Chapter 5: Strange Village

Half a day had already passed since they left the city, and entering it was like stepping into a painting. The afternoon sun already bathed the green fields; one could see a child running after chickens and dogs, and some women were gathering clothes from lines stretched between the wooden houses. Everything was light, flowers, earth, and smiles.

But it did not take long for them to notice small details: some windows were closed in the full light of the afternoon, some of the farmers limited themselves to avoiding eye contact and, they could not overlook the strong smell of dried herbs hanging in bunches in front of every door, as if they were talismans.

Eleanor’s mother received them at the entrance of the house. She hugged her so tightly that they both almost fell to the ground.

Mother of Eleanor: My girl... I thought you would not come so quickly.

Eleanor: I could not stay with my arms crossed, Mom.

Her father, more serious, stepped slightly out of the doorway and limited himself to analyzing the others.

Father of Eleanor: We did not think you would come with people, daughter, but surely there will be some place for them to rest.

While Eleanor spoke with her parents, the others merely observed the village from above, where in some corners the distrustful eyes of the villagers were fixed on them like pins, even though on their part they had done nothing more than step down from the cart. Likewise, Eleanor’s younger sister did not take long to appear, throwing her arms around her sister’s neck.
At first glance Nera was identical to Eleanor, only with a younger appearance, although after hearing her speak a little the notable differences between the two sisters became clear. Nera had an energy that truly overflowed from her small body and that could also be seen in her clothes, somewhat worn and full of mud, surely from having been wandering through the surrounding forests.

Nera: Did you bring me something? —she asked enthusiastically.

Eleanor, who for a moment staggered at the surprise hug from her sister, responded calmly.

Eleanor: I did not have time, forgive me, but next time I will bring you something.

She shifted her gaze to her sister’s companions, who were finishing arranging some things from the cart.

Nera: They are your friends! Is the long-haired one a mage too? And that one who looks like a tall gnome? And the big one with a grumpy face?

Caín: Tall gnome? —he whispered to himself while tending to the horses. It seemed that something in those words had touched his pride.

Daiki: Grumpy? —Daiki repeated aloud, feigning indignation, but with a calmer expression.

Nera: Yes. Your face is scary.

Yadiel let out a laugh.

Yadiel: You’re going to like this, girl. He doesn’t smile, but he cooks very well.

Nera (excitedly, said aloud): You know how to cook?! Teach me the dishes you know!

And while Daiki was kidnapped to the stove to make dinner together with little Nera, Yadiel, Alana, and Caín stayed talking with the father and looking over the village.