Amelia, Casper, and Emily sat around a weathered wooden table in the dimly lit taverns, the only source of light filtering in through a small, dusty window. The atmosphere was gloomy and heavy, mirroring the sombre nature of their surroundings and village.
"You're leaving Tauris today, right?" Emily asked Casper, breaking the silence in the air, her tone having a spark of curiosity.
Casper chuckled lightly "Do I have a choice?"
Amelia turned her gaze to Casper, her expression demanding an answer. Casper met her gaze briefly before sighing and responding, "Emily needs some materials for baking." He began "And it can't be gotten easily from this region."
Before Casper could continue, Emily slammed her hand on the table, startling both Amelia and Casper. She took a deep breath before speaking, her voice laced with excitement "A very special chocolate chip hand produced by the great empire Celestia of the West region!!...and also need some fruits for tarts and pie." she explained.
Amelia shook her head in disapproval, her brows furrowed, and her lips pursed." Casper just arrived a week ago, let him settle back to his home village. He can't be off to another journey soon." She spoke.
Emily's expression fell at her mother's comments, but Casper decided to brighten the mood. "I don't mind going for another trip," he chimed in, "It will be fun to visit another great Empire."
Amelia sighed, folding her arms over her chest as she turned her attention to Casper. "Are you sure about this?" she asked, her tone cautious.
Casper nodded confidently. "I'm sure," he responded.
Emily couldn't contain her excitement. She was overjoyed that Casper's decision allowed her to acquire the necessary materials. "Thank you, Casper. I'm so grateful," she exclaimed, her eyes shining with anticipation.
✨🌙✨
Eric is crouched on the grassy floor, surrounded by other guards standing, eating and chatting with one another. Exhausted, he begins picking on the grass below him, rubbing his face to wash away the tiredness.
Emily arrived at the scene holding a basket of freshly baked goods. She held her straw hat on her head to prevent the wind from blowing it away. She scanned the area, her eyes lighting up as she finally spotted her brother. She jogged over to him and tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention.
"I got pastries!" exclaimed Emily.
Eric turned to see Emily, his face lighting up with a bright smile at the sight of the pastries. "Nice timing" Eric said taking the basket from her, eagerly searching for the pastries he would try first.
Emily sat down on the floor beside Eric, removed her straw hat and dusted off her purple gown.
"How was training?" she asked.
Eric paused his eating and replied. "Tiring"
Emily nodded and looked around at the guards using this opportunity to rest and relax. "Two weeks have passed and there have been no missing or dead villagers. I'm glad," Emily said.
Eric tilted his head in acknowledgement, his expression thoughtful as he continued eating. After a moment, he added, "I still think we shouldn't be too comfortable."
"Well-" Emily began, but her sentence was cut short by a young teenage boy falling straight down in front of them.
Emily was startled, her eyes widening, but Eric seemed unfazed at the situation. "Are you doing alright Mason?" Eric asked. His voice is soft, as he looks down at the young boy.
"I'm fine," replied Mason, still lying face down on the ground.
Zack appeared and tapped Mason's shoulders to help him up. "Sorry about that. I was giving him some pointers." Zack explained, his tone apologetic as Mason stood up, scratching his head with an embarrassed look.
Zack spotted the basket of goods that Eric was consuming, his face brightening at the thought of eating some. He stretched his hand towards the basket to take one, but Eric smacked his hand away.
"No!" Eric said firmly, guarding the basket.
Zack pouted his lips and gave a pleading glance to Emily. "You won't mind if I take some?". Emily smiles at the ridiculous look on his face, gesturing towards the basket. "You can have some."
With a grin, Zack stuck out his tongue at Eric before taking one of the cookies. Eric glanced at Emily, exasperated at her allowing Zack to have some.
Emily graciously handed Mason a pastry from the basket, and he bowed in thanks, his face lighting up with gratitude as he ate the good. Lucas appeared and ordered the guards to resume their mission. He then walked towards the group of friends who were discussing something from a distance. "Good morning, Emily," Lucas greeted her warmly.
Emily stood up and bowed to him. "Morning, Sir Lucas," she replied, her tone respectful and formal. Eric and Zack exchanged amused glances at Emily's formality, a common sight whenever Lucas was around.
Lucas smiled at Emily, clearing his throat before speaking. "I'm going to take them away for patrols. You wouldn't mind, would you?"
"Of course not," Emily replied.
Eric stood up, dusting himself off and carrying the baked goods with them. Zack, smirking, put his arms around Emily's shoulders. "You can keep us company till we arrive at the location. I miss your company." Emily gave an awkward chuckle, looking at Lucas to get his approval.
Lucas, noticing her expression, replied, "I see no problem. Alright, everyone, let's go, including you, Mason."
✨🌙✨
As they arrived at the borders of Tauris, the guards stowed their items and readied their swords for patrol. Emily, feeling awkward with the silence and nothing to do, spoke up "Is this where you have your patrol?"
Zack turned to her, leaning on his sword. "No, sweetheart, the location always changes," he answered.
Emily put her hand on her waist, frowning at Zack as she got closer to him. "I told you not to call me sweetheart, Zack."
