As they soared through the clouds and approached the mountains, the world below looked like miniature model. The jagged cliffs and steep slopes rose into the sky like spikes, their dark forms edged with the golden light of the setting sun. Shadows stretched long across the land, and a mist began to settle over the peaks, giving the mountains a sense of solitude and beauty. In the quiet hum of the ship, Robin couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the untouched wilderness unfolding before him. It was a stark contrast to the busy city of Nexar and the structured life he’d left behind.
Eventually, the ship reached the highest peak, a towering pinnacle that seemed to touch the space. Here, the landscape spread out in breathtaking clarity, a blend of rugged rock and lush greenery. The ship descended onto a small landing area carved into the side of the mountain. Robin stepped out, the cool mountain air brushing against his face. He took a deep breath, letting the tranquility of the place wash over him.
The view was nothing short of extraordinary. Below him, the city of Nexar glittered in the distance, its lights beginning to twinkle like a sea of stars as night set in. On the other side, the vast ocean stretched to the horizon, its surface shimmering in the fading light. The ruins they had visited earlier in the day were barely visible now, hidden beneath the horizon.
Robin moved closer to the edge, settling onto a rocky ledge that overlooks over the valley. He could feel the cool wind beneath him as he gazed out over the landscape, watching as the stars appeared in the darkening sky.
After a moment, Oliver broke the silence. “This time of year is perfect for deer hunting. There’s an abundance in these parts, and they’re easier to track in the moonlight.” His tone was casual, but Robin could sense a hint of excitement in his butler’s voice.
Robin looked over at Oliver, then at Andrew, who gave him a nod of encouragement. Andrew had taught him how to shoot during his stay on the mansion, and Robin was eager to put his skills to the test. The idea of hunting felt like an adventure, a way to test his abilities for the future besides he never hinted in his life. It'll be his first time.
“Alright, let’s give it a shot,” Robin said, a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
With that, the three of them set off into the forest, others from the crew stay on the ship. They started moving quietly along the mountain trails. The air grew cooler as they ventured deeper, and the sounds of the forest surrounded them the rustling of leaves, the distant call of birds settling in for the night, and the faint whisper of the wind. Andrew took the lead, guiding them to a spot where he noticed signs of deer activity. He pointed out subtle tracks in the soft earth, the bent grass where the deer had passed, and the faint scent that lingered in the air.
They settled into a branch of a medium size tree, hidden among the leaves, and waited in silence. Robin felt his senses sharpen as he scanned the surroundings, the quiet anticipation building with each passing moment. The twilight deepened, casting the forest in a dim, shadowy light that made every movement seem more pronounced.
After a while, the sound of soft footsteps reached Robin’s ears. He tensed, holding his breath as he watched. Through the trees, he could just make out the shapes of a small herd of deer, moving gracefully through the underbrush. Andrew glanced at Robin, giving a subtle signal to take the shot when ready.
Robin steadied his breath, lifting his gun and taking aim. His hands felt steady, but there was a rush of adrenaline coursing through him as he focused on his target. Also he never killed any live animal by himself. He hesitated a bit and squeezed the trigger, but the shot missed, startling the deer, which quickly ran away into the forest. Robin lowered the gun, a pang of disappointment hitting him. He’d hoped to make the shot on his first try, but reality had proven otherwise.
Andrew placed a reassuring hand on Robin’s shoulder. “It happens to everyone, sir. You’ll get the hang of it. Let’s try another spot.”
Encouraged by Andrew’s words, Robin nodded, and they continued their hunt. The forest was alive with subtle signs, and Andrew patiently pointed out each one as they moved. It was a learning experience as much as it was a hunt, and Robin found himself appreciating Andrew’s quiet expertise.
They came upon another clearing, and this time, Robin took his position with renewed determination. They settled into place, waiting in silence. The forest seemed to hold its breath along with them, the air thick with anticipation. After a few minutes, a lone deer appeared, moving cautiously into the clearing.
Robin took a deep breath, calming his mind as he focused on his target. Andrew gave him a nod, signaling that it was time. This time without hesitation, Robin’s aim was steady. He squeezed the trigger, and the shot rang out, echoing through the trees. The deer stumbled, and Robin knew he’d made the shot.
A sense of accomplishment washed over him as he lowered the gun, a small smile spreading across his face. Andrew gave him an approving nod.
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Andrew stepped forward to butcher the deer, working with practiced efficiency as he prepared the animal for transport. Robin watched, feeling a mix of pride and reverence. This was a different kind of skill, one that required patience, respect for the land, and an understanding of the cycle of life. It felt grounding, a reminder of a simpler way of living that contrasted with the complexities of his life on earth and here.
Once Andrew had finished, they began the trek back to the ship, the forest growing darker as night fully settled in. The stars above shone brightly, illuminating their path with a silvery light. The quiet of the forest seemed deeper now, and Robin felt a profound sense of peace as they walked.
As they approached the ship robin noticed his crew prepared a small camping area outside of the ship.
Robin felt the bonfire in front of a futuristic ship looks kinda good,Harmonious.
As they walked near the campfire, Marla the ship’s chef, came from inside the ship with a smile on her face. Her eyes sparkled as she looked over the deer Robin , Andrew and Oliver had brought back from the hunt. "This is incredible, young master," she said, inspecting the animal with a practiced eye. "A real meal, straight from the land. Nothing compares to this. You rarely can have this type of meat in the mansion"
With a smile, she turned to where her husband, Raylan, the ship’s captain, was adjusting the campfire to provide a steady, even flame. She called him over, gesturing for his help, and he joined her with a warm grin "it's been a while since I had wild meat." rolling up his sleeves to begin preparing the meat. They moved with the ease and rhythm of two people who knew each other deeply, each anticipating the other’s needs without a word.
