CHAPTER ONE
"Mom, can I have a Sylesti?" I asked. Sadly, I already knew her answer.
"No, Ravan." she sighed. "We have been over this."
"Not even just a Loffox? I bet I could catch one of those Bulbori who are always stealing our crops!" I pressed.
You see, I'm a farmer. My whole family has been farmers, and as my Da used to tell me, 'Every one of us was born here, lived here, and died here.' But I do dream. I want to be the first one in my family to leave Viridian Meadows. I want to meet the elves in Umbra Forest. I want to explore all of Sylestia. Anyway...
"No!" my mom, Imma, said firmly. I picked at my breakfast.
"Birgit got a Sylvorpa yesterday. It lives in her goldfish pond." I told Imma.
"Birgit's family has more money than we do. And you need a certian type of net to catch a Sylesti. They cost over a thousand gold pieces." she responded wearily.
So that's it. We don't have enough money!
"I'll go gather eggs!" I told Imma, handing her my plate.
Yes, eggs. Normal chicken eggs. Did you think we only have Sylesti in Sylestia? Yes, I know, Sylestia-Sylestia. Very funny.
I got three eggs before reaching for Birta's egg, a big speckled broody hen. I snatched the egg and was rewarded by a sharp peck. "Great." I muttered.
"Raaaa-vaaaan!!!" called a familiar voice. I poked my head out of the chicken coop to see my best friend, Birgit, walking up to me.
"Wanna come over?" she aske, her bright red curly hair bouncing.
For the first time I realize what my mother had meant. Her dress id bright blue with green leggings, and isn't pached and worn like mine. She's short, rosy, and plump, but I'm pale, and skinny. Birgit even has hair ribbons.
I held up my basket of eggs regretfully. "Sorry, but I have to bring these to Eisor's Haven Market. You can come, though!" I added as her face fell.
We walked along, Birgit gushing about yer Sylesti, Bubbles. I tried to keep the bitterness out of my replies.
"So wen are your parents getting you a pet?" she asked me. I shrugged.
"Maybe after next harvest." I forced out. Birgit fell silent thoughtfully.
"We could buy something at the market for Bubbles!" I sugested, hoping to break the tention. Strangly, Bigit did not reply. I looked over and gasped. Birgit had disappeared. |
