The market was bustling with life as soon as the sun rose from behind the veil of trees. Voices wafted from vendor to vendor, and the clop of horse hooves echoed along the slightly cracked cobblestone street. Children were running through the crowd, playing tag and laughing loudly, their shrill giggles cutting through the air. Everyone was either walking or running, not a single Elven citizen choosing to drive a carriage or ride a horse. They felt that, in a way, it would ruin the magic of the new morning. Elves held nature and the wonders of the sun in very high praise, after all.
Lumi walked down the sidewalk, her bag slung over her shoulder. Her job at the library was a short one, and she decided to take some time to admire the shops that were open during the morning. The bakery smelled like freshly baked bread and sugar cookies, and her mouth watered. She could almost taste the warm treats on her tongue, and her stomach growled softly. But, she resisted the temptation and continued on her way. She was trying to save up her crowns, regardless of Lucky giving her more than enough for her future move to Mirstone. It would mean more to her if she could earn her own travel fare.
She passed by a flower vendor, who was selling a variety of colorful flowers. She smiled and stopped, looking at the beautiful array of lilies and daffodils. She reached down to feel the soft petals in her fingertips, and she wanted to hold each flower close to her chest. But to do that, she'd need to pay for them, and she shoved the pressing temptation aside and simply smiled at the vendor, nodding once before hurrying off.
Like all Elves, Lumi was enchanted by Edgerest in the early morning light. The culture, the neighbors, and friendly voices, the smell of baked goods. All of it was beautiful. She loved waking up and hearing the sounds of the morning birds and seeing the rays of sunlight peek through her curtains. It was like magic. And while she couldn't harness her own personal magic, she felt that if she enjoyed the very feeling of magic flowing around her, she could feel a small ounce of it in her own heart.
She eventually arrived at the local park, which was small in size but vast in the number of children who enjoyed it. It had a pond, a playground, a small gazebo, and a field, which was perfect for outdoor games of all kinds. While most of the playground equipment was outdated and rusted with age, the children still had a grand time playing on them, despite their parents' protests. They often told the kids that the equipment was old and worn and not safe to play on. But they never listened, and they always made sure to have a blast. After all, that was the child mentality. Play first, follow rules later. Lumi couldn't blame them.
Lumi made her way around the sandbox and sat down on an old wooden picnic table, resting her book bag on the table. She then leaned back and closed her eyes, enjoying the morning warmth that seeped into her skin. She inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet scents of the forest and the trees. She loved the forest, and she wished she could live there instead of Edgerest. But, unfortunately, she was not equipped for such living conditions without the use of nature-based magic. With a huff, she sat up straight and reached into her bag, pulling out her book from the library and a sandwich wrapped in foil. She unwrapped the sandwich and began to eat, opening the book as she did so.
She took a bite from her sandwich and glanced up, her eyes traveling over the expanse of the park. There were many people out and about, going on with their daily routines. Parents were walking their children to school, merchants were setting up shop along the sidewalks, and animals were scurrying to and fro, going about their own business. She smiled and lowered her gaze to her book, flipping to the page she had left off on last night, which was an entire chapter delivering in-depth details on the powers of Demons and their ancient traditions.
She read for a while, finishing her sandwich and wiping her hands clean with a napkin. She turned the page and scanned the words, her eyes widening in awe as she read.
"The Demi-Demon is the lowest ranked Demon in the Demon family. They have limited powers and are rather minuscule in size compared to their relatives. However, they are still strong and cunning creatures. They are able to maneuver through terrains with ease and are capable of taking down large creatures due to their habit of working in large groups, very much like wolves. It is in a Demi-Demon's nature to remain within a group of their own kind, and rarely do they ever venture far from what they know and are familiar with. They are typically docile creatures, and are only dangerous when provoked. If approached by a Demi-Demon, it is best to just leave them be. They have little to no intelligence, and will not attack unless they feel threatened."
Lumi stopped reading and tilted her head to the side. The Demi-Demons sounded an awful lot like the Nightbeasts, just a bit more grounded and knowledgeable. She wasn't sure how they got their name, but it was intriguing nonetheless. She flipped to the next page, skimming over the words and diagrams.
"Because of their size, their role in the Demon hierarchy is very simple: they act as messengers and servants. Their main goal in life is to serve the Queen and the other more powerful members of the Demon family. They are loyal to a fault and will not hesitate to obey any order they are given, even if it means risking their lives. They are favored by the Queen for their kamikaze-type behavior and mannerisms, as well as their ability to adapt to any landscape within minutes. Because of their limited skills and intelligence, they are unable to use magic as efficiently as the other Demons can, so their fighting skills are very basic and only used in the most dire of situations. As mentioned before, Demons are rather territorial, and Demi-Demons are no exception. If another Demon trespasses on their territory, they will defend it until the bitter end."
