Weeks had passed since Hiro's 15th birthday. The world around him seemed to rush forward. The sound of rain reverberated through the village, its small droplets falling onto the muddy ground as birds sought refuge in the tree canopies. It was a day heavy with a soporific atmosphere, signaling the changing of seasons.
With the arrival of spring, the trees turned vibrant green, and the buzzing of insects spread life across the land.
In Carowa village, the clamor of the fiery forge, the sounds of farm animals, and the laughter of people filled the air. Everyone bustled about with their chores—hunting, farming, and fishing.
As for Hiro, each day he assisted his grandmother in their small garden, the earthy scent of herbs mingling with the gentle hum of bees.
Every evening, they would sit together by the crackling fire, her weathered hands spinning tales of their ancestors' adventures and the lands they had traversed in times long past.
One evening, as Laura leaned back in her chair, her eyelids growing heavy, Hiro gently interrupted, "Grandmother, you've been telling me so many stories. I'm sure you're tired. It's time for you to rest."
Laura looked up at him, a tender smile gracing her lips. "My dear Hiro, your spirit is as restless as the northern wind. But you're right, I should get some sleep."
Hiro helped her to her feet, guiding her to her bed. "I'll stay with you until you fall asleep," he offered, his voice filled with warmth and affection.
Laura nodded, settling into the comfort of her pillow and blankets. "You know, Hiro, you've always had a fire in you, a desire to see beyond the horizon."
Hiro sat beside her, holding her hand. "I get that from you, Grandmother. Your stories have shown me the world outside our village."
She squeezed his hand gently and chuckled. "I knew you'd say that, hahahaha."
As Laura drifted off to sleep, Hiro watched over her as the night grew dim.
The next day, while gathering firewood on the outskirts of the village, Hiro encountered a band of seasoned travelers preparing to journey northward. Their faces weathered by wind and sun, they spoke in hushed tones of the icy expanse that awaited beyond the rugged mountains—a land untouched by the warmth of home, yet rich with promise and peril.
Intrigued, Hiro listened intently as they recounted tales of vast, frozen tundras and secrets buried beneath layers of ice and snow. He approached the group, his curiosity piqued.
"Excuse me," he called out, "are you really heading to the northern mountains?"
A grizzled man with a thick beard nodded. "Aye, lad. The north is a harsh place, but it's full of untamed beauty and secrets waiting to be uncovered."
A woman with weathered features chimed in. "We've seen frozen tundras and waterfalls taller than any tree. We've also heard whispers of ancient ruins hidden beneath the ice."
Hiro's eyes widened. "What kind of secrets do you mean, ma'am?"
The grizzled man leaned closer. "Legends speak of a hidden labyrinth, untouched for thousands of centuries, filled with treasures and knowledge from a time long forgotten."
Another traveler, a younger man, added, "But it's not just about the riches. It's the thrill of discovering something new, of standing where no one has stood before."
Hiro nodded, excitement bubbling within him. "Thank you for sharing your stories. I hope to see those wonders myself someday."
The travelers smiled, recognizing the spark of adventure in Hiro's eyes. They bid him farewell as they set out north.
...
"Their stories were amazing," Hiro exclaimed as he shouldered the firewood. "I wish I could explore like them someday."
Walking home through the familiar streets of his village, Hiro's gaze caught sight of his childhood friend and neighbor, Sasa. Her bright smile instantly warmed his heart, and he waved eagerly as he approached. Sasa, always full of playful energy, couldn't resist a teasing leap towards him, causing the bundle of firewood Hiro carried to tumble to the ground with a soft thud.
"Oh, sorry!" Sasa exclaimed, her cheeks flushing slightly as she realized her antics had caused a mishap.
Hiro grinned, bending down to start collecting the scattered firewood. "It's okay, Sasa. I'll gather it again."
"No, no," Sasa insisted, kneeling beside him and swiftly gathering a few pieces. "I'm the one who made it fall, so I'll help you."
"Thank you," Hiro said gratefully, his eyes meeting Sasa's with fondness. "By the way, what's everyone up to?"
Sasa paused for a moment, her eyes brightening with excitement. "Oh! They're all getting ready for the Spring festival. You know, the one we celebrate every year as winter fades away."
Hiro chuckled softly, a hint of sheepishness coloring his expression. "Ah, right. I completely forgot about it. Is it tonight?"
"That's Hiro, for sure," Sasa teased affectionately. "Yes, tonight's the big celebration. Do you wanna help us decorating?"
"Sorry Sasa but I think I can't. I should head back home now. Hiro said. "I'm sure Grandma Laura is waiting for me."
"That's fine, see you tonight! Also, when you return home ask Grandma Laura to come," Sasa called after him, her laughter echoing down the street as Hiro continued on his way home, the promise of the Spring festival filling his thoughts with warmth and excitement.
"I will, see you later," Hiro replied with a wave, feeling a surge of anticipation for the evening ahead.
Returning home, Hiro eagerly joined his grandmother in the warm, cozy kitchen. Together, they prepared a hearty meal, the comforting aroma of simmering broth and freshly chopped vegetables filling the air. Hiro deftly handled the chopping under his grandmother's watchful eye, a skill he had honed over years of assisting her. As they worked side by side, his grandmother shared stories of her own adventures and the wisdom she had gained from a lifetime of experiences. The kitchen echoed with laughter and the clinking of utensils, creating a moment of cherished connection between them before Hiro's thoughts turned to the festival that was going to be held in their village tonight.
"Tonight is the festival. I'm looking forward to the surprises it will bring," Hiro remarked as he ate his lunch.
Meanwhile, the village elders were having a meeting.
"We mustn't hold the festival," the first elder stated firmly.
Confused, the second elder asked, "Why should we not hold the festival? It's only once a year."
Before the second elder could finish, the first elder interrupted, "There have been sightings of undead in the forest. It could attract danger."
"What a strange reason! That's unlikely to happen," the second elder countered.
In the midst of their argument, the Chief Elder spoke up, bringing order to the discussion. "We are going to hold the festival, that's final."
"But—" the first elder began.
"No buts. The festival will proceed tonight," the Chief Elder declared decisively.
"Then I'm not going to attend the festival," the first elder said. "I don't want to endanger myself."
"Sure, go ahead," the second elder said mockingly.
The first elder replied, "Fine then. If there's nothing else, I'll head out first."
"What a headache," the chief elder sighed. "Meeting adjourned."