, so it was suppertime. Who would be here instead of at home eating?

Notos opened the door, expecting his mother to be on the other side. He was pleasantly surprised to find Moss instead.

"Notos," said Moss.

"Moss," said Notos. There was an awkward pause. "What brings you here?"

"I brought you this." Notos then noticed the carved bowl filled with fruits and seasoned greens in Moss's hands.

"Oh, um... thank you." Notos awkwardly took the bowl from Moss, trying to calm his racing heart. "How kind of you."

Moss nodded. "You still haven't told me why you're leaving tomorrow."

Notos gripped the bowl tighter. "Won't you come in? I can't imagine eating this all by myself."

Moss sighed at Notos's evasion. "Sure." Moss entered and shut the door behind him, looking around the singular room of Notos's home. He noted the bag of clothes and the ceramic plates, pots, and jars waiting to be packed.

Notos sat down at his small table, Moss following him.

"I still don't understand the nature of this trip, Notos. Your mother says you go every year?" asked Moss.

Notos nodded. "I wish I could tell you more, but it is... personal."

Moss seemed agitated by this. "You wish you could tell, but you won't?"

Notos nodded in agreement, taking the opportunity to eat some of the greens to avoid providing more explanation.

Moss read the look on Notos's face. He sighed again. "Even if you won't tell me now, I hope that someday you will." He plopped a raspberry into his mouth. As he finished chewing, he placed a hand atop Notos's. "I wish you safety on your travels. I'll be anxiously awaiting your return."

Notos couldn't help the smile on his face or the blush that came with it. 

End of Chapter 1 (part 1)