Lumi shut the book with a thump and leaned back in her chair, tapping her chin thoughtfully. She found herself becoming more and more interested in Demons as she learned more about them. She knew it was a risky interest to have, especially for an Elf, but she couldn't help it. It was in her nature to be curious, and to want to learn as much as she could about all things. That's what made her so good at her job at the library, and why she enjoyed reading so much. Not only that, but her natural academic prowess spurred her to take an interest in nearly everything to learn about them.
She glanced down at her book for a second before opening it back up, scanning the chapter selection before turning back to the several pages dedicated to the Demons, this time turning to the page all about the Deity Demons, the most sophisticated race of Demon in all of Token.
"Deity Demons are the highest-ranking Demons in the Demon society. They are the most powerful, as well as the smartest. They are masters of manipulation and deception, and are able to use their magic to their advantage. They can take on many forms, such as a bird or a serpent, and can blend in with the shadows. They are masters of disguise and are able to pass as any race in Token. Because of this, they are often sought after by the Elven King and Queen in order to keep them in line. They are very intelligent, and are able to solve any problem that arises. They are also known to be very good fighters, and are able to take down any foe that stands in their way."
Lumi read the words slowly, taking in every detail. She found herself smiling at the picture of the Demon, her eyes tracing their body. They seemed like angels, almost. Long white cloaks, equally long hair that only ever seemed to be a deep black. Long, curving horns. They were breathtakingly beautiful, even more so than the illustrations of the actual Angels. They were like statues carved from marble and onyx. Lumi ran a fingertip across the page, feeling the smooth, silky paper beneath her skin. She felt herself become entranced by the picture, unable to look away.
"So, you got a crush or something?" A chip male voice spoke up from behind her.
Lumi shrieked and slammed her book closed, whirling around with every intent to start defending herself like a convict put on trial. But to her surprise, it was just Ikuo Saki, a fellow employee at the library Lumi worked at. His warm smile told her that he wasn't about to start making fun of her. Her panic immediately subsided, and was replaced with embarrassment. "Oh, it's you, Ikuo. You scared me!"
"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to scare you." Ikuo walked over, his dark brown hair flopping gently as he skipped over to the seat across from her, plopping his hands on the table with gravitas. "What'cha reading about so seriously, anyway? Demons? What's so interesting about them?"
"Honestly...pretty much everything." Lumi removed her protective grip on the book and slid it across the table towards him. "I've been reading up on them since last night and they're amazing. I mean, so powerful and advanced."
Ikuo skimmed through a handful of pages, then shrugged. "I don't know, they seem too dangerous to me."
Lumi raised an eyebrow. "Dangerous?"
"Yeah. I mean, think about it. They're always attacking us Elves, stealing our stuff, and even killing us. It's like they have some kind of personal vendetta against us or something."
"Not to defend them or anything, but they haven't done that in a thousands of years." Lumi said with a shrug. She then smiled at him playfully. "What are you doing here, anyway? Yesterday you told me you had to go out of town for another job opportunity."
Ikuo chuckled nervously, reaching up to scratch the back of his neck. "Right...about that..."
Lumi frowned, narrowing her eyes. "You didn't go, did you?"
"How could I? I mean, come on! Eastbourne is so far away!" Ikuo whined, dramatically plopping his head on the table.
Lumi couldn't help but laugh at his antics, leaning forward to flick his forehead. "You're such a drama queen."
Ikuo pouted. "Hey, what was that for?!"
"You can't expect to get a decent job if you never leave Edgerest. That's why I'm leaving for Mirstone as soon as I save up enough crowns." Lumi explained, a small smile on her face.
"What?! You're leaving?!" Ikuo sat up, staring at her in shock.
"Yes...didn't Lizz tell you?" Lumi tilted her head to the side.
"Uh, no!" Ikuo snapped, then lunged forward and grabbed Lumi by the shoulders, shaking her roughly. "You can't leave me here by myself! I'll die!"
"Hey, stop shaking me!" Lumi shoved him off, glaring at him. "Don't be so dramatic."
Ikuo gave her a sad, puppy dog look, his lower lip quivering slightly. "But...but..."
Lumi shook her head, sighing heavily. "Ikuo, I can't stay here forever. I need to leave and see what else is out there. I'm sure Mirstone will be fine."
"What's wrong with Edgerest? I thought you liked the library gig."
"Of course I do...but I just want something more. To explore and see new places." Lumi stared down at the old wooden table, her finger tracing the patterns in the grain. "Maybe...if you wanted...you could come with me."
Ikuo hesitated. He didn't answer right away, which surprised Lumi. She had expected him to jump at the chance to join her on an adventure, but he was quiet, as if he were actually considering his options. She could practically hear the wheels in his brain turning as he thought deeply into her offer.
