As Harold and Mary arrived back at the house, Carol was already waiting by the door, her face lighting up at the sight of them. She hurried forward, embracing Harold tightly. “Oh, thank goodness you're home!” she said with a warm laugh, then reached out to pat Mary’s head affectionately.

Harold grinned, his voice full of pride. “Dearie, look what we brought back today! Our Mary here is a proper lucky charm!”

Carol gasped as Harold showed her the nearly empty baskets and the small pouch jingling with coins. “My lord, that’s more than usual! Did you sell everything?”

Mary blushed, unable to hold back a wide grin. “Almost everything, Mama. Papa says I’m his good luck charm.”

Carol laughed, her hands going to her growing belly as she looked at Harold. “Well, I’ll not argue with that! Our Mary’s growing up to be quite the helper.”

Harold went on, recounting the busy market, the demanding customers, and how their items sold out faster than usual. Mary chimed in now and then, adding her own details about the bustling stalls and friendly faces.

Then Harold handed a bundle wrapped in cloth to Mary. “Here, lass. Take this inside—it’s the rabbits Duncan gave us. I skinned them earlier at the market, so they’re ready for cooking.”

Carol took the bundle from Mary with a pleased expression. “How generous! That gruff hunter may be unsettling with those ember eyes of his, but at least he’s kind.”

Harold chuckled as he began unloading the rest of the wagon. “Aye, unsettling’s one word for him. But I’ll take his coin and his game any day.”

Carol placed the meat on the kitchen counter, already thinking of how to prepare it. “Well, I’ll make a fine stew with this. Mary, go wash up, and I’ll let you help me if you’d like.”

Mary nodded eagerly, her heart still warm from the day’s success. Harold and Carol exchanged a quick, knowing glance, their happiness glowing in the cozy home that stood as a safe haven amidst the uncertainty of the world beyond.

The younger siblings rushed toward Mary the moment she stepped inside, their faces full of excitement. Rosette tugged on her skirt while Michael bounced up and down, his eyes wide with curiosity. “Mary! Mary! What was it like at the market?” Rosette asked eagerly.

“Did you see knights? Were there jesters? What did you sell?” Michael chimed in, his voice practically squeaking with excitement.

Mary laughed, letting herself be pulled toward the small table by their eager hands. “Alright, settle down, you two! I’ll tell you everything.”

She sat down, the siblings sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of her like an attentive audience. “The Ridge Town marketplace is huge—much bigger than our little stalls here in the village,” Mary began, spreading her arms wide for emphasis. “There were people everywhere, shouting about their goods. And the guard at the gate? He even joked with Papa and asked if I was new. He had this big shiny badge—so official-looking!”

Rosette gasped. “A real guard? Did he have a sword?”

Mary smiled. “He did, but he didn’t need to use it. Everyone was pretty busy with buying and selling. Some customers were nice, but some were... well, let’s just say a little too picky. One man even argued with Papa about the price of potatoes!”

Michael’s jaw dropped. “Did Papa win?”

“Of course, he did,” Mary said with a proud grin. “No one can out-haggle Papa. But the best part was a hunter named Duncan. He bought almost everything we had left and even gave us some rabbits for free.”

Rosette clapped her hands. “Rabbits! Does that mean we’ll have stew tonight?”

Mary nodded, laughing at their excitement, but her smile faltered slightly as she glanced around the room. Something was off. “Wait a minute... where’s Liam?”

Before anyone could answer, the door creaked open, and Liam came striding in, his face lit up with triumph. In one hand, he held a makeshift fishing rod with a tangled net, and in the other, a pail that sloshed with water.

“I caught big this time!” Liam exclaimed, his voice filled with pride as he lifted the pail to show off his catch. Inside, a few wriggling fish glimmered in the light.

Rosette and Michael scrambled over to him, peering into the bucket with wide eyes. “Whoa, Liam! You’re a real fisherman now!” Michael said, clearly impressed.

Liam puffed out his chest. “Told you I’d catch more today. And this one”—he pointed to the largest fish in the bucket—“is going to be dinner.”

Mary shook her head, half-amused, half-exasperated. “Liam, you were supposed to be helping Mama while I was at the market, not running off to the river.”

Liam grinned sheepishly but didn’t look the least bit sorry. “Mama said I could go since we needed more fish. And look, I delivered!”

Carol appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron, and chuckled. “He did ask me first, Mary. And I must admit, he’s getting better at it.”

Mary sighed, shaking her head but unable to hide her smile. “Alright, fine. Just make sure you clean the fish properly this time, Liam.”

Liam saluted her dramatically, earning giggles from Rosette and Michael. “Yes, ma’am!” he said before heading to the back of the house with his prize.

As the house buzzed with the siblings’ excitement, Mary’s heart swelled with warmth. The world outside might be big and uncertain, but in this little home, there was always laughter and love to keep her grounded.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow through the small windows of the house. The family gathered around the sturdy wooden table, the smell of grilled fish and rabbit stew wafting through the air, mingling with the faint aroma of the fresh bread Carol had baked earlier.

The table was simple but inviting. In the center, a steaming pot of rabbit stew sat proudly, its rich, savory aroma making everyone’s stomachs rumble. Next to it was a platter of perfectly grilled fish, their skin crisp and golden, with hints of herbs and salt that Harold had seasoned earlier. Small bowls of fresh vegetables and some slices of bread completed the meal.

“Liam, you did good with the fish today,” Harold said, giving his son a hearty pat on the back as he reached for a piece of fish. “Caught just enough to make this a proper feast!”

Liam beamed with pride, a little shy under the attention. “It wasn’t that hard, Papa. Just a bit of patience.”

Rosette giggled. “You were gone for hours, though!”

“Quiet, you,” Liam muttered, stuffing a piece of bread into his mouth, earning laughter from everyone at the table.

Harold leaned back in his chair, his eyes twinkling as he began one of his stories. “Did I ever tell you all about the time I was your age, Liam, and I caught a fish so big it pulled me straight into the river?”

Michael gasped, his little face full of wonder. “Really, Papa? Did you catch it?”

“Oh, I caught it, alright,” Harold said, grinning. “But not before I was soaked to the bone! Your grandpa had to haul me out while laughing so hard he could barely stand.”

Carol chuckled, shaking her head as she ladled more stew into Michael’s bowl. “I’ve heard that story a hundred times, and it still makes me laugh.”

Mary, sitting quietly beside her mother, smiled as she listened. She loved these moments, the sound of her family’s laughter filling the room. She dipped her bread into her stew, savoring the flavors that spoke of home—her father’s hard work, her mother’s love, and her siblings’ excitement.

“Papa, tell another story!” Rosette said, leaning forward, her eyes sparkling.

Harold stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Alright, let’s see… Have I ever told you about the time I helped old Mr. Hemley track down the lost goat that turned out to be hiding in the Ridge Forest?”

“No, tell us!” the kids chorused, their faces eager.

As Harold launched into another tale, the warm light of the fireplace flickered, casting cozy shadows on the walls. The house was filled with the sounds of clinking bowls, cheerful chatter, and the occasional burst of laughter.

For a little while, the worries of the day faded away. The family, with full bellies and light hearts, soaked in the joy of simply being together. Outside, the night fell over Elysian Village, but within the little home, it was nothing but warmth and love.