Luan stumbles over his fifth tree root of the afternoon, falling face-first into the damp earth underneath him. He sighs and lays there, perfectly still, too tired to move another inch. 'Damn this tiny, weak body!' he yells at himself, when, in fact, it isn't the body that he has taken on that is so weak, it's Nai's stamina that's relentless!
Three days of non-stop hiking through forests, coming across a total of zero villages to stock up on food or sleep or cloth to fix Luan's holey pants. It's enough to kill a man - or demon. And it almost has.
Nai lets out a small chuckle and pats the top of Luan's head. "I suppose I'm being too harsh on you, child. I do apologize, I'm not used to traveling with someone so young. It's going to take a while to remember you cannot always keep up with me, haha ... I suppose we could take a break. Look, there seems to be a clearing through those trees just up ahead, shall we take a look?"
Luan raises his head, face smeared with dirt. His heart immediately races when he meets Nai's gaze, and his cheeks flush red. This man is truly the definition of beautiful. Not just his god-like looks, but his personality is so warm and gentle. It's no wonder everyone stares when we walk past, and why so many people are drawn to him. Luan feels a strange emotion welling up inside. Perhaps it's a good thing they haven't come across many people.
Nai helps Luan rise from the ground and brushes the dirt from his clothes before extending a hand, gesturing for Luan to hold it. Luan accepts the offer of Nai's hand before he even has to think about it.
The two walk toward the opening in the forest, when Luan's heart sinks. The clearing behind the trees isn't just a simple clearing, but the end of the forest. For a good couple of hundred meters in either direction are houses, each a variety of sizes and styles. Some quaint and modest, others large and flashy, made from tough, smooth-looking materials. They had reached a village. Just after Luan had thought it was a good thing not having seen one these past few days.
Luan holds back an eye roll as Nai gives his hand a quick tug, indicating that they are moving forward. Nai directs them straight toward a busy little building, so full, there is seating outside, surrounded by a quaint little garden and scrappy wooden fence. A few people sit outside, enjoying meals together and watching in curiosity as the duo approaches the building.
Suddenly enveloped by warmth and dim lighting, the pair step into the busy building, noses suddenly infested with the scent of mouth-watering food. Or perhaps, it was only average-tasting food, seemingly delicious as neither of them had eaten in days.
Nai drags Luan and himself up to the counter, immediately getting the bartender's attention with Nai's beaming, pearly smile.
"Hello there," Nai starts in his usual charming tone, "I was wondering if you knew where I could find a house seller? See, I was thinking of buying some land here-"
The bartender raises a hand. "I could direct you to a house seller, but there's no point. Unless you wanna buy land to build on, there are no more buildings for sale here. Sorry. It's only a small village and everything's already sold. Unless you're willing to buy something an hour's trek away. I know there's a run-down hut out there somewhere, the land's huge, but it's a real piece of work."
"That's perfectly fine!" Nai says, a smile on his face. "Could I please know who to ask on purchasing the land?"
The bartender nods and shuffles to the side, stepping out from behind the counter. He towers over both Nai and Luan and gives the pair a little nod, a gesture to get them to follow him. The bartender leads the duo outside, to a little table where a single man sits, enjoying a bowl of stew.
"Marshaal," the bartender says as the man eating raises his head, "this young man would like to purchase that piece of land no one wants."
"Ah, yes, I know what land you are talking about," the man inclines his head, directing it toward Nai. "Young man, oh, and small child - my name is Marshaal Krives. I manage most of the land around this village. Um, and I would also be willing to sell you the land, but I must show you the land before you purchase it ... See, it's a bit ... Run-down and most say it's ... haunted. Out there, that far from the village, demons and ferocious animals roam. I wouldn't want you getting yourself killed."
Nai smiles with kind eyes. "You need not worry about my safety, dear Marshaal. Don't tell too many people, but I used to fight in the army. I know how to defend myself - ourselves. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Nai, and this is ... um, my ... little brother, Noah. But please do not worry, I can easily protect the both of us."
Marshaal tilts his head, eyes full of worry. "But such a young man should not be risking his life like this! You should be out roaming the world and experiencing life's joys, not settling down in the countryside. Trust me, there aren't many woman suitable for marrying in this town, you'd probably hate it here."
Nai continues to smile through this man's annoying attempt at swaying his choices. "That's alright, that's alright. Truth be told, we are only here on a small holiday. A year max, and we'll be heading right back to the city. You really do not have to worry about trivial things such as women and demons."
The land-seller sighs and nods his head. "Alright. After I finish my meal, I'll direct you to the land you want to buy. If you fancy it, you can have it, right off the bat. I'd prefer you spend the night in that shitty little shack than on the streets."
Marshaal then scoffs down his stew and rises from his seat as the bartender gives the group one last nod before walking back to his counter.
"Alrighty then!" Marshaal says, trying to sound confident, but sounding a little skeptical. "Lets show you your new home!"