On the night when Victor and his squad of adventurers set out to aid the neighboring village, Lawrence gazed thoughtfully at the night sky, where the stars shone brighter than usual as if reflecting his inner musings. Moonlight streamed through the small window of the room, creating patterns of light and shadow on the floor. The light bathed the soft bedding of the crib and caressed the tender skin of the baby, lending the scene a sense of tranquility and serenity.
Eris quietly opened the door, careful not to make any noise. The hinges creaked so softly that they almost blended with the whisper of the wind outside. The room was warmed by the fireplace, where the wood softly crackled, filling the space with the scent of burning timber. The walls, adorned with warm wood tones and delicate patterns, created a sense of comfort and protection.
Eris approached the crib where Lawrence was watching the starry sky. Her eyes reflected the soft moonlight, adding depth to her caring gaze.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" she said calmly, her eyes caressing the baby who smiled in response. Eris sat down on an antique wooden chair with curved legs and a softly padded armrest, polished to a shine by years of use. Under the beautiful moonlight, she began to hum a melody that trembled in the air, gently vibrating every particle in the room.
The melody slowly filled the space, penetrating every corner, lulling and soothing. The sounds of the melody mixed with the crackling of the fireplace, creating a cozy atmosphere where every sound seemed to be a safeguard against the night's troubles.
After Lawrence fell asleep, Eris stood up and gently closed the door, framed by heavy wooden panels carved with mythical creatures of this world. Descending the wide wooden staircase with worn steps, Eris walked into the living room, where the maids were waiting for her.
The living room was decorated with wide drapes of heavy fabric that wrapped the room in warmth. A large fireplace on one wall emitted a subdued light, highlighting the antique mahogany furniture and soft velvet sofas in dark shades.
Portraits of the Hans family's ancestors hung on the walls, each seemingly watching over the preservation of traditions and the protection of their family. Eris sat on one of the sofas, making room for the maids. The fire in the fireplace cast elongated shadows on the floor, creating the effect of additional, invisible guests.
- "What happened?"
Eris asked, surprised, sensing the tense atmosphere.
Shelly, the head maid, respectfully rose and slowly approached her mistress.
- "Madam, we are deeply grateful to you for your care. But we wanted to ask you a favor. Will you hear us out?"
She asked quietly, her voice barely stirring the air filled with the scent of burning logs.
Eris nodded, and together they discussed further actions while the fire in the fireplace quietly crackled, promising warmth and comfort on this dark, anxious night.
Shelly, gathering her courage, began to speak:
- "We are all very worried about Mr. Victor and the squad. We understand how important your role is in managing the village in his absence. But we also want to help. We are not just maids; we are part of this village, and your well-being is our concern."
Eris listened intently to Shelly, her eyes reflecting the light from the flames, giving her gaze a special depth and warmth.
- "We would like to take on more responsibilities so that you can spend more time for yourself and Lawrence. You shouldn't have to bear all the burden alone. We are strong together, and we want to show it in action," added Shelma, her voice full of sincerity and resolve.
Eris was moved by these words. She felt an inner relief, realizing she was not alone in her struggles and concerns. Tears of gratitude began to slide down her cheeks; she quickly wiped them away, smiling in response.
- "Thank you, Shelly, and all of you. Your offer and support mean a lot to me. I knew I could count on you, but your offer to help at such a time is truly something special," said Eris, feeling the day's tension slowly leave her shoulders.
Shelly and the other maids drew closer, forming a circle around Eris, and they all embraced. This moment of unity and mutual support strengthened the spirit of everyone present.
- "We are all here to help each other. Now let's discuss what we can do tomorrow to alleviate your burdens. We have plans that we could bring to life," suggested Shelly, and together they began planning tasks for the next day.
They discussed the distribution of duties for managing the village, possible improvements in organizing daily affairs, and ways each could contribute. Eris felt her optimism and belief that, despite temporary difficulties, their community could overcome any challenge in return.
By nightfall, the house was filled not only with warmth from the fire but also with a sense of solidarity and mutual support shared by all its inhabitants. This was a reminder that the true strength of the village lay not in its walls or stocks but in the people who populated it and their mutual care for each other.
After the evening discussion, preparations for Lawrence's first birthday were in full swing. The entire house was enveloped in an atmosphere of anticipation and joy, each corner filled with decorations and preparations for the celebration.
- "Put this over there, and that in that corner! Girls, we need to decorate the house as beautifully as possible!"
Shelly said hastily.
Eris, along with the maids, set about organizing the festive hall. In the spacious hall, they set up long tables made of light oak, which were decorated with white tablecloths and floral arrangements. In the center of each table, they placed low vases with freshly cut flowers from the garden: roses, lilies, and small wildflowers, creating a tender and warm atmosphere.
- "Whew, I never thought that preparing for a birthday could be so exhausting,"
Eris said in passing.
- "Yes, my lady, since it is your child's first birthday. For the whole village, the upcoming day is a celebration. Since you have been very busy, I took it upon myself to take responsibility for decorating not only the house but also the entire village!"
Shelly said. And quickly ran to the front door.
- "Wow.. When does Shelly manage to do all this?"
Eris whispered. Entering the hall, she got to work.
In the corners of the hall, they placed several stands with garlands of greenery and small lamps, skillfully woven by Shelly and other maids. The hall walls were decorated with wreaths and drapes of fine silk and satin, giving the room a festive yet cozy appearance.
Near the entrance to the hall, they placed a large wooden rocking chair, decorated with soft cushions, where Eris planned to sit with Lawrence, receiving guests' congratulations.
In the kitchen, maids and cooks, led by the village's senior cook, worked on preparing festive treats. Various dishes of local cuisine: meat pies baked with vegetables, fresh salads with berry sauce, smoked meats, and fresh fruits from the garden already covered one of the tables in anticipation of guests. A special place was taken by a large cake in the shape of a castle, decorated with marzipan figures of animals from local legends, which was to be the highlight of the celebration.
Lawrence's nursery also changed. They decorated the crib with small garlands of soft, safe materials, and a new, soft carpet with images of mythical creatures of Eldoria was spread on the floor, so Lawrence could crawl and play in a comfortable environment.
The entire house was filled with the aromas of fresh baking, flowers, and aromatic candles, creating a sense of celebration and warmth. Eris, though feeling tired from the preparations and managing the village, could not hide her smile, seeing how everything came together beautifully and harmoniously.
The villagers, aware of Victor's absence, nevertheless gathered to support the Hans family and congratulate little Lawrence on his first birthday.