Brew 20

Blaise swung open the carriage door, offering his hand to Seraphina. “Careful,” he teased, flashing a playful smile. “Don’t want that beautiful dress of yours to get dirty.”

Seraphina steadied herself, still queasy from the ride. Rook leapt down ahead of her, giving himself a long, luxurious stretch. “May I suggest we enchant a travel mirror while we’re here?” she muttered, gripping Blaise’s hand as she stepped down. “It would save us from any more bumpy countryside adventures.”

“Oh, come now,” Blaise laughed. “It wasn’t that bad. The roads just haven’t been finished yet.”

Seraphina took a deep breath and straightened her posture. She made a mental note to address with the council to ensure any unfished roads that led to the villages would be completed with haste. After adjusting her skirt and brushing away any dust, she nodded to Blaise to signify she was ready.

Blaise offered his arm, which Seraphina took with a soft smile. She gave his forearm a gentle squeeze, feeling, while he wasn’t overly muscular, Blaise certainly wasn’t skinny. Arm in arm they walked into the village. Rook trotted at their heels.

Thistlewick wasn’t like any village Seraphina had ever seen. There was space between the houses, not the cramped alleyways of Aetheris Vale. Bushes and trees created a natural archway at the entrance, and flower petals drifted on the breeze. “It’s so beautiful,” Seraphina giggled as she looked around in awe, taking note of every color flower, she could find.

A small elderly woman approached, her weathered face splitting into a warm smile. “Well, look who it is,” she laughing opening her arms wide open. “My sweet little wizard.”

Blaise chuckled, pulling away from Seraphina as he lent down, embracing the woman without hesitation, giving her a tight squeeze. “Oh Mama, it’s so good to see you again.”

Mama. The name surprised Seraphina as she watched the exchange curiously between Blaise and Mama. Blaise stood up tall, showing how he towered over mama as he turned to Seraphina. “Mama, this is Seraphina Alderbranch. My senior at the council.”

Mama placed a hand under her chin, studying Seraphina with eyes far sharper than her frail frame suggested. Seraphina resisted the urge to fidget. She was used to stares—used to people judging her lineage, her power, her beauty. But Mama’s gaze wasn’t critical. It was measuring something else entirely.

To her surprise, Mama gave an approving smile. She gestured for Seraphina to lean down and hugged her gently. “Welcome, Miss Alderbranch.”

Seraphina blinked, momentarily thrown off balance. “Thank you,” she gave a low bow of respect. “It’s an honor to be in such a beautiful village and meet you.”

Mama turned back to Blaise, keeping her approving smile. “What brings you back, my child?” she asked, her voice sounding as if she was hoping for some gossip from the capital.

“Seraphina wanted to visit the forests,” Blaise explained, pointing to the forests. “Since we have no duties this weekend, I thought it was the perfect time.”

Mama nodded knowingly. “Why don’t you children come with me?” She offered. “I have some beautiful tea leaves left that you sent for me Blaise.”

As Mama began to walk, Blaise put a hand on Seraphina’s back, guiding her into the direction of the cottage.

Rook ran up to walk beside Mama, nose twitching. Something about Mama’s scent intrigued him, though he couldn’t quite place it.

You’re a curious fox,” Mama chuckled.

“I prefer Rook,” he replied with a slight bow. “May I ask why they call you Mama?”

“I help where I’m needed,” she smiled, pushing open the door to her cozy cottage. “The villagers started calling me Mama long ago. I suppose the name stuck.”

Inside, the cottage was filled with trinkets—well-worn, loved, and each with a story to tell. Rook hopped onto the arm of a plush chair, gesturing for Seraphina to sit.

“So, she’s not actually your mother?” Seraphina asked Blaise as she took her seat.

Blaise shook his head. “She’s descended from one of the village’s founding families.” He pointed to a painting above the fireplace. “That’s her family there. They’ve always been seen as the village’s leaders. But Mama earned her title by caring for everyone.”

Seraphina smiled politely, taking it all in. The simple home. The personal touches. The sense of history. Nothing like the grand portraits and expensive statues she was used to coming across when visiting someone’s home.

Mama returned with a tray of tea and cups; the handles chipped from generations of use. She hummed as she poured the tea into the cups. “Be careful,” she warned. “It’s fresh so it will be a little hot.”

Seraphina inhaled the fragrant steam. “This tea is lovely, Mama.”

Mama smiled, wincing slightly as she settled into her chair. Her old body aching. “You learn a few things after making it for fifty years.”

As Mama and Blaise caught up, chatting easily as if no time had passed, Seraphina listened quietly. She envied their easy bond. No one in her life—not tutors, not council members—had ever shared this sort of warmth.

After a time, Blaise excused himself to the washroom.

Seraphina sipped her tea. She noticed Mama reach into a small box near the fireplace and hand Blaise an envelope as he stood. Blaise tucked it into the inner pocket of his jacket with a sheepish grin.

Rook leaned toward Seraphina and whispered, “Your curiosity is showing.”

She nudged him away and returned to her tea, trying to maintain composure.

Once Blaise had gone, Mama turned her sharp gaze on Seraphina. Her smile remained sweet, but her eyes were serious.

“Now,” Mama said, “why are you really here?”

Seraphina opened her mouth, but Mama cut her off gently. “Don’t waste time on polite excuses, dear. You didn’t travel all this way for the scenery.”

Seraphina sighed, setting her cup down. “I came to meet Aria.”

“I thought as much,” Mama nodded, folding her hands. “Curiosity? Or something more?”

“I…” Seraphina hesitated, playing with her fingers. “I want to understand her. And to see for myself what kind of person could capture Blaise’s heart.”

Mama smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. “Then you’d better be prepared. The forest doesn’t give up its secrets easily.”