Entry 11 (Season 2)

A Taste of Joy

Oh goodness, dear reader, is it already the last day of Wysolice?! It has gone by so quickly, and oh, it has been such much fun, with songs and games, treats and sweets, and so much good company.

I remember the first night, I was very nervous. It was my task to make the Wysolice cake, and after working hard on baking and decorating, I so hoped everyone would like it. But figuring out how to carry the cake was no easy task. After trying and failing to come up with something that worked, I finally settled on putting the cake on a plate with a large bowl over the top of it, and then wrapping the whole thing up tight with a cloth. It was a bit awkward to carry, and I was fearful I might slip in the snow and drop it. Somehow I managed, and wrapped in my cloak with the snowflakes twirling all around me so prettily, I found the path rather cheery. The lights from the village houses all sparkled, and I could hear the families inside getting ready. When I arrived, Mr. Hume opened the door for me. He smiled, but then, I suppose upon seeing me covered in snow, began to shake his head and say “oh dear, oh dear”. He gently insisted that I accept a ride in the wagon from now on. I was going to say it was no trouble, but was interrupted by my own sneeze, causing me to almost drop the cake! Goodness, my heart jumped and I felt so embarrassed. But we laughed together, and after a promise that I would accept a ride, he welcomed me in and offered me a seat by the fire. After dinner, everyone said they really enjoyed the cake …and not a crumb was left over, so they must have been telling the truth. Mr. Hume has kindly picked me up every night since. He seems just as kindhearted and thoughtful as his wife, though perhaps not as talkative.

Along with Mr. Hume, I have gotten to know Davy and Elise. They are the Humes' son and daughter-in-law. Davy is very funny, and oh, one night he played such a prank on Mrs. Hume. You see, without her knowing, he had put vinegar into her teacup. So when she took a sip, she spewed it all over. Oh goodness, up she jumped, threatening to chase him out of the house with a broomstick.  He laughed and tried to hide behind Elise, but she wasn’t helping him, and all the while no one could stop laughing. Even I couldn’t help but giggle when I saw Mrs. Hume herself laughing so hard that she had tears in her eyes. Oh my, and it seems Elise likes to play tricks too, but hers are a little bit sweeter. A few nights ago, when Mrs. Hume gave us a riddle, Elise and I happened to solve it at the same time. We each pushed the other to take the prize: a delicious smelling orange pomander. I thought I had convinced her to keep it … well, that is until I found it in my basket on the way home. I shook my head, but it made me smile too; it was such a kind gesture. I think if I should get the chance, I would like to know Elise and Davy better.

Besides me, the only other guest who is not family to the Humes has been Mrs. Colson, though she prefers to go by Mary. Davy and Elise help her keep the village tavern and inn, which she has been running since her husband passed away some years ago. Despite being a widow, Mary is, well, very merry. She likes to sing and dance and is very generous. She even had a little package of walnuts for everyone at the party. When she gave me my box, she leaned in close so only I could hear and whispered that she thought the Green Sister was supposed to be asleep before straightening up and wishing me a happy Wysolice. It seems silly now, but it caught me off guard. I’d never pictured myself as being like the Green Sister. I always thought she was called that because she made the green things grow, not that she was green. But with Mary’s words and joyful smile …well, maybe there was nothing to it, but… for a moment it made me feel as though being green made me special instead of strange.

Oh, dear reader, it has all been so wonderful, and I think I would like to do something to show my appreciation to everyone, but what could I do… I know! The other night, we all wished that the feast could go on and on, and last the whole year. Of course, I cannot do that, but I can make sure the feelings do. I shall use my skills with Impressional magic to make Joy. It will take some time to finish such a remedy, but I hope it will be a nice way to thank everyone for a glad Wysolice spent together.

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