While she did promise her father that she would assist him in the herb garden, her mind was completely elsewhere. All she could think about was The Council and their arrival. As she mindlessly harvested leaves and tossed them in the basket Shilo just wondered in silence. Her father noticed of course.

“Not so talkative today, are you?”

“Hm? Oh… I guess not.”

“I know, I know,” her father said with a smile, taking the basket from her to take over her job for a while. “It’s big news. The Council coming to our town. We’re not the most populated town in this sanctum so it’s a bit strange for them to come here.”

Shilo stood up and dusted her pants off, watching her father as he spoke. He never seemed to care about the subject they were talking about, he just seemed to enjoy talking. Today, however, it was different. He too was interested in The Council’s arrival.

“Do you think it’s because of mom?” Shilo’s question made her father thoughtful for a moment, his eyes almost clouding over at the thought of his wife.

“Could be.”

“Speaking of mom…” Shilo couldn’t finish her sentence, noticing his hand come up to stop her.

“No letters, dear. I’m sorry. I know you’ve been waiting to talk to her. Things are very busy for her right now.”

Shilo sighed and looked down at the herb garden, giving a small nod.

“Right. I understand.” It wasn’t odd for them not to hear from her mother for long periods of time, but that didn’t make it hurt any less. Shielding her disappointment with a smile Shilo walked closer to her dad and pat his shoulder.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure she’s fine. Just busy.”

The daughter comforting the father. He laughed lightly, sadly… but he was quick to wrap his arms around her, kissing her forehead happily.

“Aww you’re so cute when you try making me feel better! You’re right of course. Everything is probably fine.” Shilo squirmed in his arms, laughing as she pulled herself out of his grip.

“Yeah, I know, Dad. I’m right. Now let me go before someone sees!”

“Embarrassed of your old man? I didn't think you'd ever be that kind of daughter. How mean. You’re not getting away so easily~!” He smirked and took her hands, starting to twirl around with her. She squeaked in surprise, trying to stop this embarrassing display of affection.

“Ew! Dad, cut it out! I’m not a kid anymore, remember?”

He laughed as he stopped, cupping her cheeks in his hands gingerly. “Right.. You’re all grown up. So that means you can’t get out of helping me in the shop.”

Oh, dear. This ridiculous conversation took a huge turn. A turn she really didn’t want to take. Shilo’s shy smile turned sour, taking his hands and prying them off of her cheeks.

“Dad… I really don’t want to work in the shop…”

Her father stepped back, letting out a long, thoughtful sigh. It was the type of sigh that indicated they had this argument on numerous occasions.

“Hun, my dad worked in the shop. My grandfather owned the shop. Now, short of joining the militia like your mother I don’t see any other options..”

“Well…” Shilo began, fiddling with the corner of her jacket. “The Council… They still haven’t found someone to fill in the third seat…”

Her suggestion made her father groan, running a hand down his face in frustration.

“Shilo.. Sweety, we talked about this.” He took her hands, trying to get her attention. “I know your heart is in a good place, but… You’re far too young to be on The Council. And you’re too..” A sigh escaped, his eyes rolling to the side as he tried to find the right words for his daughter.

“...Too childish,” she finished for him, pulling her hands from his grip. “Why can’t you just say ‘you can do anything you set your mind to’ like every other parent?”

“Shilo…” Before he could explain himself Shilo walked away, heading back to the house. He tried calling for her, to stop her and clarify exactly what he wanted to say to her, but she was gone.