The people of Starch took pride in their independence from any opposing military. They simply wanted peace and prosperity, without the pain of war or controlling forces. What was at one point a vacant field of dead trees and some living, Dusty and his surviving crew members decided the boating life was no longer an option for an ideal living. With the war shifting and the militaries growing stronger, it was time they created a home to lay low from enemies and focus on removing themselves from a pitiful society.
It took approximately ten years for Dusty and his crew of five men to flatten a section of the secluded forest. He knew that Lake Celia was nearby so obtaining water was no issue within the future, and all the trees they had just chopped down proved useful for building their new homes. It started with just five little houses, Dusty's house eventually became what is known as Dusty's Hammerhead, a blacksmithing store he started. For years they lived in the forest alone, they were showing no progression, just surviving amongst one another. This gave Dusty an idea which would change his life and those surrounding him forever.
He would set out to Fairstad and Forgeville to try to find civilians to join him in creating this small town. His focus was to find people who were uninterested in the new age political views, knowing they were tired of the racism and power trip that King Artos possessed. The disgust that many humans had for him was more evident than you would think. However, the people he converted to his beliefs is exceedingly worrisome. It would be safe to say that no more than one quarter of the humans dislike him, you look at the odds and they're outnumbered. Dusty, however, didn't care about numbers, he knew if he took out a portion of the people who were uninterested in politics, that he would benefit both parties. It would make space in those towns to replace the residents with people who would join King Artos' cause. Then for Dusty, it gave him an extra set of hands to have a town of their own with no leader and little to no disturbance from the military.
These plans that Dusty would go through with, would lead Starch to have the population and the success that they have. He wasn't the leader but he inadvertently became one to the people. Dusty even went as far as to even sign a peace treaty with King Artos in his castle in Fairstad to ensure the safety of Starch and to keep the quaint village free of any attempts of corruption by the Artos military or propaganda.
In the heart of the quaint village of Starch, beneath the dappled shade of towering oak trees, a crowd of townsfolk gathered eagerly, their faces alight with anticipation. At the forefront stood their esteemed leader, Dusty, his weathered features illuminated by the soft glow of twilight. With conviction and passion, he will be delivering a stirring speech, his words resonating with the spirit of unity and resilience that defined their community. There was a chest that was next to the podium and it seemed that Dusty would have something in his hand behind him. The crowd was murmuring and the volume of the voices gradually became less and less until it came to a sudden stop when the right fist of Dusty crossed his chest, to his heart his fist was held.
His eyes were closed, all eyes were on Dusty when he would start speaking a stern tone, "My dearest friends, family, and associates of Starch, today is the one day per year that we gather together as one. Though everyday we are always together, I wish to truly experience a night of excitement, great food, outstanding music, and most of all, time with this town. Our people and our community have undergone the wrath of orcs, King Artos’ military spitting on the people of Starch or Dockton, and so much more. But we will continue to prevail!"
The people began roaring in happiness, trumpets and drums were being played as if a hero was giving a speech to change the world. As Dusty spoke of the trials they had faced and the triumphs they had achieved together, a swell of cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, a resounding chorus of support and admiration for their beloved leader. In that moment, amidst the camaraderie and solidarity of their shared purpose, the people of Starch stood united, bound by the bonds of friendship and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
"Tomorrow, we will be waving goodbye to two of the most valiant friends that I have now known for many years. Ariah, Elias, I owe you two a large thank you, for assisting me and our lovely folk here. Without the defensive guidance you two had to offer, I wouldn't feel too safe around here with how the world has been changing. I knew at some point you two had to move on, but I have a strong gut feeling you will change the world forever. If you guys would please, welcome Starch's amazing and powerful twins, Ariah and Elias Silver!" Dusty yelled.
The clanging of weapons on metal shields, trumpets, drums, yelling, chanting and the overall sounds gave the two twins more love than they had felt ever. Ariah would walk up to the podium first with Elias at her side.
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"Comrades of Starch, you all seem to amaze me! Given the extraordinary hardships, you all held your heads high. A lot of you trained very hard. A lot of you built the beautiful new homes that you can now live in safely. A lot of you are now a part of Starch and her memories. By the two moons, I was happy I could guide you all and assist in any way that I could. Thank you for your grace. Now, if you could, please give some cheers for my brother Elias, he has something amazing planned for someone special." Ariah said proudly.
Again, the sounds were severely loud, you could tell that with these few hundred humans, there was an army of peaceful and loving people.
