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Yanking the door shut, Marshel joins the trio trudging through the thin layer of snow.
A few days pass as Jocosa learns to get accustomed to the unfamiliar territory. The difficulty eases fastly with the helpful Lola stuck to her hip.
But now they're heading into town.
The walk was expected to be a bit long as they live more in the woody parts.
But as they keep up their pace, they arrive quicker than expected. It was a stark contrast to the quiet and peaceful nature they just left. People and carts fill the streets, the air with the hustle and bustle of the town. Jocosa's eyes crinkle at the sight of chatty merchants eager to sell their products.
"Okay, so an idea!" Bliss announces loudly to the trio, "How about we visit my family's bakery? They miss you both, mostly Lola. And I promise fresh bread for the young lady, so how about it?"
"Fantastic idea, plus I haven't seen your sister in quite some time," Lola entertains the sudden change of plans.
"Fine, we stop there then head to the market," Marshel agrees as well letting Bliss take the lead.
The extra steps aren't too harsh on their feet, as they arrive through a special path devised by Bliss's creativity. The cottage-style building is enveloped in flowers at the entrance, surrounding the door and the wooden steps. It is quite small, but quaint nonetheless.
Bliss shuffles toward the door hearing the mess of sound meshing together; the customers, familiar shouting, and the mixing of ingredients and hard work in the back.
"Mother?" Bliss calls out stepping into the cozy bakery.
"It's not her, but I," Nara approaches them with her bountiful curls bouncing behind her. Her fair skin glows in the dim light, she is gorgeous and indeed Bliss's sister. "You said you were going to be home last night, not the morning," she crosses her arms at the liar in front of her.
"I apologize, but never mind that! Please meet Jocosa, a new lady staying with Marshel and Lola," Bliss chuckles as she gently grasps Jocosa's shoulder pushing her to the front to greet Nara.
"It's nice to meet you, Jocosa. I am Nara Ecclestone, this brat's older sister," she introduces herself, "Nice to see you both also." The siblings in the back bow quickly greeting her back.
"Lola, come here, don't be a stranger," Nara smiles widely opening her arms for the blonde.
The girl chuckles as she embraces Nara, they stay like that for a few moments until Nara finally lets her go and takes a step back. She reaches out and gently caresses Lola's lengthy hair, looking at her with a fond expression. "I hope you've been well," Nara says softly.
"Of course," Lola smiles.
"That brother of yours isn't causing much trouble for you, is he?" Nara raises an eyebrow toward the silent man.
"I know how to get my way," Lola winks as she giggles.
Nara chuckles lightly as she glances toward Marshel before turning toward her sister, "Now why have you come?"
"I was hoping for one of those lovely loaves of bread to go, dear sister," Bliss asks oh so innocently.
"You come here to take food, but yet refuse to work. You know you still owe me for covering for you the other two times you disappeared," Nara glares at her.
"I'll pay you back please give me one, I promised Jocosa," Bliss pouts.
Nara glances at Jocosa before sighing and heading to grab one of the loaves that had conveniently just finished setting. "I want you back here by tomorrow night, I mean it," Nara demands handing over the delicious-smelling bread.
"Thank you!" Bliss chirps as they head back out toward the falling snow.
"Ah, here we go!" Bliss sighs breaking the bread apart and handing the larger piece to Jocosa, "Now we may eat and shop!"
The sights and smells of a market can be overwhelming, but that's part of the appeal. There are so many things to see, smell, and taste, and it can be hard to decide what to buy. So Marshel goes to gather food while the girls stroll around for clothing.
The tents and stands selling clothes and handmade items have prices from low to many coins. Thankfully Lola and Bliss have the knowledge of whose tent to bargain at.
In no time the group joins back together ready to head back to the cozy cabin, but the unusual sight of royal guards makes them stop in their tracks.