Page 45 of Must Love Moss and Moonshine
Rosalyn smiled knowingly.“For Tansy, lavender giggle candies.I didn’t have any when she was by this morning, but my assistant delivered a batch in the afternoon.They are one of her favorites.They bring laughter and lightness to any gathering.”
She handed me the satchel.When I reached for my coin pouch, she shook her head gently.“There’s no charge, Guardian.Consider it a small token of thanks for keeping the forest safe.Your work allows the magic of the Vale to flourish, and we all benefit from that.”
“Thank you,” I said, bowing my head slightly.“That’s very kind.”
Her eyes lingered on me for a moment longer.Then, with a faint twitch of her wings, she handed me another packet.“This is for you.”
Not one for sweet things, I studied the glowing candies inside.“What are they?”
“Squash blossoms bites,” she said with a knowing smile.“Not too sweet, but imbued with a little magic to help someone facing something…important.”
I hesitated, her words catching me off guard.She studied me with the piercing gaze of someone who saw beyond what was said aloud.
“Thank you,” I told her.
“I wish you all the luck in the world.”Her wings fluttered as she returned to her work.“I suspect we’ll see each other again soon.Be well, Guardian, and good luck with your…endeavors,” she added with a grin and a wink.
I nodded, giving her a slight smile, then tucked the bag under my arm as I turned to leave.The crowd in the market had thinned, but the air was still warm with the scent of roasting chestnuts, cinnamon, and maple.Laughter echoed faintly from a nearby stage where a troupe of performers entertained a lingering audience.I paused to watch, enjoying the show as a man dressed as a dragon swallowed fire and blew plumes of flames into the sky.The gathered crowd oohed and aahed.
Turning, I watched as children raced past me, their enchanted kites trailing above them like streaks of light in the twilight.The magical kites—shaped like dragons, pegasi, and shimmering moonfish—were held aloft by threads of magic from willowwick wands.The enchantments worked for only one night, but they were beautiful to behold.The children’s laughter was bright and pure, filling the space with an infectious joy that stirred something deep within me.
I watched as they dashed between the stalls, their faces alight with wonder.For all the solitude of my life, I had never thought much about what was absent.But now… Now I could imagine it all.A life not so lonely.A life filled with laughter, love, and warmth.
The thought settled heavily in my chest as I returned to Bromir’s forge.When I arrived, the dwarf was bent over his work, the forge casting flickering shadows across his face.
“Almost done,” he said without looking up.A moment later, he straightened and motioned for me to hold out my hand.Carefully, he placed the ring in my palm.
It was perfect.The forest quartz had been shaped into a polished, diamond cut and was set into a band of moonsilver, a rare metal that was only found deep in the belly of Ironmist Mountain.It shimmered like liquid light.
“Bromir, the metal…” I said in surprise.
“From my mother’s band,” Bromir said.
“That is too much to ask.Such metal is rare and that is a family heirloom.”
“Tansy is like a sister to me.She will have the best—man and ring,” he said with a grin, then put his hands on his hips and looked at the ring.“It’s the best I’ve ever made.”
My throat tightened.“Thank you, Bromir.It’s perfect.”
He grinned.“Now get going, lad.The stars are out, and Tansy’s waiting.”
I nodded, my chest swelling with anticipation as I tucked the ring safely into my pocket.The joy of the festival still hummed around me, but my thoughts were entirely on Tansy.
As I walked toward the town, the only words in my mind were the ones I hoped would be enough:I love you.
CHAPTER22
TANSY
“He’s not coming,” I muttered for the hundredth time, pacing back and forth in Juniper’s shop.My steps felt like they were wearing a path into the wooden floor.I paused to smell one of the small bouquets she had drying, hoping the soft chamomile scent might soothe my racing mind, but it was no use.My thoughts were relentless.He pulled back.He’s done with me.He told Juniper he’d be here at sundown, but it’s already dark.The stars glimmered outside the window.I turned sharply and resumed my pacing.“He’s not coming.”
“He’ll be here,” Juniper reassured me, her voice calm and steady as she sat near the hearth, a cup of tea cradled in her hands.
He’s not coming.
He’s not coming.
“He’s never not come before, Tansy,” Juniper added, her empathic eyes meeting mine as if reading the storm inside me.“The town relies on him.”
