One week later, the serene expanse of Red Village unfolds, bathed in the reddish hue of the setting sun against its snow-covered landscape. Hera, Wendy, and Kasper approach the village entrance, their arrival heralded by the ringing of a bell—a sound that resonates deeply with Kasper. "That bell...only when I hear that I know that I'm home..." he muses, hinting at deeper, yet-to-be-revealed significances of this tradition.
...
Wendy remains silent, her thoughts unspoken, while Hera encourages a lighter mood, "It sure does...now cheer up, you two! They are waiting for us, remember why we're doing this!" Their spirits lifted, they enter the village to a warm reception. Children hug them, and the air fills with chatter.
Village Elder August welcomes them, "Glad to see both of you made it back again." Hera respectfully greets him, "Elder August..." suggesting a discussion of importance awaits. "Well, it seems you guys have a lot to say. Let's go to my place and talk," August proposes.
...
On their way, Wendy hands over a significant donation to the village, "Here, take these, these are next month's rations.." Kasper emphasizes, "Be sure to distribute it well and fairly," underscoring their ongoing commitment to the village's well-being.
...
Once settled at August's home, the air thick with anticipation, Hera broaches a concerning topic, "The rations...got smaller again.." To which, August nonchalantly responds, "So?" His indifference shocks Hera, Wendy, and Kasper, prompting a unified, surprised reaction, "So?!"
...
August explains, "Yes, so? You did not start the war. The village is happy when you come back alive, with or without food." Hera struggles, "Yes...but...we promised! We want you all to eat your full, to live without limitations!" The silence that follows is heavy with unspoken fears and wishes.
August's sigh breaks the silence, "I understand your feelings, younglings, but what can you change right now? Nothing. We can only pray for food, safety, your return, and that the sun and moon continue to watch over us. So don't be hard on yourselves. Survive. If you do, we will survive as well, rest assured."
Their conversation is punctuated by a solemn understanding, and August inquires about their departure. "The day after tomorrow at dawn..." Hera reveals, the reduction in their resting days a silent testament to the war's demands. August's parting words offer a gentle reminder of the importance of rest, "Make sure to rest up, you lot need it. Let me know if you need anything."
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After thanking Elder August for his understanding and assuring him they'd rest well, Hera, Kasper, and Wendy stepped out into the cooling evening of Red Village. Their departure was interrupted by the enthusiastic shouts of a young boy racing toward them.
...
"HEEEEEEYYYYYY!!! KASPERRRRR? WENNDYYYYYY? HERAAAAAAA!!!" Rally's voice, full of excitement, cut through the quiet of the village.
Hera, turning to the breathless boy, asked, "Oh, Rally! Were you searching for us?"
Panting, Rally nodded, "Yes, I was outside the village, heard the bells...came searching..."
Wendy, curiosity piqued, questioned, "Outside the village? What were you doing there? Don't tell me.."
Rally's eyes sparkled with determination, "YES, I'M READY NOW, TRUST ME, I WAS TRAINING TO JOIN THE UNION OF MANKIND WITH YOU THREE!"
Kasper, not surprised by the revelation, sighed, "..I knew he would say that again.."
Hera tried to temper Rally's enthusiasm with a dose of reality, "You're still training, Rally? I told you, you're too young. Go help the village with collecting berries, nuts, or whatever else to have food to eat! You're never joining the UOM!"
Rally, undeterred, challenged her, "HEEEEEEEEEHHHH???????!!!!!!!! COME FIGHT ME THEN 1V1 IF I BEAT YOU, I GET TO JOIN!"
Kasper reiterated their stance, "Rally, we've said this many times: you're too young. Besides, we don't even know if the war will last so long for you to even be eligible to join."
...
Disappointment washed over Rally's face, a silent acceptance of their words.
Hera softened, "Listen, Rally, we are happy with your support, but everyone has a job to do in these hard times, and yours is here at Red Village. Can we count on you to keep things on leech here while we're gone?"
Rally, his spirits lifted by Hera's acknowledgement, affirmed, "...Of course!!"
Hera smiled, "Thanks!" Their conversation, a brief but meaningful exchange, highlighted the bonds within the village, the shared responsibilities, and the hopes pinned on the younger generation.
...
The scene shifted to Hera, Kasper, and Wendy returning to their village home, seeking solace in the familiar. They spent the evening sharing a meal, their conversation a mixture of recounting the day's events and plans for tomorrow. Hera emphasized the need for rest, a precursor to their duties the following day.
As the village succumbed to the night's embrace, Hera too found rest, her thoughts perhaps wandering to the tasks that lay ahead. The village, enveloped in darkness, was a picture of tranquility, its beauty underscored by the soft glow of the moon.
...
...
In a quiet corner of this serene village, under a sprawling tree, lay a simple grave marked with the name...
"Hera..."