Promise of the World [Canaan, Book 1]

Chapter Ten || Beginning of the End

Two heaping baskets of vegetables and fruits that smelled like sweet dirt and refreshing sky was stuffed vigorously into Essairyn's hands by Leœss's sister, Amirael, without forewarning. She and the youngest sister of five years, Kylaine, then shooed Essairyn and Leœss along with the rest of the group out of the house with brisk goodbyes and good luck for their journey ahead.

Seeing Essairyn's fluster at not having a chance to even utter a word of thanks or protest at the parting gift, Leœss chuckled while scratching his head sheepishly. "Ahh...I swear they're usually not like this."

The girl blinked, processing them being comedically kicked out of Leœss's own home by his family before bursting out in a laugh."It's okay, haha! I know they're just being nice and don't want to delay us after fixing the farm and eating a late lunch. Besides, they were absolutely darling. I'm glad we stopped here." Thinking back to the boisterous lunch and adorable antics of little Kylaine while they mended the farmhouse prompted a cheerful curve of her lips.

Leœss's sisters had expressed guilt for unintentionally dragging the group into mending the property when they were on such an important journey. Luckily, the farm was on the way, and they didn't stay long due to their insistence to not take up more time. If the situation had allowed, Essairyn would have loved to stay and chat especially with the nineteen-year old Amirael. Also, Leœss's baby brother was just too precious. It broke her heart knowing that the little boy would never get to know his parents.

"By the way," Essairyn began as she stored the baskets in her cache, and they headed back to their carriage "Your sister really makes the best food. That's why I didn't expect her to give me anything else after leaving me with the leftovers of that delicious lasagna-like dish."

"Oh, you mean the friettielli? Yup, that's sis Ami's speciality. All the neighbors request it during the cook-off potluck." Leœss puffed up in pride whenever speaking of his family. His devotion to his siblings went beyond his societal obligation as the new head of the house after their parents perished. Anyone with eyes could see that it was genuine from his heart, making it all the more heartbreaking that his parents couldn't witness his dedication.

"I won't be able to cook nearly as well as her, but I'll try to do justice with these amazing ingredients." Essairyn gave a thumbs up and accompanying wink.

"It's all good." Leœss laughed and waved his hand.

"Yeah, I'm curious to what you'll be able to cook," Aispin softly added with a subtle, teasing air.

"Hey now, I'm not that bad." She stuck out her tongue and gave a little huff with her hands on her hips, making Aispin smile.

"Haha! I'm sure you're better than my older sister. I still don't know how she was able to get married with her cooking abilities. Just kidding. I love her. She's really awesome; I wish we had time to visit her in the next village over. But it's in the opposite direction from where we're headed sadly."

"Maybe next time when we head back, you can introduce us. From the way Ami and little Kyla idolizes her, I can imagine what she'll be like." Essairyn giggled upon remembrance of their adoring rambles about their older sister.

"You said that she was childhood friends with Knights Commander Chaera Ch'tahur, right?" Darren interjected.

Leœss nodded ebulliently and then struck a sheepish expression and posture. "Yes, that's how I got to know Chaera, heheh..."

Darren smirked and jabbed Leo roguishly as they boarded their ride. "So then, weren't you like, seven when you met her?"

"Yes, and she's still the most beautiful fourteen-year old and now twenty-seven year old that I've ever seen!" Leœss put on an adamant, defensive face as if arguing with someone about the hottest celebrity crush.