• A groan rushed passed chapped, pale lips as a loud, sharp thudding sounded, an arm clutching at a pillow, shielding the face from the incoming light. There was a moment’s pause in the banging, as though waiting for a response from the ruckus noise, before it sounded over again, added with a rather obnoxious voice, the pitch to high to possibly be human and yet, it was.

    “Adrian! Get up, you lazy bum! Papa is calling you!” The girl shouted, the words muffled by the door and pillow. Wrinkling his nose, a blonde haired male appeared from underneath the wool object, peeking with squinted blue eyes towards the window, not quite adjusted to the light yet. Again, the banging came before stopping abruptly, the noise of stomping footsteps moving away until it finally faded. Letting out a breath of relief, Adrian Alex Toliens sat up in bed, running a hand though his ruffled hair that was in dire need of a trim, before arching his back, attempting to run out the crick that appeared. A yawn erupted from his mouth as he swung his legs off the thin mattress, scrubbing at his eyes with the palm of his hands, laying his feet on the cold floor, a shudder racing through him. Shivering, he glanced out the window again, frowning as he spotted a thin sheet of snow coating the once green grass. It wasn’t even Winter season and hardly even Autumn, more as the end of Summer. The weather puzzled him before he brushed off the train of thought, standing up and padding across the wooden floor to the oak door, pulling it open.

    Immediately, warmth rushed to him, and he breathed in the heavy scent of eggs and ham, blue eyes losing the glazed look and gaining a light of satisfaction. His gaze moved to the left of the hallway, taking in the similar oak doors that decorated it. The one on the wall with his door was Lillian’s, the daughter of Andrew Millen. She was also the one who had made on the chaotic noise earlier and a mere fourteen years of age. Straight down the hallway was another, which led outside, known as the back door, leading to the pasture and barn. And the door opposite of Lillian’s was the Master’s room, Andrew’s room. Pictures hung on the wall, making it more homey, black and white photographs of father and daughter and other relatives. A plush run rug ran across the wooden floor, a brilliant color of crimson and royal blue, a pattern of squares and circles, dazzling to the eye. Turning those blue eyes to the right, he spotted another similar oak door just a little down on the opposite wall, the extra room where a small, worn bed and chest was. Andrew had decided to use that as storage, finding nothing more useful to use it for. Further along the hall was a stained glass door, the front entrance, with a rough bristled rug, used to clean off boots after hard hours of labor in the dirt. Both right and left walls held large gaps, entrances to other parts of the house, the one along his side leading to the dining room and kitchen, the other leading to the common room. Adrian headed to the dining room, following the scent and natural habit.

    Coming into a brightly lit room with a large window on the far wall, he smiled at the younger girl who sat at the small, delicately carved table, the matching four chairs scattered around it. Lillian had auburn hair, wild and curly the fell over her shoulders untamed. The dark eyes stared into the kitchen, watching her father, the drab brown wool dress hidden under a stitched sheet that draped over his shoulders lightly. Obvious oblivious of Adrian’s appearance, the other let out an impatient sigh. “Let us hurry and eat, Papa. Adrian should miss breakfast for sleeping in. I’m starved!” She complained lightly, grinning to show she wasn’t too serious. Blue eyes dancing with amusement, Adrian turned to the man Lillian had spoken to, nodding in greeting. The other spotted him and let out a heart filled laugh, shaking his head, before carrying the plates to the table, going back to grab the last of them.

    “Morning, son. We’ve got a long day in front of us. The festivals coming around on the morrow and if you kids want to head out to the village to attend, we need to work even harder today.” The gray haired man greeted, informing him of the important fact and reminding the blonde haired boy of the event. Nodding firmly, Adrian took a seat, catching the sight of a blushing Lillian before he began eating.

    The meal was silent for the most part, a few comments here and there about the weather, the festival, or daily life, and all to soon was it over, Lillian hopping up and taking the now empty plates towards the kitchen where a basin of water now sat. Andrew and Adrian stood up, the older man heading towards the common room as the other hurried back to his room, only to appear a few minutes later, dressed down in boots, a cloak, gloves, hat, and scarf, along with the normal leather trousers and white washed shirt. Waving their farewells to Lillian, they walked out into the chilly morning, the wind biting at their cheeks, turning them slightly pink, and the sun reflecting off the snow making it intensively bright.

