Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 15

Alastor worked diligently on Lucifer's farm that day, facing challenges he was unaccustomed to as he tackled the chores of an average mortal man. While chopping wood, he dropped the axe more than once, and he couldn't quite fathom how he managed to avoid injuring himself. He struggled in re-stocking the pantry, often placing items in the wrong containers. When mending the roof, he nearly lost his balance countless times. Yet, these blunders didn't bother him as much as the ones from the previous day; he knew that as long as he gave his best effort, Charlotte wouldn't think any less of him.

Instead of feeling frustrated, Alastor found himself smiling and laughing at his mistakes. He was so used to performing flawlessly while working with Mother Rosamund that these little errors felt like a refreshing change—almost entertaining, really. Plus, they provided the perfect opportunity to work closer to Charlotte, allowing her to teach him.

"Taking care of animals, spinning, and managing the household is one thing," he remarked after they finished mending the roof together. "But I can't believe your father would have you, with your delicate hands, chopping wood and risking your neck on the roof."

"Oh, Papa doesn't know that I've chopped wood and mended roofs before," she replied.

"Then who does he think gets it done?"

"Eisheth tells him she pays the neighbor's sons to do it."

"Doesn't he ever think to check and verify her claims?"

"Not if he trusts her, which he does."

"Hmmm... Considering he trusts a woman like her, his position as the town judge is quite concerning."

"My father is not foolish," Charlotte said. "He simply isn't around long enough to see things as they truly are. He leaves first thing in the morning and returns after dark. That's why he remarried after Mama died; he was worried I'd be home alone all the time."

"You probably would have been better off, my dear."

"I don't want to dwell on such things anymore. Look, the roof is mended, and you've already finished chopping the wood. Now we can head into town to get the flour."

As they walked toward the village, the crisp winter air filled their lungs, and the snow crunched delightfully beneath their feet. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape. People bustled around them, engaged in lively conversations as they went about their daily routines of work and shopping. Alastor grinned; for so many years, he had merely hovered above these individuals, observing and listening, never having ventured so close to the vibrant chaos of life below. Now, he was finally part of it.

"Heinrich Baran is the only miller in town, so we'll need to visit him for flour," Charlotte explained. "But I must warn you, he's not great at first impressions. However, once you get to know him, he's absolutely wonderful."

As they approached the mill, Alastor took in the sight of the old wooden structure, its wheels creaking gently as they turned in the flowing stream. The air was filled with the scent of fresh grain, a comforting aroma that reminded him of home.

"Here we are," Charlotte said, her excitement evident. "Now just remember, be polite and respectful. Heinrich appreciates that."

They entered the mill, the sound of grinding stones echoing around them. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and bustling, with workers moving about, loading and unloading sacks of grain. At the back, a whiskered, dark-skinned man was busy tending to the machinery.

"Hello, Heinrich!" Charlotte called, waving as she approached.

The miller carried himself with a grim and agitated look on his face. Like an old cat who was always grouchy. But when he first saw Charlotte, a soft smile appeared on his face. Though he didn't keep it for too long. He didn't want anyone knowing that he had a soft spot for the girl.