I don't dawdle. One last handshake later I'm off again with a now considerably heavier basket that now contains not only the herbs and berries I collected. I'm not in a hurry though. Or rather I take especial care now that my basket is heavy and somewhat out of balance. I don't want to drop the jug of birch sap even before I get home after all. In fact I'd rather not drop it at all.

Besides it's not like I actually have to hurry. There is no urgent business. If someone has an emergency requiring immediate attention, they can visit the temple instead. That is in fact what just about everyone will do anyway. Thus I decide to actually enjoy the walk back. It's not even a very long walk now that I don't have to make a detour to collect herbs.

And my pace slows down even more as I reach Urszula's farmhouse on my way back home, since I arrive just in time to link back up with Elzbieta and a sleepy Ulryk. The huntress is probably about as tired as her son. That's the only good explanation for her not taking notice of my approach until I actually wrap my arm around her waist to pull her into a brief hug.

The squeak she lets out almost is enough to make the little boy cry. Except, I quickly change his mood by giving him a quick peck. As a result he breaks into a happy baby laugh instead that actually is a pretty good match for the sound Elzbieta let out.

The ranger rolls her eyes and shifts the boy about a little so he has both of us in view. Somehow she manages to jab an elbow into my side in the process too.

"Ouch."

She quickly makes it by giving me a peck though.

"Sorry, but I'm a little exhausted."

I nod.

"First proper trip after being out of it for so long. I guess it's to be expected?"

She sighs and nods.

"And I didn't even get to do any actual hunting. I just got around to checking my usual haunts for tracks and the likes. Well, at least I should be able to get back trapping before long. Maybe Agnieszka can make a soft and fluffy bunny blanket or sleeping bag for my little sunshine?"

It seems the little sunshine already understands that she is talking about him, as he starts blabbering. He doesn't get far though, as his baby talk quickly devolves into soft snores as he falls back asleep against Elzbieta's chest.

She gently rubs his back as we resume our walk back home.

I smile as I walk alongside the two, carrying my own burden. As I speak up again I do so softly to make sure I don't wake the little one back up.

"Well it seems like he had a good day at least. He was fast asleep when I stopped by earlier on my way out to gather herbs. And he seemed to be in good mood just now too. I take it there were no problems? What does Urszula think?"

Elzbieta matches my quiet tone, as she answers.

"Seems he did cry a little at first when he realized that I wasn't there, but he quieted down and settled in quickly once he realized that he'd wasn't alone and would still get a meal. Being around Urszula's own daughter, not being the only little one for a change might be good for him too."

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I nod along with her words. That sounds reasonable enough. Then, before I can say anything, she suddenly switches topics again doubling back to the hunting trip and her plans for the future. And although the sudden realization that seems to prompt this switch in topics excites her she remembers not to raise her voice.

"Damn, I'll have to wait until winter to get my little angel his fluffy blanket. I'll have to be patient until the rabbits grow into their winter coat. Right now their fur isn't nearly dense and fluffy enough."

Now I snort.

"So you have to wait until winter to get him something for the winter?"

It looks like Elzbieta is tempted to shrug, but she refrains so she doesn't jostle the sleeping infant. Instead she flashes me a sheepish grin.

"Just about. Curing the furs and sewing anything from them takes some time too. It can't be helped though. Well, the next winter comes for sure and it'll make for a neat birthday present too."

I won't argue with that. A blanket or sleeping bag like that does make for an impressive present for any occasion. I have vague memories of my mother receiving precious furs as gifts on occasion. It's a bittersweet memory. I always felt sorry for the animals the furs belonged to back then. I still do, at least a little, even if I understand now how useful these furs can be. If the furs can help little Ulryk avoid one fever or another I don't begrudge him them. For now I softly pat Elzbieta's back.

"No need to hurry. Not too much anyway. I was contemplating a hearthstone enchantment anyway. Something like that should help us keep cozy warm. In fact you might consider using the furs for some of his clothes instead."

I can't help but smile, as I imagine the little boy in his first cozy rabbit fur clothes.

Elzbieta's thoughts might just be following a similar line. She has a faraway look in her eyes as she chuckles.

Then we come to a stop in front of the house.

"Want to get a fire started? I could go down to the inn and get us something to eat. Or should we go and eat down there instead?"

These questions deserve some serious consideration. In the end Elzbieta shakes her head before she answers quietly.

"I think it might be for the better if we eat at home for once. I don't want to wake Ulryk back up. You go and get us something while I get a fire going. Not too big?"

She nods at the basket I'm carrying, or rather its contents. It seems she is well aware that the fresh berries and herbs need to be dried.

I nod too, in confirmation.

"Right. Not too big."

Then, after handing my basket off to Elzbieta, I'm off to the inn while she heads around the house to the door in the back.

What should I get for us? What will even be on offer? Well, something simple probably. I'll have to take it back home after all and I'm not the kind of girl that can balance plates and mugs without risking an unfortunate accident. I can't tell from the smell alone what is on the menu tonight. The only thing I can say for sure is, that it smells good. Good and tempting. Very tempting even. I still have no clue what it is though. Never mind though, there is one easy way to find out.

I enter the inn and walk right over to the counter where Maryla is taking orders for drinks. As usual the place is busy. But not too busy either. Thus I don't have to wait for long. Even better on the way over to the counter I can already see what smells so good. It's hearthfolds, a fresh flat topped with various fried vegetables, finely minced meat and some fresh salad as well as a hefty helping of sauce that gets folded in half for easier handling and eating.

"Could I get two hearthfolds to go?"

She just nods and quickly relays my order to Patryk in the kitchen. And once again I don't have to wait, as he is making them one after the other anyway. None get a chance to really cool either, as they all sell as fast as he can make them.

I hand Maryla two bronze crowns and receive my two fresh treats, wrapped in a cloth for easier transport, in exchange. Then I'm off again. On one hand to not keep the next in line waiting. On the other to make sure the treats are still nice and hot when I get home.

I might just walk a little faster than usual too. I'm carrying something still quite hot after all. I deposit my still cloth wrapped bundle of edibles at the workbench. Elzbieta has already got the fire burning as promised. Instead of turning to the herbs that need to dry right away, I put some water on to boil instead, so we can have some tea with our meal.

The tea needs to actually cool a little though while we start to tear into our folded treats stuffed full of delicious goodness. Overall, I'd say this is a pretty good end for a pretty good day.

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