Two Birds [ONC 2024]

Search for Work

Two Days Later

"We're almost out of our supplies," Catherine pointed. "We must go out now."

The two of us had figured out to live in this small cottage in some way. It was hard and tricky, but with the love between us, it was working out.

"But what if someone was to recognise us?" I asked.

"My love, we must try though?" she mentioned, caressing my cheek. Pecking me on my lips, she spoke further. "Is there any other place nearby than the one which we came from?"

I wondered for a while. "Oh yes! There's a town on the other side of the woods. But it may take us an entire day by walk to reach there."

"We must give it a try though," Catherine pondered. "Or as you said, we have bigger risks if we tried to move back to the city around the Palace."

I nodded. "But what will we do once we reach the town?"

"We'll have to look for some work."

I stared at her in horror. Work? What sort of work? I had never done anything other than gardening in my life.

"My Birdie," she caught my nose and moved my head side to side. "Don't worry, we'll figure out a good place to work. And if you cannot, leave it to me. I am well versed in many chores."

"No!" I exclaimed. "If you'll work, then so will I."

She kissed my forehead and smiled. "Alright my love. Let's get ready."

Soon the two of us had packed our materials and were ready to leave. We had ensured to bury any of our royal belongings and had dressed into simple clothes. The two of us wore simple bodice, both dusted and dirty while our hair remained tied in a bun. It was nothing which either of us would've preferred, but we were not left with any other option.

Heading out, we gave one last glance at the dreadful cottage and never looked back.

"So I hope you do know the directions this time," Catherine nudged my shoulder playfully.

I rolled my eyes and replied, "Yes I do. Although I've never been there but I've heard well about its route."

"Perfect!" Catherine took out an apple from the bag which Steve had provided us with and began chewing it away. And so, we continued our journey till it was dusk.

"How much longer Jess?" Catherine asked, sweating.

"I believe we must be close."

It was getting darker. A small glimpse of the setting sun could be deciphered on the horizon but was not visible to us as we were walking through the dense woods.

Some chorus caught my ear, bringing me to attention. Noticing that Catherine had heard it too, we rushed ahead and soon came to a clearing.

There we were, standing at the entrance of the Hamlet town. Our eyes sparkled at the presence of numerous residents, moving in and about the streets.

"Finally, we made it!" I exclaimed in joy.

"Yes, my love. Now we can live peacefully here."

Entering the town, we looked around for the atmosphere to settle in. It had turned dark, but with well lit torches and lamps from the houses and shops, the place was clearly visible. People moved about, mostly returning to their homes from the day's work, back to their families.

A kid cried out as his mother forcefully took him back into the house.

"I want to play!" he cried.

"No, you won't!" his mother rebuked. "It's getting dark, you cannot play our here at this hour!"