Lumi waited patiently for his answer, even though it felt like forever. She knew Ikuo was a creature of habit. He didn't like to deviate from his daily routine, which included his morning jogs through the forest and his afternoons spent lounging about and reading his favorite books. He was very predictable, and Lumi liked that about him. He was easy to read. It was obvious to her that she had started developing a tiny crush on her friend, but it was something that she'd managed to keep a secret, even from Lucky. He wasn't the most popular and handsome Elf in Edgerest, but his friendly charm and sense of humor had won her over. They had known each other long before they started their jobs at the library. Not since childhood, like her and Lucky, but close enough. She felt that she could confide in him without feeling judged, much the same way she felt towards spilling her guts with Lucky. On top of that, he enjoyed reading and the world of literature as much as Lumi herself did, which was a great factor.
After what felt like hours, Ikuo finally spoke. "Okay, fine. I'll go with you."
Lumi's eyes widened. "Wait...really?"
Ikuo nodded. "Yeah. If it means you won't leave me behind, then yeah, I'll go with you."
Lumi froze, unsure of how to proceed. She didn't think he would actually say yes. She wasn't sure how to react or what to say. A slow, bubbling excitement bubbled inside her, but she kept it under control. She knew that the last thing guys liked was a girl who was overdramatic and clingy. Not that Lumi was overly clingy, but she was known to be fairly dramatic. But the smile plastered to her face would surely give away her now giddy eagerness.
Ikuo grinned, his bright green eyes lighting up with excitement. "This is going to be awesome! It could be…kinda like a road trip!"
Lumi smiled, feeling a little relieved. "Yeah, it will be."
They both sat in silence for a moment, before Ikuo spoke up once more. "So, when are we leaving?"
Lumi thought for a second. "Hmmm, we'll have to wait and see how many crowns we can save up. Mirstone isn't going to be a cheap trip, after all."
"How long do you think it'll take to save up enough crowns? A few months?" Ikuo asked.
Lumi shrugged. "Who knows? Probably a lot longer than that. But I have a friend that can help us out." She smiled, then her smile vanished and was replaced with a frown. Lucky...Lucky!
She jumped to her feet, shoving her book into her bag and throwing it over her shoulder. "Oh no! I forgot I made plans with Lucky today!"
"Lucky? To do what?" Ikuo asked, standing as well.
"She wanted to pick some blueberries to make one of her blueberry pies!" Lumi panicked, nearly tripping as she stepped over the bench. "We can talk about this later, I promise!"
Before Ikuo could say anything more, Lumi had already run across the sandbox, flinging sand in the faces of nearby children, and was out of sight in a matter of minutes.
***
"You're late. As usual." Lucky chided with a smile, shaking her head.
Lumi stopped running and doubled over, gasping for air. "I know...I'm sorry...I got...caught up...with something."
"Something? Or someone?" Lucky winked, giggling as Lumi blushed. She looked Lumi up and down, noticing the grass stains and stray grains of sand coating her evening dress like a crude child's painting. "My, Lumi, what were you doing that caused such a mess?"
"Just...sprinting." Lumi replied with a sheepish grin. “And reading.”
Lucky clearly didn't believe her, but didn't press further on the subject. Instead, she grabbed Lumi's hand and dragged her behind her. "Come on, we've got berries to pick and pie to bake."
Lumi was surprised by Lucky's strength, considering her small frame, but didn't fight her. Lucky knew of the perfect berry-picking spot in Edgerest, and it just so happened to be located in the forest, which Lumi loved. In her opinion, it was better than scavenging through the market trying to find the best blueberries for sale. The forest was always fresh and filled with life, and the flowers and trees were beautiful to look at. It was one of the few places in Edgerest that Lumi felt truly happy in. It was serene and peaceful, without the constant noises of Elves wandering around. Nature itself was like an entirely different world that Lumi craved to explore.
They walked along a neat dirt path, sparsely worn, for not many feet tramped along it. Elves did venture into the forest from time to time, for hunting and gathering reasons, but it was not very often. Elves were naturals at finding resources in the most unlikely places, so they rarely needed to leave to get what they needed. On top of that, they had their powers to aid them in either cooking, cleaning, or even taking care of their children. In Lumi’s opinion, it was cheating.
As they walked, Lucky let out a soft sigh. “So…may I inquire as to why you were late today? Of course, you don’t have to tell me if it is something private, but I would like to be the one you confide in.”
Lucky was thoughtful for a few seconds, pondering on whether or not she wanted to tell Lucky about Ikuo. The two knew about each other and had met on numerous occasions, but her crush on him had remained in her head, not shared with a single living soul. But, regardless, Lucky was her best friend, and she hated keeping secrets from her best friend.
