Lucy looked at Lola and then slide off of Fauna. Anything? Wasn't that just a bit much? She shrugged and trustingly followed Lola inside. She looked around. There were gorgeous racks of clothe of all colors and patterns. There were also many clothes. She went to the women's section and then to the kids section. There were certainly plenty to choose from. She thought about what she liked to do. Ride horses and study. Well, the clothes she picked for riding would need to be warm since it was winter. She went through the clothes and put together an outfit that would serve her idea of a good riding outfit. It was a thigh long, brown leather skirt with brown leggings. She added feminine chapps to complete that portion. Then she looked through the tops and found a nice blue long-sleeved shirt and leather vest. Keeping that outfit laid out on a table, she skipped to the guys section and located leather arm bracers and brought those back. With a smile, she looked over her outfit and deemed it a perfect riding outfit... until she thought of shoes. Going to the shoes section, she found in a back corner leather moccasins that were lined in rabbit fur. In her home village, these would have been burned because they weren't civilized enough. Looking back, she felt her home villagers were the barbarians. She picked them up and went back to her outfit. She looked if over again. Thought a moment. Then went back to the guys' section and found a belt with a leather pouch. Now the outfit was complete.

That left indoor outfits. Blue was growing on her. So she settled for a blue dress and a shawl. She rolled her eyes and got some simple black shoes to go with them. Might as well be safe in case there was company or they had to go to a party.
Another green dress and she felt she had done well. Then she remembered she was wearing Lola's coat. She sighed and went to the coats to look them over. She settled on a thigh-length black coat. However, she picked up leather gloves that were brown. They would go with her riding outfit very nicely.

Then with these three outfits picked out. She decided to wonder around and see what all else there was here. Lola was probably busy somewhere anyways. She was standing near the counter looking through the spools of lace when a voice behind her gasped, "Well I declare! Is that Lucy? Lucy! Whatever are you doing here child? Bless my heart... it is going to need it after coming across you again. I thought you was dead. Why are you all the way on this side of the mountains? You cross the pass or something? Don't matter. You couldn't possibly get by much longer." Mrs. Nuttle stood there with her nose in the air and her eye twitching. She was the perfect image of a self-righteous and upstanding citizen of society. Lucy mentally thought how funny Mrs. Nuttle would look holding that pose out in the woods. Unlikely she would have met her in the woods, but still, funny. Unable to help herself, Lucy started to laugh.

Lola greeted the teenager behind the counter near the door and, as she went to the men’s sections, pulled a small piece of paper from her pocket. She had written down the measurements of Christopher and Benjamin’s better-fitting clothes, and had brought a black roll of measuring tape with her to measure each garment. She didn’t think they would like anything too bright or ornate, their personalities certainly didn’t say that. In the men’s clothing racks, she’d chosen a few heavy coats lined with wool, some hats to protect their heads and ears. The pants she chose would do well in cold weather, and repelled water very easily. Heavy socks, and a few pairs of rubber-soled boots. Some lightweight, short-sleeved shirts would work well for Christopher while sitting before the fire. They were dark colors, gray and red, a couple green.

Ben was a bit easier to choose for. A few heavy, long coats and insulated pants, a couple belts. She found a heavy brown cloak that would be nice for him if he were to travel a long way and need extra protection from the elements. A couple burnt-orange and pale off-white shirts, a couple pairs of boots and one pair of thin, lace-up shoes for indoors. A couple knit-hats. Setting everything in two separate piles, she smiled at her work and went to the women’s section to look for some new clothes for herself.

Halfway through her search, she heard a shocked voice speaking to Lucy through the muted air of the shop. Looking up, she recognized the woman as the one who’d stricken Lucy fearful just outside the bakery. Stepping forward, she intended to see how Lucy was, but as she approached, the girl started laughing.

“Lucy, dear, are you okay?” Lola asked, putting a hand on her shoulder. She looked to the older woman, a stuck-up thing, by the way she held herself. “Excuse me, are you one of the adults from this young lady’s old village?” She asked, an obvious question, but she wanted confirmation.

Lucy pulled herself together, but it was hard. Now Mrs. Nuttle's face was switching from surprise to dignified aloofness. Lucy shook her head waited for the answer.

