I’m pulled from my thoughts as we reach the village, duties taking priority over my idle pondering.

"Master Naga, we have arrived at the village center. Do you have any dietary needs I should convey to the cooks?" Any trace of irritation or distress is overpowered by my subservience toward my Master.

He sighs and lays a hand on my head, warming me. "No dark green vegetables, but tell them not to worry too much since the village is already low on food. If they need help, give them a hand."

I nod and set off, slipping through the crowd with practiced ease, eyes scanning the crowd but fixed on a short but plump woman with a cloth tying back her hair and brandishing a sauce-covered spoon like a weapon.

I bow respectfully when I reach her. "Ma'am, my Master has requested that there be dishes without dark green vegetables, but that you need not prepare too much in consideration of your food shortage. He recognizes that this visit was unannounced and doesn't wish to inconvenience you."

The woman smiles at me revealing two dimples and small black eyes, cupping one of my cheeks in her hands. "Oh, what a sweet thing, and what a good master you follow. Don't worry, duck, we're doing this as thanks for you comin' out here to help us."

I'm lulled by the gentle hand on my cheek, almost forgetting the rest of my order.

I snap back to attention as someone bangs a pot onto a table behind us.

"Ah, my master also instructed me to assist you. What should I do?"

The woman chuckles, crow’s feet crinkling the corners of her eyes. "Well, I won't turn down assistance, duck." Grabbing my hand, she steers me toward the vegetables. "Just cut 'em up and I'll handle the rest. This is your celebration too."

I nod.

This village may be better than I remember.