Aiden never saw himself as an affectionate person. Aside from his horse. He was absolutely fine with showing affection to his horse. But ever since Mabel came into his life, well, his home, he’s become so used to it. At least until now! He could barely focus on driving. Mabel ended up taking the reins. Is this something normal people do? He thought Is it ok if I do it back? Would she get mad? He peeked at her, maybe her face would have an answer. Instead, it provided more questions. Like: Why is she so cute? Why are her eyes so pretty? And of course, Would it be alright if I just kiss her now? He shook the thought out of his head. Cursing himself for having those thoughts. She’s probably just sentimental because of her Father… It upset him a bit. He hoped she was at least comfortable with him by now.

He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn’t realize the wagon going faster, and faster...and faster, “Aiden!” Henry had gotten out of control and was speeding towards the town they were supposed to stop at. But at this point, Henry would blow past it.

Aiden took the reins right away and yelled at Henry to stop in a tongue Mabel didn’t recognize. Henry immediately stopped by a ranch and whinnied. A large creature came running out of the Barnhouse and barreled right towards them. Mabel screamed and grabbed Aiden’s arm bracing to be eaten. Instead, there was nothing. The large tiger-like animal was licking Henry. And not in an ‘I am going to have you for dinner’ sort of way. Well, at least not in the literal context. Aiden released Henry from the wagon and they both went off together in the field to play.

“Aiden!!” An older woman came out of the farmhouse waving him over.  Aiden brought Mabel with him and introduced her to his friend Junni. She was a loud and plucky kind of person. But a very warm presence at the same time. It reminded Mabel of someone, “Is this your new mate?” The old woman, she reminded her of the old woman back in town.

“J-Junni!” Aiden became a blushing blue mess, “She-she’s my...um…” What were they exactly? Is it ok to say we’re friends?

“I’m his servant.” Junni gave him a cold glare and began taking a spatula to hit him, “I made a contract with him!” She interrupted, “It’s fine.” Junni gave her a curious look and put the weapon away.

“Junni,” she held her hand out and Mabel took it.

“Mabel,”

Junni gave a loud whistle and the large animal that charged at them earlier came to her, “Mabel, this is Sunji. He’s very gentle.” In a lower voice, she whispered to him, “Sunji, act cute and apologize.” Mabel took a risk and gently lay her hand on the animal’s fluffy mane. Up close, it was rather cute. Well, to her at least. Sunji was a unique Manticore. They had the head of a wolf, mane of a lion, and body of a tiger. His tail seemed to have been cut off a while ago but she assumed it would be a scorpion’s tail. The telltale sign of a Manticore, “He’s a rescue you know. We think some poachers may have taken his tail off.”

“Yeah, I heard their venom is used for the ‘Drop of Sunshine’ wine.”

“You know about it?” Mabel nodded, “Did Aiden tell you?”

“No, my great grandparents traded in the wine.”

“Huh,” She took a look at Aiden, “You’ve got a keeper.” She gave him a sly wink and he blushed.

“I-I’m gonna go get your things!” Aiden ran to the back of the wagon and Mabel ran after him.

Once all of Jenni’s orders were placed in her home she came back out with his payment and a bottle of wine, “From one connoisseur to another.” She handed Mabel the large bottle. She held it like a baby in the hopes she wouldn’t drop it on the way home, “You know if you get Aiden drunk enough he’d cuddle with you.” Mabel blushed and took a quick look at Aiden, “Or, maybe a little more than cuddling.”

“He-he! It’s not like that!” she shrieked.

“Sure hon.” She gave her a cheeky smile and waved them off.