Blessings Bestowed By The Moon Goddess

Chapter 1: Day In, Day Out

In the village of Arden, nestled near the Blackwood Forest, tales of legendary creatures had been passed down through generations. The villagers spoke of a pack of werewolves that haunted the forest under the glow of the silver moon. Though unseen, their haunting howls filled the night, dissuading most from venturing too deep into the woods. Additionally, there were rumors of other mystical beings, such as witches, fairies, and elves, spotted in the area.

On the outskirts of the forest stood a majestic cabin adorned with vibrant purple wisteria flowers, a symbol of beauty and enchantment. It took half a day's journey by horse to reach the nearest small town, surrounded by several plots of fertile soil dedicated to farming. The majority of these plots were teeming with life, boasting an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This bountiful farm belonged to a mother and her beloved daughter, who diligently tended to the crops and crafted minor remedies to sell to neighboring towns.

In this idyllic setting, a middle-age woman with beautifully Sunkissed skin, a few wrinkles near the corners of her eyes the only showed when she flashed one of the most gentle smiles you’ve ever seen big and bright the kind that’s so contagious you couldn’t help but smile back. She calls for her daughter, Lila. Rosaline’s long blonde hair tied back about halfway down her back to keep it in one bundle, was neatly covered by a handkerchief at the top of her head to keep it away from her face. She wore a simple brown dress with short sleeves, a beige apron, and well-worn black boots. Rosaline had been diligently tending to her garden, carefully pulling out weeds and gathering a pile of grass nearby.

"Lila dear, I could use your help in the garden," Rosaline called out affectionately to her daughter, her voice filled with warmth and love. "Lila, could you please fetch me a basket? I want to store these dandelions instead of throwing them in the compost pile," Rosaline requested, looking up at her beloved daughter. Lila, wearing a similar dress to her mother’s with a semi sheer beige hood and long sleeves made of the same material, looks down at her mother who sitting in that Garden plot and says “mother you’ve been working hard today. Why don’t we take a break and go in for lunch plus I think Jack could use a break he’s not used to all this manual labor all in one go “she says with a little giggle and points towards their hired hand, Jack who is leaning against his shovel seemingly out of breath. Jack looks over hearing Lila‘s comment and says “I’m sorry Lila not everyone has as much stamina as you. I think I seen you feed all of the animals this morning as well as harvest any of the vegetables that were ripe. Just watching you push that wheelbarrow up and down all the rows made me exhausted!” Jack looks at the plot. He’s just about finished with he only had a few more rows to go.” I want to finish up these last three rows and then I’ll be in for lunch if that’s where you guys are heading”

Reluctantly, Rosaline sighed and agreed, allowing Lila to help her up from the garden bed. Lila's mother brushed off her dress, and told Jack that Work can wait long enough for him to come and have a sandwich and drink a glass of tea. Together the three of them walked towards the cabin. As they walked to the cabin, Jack made his normal jokes about how overly energetic Lila was and Lila laughed off his comments with a sarcastic eye roll, and kept planning on what she was going to make for lunch.

The farm had undergone significant changes since Jack first arrived, Lila and Roslyn had initially thought he had come to pay his respects to Lila‘s grandmother, but instead, Jack had asked if they had needed a hired hand for the season. News had spread to the town about the passing of Lila's grandmother during the harsh winter due to her what they believe was a pneumonia. Despite their best efforts to treat her condition with the medicine they made, the unusually long and cold winter depleted their herb supply, leaving them without the necessary ingredients. Lila shook off her thoughts of the past and found herself in the kitchen, slicing bread and preparing a light lunch with fresh butter, cured meats, and vegetables. You could hear Jack groaning and delay as he takes his first bite. ”I don’t know how you do it but I think anything that comes off this farm always taste 100 times better than anything I can buy in town.” The three of them sit down, finish their lunch together and then head back to their perspective chores.

Lila convinced Rosaline to stay inside and sort the dried herbs into packages, ensuring she rested and didn't return to the garden the rest of the day. Meanwhile, Jack resumed his assigned tasks for the afternoon. He spent five days a week working on the farm and headed to town on weekends to restock the local apothecaries, vegetable stands and butchers with their goods and bring back the proceeds. Jack is well trusted due to him basically growing up side-by-side with Lila. Jack stayed in a spare room provided by Lila and Rosaline in their cabin after he was hired.

As Lila reflected on Jack's background as part of a family of hunters and trappers, she recognized that their livelihood revolved around trading meats and furs. Jack never displayed any interest in farming. Lila believed that the primary reason Jack was here to help was due to the long-standing relationship between their families. It's possible that he felt a sense of guilt for not coming to check on them more near the end of that harsh winter or sympathy after Lila's grandmother's passing and wanted to ensure a smooth transition for their family.

Lila knew that Jack made more money from collecting and trading fur, so his assistance wasn't motivated by financial gain. Additionally, he would occasionally go hunting and bring back deer or rabbits when their meat supply was running low. Growing up together, Lila and Jack shared many experiences. Jack's mother would sometimes stay with them while his father went hunting in the nearby woods. Given the protective nature of Lila's grandmother and mother, Jack's family was one of the very few that they were particularly close to.

