Still troubled the prospects of meeting the village head Sancio gave a good mourning to passing guards and villagers going off to work. Farmhouses were abundant in this part of the village. Some grew wheat while others grew potatoes. The farms themselves weren’t very big due to the limited space, but it was enough to feed a family in the case of an emergency.

“Morning Sancio. Happy birthday! 15 already huh? I still remember that little boy who wanted to learn how to wield a spear to protect his home.” A chubby guard greeted Sancio, laughing while patting Sancio on the back. this man's name is Patrick. It seemed this area was being patrolled by him today. The man wore leather armor carrying a metal spear. He has black hair and a mustache that looks quite well kept, His round face lit up in the face of Sancio.

Patrick was one of the guards that taught him everything he knew. Specifically, how to cook. A skill he was very glad he learned.

“Morning Patrick. And thank you”

“What fish did you get this time? I was able to get some more spices from the market and… woah that is a big one!” Patrick looked excited. He was aware of my morning routine looking at what is inside the basket. He seemed to be aware what kind of fish it was, though Sancio had no idea.

“Hands off! I'm selling this one. You know I have been saving some money right? Plus I'm in a hurry right now. I'll be heading to the market.” distancing Himself from Patrick, Patrick paused at his words.

“The village head’s call huh?” He stroked his chin. “He passed the order to the mountain lions."

An audible cringe came from somewhere.

"-that if anyone saw you, we should tell you to meet the village head at the church, or something like that. Anderson said his daughter would find you and bring you here. While it’s a shame I won’t be able to cook with my partner in arms in the realm of cooking, I decided I will take that fish off your shoulders. I’ll offer 30 coppers” Patrick declared, unloading that information onto me. Anderson is one of the guards who also taught him as well as the father of Emily.

“So, he notified every guard. And what do you mean by taking this fish off my shoulders, and for thirty coppers did I hear that right?” Sancio was confused, it was the first time Patrick did something like this. Usually, any fish Sancio caught was sold in the market and it was never sold at this high of a price. He was only expecting to get half of that money after a bit of haggling, and even that would be a huge win for him.

“Yes. Call it your birthday gift, boy. I know you have been saving some money to buy something good for that little girlfriend of yours. So here it is." He took out his pouch, where he handed me 30 pieces of copper. “You will pass my house on the way to the church so just give it to My wife alright?” He winked, And Sancio could only agree as they parted ways.

Past Sancio would have denied Emily was anything but his girlfriend but now he accepts it.

With Patrick continuing his duty and Sancio took a turn towards his cottage.

When he arrived, Sancio headed towards the door of his cottage, a modest abode he had constructed with his own hands. The cottage, though nestled amidst other better built houses, bore the marks of his craftsmanship. Although it was far from perfect, Sacio was happy with it, although he would soon build a better one.

As he walked inside the empty cottage, the dirt in the floor emitted earthy scent, there were small cracks of light showing through the wooden walls.

After closing the door he opened the only window of the cottage to prepare himself. Sancio secured his spear in a wall with a rope and put his basket on the ground, which the fish laid. Sancio, searching under the bed, took out a small pouch that held all of his currency.

“It should be enough!”

Sancio has been doing odd jobs during weekdays where he was only gaining a few dozen copper a day. 30 pieces of copper was what he would earn after a whole day of work, so he was thankful to Patrick.

Sancio wanted to be a blacksmith as he loved making and building things. The Local Old Blacksmith of the village agreed to teach him and accept him as a disciple, as he didn’t have any children. But that didn’t earn Sancio any money, as even though the Blacksmith agreed to let Sancio use his tools and materials he didn’t pay Sancio anything, making Sancio improve his weapons quality as fast as possible to finally gain some customers.

After all, why would people buy from a newbie when the real deal was already available? But Sancio felt that he was getting there.

The reason he was saving was for the coming of age of Emily, which is not too far away. He is going to propose to her. Buying a ring she wanted when they were hanging out in the market. And all the guards knew it, and Emily’s father, Mr. Anderson also knew it and has given me the approval to propose to his daughter.

Sancio thought his life was set, that he would stay in this beautiful village forever. Starting a life with Emily and raising a beautiful family and continuing the circle of life. Raising kids and giving them the childhood, he never had. A beautiful life was what he was taught to strive for by the church. However, little did he know where his life would go.

Readying himself, he parted from his cottage with his fish wrapped up, laid on his shoulder. He walked toward the center of the village, where the village was much denser and villagers everywhere went about their business. Villagers that recognized him greeted and congratulated him for becoming an adult as it is in this culture. He was very famous within the village, although it wasn’t always this way.

The farm houses faded away and started revealing the heart of the village, Where a vibrant marketplace springs to life each day. The previous dirt paths became wide cobblestone streets, where colorful stalls line up on each side, offering an array of goods and produce. Villagers gather here, engaged in lively bartering and friendly banter, creating a lively atmosphere that permeates the air.

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The scents of freshly baked bread, fragrant spices, and ripe fruits mingle enticingly, drawing visitors and locals alike to explore the vibrant tapestry of flavors.

Sancio ignored the marketplace running towards an alley, taking a short cut to avoid the crowd, walking towards Patrick’s home.

Exiting the alley way, where another Cobblestone Street was laid. To the right was the village square where the church was located.

Turning left, he walked down the street, and quickly spotted Patrick’s house. As he knocked at the door, Sancio looked over the neighborhood which seemed to lack much activity. After a few seconds, the door was opened revealing a beautiful older lady.

