My Princess

Chapter 26

Two weeks passed easily, the town gearing up for All Hallows Eve next weekend. The village was full of Fall decorations and the smell of sweet treats, children and young people excitedly speaking of the night's festivities while the elders reminisced about past years and their own scandalous behavior.

I had learned from a few snippets of gossip in the streets that every year they held a feast for the townspeople, full of all the delectable fruits, veggies, and everything else the villagers had grown over the season. Everyone seemed so excited for the holidays and it had even gotten Narcissa and I in the mood, their joy painfully contagious. It would certainly be nice to do something other than work, sleep, and eat that was for sure. The princess and I had really become a part of this town in these few weeks we'd lived here.

It was Saturday again and time to retrieve our new Winter boots from the shoemaker. I had begun receiving my paychecks and alongside Narcissa's money we had more than enough for the 10 silver boots and even do a bit of shopping at the tailor's as well.

"Excited to be able to step in a puddle without getting your socks wet?" I chided lightly, linking arms with Narcissa as we strolled down the cobblestone street.

"God yes. It's become a reflex to hop over anything even remotely damp to avoid my toes from going numb all day."

"I know what you mean. You know we had that big rain shower last week. I wasn't watching where I was going and stepped down in a little pothole and just completely stopped and sighed, resigning myself to my fate. Needless to say it was a bad day." We both giggled, me not quite as fondly as I remembered my very numb toes that day.

"Well, those days are hopefully behind us. At least for now." I nodded in agreement, steering us into the shop and out of the chilly wind allowing the colorful leaves to continue their dance through the village streets.

"Hello again sir." I greeted the shopkeeper warmly.

"Ah hello ladies. I actually just moved your boots up to the front. I figured you'd be along soon." The man smiled kindly as he pulled out two pairs of fur lined work boots, handing Narcissa and I our respective pairs to try on.

"They're perfect!" I grinned with delight, feeling the thick, squishy padding in the soles of the boots and the rabbit fur lined sides. These were far nicer than the old ratty shoes we had been wearing since leaving home.

"Yes absolutely wonderful. The most comfortable shoes I've worn in ages." Narcissa piped in, walking around a bit to feel out the sizing.

"I'm glad I could be of service ladies." The shopkeeper smiled with a chuckle, waiting at his place at the counter. I deposited 10 silver into his hand and thanked him once more before leaving, now headed to the tailor's.

Upon entering the next shop we were greeted by a young woman, a sweet, innocent expression on her face as she moved towards us. The shop was just as homey as all the others in the village, warm and full of small oddities that told me all about the person who ran it.

"Hello. Can I be of service to you, Miss?" The woman asked, her voice high pitched and childlike. She couldn't have been more than 17 and already running what I assumed to be the family business.

"We're looking to get some better Winter clothing. Wool socks, fleece lined cloak, scarf, gloves, hat, and we'd like to peruse your selection of outerwear. Two of everything. Would it be possible to pay in increments?" I asked, hoping we could go ahead with our full order and have that task done with.

"Yes I believe that would be fine. Let me work out how much everything will be." The girl scurried off to find everything I had requested and do the math, leaving Narcissa and I to wander about the shop and look at what they had for sale.