Chapter 5

**WARNING** Dead animals, Blood

Eternus’s grip on his father's boot tightens slightly as he turns to Sage. [Eternus]: Dad probably went back to the shelter we found you at. Sage nods and wipes away her tears. [Sage]: Yeah you’re right.. [Eternus]: Let's go back there, we might even find Dad on his way there… Eternus holds Sage's hand as the two of them start walking to the shelter. As people are coming out of hiding. As people around them started to take in the damage that had been done to their homes Eternus and Sage were busy asking people if they had seen their Father, Mother, or Helia. After a few 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 as they’re about to give up on asking and just continue to the shelter a woman mentions she had spotted Helia. [Sage]: Really? Sage's face lights up with excitement at the thought of finding her older sister. [Eternus]: Where did you see her? [Woman]: I saw Her and the other woman you mentioned running past the village's border, and outside past the forests I believe. [Eternus]: What, Why? [Woman]: They seemed to be chasing something, although I couldn’t see what. As Eternus is trying to think Sage taps on Eternus’s shoulder. [Sage]: We’re not supposed to leave the village right? [Eternus]: Yeah… After a while more Eternus turns to the woman and thanks her before he turns away to start going to the border. [Sage]: Eternus, wait, we didn’t ask about dad. Eternus pauses and turns back to the woman. [Eternus]: Yeah, you’re right… Eternus describes his dad to the woman and the woman thinks for just a moment. [Woman]: Oh, Yes, I've seen him, he came asking about the two girls as well, I told him where to go and he left in a hurry. Sage's face lights up and smiles before telling Eternus that they should hurry and go. [Sage]: Come on Eternus! We need to go fast before they get too far ahead! Eternus turns to the woman and thanks her before he and Sage start running through the rubble of the buildings, running through snow, rocks, tilted buildings, and more. After 𝟐 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 They reach the village gate. Eternus guessed that since the gate is usually closed the avalanche had shaken the gate enough to break the chains letting the gate fall open. [Eternus]: Sage, we don't know what's out there so stay close to me ok? Sage nods. [Sage]: Ok. Eternus holds Sage’s hand as they Leave the village and the forest for the first time. They only manage to take a few steps for them to see something moving in the bushes. Sage yelps and Eternus picks up a pebble and throws it at the bush. After a moment the bushes stop moving and Eternus goes to check what was in the bushes. [Eternus]: Stay here. Sage nods and Eternus goes through the bushes, Sage stares with fear and anticipation wanting to know what is in the bushes, Eternus explains what was in the bushes for a moment but soon Eternus pulls out a dead Rabbit. Sage screams with horror as she sees the dead Animal and starts crying. [Sage]: You killed it! Eternus panics and then throws the dead rabbit out of sight and goes to try and console Sage. [Eternus]: H-Hey… It's fine, I swear, you know what, I even saw the rabbit moving, that's why I threw it, it just hurt its leg… [Sage]: Re-Really..? A cold Sweat runs down Eternus’s face as he begins to tremble lightly. With his trembling hands, he rubs her head comforting her. [Eternus]: Yeah, I swear. Sage wipes away her tears. [Sage]: Ok… [Eternus]: Now let's keep going. Sage nods and Eterus holds her hand and they walk in a different direction than the one Eternus threw the dead rabbit to comfort Sage and make sure she doesn’t see the dead rabbit and realize his lie. The two of them spend the next 𝟑𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 Walking aimlessly through the forest before they finally find the end. [Sage]: Eternus I’m tired… [Eternus]: I am to Sage, But I think I can see a light up ahead, we might be close to the exit of the forest. [Sage]: Ok… Once they reach the light they push past the leaves blocking their path They’re presented with a large and beautiful field, full of flowers, and luscious green grass, with horses and cattle everywhere. [Sage]: Wow… It's so pretty! Sage runs Onto the field to play as Eternus sits back looking around, still stunned that there was anything outside their home, since he had always been taught their village was all there was. After a while Sage comes back to Eternus. [Sage]: Eternus! There's a really big town over here! Eternus’s head jolts up trying to see what Sage was talking about. And before he can he sees it, a giant gate, buildings, but most importantly, a castle. [Eternus]: Sage, did you go near it..? [Sage]: No, you told me to stay close to you so I did. [Eternus]: Good. Well, we don’t have anywhere else to go so… We might as well go there, Mom, Dad, and Helia probably went there too. [Sage]: Yeah, OK. Eternus grabs Sage’s hand as they begin walking through the Field, with Sage occasionally stopping to pet the horses or cattle. Once they reach the gate they are greeted by a guard. [Gaurd]: Stop right there, you two seem a little young to be traveling alone, and I don't recognize you two from here. [Eternus]: W-Well.. Um… [Sage]: We’re meeting our parents here. Sage smiles as she says that she can’t wait to see her mommy and daddy again. [Gaurd]: Hmm… Well... Alright then, Go on through then. [Sage]: Yay! Thank you! Sage grabs Eternus’s hand and drags him into the village. As the two of them walk through the village Eternus starts taking mental notes of where things are. Things such as the Bakery full of Bread and pastries, the smell of fresh bread filling the streets, Food Vendors selling all kinds of meats, fruits, and vegetables, The Tailor outside clothing mannequins, The Blacksmith inside with weapons and tools displayed, The inn is quiet. There are a few people in the lobby eating and singing in and out of rooms, a job board surrounded with people looking for quick cash, A School with kids leaving for the day, and finally the Castle, there are guards everywhere, from the looks of it hundreds of them. [Sage]: Wow, this place is really big! [Eternus]: Yeah, it is. Sage listen, It will be dark out in a few hours so we should try to get an inn maybe. [Sage]: Alright, but we don't have any money. [Eternus]: I… Didn’t think about that… Well, we could try and get a quick job… just enough for an inn for a while, I also might check out that school, It would be a good place to go during the day. Sage nods and Eternus grabs her hand and goes up to one of the food vendors. [Fruit Vendor]: Hello, What can I do for you? [Eternus]: Hi… I was wondering if you needed help or anything… for money..? [Fruit Vendor]: Hmm… Well, I suppose I could use some help restocking the crates. Eternus shakes her hand fast with a tight grip. [Eternus]: Thank you! Eternus turns to Sage and points to the side of the cart. [Eternus]: Stay there for a while while I restock. [Sage]: Ok. Eternus spends the next 𝟑𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 placing fruits of all kinds into crates and baskets. Eternus goes up to the vendor. [Eternus]: I've filled all the crates and baskets. [Fruit Vendor]: Great, Will 2 Silver coins and 15 copper coins be enough? [Eternus]: I don't know how money works so I don't know actually… [Fruit Vendor]: Oh, well what do you plan on spending the money on? [Eternus]: Well, I planned on seeing how much an inn costs and then how much school might cost [Fruit Vendor]: Well the inn should cost about 4 to 7 copper per person, depending on your age of course, but as for the school you'll have to check in with them yourself. [Eternus]: Thank you, ma’am. [Vendor]: Anytime. The vendor gives Eternus the money owed and Eternus turns to Sage and sees she's sleeping. Eternus goes to wake up Sage. [Eternus]: Sage, wake up, we gotta go. Sage stays asleep so Eternus starts shaking her awake. Sage wakes up slowly and then thanks the vendor for giving Eternus a job. [Eternus]: Come on sage, let's go before the inn is full. [Sage]: OK, Do you think they’ll have food? [Eternus]: They should, and if they don't I bet we could find something at the bakery we saw. Eternus grabs Sage’s hand and they begin walking toward the inn. The streets aren’t too crowded since most are inside preparing for dinner or already eating. As the two walk around they smell all kinds of different foods from others eating Sage begins to complain. [Sage]: How much longer until we get there, I’m hungry… [Eternus]: We’re almost there, don’t worry. A few moments later they arrive at the front of the inn, [Eternus]: Sage, when we get inside don't talk to anyone without me ok? Sage nods and the two of them walk inside. [Inn woker]: Welcome! [Eternus] Hi… Etenus looks around the inn, There are a lot of people sitting in the lobby at tables, eating, it seems the inn does serve dinner here at least. [Eternus]: How much is a room for me and my sister? [Inn worker]: How old are the two of you and how long do you plan on staying? [Eternus]: I’m 13 and she's 9 and we’re just gonna stay the night for now, also is dinner extra? [Inn worker]: That should be 6 copper for you and 4 for her so 11 copper with tax, and as for dinner, it's free as long as you buy a room. [Eternus]: Thank you. Eternus and Sage walk over to the sign-in counter and Eternus takes out 11 copper and puts it on the counter. [Eternus]: The worker at the front said this should be enough for me and my sister. [Inn Counter worker]: Sign here. The worker puts a sign-in sheet in front of the two of them. Eternus signs his name then slides it over to Sage for her to sign. When they’re done They give the sheet back to the woman and she gives Eternus a key. [Eternus]: Where can we go for dinner?

