“Lord Greenson” the butler broke the silence, announcing the first suitor. Anis looked rather upset whereas her father looked rather happily surprised.Lord Greenson entered with a bow “good day ladies and gentlemen” he first approached Sage, he handed her a bouquet of wild flowers and herbs. He remember her work in the gardens and figured she'd prefer such a natural bouquet. For Anis he brought a rose bouquet and for her father he had a set of chocolate chips cookies. He did his research and found these to be his favourite. Lord Woodherl looked even more surprised “why thank you Duke, such a lovely gift” he placed them next to his newspaper. “I take it you are here to call upon my Sage?” He looked to his daughter.Fennel nodded with her usual grin. “But of course. Such a stunning lady, how could I not call upon her?” He turned to Sage then back to her father “with your blessing I hope”The lord nodded hastily “please do sit down” he on the other hand continued reading. Fennel sat down next to Sage.“I hope you like the bouquet. I'm afraid I couldn't quite remember all the herbs and flowers you collected. But I remembered Thyme and Rosemary.” Anis looked rather shocked by his reveal, not having known they met before the ball. Sage just smiled “oh I love it very much my lord. Exactly how I prefer it. Did you pick it yourself?” He nodded with a smile “for you of course.”They continued with a polite and appropriate chat, very different from yesterday. After all they were chaperoned now.

“if you'd like I can show you my herbal garden. I love to grow them for cooking and crafting. My maid taught me how to make scented soaps with them. Oh they smell beautifully.” Sage claimed acting all sweet. Fennel acted just the same “oh I'd love that. I don't know much about herbs but they sure smell stunningly. I'm certain the soaps are splendid as well, perhaps you'd consider to craft one for me?” Sage nodded excitedly. “Why yes! What an honour. Perhaps we can pick some herbs now?” She looked towards her father who half heartedly listened. “But of course” and with that the two left towards the garden followed by Anis. Anis set down on one of the benches, keeping a close eye on them. Yet the distance between them made her unable to listen. Both because she trusted Sage and because she didn't want to ruin her pretty shoes.Sage and Fennel kept on chatting about herbs until they were out of reach. His grin grew back “my my, what a good girl you can be” Sage chuckled “a splendid actress rather. But the same goes for you my lord” she hushed into his ear as they kneeled down. Fennel leaned in, with an appropriate distance so anis wouldn't interfere. “A shame we a chaperoned, all the fun things we could do”

Sage grinned back “like burning witches?”Fennel raised his eyebrows, he knew exactly what he was hinting at. “Concerned for your safety?” Sage hummed while shaking her head. “should I be?” She asked with a burning gaze. A slight shiver of intimidation run down his spine, but his grin remained “not at all my sweet” Sage just chuckled not believing a word he said. “Anyway, do pick your herbs my lord” he looked around. “This one” Sage looked at him with a weird expression. “Interesting pick” he looked at her then the herb. “Oh is it not suitable?” Fennel asked slightly confused, not able to read her expression. “Not at all, that's sage, I just found it funny you picked the herb I'm named after. That is all. Anything else?”

Fennel looked genuinely surprised then smiled “I always had a splendid institution, hmmm…just sage is fine.” Sage nodded and continued to pick just enough. Although she took her sweet time so they could chat some more. “So, are you this naughty with all your ladies?” Fennel chuckled “oh no, just with you my dear. Are you possibly jealous?” 

Sage had to chuckle as well. “Of course. I hate sharing what's mine” she claimed with an endearing voice.

Fennel grinned even wider. “What an honour to be yours already and here I was concerned you wouldn't share my sentiment “ both looked at each other for a moment, then Sage stood up. Breaking their heated moment. “You better do not disappoint me my lord” she then said, although it sounded more like a genuine warning than a flirty.

Fennel's expression grew serious for a sheer moment, then he smiled “but of course not my lady.” 

Suddenly they were interrupted by a loud meow. A pitch black cat had emerged and stood next to them. “Meow” it certainly demanded attention. 

“Oh blackberry” Sage exclaimed with a loving smile as she pulled the cat into a hug. The cat immediately started purring and rubbing against her chin. “My sweet my darling, did you have fun roaming around the gardens?” She hummed as she kissed it's forehead. The cat chirped almost as if replying. 

