Rings the Maid (special preview)

Reverence had a few matters to take care of outside of the village, so she invited Ebert and I to join along with her. Ebert seems anxious to travel out since it is getting so much colder, but I think he prefers going than waiting at home. Part of the reason we need to set up the trade is because this winter started so early and is getting much harsher. I know I hate leaving home, but since I am with two of my favorite people, I don’t mind it so much. Reverence is trying to set up trade with another village, who has a similar ideology as our own. Only difference between our village and theirs is that we produce too much vegetation and they have too much meat and fur. So Reverence is hoping to set up a trade to benefit us both.

We’ve been given a small cabin on the outskirts of this village, it’s small and cozy, and for the first time in a long time private. That last part feels a bit strange since we’re so open and welcoming back home. I feel a bit cooped up, a tad stir crazy. I know I must be bothering Ebert with my constant scampering around the cabin.

“You could just go outside,” Ebert offers. I don’t know how he does it, able to sit still and read and not need to move around, talk to someone, play with something. He just sits there so still, it’s mesmerizing sometimes.

“It’s cold.” I wrap my arms around him from behind. “And you heard Reverence, there’s big animals around these parts. That’s why they have so much meat.”

Ebert just smirks.

“What’s all that about?” I move around, sitting on the table in front of him. I pat his cheeks between my paws. “That smirk.”

“Dirty joke, ignore me, darling.” He kisses one of my paws.

I scoff and move into his lap. “A meat joke?”

“Like I said, ignore me. It was stupid. Being in that village so long starts to make you think that way.” He looks at me, eyes shining, smile bright. I can remember when I first met him and how dull and lusterless his eyes appeared. He barely smiled at all, it was like the joy had been wrung from him.

“I like you stupid,” I giggle. “You’re always so smart, it’s nice to see you be a little silly.” I lean in for a kiss. “Besides, I’m bored. I could use a giggle.”

Ebert kisses me softly. “I’ll give you a giggle. But can I finish my book first? It will only take a minute.”

I stick out my bottom lip at him. “You can probably finish me quicker.”

He chuckles and kisses me again. “You know I like taking my time with you.”

I still put and refuse to move. “Want to bet?”

“Bet?” Ebert arches a thick brow.

Reverence then comes in, sighing heavily. “It is so cold out there! I don’t know how we’ll manage the trip back without returning home as icicles.” She sits down before the fire, removing her boots. “Sorry, was I interrupting anything?”

“I’m trying to get Ebert to play with me first before he finishes his book,” I reply.

Ebert tries to lift his head from my breast. “And I’m saying I can finish my book faster so then I can spend more time with her.”

Reverence hums, looking thoughtful for a moment. Her dark lips purse and she taps a finger to them. “So a bet is it?”

“Yeah!” I say with a smile. “We could make it a game!”

“I just want to finish reading, it doesn’t have to be a game,” Ebert fusses. “I love you, isn’t that enough?”

“Oh, come now, Ebert,” Reverence says teasingly. “What harm could a little game be? After all, what’s the wager? Who finishes first, the book or Rings?”

“Yeah, exactly,” I giggle, hugging back around Ebert. “Let’s make a bet.”