    “I need you to run over to Master Parkers to check on the hoe and axe’s process. They were rather dull and on the verge of breaking. And while you’re there, go purchase quill for tonight’s supper.” Andrew instructed Adrian. The boy nodded in response, holding out his hands as his caretaker placed a few copper crowns in his hand before stuffing them in the small satchel at his side, nodding, before pausing momentarily, hesitating.

    “Mayor Writ had ordered me to stop by for a visit next time I was in.” He told Andrew, who smiled lightly and laid a hand on the others shoulder, a rough yet affectionate gesture, before giving the younger boy a shove.

    “Go. And be sure to tell Eric that Lillian will expect him to escort her to the festival tomorrow, aye?” Grinning, Adrian turned around and walked off the wooden porch, heading down the barely visible worn pathway that led to Tavaren, the village, Andrews’s deep chuckle following him. Pulling his cloak tighter around him, he was quite thankful that the weather wasn’t too frigid, though he hardly expected it to be cold at all. A sigh escaped his lips. These days, everything has become strange.

    The seasons were behind, summer lasting longer than usual this year, fall now cut short due to the weather. Hunting was becoming more difficult, the game moving further away, the butcher getting less and less supply of meat by each passing day. The peddlers were late as of five days ago, still not arriving, causing Mayor Writ to worry greatly, the Travelers, a rather optimistic group of nomads, passing tales of hardship when they pass through, stories filled with the impossible such as magic, orcs, trolls, dwarves, elves, pixies, and the such. Most of the villagers now have their door closed when the Travelers pass through, not wishing to hear the lies, turning their noses to the nomads. Of course, this was all what Adrian heard from a friend, Charles Choteau. In all honesty, he hadn’t been to Tavaren lately, work keeping him busy, attending the sheep, half of them taking ill, and fighting off the wolves, who have became ravish. The blonde haired boy was looking forward to the small trip to the village, wanting to hear more details of what was going on, curious to hear the recent stories that were probably circulating the Counsel.

    His mind began to fabricate unrealistic tales of dragons and knights, imagining a scaly snake like creature with webbed wings and a long, feather neck. Completely absorbed in day dreaming, he let his feet instinctively lead the way, eyes staring ahead absently. The king would surely send armies after the beast that destroyed villages and towns, small cities and big ones, wanting revenge for the many life’s the dragon took. His imagination got even more creative, placing him in one of those shiny suits of armor he’s seen drawn in diaries, facing the dragon along with fellow soldiers, returning to the palace with the head of the beast in a gold embroiled chest, receiving a word of gratitude from the Princess Alicia, who was said to be the most fairest in the kingdom, whose eyes alone would turn the most cruelest, coldest criminals to mush. He imagined being promised to this princess, accepted by Prince Hayden as a brother, the man the stories told to be courageous and cunning, a strong man with a gentle heart. Even Queen Eliza would look down from the Sun and smile with pleasant satisfaction, one matching King Clayton’s expression. As Adrian’s thoughts grew, so did his attention and alertness, failing to catch the footsteps of someone running from behind him, not aware of it until he was on the ground.

    A yelp escaped his lips, blue eyes growing wide, before he began to struggle, twisting around so he could sock the attacker and hopefully get away in time to run. However, who he saw that had tackle him got him to stop immediately, eyes turning to slits as he glowered at the brunette haired man who was having a quite thorough laugh that was not at all controlled.

    “Get off of me, you oaf!” Adrian growled, shoving the man off of him who fell to the side easily, not resisting, and clutching his stomach as the howls of laughter continued. Standing up, Adrian began to brush the clinging snow furiously, jaw clenched as he resisted the impulse to knock some sense into Collin Tib, a childhood friend of his. By the time he had got off a good majority of the quickly melting ice, Collin had seized laughing, grinning wolfishly up at him, caramel eyes sparkling with delight.

