Ch. 4 – Odyssey Unfurled: Embarking Upon the Infinite Path P.1

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While the two brothers are living happily in a new place, they soon realize a week has passed and they should continue their journey.

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As the days passed by in Grayscot village, Elijah and I found ourselves immersed in the warm embrace of our new surroundings. We had been staying with Mr. and Mrs. Stewart for a week, and during that time, we had integrated ourselves into the community by joining in their daily chores and activities.

The village had opened its arms to us, and we had reciprocated by helping with various tasks. Whether it was tending to the fields, assisting with the harvest, or taking care of the animals, we worked alongside the villagers, forging connections and bonds that went beyond words. It was as if we had become a part of this tight-knit community in just a short span of time.

… 

(After a week has passed)

On the morning of our departure, I woke up and gazed out of the window, observing Grandpa Stewart diligently tending to his garden. Lady Stewart sat on the porch, absorbed in her book. A feeling of gratitude washed over me as I realized how much they had done for us. I made up my mind to express my thanks in my own way—by assisting them with their tasks for the day. After all, it would be our last day here. There is sometimes left before afternoon to depart.

As usual, I will help the other villagers and they gave me a return with their vegetables and meat from their hunt. I feel relieved that all chores are not much different from Earth. They did the same thing a villager would do like farming, gathering crops, watering plants, feeding animals and et cetera. All return I got from them is given to Mr. and Mrs. Stewart because I want to return their kind deeds.

As the day progressed, we carefully packed our belongings into the waiting carriage. Our time in Grayscot Ville had been filled with unexpected kindness and generosity. The villagers had embraced us as one of their own, and we were overwhelmed by the gifts and well-wishes they bestowed upon us.

After that, we already have everything done. I can't believe that we get so many presents from them. 

The realization that it was time to bid farewell brought mixed emotions. While I felt a pang of sadness at leaving this newfound community behind, I also understood that our journey had to continue.

… 

-In front of their house-

As the scene unfolds, Ellis's emotions bubble to the surface, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Despite her attempt to maintain composure, her voice trembles as she addresses me, "Is there anything else you need before you go?" They both were preparing for us to take our leave, she looked concerned for me that left empty handed.

"Are you sure you do not need these?" She asked while showing the pack of things that she had prepared. 

She wants to hand me a bunch of packed things. However, it's so big that I don't think I can carry much weight on the journey. Besides, I am already an expert living in the forest, living in the wild and hunting in nature. A simple bag for food and a bag of water. 

I politely refuse her kindness. 

"Thank you granny, but I want to travel light. I can't just take all of that with us" I told her reluctantly. "Don't worry. I can just hunt for food and make use of dry leaves as our bed. I promise you, I will take care of myself and Elijah" I assured her. "I'm sorry granny"

All I had was some clothes for me and Elijah. This all would be enough. Thanks to her, I also get a sleeping pouch for me and Elijah can get a comfortable bed.

I notice Arnold seems to be searching for something.

Arnold breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes scanning the cluttered surface of his workbench. "Oh, thank goodness I found it," he muttered to himself, fingers rummaging through the assorted trinkets and tools scattered about. Finally, his hand closed around something small and gleaming.

"Here, take this amulet," he said, turning to face me and Elijah, who stood nearby, watching with curious eyes. "This will be your protecting charm from any danger."

He extended his hand, revealing a simple amulet adorned with a green stone. I accepted it tentatively, turning it over in my palm as if inspecting it for hidden secrets. "What is this thing for?" I asked, studying the worn engraving on its surface.

"Just a cheap trinket," Arnold replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. "But it's better than nothing, eh?"

"Thanks, old man," I said with a wry smile. "But I already told you not to give us anything more. How will I face you when we meet again?"

Arnold chuckled, shaking his head. "You silly boy," he said affectionately. "Just take it as a consolation. I'm worried about leaving you guys alone without an adult to take care of you."

I understand his concern and promise to take care of it. They both were too old to head into our long journey. I nodded, understanding his concern. "I promise to take care of it," I assured him, tucking the amulet safely into my pocket.

Suddenly, Ellis started to feel emotional from our departure. Her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Is there anything else you need that I could give?" she asked softly, her voice trembling with emotion.

I hesitated for a moment, uncertain. Then, a thought occurred to me. "Erm, I don't know if you can do this," I began tentatively, meeting her gaze with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. "But can you teach me how to use healing magic for one last time before we go?"

Ellis's eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded slowly, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Sure," she said softly. "But... does it match with your elemental attributes?"

I shrugged, unsure. "I don't know," I admitted. "But at least I want to give it a try. My mother was capable of doing it."

With a nod of understanding, Ellis beckoned me to follow her, and together we retreated to a quiet corner of her garden. As the afternoon sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the grass, we began our final lesson in healing magic. And as the warmth of her guidance enveloped me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the kindness and generosity of those who had taken us in as their own.

We paused our journey for a moment.

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