It was on the chilly winter’s day that Aislynn led four of his families last remaining sheep to market. The poor creatures were well fed for the moment, but if they remained they would fade like the rest. Urging them along by the collared ropes around their necks, he plodded along the porous path. Just a few days prior the snow had been thick on the roads, causing this trip to be delayed, but now all that remained was muddied slush.
Taking the edge of his scarf in his free hand, the bitter centaur wrapped the warm fabric around his neck and lower face. His gloves he’d had to sell, along with his coat and most of the little things he had taken for granted, but the scarf he could keep. It was patched, worn, and had odd stains – stains he’d made in youth, when he was young enough to believe the maker of the scarf would never be taken from him.
Aislynn gave a sharp tug to the rope, causing the sheep to bleat and scurry. He’d rather have his money for the damn things and be back home, working on repairs. What a nuisance.
Rosabella sighed heavily, and pulled her sweater tighter. She wasn't very fond of the cold. As invigorating as it could be, she preferred the warm spring and summer winds. At the moment, she had a knapsack on her back. It contained various fruits and vegetables that her mother had grown. Even in the cold winter, the feline could supply the family with fresh food all the time. When they had excess, Rosabella was sent to the market to sell it.
Her ears perked when she heard the sound of sheep. She paused, realizing she was coming up behind someone. Pushing her hat up from her face, she giggled softly at how cute the sheep were. Yet... there was distress in the air. Was that from the sheep, or the centaur pulling them along? Still, she picked up her pace a little. "Excuse me. Would you mind if I joined you?" she asked pleasantly, giving her sweetest smile. "I find a walk goes much quicker when there's company around."
Aislynn had been lost in brooding when the strange cervitaur had trotted up behind him. A market goer as well, it seemed. Her pursed his lips in a stern line. "It's an open road. You may do as you like." If he was lucky she would keep her mouth shut for the duration of the trip, or if the blessings of old were truly upon him she'd buy the damn sheep.
"That may be so, but you are less likely to attract bandits if you're quiet."
Ears perking, Rosabella looked around, up and down the road. ...Bandits? Frowning slightly, she looked to the stranger again before she brightened up once more. "We'll also be less likely to be targeted if we're together!" she announced happily, though she did keep her voice at a softer level. Yes. This guy was definitely the burdened aura she'd gotten a hint of. She could read it in his posture, and the gruff voice. If only she had powers like her mother... Tail twitching, she looked down at the sheep and smiled sadly. They didn't seem all to pleased about their situation either.
"Or they may assume we're part of a caravan." He quipped, tugging on the reigns so that his sheep wouldn't veer off into the bushes for the snack they bleated for. Today had obviously gotten worse; a lot worse. Her overall attitude was much too chipper for him, and left Aislynn yearning for his farm, gold or no gold.
The sheep, however, had turned their attentions to the nicer being. One started to sniff Rosabella, while it's sisters mosied around her, more curious than afraid.
Rosabella sighed, though she still smiled. "There are too many ifs, buts, and ors to worry about. If it'll make you feel better, I'll be qui-" of course, that's when she realized the sheep were inspecting her, and she inhaled a delighted gasp. "Hello, dear ones," she cooed, reaching down to pet an ear of the one sniffing her. "Your wool is so soft! And look at your sweet little faces~ <33" She giggled more as one gave her hand a curious lick, which she rewarded with more ear petting.
Aislynn nodded his head. Though she seemed stubborn enough, she could see reason, so there was hope. Or so he had thought. With an almost horrified realization, he watched the interactions between female and farm animals. The sheep seemed to eat up the attention, giving into soft baas and nuzzling her hand. The one whose ear she rubbed closed it's eyes in comfort. "If you've got such an affinity for them, why not purchase them?"
Her brow rose at the suggestion, and she looked up at the male in surprise. "Buy them?" She looked back down at the sheep and smiled. "I don't have any coin right now, but..." She looked back at her pack. Hmmm. Having sheep wouldn't be such a bad idea... "Would you take this for them?" she asked as she slipped the pack off. She opened the flap and held it out for the male to see the produce within.
Aislynn halted his group to a slow canter as he peered into her pack. While it wasn't gold, she had the food of summer, which was something his family wouldn't see in a while. It might be a welcome break from turnips and potatoes. "I'll accept. None of this is bruised, is it?" He held the leads out loosely before him, watching as the sheep already began to circle around her.
Rosabella's eyes widened. Four lovely sheep for a pack for produce! She could hardly believe it! "No bruising at all! My mother grew these, so they last longer than most produce as well." She looked from the pack to the sheep and back to the pack as she took the leads from the male's grasp. "...You know, this trade feels a bit uneven. Would you like to meet up in a few days so I can give you another bag like that?"
"Strong boasting does your goods a disservice." For all he knew her words could be lies, but he had to choice. "That...would do well." In truth, he had been willing to see the shorter end of the bargain, seeing as he didn't have much further to go down, but this was a great boon. He would take as much produce from the girl as he could without being outright villainous and hoard it at home.
Rosa's brow knit slightly. "As long as the so-called boast doesn't prove false, it isn't a disservice at all," she replied confidently. Still, she was glad to hear him accept the offer. "Good! Where should I meet you then? Have you been walking long?"
Touche. She was set in her beliefs, that was for sure. Aislynn found that just as taxing as her abundant enthusiasm for life. It was obvious she hadn't lived outside of her parents world for long.
"Back down the path, on a small road called Fallstaff is a farm. It's the only farm on the road, so it isn't easily missed and isn't far from here. You may meet me there. I don't have the time to waste to meet you back out here again."
Blinking a few times, Rosa slowly nodded. "If you say so." Still, she couldn't hold on to her put off feelings. "You live on a farm. ...Would you like an extra hand, if you're so busy?"
