Realm of Holocene, a Game of Thrones-esque world with fewer politics and more creatures. Mystical and Believable.
Aden El-Rahm, a young sellsword with a -cool, calm, and confident- demeanor who holds a debauchery secret, finds himself facing a fate...
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At dawn the next day, Aden woke up earlier. On the dining hall dining table, he was waiting in line to get his breakfast and as he moved forward to get his meal he was surprised by a woman who served him.
"Did you guys have been working in the kitchen this whole night? you really need a rest." Aden asked the timid woman he just saved last night, Laura. She worked in the kitchen with her husband Gilbert and two other cooks.
"And you really need your strength," Laura insisted, sliding a steaming bowl of beef jerky soup towards Aden. "How can you protect us with an empty belly?"
As if to emphasize her point, she pressed a freshly-baked loaf of bread into his hands. The inviting warmth and tantalizing aroma wafting from the golden-crusted loaf made Aden's stomach rumble with hunger.
He couldn't resist the enticing fragrance that filled the air, rich and comforting. Bringing the bread closer, he inhaled deeply, savoring the delightful blend of yeasty dough, toasted grains, and the unmistakable essence of a wood-fired oven.
Aden's resolve crumbled in the face of such temptation. With eager hands, he tore off a modest chunk, the soft interior still steaming and beckoning his taste buds. He popped the morsel into his mouth, and his eyes fluttered closed as the flavors danced across his palate.
A low, appreciative moan escaped his lips as the warm, pillowy bread seemed to melt on his tongue. Notes of sweetness from the fermented dough mingled with a subtle nuttiness, achieving a perfect balance. He chewed slowly, relishing every nuanced taste and texture.
"You all really know how to bake bread," Aden complimented through a contented smile, his voice thick with genuine appreciation. "This is incredible."
He swallowed and immediately tore off another chunk, unable to resist the siren call of the simple yet sublime creation. Each bite reinforced his opinion - this wasn't just well-made bread, it was pure artistry in edible form.
Laura, the talented baker responsible for the mouthwatering creation, blushed at Aden's compliment. Her cheeks flushed a rosy hue, a combination of bashfulness and pride. The simple act of baking had become her passion, and seeing others enjoy her creations was a rewarding experience.
"Thank you," she replied, her voice tinged with a mixture of shyness and happiness from Across the table.
Laura beamed with pride at the high praise. "We take great care in our bread-making," she explained with a warm smile.
"It's one of the few joys we have left in these trying times. Being able to provide even small comforts..." She trailed off, her gaze drifting momentarily as emotions flickered behind her eyes. It was a simple expression of gratitude, but it held within it a deep sense of accomplishment.
Rallying herself, Laura gestured towards the soup. "Now eat up! We'll need your strength for the battles ahead."
As Aden happily obliged, scooping up hearty spoonfuls of the savory broth, he couldn't help feeling a swell of admiration for these resilient villagers. In the face of overwhelming adversity, they clung fiercely to whatever simple pleasures and traditions they could preserve.
