My Dearest Lady Cotton

Watchful Daisies

  Shuffling her way out the old creaky door, Cotton shuts her eyes against the frost bitten wind. Scrunching her nose, she brushed away the stray snow raked over her face. Breathing in the crisp winter air, she admires the gentle gold light lining the city homes, producing a more scenic morning than usual.

   Propping her empty shopping basket in one arm, the lavender haired woman made her way down the wooden porch steps, waving to her neighbors as she passed. There was no better time to the market than now. Not many folks were out and about this early, so finding the freshest produce would be easier than usual.

  "Good morning, Mrs. Cotton!"

  Said lass turned to the aged voice, greeting the elderly woman with a smile. "Good morning, Mrs. Goody Baker. How are you this fine day?"

  The older lady, Goody Baker, who lived above the local bakery, hustled near the lavender haired woman. Dressed in a grey shawl and beige apron, she stopped by the young wife. Flecks of snow glittering upon her white hair, her warm breath fogged over her lips when she answered back in a jittery tone. "As well as I am able, dear. I hope you are just as well?"

  Cotton nods, pressing her own shawl closer around her shoulders. Noticing her shaking arms, she frowns in concern. Was she alright? Why was the Baker's Wife acting so nervous?

  "Are you really well Mrs. Baker? You're quite jumpy this morning."

  The elder waved her wrinkly hand and sent her a strained smile. "Oh it's just my old bones. No need to worry. Now, If you'll excuse me, I must be on my way. Have a good day, Mrs. Cotton!"

  "Good day to you as well." Called back Cotton, watching Goody Baker skedaddle away with tremoring feet. Stars, she hopped the elderly woman was alright. The last time she saw her shaking like that was two years back. I hope nothing bad happened. She sighs, swinging her basket to and fro.

  Squeezing into the crowded archway, which led to the center of the city, the lilac woman carefully avoided the trio of men knocking down sharp icicles covering the roof. Finding the narrow space that shortened her trip to the market, she hastily sped down the stone steps, nearly running into a small group of playing children.

  "Why hello there, Mrs. Knight! How are you?" Said an energetic voice.

  Swerving to attention, the lavender haired woman made eye contact with a very chipper 16 year old lad. Adorned in a frost covered cloak and a brown tunic, the teen sent a wide smile in her direction. "Good morning, Mister Gen. I'm well! And you?" She responds, folding her hands over her apron, the empty basket dangling between her fingers.

  Gen broadened his smile and jogged an arm length closer. "Just as grand today. The market has been bustling with potions for days! A new Brewery just opened in the square!"

  "Is that so?" She blinks, clueless to the news of newfangled potion shops scattered all over the Kingdom. "Are they any good? Do their brews work?"

  The frosted lad nods, his enthusiasm exploding all over the streets. "Aye, tons of new things I've never even seen. They have Catmint Tea, elixirs for summer colds, and even a whole bag of fresh mint! Their cheap too!"

  Cheap, huh? She muses, pursing her lips in curiosity. Perhaps I should have a visit. Louis would definitely like to hear of an affordable brewery nearby.

  Saying their farewells, Cotton finally landed into the shopping district. The morning sun hit just the right angle, bringing the young woman to shield her blue orbs against the bouncing light. It wasn't as crowded as she thought it would be. Flags covered in Icetonian colors and symbols fluttered above as she made her way across the square. Fruits, flowers, and bread lined the streets, inviting customers to take a look at their stall.