Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 27

Alastor shared his space in the barn with Vagatha that night, as she had nowhere else to sleep. However, they needed to rise early and leave; if Lucifer discovered a woman sleeping in his quarters, he would undoubtedly misinterpret the situation and dismiss Alastor as a potential suitor for Charlotte. Even if Alastor tried to explain that Vagatha was as dear to him as a sister is to a brother, it wouldn't matter. He could fabricate a story about them being cousins, but in some cultures, cousins marrying was a common, albeit unsettling, practice.

Another reason for their early departure was Alastor's urgent need to find Vagatha work. He hesitated to suggest that Lucifer hire her as a maid, as Vagatha was just as beautiful as Charlotte, which would surely incite Lute's jealousy. Unlike Charlotte, Vagatha wouldn't tolerate mistreatment. In simpler terms, if Eisheth and Lute treated Vagatha the way they had treated Charlotte, Vagatha would likely retaliate with a punch that would leave them spitting teeth. In turn, the two women would manipulate Lucifer into ensuring Vagatha faced severe consequences for her actions.

Vagatha was righteous and confident, yet she failed to grasp the dangers of her position. Acting purely on emotion could lead to dire consequences. Alastor needed to ensure that wherever she worked, her employer would be patient and understanding, or at the very least, not easily offended by a commoner speaking her mind.

From his experience, only one person came to mind.

"A mill?" Vagatha asked, gazing up at the building where flour was produced as the sun began to rise. "You want me to work in a mill? Why here?"

"Because the miller seems like a man who would overlook your big mouth and not slap you in the face," Alastor replied.

"But I don't know how to make flour."

"Then gather the crops needed to produce it. You're skilled at that, even before you became a sprite. Your father was a farmer, right?"

"Yes, but that was years ago, and it's winter, Alastor. No crops grow this time of year—no wheat, no grain, no corn—"

"Hazelnuts grow in winter. Perhaps that could work?"

"Flour made from hazelnuts?" Vagatha pondered for a moment. "I suppose that might be feasible, but I think most people prefer flour made from grain and corn."

"Both of which are scarce in winter, and flour is in high demand. Heinrich will run out of grain eventually."

"I suppose it's worth suggesting the idea to him. But do I really need a job? Why can't I just live in the forest and sustain myself? You know, like humans did before the concepts of jobs and income were established."

"If it were spring or summer, I might consider that. But it's winter, Vagatha. It's cold, and food is scarce. Not to mention, living in the woods can be quite lonely, don't you think? Don't you want any friends?"

"Well... yes."

"Okay then. To have friends, you need to live in a town, and to live in a town, you need a job."

"How do you know so much about this already? I'm the one who always observed the people in this town; you just watched Charlotte."

"My parents had me working as soon as I turned six. I think they were afraid that they might not be around for long, and they wanted to ensure I could take care of myself if something happened. Or at least be able to hold down a job."

When they arrived at the mill, the familiar sounds of grinding stones greeted them. Heinrich was already hard at work, his brow furrowed in concentration. Alastor approached him first, clearing his throat to get the miller's attention.