Darin found herself pausing in her walk as she heard what Ridahne said. The human wasn’t sure she wanted to ask to clarify things. Were they really going to train under the light of the moon? That didn’t sound like a smart way to train. What did people do on nights when there was no moon? Did they train in the dark? More importantly, if they really did train in the dark, did Ridahne really think that it was a good idea to have her, clumsy trips on everything possible Darin, to train in the dark? That just seemed like it was asking for trouble to Darin. Some would get seriously hurt.

That didn’t even take into account the fact that Darin planned on being asleep when the moon was high. It was harvest season, so even though the days were getting shorter, the sun was in the sky for a long time. Darin had stayed up late the night before. She had been up with the dawn. She didn’t plan on even starting the end of her day until the dusk. By the time the moon was high Darin would be exhausted. That would be a great combination; a tired, clumsy, Darin and a sharp, pointy, weapon. There were so many ways that could go wrong that Darin wasn’t even sure she could count them. Darin had been looking at the sun to gauge how much time the day had left before turning to look at Ridahne as the Elf moved to pump water. Had the Elf thought of those factors? If she had had she decided they didn’t matter. Darin didn’t want to bring them up. She was just so tired of fighting with Ridahne. They had fought everyday they knew each other. Grey Rock didn’t count.

Darin left Ridahne at the water pump, “I’m going to see if they need help in the kitchen.”

Enter the kitchen meant entering a busy hive of activity and chatter. Darin hadn’t even needed too ask before she was given a knife and set to cutting apples. They were green and Darin could tell that they didn’t come from The Tree. She noticed that they were being turned into pies. Darin didn’t hesitate before starting to cut and core the fruit. She soon lost herself in the methodical actions. She was not as quick as The Workers around her. She was trying to make sure she didn’t get any more injuries. When the apples were done, they moved to peaches. Then there were cherries. It seemed like today was pie day at The Farm.

When the fruit was cut up and poured into the pie crusts people began scrubbing their workstations. This was something Darin could do both quickly and with quality. She understood the importance of being clean. A person couldn’t use dirty tools after all. When her skill with cleaning was seen Darin was given the task to help clean dishes and utensils. She scrubbed while The Worker next to her rinsed. Further down the line someone dried and someone else put the dishes away. It was an efficient line. As the work was finished people were released one by one to go clean up for dinner. Darin found herself being one of the last ones released. She stayed until there was little to no work to be done.

The Siren male in charge of the kitchen told her, “You do good work Seed-Bearer.”

Darin pushed her sweaty bangs out of her face, “It needed doing. I’ll be back after dinner.”

The Siren with blonde curls and dark skin laughed lightly, “We’re on chore rotation. Some one else will come clean up after dinner. Since you worked kitchen duty, weeding, and recovery today you are permitted to rest after dinner. I sincerely doubt that you will though.” He held up a finger as if to scold her, “I don’t want to see you in the kitchen though. Go help in the stables or something.” He then shooed her out of his kitchen, “Go get cleaned up for dinner. Make sure those clothes make it to the laundry.”

Darin nodded with a smile on her face, “Yes sir!”

He called after her, “Good night Darin.”

Darin scurried up to her room to find another change of clothes and a bowl of lightly scented water. She used the water to clean up her face and arm as best she could without hurting the new stiches on her arm. She changed into the new outfit. This one fit a little better than the first one. She imagined whoever was dropping clothes off was still trying to get an idea of her size. Once Darin was dressed, she headed downstairs to the main hall. She could hear the type of chatter than came with group meals. She was starving. She hadn’t had much to eat today. She entered only to have every eye in the room turn to look at her. She waved nervously as she moved to sit in the chair next to Ravi. She imagined that there wouldn’t be much difference between last night and tonight.

Darin quietly asked, “Have you seen Ridahne? I haven’t seen her in a while.”

Ravi smiled, “I’m sure she will be down to dinner soon.”