Introducing a Different World

Different

"You doing alright, Morgana?" Dad asked, glancing at me, his brow glistening with sweat.

"Yeah, it's just hot," I said, wiping my brow of sweat. The heat was blazing, and the sleeves had come off a long time ago, leaving my shoulders bare to the intense sun. "I just wish i knew where this heat came from."

"No kidding," he said, looking at the orange globe high in the sky. "At least we're not the only ones suffering."

He was right, all around us, the others that worked the plot of land were ready to drop. There was about twenty of us working on the plot, working for one of the nobles. It was horrible pay, but it was pay, which was what we needed. Our town was a poor one and most everyone had to work the fields, which meant that school was out after the age of ten. The kids were usually the first ones to fall, and looking at a few of them, i knew it was only a matter of time before one of them fell to the ground, exhausted. It was almost midday, so maybe they would hold out enough to get food and water. 

I bent back down and cut at the wheat, trying to get the most out of it as i could. I had been working this hard most of my life, and i was ready to figure something out so i wouldn't have to for the rest of it. It was bad enough Sara wouldn't be able to stay in school much longer, not unless we somehow came into some very good luck. 

"Morgana, it's time for food," Dad sighed, and i stood up, groaning as my back straightened. I watched Dad head to the cart and i saw him limping, but he was trying to hide it. He didn't want Mom knowing that he was hurting, but i knew. I sighed and set down my tools, following behind him. 

"Morgana!" The call was from another person working in our field. Jonah was about my age and he had raven black hair that was stuck to his head due to sweat. He wasn't as shunned as i was, but he still had the problem that people didn't particularly like him. I slowed to wait for him and saw that his green eyes were weary and tired all as the same time. 

"How are you, Jonah?" I asked as we began to walk again.

"I'm good," he said, and he was rubbing his bare arm nervously. I had just taken notice that he wasn't wearing a shirt, and i looked away to hide the blush rising to my face. "You alright, Mor?"

"Yeah, i'm fine," I said, finding my voice was unnaturally high. I cleared my throat and looked at him, averting my eyes to i was looking at his face. "Was there something you wanted?"

"Oh, yes, there was something," he said, and his voice was stuttering. "There's a fire side gathering tonight, i was wondering if you wanted to go?"

"You mean with you?" I asked, and he nodded, suddenly going from the strong man i knew he was to a nervous teenager. "Together?"

"Yeah," he said, and i could feel my smile getting bigger on my face. He glanced up and caught the look on my face. Suddenly the nervous teenager was the man i knew. "So, you up for it?"

"Yes," I said, nodding. I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear and looked at him. "Where is it?"

"It's by the waterfall," he said, and i nodded. "Should i come by and get you, or...?"

"I'll meet you there," I said, and we had reached the food cart by now. "Jink loves to go out at night."

"Night owl, is he?" Jonah asked, and i saw his eyes suddenly flash gold for a moment. 

"Yeah," I said, staring at him, but then i shook my head. I was just seeing things, nothing more then that. "I'm a night owl as well."

"Three night owls, what more could we ask for?" he said, chuckling. 

"At least it's something to look forward to after working all day," I said, grabbing some food. 

"Make sure to wear something warm, it's going to be a cold one tonight, and we'll be right next to the water fall," he said, winking at me. "I'll see you later tonight, Mor."