---

The sound of jovial, boisterous laughter sang within the schoolyard as the bell rings with implications of the ending school day.  Smiles alight upon innocent little faces as several children no older than seven came scampering out from the small structure, excitement swelling upon their little features. “Remember, no school tomorrow!” A lyrical chime called, slender palm waving off her class. Golden gaze watched with maternal yearn to ensure that each child had united with their parent or guardian. There was a light tug at her skirt which broke her focus to see a young girl with tight dark chocolate pigtail curls gripping a piece of parchment tightly in her little hands. Plump little cheeks were as red as the roses blooming at the gates.

“Marie! Dinner will be ready soon! Don’t keep Miss Sonata too long!”  Confusion met the instructors face as she looked down to the young girl before crouching down to level with her after the beckon of the girls’ mother and grandmother. “Marie, is something the matter?” Pale brows knitted together as she searched the bashful little girls face. With such might a five-year-old had, did the small child take in a heavy breath and quickly extend the piece of paper to her teacher. Sonata blinked, genuinely perplexed carefully took the crumbled paper only to reveal the scribbled drawing of messy paint.  The girl hesitantly searched the womans’ face as Sonata quietly observed the picture, her expression softening and gentle simper sweeping her lips. “Marie, this is beautiful! Did you make this during class today?”

Hazel eyes widened by simple praise. “Yeah-huh! Th-that’s you in the middle and this is the school a-and-and this is the whole class. And its sunny out see? This tis the sun and then these are the flowers.” The girl blinked as if to realize her own exuberance and quickly dropped her gaze, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Sonata couldn’t help but giggle. Her palm gently patting the top of the girls head. “I’m going to frame and hang it up right next to the chalk board so everyone can see it. You’re quite the artist. Don’t stop drawing, alright? Just make sure you’re paying attention to the lessons too.” The maiden could see the child’s face light up then with innocent awe and nodded quickly. Brief words were passed before the teacher sent the girl off to her family. 

---

More of a distraction than one could have ever anticipated lay within the frigid wilds and yet with it came confirmation. He stood within Vufrien lands. Wanderings had not strayed completely off destined path though Fineás could hardly claim to have remained on course. Nothing had been mentioned over traversing the uneven slopes of mountains even as they lay as a beacon upon direction carried. At least the fiery woman met in the throes of combat had steered him back on track, however, it did not come without a sharp reminder and a few added notes to what she proclaimed as ‘hardly a map’.

Rude. But hardly a statement he could argue with for while it held landmarks and rather vague description of where one needed to go. It wasn’t exactly the most detailed one out there. Any offered help would be accepted if it got him to where he needed to be. Even if it was a touch embarrassing to have lost his way so easily despite the instruction given. Though seeing everything… well, it was a lot different than merely hearing or reading of it. Nothing matched completely and one could only pray he did not veer so far again. But, as luck would have it, it seemed civilization was near.

The grating sounds of excitable troublemakers setting the boy’s nerves alight, a mind shifting into high alert despite the appeased tones that rose from all who greeted them. Surely they would be scolded, put back into their place. Told not to be such an annoyance and yet such phrases never came. Not from one who lingered closest to the building nor those who escorted the youth who already fled from her side. Maybe such reprimand simply didn’t arise in public here, maybe it was all saved for the privacy of closed doors.

Cheeks burned lightly, perhaps he shouldn’t be making such assumptions though what lay grounded within his own mind was hard to ignore. Silently he watched as the final presence retreated to the embrace of family. Maybe he should just continue on his way, surely the location he sought wasn’t too much further if so many lingered. And yet a piece of him also desired confirmation. Assurance that he would not run into even more trouble than he’d already gained on this journey. If he was going to do this it was better to get it all over with.

Short breath huffed to steady himself before that partial gaze would set upon one seemingly trusted by so many. At least he probably didn’t have to worry about this woman whisking him away to never see the light of day again. Not that anyone would come looking for him if such a thing were to happen. A thought shaken back as paces stopped a short ways before her, “Uh, excuse me.” Phrases soft compared to the near shrieking tones he’d heard from all who left mere moments ago, “Is the market nearby here?”

Or better yet was it even open this time of day? Even if it was a particular name had not given - not of an owner, not of a shop - merely more land marks. Phrases that either a man or his daughter would be tended to the front, Chisaki she thought the family name to be. But no matter, they knew what she wanted. She’d sent a letter, she’d paid in advance. Just collect the parcel and bring it back without delay. “I’m afraid I don’t know Vufrien very well,” don’t admit you’re lost, don’t even think about saying it, “And I think I’m a bit lost.” Damn it. What did you just tell yourself?

---

Golden gaze watched with a sobered, softened attentiveness as the last of her class had united with their parental or guardian figures with boisterous joviality. Attention then fell back to the parchment decorated in a child’s drawing to which was promised to be mounted and hung upon the wall within the school. Sonata quietly observed the curious drawing, scribbly lines and uneven shapes made up faces and smiles. Small little squiggly colored blobs were explained to be flowers and a big yellow half-colored circle – the sun. Something so simple and coming form the mind of one of her pupils, made her heart swell and ache all at once. A sense of longing and forlorn managed to grip her at her core, the smallest reminder of loss once upon a time endured.

