The morning sun filtered through the dense canopy above, casting dappled light across the orchard. Lucia and Elina moved through the rows of berry bushes, their fingers stained red with the sweet juice of their harvest. The air was filled with the scent of ripe berries and the occasional chirp of birds. It was a peaceful contrast to the usual bustle of their lives.
Elina stretched, her muscles aching slightly from the repetitive motion of picking berries. "You know, Lucia, this is a nice break from the armory. My hands are getting ruined from all the heavy work," she said with a light laugh, holding up her calloused palms. "I swear, sometimes I think they're going to turn into stone."
Lucia smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "You're doing a great job, Elina. Your dad must be
