The sun, casting a warm glow over Drelmire. The village, though still recovering from the recent attack, was filled with movement. People were busy repairing homes, gathering food, and tending to the wounded. Though their bodies were weak, their spirits remained strong.
Samuel walked through the dirt paths between the houses, watching as villagers worked together. The people they had saved were grateful, and despite the losses they suffered, they still found ways to smile.
He inhaled deeply. It had been a long time since he experienced this kind of peace.
Helping the Farmers,
Samuel made his way toward the farmland on the eastern side of the village. Several men were already working, clearing debris from destroyed fields and preparing to plant new crops.
An older man, Thomas, noticed Samuel approaching and smiled.
"Boy, you're up! Good to see you walking around again."
Samuel nodded. "Figured I should help. Standing around won't do me any good."
Thomas handed him a hoe. "Then grab that and get to work. The soil's loose, but we need to get rid of the ruined crops before we can plant again."
Samuel took the tool and joined the others. He dug into the dirt, pulling out the remains of burnt plants and tossing them aside. The work was repetitive but satisfying. Sweat dripped down his back, but he kept going.
A young boy, no older than ten, worked beside him. His hands were small, and he struggled to dig as fast as the adults. Samuel paused and patted the boy on the head.
"Take it slow. No need to rush."
The boy looked up at him and nodded before returning to his work with more determination.
Hours passed, and Samuel continued to help, talking with the farmers as they worked. It wasn't an exciting job, but it gave him time to think.
At the Stream,
While Samuel worked the fields, lyra, Elaine, Marianne, and Sylvia walked through a narrow path leading to the village stream. Each carried a wooden bucket, their steps light as they moved past trees and bushes.
Marianne sighed. "It's been a while since I've done something like this."
Elaine nodded. "It's nice, though. Better than fighting for our lives."
Sylvia, the quietest of the three, knelt by the stream first. She dipped her bucket into the clear water, watching as it filled.
"This place reminds me of home," she said softly.
Elaine smiled. "Same here. A small village, peaceful people… Makes me wonder what life would have been like if I never became a tamer."
Marianne splashed her hand into the water. "Probably boring."
Elaine laughed. "Maybe."
Lyra was silent.
The four of them continued their task, their conversation flowing easily.
Jason's Conversations,
Back in the village, Jason sat on a wooden bench near the village square. A few women gathered nearby, chatting amongst themselves. When they noticed Jason sitting alone, one of them approached.
"You're one of the people who saved us, right?" she asked.
Jason grinned. "That's me. Jason, the strongest shield of the party!"
The woman giggled. "You don't look very strong sitting there."
Jason put a hand on his chest. "That's because I'm letting my strength recover. A warrior like me must rest!"
The women laughed, and soon, they sat with him, asking questions about the outside world. Jason eagerly told them stories, exaggerating details to make them more exciting. He enjoyed the attention, and for once, there was no danger looming over them.
A Quiet Night,
As the day ended, Samuel and his party gathered around a small fire. The villagers had prepared a simple meal—vegetable soup and fresh bread.
Samuel took a bite, letting the warm food soothe him.
"It feels strange," he admitted after a moment.
Elaine tilted her head. "What does?"
"Not fighting. Not worrying about tomorrow. Just… living."
Marianne nodded. "Yeah. But we deserve this break."
Jason smirked. "You deserve a break, but I deserve all the attention from the village girls."
Elaine rolled her eyes. "Of course you'd say that."
The group laughed, the tension from past battles easing. For the first time in a long while, they could just exist.
Samuel looked up at the night sky. The stars shimmered above, untouched by the struggles of those below.
For now, this peace was enough.