As the day drew to a close in the Twin-Forest village, the sun slowly set, painting the sky in beautiful shades of orange and gray. Nestled on the southern border of the Valorian Kingdom, the village was located near the majestic mountains of Velor. Those mountains stood like a wall, dividing the village's two lush forests, from the vast desert beyond. The intense summer day's heat gradually receded, bringing relief to everyone. To the north, far from this serene but isolated haven, lay the bustling capital, its presence a distant memory in the tranquility of the village. Yet, in this peaceful moment, something else was amiss.
"Why... Why did I … everyone…", Lynna whispered to herself, trying to make sense of the dream that had troubled her. She had been sleeping in the grass, on the outskirts of the village, but the dream had left her feeling lost and confused. A single tear traced its way down her cheek, echoing the deep sadness that weighed on her heart.
Lynna sat up from her restless nap, noticing the fading light of the day. The leftover warmth from the summer sun felt very different from the cold sweat on her clothes. She wiped away the tear that had escaped, hoping that nobody had seen her in this vulnerable state.
"Sleepy head, wake up!" Roan's voice jolted her back to reality. He stood on the side of the road with his cart. "The mayor has another request for ya. You'd better hurry, sis."
Lynna sighed, dusting off her clothes and feeling the weight of her staff resting on her legs. She rose, with a measured pace. "I'm coming, Roan. Just... give me a moment," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Roan nodded patiently, understanding in his eyes. Together, they set off towards the village, Lynna's steps were slow and deliberate.
As they walked, Lynna looked at the village and each view brought back a memory. The cobbled streets and thatched-roof houses; the large stone temple dedicated to the goddess of Health at its center; the bustling marketplace where she and her parents had sold their farm's produce. She remembered running through the fields, sometimes riding on Roan's shoulders, their laughter mingling with the wind. These memories were a stark contrast to the isolation she felt now.
As Lynna made her way through the village, she kept her head down and avoided making eye contact with the other villagers. Since coming back, Lynna was quiet and kept to herself, avoiding gossip and small talk. Her tendency to avoid conflict sometimes made her seem rather meek, but in reality she simply didn't see the point in unnecessary arguments.
"Just don't let the mayor push ya around too much, Lyn," Roan's voice cut through her thoughts, his tone light but carrying a hint of concern. "Remember, you're more than just the village mage."
She had always been content to simply do her duty and help those in need, without seeking attention or praise for her actions. This attitude had been with her since her return from the Academy of Magic.
He's right, she thought. She acknowledged his remark with a faint smile, recognizing how Roan had always been the same with her. It was a comfort to know that at least one person's attitude towards her hadn't changed, even after her long absence.