"You're lost."

"I am not."

"You are."

"Trinket is the one driving."

"You are letting the bear lead us?

"No! That's not what I meant."

"Ask someone for directions."

"Who?"

Daire spread his arms out in an exaggerated fashion, gesturing to the identical forest they've been walking through for hours.

Violet pouted.

"Do you at least know which direction we are going?"

"Yes. North. I can tell by the sun. Unless this world's sun sets in the opposite direction..."

"No. It sets in the West."

"Then we are all good! It will just take a moment for us to exit the forest. Why don't you read one of your books? The time will pass in no time."

"That expression doesn't make sense.

"Expressions usually don't. Just trust me."

"Fine."

Violet followed his advice. It wasn't like she hated the idea.

Flying over, she perused her options. She wasn't feeling horror, and she wanted to save the romance for later.

"Mystery it is."

Sitting down and getting comfortable, she snuggled into position.

The book was titled "Pot of Silver".

One day, a man followed a rainbow and stumbled upon a cast-iron pot brimming with silver coins. A benevolent man, he brought it back home and shared the silver with the rest of the villagers. They were a poor settlement, close-knit, so spreading the extra coins was the obvious choice.

The next day, however, the man who found the pot of coins ended up dead in his bed—no apparent cause. The victim died horrified, a terrified expression drawn into an eternal rictus. The pot lay in his lap, his hands stuck to the sides, unable to be removed or pried away. The only other clue was the missing silver.

Panic spread as people believed he was killed for his coins. They rushed to find their own wealth and hide it, but the money mysteriously disappeared from their purses and pockets. Not a coin was left.

Having no other choice, the villagers buried the poor sop with the pot in an empty stretch of land outside of the village. His home became vacant and abandoned; no one wanted to live in a dead man's house.

The protagonist was a youthful traveler who fancied himself a detective. Having heard the story while passing through, he decided to take the case.

He spent three days searching high and low for any of the missing silver coins only to end up with nothing. His only other lead was the body itself and maybe the pot. Both buried in one place, he requested permission to dig up the grave. It took a while to convince everyone it was a good idea and cost him two bribes, but he dug up the body. Upon inspection, there was no sign of the cast iron pot that was supposedly immovable. The body had decayed extensively, and the cause of death was even more indeterminable. Left with no evidence or leads, the protagonist was stumped. That was when he heard the faint clinking of coins in the direction of the marsh. Tiptoeing towards the noise, Anthony-

"Violet."

"AH!"

Violet screamed, jumping out of her seat.

"AAH!"

Daire shouted, also startled.

"AAAH!

Violet screamed a second time at his reaction. Then she became aggrieved.

"Don't do that! I was just at the good part. Why did you interrupt me?"

Daire scratched the back of his head, bowing as he was berated.

"Sorry, sorry, I just thought you would want to be aware we were about to run into people."

Violet's expression came up blank.

"People?"

"Yeah. There is a road just up ahead, and I can see a covered wagon traveling it."

Daire pointed into the distance.

When did we leave the forest?

Rising into the air, she observed a rolling grassland. Squinting her eyes in the desired direction, Violet discerned a small haze in the distance. It could be a covered wagon, but... it could be just about anything else too.

"How can you see that far?"

"I used my camera."

"Oh, you're phone, right?"

"Yeah, I charged it using a spark of electricity. I was afraid to break it, but I ended up worrying for nothing. I zoomed the camera in with my fingers, see?"

Ignoring the camera, she asked another question.

"When did we leave the forest? I didn't notice at all."

"About two hours ago. You were zoned in, so I didn't bother you."

"Two hours?"

"Three if you count the hour we spent on open ground."

"..."

Daire smirked.

"I told you it would pass quickly. Wait here. I'll flag them down and ask for directions; I'll wave you guys over when I explain the giant bear."

Thrusting a thumb at the creature in question.

Violet gulped, nodding.

This is it.

Daire spoke a few words to Trinket, using broad and grand gestures. Trinket seemed to understand and stopped the cart a distance away. Daire jogged ahead to flag down the plodding carriage.

