A brand new start. A dream come true. That’s how Oberon felt up on the grassy hill just outside of the little cottage that was surrounded by a lush garden, pink trees and an endless array of colorful flowers. The giant Sakura eldertree loomed just beyond the hills in the distance. The grass was knee high and swayed gently in the breeze and the sun felt warm and welcoming. He could hear the birds sing and bees buzz around the flowers, alongside butterflies of all sorts. Everything was just buzzing with life all around him and Oberon took a deep breath to take it all in.
It had been literally decades since Oberon had visited Faerindell.
Summer in Strynhalde wasn’t really ‘summer’ at all - it was still freezing, and maybe the snow was just ankle deep instead of belly height. Alas, he loved his winterly home for what it was - but in the past few years he wanted more, and needed fresh scenery. What better way to start his journey across Eyre than Faerindell, the land of flowers and colors.
//I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this. No wonder Veles chose this place. It’s so lovely.//
The green elnin had made his home in Faerindell a long time ago, and was growing flowers, vegetables and fruits in his little garden. It was just enough to get it all done by himself; sometimes with the help of local kittoms or friends that visited.
Just like Oberon did at the moment. Right in time for the Starfall faires that were happening all over Eyre.
.
It was lunchtime and the elnins were gathered in Veles big kitchen to prepare for the event in the evening.
“I have a booth again this year”, Veles had chirped at Oberon earlier this morning. “I’ll be making my famous candied apples and berry tarts. The booth next to ours is selling ciders and I think those two will go very well together.” The farmer elnin had been a participant in the faire for years and knew the ins and outs. He loved offering the fruits he grew over the last few months and thrived seeing the joy it brought to others.
“Sounds lovely”, Oberon replied and looked around in the kitchen. “What can I help you with?”, he asked and looked at all the things Veles had already prepared. Different sized bowls, cutting boards, a fresh fire at the fireplace and the oven was already going strong as well outside so it was fully ready by the end of their preparations.
Their Pomus were sitting on top of the table too and Rosewood, the little pink kittom Veles looked after for a bit, was silently waiting for more instructions as well.
“Rosewood can get started on washing the apples and the Pomus can prepare the ingredients for the tart, so you have an easier time mixing it all together. You can start by washing and cutting the berries while I’ll work on the sugar syrup for the apples. I don’t want you or Rosewood or the Pomus near the hot sugar, since it’s not safe.” The smaller one smiled gently; he was a natural at organizing and Oberon felt like he was in good hands and that he could contribute in a meaningful way.
“That sounds like a plan, let’s get to it then”, he grinned and nudged Rosewood playfully, who squeaked in surprise; the kittom was still shy around Oberon and scurried away to grab the apples. Oberon chuckled softly before he got started and got the big bucket of berries and tossed them all into the sink that was filled with water.
In the meantime, he could hear the Pomus chirping with each other and the soft clink and clank of the bowls and measuring cups happened in the background as they prepared everything needed. They were very careful and diligent to not spill anything and set everything in order. Veles Pomu took the lead and Oberons Pomu followed eagerly, while Rosewoods little friend was with the kittom to help wash the apples outside.
Oberon made quick work of the berries, it was a repetitive and meditating work, and every so often he glanced at the Pomus and they beamed at him with joy when he praised their good work. Veles on the other hand was quietly humming at the fireplace and preparing the sugar mixture and the spices while he was waiting for the apples. He already had sheet trays ready to go and little colorful wooden sticks to stick the apples onto.
Shortly after Oberon was halfway through all the berries, Rosewood returned with the freshly washed and dried off apples.
“Thank you, sweetheart. Good work~ Now can you go and grab little ribbons from the cupboard in the living room please? And don’t forget the little star charms. Once the apples are cooled and fully dried, we can add the ribbons to the sticks.”
Rosewood nodded eagerly before running off to the living room.
“You’re so cheeky”, Oberon laughed quietly, and Veles turned to him, grinning.
“I don’t know what you mean~”
“Yeah you do…” Oberon knew Veles had sent Rosewood away so he wouldn’t be near the hot sugar, which had a serious burn risk. By sending him to the living room, the kittom could still feel useful while also being away at a safe distance and also not potentially distract Veles while he was handling the searing syrup.
The smaller elnin just chuckled before he started to dip the apples into the sugar, while Oberon started the dough for the tarts. It was quick and easy, since the Pomus had already done the majority of the work for him. He gave each of them half a peach and tickled their round little bellies. “Thank you, guys.”
They chirped eagerly back at him before running off to the windowsill to watch the butterflies while munching on their peach-half. The flowers almost reached up to the windowsill and the fairy shrouds outside hanging from above the window filtered the sunlight in a beautiful way.
Everything felt so peaceful and Oberon enjoyed this afternoon very much. The hours melted away as everyone kept working and by the end of it they had a handful of baskets filled to the brim with tasty goods, ready to be enjoyed at the fair.
“And this one is for us!”, Veles proclaimed and pinned a ribbon with embroidered stars on one of the baskets.
“What?”
Oberon looked at him, confused while Rosewood went ahead and inspected the basket curiously.
“I prepped a little extra while you were in the garden with Rosewood earlier. Once we close the booth for today, we can head to the meadow to watch the fireworks and have some midnight snacks. After all the hard work, I think we truly earned a little treat.”
Oberons ears perked up. He had almost forgotten about the fireworks and he was suddenly very excited for what else the evening would bring. He looked forward to helping Veles with the booth and exploring the faire with Rosewood.
“That sounds wonderful. I can’t wait for tonight.”
