CHAOS BACK AGAIN

13

I hope that those who like the story will comment. I like everyone to be interactive and to hear their opinion

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Finn 

The sun's warm rays filtered through the trees, casting dappled light on the path leading to the village. Finn Mikaelson walked with purpose, his strides long and sure, yet his mind was far from the tasks that awaited him. His thoughts lingered on his youngest brother, Henrik, who had always been more curious than the rest of them. It was a curiosity that often led to trouble, but it was also one of the things Finn loved most about him.

Today, as he prepared to gather wood for the winter, Finn heard the familiar sound of small footsteps running toward him. He turned just in time to see Henrik racing down the path, his face lit up with excitement.

"Finn! Finn! Look what I found!" Henrik shouted, holding up a small wooden figure. It was crudely carved, the kind of toy the village children often played with.

Finn smiled, crouching down to be at eye level with Henrik. "What is it, little brother?"

Henrik thrust the figure into Finn's hands, his eyes wide with wonder. "It's a warrior! He's got a sword, see? Do you think he's like Father? Strong and brave?"

Finn examined the figure, noting the rough details that indeed resembled a warrior. He looked back at Henrik, whose eyes were full of questions, waiting for his answer.

"Well," Finn began, choosing his words carefully, "he might be strong like Father, but bravery isn't just about fighting with swords. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to protect those who can't protect themselves."

Henrik nodded slowly, absorbing Finn's words. "Like you protect me?"

"Exactly," Finn said with a smile, ruffling Henrik's hair. "Now, what do you say we take a walk through the village? I'm sure there's much more to discover."

As they walked through the village, Henrik's questions came in a steady stream. He asked about everything why the blacksmith's forge was so hot, how the mill worked, why the birds sang in the morning but were silent at night. Finn answered each question with patience, explaining the workings of the world to his eager young brother.

"Why do the trees lose their leaves in the fall?" Henrik asked, looking up at the tall oaks that lined the path.

Finn thought for a moment. "The trees lose their leaves to prepare for winter. Without the leaves, they can survive the cold better. It's like how we wear thicker clothes when it gets cold."

Henrik considered this. "But aren't the trees cold without their leaves?"

"They are," Finn replied, "but they're also stronger because of it. They survive the winter and grow new leaves in the spring."

Henrik nodded, satisfied with the answer. But his curiosity was far from sated. "And what about the animals? Where do they go in the winter?"

"Some animals go to sleep for the whole winter," Finn explained, leading Henrik toward a small grove where they could see squirrels gathering nuts. "It's called hibernation. They find a safe place to sleep, and when spring comes, they wake up."

Henrik watched the squirrels with fascination. "Do they dream while they sleep?"

Finn smiled. "Maybe they do. They might dream of warmer days, of running through the trees and finding food."