Submission (#4682) Approved

Although his hands and mind were occupied most of the time by working for the innkeeper in a small village in Bellmoril, Cain often found himself a little bored and craving adventure. Unfortunately, it was the middle of miasma season and since he wasn't old enough yet, he could not venture out into the wild without possibly succumbing to the strange mist. He had hoped to have returned home before the season, but things became complicated when he purchased the wrong boat ticket in Ahza. He supposed it was a blessing in disguise though as he met many wonderful people since settling in the village, able to make friends and enjoy his time.

After a long day of helping in the kitchen and handing out food, Cain was ready to relax. The innkeeper had let him go after a while of cleaning up and he gratefully accepted. Normally he would grab his own food there and have a wonderful hot meal, but the prince had other plans. At least he hoped his plan would be a good one.

Quickly, the kittom scrambled up the stairs to his room to change his clothes. He wanted to be somewhat presentable when visiting someone else's home. Cain planned to visit November for dinner and maybe stay over for a little while. They had become good friends since he met her in the store to do the little gift exchange with the inn staff. He appreciated how generous she was and so he wanted to give back.

Cain trickled back down the stairs when he was done changing his clothes and bid goodnight to the innkeeper. He would shuffle along the main village road over to the shop so he could quickly grab something before they closed for the night. He grabbed a tin of fresh cookies and paid quickly, shouting a 'thank you' as he left. The shopkeep smiled as he shook his head.

Kids these days.

The prince scurried off down the trail and to the small row of houses. Each billowed smoke from their chimneys as the weather was quite chilly. Luckily Cain was a bit too occupied looking for November's house to notice. He'd soon be warm and cozy like the rest of them in the company of a good friend. Once he found her door, he would knock and wait for her to open the door. He'd head inside when invited in.

"You came just in time," November noted as she walked back to the kitchen. There were already plates set out for her and Cain with various assortments of food. The aroma of fruits and warm meat filled the room with a hint of spices and herbs. Cain looked around the table, obviously impressed as he hovered over his seat.

"Wow," he sighed. "You did all this by yourself? You're such a good cook, November."

"Thank you," she replied, sitting down in her respective seat located across the table from Cain's position. "Eat as much as you'd like."

The two of them plucked from each assortment, placing their own portions on their plates, and began to eat as they talked. Cain was a much easier person to spark conversation with while November listened, but she definitely opened up far more than when they first met. Both would continue to converse until their plates were empty and their bellies full.

"That was amazing, thank you!" Cain complimented, rubbing his stomach in a pleasing gesture. November smiled and nodded, accepting his praise.

"Why don't we go get comfortable, then? I'll clean up later," she said, standing up from her chair and walking into the living area. Cain followed suit, observing the pile of blankets on the couch and a few chairs standing next to the fireplace. She started to push them into a particular position before grabbing a large futon cushion and sliding it between the chairs.

Cain smiled and grabbed a blanket. "Building a fort?" he assumed, guiding the blanket across the top of a chair. November nodded and grabbed another to do the same. Soon, a blanket fort was set up in front of the fireplace. Both climbed in, situated next to each other and leaning against one another for comfort. They sat there in blissful silence, listening to the crackle of embers and absorbing the warmth from the hearth.

"Ah, I brought something for us," Cain said, breaking the silence as he reached over to grab the tin of cookies. "A little dessert."

"Oh, I love these," November commented as she popped the top off and took her selection. She immediately went for the shortbread with jam in the middle, humming in delight as she popped it into her mouth. Cain smiled and took a sugar-type cookie with simple frosting. He was happy sharing these with her, glad he could at least give something in return for her generosity.

"Thank you, November for everything. I'm glad I made a friend here." Cain pushed the tin box in front of them so they could both reach for a treat if they so desired.

"I'm glad I became your friend," November softly voiced, leaning her head on his shoulder. The prince gave a humble smile and rested his cheek back against her. He had never felt so safe and appreciated, the gratitude he felt was almost overwhelming.

The both of them enjoyed the evening in their blanket fort, eating cookies in front of a warm fireplace—a small comfort from the miasma season.