“Who's that sweetheart?” Fennel asked as he crotchet down next to Sage to get a better look at the cat. “Oh this is my beloved blackberry, isn't he the cutest?” Sage hummed as she kept on hugging her beloved. “He roams around the gardens if not inside. He keeps close, away from world's danger” she explained as she now cradled him like a baby. To the cats delight. He purred even louder as he nuzzled into her arms. “He loves head scratches” Sage remarked as she held him towards Fennel. Fennel did as he was told and started giving the cat head scratches.

“You love him very much yes?” Fennel said with a soft smile. Seeing them both together was truly heart warming. Sage nodded “of course, he is my baby. Do you have any companions?” She despised the word pet. Fennel nodded “2 dogs, my babies as you'd put it. I love them very much too. They are the sweetest” Sage looked excited “oh I must meet them.” Fennel grinned “hopefully soon. I'm afraid they are very spoiled and hate going outside. So you must visit my estate. I'd love to show you around.” Sage nodded as she stood up. It was time to head back. “Sounds splendid“

And with that they walked back to Anis. Blackberry headed inside as well but instead opted for the second floor.

Back inside the maids were preparing lunch. Sage's father patted Fennel's shoulder as he approached from behind. “Duke, I hope I'm not being too rushed, but would you care to join us for lunch?” Fennel nodded happily. “A great honour Sir” he sat down next to Sage, opposite to a raging Anis.

Fennel look at all the delicious food, but when one of the servants wanted to place meat on his plate he immediately interfered. “No meat please, I follow a vegetarian diet” 

Sage looked up surprised, was he perhaps truly not a hunter? Or all part of his scheming?

“Just as my daughter, my you two fit perfectly,  that reminds me” her father said “you are said to be the worst hunter in all town. I was always surprised considering how your uncle is known for his skills. I assume a moral issue rather than skill?” He asked with a laugh.

Fennel blushed slightly but nodded. “Indded Sir, I don't find it enjoyable to be quite frank. I rather enjoy other things such as, hiking, swimming, playing games, playing the piano. Hunting is the least favourite”

“Oh you seem to be enchanted by nature as well. In that case you should come to our summer residence. We have amazing lands with lakes and endless forests. And of course a variety of games and a piano”

This time Sage blushed while Anis coughed “my lord it's inappropriate to invite a suitor this hastily” she hissed lowly. 

Fennel just chuckled “please my lady, I feel honoured.” Lord Woodherl grinned this time, quite pleased with his answer. “Perfect then, we shall discuss the details when the time comes”

“Ah, that reminds me.” Fennel turned to Sage “I was wondering if you perhaps wish to join me for a walk in my forest? We have all sorts of intriguing plants and animals waiting to be discovered.” Sage looked up from her meal, genuine interest showing on her face “oh I'd love that, Papa?” She looked to her father for approval. He nodded in agreement “seems you'll get your fancy clothes dirty after all” he joked as he looked at a very displeased Anis. As Sage's chaperone she had to follow along, yet hated nature very much.

With a sigh she nodded, knowing there was no escaping this anyway.

“So be it then, tomorrow at 9 o'clock?” Fennel suggested. Sage nodded “I am very excited my lord” with that they continued chatting until tea time. Only then Fennel eventually left.

Anis sat down with Sage “you met before?” She hadn't forgotten about Fennel's remark earlier. Sage shrugged “he got lost in the fields, I pointed him towards the right direction that is all.” Anis nodded slowly wondering if he had truly approached her randomly or if that too was planned to lure her in. “Sage I-” “I am not stupid” Sage interrupted, knowing fairly well what her aunt was about to say. Both her and her father acted as if she was still the young traumatised girl who watched her mother being tortured to death. But she had grown ever since. She wasn't the small terrified girl anymore. The darkness of this world was well known to her. She was tired of everyone telling her what to do every minute of the day. Whilst she knew they meant well, she felt like a caged bird, never able to spread her wings.

Anis sighed but nodded “I know that you know…I know you aren't little anymore I just…I don't wish to lose you too” she muttered as she pulled Sage into a tight hug. 

Sage hugged her back, knowing she needed it very much. “ I will be alright “ she hushed back, truly meaning it.

After a few minutes Anis pulled back with a soft smile. “I know you will” she brushed back on of Sage's hair strains. “I shall see you tomorrow then”