A Spicy Taste

Ailith talked almost the entire way (about her old home, her favorite kind of flowers, and how she once tried to befriend a squirrel, only for it to bite her).

Melenda listened quietly, having that same soft, distant look she always had, though a faint smile lingered on her lips. It had been many years since someone had walked beside her like this.

When they reached a crossroad in the path, Ailith suddenly turned to her with wide, hopeful eyes.

"Would you... maybe like to grab something to eat together? There's a new noodle shop near the southern edge of Glindale. The food smells so good when I walk by."

Melenda blinked in surprise. “Noodles?”

“Only if you want to... I just really love noodles. And you saved my life today. The least I can do is treat you to dinner.”

Melenda hesitated. She wasn’t used to receiving invitations like that, but something about Ailith’s bright, hopeful smile made it hard to say no.

“All right,” she said softly.

...

The little restaurant was nestled between a pottery shop and a flower cart, its wooden sign swaying gently in the breeze. Inside, the air was rich with the scent of broth, garlic, and sizzling vegetables. The walls were decorated with paper lanterns, and the seating consisted of soft cushions around low tables.

They sat by the window. Ailith ordered two steaming bowls of forest-herb noodles with mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and wild greens.

“This is amazing,” Ailith said, happily slurping. “You have to try the spicy sauce!”

Melenda cautiously picked up the small bottle of sauce. After a moment’s thought, she decided to try it, even though spicy food wasn’t really her thing. “It’s... a bit...spicy...” Melenda said with tears in her eyes.

“Told you...”

For a few minutes, Ailith ate quietly and contentedly. Then, just as she reached for her teacup, she noticed Melenda leaning forward, arms crossed on the table.

“Are you okay? Are you praying, or is something wrong?” Ailith asked.

“No, nothing,” Melenda answered quickly, reaching for her fork and sighing. “Just a headache. I get them sometimes.”

Ailith tilted her head. “Did the food make you feel sick?”

“Maybe...” Melenda said. “Or it’s just the usual headache.”

Ailith didn’t press further, but the worry in her eyes faded only slightly.

Melendas food remained untouched.

Later, after Ailith finished eating she suggested, “I think we should see a doctor. Just to be safe.”

Melenda opened her mouth to protest, then sighed and gave a small nod. “If you insist...let’s go.”

They made their way through the town toward a small, warmly lit clinic by the river. The air smelled faintly of lavender and herbs. Inside, a young man stood behind the counter, flipping through a scroll.

He looked up as the door opened. His tousled golden-brown curls framed a calm face and he wore a simple white tunic. His eyes were a deep green, sharp, yet kind.

“Welcome,” he said. “I’m Doctor Kyle. Can I help you?”

Ailith offered a shy smile. “Hello Doctor... My friend here wasn’t feeling well earlier, and now she has a bit of a headache.”

Kyle stood up and motioned toward the examination room. “Come in, I’ll take a look.”

As they followed him, Ailith whispered to Melenda, “He’s cute.”

Melenda blinked. “I don't know, but...He seems capable.”

Kyle gently examined Melenda’s head, asking about the pain, then handed her a small vial of willow bark tincture.

“It’s probably just tension,” he said. “But if it comes back or gets worse, come see me again. Headaches aren’t always simple.”

Ailith nodded, slipping the vial into her pocket. “Thanks, Doctor Kyle.”

Then Kyle turned to Melenda. “You know, you look familiar. You’re the one who took down that wild boar, aren’t you?”

Melenda nodded quietly, not eager to boast.

Kyle smiled. “Everyone’s been talking about you. I didn’t see it myself, but still, impressive! You’ll have to show me a trick or two sometime,” he added with a laugh and a playful wink.

Ailiths face glowed. “We should all go out together sometime, you know...get to know each other better.”

Kyle raised an eyebrow. “I’d like that.”

And just like that, a new connection began to form, between the quiet forest guardian, the lively newcomer, and the sharp-eyed healer.

Outside, the sky had turned rosy in the evening light. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the world felt just a little bigger and a little warmer too.