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[Inn Counter worker]: Just go sit at a table and you’ll be served shortly. Eternus nods and takes Sage over to an empty table. The inn smells of meat, bread, and a strong smell of ale, mead, beer, and wine. Shortly after the two of them sit down a woman comes and places a plate of fresh bread on the table in front of the two. Eternus grabs a piece of bread and inspects it before taking a bite. Eterus waits a while before telling Sage it's safe to eat. [Eternus]: It should be safe to eat. Sa excitedly grabs a piece of bread eating it immediately. The two of them spend the next 𝟑 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 stuffing their faces with bread before the waitress comes back out with 2 plates full of food. The waitress placed the two plates full of mashed potatoes, steak, and green beans. She leaves and comes back with two mugs of water. [Inn Waitress]: Let me know if you have a problem with your food. [Eternus]: OK, thank you. The waitress leaves and Eternus takes small bites of the food to test if it's good to eat. [Eternus]: I think it is good to eat sage, tell me if you start to feel weird after eating it though. [Sage]: OK. The two of them spend the next 𝟐𝟑 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 eating and talking. [Eternus]: Sage, listen, I don't think we’re gonna find Mom, Dad, or Helia here. Sage looks down and says nods. [Sage]: Yeah… You’re right… So we can leave tomorrow to find them right? Eternus looks down and shakes his head. [Eternus]: No… We don’t know where the nearest town is and we don’t have much money so we couldn’t pay someone to bring us. [Sage]: Oh… well, what if they all went back home? Back to our village? [Eternus]: No, Our village never opened the gates, and by now the mayor had to have shut them again. Sage looks down, tears up, and pushes her plate forward. [Sage]: I'm not hungry anymore… Eternus sighs and stands up. [Eternus]: OK, come on. Eternus and Sage go up to the second story of the Inn to find their room. When the two find their room they enter and look around. The room is small, with 2 beds and a window view of the city outside. [Eternus]: We should get to bed, I might try to get us into the school later. [Sage]: Really? School back home was always boring cause we learned the same thing, about trees and stuff… [Eternus]: Hey I like trees… Sage giggles and lays on her bed. [Sage]: Cause you’re boring too. Eternus throws a pillow at her. [Eternus]: Am not, trees are awesome. Sage throws the pillow back. [Sage]: Whatever you say. It doesn't take long for the two of them to fall asleep. In the night the moonlight shines through the window, as the wind howls outside through the empty streets. As Eternus sleeps the stone on his wist begins to glow lightly.

-𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 5 (𝐆𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧)-