The night went through, just sitting out from the snow storm. Such cold breeze and the fire was off, most of them still asleep. Ravirk got up early and went outside. The snow still blowing down harshly but such a sturdy metal bird himself, it did not matter. He went to the stack of wood tucked next to the door, then crossed to the well. Wandered a bit further, passed the arch and saw the village. It was dead silence and lifeless. No one were presented. Ravirk went toward the village, slowly made his way down but the slope was covered in snow and he slipped, rolled down like a big ball he was and crashed at the end. Leaving quite a loud thud, though no one came out to see. He continued walking through the village, door closed, window shut, no light could even be seen. Suddenly heard a footstep from behind, Ravirk turned back and saw a mysterious figure. Entirely covered in the cloak with a hood, standing there looking at him. Ravirk then properly turned his body toward them and they walked closer confidently.
-What ya up to, big guy?
Ravirk step by step backing slowly until he leaned against one of the stall.
-What with this intentious voice?
A hand was put on his face, slowly brushed his beard then his neck, making it down to the shoulder, sliding toward the hand and rubbed it.
-What are you doing?
A very quiet giggle later, pressed on the big round belly hanging out:
-You are definitely a big guy, care to join our cult for the treasury?
-Treasury?
-Just grabbing people's stuff and we throw them to market, and share the price~
-Maybe I would say no, thanks for the offer-
A quick clashing sound of metal dagger sliced out and landed right below Ravirk's beak.
-Consider giving the correct answer again, my guy...
Ravirk stood there in slight struggle, his mind went messed up and just stood there for quite a time. Taking deep breath as he could feel how close the dagger was to him.
-Taking too long? How 'bout this. We got the work done, we share you some more beer too. Wouldn't ya love a big cup?
Ravirk was tensed, such invitation was given. Being an alcoholic guy loving those tasty drops of beer, he began struggle more about his thoughts. Suddenly there was a shout from afar, the mysterious figure drew back the dagger and fleed into the snowy storm. Dran ran with only a towel wrapping his body and a scarf on his neck.
-Huff, huff. What with that guy trying to put you down like this? Lets get back to the cabin now, it's too cold out here.
Ravirk quickly took Dran back to the cabin. Everyone began waking up when they both returned. Ravirk quickly started the fire and held Dran's body, it was all cold and a few crack started to appear.
-Oh my, DranGon! Why were you running out like that?!
Dran only began to notice the wound, though he answered:
-I suddenly sensed your struggling thoughts while I was half awake, and it went on for way too long I had to run out and hoping to find you.
-Struggling thoughts? - Shawon surprised.
-Here let me get this straight. I was just wandering around into the place and a random unknown face came up close to me trying to pull me in their cult of such. It's not easy when they pull my favorite things out and made it more attracting.
Dran also rubbed his big bloated gut under that shirt, belching out from Ravirk.
-It's definitely easy to smell you breath out a lot of beer, I can sense it plainly. Big guy like you deserve a big one without such shady words.
-Dran... you are so adorable.
And Ravirk held Dran into him, Ravirk slowly rubbed over his back and arms to warm him up and gave comfort. Shawon just let the two went on out and just sat there watching.
-I still don't know what up with them, perhap just hoping to catch some unsuspected people for some free labour I guess -said Ravirk.
Dran had fallen asleep, just leaning onto Ravirk's big round belly thus he also slowly lied down and kept him leaning on the belly of his.
-Really hoping the snow calm down soon. This big guy couldn't handle them very well.
And as everything settled down, things went on...
___
As days went on and on, no strange figure were found, the storm had calmed, and everyone were hastily packing up to head out.
-Mister DranGon, I got something to hand you before you head out as a gift. -offered Loka.
Everyone were at the door, pulling up their bags and gears. Dran was fully clothed with extra padding inside to keep him warm. As Loka ran into the room and came back out holding something on his hands. It was properly cased in a glass bottle. A glossy red substance was handed, and he described:
-This is like many other would say a health potion. Having seen you struggling a lot I thought this would help a lot to temporary stops the pain in case anything takes too long during a fight or could be helping you against the dry body of yours.
Dran held it and twisted it around in his hand, looked carefully. Ravirk suddenly stepped closer and said:
-I recall having seen this in your room. Where did you get this?
-I actually brew this myself. Although just started and this is the only thing I know how to brew consistently. I kept one for myself in case I got in a conflict with the villagers but I can make another one later.
Loka then turned to Dran and gave him a good hug on his belly... as he was slightly short:
-And thank you for showing me the warmth of a family you are, the kindness to keep my chin up in this harsh world and the relic I needed to find my origin.
He said everything as he slowly rubbed it, wide and round across the waist. Dran handed the potion to Shawon and crouched down to hug Loka.
-Stay safe, young one. Glad to hear you made it through and still alive. Love your house and lastly, thank you for having us a stay.
And one by one fitting through the door, waving the last time as everyone walked away from the lovely house just outside the village. Still, the village all closed and shut, no sign of life presented at all. Cold wind blew in, chilled down the body of the adventurers travelling on an aimless destination...
