The early mornings in the frozen Lands were typically cold.
No matter what Alana would rise early and go to the wintergarden, they already had onions, garlic, some herbs, and potatoes.
They had wild berries, they managed to find a frozen apple while exploring, but that would be a challenge to see it fruit.
Alana brought some vegetables to the kitchen to Mrs.Clair, as she were closing up to the door, it seemed that kitchen was very lively, she could hear chatter. As she came down she saw Malaica.
"Good morning Malaica, are you feeling better?"
Malaica turned and her face was shining brightly. Alana could hardly look directly at Malaica she was radiant, bright then ever.
'The doctor medicine really did help, she looks better already.'
Before she could say another word, Malaica hugged Alana so tightly, that she thought her eyes would pop out. "Thank you my Lady, thank you so much. I am fine, better than fine"
'She seems to be cured from her illness, I am happy.' she smiled gently.
"I am going to take care of Mimi, I wasn't here yesterday she might think I don't care about her anymore." She said every word with a big bright smile.
Mrs. Clair was happy for her, she heard the news and was happy that Malaica and Rahul finally reconciled.
*
Edah always came with her grandmother, she was around 5 years old, but was very responsible girl, always taking care of the grandma that almost couldn't stand straight and walked slow. Even in her full energy, Edah would walk next to her grandma. She never remained idle, ever since the day she met the Lady, she worked even hard prompting the Lady to give her many compliments.
She was one of the many town orfans. The Lady liked Edah's sense of responsibility. While the other kids did their portion and left to play, Edah would take her grandma home and would take care, cook for her and help her with house chores. She was never caught playing with the other kids.
She loved her grandma dearly so it was just a normal thing for her to do.
Edah arrived in the kitchen carrying one basket that looked heavy, with a stern face, it made seem like it was not heavy at all.
"My goodness, I'll help you carry it." Rushed Mrs. Clair to Edah side.
"No need." Said Edah smiling, her smile was so sweet that melted the old woman heart.
"Here take this piece of bread, it would be better if we had eggs so it would not be so hard after it coolsdown." Said Mrs. Clair.
"No thank you, I haven't finished my work." She said while putting the basket over her head to she could push it over her head to the table.
"Well it would be well deserved if you take it." Said Alana softly after seeing Edah craftily put the heavy basket on the table.
Edah blushed but still said no and turned to leave.
"Ahh stubborn little child." Smiled Alana, but didn't forced her. Turning to Mrs. Clair " I do miss eating eggs." Alana mouth watered thinking of cooked eggs in this cold weather would warm her heart.
Edah was just on top of the stairs as she heard it.
She hurriedly left.
She wanted to give a present to the lady since a while back but what could she give to the Lady, that the lady didn't already have ?
She knew that not far away from the town that was a dumb bird that normally would put eggs and leave them to hatch alone after a while, since it was winter the eggs would freeze, and never hatch. If she could catch one she could bring the egg to the Lady as a present. She could already imagine the Lady complimenting her.
"My lady, do you need something, you look like you are lost in thought. " Asked Mrs Clair.
" I was wondering where could we get something sweet, I wish to gift her something sweet, she works very hard." 'I know back in town whenever Luria gave me something sweet I was happy, so if can find something sweet...'
"I wonder indeed. That little kid has been hard working since she could have walk, thinking about I don't think I ever seen her cry, ever. Not even when her father left. She was always so well behaved."
'Just because she never cried doesn't mean she was well behaved maybe she just didn't think, she could bother anyone with her feelings' Alana could understand that feelings a little to well, even though Luria cared for her, she would never want to bother Luria with her selfishness.
" I will be in library , will search for it. " The Library in the manor was smaller than that in her uncle house, but the books here were incredible and different, some she couldn't even read but it was fascinating to her. Although she would love spend more time reading she hadn't had the time to do it. There's was so much to do, and since a while she had sensed a lurking danger, so she hasn't had time to relax in the library for a while.
In the late morning Edah and her grandma were finishing their chores for the day, this day specially Edah was being very fast, she wanted to hurry herself so she could go get her gift.
Later she finished she hurriedly walk home with her grandma.
"Edah my dear, could you slow down a bit, granny as no longer that much vigor. " The old lady smiled gently while puffing after her granddaughter.
"It's okay will just put this basket home... You don't have to keep up with me." Said Edah eager to get home.
The grandma even though she wanted, couldn't follow Edah's pace. When she arrived home, Edah was putting on a warmer jacket and had a satchel with her.
"Edah? " Said the granny worried.
" I will be back before dinner, I won't be too long." Edah ran as fast as she could and in a bit the granny could no longer see Edah. The granny fehlt a squeeze in her chest, she had never been away from Edah since she was born, so she stayed at their door step waiting for Edah to return.
Everytime someone appeared in the distance her eyes would widen, but as soon she noticed it wasn't Edah, her heart would squeeze a little more again.