A hunter that lived deep in the mountainous region of the great forest of Talrom decided to travel south at the city of Balian to sell his goods as well as resupply some condiments and armaments that he needed hunting at the great forest. This hunter was named Cain, a mid 40 year old man, with a muscular body due to his hard work living at the forest and a dark-brown hair. He stands around 180cm. He was quite a lonely man. Rumors had it that his former wife was attacked by a monster while gathering herbs at the forest, thus traumatized him to never love again. But these were only speculations but in truth he was abandoned by her love after meeting a nobleman that presented her gifts and some honey-coated words.
Everytime Cain sold his goods, he goes directly at a small tavern near the gates of the city to take a few drinks before going back to his home. He always sat at the edge of the counter, giving him space to think about his plans. This was his favorite place within the tavern. Most of the customers recognize Cain as he was a regular here. Some of customers were fellow hunters or either an adventurer that invited Cain to join their party but was always refused.
"Oh you're back Cain, how's business?"
The tavern owner asked Cain while wiping off the freshly washed wooden drinking cup.
"It's been a while old bone, hunt is getting harder these days. Monsters and animals were scarce, winter must be coming soon. Give the usual."
"Wait a moment."
The tavern owner called one of her employees.
"Ailene, give Mr. Cain his usual drink."
Ailene quickly rushed where Cain was sitting bringing his ordered drink. But Ailene was a little bit flustered whenever she was near Cain. Ailene had a crush on him that she secretly hid from her fellow employees but was already seen through by the tavern owner. Tavern owner William noticed Ailene's silly action as she approach Cain.
"Ohh what's this Ailene? Why are you blushing? Hmm... It's strange for you to act like this. Hahaha"
William laughed wholeheartedly.
"Hmp! Please stop teasing me tavern master. It's just..."
"It's just what? Ahh I see, it's because of Cain. Hahaha"
"Hey Cain, do you have someone special right now?"
William asked Cain loudly that everyone at the tavern heard, the customers went silent for a moment.
"What the hell is that question old bone. As of now I don't have one."
Ailene covered her face from embarrassment after hearing the two talking while all the customers were direcly focused at them.
"That's more like it! How about Ailene? What do you think?"
Cain and Ailene stopped and stared at each other before the look elsewhere.
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Cain POV
'What the hell William is thinking saying that loud.'
Cain pondered for a moment then secretly gazed upon the embarassed Ailene.
Ailene was wearing light brown dress that extended a little bit lower below her knees while covered with an apron. It was a simple outfit but it was a dress fitted to her long blonde hair paired with crystal blue eyes that filled with energy and wonder. Her lips were red as an apple and soft like a cotton. It would be surely bring out a very sweet kiss when kissed.
'Now that I think of it, she was beautiful. An energetic woman that has a light atmosphere. She was also a hardowrking person with a cheerful personality. I think she would be a great wife.'
'Is it time for me to love again? It's been 10 years since i have someone in my life. Our age difference must not be that much, she must be around 27 to 30.'
Cain kept pondering while William was teasing Ailene.
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Ailene POV
'It was 2 years since i met Cain at the corner of the street where the market was. I was targeted by a group of thieves. Dragging me along with them, it was then that I saw him. Taking a piss beside a stack of wooden boxes. The thieves were annoyed at his action because he was blocking the way and some of his business were splashed at the arms of the thieves leader. The leader shouted at him angrily but was instantly silenced, not only the leader but all of the five members of the group were instantly beaten to a pulp. It was then that I felt like the time stopped watching him fighting. It was beautiful even I know it was only a once sided violence against them. My heart fluttered and skipped a beat when he approached me and grabbed me at my arms.'
'I fell in love with him instantly. But after that incident I didn't meet him again until i applied to a small tavern called Gatekeeper Inn. I was surprised that he was sitting at the corner happily chatting with tavern master. He's a dependable person, I wish to be with him. My heart raced again reminded me of that fateful day at the market.'
Ailene asked the tavern master about Cain and discovered that he was a regular. It made her happy about her discovery. Until tavern master took advantage of her silly action that resulted into an embarassment at the tavern.
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Time froze as Cain and Ailene's eyes met, everything went silent and the lights seemed to dance and reflected a glistening sparkle that made the moment seemed last like forever. It was a pleasant feeling for both of them before they realize what was happening. The cheers whistle of the people snapped them back into reality. Now both of them were flustered, they didn't notice that their hearts were already connected.
'Godess Elunia please give me courage to face her.'
It was a short prayer murmured by Cain before chugging down his last cup of drink. William seemed to hear it as he grinned a smile at Cain.
It was late in the evening and the tavern was already closing. After cleaning up the place, Ailene decided to go home and rest her tired body.
Outside the tavern there stood a man. It was Cain.
"Uh... Ummm..."
His mouth seemed to froze, words can't exit his mouth properly.
Ailene covered her lips and giggled.
"A-- Are you go.. going home now?"
Cain shly asked Ailene, scrathing his neck as if it was itchy.
'He was a pretty timid person. Aww it's cute'
Thought Ailene.
"Yes I am."
"Can I walk you home?"
"Am I not bothering you Mr. Cain?"
"No, you're not, i've decided to spend the night at a nearby inn. It's too dangerous to traverse the path to my home at night."
"Let's go, how about we take stop to a nearby food stall around the next block? I know a shop where they serve delicious roasted meat."
"Sounds like a great idea, i'm getting hungry now that you've said it."
After walking her home, Cain stopped for a moment with a smile plastered to his lips before heading to an inn.
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Cain was descending the forest more frequent now that the two are getting close everytime they met, they decided to live together. Cain decided to buy a house at the nearest town in the city. This allowed him to go hunt while shortened the travelling time to go into the city. He hunted animals and monsters horns, teeths, hides, and other things that is useful for everyday living.
It took some time before Cain and Ailene decided to live together at the town of Pine. This was the start of their new life.