Dorea sat at the table, enjoying the comforting warmth of the milk in her cup, graciously offered by Mala-Yui, the friendly dryad woman. It seems this time is still too early for her as she tries to stifle her yawn. She blames Leviashivae because he woke her up at 6 am. She really hopes that she is still asleep right now in her bed.
With a kind smile, Mala-Yui remarked, "Hi, Dorea, I'm sure we've crossed paths before." As she arranged the breakfast spread on the table, a mixture of fresh fruits and baked goods, Mala-Yui continued, "You remember me right, one of the dryad maids." She then turned her attention back to Dorea, her gaze warm and inviting. "So, have you had a chance to eat yet?" she inquired, offering food to Dorea.
Dorea nodded shyly in agreement, her mind swirling with memories of Mala-Yui, the once-enslaved dryad whose story had affected her. Despite not being directly involved in Mala-Yui's past suffering, Dorea couldn't shake off the weight of guilt that settled upon her heart. As she looked at Mala-Yui's kind smile, she felt a sudden jolt of remorse for the injustices inflicted upon her kind.
"I'm truly sorry," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible, hoping to convey her sincere apology for the pain and suffering Mala-Yui had endured.
Dorea watched intently as Mala-Yui's brow furrowed in response to her words, a tangible tension lingering in the air. The realization hit her like a wave crashing against the shore - without Leviashivae's protective presence, she felt exposed, her vulnerability laid bare. As she grappled with her thoughts, unsettling scenarios played out in her mind's eye, each one more ominous than the last.
At that moment, she couldn't shake the memory of the deep-seated animosity dryads held towards humans' bitter reality that hung heavily around them.
Slowly, Mala-Yui, sensing Dorea's gaze, softened her expression. "Do not fret, Dorea. I am not blind to harbor the same disdain towards all humans as most dryads do. Once, I even fell in love with a human, despite him not being a good person," she confided, her words aimed at comforting the girl. As she observed the tension melting away from Dorea's frame, Mala-Yui continued, "You need not apologize to me, for what I endured out there is in no way your fault."
Dorea listened intently, her eyes reflecting a mixture of relief and gratitude. The weight that had burdened her seemed to lift with Mala-Yui's reassurance. She realized that perhaps not all dryads were as rigid in their judgments as she had initially assumed. It was a comforting thought that offered a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness on her clouded mind.
With a nod, Dorea expressed her gratitude to Mala-Yui. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. "I appreciate your understanding and kindness." And as the warmth of Mala-Yui's smile enveloped her, Dorea felt a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced since arriving in the village.
"Good morning, Mama. Good morning, Dorea," greeted Tama-yui as he walked, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. It seemed the young dryad boy had just woken up from his slumber. Clad in his pajamas, Tama-Yui flopped onto the sofa near where Dorea was seated, observing his friend intently.
Dorea couldn't help but smile at Tama-yui's groggy demeanor. "Good morning, Tama-Yui," she replied warmly, returning his greeting. She noticed how his tousled hair added to his endearing appearance. Despite the sleepiness evident in his movements, he had an undeniable energy about him that always seemed to lift her spirits.
Mala-Yui chuckled softly at the scene before her, a fond expression crossing her face as she watched the interaction between the two young dryads. "Good morning," she chimed in, her voice carrying a gentle warmth. Seeing Tama-Yui and Dorea together always filled her heart with joy.
Tama-Yui's enthusiasm was palpable as he spoke, his grogginess now completely gone, replaced by excitement. "This time, we're going to play by the river, Dorea!" he exclaimed eagerly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. It seemed that any trace of sleepiness had vanished, replaced by a newfound energy and enthusiasm for their upcoming adventure.
Mala-Yui's authoritative demeanor softened as she observed her son's compliance, a gentle smile replacing the sternness in her expression. She understood Tama-Yui's eagerness to start the day's adventures but insisted on the importance of breakfast. As Dorea received her meal with modest appreciation, Mala-Yui's eyes conveyed a warmth that reassured her of some of her unease.
With breakfast served, the trio began their morning routine, each immersed in their thoughts. Tama-Yui's excitement bubbled beneath the surface, evident in the way he fidgeted with anticipation. Dorea, although grateful for the hospitality shown by Mala-Yui, couldn't shake off the lingering apprehension from her previous encounter with the dryad.
During breakfast, Tama-Yui enthusiastically explained the river behind his house to Dorea. He detailed the river's bounty, particularly the various fish species it offered for consumption. Despite the river's strong currents, Tama-Yui proudly assured Dorea that it posed no danger to them, as he was accustomed to fishing there and knew how to handle the relatively mild currents.