Uh, excuse me. Came a soft, boyish voice. Her gentled features drew blank and quizzical while attention drew, finding her gold eyes to befall the young red-headed boy. It looked no older than his late teens, perhaps. Merely a guess for the widowed matron Is the market nearby here? He then proceeded to explain his lacking intel of this small portion of what made the land of Vufrien –following the bashful admittance of his displacement. “Well,” she offers a mirthful, genial smile which dress her softer visage.

Nonchalantly, she tucked a loose silver curl behind her ear as she turned slightly, extending her right arm before her, pointing in the general direction. “You’re not too far good sir, just turn left the corner by that little shop there and the market is just up ahead from there.” Her arm fell lax at her side, left still holding the child’s drawing with care. Sonata contemplated as she glanced towards the smaller school building. “I’ve a few things to do in the school before I lock up for the day, I could escort you there if you’d like? Is there a shop you’re looking for?”

---

Unconsciously he flinched before that single phrase could fully register, anticipation of another’s acts already flooding the mind when he’d seen that arm rise. At a glance her smile had been friendly enough yet one could never be certain when it came to the unknown. Such things could be nothing more than a guise, a trap to lure in the unsuspecting with the promise of false security - only to lash out with a sneer. Though no matter how he waited, how he expected to hear beratement or feel the sharp sting of a hand across his cheek… it never came. Instead all that filled his ears was a gentle offering of direction. Phrases which bid focus to shift, half sights staring out to where she gestured.

And it was then those words truly hit him.

Well now he really felt stupid. If he had just kept walking then he very likely would have just stumbled upon the damn thing. But here he was wasting everyone’s time with silly questions. He held a notion the markets were deeper within the city walls, however, had not anticipated that they lingered so near all at once. A noticeable frown crossed his lips before it would quickly vanish with the shake of his head, refusal. “If it’s really that close an escort won’t be necessary,” stupid, stupid boy, what kind of shop even was the one he searched for?

Question Fineás should have asked, though it is far from what falls from his lips, “I wouldn’t want to ruin any plans already made.” Or waste her time even more than he already had. There is a moment of hesitance as once more that gaze would flicker toward the depths of the city before chasing the woman’s gaze toward the school. Lingering on it for a moment before her askance of a shop name remains ignored, “Do you need any help? With the, uh, school shi-stuff.” Phrases quickly altered as attentions turned to her. If she accepted, maybe then he would not feel so guilty over asking for her assistance. Something given in return before delving deeper for the information he sought.

---

Sonata waited with the patience a saint would envy, keeping her composure neutral, calm even as she searched his features. If it’s really that close an escort won’t be necessary. She wasn’t one to argue – he was young, perhaps having the need to carry on about whatever it was he needed to do, who was she to risk bruising his pride? I wouldn’t want to ruin any plans already made. Golden eyes blinked, perplexed and wondering if he happened catch wind of her thoughts in some manner? All she needed to do was to finish whatever menial cleaning chores just as any other day. Be it picking up stray crayons or scrubbing paint off the walls smeared by little creative hands. She merely smiled at him with a courteous nod.

Do you need any help? With the, uh, school shi-stuff. Sonata stifled the laughter back at threatened her vocals. “I’m not going to turn down the offer, if it is you have time?” She mused, tucking a stray silver strand behind her ear. “Though don’t feel pressed – its just some sweeping and cleaning up a few things.” She encouraged.

---

Fineás nearly regretted an offer made as soon as it slipped from his lips. He hated cleaning up messes others created, there was no desire to assist with any of the after school bullshit that needed tended to before this lady could depart. And yet, it would at least be something offered in exchange for the information sought for he held no intention of parting with coin or any of his possessions. After all he only needed a bit more direction. Avoid the direct guidance she had offered. The little deer did not want someone to hold his hand, to stroll into the markets at his side as if he were some stupid useless child. No matter how true such thoughts may be.

The task entrusted to him was one he was capable of completing alone.

Yet to her question all he offered was a shrug, frown pulling across his lips in unspoken bitterness. “Probably too late to go anyways,” or rather too busy. Everyone and their mother may be heading to the market district now, gathering a few things for their dinners before scurrying home. But until then it would be filled with nothing but annoyances. Little brats who refused to mind their step and collide into any in their proclaimed paths. Their grubby hands moving over whatever they were not stopped from touching now that they were freed from assumed classes.

Never scolded. Sharp tongues instead finding him should he offer reprimand to those deserving of it. He was older, he should know better. No, they should keep their filth under control… it would be better to stay and help. Avoid what had already played out time and time again when moving alongside those faceless strangers. He’d already been hit with delays. What’s one more added to the list? “I have time to help,” even if he didn’t want to, “’Sides, haven’t asked you about the shop yet anyways.” At least what he knew of it, blacksmith or jewelry he knew not. Only run by a family of foxes with sweeping tails and no doubt the trickery their kind had to offer, but he was promised wares of excellent quality by his mother’s word. “Heard of any run by Chisaki? Family name I think.”

