In the bustling heart of Raven's Crest village stood a vibrant square where children played. Timber-framed houses with wooden shutters surrounded the lively gathering spot. The cobbled ground bore the scuff marks of countless footsteps, indicating the constant flow of people through the square.
A central well, surrounded by villagers fetching water for their daily needs, served as a focal point. Mothers with babes in their arms chatted and gossiped, while elders sat on wooden benches nearby.
The makeshift playground, fashioned from repurposed barrels and discarded wooden cartwheels, became a haven for the children. The air resonated with their laughter as they played games of tag and engaged in playful sword fights.
Market stalls displayed an array of goods, from fresh produce to hand crafted trinkets, while shops selling vegetables and other groceries lined the square's perimeter. The scent of sizzling meats from a nearby tavern filled the air, enticing the villagers.
The children's laughter intermingled with the sounds of traders haggling, and the distant clanging of a blacksmith's hammer added a rhythmic undertone to the lively atmosphere.
"It had been a few days since Aunt Eleanor and her family left for their territory. Today, Vina dragged me outside the castle to play," Tia sighed inwardly as they strolled through the bustling square.
Vina (8) and Tia (5), clad in their simple gowns, scanned the area for their regular gang of friends amidst the throngs of villagers.
"Vina, Tia, over here!" Ron's voice resounded from the cluster of kids gathered for play.
Excitedly, Vina and Tia hastened towards their friends.
"Hi, everyone! Were we late?" Vina greeted cheerfully.
"Yes, we were waiting for a long time, you know," Olivia responded, playfully blaming Vina.
Olivia, an 8-year-old with lustrous black locks, hazel eyes, and a smattering of freckles on her cheeks, adorned herself in attire of earthy hues.
"Sorry, sorry," Vina apologized sheepishly, though her expression didn't quite reflect her sincerity.
"Come on, Olivia. We just got here," Ron exposed her.
Tia thought, recalling his impression of his playmates. 'Ron, who is 8, is the most popular and handsome boy in his age group in the village.
'While Vina and Sera are the most beautiful in the village, disregarding their age group.
'Other than them, I only know Aunt Eleanor, who seemed more beautiful than Mother.
'If I were to compare future Ron with Uncle Rolland, Rolland wins.
'But I don't like Ron,' Tia frowned.
"Come on, Ron, play along for once, will you?" Olivia pouted playfully.
'Olivia is a mischievous girl who always likes to play pranks and tease others.'
"Yes, Ron, you don't have to always protect her just because you like her," interjected Rose.
"Yes, yes," supported Lilian.
'Rose and Lilian are twin sisters who, though identical and pretty, aren't quite as lovely as Vina.
'Interestingly, all the children I've seen so far, including us, have black hair and black eyes. There are very few with different hair colors. Aunt Eleanor and her family are some of them. I wonder how genetics work here.'
"Wh-what, wh-who likes her?" Ron stammered, his cheeks turning pink.
"Yeah, right. We all know who," teased Luke, a slim 9-year-old.
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The Eclipse Moons Grimoire: Lilith's Soft Whispers
FantasyA boy who wishes to be a girl dies in an accident and reincarnates in a world of gods and demons as the second son of the baroness with hidden past. His mother disguises and raises him as a girl. Note: There will not be any sex scenes between main c...
