Page 25 of Must Love Moss and Moonshine (Moonshine Hollow)

KELLEN

I stood before Bromir, waiting for his answer. Despite being nearly three feet taller than him, the weight of his gaze made me feel like I was facing a hundred fathers, mothers, brothers, and aunties all judging me at once. I’d made my case. Now, I just had to wait.

He stroked his beard, his expression unreadable as he mulled over my request. Finally, he gave a short nod. “I’ll do it,” he said, clapping me on the back—or as far up my back as he could reach—with a hearty laugh. “I’ll do it, lad. And I’m glad to!”

Relief flooded through me, and I managed a small smile. “Thank you. It means more than I can say.”

Bromir grinned, shaking his head. “Oh, don’t thank me yet. Let’s see what she says. You know, she spent the whole day thinking you were lurking about but never spotting you. How’d you know I was here alone?”

“She was right. I’ve been here, but I was waiting for her to leave,” I admitted. “I used a little forest glamour to hide myself.”

Bromir laughed.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the forest quartz Tansy had left behind. The light from the forge danced across its surface, making the greens and golds come alive. I handed it to Bromir. “Is it suitable?”

He took the gem from me and studied it for a moment. “More than,” he said, then looked up at me, his rough features softening. “You’re in love with her.”

“Yes,” I said simply. “More than I’d ever thought possible.”

The dwarf nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Well then, lad, I’d best get to work. This is a fine stone. It’ll make a ring she won’t ever take off.”

“Thank you, Bromir. And Tansy? Where did she?—”

“She went to Juniper’s shop. She told me that you’d be there tonight, which means I better hurry. Sunlight is fading,” Bromir said with a chuckle.

“Are you sure you’ll have it done in time?” I asked, glancing at the forge.

Bromir gave me a look of mock offense. “Lad, I’ve got my own magic.

Never you mind. And this is for Tansy. I’ve watched Tansy stare at every ring I’ve ever made.

I know her taste better than my own. You’ve brought the stone, but I’ll bring the metal.

No enchantments needed for this one. Give me an hour. I’ll see it done.”

I nodded, my chest tightening with emotion. “Thank you, Bromir.”

“When she says yes, you’re coming to the caravan to celebrate. Then we’ll see what you’re made of when it comes to drinking with dwarves.”

With that, I chuckled and then headed back into the market. All day long, Tansy had been eating sweets from The Sconery’s market booth. Perhaps, if the ring was not enough, some sweets would ply her.

When I arrived at the baker’s stall, she was carefully packing up her wares for the evening.

Her delicate, iridescent blue wings caught the fading light, glinting like shards of sapphire.

As I approached, she turned her head slightly as though sensing my presence before she saw me.

When her gaze landed on me, her expression shifted to polite curiosity.

“Guardian,” she greeted, inclining her head with respect. Her voice was as light and lilting as a bird’s song. “This is a rare visit. How may I help you this evening?”

I returned her nod, feeling the weight of her discerning gaze. “Rosalyn, is it?”

“It is,” she said with a small, warm smile. “And you are Kellen, Guardian of Silver Vale. It’s not often I have the honor of serving one such as yourself.”

Her tone was polite, but her expression had an undercurrent of curiosity. Pixies were known for their sharp intuition, and Rosalyn, it seemed, was no exception.

“I’m here for a gift,” I said, glancing briefly at the table of brightly colored desserts and candies.

“Oh? For whom?”

“Tansy, the jewelry maker.”

Rosalyn smiled knowingly. “For Tansy, lavender giggle candies. I didn’t have any when she was by this morning, but my assistant delivered a batch in the afternoon. They are one of her favorites. They bring laughter and lightness to any gathering.”

She handed me the satchel. When I reached for my coin pouch, she shook her head gently. “There’s no charge, Guardian. Consider it a small token of thanks for keeping the forest safe. Your work allows the magic of the Vale to flourish, and we all benefit from that.”

“Thank you,” I said, bowing my head slightly. “That’s very kind.”

Her eyes lingered on me for a moment longer. Then, with a faint twitch of her wings, she handed me another packet. “This is for you.”

Not one for sweet things, I studied the glowing candies inside. “What are they?”

“Squash blossoms bites,” she said with a knowing smile. “Not too sweet, but imbued with a little magic to help someone facing something…important.”

I hesitated, her words catching me off guard. She studied me with the piercing gaze of someone who saw beyond what was said aloud.

“Thank you,” I told her.

“I wish you all the luck in the world.” Her wings fluttered as she returned to her work. “I suspect we’ll see each other again soon. Be well, Guardian, and good luck with your…endeavors,” she added with a grin and a wink.

I nodded, giving her a slight smile, then tucked the bag under my arm as I turned to leave.

The crowd in the market had thinned, but the air was still warm with the scent of roasting chestnuts, cinnamon, and maple.

Laughter echoed faintly from a nearby stage where a troupe of performers entertained a lingering audience.

I paused to watch, enjoying the show as a man dressed as a dragon swallowed fire and blew plumes of flames into the sky. The gathered crowd oohed and aahed.

Turning, I watched as children raced past me, their enchanted kites trailing above them like streaks of light in the twilight.

The magical kites—shaped like dragons, pegasi, and shimmering moonfish—were held aloft by threads of magic from willowwick wands.

The enchantments worked for only one night, but they were beautiful to behold.

The children’s laughter was bright and pure, filling the space with an infectious joy that stirred something deep within me.

I watched as they dashed between the stalls, their faces alight with wonder. For all the solitude of my life, I had never thought much about what was absent. But now… Now I could imagine it all. A life not so lonely. A life filled with laughter, love, and warmth.

The thought settled heavily in my chest as I returned to Bromir’s forge. When I arrived, the dwarf was bent over his work, the forge casting flickering shadows across his face.

“Almost done,” he said without looking up. A moment later, he straightened and motioned for me to hold out my hand. Carefully, he placed the ring in my palm.

It was perfect. The forest quartz had been shaped into a polished, diamond cut and was set into a band of moonsilver, a rare metal that was only found deep in the belly of Ironmist Mountain. It shimmered like liquid light.

“Bromir, the metal…” I said in surprise.

“From my mother’s band,” Bromir said.

“That is too much to ask. Such metal is rare and that is a family heirloom.”

“Tansy is like a sister to me. She will have the best—man and ring,” he said with a grin, then put his hands on his hips and looked at the ring. “It’s the best I’ve ever made.”

My throat tightened. “Thank you, Bromir. It’s perfect.”

He grinned. “Now get going, lad. The stars are out, and Tansy’s waiting.”

I nodded, my chest swelling with anticipation as I tucked the ring safely into my pocket. The joy of the festival still hummed around me, but my thoughts were entirely on Tansy.

As I walked toward the town, the only words in my mind were the ones I hoped would be enough: I love you.