As the sun begins to set, the entire village comes alive with activity. Lanterns are hung, fires are built, and food is prepared. The smells of cooking meat and spices fill the air as the tribespeople all work together to prepare a feast
Auns and Lucius watch with fascination as the preparations unfold. They can see that the tribespeople are clearly experienced in preparing for feasts, as everyone seems to know exactly what they're doing and work together seamlessly.
Nightfall descends, bringing a soft, velvety darkness to the tribe. The flickering flames from the torches and fires cast a warm glow over the festivities, shadows dancing across the faces of the tribespeople. The air is filled with the low hum of chatter and laughter, their voices mingling with the sound of night animals calling out in the distance.
Auns and Lucius find themselves seated at a long table, right in the center of the festivities. The feast is laid out before them, a smorgasbord of roasted meats, fresh fruits, and colorful salads. The scent of the food is mouthwatering, and the sight of it all is enough to make their stomachs growl.
Auns and Lucius exchange glances, their earlier protests forgotten in the face of such a delicious spread. They eagerly sample a bit of everything, the flavors bursting on their tongues and eliciting sounds of approval. They're so absorbed in the feast that they almost forget the reason for it in the first place.
As they feast, Auns and Lucius can't help but notice the way the tribespeople are watching them, their gazes filled with hostile and jealusy.
Despite the understanding that the feast is to honor them and a way for this community to express its appreciation, its solidarity. Their still feel the discomfort at being the center of so much attention.
The people of the tribe are a mixture of ages and all look strong and hardy, their faces weary from the passage of time and the hardships they've endured.
Some are old and grey, their bodies stooped with age, while others are younger, their faces carrying a hint of youthfulness. Some are wearing colorful clothing made from natural materials, while others are wearing just loincloths.
Many greet Auns and Lucius, their gazes filled with curiosity.
Auns and Lucius return the greetings warmly, marveling at the range of ages and expressions they see among the tribespeople.
Then, a woman approaching sixty, with braided silver hair and a face that would arrogant if not for the lines of worry at the corners of her eyes, approaches the table.
The women in front of Auns and Lucius stand still, and her behavior seems to be prompting them to take action.
"Ehem!..."
Auns and Lucius are confused by her behavior and unsure of what to do.
"EHEM!" She repeat with more urgency.
"Ohhh! Here, please drink!" Lucius said while reaches out a glass of water and offers it to her with a friendly smile.
After Lucius reaches out the glass of water, the woman pushes it back, indicating that it's not what she wants. Auns and Lucius are even more confused, not understanding what she desires.
The woman finally speaks, her voice commanding and authoritative.
"Greet me!" she orders. Auns and Lucius exchange confused glances, taken aback by the woman's tone and the unexpected command. However, they quickly pull themselves together and both bow deeply, greeting the woman formally.
"I am Auns and this kid is Lucius, forgive us for being rude."
After Auns and Lucius greet the woman with bows, she regards them with a cool, appraising gaze for a moment before speaking. "You may rise," she says, waving a hand dismissively.
"Ehem!....I'm Old Willow, the headwoman of the village. Welcome to our village," she says.
"Lila told us everything you did for her. Thank you for looking after our Lila. You both have the respect and gratitude of this entire village."
"You must be hungry from your journey. Please, enjoy the feast." She say while looking down on us. Her eyes show that she looking at us as if she is giving food to some beggar.
Auns nods in frustation, his eyes taking in the woman's lined face and silver hair. "Thank you," he says, his voice soft.
"It's our honor to partake in this feast."
A moment of silence suddenly partake as she just stare at our face.
The woman's eyes widen, "You two are.... related?" she asks, her tone curious.
Auns shakes his head, realizing the misunderstanding. "No, no," he clarifies.
"Lucius is just a kid I am taking care of.
"But... you both...have same reddish brown hair?" She continue.
"Ohhh? No! Its... Ummm.." Auns stuttering as to don't know what to answer. He forget that he is wearing the mask (the one he bought at the auction) making his appearance different. He forget as no one reprimand him even Lucius. He already comfortable with his appearance.
"No we are not related. It's just a coincidence." Lucius said.
"Ofcourse not all people who have same hair colour related right? Or, it is? Then are you related to my grandma then? My grandma also have same hair colour as your but.... your hair is a little bit thinner than her? Ahh! Maybe moreTHINNER than her." Lucius answer with a warm and sincere smile.
"Ho- how dare you insult me!"She said with frustation and her face as red as tomato.
"No! No!" Lucius protests, shaking his head vigorously.
"I didn't mean it as an insult. I was just making an observation. My grandma's hair is very thick and luxurious, and she takes good care of it. I didn't mean to imply anything negative about yours." Lucius looks genuinely upset that he has unintentionally caused offense, and he quickly apologizes to the woman.
"I'm really sorry if I offended you. I was just pointing out how well-groomed my grandmother's hair is." He said while smilling ear to ear.
"You!... Erghhh!"
"Since you are the honoured guest today, Pleas- please enjoy your time whi-
"Old Willow!" Lila shout while hop on her back.
"Arghh! MY BACK!"
"You- you little rascal! What do you think you are doing!"
"Ooppsie! She said while closing her mouth with her hands and cheecks puffed out.
"Oh no, what have I done?"
"You! Erghh!" She said as try her best to held her own anger.
"Why?" Lila ask while tilt her head.
"Nothing! Well! I will be going now! Enjoy your time!"
"Ermmm...Is that...fine?" Lucius ask ask he worry about her condition.
"Its fine! Don't need to worry." She said while holding his waist and raising her chest with pride.
"Ohh? I shouldn't distrube you right? You should continue eating and enjoy yourself. Don't worry I will drive away all weird people like her just know, so it should be fine. My eyes will always look at you! Don't worry."
