As the night grew darker, the snow continued to fall, blanketing the world in a soft, white silence, but without entering the small space of the fire that was hidden from the snow because of the tall trees surrounding. The chill in the air was sharp, but the deep warmth of the campfire that was available to them and the companionship of those around it provided comforting solace for everyone present. They sat huddled together, with the children wearing the warm clothing made from the deerskin, sharing stories, laughter, and the heartwarming comfort of knowing that they were not alone in their struggles.
Of course, our main character of the story Leo didn't take part in their stories, he was mostly watching as Marnia was telling the kids the stories of their journeys across the places that they had been to, as well as the strange things she heard about regarding the world. He leaned his back against a tree as he watched with a small smile on his face as the children listens with all of their attention.
And so as the night deepened with the crescent moon upon the sky, with the fire burning and continued to crackle, the children, now warmed and fed, eagerly gathered around Marnia, their innocent eyes wide with curiosity. With a whispering voice from Marnia, as though telling the children a forbidden tale not known for many, as she shared with them the wonderful stories she had heard from Leo during their travels.
Well, one thing is that it quite fascinated her, these strange stories that Leo would tell her. It was almost like Leo became the one that was sharing her the stories like the girl in the book called one thousand and one nights. Every day, she would beg for him to recount to her the many tales that he had known before.
"Have you children ever heard of a young man named Naruto?" Marnia asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement as she scan the curious faces of the children that sit around her near the warm large fire that blooms from the many many logs.
The children shook their heads, their interest piqued. Natasha, her eyes gleaming, urged her on, "No, but please tell us! We want to hear the story! Who is this young man named Naruto?"
Marnia smiled warmly and began with a small twinkle in her eyes as she slowly piqued the ears of the children with a soft tone. She whispers to them as the father and mother watch their children eating and enjoying the atmosphere. She says to them, "Well, Naruto was a young boy who lived in a village called Konoha. It is a mysterious village with people call ninjas who specialize in special spells, but also with evil villains that lurk around. Especially an evil mad scientist whose name is called Orochimaru, who has a tongue that is as long as a snake's. But also has a special spell that he has developed over the years that could resurrect the dead."
The children all gasped with surprise upon hearing the recount, as they look at each other with questioning faces. One of them, Ivan, asked, "So is it liked the scientist Vegapunk?"
Marnia smiles as she gives a glance at Leo on the side, who shakes his head with an interested look while she continues to speak. "I will tell you more in a second. But let's continue this story about this boy named Naruto. He was a ninja with a big dream to become the strongest ninja in his village who the who village of Konoha acknowledges – the Hokage. Despite facing many challenges and hardships, losing his dearest friend, people that he respected, Naruto never gave up on his dream, and he eventually became one of the greatest ninjas the world had ever seen and someone that many came to have the acknowledgement and respect from the depth of people's hearts, even his enemies. And the tale all starts…."
As Marnia recounted the tale of Naruto's adventures, battles, and friendships, the children listened in rapt attention, their imaginations running wild with images of this brave and determined young ninja.
They could see in their mind's imagination as the boy grows slowly to become a successful ninja, how he was jealous of the handsome and cool Sasuke whose only goal was to seek vengeance. The ability that Naruto would have to summon dozens of clones of himself or transform into another person.
Marnia then turned to Leo, who had been silently listening in the background, "Hey Leo, why don't you share with us some brief stories you've told me before while we were sailing?"
Leo, slightly taken aback but thinking about whether to oblige since he was clearly just the outsider watching the whole conversation going on in front of him. He hesitated for a moment before shaking his head gently. "I think I'd rather just listen tonight to the perfect storyteller here. You're clearly doing such a good job sharing the stories." Leo says while giving a warm smile, his eyes capturing the moment here with the children.
The tales of these brave heroes from other worlds enraptured the children, their faces glowing in the firelight. They listened with bated breath as Leo and Marnia took turns recounting stories of battles, friendships, and the unwavering determination of these heroes to protect their loved ones and achieve their dreams.
Marnia smiled at Leo's response, understanding his preference to stay in the background (since he wants to be a mysterious man—she thinks). She then turns to the children there as she continues to recount, "Alright children. I'll tell you about another story, since we have some time still, that Leo shared with me before. This one is about a young boy named Goku, who is a young warrior born with a tail behind his back, and who lived in a world filled with powerful warriors that searches for the magical sources that could summon a dragon that could grant any wish that you like to make. Goku, along with his friends, embarked on many adventures to protect their world from evil forces. He became stronger as he continues to fight, all the while seeking to become the strongest fighters there could be, but he also very much loves eating food just like all of you here, especially meat."