Getting the change, Serhilda together with Petra, made their way back to the cottage with the food stored safely in the basket in-hand. Serhilda held the door open for the both of them and they put their footwear properly beside the wooden door.

Levi saw them from the living room once he was done setting the wood down the fireplace and dusting his hands off. Petra gave him a smile before walking to him, but as she did, she started tripping over a small piece of wood.

Levi responded quickly and caught her back before she fell to the floor. Serhilda almost dropped the basket due to surprise. Petra grunted and saw how close she was to Levi's face.

It left her flustered and she ran back to her room. Little did she know, Levi tried to hide the blush in his cheeks. "You didn't see anything," he coughed and turned away.

"You are easy to read." The black-haired woman remarked and he muttered a 'tch' before walking to his room upstairs. Serhilda smiled to herself and proceeded to the kitchen.

She then placed the basket of food on the wooden counter. Mr. Ral came back in through the back door. "You're back," He gave her a warm smile. "We have the food, sir." He nodded and inspected the basket.

"Thank you, my dear. And no need to call me sir. You can call me 'father', if you want." The young woman's eyebrows rose. "A-Alright, father." She gave him a small smile before helping him prepare the food.

+•+

Petra and Levi came back down from their rooms to eat. Serhilda grabbed the ladle and scooped some stew for her bowl. Levi followed, and soon after, Petra.

No one seemed to have wanted to strike a conversation, so they ate quietly. Though Levi and Petra shared shy glances at each other. Mr. Ral could only smirk from the scene.

Serhilda however, was in deep thought. Before she were to dive in deeper, she looked at her bowl and began finishing her stew before politely leaving and going out of the cottage.

She now had wanted to ponder outside where there isn't that much noise, but just the sound of nature and wind. And for her, the best place would be the clear forest not too far away from their place.

Serhilda found a clearing and saw a figure lying up on the tree branch. The figure seemed to be looking at the view from above. It seemed to be having a good time.

She walked slowly just so not to disturb the person, but she failed since she accidentally snapped a twig with her sandals. The figure jumped a little, but was able to stop himself from falling off.

"I'm sorry!" Serhilda shouted.

He sighs in relief. "It's alright, you scared me, is all." Serhilda blinked before saying, "Eren? Is that you?" He jumped off from the high branch and let out a loud huff.

"The one and only."

+•+

"So, what were you doing out here? Was my warning not enough?" He said and she smiled sheepishly. "Well... it's not like the bear will be able to smell from here." Eren shook his head while chuckling.

"Serhilda, a bear can smell even miles from where it's staying. But you're lucky where we are right now isn't near the cave. And it's away from the bear's territory, so we're safe. Besides... I'm here." She smiled and he had no choice but to stare at her black hair.

"I never thought I'd see you here again, actually." She said. "Me too. I usually come here to ponder. And judging from how often your uh... brother? Comes here, this forest must be near your place."

"Yes it is. I suppose Dauper is too?" He nods.

"So, how did you know my... 'brother' comes here often?"

"There were times before when I'd see him come by to get wood. It only happened once that I got to meet you. But anyway, I'd see him way before. Before we met each other." He chuckled.

"Ah." She nods. "Well...I'll come here to think about things. This part in the forest where there are flowers, and wind, and green trees. That's where I like to think."

"Would you like me to show you a place I know that fits your description?" Immediately, her eyes lit up. "Please?" She asked and he took her hand as he lead her to a more floral, yet secluded part in the forest.

"Wow... you seem to know your way around here." She mumbled. "Being here a couple of times has proved its worth!" He answered and they stopped. Serhilda was in awe once she saw the place.

It was barren because it was Fall, but, nevertheless, she took in the scenery and kicked some leaves. "Imagine if it were Spring... this place would be beautiful..." She said dreamily, which made him sigh in relief.

Yes, definitely.

He hid the blush in his cheeks as he watched her look at some flowers on the ground. Though her attention was mostly directed towards the rose. Then he realized, everything of her smelt and felt like roses to him.

She even looked like one. Not literally, though.

"Hey Eren. I have a question."

"What is it?"

"If I invite you and Armin for a festival in our village tomorrow, would you two come?"

"Hm... that would depend on our schedule. But do you really want us to come?" She blushed and nodded hesitantly. "The Festival in our place requires everyone to bring company, at least."

He blushed. "Well... don't you have your family? I mean, as your company?" She nodded. "Yes, but... it's not like that." He blushed again. "Eren, will you please come? I would like to get to know you more."

He blushed even more.

"A-Alright."