Submission (#4604) Approved

Elnin used: ELN2875 [Cain], MYO-ELN498 [November]
Regional Affinity: Bellmoril
Total Words 1071 [Bonus reached]

Doing some nice things :) the spice bread is kinda like pumpkin spice bread with the consistency of banana bread!

As the season of miasma set in deep, Cain found himself staying in a village in Bellmoril, keeping himself safe in an inn that discounted his stay considering the circumstances. He was grateful, of course, happy that the innkeeper was understanding and willing to work with him. He offered to do some chore work as repayment as well, which kept his mind and hands busy. Cain couldn't complain he was bored.

As the season moved on, there were talks of decoration and celebration of some sort. Gift-giving and good food. The patrons of the inn seemed excited about the prospect of this time of year, something Cain knew nothing about. He never knew such a holiday existed, but it seemed in this village, they would take advantage of the foreign exchange. Since he was stuck here for the season, he wanted to figure out what this holiday was all about!

So, he approached the innkeeper, inquiring about the type of gift giving and what type of food would be present. They explained plainly, enough for Cain to understand and nod, his little brain bouncing around ideas on how to appropriately include himself. In fact, the innkeeper wanted him to help decorate the establishment for guests. They included wreaths of plucked orange leaves, harvested gourds placed in a particular fashion, and candles strewn about. Cain wasn't too sure about any of this type of decoration, but he was happy to help in any way he could.

Once all was said and done, Cain returned to his room and contemplated on the holiday further. He knew food and gift-giving would be part of the celebration, but he had no one to gift to nor a way to cook his own food. The kitchen was for the inn cook and he wasn't allowed to do anything in the back, let alone by himself.

In the morning, he stepped out briefly to head to the store, hoping to find more inspiration. The air was cold and stiff, the red leaves surrounding the village rustling as he walked. The white bark was stark against the clouds that hung overhead, threatening rain. He thought maybe he could gift the innkeeper at least, they had done so much for him already. Cain hurried down the cobblestone street to the store, shuffling in once he got to the door.

As he went to grab an item, it seemed someone else wanted the same thing, a hand bumping into his.

"Oh, I'm sorry..." a voice said, soft and barely audible. Cain looked to his left and saw another kittom shying away from him a little, indicating he could have the item they both wanted.

"Oh uh.. that's alright. You can have it, I don't mind. I am not really sure what I'm getting anyway," he assured, stepping back while rubbing the back of his head. She seemed unsure still but hesitantly reached out to grab the item, pulling it to her chest. "I'm pretty new around here and all this celebration stuff is pretty confusing..." Cain trailed off his thought as he looked around at the shelves again.

"Oh, I see," she uttered, taking a small step forward. "Do you need some help with something?" She seemed curious enough to set aside her wariness.

"Well... Maybe I was hoping to cook something, though I'm pretty bad at that. I don't know anything about gift giving, I don't know anyone here." Cain was frustrated at this point, sighing and seemingly giving up before he started.

"I could help you," she offered, tilting her head slightly. "We can cook something together."

"Really? That'd be great!" Cain smiled happily and pulled his arms to his chest in excitement.

"Let me pay for this and we can go to my home," she said, squeezing past him. Cain nodded and followed her to the register where she paid and then they left. The cobbled pathway was short as her small home was not too far from the store.

"My name is Cain, by the way!" he declared, offering a hand to shake. The other kittom hesitated, seemingly unsure what to do but took his hand and introduced herself as November. "November.. that's a pretty name!"

"Thank you..." she uttered, setting her items on the table. "What would you like to cook?"

"Maybe a dessert, something simple," he answered, placing a thumb and forefinger against his chin. "Something I could give to guests at the inn. We don't get a lot during this season, so it doesn't have to be big! Or maybe it could just be for me and the staff..." Cain once again trailed off, thinking.

"I think it'd be nice for the staff as they work hard," she advised, starting to get ingredients for what they would cook. "I think a simple spice bread would suffice."

"Oh! Yeah, you're right. Sure, I think that'd be great."

Cain walked forward, helping her with getting the bowls, flour, sugar, and spices from the cupboards. He was slightly taller than her and able to grab the higher-placed items they needed. November directed Cain on how to place things into the bowl and stir them around. She reassured him at every step, helping him learn how to bake. He enjoyed himself thoroughly, smiling the whole time and being proud of his work.

They talked for a while as the bread baked, the aroma filling the house. Cain was the one talking about his adventures while November sat and listened, easing up a little as she got to know him more. Still, she was awkward and shy. Once the bread was done, she hopped from her seat and pulled the loaf from the oven, gathering a few more things to make an icing. Cain watched her as she did so.

"Here's your bread, I hope it turned out alright and you all enjoy it. Just... bring back the pan later, okay?"

Cain smiled and stood as he pulled the pan toward his chest. "Yeah, thanks November. It was really nice meeting you and thank you for helping me out. I'll see you again soon."

With a wave of his hand, he hurried back to the inn. He presented the loaf of spice bread to the innkeeper and explained that it was for the staff to enjoy, after all, they did amazing work and were nice throughout his visit. Cain was happy to repay them in any way possible.