Robin’s guard, Norman, approached and placed a chair near the fire for him. “Thank you, Norman,” Robin nodded as he took a seat, feeling the warmth of the fire wash over him. The light of the campfire danced over his face as he observed the crew, each person immersed in their tasks. The firelight reflected off Raylan’s face as he carefully sliced and seasoned the meat, while Marla prepared a marinade with various spices and oils she’d brought from the ship.
Robin looked around, taking stock of the crew but noticing that two faces were still missing. He turned to Raylan, his curiosity piqued. “Any idea where Silas and Elric have wandered off to?”
Raylan looked up from his work, giving Robin a reassuring smile. “They took a hike up the mountain. Said they wanted to gather some fresh herbs and mushrooms to add to the meal,” he explained. “Elric said he knows the local plants well, they’ll be back soon, hopefully soon.”
After a few moments, Robin heard the crunch of footsteps on the rocky ground, and moments later, Silas and Elric appeared. Each of them carried a large, overstuffed bag filled with herbs, mushrooms, and various wild plants. Robin’s eyes widened in surprise, and he grinned as he took in the sheer quantity they’d gathered. “Did you bring back the entire mountain?” he teased, laughing as they set the bags down with a thud.
Silas rolled his eyes good-naturedly, chuckling as he stretched his tired arms. “Almost, sir,” he replied, feigning exhaustion. “Though it’s hard to resist when the mountain is so generous said Elric.
Elric, his face flushed from the hike, stepped forward, pulling a handful of vibrant green leaves from his bag. He offered them to Marla, who accepted them with a nod of appreciation. “These herbs will remove the gamey test from the deer,” he explained, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. “Back in the old days, wild herbs were treasures. Some were so valuable, they could earn a person a noble title.” He turned to Robin, his voice dropping into a tone of reverence. “People used to journey for miles just to gather plants like these. Now the food is convenient and people forget about these hurbs .”
Elric handed a smaller bundle of herbs to Robin, who turned them over in his hands, examining the delicate leaves and inhaling the subtle, earthy aroma. “These,” Elric continued, “have medicinal properties. They’re good for the body and mind. Something that the people of old knew well.”
The conversation flowed naturally into stories about the mountains. Elric shared tales of his past excursions and the lore surrounding various plants, mushrooms, and herbs. Oliver also joined in. Others from the crew added their own anecdotes, describing encounters. The stories painted pictures of exotic landscapes, forgotten trails, and ancient knowledge that lingered in the mountains. Robin listened, captivated, finding himself lost in the tales of the wilderness and the crew’s bond with nature.
As Marla and Raylan worked their culinary magic, the air filled with an intoxicating aroma. The blend of spices, herbs, and fresh meat sizzling over the fire was enough to make anyone’s mouth water. After a short time, Marla announced, “Dinner is ready!” The crew gathered around the campfire, each of them settling down with a hearty portion of the meal. They sat on makeshift seats, logs, and rocks, creating a circle around the fire as they dug into their plates.
Robin looked down at his meal, feeling a slight pang of skepticism. He’d expected the deer meat to have a strong, gamey flavor, but as he took his first bite, he was met with a surprising depth of taste. The herbs had softened the flavor, transforming the wild meat into something rich and comforting. He took another bite, savoring the carefully crafted balance of flavors. It was, without a doubt, one of the best meals he’d ever had.
Around him, the crew’s spirits were high. They laughed, shared stories, and enjoyed the food with a carefree ease that made the evening feel timeless. Norman recounted a humorous tale from his days as a young guard, causing the group to break into laughter. Even Silas, who often wore a stoic expression, seemed to relax, leaning back with a soft smile as he listened to the conversations around him.
The warmth of the fire, the flavors of the meal, and the laughter of his crew filled Robin with a deep sense of contentment. For the first time in a long while, he felt fully present, not weighed down by responsibilities or expectations. It was just him and his crew, surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness, sharing a meal in a moment that felt perfectly suspended in time.
As the meal wound down, the conversation grew quieter, with each person reflecting on their own thoughts. One by one, the crew drifted off to their designated quarters within the ship, their laughter replaced by the quiet rustling of the mountain breeze. Robin lingered by the fire, watching as the flames danced and flickered, casting shadows across the rocks and trees around him. He let the sounds of the night wash over him—the distant chirping of crickets, the soft whisper of leaves in the wind, and the faint hum of the ship’s engines as it stood on standby.
When he finally retired to his quarters within the ship, he stretched out on his bed, staring up at the ceiling with a quiet smile. The day’s events played through his mind in flashes—the thrill of the hunt, the hike through the forest, Elric’s stories of ancient knowledge, and the warmth of the campfire shared with friends. These simple moments felt like fragments of a dream come true.
In his heart, he knew that this journey was exactly what he’d always wanted. The wild unknown, the freedom to explore, the thrill of uncovering hidden secrets, and the companionship of people he trusted—it was a life he’d imagined as a child but had almost lost sight of. Now, it was real, unfolding right before him.
He felt a rush of gratitude to his grandfather . He was no longer just another cog in a machine, now he is an adventurer, a seeker, someone following a path of discovery on his own terms.
As he closed his eyes, a profound sense of peace settled over him. The ship’s gentle hum became a comforting lullaby, and he drifted
off to sleep, his mind filled with thoughts of the adventures yet to come.