Morning arrived with a soft mist curling over the hills, creating a serene quiet that made Brighthaven seem untouched by time. Elliot woke early, the light filtering through the simple curtains of the inn's guest room. His movements were quiet and precise as he prepared for the day, his mind already calculating what needed to be done.
Edward remained seated in the inn's small dining area, sipping his tea leisurely. His sharp eyes followed his grandson's every move, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Restless as ever," Edward remarked, setting down his cup.
Elliot didn't respond, adjusting the straps on his boots. His grandfather chuckled softly. "Come on. Let's get this wheel fixed before Elle decides to adopt us."
Back at Granny Elle's cottage, Aurora had arrived early, helping the older woman gather herbs and prepare breakfast. The strangers had become a topic of conversation, though Granny Elle's words were careful and measured.
"They don't seem like ordinary travelers," Aurora ventured as she set the table.
"No one who finds their way to Brighthaven is ordinary," Granny Elle replied cryptically, her hands deftly chopping fresh herbs.
Aurora frowned slightly, curiosity burning within her. She wanted to know more, but Granny Elle's tone signaled the end of the discussion.
Elliot and Edward arrived shortly after breakfast, their presence quiet but commanding. Granny Elle greeted them with a warm smile, gesturing toward the tools she had laid out by the door.
"You'll find everything you need there," she said. "And if you need help, don't be shy."
Edward inclined his head in gratitude. "You've been most generous, Elle."
Granny Elle waved him off. "It's no trouble. Aurora, why don't you show Elliot the way to the market? He might find something useful there."
Aurora froze for a moment, caught off guard by the suggestion. She glanced at Elliot, whose expression remained unreadable.
"Sure," she said finally, grabbing her shawl.
Elliot said nothing and followed her out the door without protest.
The walk to the market was marked by silence. Aurora stole glances at Elliot, who walked with an air of calm detachment. She wanted to ask him questions to unravel the mystery surrounding him, but his cold demeanor made her hesitate.
Finally, she mustered the courage to speak. "So... where are you from?"
Elliot didn't look at her as he replied, "Nowhere in particular."
Aurora frowned. "Nowhere? That's not very helpful."
He glanced at her then, his blue eyes sharp and piercing. "It's the truth."
Aurora huffed, crossing her arms. "You're not very talkative, are you?"
"I prefer to listen," Elliot said simply.
Aurora opened her mouth to retort but stopped herself. Instead, she fell silent, her thoughts racing. There was something intriguing about Elliot—something that made her want to break through his cold exterior.
At the market, Aurora led Elliot through the bustling stalls, pointing out the best vendors and occasionally pausing to greet familiar faces. Elliot followed quietly, his gaze observing everything with quiet intensity.
When they stopped at a blacksmith's stall, Elliot stepped forward, examining the tools on display. The blacksmith, a burly man with a thick beard, eyed him curiously.
"You've got an eye for quality," the blacksmith remarked.
Elliot nodded slightly. "This one," he said, picking up a sturdy hammer.
The blacksmith raised an eyebrow. "Good choice. You know your tools."
Elliot handed over the coins without another word, his actions deliberate and efficient. Aurora watched the interaction, impressed despite herself.
On their way back, Aurora couldn't help but comment, "You really don't say much, do you?"
Elliot glanced at her, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Words aren't always necessary."
Aurora blinked, caught off guard by the almost-smile. She decided then and there that she would unravel the mystery of Elliot, no matter how long it took.
Back at Granny Elle's, the day continued with quiet efficiency. Elliot and Edward worked on the carriage while Aurora helped Granny Elle with her chores.
As the sun set over Brighthaven, the strangers prepared to leave. Edward thanked Granny Elle profusely, his charm evident even in his farewell.
Elliot, however, remained as reserved as ever, his parting words to Aurora a simple, "Thank you."
Aurora watched them go, her heart heavy with unanswered questions. She had a feeling this wouldn't be the last time their paths crossed.