Mrs. Nuttle turned a cold eye on Lucy, "Am I from Lucy's village? No. No I am not. This demon child has no village. She is an omen of bad luck reincarnate. She causes trouble, is an ungodly character, full of grief and mischief. She cares not for others or how she treats them. She doesn't think about responsibility. Not for herself or for humanity. She is an indecent example and lives her live selfishly. Then on top of all this, she allowed her dis-responsibility to cost the lives of two very upstanding citizens of our village. Two others... mere children... as well. I dare say, this child is nothing but a pile of bad luck. Be forewarned she will become a parasite if allowed to stay." She huffed in confirmation of her words and looked at Lola expectantly. "I am Mrs. Nuttle. I am sure you will understand the gravity of the situation."

Lola put her feet together and laced her fingers in front of her. “Oh, I absolutely understand the gravity of the situation.” She said coolly. “I understand that, for a terribly tragic thing that happened, it was obviously an accident. A demon child, you say? I’ve never seen a girl more lovely and sweet, someone terrified of being seen as a bad person, all for you and your... people. I’ve seen this girl as no more than a kind thing, respectful and soft-spoken. Nothing has come from my taking her in.”

Lola lowered her face, allowing a natural glare to come to her face. “And I understand that you’re so quick to treat this girl like trash, because of an inconvenient situation, damning her for being a child and wanting to join her friends, though it led to a terrible accident. You, a bitter old thing, looking to make this girl feel as bad as you obviously do. I’ll not have it! Remember whose town you’re in, Mrs. Nuttle. We don’t take kindly to those who would shun and hate someone based on no more than a few bad decisions of the past. And I’ll not deal with it either! If you can do no more than sneer at this girl and claim to be any better than your fellow woman or man, I’ll suggest you take leave now.” Lola put her arm protectively around Lucy’s shoulders.

Mrs. Nuttle sputtered in protest, too surprised and angry to get any words out. Then with a huff, she turned on her heel and strode angrily out the door.

Lucy busted up laughing all over again. She couldn't help it. The lady acted like a peacock... except she was a chicken in a dirty coop. It was too much. She turned and gave Lola and huge hug, relief filling her.

Lola patted Lucy reassuringly. “As long as this town stands,” she said, “no one will let your past find you. That’s why the past needs to stay where it’s supposed to.” She looked around. “Ah, you found some good clothes?” She said. “Very good! It looks like we’re almost done here, just a quick stop at the fruit and vegetable stands and we’ll be able to get back home!” She nodded to Lucy, indicating to follow her with her clothes so she could pay for them. She didn’t like to show that mean, angry side of her. But sometimes it was necessary to put those of a large hubris in their place.

Lucy hurried to pick up her sets of clothes. Carefully folding it all into one neat pile. She picked up the stack and walked carefully make and set them on the counter. Then she skipped back to the ribbons, picked out two sets of blue and of green to go with the dresses. Then she got two leather straps to match the riding outfit. She was going to look like a regular woodsman in that outfit. She was kinda excited. She returned to the counter added them to the pile. Then she stood there restlessly as all little kids do when they are bored.

Lola brought out her leather purse and paid for the clothes. The young girl, a thin thing with dusty brown hair and bright brown eyes, brought up a few flat bags and slipped all the clothes into several of them, keeping the fabrics and leathers from folding and wrinkling. Lola thanked the girl and gathered up the bags, giving Lucy hers, and as they left, Lola glanced around for the one called Mrs. Nuttle. She seemed to have gone off in a huff, and a good thing as well, so Lola thought. No one of such bitter disposition should reside in town. She set the clothes protectively over the groceries, smoothing them down. “Almost done, Lucy.” She said. “Just a quick stop by the stands and we can get back home!”

Lucy knodded and went over to Fauna. Slipping a foot in the stirrup, she pulled herself up an settled into the saddle. It didn't creak like some saddles had a tendency of doing. She was pleased with that. She turned Fauna around and at a fast walk moved up beside the carriage. She couldn't wait to get to Lola's place and change into her riding outfit. She could bet she would make a fine woods person someday.

Lola sighed as she got up and started on toward the main road with Lucy and Fauna. She loved coming to town, but it was all so much excitement and energy for her. She much preferred her little home and the few people who would come by, spend a few nights or a week at a time, then leave to go on their way. Turning onto the main road, she could hear the voices of townspeople and visitors as they meandered around the square, coming and going, looking around, talking with long-lost relatives. As the stands came into view, one of the older men from the fruit and vegetable stands hurried forward with a few large bags in his hands. “‘Ello, Lola!” He called, tossing them gently into the wagon. “Thought I’d seen you come in!”

