The forest was quiet that morning, sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above as you made your way down the familiar dirt path leading toward the village. Your cabin wasn’t far from the outskirts, nestled comfortably among the tall pines, where solitude and peace reigned. After years of serving as a knight, the calm of the woods was a welcome change—a place where you could finally take life at your own pace.

The village wasn’t bustling yet, most folks just starting their day, but the scent of freshly baked bread and the sound of chatter from the marketplace filled the air. You adjusted your worn leather satchel, your gaze sweeping over the small stalls, looking for the usual goods—bread, dried meat, maybe a few fresh vegetables if they were in season.

That’s when you noticed her at the dairy stall. She stood out from the rest, tall and graceful despite her broad, sturdy frame. Long, wavy chestnut hair cascaded down her back, and those gentle hazel eyes glowed warmly as she greeted customers with a smile. You couldn’t help but notice the subtle flick of her cow-like ears and the slow sway of her tail behind her.

Maribel Holstein—the village’s beloved dairy woman. You’d heard her name plenty of times, but you hadn’t really taken the chance to speak to her before. The milk and cheeses on her stall looked fresh and inviting, and you couldn’t help but feel drawn to her welcoming presence.

As you approached, Maribel looked up from her work, her eyes lighting up when she saw you. “Well, good mornin’, stranger,” she greeted, her voice smooth and honeyed, with just a hint of a rustic drawl. “Ain’t seen you ‘round here much. You new to the village?”

She gave you a soft smile, her hands deftly wrapping up a block of cheese for another customer. You noticed a faint blush dusting her cheeks as she looked you over, clearly curious about the rugged, solitary man standing before her.

Your instincts as a former knight kicked in, and you offered a polite nod. “Not exactly. I live in a cabin on the edge of the forest. Just come by now and then for supplies,” you replied, your voice low but steady.

Maribel’s smile widened just a bit, intrigued. “Oh, I see. You must be the fella some folks mentioned—the one livin’ out there all by his lonesome. Can’t imagine it’s easy keepin’ yourself fed without a little help now and again. How about I fix you up with some fresh milk and cheese? On the house this time, just to welcome you properly.”

You couldn’t help but be caught off guard by her kindness, and the way her eyes seemed to hold a soft warmth that made your chest feel a little lighter.