Whisper Of The Wind [ONF FF]

Chapter 1

It was almost December, golden and red painted the streets adorned by rain and ice. There was warmth entangled in the frightening cold, like an unexpected pair dancing an astonishingly elegant dance at a ball.

The shopkeeper did not mind the rain or the cold, happily marching down the streets towards the humble corner he was able to call his. On his arms various kinds of decorations were carried, struggling to not let any of them fall onto the snowy pavement. He was unaffected by the rain, the objects he carried would eventually dry up; snow and dirt, however, were a tiny bit more bothersome, which explained his care to not let any of them fall.

With the festivities approaching it was simultaneously a time of hard work and high spirits, the people taking up different tasks in order of honoring what was to come. As he made his way to his desired destination he saw different people decorating the outside of their establishments, from jewelers to bakers, tailors, cobblers and many more, all of which had smiles on their faces as they added to the gold and green painting the streets.

The shopkeeper smiled fondly, it hadn't been long since he moved into the small kingdom but its people never failed to amaze him with how much love and care they nurtured for their nation. He himself had begun to deeply cherish the kingdom that gave him a home. There was an alliance with the surrounding kingdoms which made it easier for him as a foreigner to fit in, sure, but this nation and its people had welcomed him with open arms.

Quite literally.

"Oh dear, how come you are carrying all that? Allow me to lend you a hand."

Just as the shopkeeper turned the corner leading to his precious oasis, the older lady from next door rushed to him with open arms, gesturing for him to give her some of what he carried. His protests fell on deaf ears as the lady took most of the weight from his arms, immediately walking down towards his store.

"Ma'am, you must pardon me for bringing this bother upon you, it was not my intention to have you help me carry it. You shouldn't waste your energy on something like this."

The woman rolled her eyes, scanning the bookstore from top to bottom as the shopkeeper laid the various decorations onto a vacant table in order to help them dry up.

"Oh honey, hold your tongue. I know you rather not have me carry these things but mind you dear, I may be old but I am still capable of such simple task."

The shopkeeper smiled. "Then would you have the kindness of helping me set these up as well?"

"Unfortunately I do not wish to anger my bones, they are the secret of my youth. I'll leave you to your endeavors dear, have a good night."

The shopkeeper tipped his hat, smile growing on his lips at the antics of his neighbor. "Wish you an equally good night."
A bell chimed with the woman's exit, giving way to the pitter-patter of the falling water droplets outside.

The man grabbed the decorations and walked towards the back of the shop, climbing up the stairs inviting him to the establishment's second floor, or what he would call his home.
He walked in and placed the decorations on top of a small table. Warmth involved him as he lit up the wood inside the fireplace, undressing his outing clothes and laying them on top of a chair for them to dry.

The crackle of the burning wood fell in rhythm with the noise of the water dripping down the table from the drenched decorations, creating a lullaby that eventually put the shopkeeper to sleep.