“You know Ikuo?” Lumi said hesitantly, walking faster to keep up with Lucky’s naturally quick-paced strides.
“The boy you work with at the library? Indeed, I do. What about him?” Lucky asked, running her hand along a bright green and red bush.
“Well…I guess you could say…perhaps I’ve begun to develop somewhat of a liking for him.” Lumi said tensely, almost afraid that Lucky would be angry at her, though Lumi couldn't think of a reason for Lucky to be angry with her.
Lucky stopped walking and stared at Lumi, her eyes wide. "Lumi, are you...in love?"
"I don't know. I mean, I guess so." Lumi blushed. "But it's hard to tell. At this point, it's simply a crush...at least...I think so. It's far too premature for me to be in love, though. I know that for a fact."
Lucky laughed, her gentle eyes glittering. "Of course not. It would be far too soon to be in love. Still, it's nice to have a crush. And you do look quite lovely when you blush. It makes you look less pale."
Lumi faltered, tilting her head. "Hey, I'm not pale."
Lucky giggled and continued walking. "Oh, stop it. You know it's true."
Lumi huffed and followed after her friend. "Yeah, yeah. Maybe I am a bit pale. But I get plenty of sunshine, so just blame genetics."
The two walked on down the path, sidestepping large logs and encroaching poison ivy bushes. The sun shone down brightly and comfortably, warming the tops of their heads as if they were wearing hats. The scenery was breathtaking, as it usually was. The leaves were bright and crisp, the trees stretching tall and proud. The air was fresh and cool, and the birds were chirping pleasantly. Everything seemed to be in harmony, and it was a perfect day to enjoy the outdoors. And adding to the harmony was a gentle breeze blowing through their hair, hugging their bodies for a few seconds before brushing past them.
Lucky picked up a stick and began to pick the dirt from under her nails. "I wonder if Ikuo will confess his love for you."
"What?" Lumi exclaimed. "Don't joke like that. Ikuo is even more timid towards relationships than I am."
"Well, you and him won't be getting any younger, after all." Lucky said, giving Lumi a wink and a grin.
Lumi stared at her, a bright blush spreading on her face. There's no way Ikuo could love me when we've never confessed to each other that we even like each other, Lumi thought, absently biting her finger nail as she trailed behind Lucky. We've been friends for a long time, but...I don't know. Is it possible he likes me? No, of course not...but what if he does? And I just invited him to come to Mirstone with me...oh gosh...I'm panicking!
"Ah, perfect! This is the perfect blueberry bush!"
Lucky's voice brought Lumi back to reality, and she saw that they had arrived at a small grove of bushes nestled on the side of the path like a roadside attraction. Before them was a large, old looking blueberry bush. It was overflowing with fresh, ripe berries, and some were even dangling low from their stems, as if they were waiting to be plucked. Lucky crouched down and began to pick the berries, popping them into her mouth.
"Mmm, these are delicious!" She exclaimed, grinning.
"Hey, wait for me!" Lumi hurried forward and plucked a blueberry from it's stem, then popped it into her mouth. Instantly, the flavor and juices flooded her mouth, and she couldn't help but smile. "Mm, you're right. These are really good."
Lucky laughed and nodded, popping another berry in her mouth. "Isn't it great? Here, I'll make us a basket, and lets pile some in."
Lumi nodded and watched as Lucky drew out a card from her pack, the cursive lettering at the top reading Weaver's Ace. Lucky held the card gently to her forehead, closing her eyes as she pictured exactly what she wanted, her face contorting on concentration. Her lips moved, though no words came out, and the card began to glow a soft pink, much like her hair. Lucky opened her eyes and lowered the card from her forehead, then abruptly shook it roughly, and an ethereal glow lit up the area around them before the card transformed into a beautifully woven, intricately woven basket the color of a fine wood.
"Wow, it's so pretty!" Lumi said, marveling at the basket, then began plopping handfuls of blueberries into it. "That should totally hold all the berries we need."
"And then some," Lucky laughed, shaking the basket and causing the berries to bounce around. The berries were a deep, rich blue, almost as blue as a river, and the skin was shiny and smooth. Lumi picked one and rubbed it on her shirt to clean it, then bit into the skin, smiling as the juice ran down her chin.
The two girls filled the basket with the plump blueberries, then carefully carried it back to Lumi's house, taking turns biting into the sweet berries as they walked. The air was crisp and cool, and the forest was quiet aside from the occasional chirp of a bird or scurry of an animal. It was peaceful and serene, and it made Lumi's heart swell with happiness. It was beyond relaxing to get away from the hustle and bustle of the village and to just take a walk, especially with a friend and delicious fresh berries.
