The Forgotten Artefacts

Chapter II - Unusual Item (W.I.P)

His pace keeping steady as he escapes beyond the border of the town. The sky now freeing itself from the grey clouds which held it prisoner, the brilliant azure which soared above soon returning, complimented with the gleaming sun — allowing the radiant sunbeams to pass across his figure, gracing his skin and attire. The monotone atmosphere present from before now shifting into something softer and more familiar.

The dark colours of the landscape started to dispel, replaced with the more natural appearance it was known for holding. The surrounding changing from the former broken buildings melded with dark streets into rich green hills which weaved together with tall mountains and sloping valleys. Water spilt from the cliff summit trickling down its surface before reconnecting into streams and small ponds, the centre of the landscape housing a lake, tranquil in appearance and seeping with life, a wooden bridge spanning from one of its sides across to the opposite. The once rigid ground, now replaced by wavering grass which grazed against his laces as he passed over it. An array of flowers scattered throughout the fields each one housing a unique colour and hue to its petals. Trees flourishing, varying in appearance — some mighty and tall; others short and stocky, each coupled with its own set of coloured leaves, providing shade to whoever may lay below or to those seeking shelter from the sun.
Giving himself a chance to catch his breath and compose his thoughts; after the encounter which happened only a few minutes prior — taking advantage of the brief pause to also admire the ever-familiar view, currently rather appreciative of its calmer disposition; reflecting on the confrontation that occurred back within the unforgiving streets. A plethora of thoughts coursed through his mind, the only thing he knew for sure was that it was all connected to the stone currently in his possession. A sudden shock travelled down his spine, a surge of worry; his attention drawn to his clasped hand; hoping that the stone — which was tucked away tightly in his palm, was still there. Loosening his grip as his fingers uncoiled slowly, just enough to take a glimpse within — The same strange purple hue emitted from beneath the visible surface, much like before. A soft sigh tumbled over his lips, one of both acknowledgment and relief. — At least that was one less worry for now. Knowing the confronter wasn't merely acting as a distraction while another pickpocketed the item and whatever else; without his notice.
His hand returns to one of the tattered pockets on the outside of his coat — sewn on somewhat crudely, a few stray stitches poking out along the edge. His remaining free hand sorting out the collar of his jacket, straightening it out to take off a touch of the rugged exterior, as best he could while it was housed beneath his scarf.

Pulling the coat sleeve to his elbow, revealing a black watch around his wrist, scarlet coloured numbers and hand to match visible from beneath its glace face bringing the ticking timekeeper into his line of sight.
     "Roughly ten past two, at least, I'm not that late." He said. His attention drawn back to the landscape which lay ahead as his arm drifted to back to his side, the sleeve falling to its usual place at his wrist as he begins to track through the field.
His steps soon meeting stone as he ventures onto the settled stone path — following the walkway. He passes a mixture of different people, travelling the opposing direction to himself, some with family, while others by themselves — some hauling covered wagons, filled to the brim with a variety of stock varying in character and authenticity, the remaining few carrying nothing more than a bag slumped over their shoulder. Each traveller, diverse to one another, from their reasoning to their destination. Some providing a passing wave or salute coupled with a smile as their paths crossed.
Though their reasons for travel may be different from one another, the key aspect they all shared, each taking the time to let the surrounding scenery seep in. Knowing that no other place within the land's barrier housed somewhere quite as peaceful as Mellow-Fall, creating an experience for each to remember — and later tell.
Sections of the path coated by a short veil of shade, provided by the trees which had grown close to the trail, each glistening in the sun's light — causing mixed colours of vibrant green to shine down onto the path below, presenting travellers with a brief break from the sun as they passed beneath.