The morning sun bathed Whisperwood in a golden glow, casting long shadows over the frost-laden paths that wound through the village. Smoke rose in thin spirals from the chimneys, mingling with the crisp scent of pine. The soft hum of voices and the occasional bark of a dog filled the air, signaling the slow, steady rhythm of another day.
Kael adjusted the strap of the basket slung over his shoulder, his other arm cradling Rynar securely. Erynn walked beside him, her hand gripping the edge of her shawl as it shielded her from the morning chill. Rynar peeked out from the folds of the blanket wrapped tightly around him, his bright eyes scanning the world with a focus unusual for his age.
"It's been weeks since we brought him outside," Erynn murmured, glancing at her husband. "I think it'll be good for him to see the village, even if he doesn't understand it yet."
Kael nodded, though his jaw tightened slightly. "As long as we're careful. He's getting stronger every day, and I don't want to draw attention to things we can't explain."
Erynn sighed, her gaze drifting to the bundle in Kael's arms. "He's just a baby, Kael. The villagers will only see that."
---
The walk to the village square was uneventful, the narrow path winding through tall pines that swayed gently in the breeze. As the family emerged from the treeline, the familiar sounds of Whisperwood life greeted them. Villagers bustled about, tending to chores and exchanging goods in the small market area.
A tall man stacking firewood near the square paused, wiping his brow as he spotted them. "Kael!" he called, his voice carrying easily over the din. "Out and about with the little one, I see."
Kael raised a hand in greeting, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Morning, Toren. Rynar needed some fresh air."
Toren grinned, his weathered face alight with curiosity. "A fine-looking lad. Looks like he'll take after his father, no doubt."
Erynn laughed softly, adjusting her shawl. "Let's hope he learns a little patience first."
The villagers they passed offered similar greetings, their smiles warm and genuine. Erynn exchanged a few kind words with a woman selling herbs, who commented on how alert and strong Rynar seemed. Kael kept his responses measured, his eyes scanning for any signs of unusual attention.
---
The family eventually made their way to a quiet clearing by the stream that bordered the village. The water sparkled under the midday sun, its soft gurgle providing a soothing backdrop. Kael set down his basket, filled with freshly traded goods, and began sorting through its contents. Erynn settled onto a patch of soft grass, cradling Rynar as she hummed a gentle tune.
Rynar's hands waved excitedly, his tiny fingers reaching for the edge of the blanket. Erynn smiled, loosening the swaddle slightly to give him room to move. His legs kicked with surprising force, his feet thudding softly against her arm.
Nearby, Kael finished his task and glanced over. "Careful," he warned lightly. "He's liable to kick himself into the stream at this rate."
Erynn chuckled, but her amusement turned to surprise as Rynar reached toward a nearby basket of fish. With a determined grunt, he tugged at its edge, dragging the heavy basket closer to him. The wooden frame scraped against the ground, its weight too great for a normal infant to budge.
Kael stiffened, his gaze snapping to the scene. He crossed the clearing in a few quick strides, gently pulling the basket away from Rynar's grasp. "That's enough, little one," he murmured, his tone calm despite the tension in his shoulders.
Erynn bit her lip, glancing around to ensure no one had seen. "Kael…"
"I know," he said quietly. "We'll talk about it later."
---
The walk back through the village was quieter, though no less warm. A few villagers stopped to exchange pleasantries, commenting on Rynar's bright eyes and calm demeanor. One older man chuckled as he shook Kael's hand.
"You'll have your hands full with that one," he said with a grin. "Mark my words, he'll be climbing trees before you know it."
Kael forced a smile, nodding in agreement. "We'll keep him grounded for as long as we can."
As they approached their home, Erynn turned to Kael. "Do you think we're doing the right thing?" she asked softly.
Kael glanced down at Rynar, his expression thoughtful. "Keeping him close, teaching him control—it's all we can do for now. Aldric said we'd need to watch for signs. This is one of them."
---
That evening, as the family sat around the hearth, Erynn cradled Rynar in her lap while Kael carved another toy—a small, sturdy bear meant to withstand Rynar's grip. The soft crackle of the fire filled the room, its warmth chasing away the chill of the approaching night.
Erynn broke the silence with a story, her voice steady and rhythmic. "When I was a girl," she began, "I used to hear tales about knights from the central kingdoms. They wore armor imbued with mana, shining like stars in the sunlight. They fought beasts larger than mountains, their swords cutting through darkness like light itself."
Kael glanced up, his knife pausing mid-carve. "Knights from the kingdoms?" he asked, his tone neutral.
Erynn nodded. "They were just stories, of course. But I always wondered if there was truth to them. The world beyond Whisperwood feels so far away, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like to see it."
Kael resumed his carving, his expression unreadable. "It's not a world you'd want to see," he said quietly. "The kingdoms, the knights—they're not as perfect as the stories make them sound. There's always a price."
Erynn looked down at Rynar, her fingers brushing his soft hair. "Maybe," she murmured. "But one day, Rynar might have to step beyond this forest. I just hope he'll be ready."