    “You amaze me, Adre. I thought you were one of Tavaren’s top trackers and yet, you seemed to have not the faintest clue that I was behind you.” Snickering once more, Collin stood up, not bothering to dust of the white flecks, before passing Adrian, walking on towards the village. Adrian faltered momentarily, wavering between whether he should follow Collin or become stubborn and go through the woods. However, he chose the most logical, not having a weapon to ward off wolves. He quickly caught up to his friend, dropping into pace with the darker haired man, before frowning pointedly at him. The other caught it and grinned, before answering the unspoken question. “I was tracking down some rabbits when I spotted you. Figured you were heading towards the village and decided to accompany you. Besides, I can’t wait to see Sue’s reaction when she sees you. She was quite flustered when you left without saying good bye last time you came down here. I’m sure Charles would love to see it, too.” He mused, before a mock frown came to his face. “‘You inconsiderate, wool-headed ox! How could you leave without saying farewell! A destined couple should be sweet and thoughtful of each other’ and so on.” Collin mimicked, bringing his pitch up to a squeak during the speech, waving his index finger around in a lecturing way, before nodding. “Aye, you better be careful of the witch. She’ll be leading you around on a rope in no time, claiming that the creator wills it and that someday, light knows when, you’ll be married under the Oath of Leaf.”

    Cringing inwardly, Adrian thought about the Oath of Leaf, wrinkling his nose. Sue was a major believer of it, to the point where she became dramatic about it. Oath of Leaf, was, as legends say, the sacred binding between creatures and the Sun. As stories put it, all living had abilities of what the Sun processed. Immortal life, forever youth, the Frozen Age, most would call it, was an ancient age that only traced down from voice to ear, no records existing. However, there was to say that one man, a rather greedy one, decided to use those abilities to an advantage, claiming to be a god and all who opposed him he punished, raining destruction across the new lands and the old ones, from across seas and deserts everywhere. Finally, it was said a messenger of the Sun came down and banished the man into mother earth’s embrace, sealing him underneath as trial, before stripping everyone of their abilities under the orders of the Sun, binding them to the one thing that followed nature’s cycle, the leaves. Budding when born, falling when dying, gaining sickness and striving to survive, clinging to their mother’s womb until death. Allowing no room for protest, he bound them to follow the same fate, though the time lengths varied, as does the different types of leaves. This ancient, historical binding was called Oath of Leaf and soon became the most sacred oath to the kingdoms, said to be the largest offense if one broke his word after swearing to the Oath of Leaf. And, in marriage cases, it meant both women and man were to be in love, fully devoted to each other.

    This was precisely what Adrian was not. Shaking his head, he finally spoke, voice bitter. “She never does seem to give up, does she? By the light the Sun provides, I don’t know what to say to convince her we aren’t a soul pair!” Throwing up his hands in dramatic exasperations he let out a breath, frowning over the thought of the girl before shaking his head. “Now, let’s not talk about that women shall we? Have the peddlers come in? Or have there been any more Travelers’ journeying through?” Adrian asked eagerly, blue eyes once again alight with fascination at the thought. However, the excitement was quickly smothered as he took in how his friends expression darkened, the mischievous glint now gone, the arrogant stride now slowing, eyebrows knitting.

    “Aye, the peddlers have come. This morning, they were riding in with wounded men and the wagons coverings were shredded. Their faces were stark white and they seemed to age considerably from fright. A few Travelers came with them, in the same condition, their usual white attire hanging like rags, some even blood stained. Horrible stories they tell, aye, they are. Mistress Maria is refusing to believe it and has already announced that if any of the nonsense were to reach her ears, she’d wring out the neck of the offender. And a group of strange people came with them, too. Four, total, I think, though I can’t be too sure. They’ve been closed up in Town Hall and Mayor Writ isn’t allowing anyone to bother them.” Suddenly, the lad's tanned cheeks brightened to a pink tint and he looked at Adrian with a sheepish smile. “I caught a glimpse of two of them. A lady, a beautiful one at that, with long, flowing black hair and deep green eyes. There was a man too, but he was dressed in a leather jerkin and the usual servant drabs. The only thing strange about him is the strange feeling that illuminates from him. But the lady, light, she was dreamy. I wouldn’t mind having her sit on my knee.” Collin murmured, causing Adrian to roll his eyes. His friend wouldn’t mind any girl on his knee and would even coax them to dance with him at times.

