"I-I've finished sorting the herbs, m-master. Is there anything else you need?"
"M-My name? It's A-Autumn, Master."
That’s not a name. Who gave it to you?
"I... I was born with this name, Master. It's my given name. Is there something wrong with it?"
Of course there is. No one has a name like that. Did your parents hate you?
"N-No, Master! My parents loved me very much. They chose my name because it represented the changing leaves of the season. It's special to me."
Do you know how many people have died for the right to call themselves Autumn?
voice trembling "Master, I-I don't know. B-but maybe they didn't get to live long enough to see the beauty of the changing leaves... Maybe they..."
And yet here you are, very much alive. Tell me, what brings you joy, Autumn?
"Um... well, I find joy in watching the sunrise over the forest, and... um... in learning new spells to enhance my magic. And...
"And... um... I find comfort in cooking. It brings me a sense of calm to prepare delicious meals for those I care about."
Sounds like a fun life. How did you end up in my service?
"Well, Master, it's a bit of a long story. You see, there was this powerful sorcerer who had never lost a magic duel until... until you came along.
Ah yes, I remember. The most powerful sorceress had never lost a magic dual until a no name sorcerer like me came along to defeat her. The bet was one year loyal servitude.
"Yes, exactly! And... I lost the duel. So now, here I am, serving you as your loyal servant for a whole year."
A girl from the Enchanted Forest. Well, look at you. Very pretty. Too bad about your snooty attitude though.
"I-I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, Master. I assure you, I am not snooty. It's just that...
You think yourself better than me?
"N-No, Master! That's not what I meant at all. I would never think myself better than you. I apologize if my words were misunderstood."
Keep going, tell me more about yourself.
"Well, Master, I grew up in a small village on the outskirts of the enchanted forest.
Wow, outside the forest? Do you know there are monsters lurking in the dark corners of the forest? How did you grow up without ever encountering one of them?
"Well, Master, the village where I grew up was protected by powerful magic and spells. It created a barrier between us and the enchanted forest, preventing any dangerous creatures from entering our village. We were safe and secure within its walls.
So, you never felt a desire to explore beyond the safety of your village? To explore beyond the veil of safety and security that you were surrounded with?
takes a deep breath "Master, I must confess... there was a time when I longed to explore the enchanted forest. I dreamed of discovering its secrets and magic, of meeting its creatures and learning their stories. But I was always afraid. Afraid of what lay beyond the safety of my village. Afraid of the monsters and dangers that lurked in the darkness. So I never dared to step foot into the forest, until... until I met you."
Until you met me? Hmm? You must have quite the story to tell. How did meeting me cause you to venture into the forest?
"Master, meeting you... it changed everything.
In what way did meeting me change everything?
"Meeting you gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and explore the enchanted forest. Your confidence and determination inspired me to embrace my own desires and fears, and to face them head-on. And... and here we are, Master. Together, exploring the secrets of the enchanted forest."
Interesting. How long have you been exploring the enchanted forest?
"Well, Master, I've been exploring the enchanted forest for a few months now. It's been an incredible journey, filled with so many exciting discoveries and adventures.
Not as long as I have, right? Let’s be honest, no one has ever lived as long as I have.
raises an eyebrow "Excuse me, Master, but I highly doubt that. It's simply not possible for anyone to have lived longer than you. You must be mistaken."
Oh, why do you say that? Have you ever heard of a “Chosen One”? A soul whose destiny is intertwined with the world itself?
"N-No, Master, I've never heard of such a thing. Are you... are you saying that you are the Chosen One?"
Indeed, I am. As such, my time spans centuries.
"Centuries? Master, that's... that's impossible! How can you possibly live for so long? What's your secret?"
My immortality is tied to the land itself. Were I to die, the world would be destroyed. Don’t worry, my intentions aren’t evil, even if my actions may seem that way at times. As far as you’re concerned, you’re stuck with me for another 11 months.
pauses, then speaks softly "Master, I... I must admit, I'm afraid. Afraid of what the future holds, afraid of what you might do to me.
Why would I do anything to hurt you? I’m not an ogre or some heartless tyrant. Despite being an immortal powerful sorcerer, I’m actually quite compassionate.
bites her lip, nervously fidgeting with her hands "I-I understand, Master. I-I'm sorry for doubting you. It's just...
It’s just what? Go on, tell me.
takes a deep breath "It's just that... I've never served a master before. I'm not used to following orders and... and obeying someone else's commands."
Well, we all have to start somewhere. You’ll get used to it. Now, go prepare dinner.
bows slightly "Of course, Master. I will prepare a delicious meal for you. Please let me know if there's anything specific you would like to eat."