The door chimed as the familiar voice of elder Nick came towards my ears. “Good morning Cade.” He said. I turn to look at the elder, keeping my smile bright. Elder Nick was one founder of the city 120 years ago. He and the other elders who are still alive were blessed with long lives thanks to our goddess. Despite his age, he only looks in his late 50s.

 “Good morning, elder Nick” I bowed to him. Elder Nick became like a father to me after my family rejected me when I told them I didn’t want to be a girl anymore. He is even the one who loaned me the money to start my dream job.

 His presence always brought a sense of calmness to the bustling morning routine. "Cade, my child, how are you this fine morning?" he inquired, his eyes twinkling.

"I'm doing well, Elder Nick," I replied, setting down the loaf of bread to give him my full attention. "Just preparing for another busy day ahead." He nodded, his gaze wandering over the array of pastries and loaves that filled the shelves. "Your bakery has become quite the success, Cade. I remember when you first started and now look at you."

A wave of gratitude washed over me at his words. "I couldn't have done it without your support, Elder. You believed in me when no one else did." He waved off my thanks with a chuckle. "Nonsense, Cade. You had the talent and the drive. I merely provided a little guidance along the way."

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the scent of warm bread. It was moments like these, simple and serene, that reminded me why I loved what I did.

Suddenly, Elder Nick's expression turned serious, his brow furrowing in concern. "Cade, have you heard any news from outside the city? There have been whispers of unrest in the neighboring kingdoms that wars are rising once again."

I shook my head, my smile faltering slightly. "No, Elder. I've been too busy with the bakery to pay much attention to what's happening beyond the city walls." He sighed, his gaze distant, as if lost in thought. "We must remain vigilant, Cade. Our city may be a haven of peace, but we cannot afford to be complacent."

I nodded in agreement, the weight of his words settling heavily upon me. Despite the tranquility of Olnvine City, the outside world was a volatile place, full of dangers and uncertainties.

But for now, in the safety of the bakery, with Elder Nick by my side, I pushed aside the worries of the world and focused on the simple joy of baking.

 The door chimed once again. A tall orc man with a torn end on his cloak walked into the bakery, appearing to be on the edge of death. He met my eyes before he collapsed onto the floor. “What in the world…” I start to say.hurrying to the man's side as he looks dazed but meets my eyes, giving me a weak smile before his eyes close.

  “Elder Nick! What do we do? Is he dead!?” I cried out. Elder Nick stared in worry at the orc man. He touched his throat and hummed. “Don’t worry, my child, he isn't dead. He just passed out.”

 I sigh in relief. “You know this Orc, Elder?” I asked. Elder Nick nodded his head. “Yes, he is one of the legendary heroes of our region. I was not aware of his arrival today. Maybe he had fled a danger of some kind. My child keep him safe until I come back with news. Do not let him leave.”

 I almost jolt up as I stare up at Elder Nick. “What can I do?! He is a legendary hero! I am just a baker!” I panic. Elder Nick patted my head. “Just offer him food and it will keep him around… I heard he is a glutton.”

As Elder Nick hurried off to gather information, leaving me alone with the unconscious orc, Sir Kael, I felt a surge of panic grip my chest. My mind raced with questions and doubts, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the task at hand.

With trembling hands, I knelt beside Sir Kael, studying his rugged features and the exhaustion etched into every line of his face. He seemed so out of place in my humble bakery, a towering figure of strength brought low by unseen forces.

Gathering my resolve, I attempted to lift him from the floor, but his massive frame proved too much for me to handle. Straining against his weight, I could feel my muscles protesting as I struggled to even budge him an inch.

"Come on, Cade, you can do this," I muttered to myself, gritting my teeth in determination. But no matter how hard I tried, Sir Kael remained stubbornly immobile, a testament to his formidable strength.

With a frustrated sigh, I leaned back, feeling defeated. How was I supposed to keep him safe if I couldn't even move him out of the doorway? I glanced around the bakery, searching for something, anything, that could help me in this predicament.

But my efforts were in vain, and as the minutes ticked by, Sir Kael remained sprawled on the floor, a silent reminder of my inadequacy. I cursed my weakness, my heart heavy with guilt and uncertainty.

But then, as if by some stroke of luck, Sir Kael stirred, his eyelids fluttering open to reveal weary amber eyes. With a groan, he struggled to sit up, his movements slow and pained.

 The orc looked at me. “Sir, are you okay?” I ask. He just stares at me in silence as he pokes my cheek. I raised an eyebrow at him.