The Lost Era...
POV: Apheliona, female, disguised as a boy.
The wet squelch as I drag my feet through the rice fields, planting seeds for a somewhat wealthy farmer. The scorching heat of the sun makes my sensitive skin crawl.
"Oh, what a day," a farmer beside me says, sweat dripping from his forehead. It's the beginning of the planting season, something I always detest.
"Yeah, I guess," I reply disinterestedly. I came to this village to work, especially with my older sister having problems with her pregnancy.
Taking a seedling from my basket, I plant it directly, adding more filth to my hands. Repeat. It's been three hours already, and most farmers are taking a break. I refuse to join them as it only delays the job.
"Oy!" one of the farmers calls out, but I don't turn to look. "Aphelion, boy, get some rest!"