Elllie tucked the gourd under her arm. She kept her head down as she traversed the dirt and cobblestone-lined streets. Their estate was located in the wealthier end of the residential district, where things were quiet for the most part. Most people were away at work, be it as farmers, merchants, shopkeepers or something else. Agriculture was the beat that kept Stockbrunn moving.

A woman—Ellie didn't lift her head to figure out who—said hello to her and she muttered a small greeting back. Some kids raced by, nearly crashing into a man hoisting a box over his shoulder. He shouted at them and they scrambled, scurrying off somewhere else to continue their game.

The next street over was busier. Carts of wares were being pulled towards the market. Two bearded men were chatting animatedly about a theater production, their conversation loud enough for Ellie to hear even as she turned in another direction. Popular, upcoming actress this. Great stage design, that. Someone bellowed at them to get back to work.

A painter sat on the edge of the road, calling for attention. A cat lazed next to her, lounging in the shade cast by a street light. Its black and white hair shone from the sunlight. Ellie gave the painter's art a quick glance: a pianoforte with women's legs, a melting flower bouquet, and a close-up of a bleeding mouth. Ellie weakly called the paintings nice, and moved on.

She had to duck to avoid getting hit by a ball. A chubby boy and girl were throwing it back and forth, getting more daring with every toss. They kept trying to catch it backwards, failing each time but still having enough fun to make it worth it.

The clay, brick, and wood buildings that surrounded her were clustered close together. They loomed over her, a mix of white and brown. The tight, grid-like system that the town was built on gave them more room for farm land.

They passed an off-leash dog that Sunflower promptly barked at. Ellie waved off its owner's apology.

After some time, they finally made it to the very edge of the town, the area where Marietta Trotter (more properly known as Marietta of Trotter, but Ellie would lose her head if she corrected her on that) lived. The location offered her just enough protection from wild animals. It was close enough to Stockbrunn to make them wary.

Her shack was no-frills, built out of scrap materials. There was only enough space in it for sleeping, although she'd somehow managed to fit a mirror in there. It was Marietta's prize possession, second only to her collection of ribbons.

Ellie knocked on her door. Marietta opened it so fast that Ellie nearly got hit with it.

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A/N: This is an interactive fantasy serial. Voting takes place on Thursdays through Sundays on the story's main site. The most up-to-date chapters can also be found there, but uploading will happen in parts on RRL as well.

The next post will be Chapter 3.5.

Chapter 8 is live on the site now. Voting on the latest chapter will end on Sunday.