You and Florence start out at high noon, and ride in silence until you reach the river. The sun shines through the old oak trees and illuminates the leaves and Spanish moss in mid-afternoon orange. A cool breeze wafts delicious scents of pastries, breads, cakes, and pies, to your nose, telling you that you’re close. “Ah I always love the smells when coming here.” Florence says wistfully. “It is quite delightful.” You say smiling. Then just as you round a corner, you see the grist mill bakery, with its water wheel turning in the river beside it. You tie up your horses on a pair of unique looking hitching posts that have the head of a white stallion with a bit in its mouth as the hitch. You open the door for Florence and the doorbell rings as you open it and walk inside. “A customer!” A voice says from above you, and footsteps are heard walking over to a small spiral staircase. A smaller statured woman with ginger hair wearing a tattered old shirt and apron covered in flour, descends down the steps. “Ah, Florence, how nice to see you again. Oh, and who’s this looker?” She asks, looking at you. “Y/n L/n,” You say, taking their hand. “A pleasure to meet you.” You kiss the back of their hand with a smile. “Show off.”

Alistair huffs at you with intense jealousy. “Oh my, well what can I do for you.” she says bashfully. “Just here for the usual order of pastries is all.” You say releasing her hand and leaning against the counter. Florence hands over the list to Mrs. Moonie and she reads it over. “I can get those out for you in just a moment.” She says with a wink and walks back to a large pie cabinet in the corner. “You didn’t tell me you were such a charmer.” Florence nudges you. “It’s a fine tool and I only use it when necessary.”

You say looking at Florence through your eyelashes, making them blush and turn away for a moment. You giggle at their shyness and walk over to look at a bread rack. “Remember what you’re here for.” Alistair says. “The theatrics are for a reason, Alistair. If I charm them enough, they’ll bend to my every will.” You say under your breath, but you feel Alistair’s disbelief. “It would make it easier to kill them if they trusted me when I told them to pull off the road, would it not?” you whisper. “Ugh, I suppose it would.” Alistair huffs in defeat. “I understand your jealousy but I promised you would have fun later, did I not? By these means, you shall have it, just allow me to work.” you reassure him. “Fine.” He sighs. “Order’s all ready.”

Mrs. Moonie says placing a wicker basket with a hinged top on the counter. “Ah, perfect.” Florence says, taking the basket. “I put an extra scone in there for the charmer.” She says giving you a wink. “Aww, you didn’t have to.” You say. “Don’t worry, I baked a few extra this batch anyway. But do come back when you can, I’d love to chat with you anytime.” She says. “Then expect me soon.” You say, opening the door for Florence. “Good evening Mrs. Moonie.” Florence says with a wave, walking out the door. “I’ll be seeing you, Florence.” she says and you close the door behind you. Florence ties the basket to the horse’s saddle while you untie your horses. The sun is almost upon the horizon when you get back on your respective horses and start out on the road again. “I suppose I lost track of the time, we should hurry back.” Florence worries. “Afraid of the dark? Don’t worry, the stable boy gave me a lantern.” You reassure them. The ride goes smoothly as the sun sets and you light a lantern for the path ahead. After quite a while, you come to a crossroads and stop the horses. “What is it?” Florence asks. “Which direction did we come from again? Was it North East or East?” You ask, pretending like you can’t remember the directions. “It was North East I believe.” Florence says. “Are you quite sure?” You ask, making her question her judgment. “Oh, now that’s clever.” Alistair says. “I- Well… I’m unsure.” She says. “I say we go east and if we find we don’t recognize the road, then we head back here and go north east.” You say. “A-alright.” Florence says, becoming more confused. You turn your horses in to the East and ride for about 30 minutes out until Florence breaks the silence. “I don’t think I recognize this road, I think we should turn back.” They say stopping their horse. “Hmm, I don’t recognize it either, but we aren’t turning back.” You say dismounting your horse and keep the reins in hand. “What are you doing?” Florence asks. “I hate to ruin your trust in me, but I’m the highway robber,” You say, taking out your black cloak and bowing with a flourish. “Well, not a robber, per say. All that I’m stealing is your soul.” You finish, taking your dagger out of your boot. Florence just looks at you dumbfounded and you take the reins of the horse so they can’t flee. “Get off the horse.”