    Ignoring his friends’ wistful sigh, he looked up ahead, catching sight of the village, smoke trailing from the chimneys, people bustling to and fro through the gathered houses and huts. New determination in mind, he looked over at his friend, who was still lost in thought, before grinning roguishly, bending down and scraping up some of the snow, before tossing at Collin. Coming from his day dreaming quickly, he stared wide eyed at Adrian before matching the grin with an impish one of his own, attempting to grab at Adrian but failing, the blonde haired boy dashing towards the village, letting out a shout of triumphant, hearing his friends pounding footfalls behind him. Tavaren came rushing towards them and soon enough, they slowed down considerably, now walking, as they broke passed the first houses and officially entered the village. Immediately, were they greeted with shouts of greetings, which Adrian returned with a polite smile. One lady openly scowled at them and decided to come up short in the two boys’ way, peering up at them with dark, narrowed eyes, plump arms crossed across her breast. It was the mole on the women’s brow that made the blonde haired boy to realize who she was and opened his mouth to apologize. However, the lady beat them to the talking.

    “You boys be lucky I don’t have you hanging by your toes on my clothes line. First, you turn my girls into hellions, filling their ears with nonsense stories filled with adventures and such idiotic things, and then you make off with a pie! The nerve of you, kids. Your friend, however, got you guys off the hook. But dare you come near my girls or house again and I’ll have you thatching the roof with your teeth. You hear?” After gaining their stunned nods of agreement, the women, Chorea Tincel went off with a huff, already shouting orders to her frail, old husband to start working. Adrian quickly rushed towards the center of the village, slowing down only when Chorea’s house was no longer visible before shooting his hooting friend a dark look.

    “It's because you and Charles insisted on dragging me with you that I was almost throttled back there.” He insisted which was returned with a shrug.

    “That's Probably so. Oy, look, its Charles and Sue!” He exclaimed before letting out a holler and waving his arms around, grinning like an idiot. Adrian’s blue eyes settled on the people nearing, holding his breath as he knew he was about to get a blistering scowling. The girl, Sue Libvian, was a red head, though darker then Lillian’s own hair and neater, placed in two pig tails. Freckles sprinkled across the bridge of her nose and on her cheeks and the similar dark eyes as almost everyone’s in the village glowered at him. The male, with honey colored hair and green eyes, stared with interest, a smile that matched Collins goofy one a telling that he was completely aware of what was about to come. Adrian began begging for the ground to open up and swallow him, if it meant to stay away from the tongue lashing that was about to come.

    “Adrian Alex Toliens, you inconsiderate, wool-headed ox! You left without a single word, you cotton eared oaf! I swear, once we’re married, that nasty habit of yours will be straightened quickly. I’ll make sure of it and so will mama and papa. It would be nice if you said farewell to your fiancée once in a while, you know. You’re supposed to be nice and sweet to me, preparing to sweep me off my feet. And currently, you’re doing a downright dreadful job.” She steamed, snapping out the last part and poking Adrian in the chest, having him take a step back away from her wrath. He held his hands up as though for defense before shaking his head. He wasn’t good with women and especially with ones claiming to marry him.

    “I’ve no time for this, Sue. I’ve got some errands to run and I’ve got to go see Mayor Writ before nightfall.” He replied hastily, sidestepping passed her, only seconds after spying the hurt expression the girl had. Letting out a sigh and ignoring the pang of guilt, he headed towards Master Parkers place, which was only a few houses down, Charles and Collin following behind, whispering among them. A large house came in view, the porch spacious, and a shed along to right side. Waving to the lady and child on the porch, he neared them, watching as the white haired lady stood up, cradling a small girl in his hands, another slightly older one hiding behind her skirts. “Good morning, Mistress Renée, Abigail, Sara. I pray you’re having a fine day?” The lady smiled, before gray eyes glancing at Charles and Collin, wrinkling her nose. They quickly gave out their greetings, not wanting to be lectured on manners.

