Aribelle sighed, disheartened. Gazing out over the fields, their withering crops lying shriveled in the hardened dirt, she knew Esperia to be on the verge of famine.
The blight, foretold in the plot of 'Forbidden Hearts', it had come as no surprise to Aribelle. Inflicted by the second Queen of Esperia, Priscilla Vencenza, who is later revealed to be a witch. The curse that wreaks havoc over most of the kingdom's population is motivated by her unbridled ambitions towards the throne. Inspired by the obvious favoritism shown towards the late Queen's son, Prince Orion Vencenza, as apparent successor to the throne over her own son. Queen Priscilla launches a counterattack, casting the spell in the hopes that it will be perceived as an ill-omen of the Prince's future reign. In time, the deprivation of food succeeds in creating contention over the rightful heir, as well as rekindling Esperia's hostilities towards Dryden.
However, prudent in her countermeasures, Aribelle was at least comforted by the fact that many peasants had already prepared for this eventuality. Writing to Barnibus in confidence, she spun the tale; that a poorly high priest she had been attending to, heard the Goddess deem the year of the fire serpent an unfavorable year for crops. The edict spread throughout the various provincial clergymen over the years, parishioners began fill their grain stores and stock preserves in advance of the prophesied year. Parts of the story indeed true, its plausibility never came into question, but perhaps Aribelle would never admit to Barnibus that it was actually her that had foreseen the famine to come.
Concentrated in the farmlands nearest the capital, many peasants had already experienced a great loss in their first harvest. Although they were only separated from Valletta by a day's travel, Barnibus's remote parish of Myrdor had not suffered quite as severely as most. Displaying evidence of crops failing shortly after their arrival, the devastation had gradually slowed to only effect a quarter of local farmers in the village. Whilst, Cassius claimed this recovery to be a consequence of Aribelle's prolonged presence there, she remained quietly skeptical of his endorsements.
Their departure from the capital under the cover of darkness, Aribelle did not have time to mourn leaving the Abbey. Instead she accepted her peaceful new life in the remoteness of the countryside. Spending her days helping in the church and mending the villager's minor ailments. Even Cassius and Barnibus seemed to have come to an unexpected ceasefire, albeit conditional.
Recognizing Aribelle from a fare distance along the road, some women from the village waved to her amicably. Only three weeks since coming to Myrdor, it had not taken very long for her to become a noticeable figure within the community. Of course, this also meant that she had become the prominent character of many an idle gossip as well. Mostly in regard to her relationship with Barnibus, there was hardly a move Aribelle could make without it somehow being relayed to him.
"Off to pick herbs again, Aribelle?" one woman asked. Pausing on the little track to engage her in light conversation.
"Yes, I'm in need of some cherry bark and mallow. I'm afraid the seasonal illnesses will soon be upon us." replied Aribelle.
"Oh, those herbs you told me to burn in the house, really helped my breathing." Added another older woman beside her, "You really are Goddess sent!" She exclaimed, inciting murmurs of approval from the others. Smiling bashfully, Aribelle shuffled past them. Trying not to be diverted too much by their conversion, she gave them a modest reply. "Please ladies, you're too much." She remarked, "I'll be sure to give you a balm next time as well to alleviate your cough, Gladius."
Waving again as she parted from their group, Aribelle continued on her way towards the forest that bordered the village. Taking an overgrown trail that split away from the main track. Aribelle brushed aside a few branches as she entered. Many of the leaves having fallen now, there were only the muted colors of the silver spruces and a few vibrant maples that remained. Their shed leaves scattered about the ground in a carpet of reds, yellows, and oranges, they rustled under each step. Her powers flourishing, Aribelle could now easily make out the mystical beings of the forest. Most avoiding her due to Cassius's scent, they gazed at her curiously from the foliage.
Wandering further in than usual Aribelle still felt their stares as she knelt near a crop of plants. Moving some of the dry leaves that covered them. She dug her fingers into the dirt carefully to inspect their roots, before taking a spade from her sack.
Employed in her task she hadn't noticed the few pixies that cautiously crept closer. One finally coming near enough to her hand for Aribelle to realize their presence. Looking at each other mystified for a moment, it then produced a delicate buttercup from behind its back. Extending its tiny arm, it presented the gift to her nervously. "It that for me?" Aribelle asked softly. The pixie nodding shyly in response to her question, she took the flower gingerly by the stem with two fingers. Holding it to her face, Aribelle smiled gently at the creature as the vivid yellow petals lit her face like rays of sunshine.
Made ecstatic by her reaction the other pixies began to spring forth offering her other flowers. Amused by their enthusiasm, Aribelle giggled as they pulled at her cloak and climbed onto her lap in order to better catch her attention. "Thank you, these are very lovely presents." Aribelle chuckled. Then considering the flowers as formed a sizable bouquet in her hand, she made an animated frown. The pixies stopping suddenly concerned that they had upset her, Aribelle looked around at their little faces as she said, "It doesn't really seem fair that I should receive such beautiful gifts and not give you anything in return."
Pausing for moment in her pantomime, she set aside the flowers. Withdrawing a little cloth napkin from her sack. Its corners looped and tied like rabbits' ears over the top, she set it on the ground beside her. "It's not much, but we can share my snack. How does that sound?" Aribelle asked, a kind smile once again gracing her features. Untying the knot, it fell open to reveal a few chamomile biscuits and some jam. Overjoyed by her humble offering they took the pieces Aribelle broke for them. Dunking their bits of the cookies into the pot of jam, they then sat around contentedly passing the time.
So distracted by their pleasant exchange. It was not until a notable amount of time had elapsed and all of her food had been consumed, that Aribelle said "I guess, I should go back now." The pixies starting to protest, she pacified them slightly by promising, "I'll be back for more herbs another day." However, once Aribelle turned to leave, she discovered that the way in which she had come, no longer existed.