Chapter 3: Help Wanted

Lumi

The next day, I woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. The sun was streaming through the windows that were rimed with frost, the dim light casting a glow on the wooden floor. I stretched, the blankets rustling around me, and took a deep breath, the scent of pine and wood smoke filling my lungs. I was ready to take on the day and find my place in Frostpeak.

Using just a little magic, I created a new outfit of jeans, a thick sweater, and fleece lined boots. I dressed quickly, pulling on my red coat and adjusting my pointed ears in the mirror. I had a feeling that today was going to be a good day. I could feel it in my bones, like the hum of magic that always surrounded me. I made my way downstairs, the sound of laughter and clinking cutlery filling the dining room. I grabbed a quick breakfast, the warm pastries melting in my mouth, and set out to explore the town.

The streets were bustling with activity, the townsfolk going about their daily routines. I walked past the bakery, the smell of fresh bread wafting out and making my mouth water. I waved at the woman behind the counter, her face lighting up with a friendly smile. I continued down the street, my eyes scanning the storefronts for any "Help Wanted" signs. I wasn't used to my hands being busy and, if I was going to stay awhile, I needed to be productive. That's when I saw it—a large, rustic building at the edge of town with a sign that read "Frostpeak Timber Mill."

The mill was an imposing structure, the wood dark and weathered, the windows high and narrow. It stood tall and proud, a testament to the industry and hard work of the town. The sound of machinery hummed in the background, a steady rhythm that seemed to pulse with the lifeblood of Frostpeak. I'd never thought of working for a timber mill; didn't really know exactly what a timber mill did but something told me this was where I needed to be, the pull so strong I felt unable to resist. I took a deep breath, trying to steel myself for what was to come, and pushed open the heavy wooden door.

The smell of freshly cut wood hit me like a wave, the scent earthy and comforting. The sound of machinery was louder here, the hum filling the air and vibrating under my feet. I walked up to the reception desk, my boots echoing on the wooden floor. A woman with a kind smile and warm eyes looked up as I approached.

"Hi there," she said, her voice friendly and welcoming. "What can I do for you?"

I smiled back, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort in her presence. "I'm looking for a job," I said, my voice filled with hope. "Do you have any openings?"

She looked me up and down, her eyes lingering on my bright red coat and pointed ears. I could see the curiosity in her gaze, the unspoken questions. But she didn't ask, instead, she smiled and said, "We might have something. Let me get the bosses for you."

She disappeared into the back, leaving me alone in the reception area. I looked around, taking in the details of the mill. The walls were lined with photographs of the town, the images capturing the essence of Frostpeak—the snow-covered streets, the twinkling lights, the smiling faces of the townsfolk. There was a sense of history here, a sense of belonging that I longed to be a part of.

A few moments later, the woman returned, followed by the twins from the diner. They looked even more intimidating up close, looming over my petite stature by at least a foot, their expressions stern. They were again dressed in thick flannel shirts and jeans, their thick arms and broad chests making me swallow heavily lest I drool on myself. They moved with a sense of authority, a confidence that commanded attention.

"I'm Roman," one of them said, extending a hand. His voice was gruff, his grip firm. "And this is my brother, Ryker. We run the mill."

I shook his hand, a jolt of electricity running through me with his touch. His eyes met mine, and I felt a sense of connection, a spark that I couldn't quite explain. "I'm Lumi," I said, my voice embarrassingly breathy as the fluttering in my stomach felt like partridges settling into a pear tree. "I'm new in town, and I'm looking for a job."

The brothers exchanged a glance, and I could see the skepticism in their eyes. I was a diminutive, cheerful elf in a red coat, and they were gruff, stern loggers. And did I mention they were probably a foot taller than me and twice as wide with muscles? We were like night and day, oil and water. But I was determined to prove that I could be an asset to their mill, that I could bring something unique and special to their team.

"We don't usually hire,,,outsiders," Roman said, his voice gruff. "Especially not... uh, elves?" He said the word like it was foreign, like he wasn't quite sure what to make of me.

I smiled, undeterred by his skepticism. "I understand, we're not very common," I said. "But I'm a hard worker, and stronger than I look! And I'm willing to learn. I just want a chance to prove myself."

Ryker looked at me, his expression softening. There was a kindness in his eyes, a warmth that was lacking in his brother's gaze. "What kind of work are you looking for?" he asked.

I shrugged, my smile never wavering. "Anything, really," I said. "I'm good with numbers, I'm organized, I'm great with people, I can build things. I just want to be useful."

Roman and Ryker exchanged another glance, a silent conversation passing between them. I could see the wheels turning in their minds, the calculations and considerations. I held my breath, hoping that they would give me a chance.

Finally, Roman nodded, his expression still stern but with a hint of resignation. "We could use some help with the administrative work," he said, motioning with his chin to the friendly receptionist who had originally greeted me now on the phone and shuffling multiple folders. "Holly could use some help --paperwork, answering phones, that sort of thing. You up for it?"

I nodded eagerly, a sense of relief and excitement washing over me. "I'm up for anything," I said. "Just tell me where to start."