The Mayor's Concern

"Mayor Eldra," Aelius began, as he stepped into her office, the tax report in his hand. "I've come across something in the tax reports that I believe needs your immediate attention."

Mayor Eldra looked up from her desk, her blue eyes sharp behind a pair of reading glasses. She was an older woman, her hair a mix of silver and dark brown, pulled back into a neat bun. Despite her age, she carried an aura of strength and confidence that was hard to ignore. Her face, lined with years of wisdom and experience, held a stern yet kind expression.

She was dressed in simple but elegant clothes, a practical woman who cared more for the well-being of her village than extravagant displays of wealth. Her desk was neat and organized, a sign of her methodical approach to her duties.

Eldra listened attentively as Aelius explained the situation, her eyes narrowing in concern as he pointed out the discrepancies in the tax report. "This is troubling," she admitted, removing her glasses and rubbing her temples. "We can't afford to overlook this, especially if it hints at a bigger problem."

As Eldra mulled over the issue, Aelius took a moment to observe her. In the short time he had known her, he had grown to respect the mayor greatly. She was a just leader, fair but firm, and deeply cared for her village. She didn't shy away from hard decisions and always put the welfare of her people first.

Her response to the tax discrepancy was a testament to her dedication. There was no denial or brushing off the issue. Instead, she was ready to face it head-on, a trait Aelius admired.

"We need to investigate this further, Aelius," Eldra said finally, her tone resolute. "We need to understand the root of this issue and how it's affecting our farmers."

Aelius nodded, a sense of determination filling him. "I agree, Mayor Eldra. I'll do whatever I can to assist."

After several minutes of intense discussion, Mayor Eldra and Aelius managed to outline a course of action. Eldra suggested they needed to get a firsthand look at the situation and speak directly to the farmers affected.

"The best course of action is to go to the outskirts ourselves," she declared, her tone brooking no argument. "We need to hear from the farmers. Understand the challenges they're facing. No report can provide the kind of insight we need right now."

Eldra's plan was thorough, taking into account potential difficulties they might face. She proposed they leave at first light the next day, taking with them two of the town guards for safety. Eldra insisted on going herself, stating that as mayor, it was her responsibility to address the concerns of her people directly.

Aelius, in turn, was tasked with preparing a list of questions and key points for their investigation. They needed information about the farmers' yields, the state of their lands, their concerns, and any changes that could have led to the sudden drop in taxes.

"We need to approach this with an open mind, Aelius," Mayor Eldra advised. "Something is amiss, and we can't make assumptions. We must listen and observe."

Aelius nodded, taking in her words. He appreciated her hands-on approach and her willingness to dive into the problem headfirst. It was a plan that required effort and patience, but it was the best way to truly understand what was happening.

Returning to his office, Aelius couldn't help but feel a certain energy thrumming in his veins. The upcoming visit to the farmers with Mayor Eldra, the responsibility entrusted in him, it was all very new and exciting. But for now, he had another role to play: the guest at Garret's gathering.

Aelius tidied up his workspace, filing away the scrolls and parchments neatly. His eyes fell on the tax report that had sparked the concern earlier. It was a stark reminder of the challenges that lay ahead, but also of his newfound purpose in Lumen's Crest.

Once the room was in order, Aelius extinguished the lantern on his desk, the room descending into a soft twilight. He gathered his cloak, pulling it around him as he stepped outside, the cool evening air brushing against his face. The sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of crimson and gold, the village of Lumen's Crest winding down for the day.

He made his way through the cobblestone streets, the murmur of conversation and the scent of cooking fires filling the air. A feeling of anticipation bubbled within him. He was not only attending a social gathering but also one where he had a role to play. He was to share a tale, a story that would hopefully entertain and captivate.

As he neared the blacksmith's forge, the sounds of laughter and jovial conversation grew louder, the warm glow of the forge illuminating the gathering crowd. Tonight, Aelius wasn't the scribe, or the man with a plan to visit farmers. Tonight, he was simply a guest, a storyteller, a part of Lumen's Crest.

With a deep breath, he stepped into the light of the forge, ready to embrace the evening and all it had to offer.