    “I’m having a lovely day. You here to see my husband, right? He’s not around at the moment. He had a meeting to attend. But I thought I saw your hoe and axe sitting in the waiting pile. I’m sure they will be done in a fort night at the most.” She told him, nodding, before turning her attention to Collin. “And I hope that your mother is feeling alright. She gave us quite a shock, swooning yesterday. Gossip say’s that she’s with child.” Gray eyes alight with delight, she turned and patted her daughters head. “Aye, despite the mischief children get into, they are quite a joy.” She murmured, patting Abigail’s head, gazing at the sleeping Sara in her arms before looking at Charles. “Now, don’t you be getting into trouble with those Travelers again. Maria will have you beating rugs for a month if she catches you. That goes for all of you boys.” A serious expression crossed her face before the warm, motherly smile appear again, making a shooing gesture. “Go on, go on. I know the lot of you has things you need to do.” She cooed, walking back to her chair and sitting down. Calling their byes, the three boys moved off towards the hall, silent wrapping itself around them before Adrian finally broke it.

    “Your mother swooned? How tragic. Did Helga know why?” The blonde haired boy asked, turning grey eyes to his friend. Collin shrugged meekly before replying.

    “She said the events were too overwhelming for her. Hut she said nothing about child. But don’t worry. Ma is strong as an oak.” He replied, grinning boastfully, before swinging an arm over Charles and Adrian’s shoulders. “Now, I’m sure I recall Mayor Writ telling Adre here to visit him next time he’s in Tavaren. Why don’t we do that now and maybe even catch a glimpse of the new arrivals, hm?” Collin coaxed slyly, smiling ear to ear, causing Adrian to chuckle. Charles let out a snort and shrugged off the arm, laying a playful punch on Collin’s shoulder.

    “I can’t wait to see that lady you were fawning over. Sue was just telling me before you guys got here that she’d have to work to keep Adre from there. However, since our friend blew her off, I’m quite certain we’ll be able to meet this lady without much trouble.” Letting out a sigh, Adrian shook his head, not bothering to protest and defend the fact that he was getting wary of trying to convince Sue. Instead, he looked over at Charles.


    “Tell me what the Travelers have to say. And the peddlers, of course, surely had their mouthful of tales. Collin never got around to it, really, just described the state they were in.” He stated, also pushing off his friends arm. The honey haired male frowned in thought for a moment before shrugging.

    “Well, most of what they said puzzled me and I hardly believe any of it. But, from what I made out, they were attacked by orcs.” A short, sharp laugh escaped Charles mouth as he shook his head. “Nonsense, it was. But they said they were eight foot beast with horns jutting out of their heads and white eyes, snouts for noses and muzzles, hooves as feet and hands with black razor claws. They smelt of dead carcasses and burnt flesh, their howls grating and sheer. And stronger than ten men combined, those orcs were. Not even the arrows or spears could puncture the tough skin. One man describes it to be of the toughest leather, their skin. Anyways, they were attacked the next town over, Tradlin. Rumors have it its gone now, completely burnt down and not a human soul left. Mayor Writ and Mistress Maria sent men over to check on it, I guess, to prove the stories wrong. But I don’t think the Travelers would make up something like that. Though they are a lying race, they are always peaceful in most ways, refusing to believe most things and sticking to trust more than doubt. Whatever they encountered, it wasn’t any good. More than half of the nomad’s clan had died two nights ago and the peddlers lost a good few wagons and men. Sue keeps insisting that its bears that harmed them, that they were attacked by ravage brown bears. Even so, why are they so far east? They usually live in the south west region.” Charles trailed off, pondering over that insignificant fact as Adrian attempted to put a picture to the unknown attackers. Orcs, they said? It couldn’t possibly be that. Even though he’s dreamt of them quite often, though in a different shape then what his friend gave him, he was quite positive that things like that couldn’t possibly exist, that myths were just that, myths. He shook his head. The people were in such a fright that they must have mistaken it to be the fictional Orcs. Coming to that conclusion, he tuned in as Collin began speaking.

