After long days of work, we always ended in the same place: entertained by the performers.
The Monroe Company was filled with strange talent and showcased something new every night inside the tavern for the grateful patrons.
A separate booth was set up for Veila Monroe, who read many futures and collected a small fortune. Her ability to see certain parts of one's future allowed for multiple readings, though it didn't always work perfectly. Sometimes she saw what had already been seen. Sometimes she saw something absolutely mundane or an out-of-context conversation that could mean anything. Nevertheless, the line in front of her booth was as long as ever.
The rest of us were lost in the wonderful performance of one of their tales the first night after their arrival. It was my favorite, called "Tragic Lovers."
It was a tear-jerking story about a young couple from opposing kingdoms who married in secret. Once their parents found out, war ensued, with each side blaming the other for seducing their heirs. After the death and destruction their forbidden love caused, the two decided to take their own lives.
It was heartbreaking and very well acted by the two young thespians in the leading roles. It made us—well, at least the ladies of the village—fall in love with acting. The production and the ability to turn into someone else at will. The drama. I was an instant fan. I wanted our own theater up and running as soon as possible.
Zephyr liked it fine, just wasn't a fan yet.
"I'm sorry, I just don't get the story. Why kill yourselves? What if it didn't stop the fighting, huh? Or made it worse?" he asked.
"BUT... it did stop the war! I mean, did you even pay attention?" I was resting on his chest, my eyes still red from the tears shed, even though I was very satisfied.
"Fine. I'm just saying... pfft. Maybe wait a minute and use your head? Talk to your parents, at the very least," he snickered.
I looked up, convinced he was sleeping with his eyes open during the production.
"They couldn't. They were enemies for generations and—"
"My love, are you going to recite the whole thing? I've got to get up early and work all day," he said.
I thought he would make a great actor as well. By the way, for someone so damn tired, he sure had enough energy in bed.
"Fine. I liked it," I conceded.
"I know you did. If crying like a baby means 'like,'" he said.
I bit him, but it had almost zero effect. My heart wasn't in it.
"By the way, don't act like you're the only one who's busy," I said, reminding him.
I was busy too: training, being a mother, a respectable lady, a great daughter, sister, and wife... bows and arrows... and knives! I loved it. I couldn't help but smile every time they slammed into the wood. What satisfaction. I missed more than I hit, but my training helped me improve fast. After just a few hours, I felt better at it.
"See? We're both busy. Can't get bogged down in some idiotic couple who couldn't sit down with the people who loved them the most," he said, still sounding amused.
How can anyone sleep with an antagonizing idiot under her?
After another day of hard work, we ended up in the Princess Tavern again for another night of entertainment.
Those who had their futures read couldn't stop talking about it.
"Lady Veila told me my husband will be tall and handsome with great courage. I will meet him before the winter festival."
"Mine will be a wise man with piercing eyes, and guess what? Apparently, he will approach me in a week!"
"Coins! My planned business will flourish, and my jewelry will be worn by royalty eventually."
"She saw me getting married in the summer. Absurd."
"I paid for three readings. Two were the same: she saw me as an old man, meaning I'll get to live a long life. The third, however, showed her me having horses, not just one or two, but dozens."
"People sure love having their futures told," Demelza said, helping behind the counter and listening to the patrons discussing their good fortunes.
"I know. She looks happier, too," I said.
We looked toward where Veila was sitting with her elder sisters, drinking our new hot chocolate. She needed to rest after using her power continuously for hours. There would be no readings tonight.
The hot chocolate, though... The patrons had depleted Demelza's supply in just a few days. It was a hot, delicious, creamy drink in the cold winter months, so of course, it was popular. Soldiers were dispatched with two wagons and coins to purchase more. Zephyr couldn't handle the supply run alone.
He was talking to Ceron Monroe and his younger brother, the girls' father. We were awaiting tonight's performance. Various dancers, jugglers, and incredibly flexible people in the most uncomfortable positions were already warming up.
Soon, the rest of our family came in, finishing their work for the day.
Alexander leaned forward for a kiss before ordering some chocolate. "The buildings are coming along nicely. The frames are mostly done. I just came from Lucian," he said.
Lucian had managed to injure himself this morning and would spend the next two nights in the infirmary. He'd dislocated his shoulder during training. Granny and Zephyr had put it back into place while he was writhing in pain, but it was badly bruised, requiring no exertion and bed rest.
"Eleanor was sure mad," said a familiar voice. Zephyr walked up behind me, having finished his business with the Monroe men.
"She was furious, little brother. Even now, before I left, she was still chastising him," Alexander smiled.
We all shook our heads. My little sister was one scary girl when she was angry.
I leaned back for a kiss and tasted the whiskey he'd just finished. "What did they want?" I asked.
"...Nonsense. I shut it down. Any food?" he asked.
He looked suspiciously annoyed and quickly changed the subject. Demelza walked over and stuck her head inside the kitchen.
"Carlos, are the sandwiches ready?"
"""SOON!""" Mother's voice, mixed with Carlos's, came out loudly.
She suddenly pulled back. "Apparently, soon."
"Spill! What did they want?" We switched positions, and I was leaning on him now. "It must be something good to make your eyebrows raise like that." I used my finger to trace the line above his closed eyes.
"They... asked if... they can play out my life's story," he said, looking aside.
""" WHAT!? """