Violet twirled her fingers. Idly glancing around, she found Pebbles nearby. Nervous, she picked him up and started stroking his head, serving to coat her hand in mucus.

People...

The first people other than Daire.

=

Daire waved them forward.

"Come on, Trinket. Lets go. No eating them."

Violet pointed a sticky finger at the bear. Trinket huffed and pulled the cart forward. The covered wagon appeared in full view, not as large as she initially projected—no horses pulling at the front, just a lame donkey. Sitting in the front holding reins was an older man, tanned by years of work under the sun. Built considerably large, his gaze was at odds with his greyed hair, hardened and alert. A child peeked out from inside the carriage.

Violet stopped Trinket several yards away.

"See, I told you he's well trained!"

"So you weren't lying when you said a bear pulled your cart. Why don't you have a normal horse?"

Daire lifted his hands in a helpless gesture, shaking his head.

"You see, I did, but then the bear over there ate it. So, I made him pull the cart instead. Only took a couple of whacks on the head before he was docile."

Daire patted his biceps.

Trinket snorted.

Violet could see skepticism in the old man's eyes, but he didn't speak it. The young child's eyes were shining, mouth hinged open.

"His name is Trinket. I named him after another bear I know. And this..."

Daire gestured for Violet to fly up. Violet complied, cautiously floating out into a view while holding pebbles in her arms.

"...is my partner. Violet. That little frog she is holding is Pebbles, by the way."

The old man's fuzzy eyebrows lifted.

"A fairy?"

"I'm a Pixie. My name's Violet. It's nice to meet you."

Violet performed a subdued curtsy. Unsure of the correct action at present.

"Ah. My apologies, little miss. I've never seen a pixie before. Name's Brom. This little whippersnapper is Charlie."

Brom gave a small grin, pointing his thumb to the child half-leaning out of the vehicle, his eyes practically sparkling.

Violet turned to the boy. He was only about five or six.

"Wow! A Fairy!"

Violet's eyebrow twitched but let it slide since it was a child.

"How are you flying? Are those wings? They are made of paper. Your hair is so pretty! How old are you? Is that a little frog? Do fairies..."

The boy continued rambling questions. Violet was mildly overwhelmed by the intense curiosity being directed her way.

"Charles. Stop pestering her. Go count the grains over there and give me an accurate count. Grandpa has to talk business."

The child deflated like a balloon.

"Yes, Papa."

Violet was glad the intense question session ended but also felt a little sorry for the boy.

"Sorry about that. His curiosity gets the better of him. You said you were a traveling merchant, right? That explains the strange clothes... I am afraid we don't have much coin to spare. We are simple farmers."

Brom bowed his head to Violet then shifted focus to Daire.

"Ah, you see, we traveled so far that we aren't even sure where we are. I'll happily trade some meat for some information and samples of your seeds. I assume you have at least a few you can spare. I have a large number of rabbits that I need to pawn off. They're stupid and won't run away even if they are let out to roam. If you don't want to eat them, you can simply keep one as a pet."

Daire went into his pitch. Experimenting.

Brom was rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"It's true that meat is rare these days. If they come alive, we can keep them longer. Charles was complaining that he wanted a dog..."

Violet was momentarily surprised the pitch was working. Then her thinking changed.

If they're vegetable farmers, they likely don't have much livestock. This was evident in the worn-down donkey that was pulling the cart. It was breathing hard and seemed so sickly it didn't notice the giant predator sniffing it. It didn't sound like there was any poultry in the back either.

"I can offer you one out of goodwill. You're the first humans we've run into in a long time. I'll trade two more in exchange for basic geographic information and enough seeds to start a small garden. No coins necessary. What do ya say?"

Daire held out a hand.

Brom was rubbing his chin but quickly came to a conclusion. Reaching out his hand.

"Deal. A few seeds are worth the meat. And any information I sell you could be found anywhere.'

"Perfect! Just a moment."

