My Inner Demons (if it was continued...)

Chapter 16: Where The Forest Clears

Recap...

"I had Pierce survey the area early this morning" Asch reassured me.

"Yes, Pierce also approached one of the farmers requesting shelter, and they were more than willing to help" Rhys adds. I just nod, feeling a bit more comfortable but still unsure, after all, we're trusting a stranger.

But then again, what choice do we have?

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It took about an hour of wandering in forest before the trees began to thin out, revealing the swaying of wheat caused by the light draft of wind. We had made it. We were at the village. It was as I had imagined it. Simple houses surrounded by thriving grains and corn. 

The village seemed to have been settled in a clearing of this dense forest. It seemed like a peaceful little place. You could hear the sounds of people tending to their animals whilst kids played amongst themselves. You could even hear the sound of rushing water. But it was odd, there wasn't a river in site.  

Before I could fully take in the sights of this village, Pierce stepped in front of us- taking the lead and guiding us towards a cluster of houses. We walked through the fields. Then through the unpaved streets. I watched as kids stopped playing amongst themselves to shy away behind one another, staring at us as they cleared a way for us to pass. They had this look of anxiousness yet curiosity in their eyes, a look only that of a child could replicate and I didn't blame them. We are strangers after all. 

Eventually we stop before a house. It was a small house- it's walls made of stones and rocks decorated with half timbering wood and it's roof made of weaved hay, or maybe even grass. Just outside the house was an old man. His hair was curled and white at it's tips, his skin tanned and his clothes soiled. He looked as exhausted as he was preoccupied with his sweat dripping from his forehead and his hands carrying a basin like container of corn. 

Once he noticed us, he smiled and waved. "Ah, hello again young man" He says, addressing Pierce before looking at the rest of us stood behind him. "Hm, I wasn't expecting a lot of people" He apologetically smiled. "Come come," he says as he guides us inside. We walk in after him and watch as he places the basin on a table- in what I could only assume to be the kitchen- where a lady, around the same age was stirring a pot. 

"Welcome back dear," The lady says sweetly before turning to see the rest of us, "Ah, you must be the guests! Hello, hello" She smiles as she quickly dries her hands and approaches us. She spots me and warmly smiles as she clasps her hands around mine. "Oh my, what's a beautiful lady like you doing travelling amongst a bunch of men?" She questions, her voice hinting a bit of concern

I huff a small laugh, "They're my brothers" I say, softly smiling as the lie easily rolls off my tongue- it was a lie that Rhys had come up with to protect us in case someone asked about our relation with one another. After all, the less people know about us, the safer we are. 

"Brothers?" The old lady asked,  surprised, "My, you lot don't look a thing alike!" She laughs.

"We get that a lot" Noi adds.

"Now, now stop poking at our guests Winnie, they must be tired" The old man says, offering us an apologetic smile as the old lady lets go of my hands. 

"I was just getting to know our guest Menil, no harm asking" The old lady smiles whilst shrugging off her husband before returning to stir the pot.

"Sorry about her pestering-" I just shake my head, politely dismissing the idea. "Anyways, you guys can stay here" The old man says as he walks further into the house and opens a door- showing a small room with a few sacks of crops and some sheets to sleep on. "We don't have much but I hope this is okay"