"These Elders are really pushing it". Even if it was a dream, he didn't want them to wake Enara and disturb her rest. But then he realized that the dream was so vivid this time that even Enara felt so real.
Then he checked by pinching his arm as hard as he could, which made him grunt and left some marks in his arm.
'Maybe this time it's real,' Dastarn thought, leaving the bed.
He did the same as the previous two times, slowly leaving the bed without disturbing them, then tiptoed out of the room, closing the door gently behind him.
Dastarn breathed out relieved, and then headed to the front door of the house, where he could hear some hushed noises coming from it.
"I hope it is not about the council of Elders again" Dastarn sighed and opened the door. And to his surprise, "hello Mr. Dastarn" was the first thing he heard and then he looked down to see 3 children, between the ages of 3-5 years old accompanied by an 8 years old kid, who also greeted Dastarn.
"Hello sir Dastarn", the younger kids were intimidated by Dastarn. That's why the older one, who was more familiar with Dastarn, tried to make them feel a little comfortable with him.
Dastarn stood tall at a height of 6 feet 4 inches, possessing striking features that commanded attention.
His jet-black hair framed a face that exuded an air of both coldness and allure, accentuated by his piercing golden eyes.
His brows were sharp and defined, reminiscent of the shape of a sword, adding intensity to his gaze. A well-defined chin enhanced his overall facial structure, contributing to an enticing yet distant appeal.
His broad shoulders and muscular physique were discernible even through the fabric of his clothing.
Not overly bulky, nor too lean, his physique struck a harmonious balance that complemented his imposing height.
The resulting impression was one of strength and athleticism, without sacrificing his overall attractiveness.
"Oh, Hello Norman. " Dastarn eased up a bit and smiled at the kids, which strangely made him seem less intimidating to them now.
'They are just the neighbor kids and Norman'.
"What brings you here?" Dastarn asked, finally realizing he was out of that dream.
"Ah, we brought some food, and....." Norman Said feeling a little shy to continue.
Dastarn saw that and asked "and?" Norman then replied "and the kids wanted to see the baby".
Dastarn glanced down at the kids, only to see the glistening stars in their eyes and the small basket of fruits and bread they were carrying that was about to drop.
"Mister, can we see the baby now?" a small girl at the front with brown hair in ponytails and hazel eyes asked.
"Yes Mister, can we see it?" a boy with black curly hair and dark brown eyes asked.
"Hey it is not it, it is a girl, right mister?, can we see her? " the third girl with golden hair and emerald eyes retorted the boy by her side.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
"No, it is not a girl, it is a boy. right mister" the boy said looking up to Dastarn, hoping the new baby was not a girl or else the village will be full of girls and so little to not have any boys to play with.
"Okay, okay, stop fighting now. Unfortunately, the baby is sleeping now so you won't be able to see them," Dastarn said, amused by their brief arguments.
But then he saw how their mood quickly went down and even some were about to cry that he felt he had to say something before that happened.
"But..." Dastarn paused to get their attention and when he saw all three looking up with anticipation. He carried on with "I will let you see the baby tomorrow, in the morning".
Then the kids exploded with excitement, that Dastarn had to take the food in their hands before they spoiled it.
"Here, this as well sir Dastarn," Norman said, handing him the pot he was carrying with care.
"Thank you Norman,'' Dastarn said, taking the bot on his right hand, after he placed the baskets on top of each other, in which they strangely fit perfectly to form a single one.
It looked like the children carried one each just for an excuse to come and see the baby, because Norman alone would've been enough to deliver the food otherwise.
"Oh and father told me to tell you that he will take care of the hunt alone today, so you don't need to worry about it," Norman said before gathering the kids to leave.
"Oh Tarvel said that? hm, tell him I will cover for him next time," Dastarn replied going back in.
Dastarn watched as the children bid him goodbye and headed back to their homes, their laughter and excitement filling the air. He couldn't help but smile at their innocence and the joy they brought with them.
Entering the house once again, Dastarn gently closed the door behind him. He made his way back to the bedroom where Enara still peacefully slumbered. He sat on the edge of the bed, contemplating the events that had just unfolded.
As he looked at his sleeping wife, he felt a surge of love and gratitude. He realized that the dream he had experienced was a reflection of his inner desires and worries.
The council of elders and the burden of his son's gift represented his fears of the unknown and the responsibility he felt towards his family and community.
But in that moment, surrounded by the warmth of his home and the love of his wife and child, Dastarn found solace. He understood that he didn't have to face everything alone. He had the support of his neighbors, like Norman and his family, and the willingness to help each other in times of need.
Dastarn gently placed the basket of food on the nearby table, grateful for the kind gesture from his neighbors. He whispered a silent prayer of thanks, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
With a deep breath, Dastarn decided to embrace the present moment and cherish the time with his family. He knew that the responsibilities and challenges would still be there, but he also understood the importance of balance and finding joy in the simple things.
Leaning over, Dastarn placed a soft kiss on Enara's forehead, careful not to wake her. He whispered,
"Thank you for being my anchor, my love."
With that, he quietly slipped under the covers and joined his wife in peaceful slumber, ready to face whatever new adventures awaited them in the waking world.
As the sun descended from its zenith, gradually making its way towards its seasonal setting point, a pleasant shift occurred. T
he receding heat allowed the sky to showcase a captivating display of colors. Beyond the protective walls of the village, farmers gathered their tools, concluding their fruitful day's work.
Led by Tarvel, the hunters returned with their well-earned trophies, a testament to their skill and perseverance.
With the approaching sunset, mothers lovingly released their children from what the little ones playfully referred to as their "prisons." Excited laughter filled the air as the children joyfully engaged in playful activities.
However, a few of them had managed to evade capture during the midday call to eat and rest. Now, with heads held high and a sense of triumph, they mingled among their peers, acting as if they were the victors of the day.
Retta's eyes fluttered open, roused by the sounds emanating from her backyard. She rose from her chair and approached the window, stealing a glimpse outside.
There stood Dastarn, diligently chopping wood amidst the tranquility of her property. Curiosity piqued, she stepped outside, her gaze momentarily capturing the sight of sheets and towels playfully dancing in the gentle breeze.
"What brings you here?" Retta inquired, meeting Dastarn's patient gaze as he awaited her arrival.
"I didn't mean to disturb your slumber," he replied apologetically.
"I wasn't asleep," Retta retorted, her words tinged with a touch of annoyance.
Dastarn always found it challenging to communicate with Retta, although she harbored great warmth for his wife, Enara.
"Enara and the baby are still sleeping, so I didn't want to disturb them," he explained.
"So you thought you could wake up this old lady instead, assuming I wouldn't notice because of my age?" Retta's tone carried an edge of reproach.
"But you're not that old," Dastarn mumbled, feeling embarrassed as he realized his oversight in considering how his actions might inconvenience others while he was engrossed in chopping wood.
"WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY, YOUNG MAN?" Retta's voice rose, a familiar refrain when she was displeased.
"Nothing. But wait, didn't you just say you weren't sleeping?" Dastarn countered, attempting to shift the focus. Sensing the need for a change of subject, Retta redirected the conversation, asking about Enara and the baby's slumber.
"They are still asleep. I think Enara will wake up soon. I'll go and prepare something to eat," Dastarn replied, leaving Retta behind as he carried the firewood back to his adjacent home. Retta watched his retreating figure before turning her attention toward the village center, where the abode of the village head stood.