Maisie McLeod's Arc

Chapter 5 of 6

Maisie poured melted wax into her first mold and watched it settle smooth. The lavender oil spread through the liquid, turning it cloudy for just a moment. Then it cleared. The wick stood straight in the center, held by the wire frame she'd learned to make at the roundhouse. She made six more candles that night, each one better than the last. The wax cooled evenly. The scent stayed gentle but clear. By morning, she had her first real batch. Maisie wrapped each candle in brown paper and placed them in her basket. The village market opened at dawn. She would set up a stall and see if people wanted what she'd made. The wooden market stall stood empty when she arrived. Snow dusted the frame and covered the display boards. Maisie brushed it clean and arranged her candles in neat rows. Other vendors called out their prices around her. A man sold dried herbs. A woman offered wool scarves. Maisie waited. A girl stopped first, picked up a candle, and sniffed it. She smiled and handed Maisie two coins. Then an older woman bought three. By midday, only one candle remained. People had praised the clean burn and the soft lavender smell. Maisie walked home with her empty basket and full pockets. She passed the pale stone sheep sculpture that stood near the path. Its smooth surface caught the afternoon light. She had done it. Real customers had chosen her work and paid for it. Tonight she would write about this day in her own journal. Granny would hear about the sales and the kind words. This was the proof she needed. Her candles were ready for Imbolc.