In the days leading up to their departure for the city, Guto and Frøya found themselves engaged in a flurry of preparations. Their secluded forest home, while idyllic, required thoughtful planning to ensure their journey to the city would be as smooth as possible.
Their first order of business was to assess their supplies. Guto inspected their weaponry and gear, making sure everything was in prime condition. The blades of his daggers glinted menacingly as he sharpened them meticulously, each stroke honing their deadly edge.
Frøya, meanwhile, delved into the realm of provisions. She had gathered a list of essential items they would need for the journey, from food to medical supplies. With a basket slung over her arm, she ventured into the forest, foraging for herbs and edible plants that would serve as valuable additions to their stores.
As Guto polished his boots, Frøya returned with a bounty of wild mushrooms, herbs, and edible greens. Her keen knowledge of the forest had proven invaluable in supplementing their provisions with fresh, natural ingredients. With a skilled hand, she cleaned and prepared the foraged items, ensuring they would remain edible for their journey.
***
In the quiet hours of the evening, as the last light of the setting sun painted the forest in shades of gold and amber, Guto and Frøya found themselves on the porch of their secluded forest home. The sounds of nature surrounded them, a gentle symphony of rustling leaves and distant bird songs.
Guto sat on the wooden steps, his back leaning against a sturdy post, while Frøya occupied the space beside him. The air was cool and carried the earthy scent of the forest, a comforting embrace after a day of preparations.
For a while, they sat in companionable silence, watching as the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky.
Frøya, ever attuned to Guto's moods, turned her gaze toward him. "What's on your mind?" she asked softly.
He sighed, his eyes flickering with a mix of emotions. "I can't help but feel responsible for everything that's happened," he admitted. "Erik, Dastan, the danger we're facing—it's all because of me."
Frøya placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her touch grounding and reassuring. "Guto, you can't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders," she said gently. "Yes, you've made choices, but you've also made sacrifices for the greater good. And you're not alone in this."
He turned to look at her, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. "Frøya, I don't know what I would do without you. You've been my rock through all of this."
A small smile graced her lips, and she leaned closer, their shoulders touching. "We're in this together, Guto. Through thick and thin."
They fell into a comfortable silence once more, the weight of their shared journey pressing upon them but also strengthening their resolve. The forest seemed to embrace them, cocooning them in a world where only their presence mattered.
As the night deepened and the stars shone brightly overhead, they continued to sit together on the porch, finding solace in the bond that had grown between them. In that moment, with the forest as their witness, they knew they could face whatever challenges the future held, for they were united by a connection that ran deeper than words could express.
***
The next day right when the sun came up, Guto and Frøya started their journey to get back to the city.
As Guto and Frøya ventured to the city, their footsteps resonated on the well-worn path that led them to their destination. The forest canopy above provided intermittent patches of shade, offering relief from the warm sun that filtered through the leaves.
Frøya broke the silence as they walked, her voice carrying a sense of anticipation. "I never told you this but the city is ruled by a man named Dyskólios."
Guto's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Dyskólios? I know that name. I had a run-in with him a couple of years ago." His tone was laced with a mix of curiosity and bemusement.
Frøya's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Oh, really? Tell me more. What's he like?"
Guto chuckled, recalling the peculiar encounter with Dyskólios. "Well, for one, he always wears that mask. And as for what's behind it, I have no idea."
Frøya raised an eyebrow. "A mask? That sounds... eccentric."
Guto nodded, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Eccentric is an understatement. What do you think is behind that mask? My guess is he has a huge nose."
Frøya couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. "A mystery wrapped behind a mask, huh? Well, that certainly makes him an interesting character. I think he has a huge lip and only 4 teeth."
Guto nodded has he laughed, the memory of their previous encounter resurfacing. "Interesting doesn't even begin to cover it. He's got a flair for the dramatic, that's for sure."
As they continued to chat and exchange amusing speculations about Dyskólios's masked persona, the city's towering walls began to loom in the distance. The prospect of their upcoming journey weighed on their minds, but for the moment, they found solace in the camaraderie and laughter that flowed between them.
Finally, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape, Frøya suggested, "How about we stop for today and rest? We'll have plenty of time to unravel the mysteries of Dyskólios tomorrow."
Guto agreed, grateful for the chance to recharge before they delved further into the city.