Page 42 of Must Love Moss and Moonshine
Thanking Rosalyn profusely, Bromir and I continued on our way.The cinnamon bites were as delicious as they looked, the warm autumn flavors of cinnamon and clove setting my tongue alight and filling my body with warmth.The enchantment she added, the embers sparking when I took a bite, added a crackling sensation and were fun.
As always, the Autumn Fair was alive with color and sound.Situated just outside of Moonshine Hollow, the fairgrounds had transformed into a temporary city.Tents of every hue stretched as far as the eye could see, their bright canvas tops rippling in the breeze.Vendors called out their wares.The scents of roasted corn, grilled meats, and baking apples wafted through the air.Musicians played fiddles, harps, and bagpipes, their melodies blending with the hum of the crowd.Temporary stages hosted actors and storytellers, while nearby, animal displays offered glimpses of rare creatures like unicorns.
I tried to keep Bromir from stopping at every ale tent, though he had just as much trouble keeping me away from the candy vendors.He’d only tolerated the stop to visit Rosalyn because of the baker herself.Not letting my sweet tooth nearly get the better of me as we passed a stall selling honey-dipped cloud pears, we reached our tent just before the sun peeked over the horizon.
While our stall wasn’t in the best location, we made do.Bromir stoked his small forge, readying it for on-the-spot commissions, while I unpacked the display cases of enchanted jewelry.Amulets for love, earrings for protection, bracelets for good fortune.They all glinted in the morning light, their stones polished to perfection.Rose quartz for affection, amethyst for calming nightmares, citrine for energy—each piece blended my enchantments and Bromir’s careful craftsmanship.
Despite the less-than-ideal spot, the market was bustling.It wasn’t long before we got busy.Our repeat customers sought us out, even if we weren’t in the best location.
A young woman approached shyly, her cheeks glowing with excitement as she held up a delicate necklace.I remembered her from last season.The rose quartz amulet she had purchased last year sparkled in the sunlight.
“It worked,” she told me, glancing over her shoulder at a man standing a few paces away.He was tall and broad-shouldered, his hands shoved nervously into his pockets as he pretended to examine a nearby stall.“That’s him.That’s the man I met after I bought this from you.”
I smiled warmly.“I’m so glad.”
“We’re so happy.He told me to pick something new, his treat.”
I smiled, then pulled out a pair of matching earrings, their pink stones catching the light.“These will complement your amulet perfectly.”
“Oh, thank you!”she said, beaming as she handed over the coin.Her gaze flicked back to the man, who smiled and nodded, encouraging her.She gave him a loving smile and then turned back to me.“I think he’s going to propose soon.”
“I wish you all the happiness in the world,” I replied.“And remember, I make wedding bands too.I’ll be at Thistle and Thyme all winter!You can find me there.”
Smiling happily, she nodded, then hurried back to join her shy beau, her joy infectious.
A while later, an older woman arrived, her hands weathered but steady as she examined a protection arm ring in my display.“This one,” she said, her voice firm but kind.“It’s for my grandson.He’s heading off to apprentice with the blacksmiths in Ironmist Mountain.”
“A fine choice,” I said, wrapping the arm ring carefully in a soft cloth.“The spell will help ease his nerves and protect him from any harm.He’s lucky to have a grandmother who cares so deeply for him.”
She smiled, a glint of pride in her eyes.“He’s a good boy.Thank you, dear.”
After she left, I was approached by someone unexpected—a towering male orc with olive-green skin and tusks that gleamed faintly in the sunlight.His presence was commanding, but a softness in his eyes made him less intimidating.He held his hat in his large hands, wringing it nervously as he approached my table.
“Excuse me,” he rumbled, his voice low and resonant.“I, uh, heard you can make custom pieces.”
“That’s right,” I said, offering him a welcoming smile.“What are you looking for?”
“A ring,” he said, glancing down at the table and then back up at me.“For my mate-to-be.I want it to be special.Something that shows her how much she means to me.”
“Of course.Tell me about her.What does she like?”
“She loves the autumn,” he said, his tusks shifting with a shy smile.“She’s always picking up leaves and tucking them into her braid.And she likes all things yellow.”
I nodded, already envisioning the piece.“How about a gold band with a citrine stone shaped like a leaf?I’ll weave the perfect spell into it…a blessing of love, joy, and happiness.”
His smile widened, and his shoulders relaxed.“That sounds perfect.”
Bromir and I got to work immediately.He stoked his forge and began shaping the band, the rhythmic clink of his hammer blending with the hum of the market.As he worked, his hammer glowed as he weaved his own magic into the piece.One of the reasons people love our work so well was because they were always a perfect fit—thanks to Bromir’s enchantments.Meanwhile, I carefully selected the perfect citrine, its golden hues bright and warm, and began the intricate enchantment.The spell required focus and intention, every word weaving a promise of a happy life and marriage.
The orc watched quietly.Using my magic, my fingers glimmering with violet-colored light, I cut the gem into the perfect shape and imbued it with the spell.When I finished, I passed it to Bromir, who completed the work using his own magic.In the end, we crafted a simple yet elegant gold band with a delicate autumn leaf.Bromir had even added swirls like branches, acorns, and leaves onto the band.It was perfect.The enchantment shimmered faintly within the stone, giving it an iridescent hue.
With Bromir at my side, I handed it to my customer.
“It’s beautiful,” the orc said, his voice thick with emotion.“Better than I could have ever imagined.”
“It’s made with love,” I said gently.“May it bring you both the happiness you deserve.”
He carefully tucked the ring into a small velvet pouch and pressed a generous payment into my hands.“Thank you,” he said, looking from me to Bromir, his sincerity radiating from every word.“She’s going to be so happy.”
