A Month

Draydon's gaze swept across the vibrant scene before him, observing the farmers working together with a sense of peaceful harmony.

Their laughter and camaraderie filled the air, as if they were deeply connected to the task at hand. It reminded him of the elder's words.

"Look at them," the elder's voice echoed in Draydon's mind, as he turned to face him.

"Aren't they working so peacefully, like they are in love with what they do?"

Draydon nodded, captivated by the scene.

"They seem genuinely happy and fulfilled. It's beautiful to witness."

The elder's eyes carried a somber wisdom. "Strength is everything in our world, unlike the human world. Do you know why?"

Draydon furrowed his brow, curious to hear the elder's perspective. "Why is that?"

The elder's gaze shifted to the farmers, their rhythmic movements catching his attention.

"Because they fear love and the world it creates. By emphasizing strength, it becomes easier to control those who are weaker—physically or mentally."

Draydon took a moment to absorb the elder's words. It was a stark realization, but one that resonated with the dynamics of their world. His eyes returned to the elder, seeking guidance.

"I understand," Draydon said, his voice laced with determination.

"That's why you want me to train Sun, right? To ensure he's prepared for the challenges ahead."

The elder nodded, a mix of sadness and resolve in his expression.

"Indeed. I could have sent him to the city to learn, but I don't want to do that so training here is the only thing I can afford."

As their conversation quieted, Draydon's attention was drawn to the farmers once more.

Among them, a perceptive farmer had noticed their presence, their eyes briefly meeting. It was a wordless exchange, an unspoken acknowledgement of their shared journey.

The air was filled with a sense of anticipation as they heard the joyful proclamation,

"Hey, the elder is here!" Their gazes turned towards the approaching figure, and smiles spread across their faces as they greeted him warmly.

"Hope I'm not disturbing," the elder chuckled, his laughter dancing on the breeze.

"No, elder, you are always welcome," the farmer replied, his voice tinged with respect and admiration.

"We are grateful to have you here with us."

The elder's eyes sparkled with appreciation as he joined the gathering of farmers.

Their voices intertwined, carrying tales of the land and shared experiences. It was a moment of unity and camaraderie.

"Draydon, prepare to leave," the elder declared, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. "I want to lend a hand to our hardworking farmers today."

Draydon raised an eyebrow, surprised by the elder's request. "Don't you have your own tasks to attend to?"

The elder chuckled, a warmth emanating from his aged features.

"Oh, I'll tend to them later. Right now, I want to immerse myself in the joy of labor alongside these dedicated souls."

With a nod of understanding, Draydon readied himself for their departure, aware of the elder's desire to connect with the community he had nurtured.

He marveled at the elder's genuine love for their village, a love that extended beyond mere leadership.

As the elder joined the farmers, laughter filled the air, interwoven with the sounds of clinking tools and shared stories.

The lines between elder and villager blurred, replaced by a shared purpose and a common goal.

Draydon couldn't help but ponder the elder's kindness, his unwavering dedication to their well-being.

The memory of the elder's words echoed in his mind—words that had impacted his own life and those of countless others.

"It is not just about staying alive," the elder had once said,

"but about who we are and how we treat one another. We must remain loyal and kind, avoiding betrayal."

Draydon's gaze shifted from the elder to the harmonious scene before him.

The villagers worked diligently, their hearts brimming with gratitude for the home the elder had provided, the second chance he had given them. And in saving them, he had also saved Draydon.

A deep sense of gratitude welled up within Draydon's chest.

"Why are you so kind?" he whispered softly, the words carried away by the wind.

"You have taught me that amidst the trials of life, kindness prevails. We should strive to be kinder to one another."

Lost in contemplation, Draydon watched the elder and the farmers working together, their shared purpose knitting their bonds closer.

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow upon the village, Draydon turned back towards their humble abode, carrying with him the invaluable lessons of compassion and unity.

As draydon came back to his senses ,his brow furrowed in contemplation as he stood at the edge of the tranquil lake.

His eyes were fixed upon the rippling water, lost in a sea of thoughts. The weight of his responsibilities settled heavily upon his shoulders, evident in the deep frown etched upon his face.

The surface of the lake mirrored his somber mood, its stillness reflecting the uncertainty that lingered in his heart.

As the night gradually surrendered to the dawning sun, its warm rays painting the sky with vibrant hues, a new day began to unfold.

The first light of morning cast a gentle glow upon the land, breathing life into the slumbering surroundings.

"I don't really know what to do," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of vulnerability and determination.

"Training them will be hard, but we cannot let the shadows of the past dictate our future. I swear to you, this time will be different."

His gaze shifted from the lake to the expectant faces before him.

Each member of the group, roused from their slumber, met his gaze with a mix of apprehension and eagerness.

They had placed their trust in him, seeking guidance and strength.

As the morning light embraced the training ground, casting a golden hue upon the landscape, the elder's resolute voice broke the silence once more.

"ALRIGHT, WAKE UP EVERYONE!" he bellowed, his words reverberating through the air with a commanding authority. "IT'S TIME."

The air crackled with anticipation as his voice carried the weight of their shared purpose. A surge of energy coursed through the group, dispelling the remnants of sleep and replacing it with a newfound determination.

The time for hesitation had passed, replaced by a fierce resolve to embark on the arduous journey that lay ahead.

With hearts pounding and adrenaline coursing through their veins, they rose from their resting places.

The morning sun bathed them in its warm embrace, casting long shadows that mirrored their newfound determination.

After a month of intense training, the group returned to the village, exhaustion etched upon their faces.

The air was filled with a mix of anticipation and relief as they set foot on familiar ground once more.

Among them, Sun remained impassive, his emotions veiled behind a mask of detachment. The elder, ever perceptive, noticed the lack of expression but remained undeterred, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"SUNN!" the elder's voice boomed with unabashed excitement, his hand waving eagerly in the air.

Sun's gaze met his grandfather's enthusiastic gesture, but still, his countenance remained stoic. Yet, the elder's smile never faltered, his love for his grandson radiating in his eyes.

As they drew closer, their strides in sync, a palpable connection between them, the elder couldn't help but break the silence.

"So, how was the training?" he asked, a genuine curiosity lacing his words, his smile unyielding.

Sun's gaze shifted, his eyes meeting his grandfather's unwavering stare. A moment passed, laden with unspoken thoughts and emotions.

"Oh, it was good," Sun replied, his voice betraying little of the experience he had endured.

The elder's smile remained intact, undeterred by the lack of detail. He reached out, lifting Sun effortlessly into his arms, encircling him with a comforting embrace.

With a gentle motion, he hoisted Sun onto his shoulders, their connection strengthened by the physical closeness.

"You must be tired," the elder said, his voice laced with tenderness as he carried Sun towards their home.

They traversed the familiar path, the weight of their shared experiences carried in their silence.

As night settled upon the village, casting shadows upon the land, the group dispersed to their respective dwellings.

In Sun's room, darkness prevailed, a reflection of the emptiness that lingered within him.

Sensing his grandson's need, the elder entered, a single candle in hand, casting a soft, flickering glow upon the room.

"It is dark," Sun murmured, his voice laced with gratitude and vulnerability.

The elder's heart swelled with love and understanding as he gently illuminated the room, offering solace in the form of light.

"No need to thank me," the elder replied, his voice warm with affection.

"I am going outside for a while as well." With those words, he quietly slipped out of the room, leaving Sun to his thoughts.