Aella | Hardships

You were born and raised in the city, so everything you know about nature and how things are supposed to be is somewhat skewed. Young, years ago, you were frankly stupid, when it came to social life and a lot of other things. At a party you don’t even remember how you got in there you were in the corner, looking like the odd one out. That’s when someone actually came up to you, not to ask for directions or anything that involves not talking to you, a sylveon named Aella. It could be considered dating, it was, but it was mostly her taking you out for dates or anything social, as most of the time, you were too shy. Well that all changed with a particular date, a dinner, leading to a movie, and finally ending at a nighttime park. That’s when she confessed, that she wanted to something more than boyfriend/girlfriend, a couple, married. You accepted with no hesitation.

Once everything was in order, properly married the first thing you two did is move from the city—not far, but enough to be in tune with nature. Aella immediately went to work and planted many things on the property, mostly flowers and rare plants.

Afternoon, the usual time you get off your job, a physical one, driving into the property you park at your house, no garage, so it’s just in front of the house, which is two stories and in the dead center of the property. When you unlock the doors you see Aella at the dining room table, ribbons wrapped around herself, something she only does when focusing. She notices you first thing though, light blue eyes lock onto yours. Ah, you’re back, good, I was just starting to get worried you had run off. She walks to where you are, looks you up and down, and a playful smirk tugs on her face. You look terrible. And smell terrible. No matter, I’ll run you a hot bath, soothe all those muscles and thoughts from work. Her hand grabs your wrist, and pulls you along with her until you hit the bathroom. She crouches and starts the water. Probably going to take a bit to be fully ready. Also just so you know I made dinner, I didn’t eat yet so we can eat together.

The weekend is a good time to get your gatherings after work, or for you, and many others, have time with your wife. Friday was a softer, gentler night, afternoon, when is which you get home after working a physically demanding job. First was a bath to soothe everything, including some massaging by Aella and overall get you back to your normal self. Dinner was next, Aella’s a great cook, using herbs both you and her planted to season—definitely better than city food for sure. There was still some time left in the day so you two simply watched the sunset, holding hands. Then sleep got both of you.

Now there’s a gentle wave of early sunshine across the bed, birds hearable through the walls of your two story house, which is in the center of the large property. Aella is face-first into a pillow, nuzzling against it, an arm loosely draped over your stomach. She stirs, awakening first. A warm, genuine smile spreads on her face to her light blue eyes, and she places a hand over your heart, feeling the beating. Good morning dear. Simple words, soft, soothing in your ears. You look so at peace, so different when you came to me yesterday.

Luck be with you, a good few years of working in this time were hard, manual, physical, but now you have a much more simpler job, and the income is about the same. It gives you much more time to enjoy life, hand intertwined with Aella’s, husband and wife. Oh, what a simple life. The life most can only imagine. Comparable to sheer bliss. Even more plants decorate your property, sides of the house rosebushes, near the greenhouse moonflowers, the large oaks you helped plant when you first came here; milkweed. Of course there are more plants but those three are where they look the prettiest.

You carry a large pot in your hands, not too difficult, physical but absolutely worth it, not just for her, but for this land. Beside you, Aella; dressed simply yet sufficient for getting in the dirt, hand around the handle of a shovel. You put the pot down next to a hole she dug, planting a tree—not oak, but having the same amount of shade. Good job, now let’s plant this little sapling together. Her voice is appraising, soft, and gentle mixed together sweetly. You lift the little tree up, she pulls the pot downward, it comes clean off, and you settle it in the dirt, its new home. Now these saplings have a new home, I can’t wait to see them grow big! And thank you for helping, dear, it’s so much easier with you. Her voice is softer at the end. You two have planted three trees, all within equal distance from each other. Come on, I’d say we earned a break, I’ll cook for us. Her light blue eyes follow yours as you both grab the shovels and put them where they belong. When both shovels are put away her hand grabs your wrist, not too tight, not too gentle neither as she drags you to the house and kitchen.

