1. Instead of cube fixtures, lanterns hung from short poles at regular intervals lit the way. The path traversed over several glimmering streams that grew larger the further they went. Many flowers of different colours grew in the underbrush, planted among large stones, little animal statues, and miniature structures that looked like shrines.
- Another beautiful place haha. Would like to take a walk in something peaceful like that some time... In Spring... When it's warm.
2. The lake water was clear, so clear he could see straight to the bottom, but the light caused it to shimmer with rainbow colours across its surface. Beneath the water bioluminescent plants swayed and small creatures darted to and fro. Small spore-like light wisps danced through the air, creating a dreamy haze. Giant lily pads and flowers glided over gentle ripples. Long-legged birds waded in the water while in the distance small flocks fluttered low over the lake. Short trees also grew from the water, but nothing that rose past waist height. For the first time in a while he remembered what open space felt like. It had a very refreshing effect on the young Acor.
- Now this is the natural scenery of the village that I'd appreciate more haha. After such a stressful forest raid looks like a holidy.
3. There were no roads or platforms. The houses sat on top of the water, raised by wooden or stone supports and connected by wooden bridges. Each had a shallow triangle roof that curved up at its sides and was set with red tiles. The Tiuruhs lived in a close knit family community complex, the Hakaras built their dwellings a good distance from each other, sprawled throughout the lake without obscuring and scenery. It reminded Dave of high-end housing.
- Classy. And really nailing it with the descriptions in these bits.
4. Dave glanced around. “Yeah… where is everyone?” They’d seen not a soul since arriving. If the people were all inside, they were doing a wondrous job of keeping quiet.
- Oh no it was too good to be true.
5. Dave sniffed the air. “I smell water.”
Roun kept scanning the area. “I smell smoke.”
- Dave needs some sniffing tips from a bro hahaha.
6. Smoke? There was a faint trace of it that Dave wouldn’t have noticed if Roun hadn’t pointed it out. That didn’t seem so strange. The smoke could be coming from someone’s chimney… except there was a burnt building right up ahead.
- Dammit Dave get some observational training hahaha. Dae could give some drills too.
7. “That’s the Hakara Main House,” Roun said in a small voice.
- Wait, this isn't something that only the two of them could've noticed right? I'd expect fires to raise at least one eyebrow of a responsible adult nearby.
8.
Then he saw the organized garden on the land, full of spicy scented herbs, and put two and two together.
“This is…the Healer’s house?” Dave said.
- Dun dun duun.
9. Enn held her long white sleeve out. “Please, let us converse inside. I have prepared some refreshments.”
- Ah, so not a serious fire.
10. “What are you going to do about the Nionis?”
“Nothing.”
- I am less than surprised
11. Enn was unwavering. “Something happened in our Area recently too. You saw the number of patients in the healer’s house? Early this morning, one of the warden candidates was nearly killed by a water buffalo. A littler later, a number of the residents, young and old, started feeling ill from contaminated water. Some think the buffalo attacked because the water made it temperamental. Some think one of our maids also became ill and accidentally started a fire in the kitchen. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt there, but our manpower has been too divided to focus on practices. Over half our family is out of commission and it all happened the same time as the incidents during your practice. It’s like someone wanted to say, ‘there’s no way we could have done it because we have an alibi’, don’t you think?”
- Damn somebodys' really intent on starting something in this village.
12. “If that’s the case… why don’t you just tell your suspicions to the Wardens?” Roun asked.
- Because Wardens don't do anything...
13. Enn shook her head. “If they can make trouble this bad for others, I’m sure creating trouble for themselves will be easy. My point is,” she said coldly, “the reason for their behaviour is because they see Huks as their leader, and Huks wants to get back at you. This isn’t about which family is the most successful in the exam. This is a survival match between you and Huks. The Nionis want to beat you, Roun.”
- If the gauntlet is thrown down then I say rise up to the challenge and retaliate.
14. Roun looked displeased. “What the cret… Listen, Enn, you’re mistaken if you think I’m going to fight back like I did two years ago. That was a mistake. I promised my mom I wouldn’t start anything like that again. I’ve told the others not to retaliate and I don’t intend to either.”