    “The peddlers claimed the prince to be missing, as well. Prince Haydon, that is. And that the queens’ ghost has been spotted in many towns. Adding that to this weather, it has became quite strange. The Creator has something planned, of course. We can’t doubt him. And he’ll sure to leave our village alone from time to time. The only serious offenders that ever lived here died a long time ago.” Nodding with confidence, the other continued. “We’ll just have to go on with our normal life and forget all these tales. Even someone like me can’t have my heads in the clouds all the time. I’m just a shepherd boy, Charles, you’re an Apprentice to a tailor, and you’re just a farmer, Adrian.” Adrian shook his head in disagreement but didn’t say anything. Nay, he wasn’t just a farmer. He was also an outsider, in some sense. Deciding it was best not to protest completely, he looked up, spying a white building with yellow shutters, a long wooden bench and table laying in the green yard, the porches railings carved with designs the original master had made, pots of plants decorating the wooden porch. He smiled at the ladies gathered around the table, though gained no response, none of them looking up as the continued on with their gossips. Sighing, he made his way up the steps and knocked on the large yellow door, waiting, listening, until he finally heard footsteps, following by the opening of the door. A short, plumped lady appeared, grinning immediately as she realized who they were, her cheeks pink from cooking, brown hair pulled back in a messy bun.

    “Why, Adrian! It so lovely for you to stop by! Come it, come in. I was just preparing sweet tarts for our guest. Mayor Writ wanted to see you next time you came in, right?” She gushed, patting the blonde haired boy on the back before pulling him inside, throwing suspicious glances at Collin and Charles, who smiled sheepishly back. “I hope your boys aren’t using this lad just to get a glance at the lady.” She pointed out, frowning at them as they shared a nervous look before shaking their heads.

    “Nay, Mistress Maria. We would never use Adre, here. We’re just accompanying him.” Charles replied as Collin nodded frantically. Staring at them a moment longer, Maria seemed to weigh the possibility mentally.

    “I’ve asked them to come along.” Adrian lied, hoping to convince the women to allow them to stay rather than kick them out. Finally, Maria sighed, scowling at his friends, before smiling sweetly.

    “If you say so, Adrian, then it ought to be true. Off to the Common Room with you boys. Mayor Writs waiting in there along with the other guest. I’m sure you’ll find the group of them quite astonishing, if I do say so myself.” A rosy blush rushed to those already colored cheeks before Maria hustled off, disappearing through an opening to the kitchen. He looked over to find Charles and Collin also leaving, heading towards oak double doors that lay open, and Adrian followed, coming into the common room.

    The common room was a large room, artifacts decorating the wall, a flame blazing in the fireplace, a small bookshelf resting against the wall. Plush carpets decorated the floor, rugs from different parts of the world brought by the peddlers that traveled through, the colors varying. A plush, straight back arm chair sat in front of the fire, along with four other small versions, and a few stools. Above the fireplace hung a sword and shield, both resembling with the village’s history, of the time when they were once considered a part of the kingdom. The air was warm, comfortable, welcoming, and the low murmur of talk was a mere drone. It could have easily been an evening night and yet, the sun wasn’t to its full height yet. It was just the feeling the room presented. Eight people total sat in this room huddled together, their voices low, their words inaudible, though the feeling in the air felt pleasant enough to prove it wasn’t serious matters.

    Two of the people gathered were village men, one being Mayor Writ, Adrian spying salt and peppered color hair. The man looked up, chocolate eyes meeting blue, and smiled widely, the leather like skin crinkling around the eyes and mouth, before gesturing towards them. The other he knew was Master Parker, a man with ragged, long dark brown hair tied at the nape of his neck, arms large and bursting with muscles, chest and shoulder broad, and the mere size of him imitating. Those gray eyes looked up as well, spying them, and gave a gruff nod before leaning over to the mayor and whispering in his ear, the other agreeing with a tilt of his head. The other four were complete strangers, one woman, and three men. All were foreign looking, their looks remarkable, even the servant looking elegant, despite being drabbed in commoner clothes.

