Dio - Friends (2)

After his meditation, though he couldn’t say how long, Dio got up again and stepped outside. Des was watering his plants from small clay pots, carefully inspecting the leaves. Dio looked around, thought about exploring the nearby forest, but decided against it. Instead, he walked over to his neighbor. There was still something he wanted to know.

"How’s it going?" he asked, peering over Des’ shoulder.

The old man flinched, turned, and smiled his usual smile.

"Ah, it’s you! Going well. Look! I planted this one while you were meditating. It’s already growing nicely."

He pointed proudly to a green sprout pushing through the soil.

"Incredible. Is it really growing that fast? Or was I gone that long?"

"No, I think it just wanted to grow quickly. I had a good feeling when I planted it. Look! A splendid little sprout!" Des beamed.

"It really is... Tough. Tell me, Des, how stable is the Dream?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, your plants grow at different speeds, but the rye in the field grows evenly. How can that be? How consistent is this place really?"

Des stroked his beard, puzzled. For a while he said nothing, and Dio grew impatient.

"You got me again! I never thought about that. The Dream seems generally stable, but who knows about the details? That is strange." He ran his hand slowly over a flower’s leaves. "Still, I don’t mind. I’m happy I can grow a few flowers, no matter how they grow."

Dio nodded, watching him pour water over the sprouting plants. Watching Des tend his garden brought Dio nearly as much joy as the work in the field. Maybe he’d start his own garden.

Or explore the forest...

Now I have so much time, and I still don’t know what I want to do most, Dio thought, smiling to himself.

Then a gentle voice called out behind him.

"Oh, this is absolutely beautiful, Des! What a lovely garden!"

A shiver briefly ran down Dio’s spine, and he turned to see who had spoken.

Not far from them stood a small, young woman on the path who didn’t look much older than he was. She had dark skin and a gentle smile on her slender, pink lips, which shimmered faintly green. Her long, slightly curly black hair was braided into three artful plaits adorned with delicate, inviting flowers. She carried a woven basket filled with blossoms and strange, blue, somewhat fuzzy leaves, and around her narrow waist was a belt made of vines from which a filled pouch hung. Her simple, sleeveless brown dress fell to her ankles, and her woven sandals were caked with dirt, proof of a long journey.

When the woman noticed Dio’s gaze, she smiled a little wider.

"Hello! You’re new here, aren’t you? I’m so happy to meet you! I’m Brela! Looks like Des finally got a new neighbor, and picked up a hobby! That’s wonderful!" she said cheerfully, her large green eyes shimmering as they studied him.

Her voice was soft and pleasant, and Dio suddenly felt a bit awkward. Her energetic way of speaking was a little overwhelming. A faint floral scent tickled his nose as she stepped closer.

"Nice to meet you! I’m Dio! And yes, I’m new... though you already figured that out," he said with an awkward smile. "Sorry, I’m still a little dazed from my meditation."

Des chuckled, and Brela laughed, a clear, bell-like sound.

"Oh, don’t worry. Most people think I’m a bit odd the first time they meet me. ‘Those are some pretty flowers in your hair!’ ‘Cool belt, where’d you get that?’" she said, amused, mimicking voices with light exaggeration.

"But you have to admit, you do stand out a bit," Dio said, glancing between her and the garden behind her, which made Des’s plot look almost small in comparison. "It starts with your garden, it’s so well thought out and beautiful. It feels alive somehow, more detailed than all the others. And it’s the same with you. I mean that in a good way, of course."

Brela smirked and placed her index finger on her lips with a playful wink. "Say no more, or I’ll start blushing!"

Dio shifted from one foot to the other and decided to ignore that.

"I was actually thinking about starting a garden myself," he said. "My plot’s pretty barren. I haven’t had much time to take care of it yet, but it looks kind of awful. Honestly, I’m a bit embarrassed. Des said you might know where to find good plants. Could you give me a few tips?"

He felt ashamed that the ground around his hut looked so neglected.

Brela’s eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands with joy.

"Of course! Absolutely! If you like, you can come with me into the forest. There are all sorts of hidden spots where beautiful flowers grow. Des, don’t you want to come too? Maybe you’ll find something for your garden!" she said excitedly, bouncing in place so much the contents of her basket nearly spilled out.

