Some days were harder than others since Frey fell from the sky. Sometimes she wondered why the Native Dragon, Ventuswill, nominated her for the task of caring for Selphia Castle's farm. She knew nothing about being an Earthmate, hell she barely even knew her own name. But still, requests from the townspeople kept pouring in. She didn't even know where to start with the day's tasks.
Frey drug herself out of bed and tossed her gown to the side, opting for a cute black dress today. She tied her pale green hair up in her signature pigtails and pulled on her boots. Grabbing her backpack, she walked out of the southward door in her room and turned to her right, checking the request box. The first letter she pulled from it was in a fancy envolope and sealed with an ornate wax stamp.
'Mega good morning!' the letter started in its perfectly coiffed calligraphy, 'I'm in need of some quality pink turnips for a special dish I'm cooking! If you're lucky I may even share some with you! Please deliver it to my room before the restaurant opens this morning.'
The careful signature at the bottom read "Porcoline".
"Okay, I think I have some of those turnips in my fridge already." Frey said aloud. Her attention turned back toward the door to her room. As she began walking that way, she was stopped by Leon. His long blue hair fluttered in the wind.
"How are you this morning Frey?" he asked.
"Ah, I'm fine," Frey responded as she started shuffling through her bag, "I've got something for you."
Frey held out a neatly wrapped grilled fish.
"I remember you said you like these," she continued, "I hope you're feeling better."
She had just saved him from the Forest of Beginnings a few days prior. The rest of the guardians had recovered, sure, but the magic surrounding Leon was so intense that Frey worried he would recuperate slowly.
"Thank you, and yes I feel fine. Thank you for asking."
They said their goodbyes and Frey went on her way. She popped into her house and quickly grabbed the turnips, heading through the north door in her bedroom.
Her two pet wolves, Lys and Greyer, were already tending to the field. She watched them a moment as they watered crops and cleared away debris. They looked happy today.
As she continued north, her feet hit the cobblestone road and she turned right. She arrived at the restaurant and took the stairs, making a bee line for the middle room.
"I'm just not sure what to say when she gets here." A familiar voice carried down the hall. It certainly belonged to the blonde haired glutton, Porcoline. "I've been setting two places for tea since she arrived..."
The voice stopped abruptly. He must have heard Frey approaching. After a few steps, she stood in front of an open door. Margaret and Porcoline smiled back at her.
"Helloooo!" Porcoline called out, "I trust you're here about the turnips? I've been waiting to cook up something EXTRA tasty today!"
"Y-Yes," Frey replied blushing. Porcoline's upbeat manner always caught her off guard, no matter how many times she saw him. She reached into her bag and pulled out five turnips, lovingly bundled together with twine.
He reached out and grabbed them, handing her some gold in return.
"I'll be leaving now," Margaret stated as she exited the room, "Have a lovely morning."
Margaret turned and walked down the hallway, dissapearing down the stairs.
"I have something else for you, Porcoline." Frey stated, reaching back into her backpack, "Mushrooms! I just picked them last night."
Frey smiled sweetly and Porcoline blushed.
"Th-thank you," he glanced toward the tea set. "Would you like to stay for tea?"
Frey nodded, not wanting to reject his hospitality. She sat down and placed her bag on the floor. Porcoline took the seat opposite her and poured tea in their cups.
"I don't supposed you have some kind of tasty cake in that bag of yours?" he asked with a chuckle.
Frey giggled nervously and shook her head.
"Sorry," she said, sipping from her cup.
Porcoline seemed to be studying the turnips she had given him, turning the bundle over and over in his hands. He brought the bunch upward toward his face and sniffed the vegetables, letting out a deep, satisfied sigh.
"You grow such wonderful vegetables," he doted, "And I only use the best ingredients in my dishes. I know quality and this, my dear, is it!"
"Thank you so much," Frey responded, "I try my best. I always take good care of the soil and use the best nutrients for my plants. Of course, using good nutrients means a lot of treasure hunting and dungeons."
Frey smiled, excitement bubbling up within her.
"I could really use some help," she said. She had never thought of inviting Porcoline. "Some of those monsters are tough! I almost died the other day."
Her last sentence shocked Porcoline. He had always thought of Frey as this invincible spellcaster. And she was sitting there telling him that she had a brush with death. This did not sit well with him. He felt guilty for not being there to protect her.
"Don't fret darling," he stated, "You come get me whenever you head out in an adventure! I'll keep you safe! Just bring lots of food for me."
Frey nodded and leaned on the table. She looked into Porcoline's eyes before quickly shifting her gaze to the teapot. Her heart beat rather quickly for a moment, but she wasn't sure why. The window across the room was open and a faint breeze blew in.
"I wanted to ask you something." Porcoline said after a moment, he stood and took her hand "I'd like to pay you to grow vegetables for me. And only me. I don't care about volume, just the sheer care and love you put into these beauties. No one can compare you your skills, Frey. I've been trying to ask you this for ages! Your ingredients are the only ones I want!"
Frey was struck speechless. It took her a moment to catch her breath. And as she looked into the sparkling blue eyes of the chef, she realized she thought he was beautiful. His vigor, his gluttony, his passion. They all made him something she admired. Someone she wanted. She knew then that she had to pursue these feelings. Even if he teased her. Even if he rejected her. She at least had to try.
"I'll grow your vegetables, Porcoline," she said quietly. It was probably just her imagination, but she swore she saw him shudder when she spoke his name. "I'll grow your vegetables, provide your milk. Your fruit. Everything you need, I will give you. Straight from my farm to your table."
"How lovely!" he exclaimed as he stood, "Let this be the beginning of a beautiful partnership! Let me escort you out, I'm sure you have lots of work to do growing tasty tomatoes and delectable daikons!"
She took his hand and he walked her to the door.
"Goodbye lovely," he exclaimed, "Until tomorrow then!"
He grinned wide as Frey walked away. And without even realizing it, they had begun something that would be a whirlwind of emotions for both sides.