“Thank you, C. J.” Lola grinned and handed over a small pouch. “Don’t hurt yourself on the gathering ice, all right?” The one she called C. J. nodded enthusiastically, returning to his work among the people gathered at his station. Lola turned to Lucy to make sure she was following, and Millie started up again, moving to and through the entrance of the town’s large, sturdy fence.

Lucy and Fauna picked up their pace once out of town. "Hey Lola, we are going to go exploring!" With that Lucy and Fauna took off at a canter, weaving off the road and through the trees. Lucy was having the time of her life. They jumped tree trunks and small streams. White powder flying into the air behind them, nippy wind meeting them. She giggled and they slowed to a trot. She turned and started working their way back towards the road. What a gorgeous day.

Lola watched Fauna take the young girl off the road. “Do well to be careful!” She called after, knowing her voice was probably lost. She didn’t worry, too much, Lucy certainly seemed to know well how to ride. She could see Lucy and Fauna whipping through the trees, running with the wind. She’d done that when she was younger, but when her parents died, she retired from that to take care of the house and let others know she would be the kindness they needed, if they did. When Lucy and Fauna returned, falling into pace beside Millie, Lola smiled. “You remind me of myself when I was a child.” She said. Glancing back, she rolled her eyes. “Oh, my, we have so much to take inside!” She sighed. “When we get back, mind to go get Chris and Ben to help carry things inside?”

Breathless with excitement and the fun ride, Lucy knodded with flushed cheeks. "Sure. How do I remind you of you? You were a child once? You are so... well... an adult." Lucy made a funny face and started to giggle.

Lola smiled. “Oh, of course. We’re all kids at one time, aren’t we? When I was younger, I had a pony named Red Runner. I used to ride through the forest all the time, as fast as Red Runner could go. He died of old age when I was a teenager, and that’s when we adopted Fauna and Millie as foals.” She looked at Fauna affectionately. “Fauna doesn’t normally have the strength to carry a full grown man or woman, so whenever a young one comes to my home, I let Fauna carry them. She loves to run with someone, but isn’t strong enough most of the time.”

Lola stared through the trees. Already she could see the gently lighted windows of her home, the flickering candlelight.

Lucy saw the buildings of Lola's place and sent Fauna into a Canter. They raced on ahead and she laughed in delight. Reaching the porch, she lightly leaped off and with a big grin on her face went to get Chris and Ben. She figured that they would be surprised she was talking now, but hey, all to their own quirks. She was glad the guys were around to help unload. They sure had gotten a lot of stuff today.

As Lola unharnessed Millie from the carriage, the horse shook her pelt smooth and ran into the clearing behind the house, shaking her head freely. Fauna went to follow Millie, unconcerned with her getup for the time being, obviously hopeful for Lucy to come back and ride more. As she sorted out the breakable and cold foods from the clothes and baked goods, Chris came outside with Ben, Lucy behind. "There you are!" Lola exclaimed. "I got you two some nice, warm clothes!" She lifted out the bags of men's clothes and boy's clothes. "For outside and in."

"Thank you," Ben said, taking the heavy burden. "You're very generous." His grandfather nodded in agreement, but Lola shook her head.

"I'm just doing what I love to do!" She said. "Lucy, won't you take up the fruit and vegetable bags and put them in the cupboard beside the icebox?" She indicated the several felt bags beside the rest of the pile. "I got your book in safe hands for when we're done!" Lola herself picked up a bag of flour and sugar, with a bag of already-baked bread in the crook of her arm.

Lucy reached over and picked up the fruit and vegetable bags, then headed inside. She made her way to the ice box, and then set the packages down. She opened up the cupboard, then the packages, and started unpacking and arranging them so that everything was neat and tidy. Also easy to see. What's the point of putting stuff away if you had to take it all out every time you cooked simply because you couldn't see what was there. Once done with that, she gathered up the leftover package material and went in search of Lola to find out what to do with them.

