“Originality thrives in seclusion free of outside influences beating upon us to cripple the creative mind. Be alone, that is the secret of invention; be alone, that is when ideas are born. That is why many of the earthly miracles have had their genesis in humble surroundings.” - Nikola Tesla

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Markeath was growing nearer as I made my way back.

It looked as dull as it sounded. A typical, dusty, out-of-the-way village. Farms lined the road sparsely with the farmhands working diligently. Nobody called out to me. They were too busy preparing for the festival so I angled myself home.

The road was worn and untended. Small groups of people were walking to their destinations talking. Weeds and shrubs grew along the areas that weren’t covered in farmland. Several hard-shell hunter hives were actively abuzz with the hybrid insect-birds hard at work keeping the fields clear of pest and small animals. Other than that it was strangely peaceful looking upon the place I wanted out of. My earlier tension seems to have faded upon seeing the familiar scenery.

Several hard-shell hunters fluttered over to me curiously. The farmhands looked up at the change in behavior, but quickly looked away upon realizing it was just me. Several scowled and made signs to ward off evil. I grinned, ignoring them,  and held out my finger in which a particularly bold bug took to my invitation and swiftly landed. I stroked its feathered carapace and it seemed to shudder in ecstasy at the touch, then quickly flew off after turning its beady eyes towards me almost appraising me.

They were curious and small creatures. Made by the gods to help humanity survive the harsh lands. The chitinous body and limbs of a beetle, feathered wings, and the head of a bird made for a strange looking animal...thing. Nobody could refute their usefulness though. They worked relentlessly to eat anything that would bring harm to the crops.

I thought they were cute.

“Oh it’s you. I thought it was some goblin that got lost. It’s gross how you’re always playing with bugs with that smile. Only those creepy things would like a demon like you.”

Ah. That must be Rue.

I turn, sure enough Rue is standing there. Our eyes meet and lock for a second and she flinches away. Looking at her strikes up a pain in my chest as I observe her clutch a bag to her chest, knuckles tightening. Lightning blonde hair, sky blue eyes, and tanned skin set my heart racing. The contempt in her eyes had me on edge. My eyes darted around looking for the other two points to the village trifecta.

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“Don’t bother looking for them, we’re all too busy preparing for when the followers get here. Not everybody can slack off whenever they want to. Especially not now when it’s so close.” A scowl appears on her face, marring her beauty.

I thought about what to say to that. True I had been slacking off, I couldn’t refute that. The whole reason I wanted to get away from this village was because of the upcoming festival and attitudes like this. It had been on my mind for weeks. Those people were coming here of all places. They would be a strain on the village resources, but also a blessing. It filled me with apprehension just thinking about how they would react to my presence. The villagers called me demon, and I don’t see them thinking differently.

“Of course you got nothing to say. Just run home and cry to Old Nan like always.” She spat out. Contrary to her statement, she is the one who walks off first. Becoming unnerved by my stare with nobody to back her up. In truth, I just didn’t know what to say to her statement.

I sigh, feeling strangely tired from the short exchange, then continue down the path thinking about her—she was one of the few people my age. Rue was also one of the enigmas in the village. No matter what she did to me, she would always be untouched by any retaliation by the gods. Always. That didn’t happen to anybody else. Even the school teacher would get signs.

Of course the villagers caught on quickly like a tooth-fish smelling blood. This prompted them to pander for her attention in the hopes that she would drive me off somehow. Either that or they would try to channel their hatred through her like in the case of her father. Wishful thinking on all their parts. Just as she was untouched by the gods, she was untouched by their schemes or ideas.

No, her disdain for me was all her own.

She was the jewel of the village. Cheerful and bright. There was even talk of her garnering the attention of a strong deity for the upcoming festival. How else was she able to remain untouched? I didn’t want to think about that. I had enough attention from the gods themselves. People were too tiresome to deal with also.

Now there were more people walking down the road. Easily moving to the other side of the road. They carried wood, grains, bundles of cloth, and other essentials. Surprisingly enough several merchants made their way through. Surprising because most would opt to stay within the safety of the large group coming our way. These must be the fortune seekers hoping to secure a good spot beforehand.

Buildings started to appear alongside the path. A shack here, a cottage there, until finally the village inn demarcated the entrance to the Markeath. My entrance to the village center was heralded by absolutely nothing aside from glares. The center was the busiest I had ever seen it. Much busier than it was this morning my first time through. Merchants were loudly calling their wares, nomadic priest were offering servitude, and villagers were moving with more energy than I’ve ever seen before.

I felt left out.

Avoiding looking at any one place for too long in the case I gain someone’s ire. If people felt justified enough they would be quick to take action. Quickly making my way around the crowd and out the other side of the village as unobtrusively as I could. Just like Rue said my destination was the orphanage.

I knew I would get a scolding for wandering off.