Their feet crunched and small rocks and pebbles as they walked, idly chatting about the events of the day. They talked about the library, Lumi's family, Ikuo, the different types of pies, and Lucky's newest recipes, and before long, they found themselves at the door of Lumi's house. It stood as if in greeting to them, tweeting birds hopping from branch to branch once they saw them. Leaving the quiet forest, all the sounds of the town erupted as if someone had turned on a radio and flicked up the volume.
Lumi set the basket down on the porch steps, then fumbled through her pockets for her key. She eventually found it in the last pocket, her fingers closing around the cool metal, then unlocked the door to invite Lucky inside. Her house was warm from the sun filtering in through the windows. As she looked around, Lucky wasn't surprised to see potted plants nearly on every available surface, as usual. She had been in Lumi’s house many, many times before, but it seemed like each time she visited, there were more plants and less table surfaces.
Lumi took off her coat and hung it on the coat rack nestled on the corner while Lucky carried the basket into the kitchen to begin the process of making her beloved blueberry pie. She walked over to the sink and began to rinse the berries in the cold water, running her slim fingers along each round berry until she was sure they were dirt and germ free. She then set them on the counter, smiling when Lumi walked into the kitchen with her hands full of bowls and spoons and a large knife.
"Here we go," Lumi said, setting the utensils down on the counter with a clatter. "We'll need these, right? I've never made a pie before, so I'm not sure."
"Of course!" Lucky exclaimed. "I can't believe you haven't made a pie before. That's just blasphemous. Pies are like, the best things to make, aside from bread rolls and cookies. I've made nearly everything under the sun, and then some. Have you not read about baking like I suggested?"
Lumi shook her head, feeling slightly ashamed. She had been so busy lately that she hadn't had time to read anything other than her work related books, which mainly involved the history of Token and, of course, the Demons.
"You really should. I know you're obsessed with plants and the history of the world, but I think you'd like some of the baking books I've read. They're quite interesting, especially the one about the old Token bake-off. Did you know that a long time ago, one individual from every race in Token gathered to cook delicious foods to see who was better. Oh, how I wish I could have participated in it. Hopefully, they'll bring it back this year."
Lumi sat down at the table, resting her chin in her hand as she watched Lucky begin the process of baking. She wanted to help out, but she knew she would most likely mess something up, so she refrained from doing so. Lucky was good at what she did, so Lumi was fine with letting her do it alone. She would much rather just watch and enjoy the view.
Lucky laid the blueberries out on the table, separating them into even groups of six, then took the bowl of flour and began to sprinkle it over them. Lumi watched as Lucky mixed the ingredients together with expert precision. She was careful, but also fast and efficient, as if she were doing something she had done a million times before. Her slender fingers moved gracefully, her eyes never leaving the bowl. She was amazing.
"Do you happen to have some salt from the Crystal Sea? That will most certainly bring this pie alive with flavor." Lucky asked without looking away from the flour and blueberry mixture.
"Um...let me check." Lumi stood and made her way to her pantry, pulling the creaking door open and flicking on the light. She shuffled around in the pantry, searching for the salt. She came across several spices, herbs, and even some mushrooms, but no salt. She frowned, then searched again. After a few minutes, she gave up. "I guess I don't have any."
"That's okay. I'm sure the pie will still be wonderful." Lucky said.
"Sorry. I hope it doesn't make a big difference."
"I have no worries." Lucky reached into her pocket and yet again pulled out her magic pack of playing cards. She reached in and pulled out a slim card with the words Salarium Spire Ace, adorned with a mesmerizing image of the Crystal Sea's crystalline wasters and shimmering salt formations. When she planted the image of what she wanted into the card, an iridescent glow spread throughout the card, and when she shook it, a small plump burlap sack of the special salt, known widely for it's flavor enhancement and healing properties.
Lumi chuckled, moving back to her seat at the table. "I bet you never have to worry about anything, huh?"
Lucky laughed as she combined the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. "Oh, I do. I only use my magic when I truly need it, or when the times calls for it." She moved to the crystal ice box and pulled out a stick of unsalted dragon butter and a lemon. She took the lemon and sliced it into wedges, then sprinkled them onto the flour and salt mixture. She then began to mix it all together, her hand moving fast and steady. "I always keep my magic under control, but sometimes it gets the best of me. I try not to get too cocky, you know."
"Cocky? You're more modest than I am." Lumi laughed, shaking her head. "Don't be silly."
Lucky laughed as well, then seemed to turn all her focus to her pie. As she placed the butter and flour mixture under a blender, she slowly added 6 tablespoons of ice-cold water, allowing the blender to work until the dough resembled a sticky ball. She then removed it from the mixture and placed it on the cutting board she had previously laid out, dividing the dough into two separate portions and wrapping them up in parchment paper. She placed them neatly into the ice box.
