Of Laurels and Wreaths

3. Sprout

Despite the lack of sheep, the shepherd's crook never left Allan's side.

"Shepherds prefer their own crook over borrowing another. Superiority in terms of crooks aren't upheld, though we can appreciate the craftsmanship behind them."

"I see." Effie trailed the shephard's crook with her eyes, taking in the intricate woodwork. That was the best she could settle for - the chains didn't allow her to lay a finger on it.

"For the record, I still don't get why you're here." A brief glance towards Allan.

"I can accompany you till we reach the oasis, but that's as far as I can go." With a turn, she scrutinized his face, as if it held the answers she seeked. He raised an eyebrow, wordlessly nodding.

---

It only took a few moments before they reached the oasis. Just as Effie mentally prepared a parting script, a question from Allan halted her tracks.

"Have you ever tried out the fruits?"

She faced him, raising her eyebrows and blinking a few times. "You mean, the citrus fruits here?"

A nod. She hummed in response, composing her reply. "Heard of it before. Never quite had the opportunity to indulge, though."

Hearing that, the corners of his lips quirked upwards.

"So you know where the fruit patches are?"

She slowly nodded. Just when I was prepared to leave...

"Can you take me there?"

The rattling of chains echoed, but she paid no mind.

---

Before she knew it, Effie was fruit-picking alongside Allan, albeit at a slower pace. Her nature didn't allow her to simply leave after tagging along, and the sandstorm discouraged her plan of escape.

Let it be known that one of the principles governing Effie's life is 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you'. Bearing the thought of doing something unkind would mean an addition to the legion of invisible chains shackling her.

"It's still a miracle how they're able to grow here, of all places." She gestured to the surrounding desert, wagging her fingers.

"Well, the most unlikely things bloom in places you'd least expect." He shrugged, plucking a lemon.

"Hmm. The oasis is an attractive spot for a reason, I suppose." With a few fruits held up at eye-level, she inspected them for patterns; any signs dictating why they were chosen over others.

"Is this also part of your quest to collect supplies?" The question popped up, so why not ask?

"In a sense, yup." He tied the sack holding the lemons in a secure knot.

"Wait, what about these?" She held up the fruits in her grasp.

"Want to see what they're for?"

Notes:

Well, you can expect more parts coming.

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