She possessed an undeniable allure. Her lustrous black hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing a face that carried the wisdom of years. Adorned in an elegant dress, she moved with grace and poise.

“Who is it? Oh? Sancio! how long I haven't seen you! How have you been? Did you come here to deliver the fish?” She spoke with Slight smile on her face.

This was Vivienne Sinclair, Patrick’s wife. She is the daughter of a known rich merchant that unfortunately passed away, and somehow Patrick was able to marry. “Come inside! It's been a while since I had you here.”

“No, um, Hello Mrs. Sinclair I’m doing fine. I just came here to deliver the fish, how did you know about that anyway?” he said, confused, Passing over the fish to her.

“My husband told me how he was going to buy all the fish you caught today. I know you are saving up to confess to your childhood sweetheart, that is so precious! That is why I agreed.” She accepted the fish with a sweet smile.

Sancio was already grateful before. Understanding Patrick’s action was premeditated making Sancio more thankful.

“But really, 'Mrs. Sinclair'?” She tilted her head, knocking Sancio out of his musing.

“Oh, I just though you deserved more respect, ya know.” Sancio started to have cold sweat.

"'Mrs. Sinclair' makes me feel like I've become an old lady. Call me by my first name." she complained.

"Mrs. Vivienne."

"Just Vivienne." she said a bit irritated.

Sancio lowered his head.

"I uh... ok, Vivienne" Sancio's sweat dropped. Sancio got beaten up more than once by this woman in his childhood, he knew better than piss off this woman.

Rasing his head Sancio noticed Mrs. Sinclair looking over the fish with stars in her eyes. It seems like husband and wife has something in common.

Sancio saw the opportunity to escape. "I'm in a bit of a hurry. I need to meet Cedric at the church, it's pretty important."

“Meeting the village head? You should really stop calling him by his first name, you know he doesn’t like that.” She advised uninterested. “This thing is enough for two whole families to eat! Why don't you come over for dinner tomorrow? It’s been so long since we had you here ever since you stopped coming over with Eric.” She asked with a hopeful smile.

He chuckled nervously; he wasn't out of the woods yet. “Okay, why not? By the way, where is everybody?” Sancio tried to change the subject.

“Two boys are still sleeping while the third one left for the market. Seriously just because my oldest turned fifteen he thinks he can do anything now, the little brat!” She shook her head in disappointment.

Sancio laughed. He knew it was Eric she was talking about. Eric is a good friend of Sancio. The two boys regularly hung out with each other.

Sancio used to be the loudmouth while Eric was the stoic one.

Sancio has fond memories of when they used to go on adventures with the boys. It doesn’t happen as much nowadays.

"I’m helpless. I don't see my own son’s face very often anymore and everytime I try to talk to him, he always comes up with excuses for his behavior. And you two don't even seem close anymore." Her disappointed face turned into a concerned frown.

"I don’t know what happened either, he used to hang around me all the time. Well, If I see him, I'll make sure to notify you." Sancio scratched his cheek.

They used to be close friends as they were the strongest of the boys. Sancio was always Number one though. It’s been a while since Sancio hung out with the boys.

Mrs. Sinclair Nodded with a smile. “Well, I’ll get this salmon preserved so we can eat it tomorrow. you should go now you have an important meeting, right?”

“Right.” Sancio agreed. “I should get going, Bye Mrs. Sinclair.”

“Lord, there you are again, where did my favorite troublemaker go?” Vivienne pouted. "You used to call me Lady Vi and even proposed to me once."

Her teasing voice made Sancio go red.

"Alright you should get going now. Cedric would be mad if you were late." satisfied Vivienne sent him off.

Saying their goodbyes Sancio parted for the church. Backtracking Sancio eventually made his way back to the village square Where a sturdy stone church, the Church of Life, could be seen.

Sancio rarely came here ever since he entered his teens.

He never liked the aura the priests and nuns of the church gave. Especially after what happened when he was 12. It was as if they were looking down on him and everyone else that weren’t from the church.

Even though the teaching of the church was good, in fact a lot of Sancio's morals and knowledge was taught by the church. But the way priests conducted themselves didn’t sit well with Sancio.

The church itself exudes an aura of tranquility and serves as the spiritual center of the Community. Within its sacred halls, villagers find solace, gather for ceremonies, and seek guidance from the clergy.

Currently, the nuns are tending the flowers around the god of life’ statue, while others are praying to said statue.

Sancio walked past them toward the entrance of the church. Not a single nun turning their eyes to greet him, continuing on with their actions with fervor. Their… Focus? Adoration? Sancio didn’t know, but he knew that if he interrupted them or worse, asked any questions that seemed to go against their faith, things would not end well.

‘Why the heck did Cedric want to meet me here?’

Sancio grumbled. Remembering the days, the nuns used to greet him with warmth.

The church’s doors are wide open inviting everyone who wishes to pray inside, but now it currently seems empty. The air is filled with the soft scent of burning candles and the faint fragrance of flowers. Intricate tapestries depicting religious scenes adorn the walls, rows of seats adorn the gigantic room, while a grand altar stands as the centerpiece adorned with delicate carvings and flickering candlelight.

As Sancio walked inside the doors behind him closed. Startled, Sancio turned around.

‘I wasn’t expecting that…’.

Just as he was about to scream for someone to let him out, but a voice then caught his attention.

“Sancio.” The voice is deep and commanding. “You’re finally here. Come here so we can get started.”

It was Cedric Hearthstone, the village head.