Zack raised his hand in defence. "Jeez, sorry, it's just a habit," he smirked. Emily sighed, readjusting her hat. "I should get going now, talk later, Eric," she said, waving as she left.
Zack pouted at her retreating form. "Aw, so soon," he muttered. Eric chuckled, crossing his arms. "Weirdo," he teased. "That's enough. Zack starts training Mason. Eric and I will guard the walls." Lucas commands.
✨🌙✨
The sun had set on Tauris, casting a warm glow over the village as the moon rose, bathing the land in a dim, eerie light. On the village docks, the group stood as they were helping Casper load his luggage onto the small boat, preparing for his departure to Celestia.
"I'm off to another journey, the great merchant Casper," he exclaimed, a hint of excitement in his voice. Casper turned to Eric, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I trust you to protect the village and yourself," he said,
"Thank you, sir. Make sure you bring incredible treasures." Eric replied.
Casper turned to Emily, a playful glint in his eyes "When I'm back, I hope to see a bakery flourishing in this sad little village." Emily gave Casper a wide smile as she clapped her hands together. "I appreciate you going on this journey for me."
Turning to Amelia, Casper engaged her in a quiet conversation, their words lost to the gentle lapping of the waves against the dock. They embraced each other Before Casper released as he descended the boat.
As Casper's boat gently drifted away from the docks, carried by the calm ocean currents, he turned to wave goodbye to his friends.
Suddenly, the boat erupted into a massive ball of flames, sending debris flying in all directions. The force of the explosion rocked the docks, causing everyone on it to stumble backwards in shock.
Pieces of the boat scattered across the docks and the sea, some sinking into the depths while others floated on the surface.
As the fire consumed what remained of the boat, thick black smoke billowed into the air, obscuring the moon and casting a shadow over the scene.
The remains of the boat shrink down to the bottom of the sea. Villagers came outside as they heard the explosion. They all stood, staring at the black smoke, as their screams grew louder.
Eric stood in shock, his body trembling as he turned his face away from the scene, trying to hold back his tears. "Fuck!" Eric shouted as he covered his eyes with his hands, unable to bear the sight before him.
Amelia knelt beside him, sobbing uncontrollably, her eyes fixed on the debris scattered across the docks, clutching her chest in a tight grip. Eric shifted his gaze and saw his mom on her knee crying, her expression filled with grief. Without saying a word, Eric moved towards her, wrapping and rubbing her back to comfort her.
Meanwhile, Emily stood a few steps away, eyes wide and mouth ajar, a drop of sweat dripping down her brown skin, a contrast to the paleness that had taken over her face.
"Emily?" Eric's brittle voice spoke, as his heart pounded in his chest, letting out short gasps as he reached his hand to his sister. Emily's mind raced, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. She felt as though she were drowning, the world around her fading into a blur. The enormity of the loss washed over her, threatening to pull her under. She stood frozen, unmoving as she heard the distant sounds of the wave crashing into the shore mingled with the cries of her mother, she smelt the aroma of the smoke, a dark reminder of the events unfolding in front of her.
Realizing she was not going to respond. Eric sank to his knees, sobbing silently, finally taking in the weight of their sorrows.
✨🌙✨
A few weeks ago, in a giant ballroom enriched with ancient artefacts and goods displayed at every corner of the room, a crystal gold chandelier was hanging on top of the room, shining its crystal light to the floor and window, the room empty only filled with few guards standing by.
In the centre of the room stood a man, his face hidden under his cloak, as his attire indicated his affluent status. A young lady and a man entered the ball. Approaching the cloakman, the lady stood beside him.
"He got news for you, sir." the young lady said. The cloaked man nodded in acknowledgement; his gaze fixed on her awaiting the news.
"I have done what you asked. I have slain the Lord of Tauris." said the man, dropping on his knee before the cloaked man.
"I didn't just command you to kill the Lord of Tauris. Did you complete my other tasks?" The cloaked man asked, his voice cold, as he moved closer to the kneeling man.
The man kept his head down, avoiding eye contact, his body trembling in fear. "I slain the Lord, sir." said the man.
The cloaked man paused his steps "Were you able to kill the lord of Lunaria?" he said, his tone sounding menacing.
"No, I couldn't find her." The man admitted, his voice filled with regret.
The man in a cloak glanced at the young lady, conveying a message with his black eyes concealed behind the hood. Without hesitation, the young lady drew her sword from its scabbard, and struck the man's face, the blade slicing through its head to his ears.
The man winces in pain, his hand reaching for his stinging ears inflicted by the young lady.
"I expect you to find the Lord or else." the cloaked man said, his voice surprisingly calm and gentle, contrasting sharply with the tension in the room.
The man stood up, still holding to his ears as he left the hall. The young lady chuckles, flooding her arms as she looks at the cloakman.
"Does it matter if she's dead or not?" she asked, "Our plan is still going on perfectly."
The man sighs, responding to her. "She will affect my plan; I spent years planning this attack. I can't fail now."
The man walked towards one of the large windows, his gaze piercing as he stared down at the scenery below.
"They made our culture disappear, rejected us, discriminated against us, and killed us. But now, they shall know who to ask for mercy," he declared, his tone firm and unwavering.