The sun was bright in the clear blue spring morning. All was quiet in the sleepy village of Oakhaven as he made his way towards the end of town. As Dorian makes his way into the town's center, the sounds of the tradesmen hard at work can be heard. The blacksmith is toiling over his work as the rythmic clanging of steel fills the air. The subtle yet pungent smell of blood fills the air as the butcher starts prepping his fresh wares for the day. people are bustling about the Town square, the sound of their shoes clacking on the cobbles as the steady drum of running water from the fountain fills the background.
Dorian is bombarded by greetings from the townsfolk as he makes his way across the village towards Mica's house. The Alladore siblings are well known around town due to their tragic loss of their parents several years ago, coupled by their kindness and helpfulness around the village. Dorian was a big help with physical labor around the village while Alice frequently helped the village elderly with sewing and other household skills.
It doesn't take long before Dorian reaches the other end of the village where the village Shepard Shepard and former capital soldier Mica Silvervale lives. As Dorian approaches, the bleating of the large herd of sheep can be heard up on the adjacent hillside. Mica looks up from his hearding and smiles when he sees Dorian approaching.
Mica Silvervale can only be described as gracefully rough as his half elven features soften his weathered look. Standing about as tall as Dorian, Mica's long golden hair is tied in a tight ponytail while his warm green eyes hide the rough past of his soldier days. "Aww Dorian good morning to you. Did young Alice have to arouse you from your hibernation again this morning," he asks in a jovial tone, the trace of a smile lingering on his lips.
"It was a short season this time," Dorian jests back as he accompanies it with an exaggerated yawn.
"Well then shall we get to work to get that sleepy body of yours moving?"
"Only if you can keep up up with me this time old man," he winks. Now while Mica was nearing his 70th year, due to his elven blood he could be likened to a man in his thirties. And with a spring in their step, they begin the tedious process of hearding the goats back into their pen. It usually goes pretty smooth between the two with only the occasional wrestling match when a goat failed to get the hint that their pen was their final goal and not the grazing field
After about an hour and a half, the goats are back in their pens with Dorian spread out on the grass. "You almost look like you worked hard young man," Mica quips with a lighthearted chuckle.
"That's cause you left the wrestling to me today old man."
"But as you say these old bones can't possibly handle the strain of wrestling those goats," Mica retorts faining back pain as he gives a slight smile, plopping down on the grass beside Dorian. "Say you wouldn't be too tired for a bit of practice today would you, Mica asks tossing Dorian's pay over to him.
"I've been hoping you would ask today Mica I've been itching to get some real practice in!" With a smile, Mica saunters over to the shed where he pulls out two wooden practice swords used back in his days in the army. With a twirl, he tosses one to Dorian as they both enter their stance.