The fire crackled gently in the hearth, painting the wooden walls of the cottage in a soft orange hue. Kaelen sat with his legs crossed, a wooden bowl of stew resting in his palms. The smell was rich, comforting. Something with roots and thick meat. He hadn't tasted food like this in years.
Across from him, Tomas grinned wide, spoon halfway to his mouth. "Told you it'd be the best meal you've had in a while."
Kaelen gave a small, grateful nod. "You're not wrong."
Tomas chuckled, the sound light and genuine. "You're lucky you showed up when you did. Maelra said you looked like a walking skeleton."
As if summoned, the door creaked open, and Maelra stepped inside, a bundle of firewood in her arms. Her cheeks were dusted with cold, her sleeves rolled up. "You're still breathing," she said with a mock sigh. "Shame. I was hoping to keep the stew for myself."
Kaelen smirked. "You'll have to try harder next time."
She shot him a crooked smile and dumped the firewood beside the hearth. "That's the spirit."
They ate together, the warmth of the room quieting the rest of the world. The laughter, the gentle teasing, it almost made him forget. Almost.
Later that night, as villagers prepared for rest, Kaelen stepped outside. The stars above blinked quietly in the black, endless sky. The village lay still, lamps flickering in windows, voices soft and distant. It was... peaceful.
He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the quiet sink in.
"This is what it's supposed to be," he whispered to himself. "Maybe if I stop the king... all lands could be like this."
"Deep thoughts?"
Kaelen turned. Maelra leaned against a post nearby, arms folded, her expression unreadable.
"Just... thinking out loud."
She nodded, walking up beside him. "It's rare, y'know. A place like this."
"I know," he said.
There was silence for a while. Then she straightened up. "I should go check the goats. They get restless at night."
Kaelen raised an eyebrow. "Now?"
She shrugged casually. "I like walking under the stars. Helps me think."
He didn't argue. She turned and walked off down the path, lantern in hand, casting long shadows behind her.