As I feel the gentle warmth of the sun kissing my skin, I take a moment to stretch, feeling the muscles in my back and arms awaken. I slowly rise from my makeshift bed of prickly straw, brushing off the slight dust and prepare for the long day ahead. I walk over to the manor to freshen myself up.

    First, I splash some water on my face.  The coolness of the water is refreshing against the warmth of the sun. I choose a soft cotton blouse, sturdy trousers, and a large coat since it's cold and carefully tuck in my blouse before holding it in place with a well-worn belt that fits snug around my waist. Today, I know I’ll be laboring in the fields, so I put on my dusty boots, the familiar weight offering a sense of readiness.

    After taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I walk over to the nearby chapel to pray, kneeling down on the cool, hard ground. I close my eyes and bow my head in prayer, a daily ritual that grounds me and fills me with gratitude for the work ahead. It’s a simple act that connects me to the land and sets the tone for the day. I have a quick chat with Priest Elijah before leaving for the day.

    Grabbing a quick breakfast I eat plain bread while sitting on my bed. Once finished eating, I realize that I still have time before starting my workday so I walk over to the livestock quarters. Walking over with buckets of food in my hand I approach the cattle and sheep first. Then as I make my way over to the pigs and chickens leaving them their food. Seeing the sun slowly begin to rise I make my way over to Lady Elodies home. Since we live on the same property I am able to get there quickly.  I start caring for the crops on the fields.

    I have always been curious, but I know that I’m only a serf so my curiosity will never be fulfilled. Everyday I work in the same fields, digging with the same shovel, and the same attitude. Life as a serf is a persistent cycle of labor. Though on this day, while pulling up weeds, I felt something hard with my shovel. 

    Looking down at the ground, my eyes fall upon an old beat up satchel decorated with detailed golden linings that glint in the light. 

    After a moment of viewing, I made the bold decision to try to open the bag. I wrap my fingers around the cool, smooth edges of the satchel and pull with all my might. To my astonishment, the bag ripped open, revealing a dazzling interior.     

    Taking a cautious step back, I found myself completely captivated by the scene unfolding before me. Spread across the stone surface was a dazzling satchel overflowing with sparkling gems in every imaginable color. Sapphire blues, emerald greens, and shining diamonds that caught the morning light in mesmerizing ways. Gleaming coins, polished to perfection, reflected the flickering glow of nearby candles, their detailed  designs showing important images displayed on the coins. 

    As I stood there, my jaw dropped in awe, the sheer beauty of it all silenced me. I struggled to fully absorb the unexpected fortune laid out before my eyes, each gem beckoning me closer to uncover the secrets they held.

    Choosing to take a seat, I settle onto the fertile ground surrounded by crops. The sun casts a warm glow over the fields, and the sweet scent of earth fills the air. Suddenly, I hear a sharp crunch—someone is trampling through the weeds nearby. Startled, my heart races as I instinctively jump to my feet, anxiety coursing through me. I wrap my large woolen coat tightly around myself, trying to shield my vulnerability. Just as I prepare to hide, I hear footsteps approaching, and I glance up, bracing myself for who—or what—might come next.

    “What is that?” Knight Brian asks, his voice full of suspense. Sitting in complete silence, my thoughts are filled with regret and fear, so I don’t reply.

    “Don’t make me tell Lady Elodie about this,” he says, shifting his weight nervously and tapping his feet on the ground as he waits for my response, the tension palpable in the air.

    “Fine,” I reply reluctantly, still keeping the secret tightly guarded. I carefully remove the woolen coat, revealing the ancient-looking satchel that glints mysteriously in the dim light. The detailed stitching on the satchel hints at a long-lost history.