The Waters of Dawn Cove
~Story 9~

Seylma felt her leg cramp and knew she'd need to rest soon. She'd been running for the better part of the day and knew her body needed rest if she wanted to reach her destination. She was headed home to Dawn Cove with an urgent message. The merchant caravan that called Dawn Cove home had run into some unexpected trouble and though they would be able to repair the damage, it would take considerably longer than when she could bring in reinforcements.
Seylma slowed to a walk and did the stretches that usually alleviated the stitches and cramps. Her stomach growled and she knew she had to eat something. She had some stale bread and jerky on hand which would do, but an alluring smell had her mouth watering for better fare.
Following her nose, she soon found the origin of the savoury smell to be a stew of some sort with fish and some unappetising looking vegetables. Black and brown they seemed to have spoiled and she doubted they were safe to eat. But someone clearly thought they were.
"Hello?" a feminine voice asked.
"I wasn't going to steal your food." Seylma replied instantly.
"You didn't look like you were going to." the woman, with short black hair replied, "I'm Xenta."
"Seylma."
"What brings you to our seaweed farm?"
"Is that what this is?" Seylma asked.
"Yes, it's very nutritious and tastes good in broths, soups and stews. I know the sight needs some getting used to. We seldomly get people visiting here though."
Seylma returned her attention to the task at hand.
"I'm actually from around here. Dawn Cove. It's been here for a couple of years. Our caravan ran into a ditch and I'm running home to get some people to help repair it. I need some rest and food before I can continue though. I can pay you for supper."
"No need, there's plenty to go around and I wouldn't mind feeding you in exchange for news."
"That I can do. We were away for quite some time and went as far as Dubryn."
Xenta whisteld, "Wait a bit, my brother Bavo will want to hear this."

Not much later, the trio was sitting around the fire, a bowl of stew and some bread in hand. Seylma recounted the small and big happenings she'd heard about. There was exciting news in the city, talk of innovation and scandal. But there were also smaller triumphs from the towns and she even shared a recipe from a village resident she'd meant to try when she got home. it seemed only proper to share it as payment for the wonderful meal.
The sun started it's descent toward the horizon and Seylma got up to apologise and continue.
"Bavo, how about we help Seylma out a bit." Xenta asked.
She knew her brother did not take kindly to orders, but he would most likely be willing to help.
"You want to offer her our cart and horse."
"More like I want to take her over to Dawn Cove. A great the neighbours and share some of our wares in order to find local customers. It's part of my big plans."
"You just thought those up. But I hate to say you've got a point."
The two laughed, brother and sister used to each other and comfortable with each other's strengths and weaknesses. Bavo gave the idea a few seconds of thought but knew he'd been bested. It wouldn't hurt to make friends with a nearby settlement, especially since he and Xenta were on their own. Having a larger town to turn to in times of trouble would be a load of their backs.
"I take it you won't mind a ride in our cart?" he asked Seylma.
"I wouldn't ask it of you, but if you're offering I'll gladly guide you to Dawn Cove."

The cart was a small, open wagon with a seat for the driver and room for 3 to 4 people in the back, or a whole load of dried seaweed. Xenta was always comforted by it's salty smell and she enjoyed the prospect of a ride, the wind in her hair and the afternoon sun on her back. The seaweed growing in the salt water would thrive without them and the chickens were safe in their pen and had enough feed to go for a few days. Life was safer here than most places. Bavo was still worried about tragedy that might befall them, but Xenta did not have those worries. She could not blame her brother because they'd both seen that tragedy. Neither of them wanted to be defined by it though.
After half an hour in the cart, Seylma directed Bavo down a smaller road and told him to follow it until he saw buildings. The road was narrow but well-kept though the surrounding trees diminished the remaining light.
"Do you think we might stay overnight?" Bavo asked.
"That won't be a problem. We have plenty of room." Seylma replied, "I'll be able to return the favour by getting you breakfast. We have a few good cooks in the settlement who mostly do the cooking."
As Seylma shared more of how Dawn Cove worked, it became clear that they were like one big family, even if not all people were related. They cared for each other and did what they could and in turn were provided with what they needed. It would not work in a big city, but in a small town such ideals could flourish.
And then the road opened up as the trees gave way to a village. Houses and larger structures were interspersed by gardens and squares. Children ran around under the watchful gaze of teens and both men and women were busy doing what they had to do.
In the distance a large creature jumped up from the water and did a flip.
"Oh and the best thing is: we've got dragons!" Seylma said excitedly.

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[INTRO] [STORY] ° [XENTA] [BAVO] [SEYLMA]

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All images found with google
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