Violet watched as Daire peeled off and moved to the cage. Unlatching the top shelf, he reached in and grabbed a grey-spotted rabbit, nose twitching curiously. Daire returned, gift outstretched. Brom hesitatingly reached out and grabbed the rabbit, his bushy eyebrows raised to reveal his thin eyes.

"It really is docile, huh?"

"Completely. Although if you hurt it, they will squeal and try to run away. If you use it for meat, make the death quick."

Daire's voice became slightly more somber as he continued speaking. Remembering. He got out of his head quickly.

"Now, with just a few seeds and answered questions, I will grab the other two."

"Not a problem. Charles! Pick several of each type of seed and put them in a pouch. Can you do that for me?"

"But I haven't finished counting the grain yet."

Brom looked like he wanted to slap himself, but his hands were full of bunny.

Groaning.

"Forget about that. Gather the seeds, please."

"Yes, Papa."

Violet smiled. She liked these people.

"Now, as for your questions, ask away. Just keep in mind that we don't know much."

Daire shook his head.

"That won't be a problem. I am only interested in geography and news. If you can direct me to the nearest settlement, that would be great. If you know any major news about the world, that would be great too."

"Oh, that it? Hahahah!"

Brom chortled, setting down the rabbit next to him. This deal really was in his favor!

He pointed a thick finger behind him.

"Back that way, about two hours, is a town called Milton. It's small-ish, but I do know they would be interested in meat. There was a disease last year that killed off a lot of cattle. A buddy of mine lost his farm because of it."

He made a sign with a religious origin.

"As for news... Other than the cattle dying off, the only major news was of a failed expedition. The Kingdom sent some men North, but they came back with barely anyone left. Not sure what happened. I just overheard it while in the market."

Violet stiffened. She knew that "expedition".

Daire seemed less phased.

"I see. I see. Thank you, that helps a lot. It would have been terrible if we chose the other direction!"

Charles came out to the front holding a small pouch.

"Here, Papa."

"Thanks, Charles."

Brom handed the pouch to Daire, who received it with a nod. He opened it to check its contents before closing it again.

"Thank you kindly. Let me grab you two more rabbits."

Dare moved back to the cart, placing the pouch of seeds in the storage area near his backpack. Moving to the front, he picked out two more rabbits, one grey and one white. Carrying them both back by the scruff of their necks, Daire handed one to Brom and another to Charlie. The boy's eyes glittered with amazement. Reaching out, he grabbed the rabbit, petting its soft fur while it just nibbled away on a piece of grass.

Completely attached already. Violet didn't think that Brom would be able to separate them.

Daire whispered a few words to Brom that she couldn't hear. Judging from how Brom's eyebrows went paragliding, it must be good news.

Daire nodded, starting to turn away. He stopped, remembering something else.

"Do you happen to know how non-humans are treated in Milton?"

Brom tilted his head a bit but then looked to Violet. Understanding.

"There shouldn't be any trouble. We get non-humans around here often, and there are residents of Milton who aren't human. I believe they have good relations with the non-human villages farther East... Not that I've ever gone that far."

Violet noticed that Daire's shoulders relax. Bowing, Daire responded.

"Thank you for all your help. Stay safe."

"Safe travels."

Violet bowed again., wishing them farewell.

Brom spurred his donkey, the carriage rolling away. Charles appeared in the back, waving joyfully.

Smiling, Violet and Daire waved.

=

"Why did you bow so much?"

"You started it. Why did you bow?"

"I curtsied. There is a difference."

"You bowed at the end there."

"So did you!"

"I don't really isn't an issue."

"But why do you do it?"

Daire cracked his neck. Listing on his fingers.

"It is polite. There is no down-side. People usually like you better. It shows respect and recognition. And all merchants bow their head often."

"Really?"

"No."

Daire felt Violet's stare singe.

"They bow more often in some cultures. I watch a lot of eastern dramas where people bow. I guess I picked it up from them."

"Why couldn't you say that at the start?"

"Why did you ask?"

