Page 19 of An Arrow to the Heart

“Yep. We’ve got everything ready. Helps to have two strong fellas to do most of the work,” she joked as she gave Ortolf and Lonan a quick wave with a smile.

“Lucky you,” said Sylvie, quickly adding, “not that i don’t appreciate the help August.” who had been looking at her like a beaten puppy for implying she had no help.

“Where’s Ardál? I thought he’d be helping you,” she said as she nudged Sylvie’s shoulder with a smirk.

“He’d just get in the way,” Sylvie said quickly, then adding, “oh don’t look at me like that, and actually while we’re at it, why don’t you help me? These boxes need emptying,” as she gestured toward the boxes filled with medical bottles.

Valeska took one of the bottles out inspecting it, “does anybody actually buy this stuff?”

Sylvie snatched the honey-coloured syrup bottle off her, placing it on the table as she said, “yes, actually. Surprisingly some people buy bottles with contents other than ale or mead.”

“We also sell wine and cider…..” she retorted with a smug smile then she turned and walked back to the outdoor bar that had of course been set up right in the centre of the festival square, greeting Sera along the way.

“Save me a few,” Sylvie called after her friend, who gave her a thumbs up in response. Her attention fell back on the stall before her. She wanted it to look good and show off all her wares, they’d soon be opening up to the crowd.

Sylvie took a few steps back biting the inside of her lip, one hand rested on her hip, the other tapping her chin nervously, she cocked her head slightly as she inspected the stall before her. She’d made a garland from dried flowers that bathed her stall in floral memories of summer, pom-pom like heads in an array of pink dahlias hedged along a bed of lavender and yarrow stalks. A vibrant display of tinctures, syrups, balms and jams proudly displayed under it. She’d even painstakingly labelled everything this year.

“It looks great, don’t worry,” August offered, a bright smile etched on his face, as he stood behind the stall, already standing at the ready to greet customers.

“You really think so?,” she gave the stall another once over before she relaxed and nodded, “yeah okay, I think you’re right.”

The autumn sun was now beaming down on them, it was unseasonably warm and sweat began to coat her back. She hoped the good weather would continue into the night for the rest of the festival but right now she would have loved a stronger cool breeze. She always looked forward to this event, as the main focus had always been the celebration that came after the fair.

“Right. I’m just going to get changed before the customers begin to arrive, I shouldn't be long. You’re in charge while I’m gone,” Sylvie said to August, as she handed him the money belt, “just in case anyone shows up early.”

She peered at her reflection in Valeska’s mirror, straightening out the fabric of the cream skirt. It fell just below her knees showing off her tightly laced heeled brown boots, she hardly wore these, keeping them only for special occasions. She wore a matching brown leather bodice over her lilac blouse, it too was tied tightly, pushing her cleavage up. Across her hips hung her usual array of belts, though she’d made the effort to line them up just right. Her neck was adorned with her usual necklaces, and she decorated the braids in her hair with tiny cuffs.

Grabbing Valeska’s little pouch, she pulled out the kohl and lined the tops of her eyes, only a little though, then she added a subtle rosy glow to her cheeks using the rouge. Finally, she pulled out her own lip salve from her belt purse, painting her lips a berry red. Salves being the only thing she’d typically wear, this particular colour however was one she barely wore and she wore it today with intent.

She huffed a breath, suddenly feeling foolish.

Gods, I bet he won’t even notice, Hels, I don’t even know if he plans to attend.

She closed her eyes briefly steadying herself before heading for the stall with her head held high, she knew if she lingered on her decision too long she’d end up dulling her appearance. And deep down she wanted him to notice her.

She hadn’t seen Ardál today, she’d left before breakfast opting instead to have it at the Alehouse prior to heading to the square to set up. Though she had told him the day prior of her intentions for today, it's not like she had left him without explanation this time, she still felt a tad guilty about that. Maybe Valeska was right and she should have asked him to help her out. But then she wouldn’t want to presume he’d want to, besides it’s not as though he owed her anything. Not that she quite understood why she felt the need to explain herself to him. But she did. She consistently found herself overthinking everything when it came to him.

His knee was getting a lot better and his pain seemed to have become a lot more manageable. She knew what that meant so she’d been avoiding being alone with him as much as she could. That he hadn’t got fed up with her constant excuses was testament alone. It’s not that she didn’t want to spend the night with him. It was just that she had half expected him to grow bored of his pursuit and when he hadn’t, instead undressing her with those gorgeous eyes of his it became a game between them. Who would break first, and she secretly loved playing that game with him - she didn’t want it to end even though she very much looked forward to what would come after.

They had a steady trickle of customers within minutes of opening. Eager eyes scanned her wares, some picking up bottles, shaking them, and Sylvie had to force her lips into a smile as she watched with trepidation. Regardless they soon found a good rhythm, Sylvie would spend her time explaining what things were whilst August took the coin.

“The stand looks good Sylv,” Torban’s friendly familiar voice said as he lifted two bottles of elderberry syrup. His dirty blond hair was longer than he usually wore it, but his piercing blue eyes were the same as always.

“Oh thank you Torban, it’s the busiest I’ve ever seen it,” she said, offering her own smiles and her gaze dropped to the bottles in his hand, “just your usual then?”

“Yes, you know mother wouldn't be without it over the winter,” he chuckled. “I take it you’re staying for the festivities later?” he asked, handing August the coin for his purchase.

“Of course, wouldn't miss it.”

“I’m glad to hear it but here I won’t keep you, I know you’re busy… Save me a dance though,” Torban said with raised eyebrows.

Sylvie nodded rapidly, her mind already half on the next customer, before she called out, “oh wait, Torban,” and she produced a little jar of dark hard candies, she’d almost forgotten all about them, “they’re cough drops, something new I’m working on. I think they could be good for your mother, you suck on them when needed,” she said, yeeting the jar at him.

He caught it with a grin, “all right, thanks Sylv.”

The hours wore on and Sylvie’s stomach began to rumble at the heavenly scents now coming from the food sellers. It was the first sign of the shift from fair to festival.

Just as she had sent August to buy them some baked goods, a man she loathed appeared before her.