Lola wrapped the bread up well to prevent it from going stale, placing it safely in the bread box above the icebox and rolling up the bags they were carried in and setting them on the dining room table. "Lucy, we'll put the bags back into the carriage to take back to town next time we go." She said. "They're well used, until worn down to where you can't carry anything inside anymore." She ran back outside to gather up the rest of the bags and put them away. Setting them on the counter first, she ran upstairs and to Lucy's room. From her pocket she pulled the book and the wrapped-up snowberry pastry, and set them on the bedside table. The clothes she'd bought had been laid out on her bed by either Ben or Chris.

Lucy gathered the bags and carried the armful out to the carriage and placed them inside. Then she noticed that Fauna was enjoying herself, sadly, with her tack still on. Lucy walked over to Fauna and wrapped her arms around Fauna's neck. Closing her eyes, she thought about Mrs. Nuttle from town. She had known her for a lot longer than Lola. Yet she so readily trusted Lola more than Mrs. Nuttle. She shook her head and let Fauna nudge her. She climbed into the saddle and flew towards the woods.

Lola had followed Lucy out into the cold to check the carriage for anything left behind, catching a couple white oranges and an apple from rolling about. Looking up, she found Lucy running Fauna into the woods. "Be back in time for lunch!" She called, waving. Unsure if the girl heard her, she turned back and returned to the cottage. When the door was closed, Lola shivered a bit and went to poke the fire before going upstairs to change clothes. Halfway up the steps, a cold feeling settled in her heart for a moment. It was something between sadness and loneliness, and only lasted a minute before she shook her head and went to check on the boys.

Lucy was almost in the words when she heard to call to be back lunch. She grinned. She wouldn't miss it. She and Fauna explored the east side of the property. Going through the woods, they came across a small spring that was trickling despite the snow on the ground. She dismounted and led Fauna up to it. She stomped the ice on the edge of it so Fauna could drink without fear of slipped or falling. While standing there with Fauna, she smelled something really fragrant. Turning, she saw hellebores. Gasping in delight, she walked over the pretty white flowers and gathered some. Fauna and Lucy kept searching and a little while later they found yellow Mahonias at the base of a cliff. Creating a pretty bouquet, she remounted and they cantered back to the house. Sliding off at the barn, she rubbed Fauna down and put away the tack. Then she headed back to the house and entered with a cheery voice, "Lola! I have a surprise for you! It will make lunch more fun but you can't eat it! Where are you?"

Lola stared at her reflection in the mirror. She didn’t appear as run down as she felt spiritually. Indeed, she loved helping others, and seeing them well and happy, but she hated seeing them go. She would soon see Christopher and Benjamin take to the road again, go wherever they were meant to go after resting up. Soon again, maybe, Lucy would want to leave and find a different life, grow up her own way, perhaps, without anyone to hold her down and worry about her. Lola adored adventure, mystery, but she wondered how Lucy liked it. Certainly the weather warmed not far south, and it wouldn’t call for heavy clothes or fear of freezing. When she heard Lucy return, she tore herself away from her thoughts and hurried downstairs in lighter clothes.

“Lucy!” She gasped, discovering the flowers the young girl had collected, “how beautiful! I do adore these lovely white flowers, Mother and I used to collect them all the time!” She took one and sniffed easily, closing her eyes as they brought back memories of her lovely, fair-skinned, green-eyed mother. Her softly lined face smiling in the sunlight that threaded through the trees as they gave up their leaves, collecting basketfuls of flowers to put all around the cottage, their scents emanating among baking bread and stewing apples and meats. That seemed so long ago.

So what should we do with them? Do you have a vase? Maybe they can sit on the table at lunch. babbled Lucy excitedly. She felt she had done well. She would never have found them if not for Fauna, but Fauna wouldn't have found them without her. So it was a draw. She looked up at Lola with sparkling eyes.

Lola smiled. “Of course I have a vase.” She turned and led Lucy into the kitchen, to one of the cabinets. “Mother and I always collected those flowers, Angelweed they’re called. They have delicate petals, but last a long time.” She found a short-necked vase and filled it with water from the sink. “They’ll give their scent to the entire room. Put them wherever you like.” She took the flowers one at a time and arranged them in a dome that spilled over the lip of the vase. “There we are.” She handed the bell-shaped part of the clear vase to Lucy.

Lucy took the vase with a excited look on her face. Burying her nose into the white and yellow flowers, she inhaled their glorious scents. Then she walked over to the table and placed the vase in the center. Stepping back she happily clapped her hands and smiled. Then impulsively she turned and gave Lola and big hug.