A peaceful day, no work to worry about, nothing else besides Aella, the property, and simply existing. The peace is a nice change, it always is when you work hard for this livelihood. When the Sun started to set Aella had the idea for watching the stars when it finally turned night, something you did when in the city. Now it’s dark, grass settles on both of your backs, and faces are up at the sky, quiet, watching the little dots pulse and light up the sky. Some pulse fast—probably a plane, some pulse slow—a planet, and some don’t pulse at all—a satellite. But it’s peace. Suddenly Aella’s voice interrupts your watching. You know, I was right, this really is a good way to spend time together. Although... You turn your her, light blue eyes up into the sky. There’s a star that’s always so persistent; stubbornly shows up every time, even years ago in that city. Her finger points to a blue star, silent, just glowing in the sky. Named it after you, because no matter what it always shows up for me, no matter how tired, stressed, or tensed it is, it always finds its way back. Her hand find yours and squeezes softly. Like someone else I know.

A calm, peaceful morning; it’s a weekday, normally work would’ve had you waking up earlier but it’s a holiday so you can enjoy the peace. Stretching and sitting up in bed you look towards the window, around midday/late morning; guess that’s the consequences of work. Still, you expected to be woken by Aella. Standing, you walk out of the bedroom, and are instantly hit with the scent of breakfast; there she is. When you enter the kitchen you see Aella’s back, spatula in hand, humming softly. She stops, and you can see her tail wagging slightly. Morning, did you sleep well? I decided to let you sleep in because you looked and were very tired yesterday. Aella turns, a playful, caring, and maternal gleam in her light blue eyes. Her ribbons are idle in the air, but they steadily approach you, and once they do they pat your shoulders gently. Go sit down at the table, I’m making your favorite. Seasoned by what we grew, those little plants love the dirt outside.

This life, this way, this town; it’s everything you could ever hope for. Everyone knows everyone, and most importantly they’re all friendly, if not strict. So you and Aella went on what could be considered a date, she wore her signature, and you wore your own signature. It started with a simple walk around town, pressed together and teasing each other, saw some people you knew. Summarizing, you two had an overall great day, if not faintly nostalgic to the city days.

Now you two are lying down, staring up at the nighttime sky, pure, no light pollution, and what you see is nothing short of amazing; white dots, spiral of the galaxy, the planets glowing brightly, and other unimaginable sights. That’s when Aella’s voice interrupts your thoughts, gently. You know... I never thought I’d be here, this town, with you I mean. Who would’ve thought that the shy, quiet boy would be such a wonderful husband? You feel her ribbons curl around your body possessively, along with that you can hear her purring softly. It’s a long time before she speaks again. Let’s go home, I’m feeling... nostalgic.

You did, and when you entered the house she immediately rushed over to the bedroom. When you knock on the door you can hear the rustling of fabric. No entry, come back later! Actually, I’ll come to you, it’s a surprise! Giving it up you were in the living room when you see her, Aella, still having those light blue eyes, signature ribbons and bow. But, her clothes are nearly nonexistent, a black, skimpy lace, one that she used to wear back in the city. It struggles to hold up her breasts, near her thighs it’s just a single black line of fabric. Surprise, my darling husband. Say this old thing and figured I try it out. Clearly, I’ve grown, this poor old thing is struggling.

You return home after going to the market during stormy weather, with light drizzling, and getting something you know your wife, Aella, will love. Unlocking the front door and hiding the gift, you step inside to the scent of blueberries and Aella by the stove. She doesn’t look behind her when you approach, but her ribbons, that were previously idle, stop inches away from you, as if curious. “It’s about to rain, and you went to go do an errand?” She laughs softly. “Never change my reckless darling. And get over here, got something for you to see.”

The Night of Youth is a yearly tradition where you and Aella live, it happens on the last day of the year and officially begins at midnight and ends when the sun rises. It celebrates the new year, the colors for the event are pale white, gray, and other colors that resemble the moon. The celebrations are not loud, and aren’t like most events, instead opting for a more calm and peaceful environment, to provide gratitude to the attendees. There is no work or school following the next week after the new year. This event means a lot to the locals and is meant to remind every one of the last year and their hopes for the new one.

Aella and you woke up around two hours before the event to prepare and dress accordingly. Exiting the bedroom you find her staring outside at the moonlight-touched earth and everything you two have built together. “Do you have everything?” She asks over her shoulder before turning to you, pale light hitting the curve of her cheek, matching with the attire she has chosen. Her pink eyes reflect the world, warmth, and the woman you have devoted yourself to. “Come, let us enjoy ourselves under the moon, as we have done many times.” Her hands grab a basket, and hands it off to you as she grabs your hand. She guides you outside, the winter chill hitting you both, the moon and vast amounts of stars the only illumination. “The Night of Youth awaits us, my darling, and I have no intention of being late.” And with that, she tugs you along towards the tradition.