God Meet People

The meat was tough and bitter but perhaps the most satisfying meal Ralof had eaten in a month. Cattle had been a luxury in the True North for a long time, there was only one tribe that owned them, and not the tribe. Meat can only be obtained from hunting which is the main source of food for the northerners and of course this cold land will not provide enough food for the northerners or them.

Ralof glanced at the man who gave him this enjoyment. Powerful and intimidating are the obvious words to refer to him. Although the wrinkled appearance and beard on his face depicted an old figure, it did not detract from Ralof's initial impression, instead adding to the wisdom and respect that emerged from a person who had had far more life experience than himself who was now only 20 years old.

"Where are you from.. uh mister? My name is Ralof from Zofran Tribe. Thanks again for saving me and for being kind." Ralof awkwardly wanted to break the silence.

The big man stopped eating to look at Ralof. The gaze was heavy as if to judge him for bothering him but he steeled his heart and endured it.

"It's very far from here. And I don't like repeating words. No debt taken." He grumbled in a deep voice.

Ralof couldn't get used to his voice yet. How do people have such an impressive voice? Ralof will never know. And it's a bit annoying to get an answer that's so stingy and looks like it's going to be a continuing trend. Gosh, he hadn't even gotten his name yet and he even doubted getting it that easy.

The meal continued in silence and Ralof's futile attempt to make conversation. After the meal was finished the big man took the skin of the hung Direwolf and rolled it up. Seeing that he was about to leave, Ralof immediately asked.

"May I know where are you going, mister?" Ralof asked following right behind him.

"Far from-" Annoyed by the same answer over and over, Ralof cut in immediately. "If you don't mind, come to Zofran."

"Not needed." He replied in a cut tone. But that wasn't enough to hold Ralof back.

"It's getting dark mister. Nights can be very dangerous in the True North, at least stay the night."

"...."

"... Fine. Lead the way boy"

"..." Ralof didn't know whether to be happy or offended.

========

The village was small, like really small. Just a few families and a dozen men. It was a sufficient number for the village to survive but now it might decrease even further. Ralof was a bit afraid to give news about his journey. If it weren't for wanting to help his benefactor he might never have returned if he ever had the choice.

"We're finally here." Still, he misses his warm home. But before that, there is still bad news to be conveyed.

"Hmm"

The village had no protection whatsoever other than perhaps a large enough area around it to see anything approaching. That became clearer when they saw people coming toward them. Ralof's heart sank when he saw who was among them. He wasn't ready to meet her yet.

"Ralof! What happened? Why is there only you? Where are the others!?" From the group that came one immediately ran towards them after recognizing Ralof.

"Sif sorry, they-" Ralof felt his eyes sting slightly at that moment and the words like stones in his throat.

"Stop, just stop." The woman said, Sif with her eyes closed and a pained expression on her face. Seeing that Ralof felt like he was just bleeding right then and there. "I'm sorry," he said in a small voice that Sif may or may not hear.

The remaining three people approaching them finally arrived. Their faces were also gloomy, clearly understanding what had happened to the hunting group.

Kratos watched all the drama in silence, it was rare for him to be ignored but that was probably for the best. This is not the place to interfere.

After a while of waiting, Sif calmed down. The eldest of the advanced group "Ralof, at least you can come back. Surely this big man has something to do with it. Can you vouch for him?"