Forever and Always

10 - Astronomy

Sunlight streamed through the dusty window of Varian's workshop, illuminating a whirlwind of gears, wires, and half-finished inventions. Perched on a stool, Varian, his brow furrowed in concentration, meticulously adjusted a contraption that resembled a miniature hot air balloon.

With a satisfied grunt, he flipped a switch, and the contraption sputtered to life, its miniature propeller whirring furiously. A triumphant grin spread across Varian's face. Success! This breakfast delivery drone just might work after all.

Suddenly, the sound of boisterous laughter from outside the window pulled him from his reverie. Peeking out, he saw a group of children playing chase in the square, their joyous shouts filling the air. A pang of loneliness tugged at his heart, a familiar ache that had lessened in recent weeks.

He wasn't alone anymore. Cassandra's visits, filled with laughter and shared experiments, had become a highlight of his days. The stolen dance, the prince's attack, and their subsequent adventure through the tunnels had forged an unbreakable bond between them.

With a sigh, Varian pushed himself off the stool. Time for his daily walk. It was a routine he'd established to clear his head and gather inspiration, often striking up conversations with the townsfolk while he refilled his dwindling stock of parts and chemicals.

Stepping out into the bustling marketplace, Varian was greeted with a chorus of hellos and friendly banter. Old Man Bennett, the gruff but kind blacksmith, chuckled at the sight of the breakfast drone tucked under Varian's arm.

"Trying to automate breakfast delivery now, are we?" he boomed, his voice laced with amusement.

Varian grinned. "Just perfecting the prototype, Mr. Bennett. Maybe one day it'll deliver your morning ale too!"

The blacksmith snorted, shaking his head. "Now that's an invention I could get behind."

Varian continued his walk, stopping at his usual vendors. He exchanged pleasantries with Ms. Peavey, the owner of the general store, as he restocked his vials and springs. He even helped a young boy, Pip, troubleshoot a malfunctioning toy catapult, earning a wide-eyed look of gratitude in return.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Varian's stomach began to rumble. He made his way to the bakery, the tantalizing aroma of fresh bread drawing him in.

Inside, the warm, yeasty air enveloped him. He greeted Fiona, the baker, a woman with a kind smile and flour perpetually dusted across her apron.

"The usual, Varian?" she asked, already reaching for the loaf of his favorite rye bread.

"Along with a couple of those cinnamon rolls, if you please," he replied, a grin spreading across his face. "Been tinkering all morning, and I need a proper energy boost."

As Fiona wrapped his purchases, Varian's gaze drifted out the window. He spotted Cassandra, her fiery red hair catching the sunlight, walking towards the castle gates. A warmth bloomed in his chest.

Perhaps, after lunch, he could convince her to take a break from her training and help him test the breakfast drone. After all, two minds, especially brilliant ones like theirs, were better than one, especially when it came to tinkering and maybe, just maybe, a little stolen moment amidst the whirring of gears and the spark of invention.

The cobblestone streets of Corona bustled with activity as Cassandra hurried towards the training grounds. A basket of warm bread, courtesy of Varian, hung from her arm, the enticing aroma a tempting distraction from her upcoming combat session.

Suddenly, a booming voice cut through the din, shattering the peaceful rhythm of her steps.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the little princess herself!"