    The lady was just as his friend described and more. As those deep green eyes looked up, away from Mayor Writ, he found himself feeling as though he were sinking. Her skin was flawless, smooth, her black hair falling in waves around her shoulders, looking extremely soft. The perk nose was fitted perfect for her face and she was dressed in a deep blue riding skirt and a matching blouse, the cuffs coming down to a flair. A silver woven belt encircled her waist, a similar, small version bracelet resting on her wrist. She regarded him for a moment, invisible scales weighing him mentally, before those green eyes moved on.

    Adrian let out a breath he had been holding and shuddered, feeling completely exposed, before he looked at the man next to her. He had dark brunette hair that was untrimmed, wild, a shadow of a beard and mustache appearing. He was dressed in a green tunic, crimson shirt, and dark leather pants that tucked in even darker leather boots. At his side were two sheaths, both holding daggers. What startled Adrian the most was the blue eyes that met his, a dark blue, but still, blue. He had only seen one other pair besides his own and it had been so long ago.

    Slightly shaken, he diverted his eyes to the next person, a person who, surprisingly, was still wearing a cloak, the hood up. Frowning, Adrian stared suspiciously, catching a glimpse of long, white hair, but never had a chance to see the few view of the face. What was visible under the cloak was a gold embroiled silver laced tunic and light tanned trousers, tucked into soft boot. A bow and arrow set leaned against the plush chair he sat in, as though he was waiting for an attack.

    Adrian quickly dismissed him from his mind and looked over to the servant, who was staring quite bluntly at him, silver eyes narrowed in concentration. The man had pitch black hair, almost alike as the ladies to an extent though perhaps a shade lighter, that was just slightly past his brow, hanging over the tops of his eyes. The clothes were a little better then a beggars clothes and slightly too big for the lad. Adrian was guessing that the man was only a year or two older then himself and newly employed, seeing that there was no signs of hardship visible. What contradicted the appearance, however, was the fact the other held an air of confidence, staring without any signs of hesitant.

    Adrian frowned at the other, not enjoying his eyes on him, before turning to Mayor Writ, giving a slight wave before walking forward. Collin and Charles had already grabbed seats, having pulled stools over next to Master Parker and the mayor, leaving only one stool open. Glancing around for a space, he finally found one between Master Parker and the lady and pulled the stool over, plopping down upon it.

    “Adrian, what a fortunate coincidence that you happen to come down here today, for this group of people just arrived this morning. It would be a shame to meet someone outside this village besides the Travelers and the Peddlers, wouldn’t you say?” He mused, nodding. Adrian smiled lightly, agreeing. It would have be a misfortune to have missed these people, it would have.

    “Mayor Writ, I’m not sorry to say that there is no such thing as coincidence. There is only faith and destiny. I do hope you’ll forgive my abrupt contradiction but I find it more helpful to inform you of this important fact before you go on.” The voice was feminine, light, yet it rang clear like bells. A slight accent was behind it as well, but Adrian couldn’t place it. He glanced over to the lady beside him, taking note of the regal way she sat.

    Adrian could fully agree with destiny and faith. Everything for him was laid out in the future, waiting for him to come, ready to be put into action. It was a reasonable belief, one that was more popular than the other, and was hard to protest against. He glanced over to Mayor Writ, seeing how he was reacting to this, and was shocked to find him shaking his head.

    “I can’t entirely agree with that, ma’am, but I apologize none the less. Now, allow me to introduce these boys to you. This here is Collin Tib, a shepherd” He gestured towards the curly locked brunet boy, who gave a sheepish wave to the lady. “Here is Charles Choteau. He’s learning to be a tailor. And that fellow sitting next to you, my lady, is Adrian Toliens. He lives and works with Andrew Millen and his daughter out on the farm.” Adrian tilted his head in greeting, not having anything better to do.