Dusting off her fingers, she returned to the table and smiled at Lumi. "This is a very long process. I assume you don't want to sit there the entire time? Perhaps you could tend to your garden or indulge in one of your books? I simply don't want you growing bored. And besides, it'll increase the surprise if you don't watch too closely."
Lumi nodded and stood from her seat. "Right, of course. You're right. I probably should water the garden."
Lucky smiled as she retrieved a saucepan and placed the blueberries, caster sugar, and the cornstarch in it. "Take this as a moment of relaxation. When you smell the fragrant scent of my pie, you'll know it's complete."
"Thanks," Lumi smiled back, then headed down the hallway to the patio door, grabbing a watering can from its place on the floor beside the door on the way. She pushed open the door and stepped outside, breathing in the fresh air.
The night was quiet and serene. The moon hung high in the sky, casting its light down upon the land below. Her garden came to life in the best way at nighttime, like a different planet, almost. Everything seemed to glow, as if the moon had cast a spell over everything. The flowers seemed to lean towards the moonlight, as if they were absorbing its power and growing stronger with each passing second. The slim vines crept along the ground like slithering snakes, and the vibrant flowers swayed gently in the soft breeze.
She filled the watering can from the hose connected to the side of the house, then began to maneuver along the stone pathway, running her hands along each plant in turn, marveling at their firm stems and the soft feel of the flower petals, and the smooth skin of the gourds. It was her pride and joy, and she took great care in maintaining it.
She walked towards the center of the garden and knelt down next to a row of flowers, checking for any signs of insects. She picked up a dead caterpillar and tossed it into the trash can near the house, then picked up her watering can and began to water the flowers, making sure that they didn't get too much, for if they drowned on her account, she'd be devastated. The droplets rained down, cascading onto the leaves and spilling onto the ground like a gentle rain, seeping into the soil silently. The sounds of the falling water was almost like a lullaby, and Lumi closed her eyes as she held the watering can just a few inches above the plant.
She hummed quietly to herself as she watered the plants, a song her mother would sing when she tended to the garden when Lumi was little. It was a simple song, but it was soothing and comforting, and she found herself singing along as she watered the plants. While she couldn't remember all the words, the tune was forever implanted into her brain, so she hummed the tune in her throat, a smile forming on her face.
As her mother would say, Lumi was born with green hair and a green thumb. Perhaps part of her deep fondness of nature was due to her mother, who always had plants around the house. Or maybe it was because she deeply wished that she had powers of nature, like her mother. Really, all roads pointed to her mom, but of course Lumi never blamed her for her lack of magic. As the scientists had said, it was simply the hand that the world had dealt her, and she was to accept it. And over the years, she had. It didn't bother her as much. Instead of relying on magic, she now relied on knowledge, which was something she had easily harnessed from a young age.
As she hummed, she noticed a strange sound, like someone whispering. She stopped her watering and stood up, turning towards the sound. It sounded like a low rumble, or a quiet chatter. Through the silence of the night, Lumi had a hard time deciphering what it could be. Perhaps an owl or a small critter, but Lumi couldn't tell for sure. She set her watering can down and walked along the stone path, stepping carefully. The whispers became louder, and she began to feel her heart beat faster, as if it were trying to break through her ribs. Her steps were silent on the smooth stones, and she began to follow the whispers, her curiosity getting the better of her.
The whispers seemed to be coming from behind a tall wall of flowers. It was a beautiful sight, with red and pink and white flowers growing from the stone, their leaves reaching out as if in greeting to her. She stopped, tilting her head to the side, forcing herself to remain as still as possible. All around her, night creatures came out to play, adding even more sound to the background. It was almost overwhelming. But then, as suddenly as the whispering had begun, it stopped. Lumi waited, but heard nothing like she had heard before. The whispers had stopped, and all she could hear was the buzzing of crickets and the distant hooting of an owl. She frowned, looking around the garden, but saw nothing unusual.
The whispers had been odd, but perhaps her mind was playing tricks on her. She shook her head, then forced herself forward, towards the wall of flowers. Slowly, as slow as a snail, perhaps even slower, she pulled them apart to reveal what they were hiding, which was nowhere near what she was expecting.
A wall. A plain wall, with nothing behind it that could have been responsible for the whispers she had been hearing. She blinked, stepping back and letting the flowers fall back into place. She stood there, staring at the wall, wondering if it was a joke of some sort. But, no, there was no way that it was a prank. No one would do something as cruel as this, especially to her. And besides, there was no one around to see her standing there.
Lumi shook her head. Perhaps she had just imagined it. Blowing out a sigh, she turned back and headed down the path, laughing at herself for getting so worked up over nothing. Reaching the flower she had been watering, she bent down for the watering can, only then realizing that it was not where she had left it. Freezing, she slowly looked up the pathway, towards the far side of the fence, where the can sat on its side, the water seeping out and spilling across the decorative rocks.