"How amazing is this, we trained together, built together, and ate together. Ariah and I must say our goodbyes under circumstances that can and will change the world. With that being said, after a particular event that was hosted between my rogues last night, we decided we needed a commanding leader who could strategize and utilize what you folks have to the best efficiency. I am going to call up to the stand the winner of Ariah's clone chase, if you could, I'd like a warm applause for Starch's new commander, Charles of Dockton!" yelled Elias.
Charles made his way to the little stage and podium, confused because he believed he hadn't won. He gave a proud bow to Elias and Ariah, the twins would go to each side of Charles and hold his arms up, declaring him as the winner. Charles was suited with a clean red button up shirt, his arms were toned out to the veins, and his pants had about eight separate pockets for holding various tools. His hair was jet black and spiked which gave him the appearance of speed.
Elias would go back up to the podium to say, "Charles, you left last night after we had said Rokas was the winner, it turns out the knife that was lodged in the clone was yours, Rokas happened to throw another knife into the same spot. Had your knife moved about just one inch further, the clone would've popped like a balloon. Rokas will be joining us on our adventures, but I saw some serious leadership potential in you from the notes you were constantly taking, so, I present to you this chest. Please open it up!"
Charles would unlock the chest, and pull out a trench coat made of shiny black leather, trimmed in Starch's color of burgundy red. What also came within the chest was a commander's patch, and a burgundy red belt, crafted to host many weapons and tactical items. Charles would put on the clothes, he turned around with his arms out, looking out into the crowd. He was yelling with excitement, happiness, and he finally felt strong. Charles would go up to the podium and stare for a minute.
With a deep voice for a young adult, Charles would continue to say, "I've never been one for crowds, I have so much to say and now so much to do. I thank you, Ariah and Elias for selecting me to be commander. I know you will be placing it in my duties to find the future captains of each division which I will gratefully do. I'd like to also thank Mr. Ivan Paine for making the transition to live here so seamless, as well as cooking some of the best food I've had." he said while chuckling. "Now let's all do ourselves a favor, queue the music, load those keg barrels with booze, and let's make history here in Starch tonight!"
The crowd yelled and screamed with pleasure, everyone started to scatter to the many food and drink stations located around the town. This was a night to remember, the music would become the most memorable tunes for the twins to hear for a long time. The festival commenced, and the people were in it for the long run.
With the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the quaint village of Starch, the atmosphere shifted from anticipation to jubilation. Lanterns twinkled merrily overhead, casting a soft, inviting light that bathed the cobblestone streets in a warm embrace. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of sizzling meats and savory spices, mingling with the sweet scent of freshly baked pastries and sugary treats.
Tables adorned with vibrant tablecloths and overflowing with an array of delectable dishes lined the village square, inviting villagers to indulge in a feast fit for royalty. Roasted meats glistened temptingly, their juices dripping onto platters piled high with steaming vegetables and fragrant herbs. Bowls brimmed with hearty stews and savory soups, their rich aromas wafting through the air and stirring the senses.
In the center of the square, a makeshift stage had been erected, where musicians and performers regaled the crowd with lively tunes and captivating performances. The beat of drums and the trill of flutes filled the air, beckoning villagers to kick up their heels and join in the festivities. Couples twirled and spun across the makeshift dance floor, their laughter mingling with the music as they reveled in the joy of the moment.
At the edge of the square, makeshift stalls had sprung up, offering an assortment of libations to quench the thirst of the revelers. Barrels of ale and cider stood ready to be tapped, while rows of bottles sparkled enticingly, promising exotic concoctions and refreshing beverages to delight the palate. Villagers gathered around the stalls, exchanging stories and laughter as they raised their glasses in celebration.
Children darted through the crowd, their faces painted with the excitement of the evening's festivities. They eagerly sampled the array of sweets and treats on offer, their laughter ringing out like bells in the warm summer air. In every corner of the square, the spirit of camaraderie and joy was palpable, binding the villagers together in a shared celebration of life, love, and community.
As the night wore on and the stars twinkled overhead, the festivities showed no signs of slowing. Villagers danced and sang long into the night, their hearts full and their spirits soaring as they basked in the magic of the moment. For in this small corner of the world, amidst the laughter and the music, the people of Starch found solace, joy, and an unbreakable bond that would endure for generations to come. Ariah and Elias happily indulged in the various treatments placed upon them, the night would be long, yet quick, and filled with enjoyment.