"HAHAHHAHAHA! You don't need to go as far as to drive them away.
"Don't need to be shy, I can't even deny the fact that the people here is....quiet weird and have lame thinking. So it's fine." She said.
"Well if you insist." Auns anwered.
"But how come I don't see you here until now?"Auns ask with confusion.
"IT'S BECAUSE!... I am on my duty...I am so unlucky." she say with an obvious sadness in her face.
"But don't worry, my relic power is at best in detection, so if anything happens, I will be the first person to know about it! Trust my word!"
"Yes" Auns answered as he is in awe in her determination.
Then Lucius interupt and say "Is that mean you are running from your duty now?"
"NO!, How could I, Lila, the great and most beautiful worrior do that! I am on patrolling.... so while doing that! I eat... a little?" She say.
"So?.. you are here to eat?" Lucius ask with a teasing tone.
"NO! like I said earlier I am on patrol but... isn't it unfair, all other people here get to eat full but not me, as there are feast here but I need to suffer in cold and hunger all alone so just for the safety of the tribe. So I am here just taking a rest or maybe atleast a reward for being loyalty!. She sternly said.
"I see, I see, I understand. There is not need for you to get work up." He said clearly said it just to tease her.
"HERM! BYE THEN!" She said as walk away with a clear frustation.
After just a few minutes after Lila gone,
a man, who looks to be in his mid-forties and bears the marks of a hunter, approaches Auns with a friendly smile.
"Hello there! I am Alaric the Brave! I am here to say sorry for the tribe people's temperament. They are just wary of outsider. That's all. I hope you didn't take it to heart.
Auns shock for a moment before able to say "No, it's fi....
"SO! Come, my friend, let me give you a toast for forgiveness from my tribe people!.
"Have a drink with us and It'll warm your belly and ease your weary limbs. CHEERS!
"CHEERS!!" All people tribe shout.
That man, Alaric is a tall, muscular man with a square jaw and a sharp, intimidating gaze. He has a shaved head and sports a thick, bristly beard. His broad shoulders and sturdy frame make him look powerful, and his sharp eyes speak of determination and resolve.
He is clad in a heavy jacket, made from thick leather and adorned with silver studs. A long, gleaming sword dangles from his hip, the blade razor-sharp and ready for battle.
Auns is suprised! When the man approached him, he expect him to mad or drive them away but instead....
Then, Several tribespeople nearby also chime in, their voices joining the invitation.
"Aye, join us! Have a drink! We've plenty to go around."
Auns and Lucius exchange glances, unable to resist the friendly invitation and the warm atmosphere of the party.
"Well," Lucius says, his voice light, "we can't refuse such a generous offer."
Auns raises an eyebrow at Lucius's words. "That's a bit young to be having a drink," he says, his voice gentle. "We don't want you getting sick."
The tribespeople chuckle in amusement at Auns and Lucius's banter.
"Ah, young one!" says the hunter, Alaric eyes twinkling with mirth, "you have a good friend there looking out for you."
Lucius grins sheepishly, realizing he's been caught out. "I was just joking," he says, trying to play it cool. The hunter chuckles again, ruffling Lucius's hair in a good-natured gesture.
The feast progresses, and the tribe revels in the celebration. Auns is drawn into the festivities, They drink, they eat, and chat with the villagers, laughter and music filling the air.
Lucius realising that Auns have became too drawn with alcohol try to stop him but it's....too late as he.....
"WOAHHH!!!" Auns shout while seems to dancing on top of a table with the tribepeople cheering for him.
The other tribe members are cheering him on, and the atmosphere is lively and festive.
He raises his hands in the air, egging them on to keep the party going.
"Come on, let's get this party started!" he shouts, his voice filled with excitement and infectious energy.
Alaric the Brave looks on in surprise and amusement as he sees Auns dancing on top of the table.
"LETS DANCE!"
"Join me Alaric!
The room echoes with their laughter and cheering, and for a moment, it's as if the worries of the outside world are forgotten.
Alaric can't help but chuckle at the sight of the dancing, and he decides to join in the fun.
"Alright, let's do it!" he shouts, and with that, he jumps up onto the table and starts to dance along with the tribe members.
As Alaric steps onto the table and dancing, it creaks and groans under his weight. Auns, who had been dancing nearby, notices the sound and calls out in alarm.
"Wait, don't-!" he shouts, but his warning comes too late. With a loud crack, Auns, who had previously been dancing with Alaric, is also caught by surprise as the table suddenly gives way beneath them, sending them plummeting to the ground.
He tumbles to the floor alongside Alaric, groaning in pain as he lands in a heap and there's a moment of stunned silence before the tribe members burst out laughing at the sight.
"HAHAHHAHAHAHA!"
While Auns is caught up in his conversation, Lucius is left alone. He looks around, taking in the scene of the celebration. Everywhere he looks, villagers are laughing, talking, and having a good time.
Lucius, feeling a little left-out, decides to wander off from the main party. He doesn't want to disturb Auns's conversation and wants to explorea bit on his own.
He moves away from the lively center of the festivities, wandering into the shadows on the outskirts of the village. The sounds of laughter and music fade slightly, replaced by the soft rustle of leaves and the occasional call of an animal.
As Lucius moves further away from the celebration, he feels a chill run down his spine. It's as if he's being watched. He turns around slowly, his heart hammering in his chest, half-expecting to see something sinister hiding in the shadows.
Lucius squints his eyes, straining to see through the darkness. He can just make out the outline of a figure, crouched silently in the undergrowth.
Lucius takes a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. "Who's there?" he calls out, his voice quivering slightly. The figure in the bushes doesn't reply, remaining eerily still.
A few moment later, the figure came out. He was shocked to see....