Droplets of rain dews seeping through the stems of maple tree, with a few sprinkles of droplets on leaves bright like sunrise, while some shred to the ground, and birds chirping a unique melody in the air all together composed a morning tune.
The delicate scene was reflected in her topaz eyes, like a crystal that captures every intricate moment.
Her silky long hair which was flowy like black waterfalls was tied carefully at the back with a pearly silk ribbon, highlighted her already fair skin.
She was slender and her soft lips held a slight smile. With her delicate features she captures the heart of everyone.
Noah was preparing breakfast in the kitchen looking at the beautiful view through the window.
"Thank God the rain has stopped; I can open my shop today", Noah muttered.
It's been raining two days nonstop. Even the strong Aster caught a cold. His body was burning in fever yesterday. Noah had to look after him the entire night to cool him down.
Noah was worried sick about her brother since this was a season of sickness. Her deep concern was reflected in her face with a little frown.
"He never listens to me. I told him not to go hunting since it's raining. When will he start listening to me seriously?", with displeasure, Noah complained in her heart.
She was preparing some warm chicken soup for Aster. It has been boiling over for some time, bubbling and a popping sound could be heard. She added the already sliced vegetables to the soup, making it nutritious and appealing.
She sprinkled some aromatics and pepper to the soup to enhance the flavor.
The aroma of the spices added to the chicken stock filled the room. The mild steam from the soup was brushing against Noah making it warm against the cold weather.
She left the kitchen to check on him.
Noah entered Aster's space, which was their living room. There was a single bedding which was always his own.
Morning light penetrated the living room through the window, giving him the hint of morning. Aster, who was sleeping soundly, was cuddled within the woolen blanket.
Noah pulled the sheet downwards gently and touched his forehead to check for the temperature. He flinched at the coldness of her hand. He was opening his eyes barely but decided to continue his sleep.
"Hey, wake up.", Noah called him with her slight touch on his cheeks. But he didn't respond to her at all.
"Aster", she called him slightly loud.
He let out a "Hmmm" in response, wrapping himself with the blanket again.
She sighed a little and looking at his half sleep state and said, "Rest for today".
Standing near his bed, Noah continued saying, "You still have a fever. So don't step outside. If I find that you ever stepped outside with this condition, you will be banned from leaving the house. Drink the soup in the kitchen before it cools down."
Noah grabbed her keys and the scarf she had knitted from the wall stand.
"Aster, I am leaving to the shop.", she said while wrapping the woolen scarf around her neck.
"Be careful on the road", Aster said to me while yawning, still in bed with his eyes closed.
"I know don't nag me", she replied to him in a rushed tone while leaving.
It was drizzling the previous day, and since they lived near the mountains the road was muddy and slippery. There were small ponds formed with rainwater in the uneven road. Noah was walking carefully not to fall like the other day.
No matter how much she thought about it was too embarrassing to think about. Noah remembered the exact scene of how she fell to the ground on the mountain while collecting herbs the previous week and Aster had to carry her back.
Noah had been even more mortified because Aster had been there.
Aster lifted her smilingly and gave her a piggyback ride home. After that incident he started saying be careful on the road whenever she left home.
"He is really...", Noah paused for a moment and thought to herself, "I should be more careful in the future.", while avoiding the muddy side of the road.
Mrs. Hilda and Mrs. Lois, coming from the opposite direction greeted her with a polite smile. Noah overheard them cheerfully chatting about how the apples are especially fresh today. They must be coming back from the market Noah thought to herself.
After some walking, she reached the main area of the village which was 2 miles away from her home. She usually reached there within 30 minutes. But today, due to the rough road, it took her longer; it felt like an adventure she felt accomplished.
Despite the chillness, the village market was bustling with people since it was closed because of the rain.
When Noah entered the market, small stalls sold hot corn, radiating warmth around.
For commoners this was an absolute delicacy. It was affordable and filling. A lot of people stand around making it nice and comforting in the cold weather.
The market was also packed with shops selling everything from fruit to clothing for winter. It was a wide road. The stalls were arranged in an orderly manner, so there was enough space for people to move.
With so many people busy selling their items, one could hear the voices of many at the same time. The negotiating and enquiring voices created a cheerful atmosphere.
There were more merchants than usual, Noah guessed, seeing the increased number of horses. Today is going to be a busy day she thought to herself.
"Excuse me where can I find an inn here?", someone was asking for an inn. Noah heard that deep striking voice clearly among the crowd. She turned around a second and looked for its owner. Since it was so crowded it was impossible to track the owner. She smiled slightly at the brief search and started going her way.
After a walk down the street for a few minutes, there it was 'Adeline's Herb House' at the end of the lane. Noah runs this herbal shop which was previously owned by her father.
Her shop had all sort of precious herbs from careful collection over the years.
Since most people didn't know much about herbs, she used her knowledge about herbs, making a decent living.
But it was so challenging at first when she started to take care of the shop. Because in this era, there were few women who ran a shop alone. Even if they usually work, it is in their family's shop.
In this Village Noah was the first one to do this alone. Some even mocked and berated her for her untraditional approach. Words that stung a lot was heard at first, stares and murmurs followed her everywhere. That was also the first time she experienced the true malice of the world.
Even though it was hard, Noah didn't give up easily; she fought back with her silence and persistence because she had someone precious to protect.
There was also the unwavering support of her close ones otherwise it would have been impossible to achieve.
She sells her herbs to other stores in nearby villages and secured trades to even distant villages. It wasn't hard ones they heard of her high-quality herbs.
Recently the tea she prepared with herbs were also selling well. Now after struggling for many years, she had secured a stable income for her household. She no longer has fears regarding tomorrow.
"I can't believe winter is approaching in two months.", there was a little worry and anticipation in her eyes.
Because most people fall sick frequently in the chilly weather, Noah had to work harder.
She started cleaning up before opening the shop.
This serene and magnificent place holding the mighty mountains, a clear lake with its mysterious deep forest and a hub for many was Henzville.
The village where Noah grew up; She lived with her younger brother Aster. Her world was small and intimate; consists of her beloved brother, friends, some special people and her only haven, her herb garden referred by her as the paradise.
These were Noah's days in Henzville; nothing extraordinary, but peaceful.