1 A Village In The Woods
100 Kilometers away from the town of Helio, exists a mountain range, consisting hundred of mountains which were as high as 6 Kilometers. These mountains were home to the evergreen trees and millions of other species.
The tree stood ghost-like, the silent observer of the snowy mountains, the river and the clouds. The only thing bigger than the range of granite peaks was the midnight sky, dotted with silver and as vast as any eye could wander.
Below stood two men, at the very foot of the mountain.
The journey was rough and cold. The men rode sluggishly swaying left and right so to almost fall off their horses. They were hardly able to keep their eyes open and every so often would close them until a more vigorous breeze would rouse them suddenly. They were head to toe in thick winter wear made from Tigerskin and had many layers underneath as well as that. But nevertheless, the pain throbbed and at the same time, numbed of the frostbite, which had gotten into their gloves and boots, it felt as if there were icicles in their hands and feet which were piercing deeper with even the slightest of wind. Although it did keep them more awakened and less fatigued throughout their journey, they were still deciding that this one was their worst yet.
Both of them slowly moved forward on the trail, further leading into the mountains, leaving behind a series of footprints.
"Jim, the winter is getting worse every passing year."
A middle-aged man said in a grim tone to another person while waving the small torch in his hand.
On this cold and dark night, this small torch was his only source of comfort.
"Yes, I know Sam. If this goes on, we will have to migrate the entire village to a new place."
A burly man with a long scar on his face replied in a sad tone. His voice carrying a hint of unwillingness.
Jim and Sam, both are the hunters from the village. Their main job is to hunt for the animals and search for various herbs in the mountain. At the end of the week, both of them go to the city of Helio to sell the herbs and the carcasses of the animals.
Although the money they earned wasn't much, it was enough for them to buy some of the basic necessities like oil and salt.
In this biting cold weather, these were the things that they needed the most.
The nighttime in that place belonged to the owls and coyotes. With only the starlight and waxing moon for light, the blackness was almost complete. The woods were a tangle of roots on which to trip, a maze of paths to becoming lost within; even with torchlight it was a journey only made under greatest need. And so in the wintry evenings, both of them passed many wakeful hours together, none sleepy enough to turn in for hours to come. Each one passed in the uneventful enjoyment until there came a village in the distance.
Under the faint moonlight, one could see the outline of the village. The village was located in a small valley, between the mountains.
Surrounding the village is a 3-meter tall wall made up of sticks and straws, whose primary purpose is to stop the wild animals from entering the village. On the side of the village, is a small flowing river, upon which are two wooden bridges made from evergreen trees.
"Finally, we are here."
Sam spoke after exhaling a mouthful of cold air.
As there was no proper method of travelling there, in this biting cold weather due to the snow, it usually takes them 1-2 days going from the village to the city. Currently, both of them were feeling relief. It was like seeing a long lost lover in front of your eyes again.
"Mmm."
No words came out of Jim's mouth. Just a silent nod, which was expressing a hundred emotions.
Both of them entered the village from the front gate, which was made from the wood of evergreen trees. On top of the gate was the engraving of flame. Compared to the condition of the walls, the gate was much better.
Greeting them in the village was a long narrow road surrounded by a number of houses.
At the end of this straight road, was a small, exquisite house with a lantern in front of it. In the middle of the road was a four-way intersection with a small patch of red roses and green grasses giving it's surrounding a hazy feeling.
"The village chief sure is living a life of luxury. While we are working our ass off to get the oil, he is wasting it in front of his house."
Jim said in a disgruntled tone. He was irked by this action of the village chief.
Shaking his head with a slight smile, Sam didn't bother to reply. Musclehead like Jim will never understand the meaning behind this action of the village chief.
"Humph, and look at these flowers. Who plant flowers in the middle of the road? What a waste."
Sam looked at Jim for a long time and then sighed.
'This guy was being quite the whole journey, but as soon as something involves the village chief, he begins his blabbering.'
Shaking his head, he just continued on the road until they reached the flower patch.
On this dark night, under the faint moonlight, these flowers of red Roses surrounded by green grass were giving an otherworldly feeling. Even though the village was filled with ice, this small patch of land was devoid of snow.
Both of them looked at the scenery in front of them for a moment. Even Jim, the guy that loves to bad mouth the chief was quiet.
Turning to the right side from there, they went towards a small building with the sign of a bear along with some words.
"Welcome to the Ignis Tavern."
From the outside, it looks warm, folksy and peaceful. Sandstone bricks and evergreen tree trunks make up most of the building's outer structure.
It's impossible to see through the curtained windows, but the passionate voices from within can be felt outside.
As they entered the tavern through the thick, wooden door, they were welcomed by clapping hands and cheerful singing.
The bartender was swamped at work but still manages to welcome them with a short wave.
It's as lovely inside as it is on the outside. Squared, wooden beams support the upper floor and the rows of small candles attached to them. The walls are completely empty, besides the lighting, most likely because customers stumble against the walls too often and would knock off anything on the walls.
The tavern itself is packed. The villagers seem to be the primary clientele here, which often indicates some of the most common food. Several long tables are occupied by, what seems to be one large group of people. The other, smaller tables are also occupied by people who seem to be enjoying themselves a lot, perhaps too much, if such a thing is possible. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied, though nobody seems to mind more company.
Both of them slowly made their way towards the empty seat at the corner of the tavern.
"What would you like to order today?" The young bartender asked them in a flat tone while cleaning the table.
"Eh. Why so serious kid? Can't you ask in a more friendly manner?"
Jim asked the bartender while making himself comfortable in the chair.
The bartender seemed to be a 12-year-old boy. In this bar full of grownups, he was the sole kid. Compared to the big state of others around him, he seemed frail.
He was covered in fur clothes, hat and boots way bigger than his own size.
His face was round. With long black hairs up to his shoulders. If not for his deep voice and Adam's apple, people would have assumed he was a girl.
"I am here to serve you food and drinks, not to make friends. Please place your order."
He replied in an emotionless voice.
"Tch! No fun at all. Always that dead face."
Jim said with a snort.
After thinking for a while, he suddenly slapped his thigh and said in an excited voice.
"How about I tell you a joke. It's brand new."
As soon as Sam and the bartender heard it, their face started twitching.
Jim pretended as if he didn't see their faces and continued in high spirit.
"What does a grape say when it gets stepped on?"
.
.
.
"Nothing."
"It just lets out a little wine."
"HAHAHAHAHH!"
Jim begins to laugh at his own joke.
After laughing at his own joke for around 2 minutes, he realized people around him were looking at him with a strange glance.
"If you are done with your jokes, place your order. I don't have the whole night to entertain you."
The bartender asked him again in an emotionless voice. The joke of Jim didn't seem to make an impact on his mood.
"Ignore him Xen. Just give us two ounces of dry bread and some hot vegetable soup. Serve us the grape wine after the food is finished."
"And plesae take the horses outside the tavern to the stables. Just give them some grass and water."
Sam said to the bartender in a warm voice. His voice containing a trace of love and affection.
"Okay. Enjoy your stay."
With a flat tone, Xen left to get their food.
"It must be hard for him, after everything he has gone through."
Sam said in a grim tone to Jim.
Surprisingly, Jim didn't say anything more. He just sat there motionless.
In this tavern, which was filled with liveliness, love and laughter, where the villagers were telling each other the story of romance and myth and might; the silhouette of a little kid devoid of all emotions was speaking a silent story of a million words.
Alas! The only people who could see it were the two middle-aged men sitting at the corner of the tavern.
