IN Vast expanse of a forest where even the slightest sound of birds couldn't be heard, eerie winds are blowing sounding like murmuring something. The forest is in itself a dangerous place, as if telling those who dare approach; they have dreaded upon a forbidden zone. Though it looks like a place no human could even dream of living... Ever, Humans are interesting creatures that like to do things that are beyond their capabilities and control. Even in this nightmarish place they are able to thrive... More like survive.
'Marus forest' is a forest full of blackened trees as if made of nothing but charcoal. They aren't burnt though... And are surely not dead. Silence is the only thing that lasts here forever, if you ignore those intangible murmuring. Being silent doesn't mean it is devoid of any life. Life here... just don't like to make any meaningless noise.
Somewhere in the middle of this eerie forest, a huge patch of trees were cleared and a human settlement could be seen. The settlement is protected by a wall made of blackend Woods. Inside the wall a decent looking House made of black bricks and stones is constructed. Surrounding this house, around 40 cottages made of wood, mud and stones are messily built upon this cleared land. This is not the only settlement; dozens of settlements similar to this one are spread out in different directions with only few kilometres between them. These settlements are of different shapes and sizes but there is one common thing between them. All of them are awfully silent.
A person is cautiously treading on a narrow path that leads to one of the larger settlements. His steps are light but fast, and he is on guard for any possible danger. From the way his leather pouch is hanging loosely on his shoulder it is clear that he had a rather uneventful day.
While looking around cautiously, his sight rested on a branch that has a Bulge like a tumor. This caused him to stop immediately. Greed mixed with hope flashed in his eyes. But he soon recovered and started looking around anxiously. Finding no one, he approached the black tree slowly. Under the tree he took a deep breath and like a cheetah jumped on a branch to another and finally landed on the branch with a Bulge. With eyes full of hope, he carefully peeled the thick skin of the branch, revealing what is hidden. Looking at the ash coloured fruit in his hand a smile appeared on his face.
Hesta is a veteran hunter well known in his settlement. Today though it is not going well for him. The traps he set in Marus forest failed to catch a single 'dread spawn'* and 'Marus river' didn't even let him get a glimpse of any possible catch.
"Hash.." he sighed, cursing at his terrible luck. Looking at the purple sky his frustration grew even more. THE DARKEST HOUR IS APPROACHING. From far beyond, a black fog carrying intangible murmuring and spine chilling visage is slowly, but steadily approaching the chain of settlements. Hesta suppressed the fear in his heart, cursing at his luck another time he started walking in different direction. He is returning home today empty handed... Or so he thought.
Fate is really something. Who could have guessed that he would chance upon an 'ARUT Fruit', a very rare commodity in this damned place. Looking at the smooth ash-coloured fruit he thought, ' fate really is something'.
Recovering from his Daze Hesta surveyed his surroundings once again and gazed into the far beyond, at the approaching darkness solemnly. There's still some time. He took out his knife and made a barely visible hole in the fruit. A very relaxing smell drew itself out from the fruit, spreading in every direction. Inhaling this smell his smile widened even more. He really hit the jackpot today. Those other siders* will pay thousands of udras* for a fruit of this quality.
To understand udras value, One must know that those dread spawns he came to capture can only fetch him about 5-10 udras depending on their quality. He will be busy for the rest of the year doing 'nothing'. He laughed and took out his water pouch. He splashed the Black liquid he collected from 'Marus river' on the fruit and hid it in a leather bag. Time to go home.
Few minutes later he was nearing the settlement. He saw the wall and relaxed a little, But his relief soon disappeared. Dozens of symbols are giving a faint blue colour and are shining lucidly. But there is a symbol that is flickering and getting dimmer.
'damn' he yelled and started running like a Madman. Entering the settlement perimeter he checked the guard posts. There are no guards. 'Must have returned home' he thought. Wasting no time he ran towards the central building. On his way he saw people returning to their home. Among them he noticed a 17-18 yr old boy.
Hesta remembered that boy. He stopped and grabbed the boy by his shoulder. He asked," Hey Erand boy! You just delivered food to the Central Hall, right? Is Lord Morita present at the moment?"
The boy clearly displeased with Hesta's rough approach said, "First I am no erand boy, I am Dan and I am the best chef in the Whole Marus forest" "Answering your question yes, He is having a meal with my Boss."
Hesta didn't care about Dan's displeasure and said," Whatever erand boy, now listen I have a order for tomorrow Dinner. Stew made of 'dirima' dread spawn meat, Brown rice with egg and don't forget about your best alcohol for two people. understand."
Hearing that Dan frowned and said," what an expensive dinner date. Can you pay though? What you asked will cost you about 60 udras. You owe us 16 udras, in total 76 udras."
Hesta answered uncaringly," you don't have to care about that. Now scram." Dan shrugged at his words, looking at him from head to toe one more time, he walked away.
After he left Hesta enetered a nearby cottage which seems to be his house. He hid the leather bag in barrel and that barrel in another one. After Locking his house he started running again. Unbeknownst to him that someone is watching him... And his leather bag the whole time.