    The lady smiled at the three of them gently before gesturing towards herself. “My name is Vivian Tipini. My companions are Master Helfen Drougus” She swept her hand towards the gruff looking companion. “Master Gillian Thomson. Do forgive his rudeness at the moment. He has a problem trusting people and doesn’t quite enjoy taking down the hood in front of complete strangers. And my servant, Hayden, whose just joined us recently.” Adrian turned his blue eyes to the servant and was stunned to see the others head down, gaze focused to the ground. Even the air around him seemed to ease up just a bit, leaving a bit of doubt in his mind that the man was the same one. Frowning over this startling fact, he turned his attention back on Mayor Writ, who had quite loudly cleared his throat, no doubt trying to gain everyone’s attention without demanding it while in front of guest. It was cause of this that Adrian missed the sharp look Hayden had given him.

    “You will be staying for the festival, right? It’s something to see, though more than likely nothing compared to what milady has probably seen before, of course.” He quickly told her meekly, his leather like skin turning a faint tint as evidence of a blush as he ducked his head humbly. “But, I’m sure Milord’s and Milady would enjoy it nonetheless. Season Festival is always grand, celebrating mid-autumn time, when the Savior, the Sun, sent down the Messenger to rescue our ancestors from the dreadful…man… and made a sacred bond from us to the leaves.” Mayor Writ explained, nodding his head like a baby duck attempting to keep his head up on a frail neck, before Adrian glanced over to judge Lady Vivian’s expression, hoping to catch a small sign to hint she was at least thinking of staying in town for the festival. Despite the silly notion that everyone held their own destiny that the women seemed to hold, the boy was quite eager to talk to the foreigners a bit more, the chance too tempting to pass up and certainly not something Tavaren will ever see again. However, the tight, forced smile upon the ladies lips graced her features, the barest flicker of a slight fire in the emerald eyes, as though she was holding back a disagreement of some sort. Adrian blinked slowly, lost now and even a small bit curious, as what exactly Lady Vivian believed in. A new voice broke in, however, and he looked up with a look of shock, blue eyes shooting up to the rugged man, Master Gillian.

    “I believe staying for the cultural festival will prove to be quite… amusing. I’m in full agreement of the decision and I’m sure my companions would also enjoy the stay. We hold our Honor and Pride in your hands, House Master Writ, and show our gratitude for the Proposal.” Amazed that such a rough appearance man could speak like what Adrian would imagine a regal lord to, it was probably the reason he didn’t catch the nod from the cloaked figure nor the hesitant glance thrown towards Hayden from Vivian. He did catch, however, the servant lean down and whisper into the Gillian’s ear, having moved behind the man before he had began talking. The world really is different from what I thought. Servants in the journals and diaries of merchants and such were never allowed such liberties… right? Adrian thought, clearly curious about the customs of the outside world. Gillian looked a little baffled by what the servant said, though the expression wasn’t quite clear and was covered with a wolfish grin a split second later, shaking his head over whatever comment the dark haired lad said, throwing a glance towards the three village boys before speaking. “Perhaps we will also be able to settle down with you, Mayor Writ, and talk over something we have in mind.” Hayden’s silver eyes now laid on Adrian, chills racing down his back as he forced himself to keep his eyes on the Mayor and Master Parker, though he was quite sure the strong, confident look the servant held was back in those silver eyes, the same look as when he had first walked into the common room.

    Shuddering inwardly, Adrian stood up suddenly, smiling apologetically to Maria who was busy placing a tray of tarts down on a small coffee table, before bowing his head towards the mayor then the guest, even towards the servant despite the urge to completely ignore him.

    “Please forgive me but I do believe I need to find Eric before it gets too late.” Adrian excused, catching the shared glance between Charles and Collin but not commenting on them. Master Parker and the mayor both shared similar startled looks, the guest remaining impassive, expressions cleared of emotions.

    “Alright, lad. You’ll find him over at the grove more than likely. When you’re done with him, tell that oak thick skull son of mine to go over to Madam Nicola and ask her to loan a few blankets for our guest.”

    “Yes sir. Please, excuse me.” Adrian once again politely spoke, standing up, Collin following his example.