Shiroyuki

2: A Day at a Fantasy Village (1)

In the distance, they could see wooden walls scratching the sky, as high as the trees around them. The two deduced that they had reached their destination. Getting closer to it, they saw that they were right.

As Saladass talked to the guards standing at the gate, Yuki tied back her hair into a ponytail. Shiroe couldn't take his eyes off her as she did so.

"What?" she asked, noticing his gaze.

"Nothing," he replied, turning away.

She raised her eyebrows before shrugging, continuing to tie up her hair. She slid the hairpin back into her hair.

A few minutes later, Saladass, or rather, Salad returned to the two. "Mind your manners. We elves may look nice, but we can be scary" he warned before guiding them in. The guards greeted the two, who in turn greeted them back.

Behind the wall was a huge village filled with people. Fantasy medieval-style houses scattered around, connected by dirt and grass paths. Everyone there was the same species as Salad, save for a few humans. It was a sight Shiroe and Yuki only saw in movies and anime.

Their ears twitched when they heard a girl's voice calling out a name.

"Sacchan~. You're back!"

They turned around and saw a girl, about the same age as Saladass rushing towards them. She had long ebony hair, coupled with eyes as red as rubies.

She stopped just before Salad, standing in front of him. There was a significant height difference between the two. That girl was only his shoulder's height. "How's your trip, Sacchan?"

Salad patted the girl's head. "As usual. I could add a little spice," he replied, "though I found two new acquaintances." He turned towards the two and introduced them. "This is Shiroe and Yuki. I found them lost in the forest. You two. This girl is Ventea, my childhood friend."

Shiroe bowed a bit and Yuki reached out a hand, seeking a handshake. Ventea eyed her suspiciously before wrapping her arms around Salad's arm, pressing her chest against him.

"Where are you going now, Sacchan?" Ventea asked, looking up to him.

"I'm bringing them to meet the chief. Do you want to follow us?" he replied.

"My father? Of course. I'll follow anywhere you go, Sacchan."

As they turned around, Ventea cast a glance at Yuki, squinting her eyes as if mocking her. Yuki gripped her fist in annoyance, while Shiroe just watched the whole scene unfold with a smug expression.

"Oh my. Someone's jealous of you, Yuki" he murmured.

"I can't stand that drink-based gal. Who does she think she is?" Yuki complained.

Seeing that she had a frown, he continued. "Don't fret about it too much. She's a bit special from what I could see. Then again, he isn't bad-looking". Before he could continue, he fell onto the ground, clenching his abdomen after taking a jab from her.

She shook her hand and said, "I do not have any interest in that disgusting food" before leaving him to follow the two elves.

"Her fist... Is a murder weapon," he groaned. He could hear voices in his head, making fun of him.

-----

As they walked through the village, they could see the settlers of this village living their daily lives. Some were tending their gardens, some were raking the leaves and some were just conversing with each other. They were greeted by passersby who saw them as normal visitors. The village radiated tranquillity and peace.