"I was curious..."

Trinket mooed, interrupting them.

Daire ruffled the fur behind Trinket's ear.

Trinket panted.

"You did good, buddy. Thanks for not eating his ass."

"..."

"..."

"That came out wrong. I meant the donkey."

Violet reached her spot on the cart and watched as Brom and Charlie moved away towards the northeast, taking a small branching road. Daire's group started to head West along the dirt road. Violet was glad the first other humans she met were such respectable people. She was also impressed by the way Daire handled the situation. Not shy in the least.

Violet was confused about one point, however.

"Why didn't you ask them any more questions? Like about how money works, or if there are monsters in the area?"

Daire was walking alongside the cart, going through the seeds, picking out a few before replacing them. He was examining a larger orange specimen while he answered Violet.

"We can get more information once we reach the town in a couple of hours. This road is well-traveled enough for the grass and vegetation to have disappeared, and Brom was also relaxed enough to take Charles out with him. What does that tell you."

Violet pondered.

"He is confident that this area is safe."

"Ding-Ding-Ding! Right-o-mundo. They were only farmers, so asking them for the coin would be akin to robbery. We successfully made a good impression. So, if someone asks, he will only have good things to say. He may mention we are a strange duo, but not overtly different if there are non-humans who frequent the area."

Daire was gloating.

"It was better to just make a good acquaintance. We have plenty of rabbits. Besides, these seeds are worth quite a lot to us."

Violet linked the smirk on Daire's face to evil villains as they unveiled their plans.

"For a few useless rabbits, we now know which direction to head in and got confirmation that the information I transported with is true. I can't think of a better deal!"

Violet's mood lightened. It was nice to see Daire finally having fun.

Daire paused in his tracks. Exclaiming, he grabbed at his hair.

"AH! We forgot to come up with a name!"

Violet was confused at the sudden shift in his attitude.

"A name?"

"Yes, a name!"

Daire ran to the back of the cart. Violet followed close behind, seeing Daire already carving away. A drawing depicted Willow being struck by a lightning bolt. Underneath the carving was a blank rectangular box. Daire was slapping his hand to this section.

"I made this drawing, the cart, the business, yet we still haven't named it all! How is Brom supposed to recommend us to others if he only knows our first names? We need a catchy business name that will draw in customers and echo across the land!"

Violet understood, but not to the degree to which he was flustered. She just had to choose a name, right?

"How about Willy Light?"

Daire's expression drooped. He appeared to be struggling internally.

For quite a long time.

A really long time.

Daire was making grunting noises and fidgeting like he ate some bad mushrooms.

Violet didn't understand what was wrong. Willy was another name for Willow, and Light was short for Lightning. It could also reference Light, the wolf. It was perfect and it only took a second to think about. Was there another meaning she didn't know about?

"I'm sorry. I just can't do it... How about Violet Spark Trading?"

"I suppose... but I really don't see what with wrong with-"

"I get it. I get it. I do. It's just I can't accept your suggestion. Not this time. What are your thoughts on Violet Spark Trading instead?"

Violet put a finger to her chin. Wouldn't people be confused if she told them her name? Would they assume her last name was Spark?

"I am okay with it, but you have to answer a question for me."

Daire looked mortified but nodded anyway.

"Do you have a middle name?"

Daire blinked twice, expecting he would have to explain something else entirely. However, his face quickly paled, and he turned his head aside. Whispering.

"..."

"What was that?"

"..."

"I'm sorry?"

"Augustus."

"Augustus?"

"Yeah... That's my middle name."

"You're name is Daire Augustus King?"

Daire nodded, his face burning with color.

"I think it's cute."

Arrows struck him. Piercing.

More mumbling.

Seeing the conversation wasn't going anywhere, Violet retreated awkwardly. Daire stayed at the back, carving in the new letters of their business. She could vaguely hear him muttering.

"Parents might as well have named me Ignatius... No difference... Say my initials with an accent and..."

Violet decided to leave him alone. She seemed to hit a nerve.