Tama-Yui's excitement in sharing the stories of their river adventures underscored the significance of Dorea's presence to him. She wasn't just a mere companion; she brought joy and warmth to their escapades. Feeling comfortable and secure with Dorea, Tama-Yui considered himself fortunate to have such a friend, always ready to accompany him and listen to his tales with unwavering enthusiasm.
After breakfast, Mala-Yui meticulously organized the dining area, a task usually reserved for servants in noble households. With practiced efficiency, she neatly stacked the plates, folded the napkins, and wiped the table clean of crumbs. Tama-Yui, observing his mother's precise movements, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her ability to maintain their home with such grace and dignity.
As Mala-Yui worked, Tama-Yui offered assistance. "Are you sure you don't need my help this time, Mama?"
"Not this time. Mama can manage just fine on her own without your assistance. Besides, didn't you say you would take Dorea to play by the river behind the house?" His mother's response brought a wide smile to Tama-Yui's face. This interaction highlighted the close bond between mother and son built from love, trust, and mutual respect.
Meanwhile, Dorea observed the scene with keen interest, noting the differences between the customs of the dryad village and those of the nobility. In the palace, where she had spent most of her life, such tasks were performed by an army of servants, and nobles never lifted a finger to help with menial chores.
In noble households, table manners were strictly adhered to, with each meal following a set protocol. Nobles were expected to sit upright, with their backs straight and their elbows off the table. They were to use utensils gracefully, without making any unnecessary noise or gestures that might be considered uncouth.
As Mala-Yui completed her task and the table was left spotless, Tama-Yui escorted Dorea to the riverside. He is eager to share with her the wonders of their village and the beauty of nature.
Dorea couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity and warmth of life in the dryad village, a stark contrast to the luxury and formality of the palace where she had grown up.
Tama-Yui led Dorea to a spot by the riverbank, where they sat down to admire the tranquil surroundings. The sound of the gently flowing water and the rustling of leaves in the breeze created a soothing melody that seemed to wash away all worries and cares. Dorea felt a sense of peace wash over her as she took in the beauty of the place, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of life in the palace.
The water was so pristine that she could see all the way to the bottom, where colorful pebbles and stones lay scattered across the riverbed. Schools of fish darted to and fro, their scales shimmering in the sunlight as they swam gracefully through the crystal-clear water. Along the banks, the lush greenery of the forest provided a picturesque backdrop to the serene scene.
As they sat there, Tama-Yui pointed out various aquatic creatures that called the river home.
"You see those fish, Dorea?" Tama-Yui asked, pointing to a group of reddish-colored fish swimming from one spot to another. "Those are Scarlet Snapper fish! They're delicious when cooked. I once caught them and grilled them right here on the riverbank. If you want to try them, we can catch some later," he said with enthusiasm, the smile on his face never falling since they arrived in the river.
"Yes, I can see them. We'll definitely catch them later. I don't think I've ever eaten fish like that before," said Dorea, her voice filled with surprise, eliciting an astonished sound from Tama-Yui.
"I really shouldn't be surprised anymore. After all, you're a princess, so the fish you see must already be on your plate," Tama-Yui teased Dorea, nudging her gently with his shoulders.
"You are so mean!" Exclaimed Dorea loudly, followed by her laughter. Apparently, the laugh was contagious, and that made Tama-You also laugh.
"Tama-Yui, be careful! What if your mother gets upset if she knows you are playing in the water like that?" Dorea expressed her concern, her voice tinged with worry. She watched as Tama-Yui's feet dipped into the cool, clear water, a playful grin lighting up his face. Despite her apprehension, Dorea couldn't deny the allure of the river, its gentle ripples inviting them to explore its depths.
Tama-Yui laughed, splashing the water with his hands. "Don't worry, Dorea! My mother won't mind. Besides, it's so refreshing here, and we have to catch fish, remember?" he replied, the excitement evident in his tone. Dorea couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm, although a part of her still felt uneasy about breaking the rules.
As they stood by the riverbank, Dorea couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at her. She had always been taught to uphold the expectations of royalty and to maintain her dignity and grace at all times. Yet, here she was, tempted by the simple joy of playing in the water with her friend.
"I..."
"Come on, Dorea. Let's play together!"
After conflicted emotions crossed her mind, she finally gave up on the temptation to play in the water. "Sure! I will catch you first before we catch a fish!" She yells while splashing water in the direction of Tama-Yui.
"Yeah! This is fun!"