---

The instructor wouldn’t hold a grudge if he had a sudden change of heart. Even she, as much as she loved her mornings and early afternoons with her students: cleaning up after them was never an easy feat. Even if a few of them had picked up on better mannerisms with age: sometimes questionable stains and messes often unnoticed on purpose. The young man also seemed to be some-what side tracked, pre-meditated plans and she just happen to be sending her students off home to their parent or guardian figures. Porbably too late to go anyways. Golden gaze softened with a light shrug of her shoulders. Sonata herself did not privy herself to wander to the bazaar at this hour anyway. There was cleaning, the lesson planning for next school day: not to mention needing to visit the cemetery before nightfall too.

I have time to help, Her face lit up as she clapped her hands together. This meant she would be able to do the rest of her chores sooner rather than later. ’Sides, haven’t asked you about the shop yet anyways “That is true – let me grab you the broom. Just a moment!” Sonata returned as quickly as she went, extending the elongated wooden stick. Straw and coarse horse hair tied tautly at the end. The broom itself clearly had some wear to it, though she couldn’t bring herself to replace it either. “Here you are, just sweep the floors and I’ll wipe down the tables.” She couldn’t bring herself to ask him regarding the tables. Especially when it came to crafts. Crayons, glue, paint was only part of the mess.

Heard of any run by Chisaki? Family name I think. His question came as she rung out a sopping rag into a decently sized bowl before running it along the first few desks. “I may have seen it in passing I think, but it has been a while since I’ve wandered that area.” she responded casually. “Is that where you’re going?”

---

The desire to retract an offerance made still gnawed away at him and yet, for now, a tongue was held over his distaste. He had to remember. This was all for information even if it meant enduring the durgery of cleaning, of the feeling that it would never end and drag on for an eternity. Feeling which only grew as something akin to pure delight flooded the woman’s features and Fineás had to stop a lip from curling. How was someone so old still this excitable over one tiny agreement? Half sights drawn to the short clap of her hands before she was quick to retreat into the building at her back in bid for supplies. 

Drawn out sigh pulled from his lungs as a mind bid paces to follow after her, no matter how they may drag. Slow, uninterested, yet keen to keep to the half-hearted promise made. Though he’d hardly made it through the door before she rushed back with a broom already in hand. One he could not help but to stare at for a moment, judgmental of appearances before fingers seized hold of it. This was what he was meant to use? Some ratty old thing? Would this even brush aside the dust and debris that littered her classroom without having to go sweep the same spot over and over again?

Guess he had no option but to try. Little effort put into it for it was clear he held distraction, far more interest in talking rather than tending to a mess he had not made. “Pretty sure yeah,” pausing the ‘work’ he already wasn’t doing Fineás fished around in layers of clothing to pull free a folded up paper. Offering it toward the woman before he’d continue, “Mom gave me this map.” Eye rolling for he could hardly describe it as such. It was crudely drawn, almost appearing as if the boy himself had been the one to fashion it rather than the draconian.

Nothing more than vague landmarks with proclaimed warnings scrawled alongside each picture while one labeled ‘dog land’ held a figure of a woman. Scribbled and messy but easily seen to be rather well endowed, snowy tails fanning behind her, a sole red eye peering out with the other masked by hair. Labeled with nothing other than Chisaki MILF and a multitude of arrows pointing to the drawing alongside PACKAGE HERE. 

“She said it was a shop of trinkets with a foxy lady behind the counter but an old fox tended their forge. Been there for 30 somethin’ years so I bet they’re a buncha geezers.” And yet they still possessed what was needed, “Supposed to pick something up there.” Adornments for weaponry, materials to bend and shape into new structures. Each apparently more easily obtained by their claw.

---

Even if the young boy had done the bare minimum of sweeping, Sonata would have been satisfied as something was better than nothing at all. Idly she wrung out a sopping rag from a decently sized bowl of warmed water and would then begin to run the rag along the tables in circular motions. There were always some mysterious stain or odd sticky substance which came from her younger-grade classes though as a mother herself, once upon a time she knew best not to question it and simply continue to clean the chaos that ensued a few hours prior. Mom gave me this map. the boy motioned. The teacher placed the rag back into the soapy water and breifly glanced at the crudely drawn parchment.

“Oh, I see—” she motioned casually in confidence. “It’s just up around this corner here… this is the school and there is the tavern. Take the corner there on the right and its three shops down if I am not mistaken.” She smiled keenly while dismissive of the little side notes labeled in between.

She said it was a shop of trinkets with a foxy lady behind the counter but an old fox tended their forge. Been there for 30 somethin’ years so I bet they’re a buncha geezers. “I suppose that would make me a geezer then, hm?” her hands were placed on her hips then at the comment as a single brow lifted, a mirthful simper with the implication of jest tugged the corners of her lips.