With these thoughts in mind, Lila finished her chores outside, bringing in dandelions and herbs for her mother to sort and dry. Separating the pedals, stems, leaves, as well as the roots all for different uses. The animals had watered and Lila began preparing supper. mother asked if there was anything special she wanted for her upcoming birthday, and Lila replied that she wasn't sure at the moment but would let her know if she thought of something.

Lila's mind drifted back to a cherished memory from her childhood—a story her mother had shared with her on her ninth birthday. It was a tale of adventure and enchantment, set in a time when her mother had become lost in the vast woods while searching for seasonal wild mushrooms, with her own mother. After days of wandering and barely surviving off of the wild berries and the other limited things she knew were safe to eat that she would find in the woods, she stumbled upon a hidden gem—a breathtaking garden, meticulously tended by a kind-hearted man. He took her in, providing solace and care during her time there. Lila's mother spent many blissful weeks in that magical haven learning, all she could, from the man about different herbs there medical uses, different ways of gardening and ways to preserve food. Then one day, She had woken up on the edge of the woods ,her mother’s cabin insight, after many attempts she had been unable to find her way back to the garden and the man she had fallen in love with. She returned home, carrying with her the cherished memories of that garden and the man who had shown her such kindness.

Before bidding farewell, the man entrusted Lila's mother with a collection of carefully labeled herbs and remedies. Unbeknownst to him, he also bestowed upon her an even more precious gift—a baby girl, whom she named Lila. Interrupted from her thoughts, Lila felt her mother's comforting hand on her shoulder “ Lila why don’t you go freshen up I’ll finish making supper.” Lila glanced at the simmering cauldron and mentioned that she had already already prepared the meat and vegetables for a rabbit stew. Before leaving the kitchen, she swiftly mixed a batch of sourdough dough and set it near the fire to rise. Her mother playfully urged her to take a break, reminding her that she’s also very capable of doing those things.

In her bedroom, Lila closed the door and took a moment to appreciate the layout of their humble cabin. It boasted four bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, a dining room, and a cozy sitting area for the family. Adjacent to the kitchen was a well-stocked storage room filled with herbs, apples, potatoes, molasses, honey, and an assortment of preserved fruits and vegetables—providing everything their small family needed. They even had a meat cellar for their cured and smoked meats. Above the kitchen, a small loft housed Lila's mother's neatly organized collection of herbs and dried goods, ready for sale or personal use. Additionally, they had a decent-sized bathing room with a soaking tub and a fireplace to warm the water.

Lila opted for a simple basin of room temperature water she had gathered earlier in the day. She refreshed herself, changing into a dark blue dress reserved for home wear. As she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she noticed her pale white roots, about a quarter inch long, contrasting with her golden blonde hair. The idea of dyeing her hair with a mixture of turmeric, dandelions, and other herbs to create a yellow tint crossed her mind. It wasn't that she didn't love her natural white hair, but rather a desire to avoid drawing attention and being mistaken for a fairy or witch by the villagers. Unfortunately, Fae were not always welcomed in the nearby villages. With a sigh, she examined her eyes—a dark, murky gray without any distinct color. Although she yearned for more vibrant eyes, she had come to accept her unique appearance. Lila noticed her slender frame and well-toned muscle, a testament to her outdoor work. Lila also noticed she had her sleeves up a bit too long today she had a bit sunburn on her forearm. She used an herbal balm she kept on her dresser for these regular occurrences. Lila applied the cream dye to her roots and allowed it to sit for a moment before rinsing it away. She brushed her hair and made her way to the dining area, ready to join her mother and enjoy the meal they had prepared together.

Stepping into the dining area, Lila was greeted by the enticing aroma of the rabbit stew that filled the air. Her grandmother, Rosaline, bustled around the table, setting out bowls and utensils. The room exuded warmth and coziness, with a crackling fireplace casting a soft glow on the wooden furniture. Her mother had only set two plates told Lila Jack decided to head to town early instead of waiting for tomorrow morning.

As Lila took her seat, she couldn't help but admire the spread before her. The rabbit stew bubbled in a large, cast-iron pot, brimming with tender chunks of meat and vibrant vegetables. Its savory scent wafted through the room, tantalizing her taste buds. The table was also adorned with freshly baked sourdough bread, still warm from the fire, and a bowl of crisp garden salad, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

The two of them enjoyed their meal, savoring the rich flavors of the rabbit stew and sopping up the delicious broth with chunks of crusty bread. Lila couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures in life—good food, the warmth of family, and the comfort of their cozy cabin.

After dinner, as they cleared the table together, Lila's mother expressed her pride in Lila's cooking skills and her dedication to helping maintain the farm. They washed the dishes, chatting and laughing as they worked side by side. Lila felt a deep sense of love and appreciation for her mother, who had taught her so much about life, food, and the importance of relying on one another.