Lumi stood up straight, her heart racing. "What the...?"
She quickly made her way up the path, stepping around the small stream of water. She stopped next to the can and bent down, picking it up. "This...isn't where I left you..." She looked around the yard, almost certain now that Lucky was playing some kind of trick on her. After all, Lucky was the only other Elf around, and Lumi's house was at the edge of town, so it wasn't like someone would walk all the way from the village just to mess with her.
Lumi stood on the tips of her toes and peeked over the top of the fence, her eyes tracing over every tree and every shadow that the setting sun and the rising moon cast. Nothing stood out to her, much to her disappointment. She had really been hoping that Lucky was playing a joke on her, but it seemed as though that was not the case.
Pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear, she took a deep breath and set the can back in its place. But right as she did so, she heard the unmistakable sound of scurrying feet. Jolting back up, she quickly poked her head over the top of the fence, eyes wide and waiting to catch the sight of movement in the dark, which she did. A figure, small in height yet somehow so fast, darted into the darkness through the trees, out of sight just as soon as it had appeared. Lumi opened her mouth to call out to whoever or whatever it was, but it had already vanished before she could vocalize anything.
Her heart thudded in her chest, and she felt slightly winded as she slowly stepped away from the fence. Her mind raced as she tried to think up what it could have been. Judging by the size, it was no animal. It was far too large. A child? No, there were no children that lived in the woods, and the town was several feet away, which was where the children did reside. So then what was it? Maybe it was an Elf of some sort, perhaps a nomad with no home. That was the only reasonable explanation that Lumi could come up with.
But the way the thing had moved had been odd. Like a predator, swift and agile and silent, save for the crunch of leaves and twigs beneath its feet. Based on all the reading Lumi had done regarding the hunting cycle of animals at night, this creature moved in a way that meant that it didn't want to be detected or noticed. It had been operating in stealth, as if it were spying on her, but had no intention of harming her.
"Lumi, the pie is ready! Hurry before I eat it all!" Lucky called from the kitchen, making Lumi scream and nearly jump out of her skin.
Lucky's laughter echoed through the backyard. "I'm just kidding. It'll still be there when you're ready."
"Ugh. I hate it when you do that. You're going to give me a heart attack one day." Lumi muttered, moving away from the fence and heading towards the backdoor.
"You'll get used to it. It's the only way I can get your attention, since you seem so enthralled by the forest." Lucky said, pulling the glorious pie out of the oven. It was perfectly golden brown, the crust flaky and crisp, the filling bubbling with steam.
"That smells amazing, Lucky." Lumi said, eyeing the pie hungrily.
"It looks even better," Lucky said with a grin. She placed it on the table and put plates and utensils in front of their seats. "So, how's the garden looking? Everything healthy?"
"Yes, everything is growing wonderfully. It's just the right temperature outside for my plants, and I think I got them all situated to survive the colder months. But if they don't, I can always replant them inside." Lumi explained, then cast a quick glance out the window. "You...uh...didn't go outside at all while I was out there?"
Lucky looked confused as she cut a triangle piece of pie and placed it on Lumi's plate. "No, of course not. I've been very busy in here, in case you didn't notice." She gestured to her face and apron, which were both equally coated in flour and blueberry smears.
"Oh, good." Lumi said, picking up her fork and starting to eat.
Lucky's eyes narrowed. "Why? Did you see something?"
Lumi shook her head and swallowed her mouthful. "Nope, just...curious, is all." She opted against telling Lucky what she had seen and heard, partly because she knew she wouldn't believe her, and partly because she didn't believe herself. It was probably just an animal or something, she told herself. It obviously wasn't Lucky, which meant that it was a simple nocturnal animal that had been startled by her presence and ran away. Simple.
"Good, then eat up." Lucky said, giving Lumi a big smile.
The pie tasted as good as it smelled, and Lumi took a second slice, despite her already full stomach. Lucky had truly outdone herself, and Lumi was certain that it would be the best pie she ever tasted. The creamy texture and sweet flavor filled her mouth with each bite, and she savored every morsel. She couldn't help but wonder if she could get her friend to teach her how to make such delicious desserts. The special salt had done wonders for the flavors, making each bite a mouthwatering adventure.
Lucky, after polishing off only one piece, wiped a napkin across her mouth with a sigh. "I must say, those blueberries were perfect for picking. Such flavor compacted in such a small berry."
Lumi nodded and swallowed her last bite, wiping her lips. "Indeed. I gotta say that you're quite the chef, Lucky. I hope I can be as talented as you some day."
Lucky laughed and waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, please, you're plenty talented. Don't sell yourself short."
