The village of Icebor stood on the outskirts of the Kingdom of Danzar. Located a few miles from the castle, it was one of the smaller villages but was bursting with activity.
Jennifer Saro strolled through town, holding a large wicker basket filled with dirty clothes. She walked by Guntho and his stall that was stocked with the freshest bread. Guntho was balding with a big belly that jostled when he laughed. He was always the most friendliest out of the villagefolk.
“Washing clothes today?” he asked.
Jennifer nodded, looking over the different types of bread. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. “Smells so good.”
“I'll let you have a loaf on the house.”
The basket took both hands to carry and she couldn't very well put a piece of food with the dirty clothes. “I'd love some. I just don't have the room to carry it.”
Guntho laughed and his stomach rippled. “Don't worry about it, I'll deliver it to your parents.”
Jennifer blew him a kiss. “You're the best, Guntho.”
Jennifer continued on, passing by more neighbors and saying hello. Everyone in Icebor knew each other. That was one of the benefits of a small town.
She passed by the stables and could hear the horses rustling inside. Her parents didn't have enough money to own a horse but she was allowed to ride one every once in awhile. Jennifer made a promise to herself that she would one day own a horse.
And she already had a name picked out. Illa if it's a girl. Dune if it's a boy.
She imagined riding at top speed through the dark forest, the wind in her curly dark hair, weaving in and out of trees. She could almost feel the horse breathe beneath her.
But it was only a fantasy. A dream that would never come true. Horses were expensive in the Kingdom of Danzar.
She caught a glimpse of Hugo the stable boy tending to a bale of hay as she passed. He looked up and brushed his shoulder-length blonde hair out of his eyes. Hugo smiled at Jennifer and she blushed, walking away as fast as possible.
Hugo was about the only man in Icebor that was around the same age as Jennifer. Ever since they were children, the village had talked about them getting married and having kids. But she always dismissed the idea.
Now that she was eighteen, which was the acceptable age to marry in Icebor, she saw Hugo differently. He was always nice to her but he was very small and weak when they were younger. But after working in the stables for two years, Hugo had bulked up nicely.
Now Jennifer could barely fumble out two words around him without making a fool out of herself. If only he would ask her on a date.
She passed the last of the thatched-roof huts and made it to the river. It was calm today which was a relief. Rain had bombarded the village day after day and the river was too wild to get close to. The laundry had piled up and the basket Jennifer held was only the first of many.
The Junti River bordered Icebor and was the only place to get fresh drinking water and wash clothes. She set her basket down and stretched her arms. Jennifer looked out across the river to the other side. The green hills ran high and she never knew what lay over the top. The other side always called to her but she had been told from an early age to stay away.
“Evil men live there,” her mother told her.
But as long as she lived, Jennifer had never seen anyone over there. The river wasn't that wide. A quick swim over and she'd finally find out if the stories were true.
Jennifer suddenly found herself ankle deep into the river. It wasn't even deep enough to swim across.
Before she got halfway, a voice called out to her.
She looked behind to see Hugo at the edge of the river. “What are you doing, Jennifer?”
Today wasn't the day to cross the river. Jennifer began to make her way back. “I wanted to wash my feet off,” she replied back.
“Dangerous way to get your feet clean.” Hugo reached out his hand and Jennifer took it. He helped her out and Jennifer was back in the grass.
“You really think the people on the other side are dangerous?”
“I wasn't talking about them. The river is dangerous because of flash floods. With all the rain lately, you never know. I'd hate to see you get whisked away.”
Jennifer could barely make eye contact with him. “What are you doing by the river?” She noticed the bucket on the ground and knew the question was stupid.
“Getting water for the horses.” Hugo dumped the bucket into the river until it was full. “I better get back now. Hartnet will whip me if he finds me slacking off.”
“Well it was nice talking to you.”
“Stay out of the river, hear me?”
Jennifer nodded and smiled. “I'll be good from now on.”
Hugo began to walk away but Jennifer didn't want him to go. She wanted to touch his hand one more time. She wanted a kiss.
Hugo turned back. “I was wondering if you would be interested in going on a date with me.”
Jennifer clasped her hands behind her back and beamed. “I would love that.”
“How about tomorrow night?”
“Sounds perfect.”
Hugo left and Jennifer was alone again. She couldn't wipe the smile from her face as she washed clothes. She even whistled a tune as she worked.
Maybe some dreams do come true.