- Oh come ON Roun. You don't even need to seriously harm them or anything. Just fight back instead of waiting for something to go wrong darnit...
15. “Well then, son of the heiress,” Enn said darkly, “You’re mistaken if you think this problem isn’t your responsibility. You will end up beaten. Your family can only hold out so long. What are you going to do if -”
- Yess
16. “When did she get up there?” Dave puzzled.
- Niiinja. But she better not be here to advise against retaliation because I'm tired of everyone else doing what they want and attacking the clan.
17. Dave thought it a pity they couldn’t stay longer. He’d been too afraid to eat amidst the heavy atmosphere and since the refreshments were basically light snacks and not dinner, his stomach was yearning to taste more of the desserts.
- If anyone makes good pastries its' gotta be a healer.
18. Dave thought of the Hakaras, the Nionis, and the Tiuruhs. What did they think it meant to be an Acor? No one’s definition seemed to be the same. Every turn was bringing a new danger. Uneasiness over this wouldn’t leave him. Until now, everything had felt surreal. The forest. The village. Even the practices. What would happen next?
- Everything bad, unless you get some real information bro
19.
As long as you do as your dad says, your life won’t be in danger.
“My dad was the one who let me come here…”
- Did you even want to come, Dave? I mean I get everything is scary and strange but your initiative is a bit worrying. But not gonna lie with his skills he could fit in the village. Maybe getting to the exam will clear things up.
20.Roun whisked his hair back into a ponytail. “The remaining kids in our family want to opt out of the exam… think it’ll discourage the Nionis from making any more moves, but...based on what Enn told us last night, I don’t think it would make a difference. I’m going to talk with them.”
- AW COME ON FIGHT BAAAAACK
21.
“You look like you’re preparing for battle,” said Dave. Roun had thrown on the type of clothes they used for practice - gloves, rugged pants, and even a couple belt pouches containing medical supplies and such, lastly grabbing his sword that he kept nearby at all times.
- Yes is this what I think it is? Is Roun stepping up? Wondering what Dae is doing now.
22. “Alright. ‘You’ll definitely die.’ Nice knowing you.” Dave pressed his hands together and bowed.
- Haha death flag avoided.
23. He wondered if Gran Cera would be willing to mend them.
- I wonder who the local blacksmith is to make equipment.
24. It made a nice selection of stuff in his small bag.
- Now that's what I call gearing up.
25. “Adsoku Family Area. I sent in some reinforcements from the other families, but the… rabid hawks are proving to be tough.”
- Rabid hawks sound like a problem haha.
26. “So that’s what happened last night,” said Dave, tossing a small brown berry into his mouth. “I’m surprised that the other families listen to Roun.”
- Yeah Roun was surprisingly polite.
27. Four o’clock Dave arrived at Gran Cera’s and found the lady serving an afternoon snack to Shira. He joined them, of course. More than Hakara desserts, Gran Cera’s cooking was not something you passed up. So it was closer to five when the two children actually got to berry picking while the elderly lady worked on making dinner.
- I'm definitely hungry right now.
28. “Both families pulled off some prank stuff for a week till some of us decided to get back at them for good. Ended up trashing the Hakara Family Area and got into big trouble because of it, Roun included.”
- Eh, that sounds like exactly the thing to do to be honest, at the very least. I don't get how they got in so much trouble for a prank war when their sabotage is so bad.
29. That was just it, he realized. He didn’t want to get involved. Fighting an animal was one thing, but fighting other people seriously still unsettled him deep down. If it did happen, he didn’t know what he would do. He wasn’t sure what he was expected to do.
- I mean their sparring was already pretty intense, I thought that'd at least get the edge off the concept of fighting someone else. But it might be a different feeling I suppose.
30. “The wardens are acting weird... ” Dave meant to say to himself, but Shira overheard him.
- You can say that again.
31
Dave stopped. He didn’t know why. He didn’t hear the voice. He heard only a quavering high-pitched sound, a siren’s call, growing in his ears by the second. Out of nowhere, the grip of fear held him in place as dread shot through his body.
The spell broke. Dave swung around to see Shira double over, red liquid dripping from her mouth.
- Oh Damn!
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