Lumi gave her friend a smile, her cheeks still full of pie. "Well, thank you, Lucky. I'm honored that you think so highly of me."
"Think highly of yourself! You're educated and smart and collected and neat and organized and so many things. You're great at gardening and writing and sewing and just about everything. If anyone is deserving of high praise, it's you." Lucky said, her voice firm and her gaze hard.
Lumi's smile faltered for a second before she straightened up in her seat and cleared her throat. She knew Lucky was right, but Lumi simply had a hard time realizing her own greatness. Perhaps it was her modesty, or maybe it was because she really didn’t believe she was that great. In her mind, she was a simple, run-of-the-mill Elf in a lonely village in the middle of nowhere. It was difficult to become truly famous and powerful in such a small location and far from anything note-worthy. The only thing Edgerest had to brag about was its forest location, which, really, wasn’t all too special. You could go see the same thing from Norwich or Eastforge, or even Mirstone. Her skills in gardening and reading were miniscule compared to everything an Elf was capable of.
But despite this, she smiled at Lucky, her eyes warm and grateful. “Thank you for baking for me. And you’re right…I should recognize how talented I am in my own ways.”
“Exactly!” Lucky stood up, taking both their plates and placing them in the sink. “You’re no pushover, Lumi, so stop thinking like one.”
Lumi nodded, scooting back in her chair before standing. “Right…I understand.”
Lucky’s gaze told Lumi that she didn’t believe her, but she didn’t push further, which Lumi was grateful for. She wrapped the leftover pie in foil and moved it over to the fridge, placing it neatly beside the glass bottle of milk and packets of cheese. Wiping off her face with a towel, she turned towards Lumi. “I assume you’ll be going to the library tomorrow? With Ikuo?”
Lumi blushed instantly at the mention of his name, smiling lightly. “Y-Yes, I am. We have the same shifts.”
“Ah, what a coincidence.” Lucky said with a knowing smirk, and Lumi playfully punched her shoulder.
“Oh, stop! We’re not like that.”
“Don’t be naive, Lumi.” Lucky grabbed her coat from the coat rack and slung her arms through it, checking her pocket to make sure her pack of playing cards was safe and secure inside. “He’s a man, after all. Eventually, he’ll ask you out, I’m sure. And he’d be very lucky to have you.”
“Lucky…are you saying I’m…a catch?” Lumi asked timidly, unable to hide the growing blush on her face.
Lucky laughed, pulling the door open. “I wouldn’t use those choice of words, but yes, that is what I’m saying. Now I must be heading home for the night. I’ll see you tomorrow, no doubt. Let me know how it goes at the library.” With that, the door shut behind her, just the click of her heels and the strong scent of blueberries and sugar wafting through Lumi’s kitchen to show that she had ever been there in the first place.
Cook like Lucky with Lucky’s Enchanted Blueberry Pie Recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose enchanted flour
- 1 teaspoon salt from the Crystal Sea
- 1 cup unsalted dragon butter, chilled and cubed
- 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water infused with moonlight
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 4 cups of plump, fresh blueberries
- 1 cup caster sugar from the Enchanted Sugar Trees
- 1/4 cup cornstarch ground from starlight grains
- A pinch of celestial salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (grated from a golden lemon found in the Celestial Orchard)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract from the Alchemist's Apothecary
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon from the spice bazaar in the Mystic Market
For the Magical Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon dragon's breath honey
- 1 teaspoon moonlit water
- 1/2 teaspoon stardust powder for extra shimmer
Instructions:
For the Pie Crust:
- In an enchanted mixing bowl, combine the enchanted flour and salt.
- Add chilled dragon butter cubes and use a magic wand or pastry blender to mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3.Slowly add the ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough comes together in a ball.
4.Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap them in parchment paper, and chill them in the your refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
For the Blueberry Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the fresh blueberries, caster sugar, and cornstarch.
- Sprinkle in the celestial salt and stir gently over a low flame.
- As the mixture begins to simmer, add the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the filling thickens to a nice consistency.
- Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature while you prepare the pie crust.
Assembling the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one of the chilled pie crust portions on a surface dusted with flour until it fits your pie dish.
- Pour the cooled blueberry filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Roll out the second portion of pie crust and create a lattice or decorative pattern for the top.
- Seal the edges by crimping them
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes or until the crust turns golden and the filling bubbles.
For the Magical Glaze:
- While the pie is cooling, whisk together the dragon's breath honey and moonlit water in a small pot.
- Once the pie has cooled, gently brush this glaze over the top for an otherworldly shine.
- Sprinkle the stardust powder for an extra touch of magic.
Now, you have created a truly enchanting Blueberry Pie, worthy of any mystical feast. Lucky would be proud!
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