What happened in your sims 3 game today?

The journey was not a long one, but the basket’s weight grew heavier with every step. She kept her head down, her thoughts a whirl of dreams and fears. A month—it was a long time to wait, but also so little time to prepare for the challenge that lay ahead at the Midsummer Celebration. She wondered what King Arthur and Merlin were planning, and if she truly had the courage to face the nobles of Camelot under the guise of a lady.

The market square was already lively with vendors calling out their wares, the sounds of children laughing and the occasional bray of a donkey blending into the familiar cacophony of market day. Ella wove through the crowd, her eyes scanning for the merchant with whom her stepmother had struck a deal. She knew him well enough—Mistress Theresa, a stern but fair trader who valued good produce but drove a hard bargain.

As she approached her stall, laden with bushels of apples, sacks of flour, and jars of honey, she noticed the merchant haggling with another vendor over the price of a bolt of cloth. She waited patiently, setting her basket down for a moment to give her arms a rest.

When Mistress Theresa finally turned his attention to her, his bushy brows knitted together. “Ah, ‘tis you again, lass,” she grumbled. “And what hast thou brought me today? More of Lady Tremaine's wares, I see.”

“Aye, Mistress Theresa,” Ella replied, lifting the basket to show him. “Fresh from the garden this very morn. Apples, carrots, and herbs. Lady Tremaine bids thee pay a fair price, as always.”

Theresa  looked over the produce with a discerning eye, picking up an apple and turning it in her hand. “Hmm, not bad, not bad. But the price of apples hath fallen, and I hear there be an abundance of herbs this season. I cannot offer thee what I did last month.”

Ella’s heart sank, but she kept her face calm. “But, miss, the quality is good, and my stepmother will be most displeased if I return with less than what is expected.”

Theresa scratched her chin, his eyes narrowing. “Aye, I am sure she will be. But I cannot give what I do not have. I can offer thee ten copper pieces for the lot, no more.”

“Ten?” Ella exclaimed softly, trying to keep the desperation out of her voice. “But last time thou gavest twenty. Surely there can be some compromise, MIstress Theresa?”

The merchant sighed, looking her up and down. “I like thee well enough, lass, but business is business. I cannot lose coin for sentiment’s sake. Fifteen, and not a copper more.”

Ella hesitated, knowing that Lady Tremaine would not be satisfied with such a meager sum. But she also knew she had little choice; haggling further could lead to losing the sale altogether. She nodded slowly. “Very well, fifteen it is.”

Ella thanked hier  quietly and turned away, clutching the coins tightly in her hand. She felt the weight of the task upon her shoulders—the small amount would scarcely be enough to appease Lady Tremaine. As she walked back through the market, she wondered if there was a way to earn more coin, or perhaps barter for something useful. She couldn’t return with empty hands and only a paltry sum.

She passed by a few more stalls, her eyes lingering on the bright fabrics and finely wrought goods that she would never own. Suddenly, she spotted a group of children gathered around a small, makeshift stage, where a traveling storyteller was weaving a tale of knights and dragons. She paused, a small smile tugging at her lips as she watched their eager faces, so full of wonder.

“Thou hast a kind heart,” a familiar voice spoke beside her. Ella turned, startled to see none other than King Arthur himself standing there, accompanied by Lancelot and Merlin, who watched her with interest.

She quickly curtsied, bowing her head. “Your Majesty,” she stammered, “I did not see thee there.”

Arthur smiled warmly, his eyes meeting hers with that same gentleness she had seen before. “Thou art forgiven, fair maiden,” he replied. “And tell me, dost thou often come to the market to sell thy wares?”

“Aye, my lord,” she answered, still bewildered by his presence. “My stepmother sends me to trade our produce for coin. But the price offered today is not what she hoped for. I fear she shall not be pleased.”

Arthur nodded thoughtfully, sensing the weight of her burden. “The world is oft unkind to those who toil the hardest,” he said softly. “But take heart, Ella. Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness can lead to greater fortunes. And sometimes, those who seem alone are not as alone as they believe.”

Merlin stepped forward, his eyes twinkling. “Indeed, young Ella, the market is full of surprises. Mayhap today is not so ill-fated after all.”

Ella glanced between them, sensing something more behind their words, but not daring to hope too much. “I thank thee, my lords, for thy kindness. I should return home before my stepfamily grows impatient.”

Arthur nodded, but as she turned to leave, he called out to her once more. “Ella, wait.”

She paused, turning back to face him, her heart fluttering with a mixture of fear and curiosity.

“There is a merchant I know well,” Arthur continued, his voice steady but warm. “He deals in fine silks and spices, but he is also a friend to those who show kindness and humility. If thou art willing, I could make an introduction. He may offer a fairer trade.”

Ella’s eyes widened with surprise. “You would do that for me, sire?”

Arthur smiled. “Aye, I would. ‘Tis but a small gesture, but one that could make a difference. And perhaps, in time, thou shalt see that not all who hold power use it for their own gain.”

She hesitated for a moment, her mind racing. The offer was unexpected and generous, and she could hardly believe a king would take such interest in her plight. But as she looked into Arthur’s eyes, she saw only sincerity and kindness.

“I would be most grateful, Your Majesty,” she said at last, her voice steady despite her nerves. “Thank you.”

With a nod, Arthur led her through the market, his presence commanding enough to part the crowds before them. As they walked, Ella couldn’t help but feel a small spark of hope rekindling in her heart. Perhaps, with a little help and a lot of courage, her fortunes could indeed change.