As Aelius stepped into the warm glow of the forge, he was immediately greeted by a boisterous voice. "Aelius! There you are!" Garret, the burly blacksmith, came forward, a broad smile spread across his soot-streaked face.

By his side stood two familiar figures – Alaric, the miller with his brawny build and ruddy cheeks, and Brom, the tavern owner whose eyes always held a spark of mischief despite his greying hair. Both were key figures in Lumen's Crest, well-respected and beloved by the townsfolk.

"Good evening, Garret, Alaric, Brom," Aelius greeted, returning their friendly smiles.

Brom clapped him on the shoulder, his eyes twinkling with good humor. "Ready to charm us all with a tale, are you, scribe?" he asked, his voice teasing.

Aelius chuckled, feeling a sense of warmth envelop him. This camaraderie, the sense of belonging, was something he had missed in his life. "I'll certainly do my best, Brom," he replied, his eyes glinting with anticipation.

Garret, always the enthusiastic host, ushered him further into the gathering, introducing him to others in the crowd. The miller, Alaric, praised the quality of the documents Aelius had been producing, mentioning how the clear writing made his work easier.

Aelius thanked him, feeling a sense of pride at the compliment.

As the evening wore on, Aelius found himself being introduced to a flurry of new faces. The villagers greeted him warmly, making him feel welcome, but it was also a lot to take in. Aelius was an introvert by nature, preferring the company of a good book or the quiet solitude of his work. While he appreciated the warmth and camaraderie, he couldn't help but feel a sense of exhaustion creeping up on him.

Deciding to catch a breather before the storytelling began, Aelius politely excused himself from the crowd. He stepped away from the lively gathering, moving towards the edge of the light thrown by the forge. The cool night air was a welcome relief, helping clear his mind and rejuvenate his senses.

As he stood there, drinking in the quiet serenity of the night, a soft voice broke his reverie. "It can be quite overwhelming, can't it?"

Turning around, Aelius found himself facing a young woman. She was undeniably pretty, her features soft and gentle under the dim light. Her hair, the color of autumn leaves, fell around her shoulders, and her eyes, a clear, intelligent blue, looked at him with a kind of understanding.

"I noticed you looked a bit overwhelmed back there," she said, her voice soft yet clear. "I'm Celia, the local apothecary. I know what it's like to be new here and get caught up in one of Garret's gatherings."

There was a comforting ease to her presence, a sense of calm that Aelius found himself appreciating. He introduced himself, and they fell into a quiet conversation, away from the bustle of the gathering.

"Is it always this lively?" Aelius asked, gesturing vaguely towards the ongoing gathering.

Celia laughed, the sound soft and melodic. "Garret's gatherings? Yes, they're always this lively. It's a tradition of sorts, a chance for everyone to come together, share stories, and celebrate the simple joys of life."

"And what do you think of it all?" he inquired, genuinely interested in her opinion.

She paused for a moment, her gaze drifting over the crowd. "I like it," she admitted. "There's a sense of community, of belonging. People here are not trying to outdo each other or show off their wealth. They're just... being. It's... refreshing."

Aelius nodded in understanding. "Where I'm from," he began, hesitating slightly, "gatherings like these... they were different. They were more about status, wealth... a show of power."

Celia turned to look at him, her gaze soft but curious. "That must have been quite a different experience," she mused, "And not necessarily a good one, I presume?"

Aelius shrugged, a wry smile playing on his lips. "Let's just say it was a different world entirely."

He left it at that, not wanting to delve too deep into his past. There was a line he was careful not to cross, a boundary he was hesitant to breach. His past was a thorny bramble he was not ready to untangle before anyone, not yet, maybe not ever.

His past was a dark maze of choices and actions, and he feared the judgement that might follow if the people of Lumen's Crest discovered the truth about him. He believed his sins were too grave, his past actions too horrific to ever be truly forgiven.

"So," he shifted the topic, hiding his discomfort behind a polite smile, "as the local apothecary, you must have a lot of interesting stories about the villagers."

Celia smiled, taking the change in subject in stride. They moved on to lighter topics, sharing anecdotes about their work, the village, the peculiar habits of some villagers, and more. The night rolled on, and Aelius found himself immersed in the simple pleasure of conversation, his worries momentarily forgotten.