The morning sun rose gently over the farm, mist curling around the crops like ribbons of silver. Roland was already outside near the fire pit, his sleeves rolled up as he stirred a large pot of breakfast soup. The scent of simmering vegetables and herbs filled the crisp air — hearty carrots, golden potatoes, leafy greens, and a touch of spice.
Claribel sat nearby on a stool, rubbing her arms and watching with sleepy eyes, while Keith and Sarah — her loyal donkeys — munched quietly on hay Roland had offered earlier.
When the soup was done, Roland ladled out steaming bowls for everyone — including a small portion for Sol, who wagged his tail eagerly. The aroma was mouthwatering, rich and wholesome.
Claribel took her first sip and blinked in surprise. "By the gods… this is incredible! My whole body feels warm!"
Roland chuckled. "It's made from the best of the garden. Some of those vegetables are special — they help you grow stronger and healthier over time."
Keith snorted happily, while Sarah nudged Claribel's shoulder as if asking for seconds.
Claribel laughed, patting Sarah's muzzle. "Even they can tell how good it is! If we eat like this often, I might be pulling the wagon myself!"
Roland grinned. "Would save you some feed costs."
When they finished eating, Roland went to fill several sacks with potatoes. His inventory glowed softly as he transferred bag after bag — until it suddenly flashed red.
"Ah," he muttered. "Full again…"
Claribel tilted her head. "Full? You mean that… mysterious space you have?"
Roland nodded sheepishly. "My inventory. It's overflowing lately."
Claribel puffed her cheeks playfully. "Lucky you! I have to haul everything with my poor Keith and Sarah while you just poof things away."
Roland laughed. "Hey, I still do the lifting before the poofing."
---
When the sun reached its peak, Brontus approached from the pasture, his heavy hooves thudding like drums. Maphala followed, serene and radiant as always.
"Roland," Brontus said in his deep, calm voice. "Before you trade this bounty, I wish to speak of something sacred."
Roland turned, curious. "Sacred?"
Brontus nodded. "A covenant — between us, this farm, and the gods who watch over it. If we are to help others, it should be bound by promise and honor."
Claribel set down her bowl, eyes wide. "A covenant?"
Maphala lowered her head gently. "A pledge of unity — that this place shall always give to those in need, as the gods gave life to us."
Roland looked around — at Sol, wagging his tail with bright eyes; at Claribel and her faithful donkeys; at Brontus and Maphala standing side by side, divine strength radiating softly from their wooden horns.
He nodded. "Let's do it."
Everyone gathered in a circle near Verdalis, the divine sapling that shimmered faintly with green light. The air grew still, as if listening.
Roland raised his right hand. "In the name of the gods — of farming, of craft, of nourishment, of peace — we vow to use what we grow and make not for greed, but for the good of others. We vow to feed the hungry, to trade fairly, and to share what this land gives freely."
One by one, the others echoed the words — Claribel's voice trembling with awe, Brontus's rumbling deep as thunder, Maphala's gentle and melodic, Keith and Sarah braying in unison, and Sol barking joyfully.
Then, as if answering, the sky dimmed for a heartbeat. A soft wind swept across the fields, bending every stalk of grain toward the sapling.
From above, warm light descended — figures of brilliance forming just beyond mortal clarity. Hearth's gentle presence radiated warmth and scent of ripe wheat; Terran's silhouette glowed like molten metal; and Umbravil's calm shadow gave the moment quiet reverence.
Their voices spoke as one — gentle yet powerful enough to tremble the air:
"We have heard your promise. Let this covenant stand as seed and stone — to nourish, to build, to rest in peace."
The divine lights extended over the gathered group, and a golden pulse spread outward from Verdalis.
Each of them felt a gentle sting on the back of their right hand — or paw, or hoof — and when they looked, a glowing pine tree sigil was branded there, faintly gold before fading to a soft living green.
Roland stared at it in silence. "A covenant brand…"
Brontus bowed his head. "The gods have blessed our word."
Claribel's eyes shimmered with emotion. "Then we're bound together — by faith and purpose."
Sol barked, tail wagging furiously, then ran to lick Brontus's muzzle and Maphala's nose — joy pouring out of him as though greeting his long-lost parents. Maphala chuckled softly and nuzzled him, while Brontus grunted affectionately.
Roland smiled warmly, the firelight catching his eyes. "Then let's make good on that promise. Together, we'll make sure no one around here goes hungry again."
The divine lights faded slowly, leaving behind the soft glow of Verdalis and the scent of blooming pine. The farm — now truly sacred — felt alive with quiet strength.