Keith and Sarah drank deeply from the trough near the fence, their long ears flicking in delight as cool water splashed against their muzzles throughly enjoying the mana water filled trough. Claribel stretched her arms with a groan, wiping her brow.
"Whew! That's better," she said, turning to Roland with a grin. "Been traveling three weeks straight. If I see one more muddy road, I might just throw myself in your river."
Roland chuckled. "You're welcome to, though you might have to share it with the Purifish."
"Purifish?" She asked inquisitivly.
"Tiny fish that think dirt's a delicacy." He laughed.
Claribel laughed. "Then they'd love me by now."
As they spoke, a low rumble of conversation began behind her. Roland turned, blinking in disbelief.
"Wait… are they—?"
"Yes, indeed," Brontus said calmly, as Keith and Sarah straightened their posture and began speaking — in fluent Common.
"Well, that's better!" Keith said, his deep voice rich and playful. "My tongue was itching to speak!"
Sarah flicked her tail proudly. "Oh, Keith, you always talk too much once you start. Hello, everyone. It's nice to finally meet kind beasts who understand manners."
Maphala's gentle laugh filled the air. "Oh my, how polite. It's a pleasure to meet you both."
Brontus lowered his head respectfully. "It is rare to meet speaking beasts of your kind. You've hidden your voices well."
Sarah smiled, her eyes glinting with humor. "We usually do. People get jumpy if their pack animals start holding conversations mid-trip."
Claribel slapped her knee, laughing heartily. "Ha! I told them to behave until I got to know you! Didn't want my talking donkeys scaring my new customers off."
Roland could only stare for a moment, before bursting into laughter himself. "I… I don't even know what to say."
"'Hello' usually works," Keith said dryly.
"Oh, you're going to fit right in," Roland replied with a grin.
Claribel hopped back into the wagon, lifting the canvas cover to reveal her wares. "Alright, farmer, let's get down to business before my beasts start debating philosophy. I've got general supplies, seeds, spices, blankets, cookware, some tools, and a few special goods — a traveling merchant's best friends."
Roland leaned closer as she lifted several pouches and boxes into view. He spotted bundles of dried herbs, sealed jars of oil, a stack of sturdy woven sacks, and — most intriguing of all — several glass containers of shimmering seeds.
"These here," Claribel said, tapping one vial, "are Verdgleam Cucumbers. Grow twice as fast if fed a bit of mana daily. And these—" she held up another pouch "—are Glowroot Tubers. Good for cooking, sturdy, and they glow faintly in the dark when mature. A favorite for night farmers."
Roland's eyes lit up. "Those could thrive near my eastern field."
He examined the seeds closely, eyes narrowing as his Farmer's Insight activated — faint sparks of mana danced across the glass as his bracelet pulsed softly.
[Verdgleam Cucumber Seed — Quality: High. Growth Speed +20%. Taste +15%. Mana Requirement: Low.]
[Glowroot Tuber Seed — Quality: High. Growth Speed +10%. Taste +25%. Emits faint light during maturity.]
"They're good," Roland said approvingly. "Very good."
Claribel's grin widened. "You've got a good eye. Most farmers just shrug and ask what color they are."
Roland scratched his neck sheepishly. "Let's just say I have some… intuition about crops."
Claribel winked. "Lucky intuition, then."
He hesitated for a moment. "The thing is… I don't have much money. I mostly trade in crops — common ones, mostly, but good quality. And I've got some rare types, though I don't sell those."
"Fair enough," she said. "I take bartering any day. Food's worth more than gold in these lands anyway."
So they began to trade.
Roland brought baskets of vegetables from his storage — crisp greens, plump tomatoes, and golden carrots with faint magical glow. Claribel's eyes widened as she bit into one.
"Saints above," she muttered around a mouthful, "this carrot tastes like it was grown in heaven's Guarden."
Roland chuckled. "Good soil, gentle hands, and a bit of rain."
"And maybe divine blessing?" she teased, wiping juice from her chin.
He smiled but didn't answer.
By the end of it, they'd struck a fair deal. Roland received several spare sacks, a collection of herbs and spices, thick wool blankets, new cooking pots, and even a sturdy wooden crate filled with glass jars for preserving produce. Claribel left with four large baskets of his crops — a mix of common and slightly magical vegetables — humming with delight at the profit she'd make in the next town.
As the business wrapped up, Roland stretched. "You've come a long way. You're not leaving without dinner."
Claribel's eyebrows rose. "Is that a threat or an invitation?"
"A promise," Roland said with a grin. "I'll cook. You rest and enjoy yourself."
Keith and Sarah's ears perked. "Roland's cooking?" Sarah said eagerly. "Oh, that sounds wonderful!"
Keith nodded enthusiastically. "I can already smell the spices. I'd haul wagons through storms for a good meal."
Maphala laughed softly. "Then you'll be pleased. Roland's food is more than good — it's a gift."
Brontus rumbled in agreement. "It nourishes more than the body. His meals calm the soul."
Claribel blinked, glancing at the bull and cow in awe. "Well, that's high praise coming from divine beasts."
That evening, as the sun dipped low, Roland cooked over the pot outside— a rich stew of vegetables, Glowroot, and tender meat, spiced with fresh herbs and a dash of Claribel's imported seasoning. The aroma drifted through the fields, mingling with the sweet scent of wet earth.
They gathered around a large wooden table by the house under Verdalis's faint green light. Sol sat proudly beside Roland, tail wagging like mad, while Keith and Sarah rested contentedly, their eyes half-closed as they savored each bite.
"Mmm," Sarah hummed. "You weren't exaggerating, Maphala. This is divine."
Keith let out a satisfied sigh. "If I ever retire, I'm moving here."
Claribel grinned between spoonfuls. "If you cook like this every night, you'll never lack for friends — or customers."
Roland chuckled softly. "Then I'll make sure the table's always open."
The laughter, warmth, and scent of food filled the twilight air. Verdalis glowed gently beside the river, her leaves swaying as if sharing in the joy of the gathering.
For a humble farmer and his newfound friends — divine beasts, loyal animals, and a merchant with talking donkeys — it was another simple, perfect evening.