As Sylva and I made our way back to our little caravan camp, the smells of spices and all sorts of cooking found it's way into our noses.
We didn't have to walk that far to be honest, from the beach you already were able to see the fires and even some wagons. As the last break on our yearly trading caravan, the families that had been part of it for generations were now going all out. For me however, it was the first time I had travelled to the capital and other major cities in the kingdom. I never really had the need for adventure or to see the world as much as Sylva has it. Doesn't mean I am not interested in it, I love to read about those places, but that was enough. Since Sylva asked me to join this years caravan (and when she asked, it was her Naming-Day) I atleast had to join. Seeing the craftsmanship in the big cities of course was very interesting. One workshop in particular caught my interest, which was also partnered with one in the Capital of the empire. Which at the moment was still impressive since the Nah Kingdoms and Dalyion Empires diplomatic relations apparently broke down, or so the market yeller atleast made it out to look.
The light of the campfires and playing of instruments from a few tents let the camp feel quite cozy. While it was the last stop and usually it would warrant a small celebration, it also was Blessings Day, so everyone just stayed with their closest ones to share a meal and appreciate the blessings of life. Since my only relative stayed home, the closest folk I had were the grandparents of Sylva and of course Sylva herself.
As we got closer, even from a distance we could hear Sylva's Grandpa Geres from far away talking to his lovely wife Sylvia. Sylva did not only get the name from her, but also her eyes and nose and somehow also the talent that she has with the blade.
„Sylvia, I am telling you, we need to use more of that weird new spice we bought, Greyleaf, that wi-" he stopped himself as he looked towards Sylva and me approaching.
„My beloved granddaughter! And her partner in crime! We were wondering when you would get back!" the big burly man stood up from his little stool, which was struggling to not break under the mighty weight of Sylvas Grandpa. „Sit! Sit, food is almost ready!" he was… excited? I don't really know what he was, but even though he was a pretty energetic person, today was even more than usual.
„Calm down dear, or you will make them lose their appetite!" Sylvia told her husband.
I looked at Sylva and she shrugged.
„Grandpa, why are you so excited?" as if Sylva read my mind, she asked him that burning question.
„Well you see Sylva, we got new spices and everything from the big town, so today I wanted to try a new recipe!" he always loved and adored cooking, so that explains it, „when those Southern adventurers were coming through, they gave me a little bit of those spices! And apparently they grow in very cold areas, we barely get any trade from the south since it's imperial territory and well, the borders are mostly closed, but I found some of it at the market! And I knew I had to get some for home and today! A new recipe, new flavors… ahh what joy, don't you agree Sylvia?" He turned around, his belly almost touching the pot, which was boiling lightly.
„Well if it tastes as good as your usual cooking, then it will be pretty joyful." she moved over to him and gave him a small kiss. „Faelyn, Sylva, could you get the spoons and plates from the wagon, I forgot to take them out."
Sylva sighed lightly, „Of course we can Grandma, do you need anything else? Don't wanna walk twice."
„For all the effort you put into your swordsmanship, you sure are lazy for ordinary things! Maybe my blanket, it is getting a little chilly."
„Sure thing!" as Sylva started walking towards the wagon, „Babe I got this covered, maybe get the table set up." she yelled over her shoulder.
„Okay!" and so I did, I got the folding table out of the tent as Sylvia and Geres were finishing the food. It was not a very big table, but a very useful thing. Carrying a full normal table on a trading caravan is not really practical. So I put up the table close to the fire, but far away enough that we wouldn't be too hot, when I finished Sylva came back with the plates and the blanket for her grandma.
As Geres finished making the food and served it. We simply ate and talked about whatever that day happened and also how excited we are to be almost home again. It was a nice and simple meal, with the spices that he put in making it actually a very tasty one. After we ate and finished cleaning the dishes, Sylva looked at her Grandma and then at me.
„Well then, it's time to fulfill your request, follow me!" she remembered her prize of beating me in the water duel and as I looked at Geres for answers, he simply nodded.
She put a finger to my mouth „A- a- a-, no questions! Just follow me!" As she lead me towards the forest.