Sanctuary: Safe Haven

A week and a half had passed since Canna and Kael began their journey towards the Kingdom of Avaloria. As they approached the borders, they encountered a small town nestled along the main road. The town of Fernwood, with a population of around 500-600 people, was quaint and quiet, surrounded by fields and modest houses.

As usual, Canna had made several stops along the way, pausing to admire the local flora and fauna. His fascination with the natural world seemed endless, much to Kael's exasperation.

When they arrived at the village gate, the guards on duty immediately asked them to halt. The sight of a barefooted white-haired man and another with spiky green hair was unusual and raised suspicion among the guards. They exchanged wary glances, unsure what to make of the pair.

Grimruk, who had accompanied them thus far, was left in the domain. Unlike Mortem and Vorgrim, Grimruk lacked the ability to hide within Canna's shadow, making it safer for him to stay behind until needed.

Kael stepped forward, sensing the guards' apprehension. He reached into his cloak and produced his ID card, holding it out for the guards to inspect. As the guards glanced at the card, their eyes widened in recognition. Kael, a renowned figure in Avaloria, was often referred to as the kingdom's national treasure due to his exceptional skills and contributions.

The guards quickly straightened up, their demeanor shifting to one of respect.

"He's with me," Kael said, nodding towards Canna. "Treat him as you would treat me."

The guard who seemed to be in charge nodded briskly. "As you wish," he replied, gesturing for the gates to be opened. The heavy wooden doors creaked as they swung inward, allowing Canna and Kael entry into Fernwood.

For Canna, this was an entirely new experience. The village, though small and unassuming, was bustling with life. As they walked through the streets, Canna couldn't help but marvel at the simple yet vibrant existence of the villagers. This was the first time he had entered a human settlement, and everything about it fascinated him. The sights, sounds, and even the smells were new and intriguing.

Children played in the streets, their laughter ringing through the air. Merchants called out their wares, trying to attract the attention of passersby. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery, mingling with the earthy aroma of the fields just beyond the village's edge.

Canna's eyes darted around, taking in every detail—the colorful signs above shops, the chatter of villagers as they went about their daily routines, and the warmth of the sun as it bathed the town in a golden glow.

Kael watched Canna's reactions with a mix of amusement and curiosity. It was clear that Canna found the village enchanting, and his enthusiasm was infectious. "It's just a small village, but it's lively, isn't it?" Kael commented, smiling at Canna's wide-eyed wonder.

Canna nodded, still absorbing the atmosphere. "It's amazing," he murmured. "The people, the buildings... It's all so different from what I'm used to. Back in the dungeon, it was always so quiet and isolated. Here, everything feels...

alive."

As they continued to walk, Canna noticed a group of villagers gathered around a well, chatting animatedly. He was struck by the sense of community, the way people seemed to know each other and interact with ease. It was a stark contrast to the solitary existence he had known for so long.

They passed a blacksmith's forge, where a burly man hammered away at a glowing piece of metal. Sparks flew, and the rhythmic clanging of the hammer resonated through the air. Canna paused to watch, fascinated by the blacksmith's skill and the transformation of raw materials into something useful and beautiful.

Kael, noticing Canna's interest, explained, "That's the village blacksmith. He's responsible for making and repairing tools, weapons, and various metalworks. It's an important trade, especially in smaller communities like this."

Canna nodded thoughtfully, appreciating the craftsmanship and the essential role the blacksmith played in village life. It was a simple yet profound realization that every member of the community contributed in some way, creating a web of interdependence that sustained the village.

As they moved further into Fernwood, Canna's attention was caught by a small garden in front of a house. The garden was filled with vibrant flowers and neatly arranged vegetables. An elderly woman was tending to the plants, her hands deftly plucking weeds and pruning leaves. She looked up as they passed, giving them a warm smile.

"Good day to you," she greeted, her voice kind and welcoming. Canna returned the smile, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging he hadn't expected.

"Good day, ma'am," Kael replied, bowing slightly. He leaned towards Canna and whispered, "Villages like this often have a strong sense of community. Everyone knows each other, and they often work together to maintain the village and support one another."

Canna was silent for a moment, absorbing Kael's words. It was a far cry from the solitary existence he had known, filled with battles and survival. Here, life seemed simpler, yet richer in its own way. He wondered what it would be like to live in such a place, to be part of a community where everyone played a role.

As they continued their walk, Kael led them towards the village's main square, where a large notice board stood. It was covered with various announcements, job postings, and messages from villagers. Kael pointed to a particular notice.

"Here, we can find information about the Adventurer's Guild and where to get your ID," Kael explained. "It's an essential step for anyone traveling through the kingdom, especially if you're planning to visit towns and cities regularly."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Canna nodded, appreciating the practicality of the ID. It would make interactions smoother and help him navigate the complexities of human society. As they made their way to the guild, Canna continued to soak in the sights and sounds of Fernwood, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity about the new experiences awaiting him.

As they approached the Adventurer's Guild, Canna felt a sense of anticipation, eager to take the next step in his journey outside the dungeon.