5th of Janviay, 0000 AC

Evening

Forsynthia Village

Henry, the village blacksmith, was busy in his workshop, pouring molten steel into a mould in preparation for making a gleaming katana. It was a warm afternoon, and golden rays were dancing on his table, as the sun sank slowly below the horizon.

As the sky turned violet, he switched on his lamp, which illuminated his work table, and a stranger who’d been sitting at the store front for a while.

Wiping his hands on his apron, Henry called out, “Can I help you? I’m going to close shop in a few minutes.” The stranger looked haggard, with an unkempt beard, mostly hidden by his coarse brown hoodie.

Standing up; and approaching Henry, he pulled back the hood.

“Falcon!” Henry was surprised. “For Jeronus’ sake, man, you should’ve just come in! What’s up with you?”

“You’ve probably heard of my misfortune,” Falcon, Henry’s old friend, said. “My shop was ransacked by bandits, and they took everything! Now I don’t have a means to survive.”

“My friend,” Henry began. “If you want to work with me, you’re always welcome to-” “No, old pal,” Falcon gave a weary grin. “I came to say goodbye.”

Henry frowned, “You’re quitting the merchant trade?”

“Oh no, no,” Falcon quickly answered. “I’m going to leave this village, and start over in the new capital city they opened last week.”

Henry considered it. The capital city was the first of its kind. Named Ravissant Brotherhood, it was a large walled area, housing numerous trade-stores and lodgings. Ranging from restaurants to clothing stores, to apartments, it was an ideal location to start over.

“You sure?” Henry asked. “I mean, it’s a big risk.”

Falcon held up his palm, “I know. But if I become successful, my name will spread across the continent, and I’ll be well off for the first time in my life, and I’ll be able to support my family.”

“Ah yes,” Henry recalled. “All primary and secondary sector employees receive free lodging within Ravissant Brotherhood.” But he hesitated. “Are you really alright with leaving this village? I mean, you spent your whole life here.”

“That, my friend, is exactly why I want to leave,” Falcon grinned. “I’ve been here all my life. Now, the time has come to finally explore new territories.”

“Whatever you do, remember that you’ll always have a place here, with us,” Henry remarked as he fist-bumped Falcon. “I’ll come visit your big shop in the Brotherhood soon!”

“Thanks man,” Falcon turned to leave. “Cheers.”

As the man disappeared into the night, Henry covered his sword mould, and packed up to leave.