Des thought for a moment, then grinned and shook his head. "You know I’d rather stay in the fields. The forest just isn’t for me."

Brela pouted. "You old grump. And you, Dio? Are you a spoilsport too?"

Dio laughed and shook his head. "No, I’d love to see something new. Even though it is nice working peacefully."

"Oh," Brela said, and her smile faltered.

Dio frowned. "Sorry, did I say something wrong?"

She gave him a quiet smile, softer now. "No, not at all. It’s just that someone who wants to go into the forest probably won’t stay long. And I think we’d get along well."

"Don’t worry. I’m staying. I’m waiting for someone," Dio said.

"Really? I’ve never heard that before. Then again, I haven’t been here very long. Des, am I still one of the newest?" she asked, furrowing her brow.

"No, a few arrived after you," Des replied, plucking a small weed from the soil and tossing it into the field beside his plot.

"I see. Well, in any case, I’ve got some seeds in my tree tent, Dio. I’d be happy to give you some, if you like. Want to come get them?" she offered, already turning and skipping off lightly.

Dio stood there, momentarily stunned, and glanced at Des. The old man said nothing; Dio thought he caught a hint of amusement in the corners of his mouth.

"Hey, rooted to the ground already? You’re no flower—you only want to plant one!" Brela called back, waving exuberantly.

Dio sighed, and noticed he was smiling. It would probably be nice to explore the woods with Brela, even if her energy might make it hard to appreciate the nature around them. He hurried after her and soon caught up.

"So, you’re waiting, Dio? For whom?" she asked, looking at him expectantly.

"Her name’s Ray. I arrived here with her," he said.

Brela’s face lit up immediately.

"Aww, how romantic!" she giggled.

"No, it’s not that... or maybe it is," Dio admitted, warmth rising to his face again.

Suddenly she stopped and looked at him seriously.

"Just don’t wait too long. Time can change things, even if you try to stop it."

"We’re connected. I don’t think much will change between us. We belong together, even if I don’t understand how. I just know she’s a place of peace for me," Dio said, trying to put it into words.

"Romance again! One could almost get jealous! Maybe I should head out and find someone who belongs to me!" she laughed. "I’m not connected to anyone, but I can still try, right? They say new bonds can be made too."

Her smile lingered, though her expression had grown noticeably sadder. "Still, I just can’t leave. I see how I help people here. I make salves, juices that restore stamina, ease pain... And I’ve fallen in love with this place."

"Maybe you’re connected to... Daw?" Dio offered.

Brela giggled again, and Dio felt relieved.

"Maybe! And maybe someone will come for me someday. Then I could share my garden..." she said, gently stroking one of the flowers in her hair before stepping onto her plot.

"I think I still have some sunflower seeds, and bulbs for purple carnations. Wait, I’ll get them," she said, and began rummaging through a few baskets.

Dio watched her, but his thoughts drifted to Ray again. The memory of her laughter made him smile wistfully. Once more, he realized how deeply the distance between them weighed on him, how her quiet presence echoed within him like a shout.

When Brela returned, her arms were full of small cloth pouches filled with seeds. She handed them to Dio with a radiant smile, and he couldn’t help but feel that familiar warmth from her again.

"This should help you get started," she said. "Sow them with care, and your garden will be blooming in no time. And remember, if you ever need help, I’m only a shout away. Like, if you fall over five times, you’ll land at my place. So don’t hesitate!"

She wagged her finger at him, her eyes narrowing with playful exaggeration.

"Don’t worry. I’ll even take you up on that forest tour, just you wait!" he winked.

"I mean it. Ask if you need anything. That goes for the others too. Never hesitate, okay?" she said more quietly now, her voice calm and sincere, a soft sparkle in her eyes.

"Okay. Thank you, Brela," Dio replied, giving a slight nod.

She threw one of the seed pouches at him. "That was serious! Really!"

"I know. So was my thanks," Dio said, this time with less of a joking tone.

Just as he was about to turn away, a loud voice called out.

"Hey, look what Ogan and I built!"

Dio turned to see a man with white, curly hair waving a wooden mallet, while Ogan stood beside him, smiling proudly.

"Come on, come on, let’s go see!" Brela said, grabbing Dio’s hand to pull him along.

Soon they were on their way to the village square, the two men ahead of them, joined by more and more people.