James let the heavier conversation fade and tilted his head slightly. "So, what's a normal day like for you out here?"
Aria glanced out the window, as if considering the question. "Depends on the season," she said. "But most days start early. We gather water from the river, tend to the herb garden, and forage for food in the forest."
James nodded, picturing the rhythm of life here—simple but demanding. "Sounds peaceful," he mused. "But doesn't it get boring?"
Aria scoffed. "If you call hunting, fishing, and making sure the creatures of the forest don't overstep their boundaries boring, then maybe."
James raised an eyebrow. "Creatures of the forest?"
Aria shrugged, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Not all of them are friendly. Some need a little convincing to stay in their place."
James chuckled, impressed by the idea of her warding off stubborn animals. "And I suppose you're the one doing the convincing?"
She grinned. "Someone has to."
James exhaled, letting himself settle into the moment. The forest had its dangers, but for Aria, it seemed like home in every sense.
Aria tilted her head, thinking for a moment before a small smirk tugged at her lips. "There was this one time," she started, amusement flickering in her eyes, "when a squirrel decided to wage war against me."
James raised an eyebrow. "A squirrel?"
She nodded, crossing her arms. "The little menace stole an entire basket of berries right from under my nose. I chased it through half the forest, convinced I'd outsmart it."
James chuckled. "Let me guess—you lost?"
Aria groaned, rolling her eyes. "Not exactly. I managed to corner it near the riverbank, but instead of surrendering, it launched itself at my face. I fell backward, straight into the water."
James laughed outright, picturing the scene. "And the squirrel?"
Aria sighed dramatically. "It sat on a branch and watched me struggle, like it had won some grand victory."
James shook his head, still grinning. "Sounds like the real ruler of the forest."
Aria huffed. "I don't like to admit it, but... maybe."
James chuckled, enjoying the unexpected story.
James smirked, shaking his head at the squirrel story. "That's a good one," he admitted. "Got any more?"
Aria thought for a moment, then grinned. "Well, there was this one time I tried to catch a fish with my bare hands."
James raised an eyebrow. "Sounds ambitious."
"Oh, it was," she said, rolling her eyes. "Grandfather told me about some old technique—how if you stay completely still, the fish won't notice you. So, naturally, I thought I could pull it off."
James leaned in slightly, intrigued. "Let me guess. You didn't stay still?"
Aria groaned. "I did! For a while. Until the fish got close enough to grab."
"And then?"
She sighed dramatically. "It slipped right through my fingers, smacked me in the face, and I fell backward into the river. Again."
James laughed, shaking his head. "You and water don't seem to get along."
Aria huffed. "I get along with it just fine—when it's not actively trying to humiliate me."
James chuckled, enjoying the lighthearted exchange.
Aria stretched slightly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear as she stood. "I should get back to my chores," she said, her voice carrying the faintest hint of reluctance. "Grandfather will have me collecting herbs all morning if I don't hurry."
James smirked slightly but nodded. He wasn't about to keep her from her tasks—not after hearing how much she did to keep things running.
She lingered for a moment, then glanced back at him. "I'll visit again at lunch," she added before turning toward the door.
James watched as she stepped outside, leaving him with the quiet hum of the forest and the lingering warmth of their conversation.
As soon as Aria left, James turned his attention back to the stack of books beside him. His muscles still ached, but his mind was sharp—resting wouldn't do him much good if he could spend the time learning instead.
He picked up the next book, flipping through the pages with careful fingers. More diagrams, more neatly written notes detailing the uses of various plants and minerals. Some were simple remedies—ways to treat wounds, soothe fever, or dull pain—but others hinted at something more advanced.
Poisons. Enhancements. Mixtures that could sharpen reflexes or even numb emotions.
James furrowed his brows, studying a particular entry detailing a rare herb that, when refined correctly, could drastically boost stamina—but if prepared incorrectly, could turn deadly.
The depth of knowledge here wasn't just survival—it was mastery.
Why would a simple herbalist keep records like this?
He exhaled, shifting slightly against the bedding, his mind turning over the possibilities. Whatever secrets this place held, he was beginning to realize they ran deeper than he first thought.
James settled in, adjusting his position to ease the dull ache in his body. He flipped through the pages, absorbing every detail, every intricately written note about herbal properties, mixtures, and applications.
As he delved deeper, he found something particularly intriguing—entries on advanced refining techniques. Some herbs could be enhanced beyond their natural state, their effects magnified with the right process. One passage described a method to increase physical recovery speed, using a combination of rare roots and minerals.
James took mental notes, his fingers tracing over the careful sketches. If he could master this knowledge, he wouldn't just recover faster—he'd be stronger, more prepared for whatever lay ahead.
He continued reading, the quiet hum of the forest beyond serving as a steady backdrop.
James lost himself in the pages, the intricacies of herbal refinement pulling him deeper into thought. Hours passed, the soft rustling of leaves outside blending with the occasional chirp of birds. His body still ached, but the knowledge he was absorbing felt like an advantage—a way to turn his recovery into something more than just waiting.
Then, the scent of something rich and smoky drifted into the hut.
James glanced up just as Aria stepped inside, carrying a wooden plate with perfectly grilled fish resting atop it. The golden-brown skin glistened slightly, the aroma teasing his senses.
She set the plate down beside him with a small smirk. "Studying hard?" she asked, eyeing the stack of books with mild amusement.
James stretched slightly, wincing but refusing to let the discomfort show too much. "Might as well make use of the time," he said, eyeing the fish. "But I think I've been outmatched by this."
Aria chuckled, sitting down beside him. "It's fresh from the river," she said. "You'll need the strength."
James picked up a piece, the warmth settling in his fingertips. His hunger caught up to him quickly, and as he took the first bite, the savory taste melted onto his tongue.
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