Lynna's head spun as she tried to comprehend the surreal scene unfolding before her. Wil's presence, now hidden behind a mysterious mask, added to the confusion and disbelief clouding her thoughts. The atmosphere, thick with secrecy and veiled truths, seemed to press down upon her.
Wil began to explain, his voice apologetic yet laced with an undercurrent of excitement. "I'm sorry for the shock, Lynna. It's been... quite the journey, keeping this under wraps. It's like orchestrating a village-wide surprise party. I was astounded at how well everyone managed to keep the secret."
Lynna, her initial shock subsiding, listened intently. Despite the shock of the situation, she didn't feel in immediate danger. Looking around, she saw that while a majority of the villagers wore masks, some did not. Among the unmasked, reactions varied—some were curious, others dismissive, and a few appeared as baffled as she felt. This wasn't an act of universal compliance but rather a strange trend that had swept through her village.
Internally, Lynna questioned whether her family and brother, Roan, were involved. Her heart said no, but the doubt lingered uncomfortably in her mind.
Wil continued, his enthusiasm growing. "During the time you were away at the Academy, something incredible happened here. We... We managed to summon a god in our village. Wil's voice grew earnest, his words carrying the weight of genuine belief. "At first, we were skeptical, naturally. He arrived, seemingly just a merchant from afar. But it wasn't long before we realized he was not ordinary."
Lynna's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing with skepticism. "A god, disguised as a traveler? That sounds like the beginning of a grandmother's tale!"
"But it's true," Wil insisted. "He started by giving advice, small things at first. His wisdom was undeniable, his insights profound. He helped people in ways … he gave advices, and the result were miraculous. Our village began to thrive like never before. He's the reason for the prosperity we've seen lately. We owe him a great debt. Nowadays everyone believes and trusts him."
Lynna listened, her expression still severe.
Wil's gaze, though obscured by the mask, conveyed a depth of conviction. "He's more than just a figure of faith, Lynna. His presence, his guidance, it changed everything for us. And yes, he played a crucial role in ensuring your safety. Without his foresight, things could have ended very differently."
"Wh… What do you mean by that?", Lynna reacted shocked.
"It's not really me who saved you Lynna, it's him. I just followed his advice, he knew you were in danger.", Wil answered.
In the pause that followed, the ambient noises of the festival seemed to recede into the background. Lynna stood motionless, the revelation hanging between them like a spider's web—delicate and fraught with unseen consequences.
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "He wants to meet you, Lynna. He knows about you since your return to the village."
The revelation stunned Lynna. The idea of a deity living among them, influencing their lives without her knowledge, was overwhelming. She had always believed in the gods, but the notion that one resided in her village was beyond her wildest imaginings.
Wil extended a hand, his gesture inviting yet cautious. "Come meet him. See for yourself. You'll understand once you do."
Lynna hesitated, her mind racing not with curiosity, but with a sharp skepticism. A god amongst them? It reeked of deception. A scammer taking advantage of her village was more plausible, and she wouldn't stand for it.
Finally, she nodded, her resolve hardening. "Alright, Wil. I'll meet this 'god' of yours," Lynna stated firmly. But internally, her thoughts raced with determination. If this is a trick or a scam exploiting my people, I will uncover it, she vowed silently.
As they walked together through the festival, Lynna's eyes moved from one masked face to another, each one an enigma, each one a piece of a puzzle she had yet to fully understand. The night air, once filled with the magic of her spells, now carried a different kind of enchantment—one shrouded in mystery and revelations.