The Land of the Lost

Chapter 11 - Odette

As Louis ventured off through the village to attend a meeting with the elders, George and I were left outside his hut, surrounded by the calming sounds of the forest. I perched on a tiny wooden stool, while George settled himself comfortably in a larger chair. The soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds provided a soothing backdrop as George began to share tales of Foxwood's rich history.

"This village," George started, his voice warm and nostalgic, "has been here for nearly a thousand years. We've managed to stay self-reliant all this time, thanks to the way we work together and honor our traditions." His eyes twinkled with pride as he spoke of the community that had become his home.

Listening intently, I marveled at the longevity and resilience of Foxwood. It was easy to imagine the village thriving through countless generations, its inhabitants living in harmony with the surrounding forest. The stories George shared painted a vivid picture of a place deeply rooted in its history and values.

Before I could ponder further, Louis's voice cut through the air, drawing my attention. "Odette?" he called, his tone carrying an unexpected note of enthusiasm. "George might not have mentioned it, but there's a forest festival going on a few streets away. I think it would be fun for us to explore."

I rose from my spot beside George, my curiosity piqued. "That sounds delightful," I replied, my excitement showing.

George's eyes sparkled with a knowing grin. "I'll stay here," he said, settling back in his chair. "Just don't let the night catch you off guard, lovebirds."

With that, Louis and I started our walk towards the festival. The village streets were alive with the hum of activity, and as we approached the festival area, the atmosphere shifted to one of vibrant celebration. The streets were adorned with colorful banners, and the air was filled with the enticing aroma of roasted chestnuts and sweet pastries.

A group of gnomes stood on the edge of the street, their faces lit up with friendly smiles. They spotted Louis and called out with a hint of playful amusement, "Louis, you found a lady!"

We exchanged amused glances, and I could feel my cheeks flushing slightly at the comment. Louis chuckled, his gaze shifting from the gnomes to me with a mixture of embarrassment and affection. "Seems like we're making quite an impression," he said, his voice tinged with humor.

When we reached the festival square, the scene was even more enchanting than I had imagined. The square was bustling with energy; gnomes and other villagers mingled, their laughter and conversation creating a lively soundtrack. The vibrant banners fluttered in the breeze, casting colorful shadows on the cobblestone streets. Stalls lined the square, each one offering a delightful array of goods and treats.

As Louis engaged in conversation with some locals, I wandered through the stalls, my senses overwhelmed by the variety of sights and smells. There were stalls selling caramel confections, intricately crafted furniture, and a host of other charming items. Yet, one small stand tucked away at the end of the square caught my eye.

Beneath a faded green canopy sat an elderly gnome, her face lined with age but her eyes bright with kindness. She displayed a selection of handcrafted jewelry, and my gaze was immediately drawn to a particular bracelet. Its deep blue hue seemed to capture the essence of the evening sky, and I found myself mesmerized.

"How much for this one?" I asked, pointing to the bracelet.

The gnome's voice was gravelly with age, but it held a note of warmth. "Let me see... fourteen Crete," she replied, her eyes studying me intently. The use of "Crete" surprised me, as it was a currency more commonly used in Oryn.

"I'll take it," I said, reaching into my pocket to retrieve the appropriate payment, along with a little extra as a tip.

The gnome's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she noticed the additional coins. "Thank you very much, ma'am," she said, her smile genuine and appreciative.