The sun rose in the sky with its gentle warmth blanketing the farm.
That morning began with an unexpected sound.
"Bark! Bark! Bark!"
Sol's sharp cries cut through the silence of dawn, startling Roland from a deep, comfortable sleep. He blinked groggily, rubbing his eyes as the little dog continued barking furiously near the door, tail straight and ears perked.
"Wh—Sol? What's wrong, boy?" Roland muttered, sitting up. The smell of wet earth still lingered from last night's mana rain — but underneath it, there was something new.
Something strange.
Sol barked again, whining urgently as he pawed at the wooden door.
"Alright, alright, I'm coming!" Roland said, hastily throwing on his shirt.
The moment he opened the door, Sol bolted outside, splashing through small puddles left from the rain. Roland followed, heart picking up as the little dog dashed toward the fence at the far end of the property.
"Sol! Slow down!"
When Roland caught up, he froze mid-step. There, trundling down the muddy road, was a wagon — wooden, well-built, and drawn by two sturdy donkeys whose coats shimmered faintly with mana. Their hooves made soft squelching sounds in the damp soil, and the air around them carried the faint scent of herbs, oil, and… spices?
A merchant.
Roland hadn't seen another traveler in weeks.
The driver pulled gently on the reins as the wagon slowed to a stop in front of the fence. A young woman hopped down, brushing stray locks of brown hair from her face. Her cloak was travel-stained, but her eyes sparkled with confidence and warmth.
"Well now!" she said cheerfully. "Didn't expect to see anyone out here this early. You must be the farmer I heard whispers about."
Roland blinked, still surprised. "And you must be… the first merchant brave enough to come this far out."
She laughed. "Guilty as charged." She offered a hand. "Name's Claribel. Traveling trader — food, cloth, tools, and anything that fits in the back of a wagon. And these two—"
She turned and affectionately patted the necks of her donkeys.
"—are Keith and Sarah. Best haulers in three provinces."
The donkeys let out soft, melodic brays — one deep and slow (Keith), the other light and almost musical (Sarah).
Sol barked twice, tail wagging so fast it looked like a blur.
Roland crouched beside him, smiling. "Easy, Sol. They're friends." Then, standing, he wiped his hands on his pants and extended one. "Roland. Farmer by trade. And this nosy pup is Sol — my little guardian alarm clock."
Claribel chuckled as she shook his hand. "He's got a good nose. Most dogs wouldn't smell my wagon through that rain."
"Neither would most farmers," Roland admitted, glancing back toward the barn. "Though I think my bigger guardians just woke up."
From the barn came a low rumble, followed by heavy footsteps. The doors creaked open and Brontus emerged, massive and calm, his horns still faintly glowing from absorbed mana. Maphala followed close behind, her reddish hide glinting like burnished maple leaves.
Claribel froze mid-step, her eyes widening. "By the saints… are those livingwood cattle?"
Brontus snorted softly, regarding her with his steady golden gaze. "Merchants seldom wander here," he said, his deep voice rolling like thunder.
"Good morning," Maphala added gently, her tone warm but curious. "What brings you to our farm, traveler?"
Claribel took a cautious step back, still staring in awe. "G-good morning to you as well! I—I came to trade, not trespass! I swear I didn't mean to intrude on—on divine beasts!"
Roland raised both hands quickly, grinning. "Easy there, Claribel. They're not going to hurt you. Brontus and Maphala are gentle — just protective."
"Protective and curious," Brontus corrected mildly, his great head lowering to inspect the wagon. "Your animals smell of wild mint and road dust."
Keith brayed indignantly, while Sarah flicked her tail as if insulted.
"Hey now," Claribel said, laughing nervously. "They bathe when they can! It's been a long road."
Roland chuckled under his breath. The tension melted quickly as Maphala gave a small approving nod. "You and your companions are welcome here," she said softly. "It's been long since a merchant last came this way."
Claribel exhaled in visible relief. "Thank you, kindly! I could use a rest and maybe a bit of water for the donkeys."
Roland gestured toward the river. "There's a trough near the fence. Keith and Sarah are free to drink their fill."
As Claribel led the donkeys over, Roland turned to Brontus. "Looks like we'll finally get some new supplies."
"Or new gossip," Brontus rumbled, a faint smile tugging his muzzle. "Either way, today won't be dull."
Roland chuckled. "That's one way to put it."
Sol wagged his tail furiously, already circling Claribel's boots as if making a new friend, while Sarah nuzzled Keith affectionately. The merchant's laughter mingled with the soft rustle of the river breeze.
For the first time in weeks, Roland's quiet farm felt alive with the hum of visitors.
And though he didn't yet know it, this meeting would mark the start of a new chapter for his humble homestead.