This village held a unique position, perched atop what was once a mountain, now truncated with precision. Five majestic peaks surrounded the village, piercing the sky. Together, these mountains and the elevated village formed the gateway to the fabled Ash Crown forest.

Talia village stood as the final bastion of safety before venturing into the perils that lay within. Strangely enough, this village rarely witnessed the presence of visitors, particularly from nearby towns, especially Taluria, which held sway over the land, three days' journey to the north by carriage.

"I should pay Tarik a visit and see how things fare in town," Retta murmured, her steps directed toward the village chief's meeting room, conveniently adjacent to his residence. It was a modest space, a single room connected to a hall, where important gatherings took place, demanding a sense of formality.

As Retta entered the meeting room, she found Tarik engrossed in studying an old map spread out on the large wooden table. His silver hair glistened under the soft glow of the oil lamp, and his weathered face held a mix of concentration and concern. Hearing Retta's footsteps, he looked up, a smile forming on his lips.

"Retta, my dear friend, what brings you here today?" Tarik greeted her warmly, setting aside the map. "I wanted to check in on you and discuss the recent happenings in the village," Retta replied, taking a seat across from him. "Ah, yes. It has been a busy day, hasn't it?" Tarik sighed, his eyes reflecting a mix of weariness and determination.

He proceeded to share the events of the day, the successful hunt led by Tarvel, the children's escapades, and Norman's message about Dastarn promising covering for Tarvel for the next hunt.

Retta listened intently, nodding in acknowledgement.

"It's good to see the village thriving and its inhabitants supporting one another," Retta commented with a smile.

"Any news from the town? Retta asked.

Tarik's expression turned more serious as he leaned forward. "Retta, I have been studying this old map, trying to decipher its secrets. The Ash Crown forest holds great power, and I fear that outside forces may seek to exploit it. We must remain vigilant and protect our village and its people."

Retta's eyes widened with concern. She had heard tales of the mystical Ash Crown forest, whispered stories passed down through generations. Its secrets were said to be both enchanting and perilous. And the only reason Tarik would mention that now when she asked about Teluria, would be because of her inquiry about the town.

"What do you suggest we do, Tarik?" she asked, her voice filled with determination.

With a knowing smile, she acknowledged that managing people and resources was Tarik's true calling.

Despite both of them hailing from this very village, they had embarked on separate journeys in pursuit of their dreams at a tender age.

Tarik, driven by his innate talent, had swiftly risen to prominence in his first job, assuming a managerial role where he deftly steered the organization to the pinnacle of success within its country.

Yet, fate had dealt him a cruel blow, for he found himself ensnared in a treacherous plot that forced him to flee for his life. It was only by a stroke of fortune that he sought refuge in the comforting embrace of their shared hometown, where he eventually assumed the esteemed position of village head.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

As destiny weaved its intricate tapestry, Retta, too, found herself returning to the village around the same time.

Choosing to retire in the very place that had witnessed their formative years, she brought with her a wealth of experiences and accomplishments, the details of which remained a mystery to Tarik.

The nature of her work during her time away, shrouded in intrigue, sparked curiosity within him, but he remained content to welcome her presence and embrace the shared solace of their beloved village Talia.

Tarik paused, his gaze fixed on the map once again. "We need to form a council of trusted individuals, wise and courageous, to safeguard our village and the forest.

We must gather knowledge, understand the forces at play, and be prepared to defend our way of life."

Retta nodded in agreement. "I will stand by your side, Tarik. Together, we will protect Talia village and ensure its prosperity."

As they continued to discuss their plans, the sun sank below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the village.

The evening air carried a sense of anticipation, as if the very essence of the village knew it was on the precipice of change.

Retta and Tarik, united in their purpose, vowed to protect their home, its people, and the secrets that lay within the Ash Crown forest.

As the sun neared its descent, Retta returned from her visit to the village chief. She ambled back to her home, pausing by the doorway, contemplating whether to pay Enara a visit.

"Perhaps I should see her tomorrow and check on her then," she pondered aloud, before stepping inside her dwelling.

Upon entering, her gaze was immediately drawn to a black parchment placed upon her chair.

She picked it up, unfurled it, and swiftly read its contents before discarding it into the fireplace.

Meanwhile, in Dastarn's house, Enara had finally awakened. She emerged from their room to find Dastarn in the kitchen, engrossed in culinary endeavors. Though not the most adept cook, he managed to handle simple meals.

"Ah, that smells delightful," Enara remarked, capturing Dastarn's attention.

He playfully mimicked a chef and replied,

"You've timed it perfectly, Ma'am. The food will be ready in a minute. Please, take a seat here," gesturing toward the dining table situated close to the kitchen.

Enara smiled, suppressing a laugh, and responded, "I'll freshen up first."

Dastarn nodded, saying, "As you wish, Ma'am."

Enara made her way to the washroom, where she splashed cool water on her face, refreshing herself after a restful sleep.

She quickly tidied her appearance and returned to the dining area, where Dastarn had set the table with care.

As Enara took her seat, Dastarn brought over a steaming pot of soup, its aroma filling the room. He ladled the soup into bowls and placed one in front of Enara, his eyes filled with warmth and affection.

"I hope you enjoy it, my love," he said, taking the seat opposite her.

Enara couldn't help but smirk as she savored the flavorful bite of the food.

"Hm, it is truly as good as the dishes Danna prepares," she remarked, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she glanced at Dastarn.

Memories of the earlier encounter with Norman delivering the food flooded her mind. In that moment, she had awoken from her slumber, a flicker of concern igniting within her. Wondering why Dastarn was engaged in a prolonged conversation, she strained her ears, hoping to catch any hint of urgency.

However, her worries were swiftly dispelled when she overheard Norman's familiar voice and the playful bickering of the neighborhood children. With a sigh of relief, she drifted back to sleep, knowing that all was well.

Now, having tasted the delicious meal, Enara had a hunch that it was the same food Norman had brought earlier. While Dastarn's culinary skills were certainly not lacking, they paled in comparison to the effortless mastery that Danna exuded in her cooking. Enara couldn't help but tease him playfully.

"I guess I can't fool you, huh?" Dastarn chuckled, acknowledging her insight.

"Norman and the neighbor kids have brought the food, probably from Danna," he admitted. Enara, ever empathetic, tried to soften the blow by assuring Dastarn,

"Your cooking is not bad either, you know." However, her attempt to uplift him fell short as he swiftly changed the subject.

"So, have you thought of a name for our son?" Dastarn inquired, his voice filled with anticipation.

It became a routine for them at this point, to come up with a name and decide to name their unborn child by it, then later on after finding a better one to discuss it and change it again, but this time whatever name they decided to name their child if boy or girl, was not enough anymore after they have met their newborn, so here they were again discussing the final decision to name their child.

Enara nodded, a warm smile gracing her lips.

"Yes, and what about you?" Dastarn confessed that he had a few names in mind but hadn't settled on a final choice.

Eager to involve each other in this important decision, Enara suggested,

"Okay, let me hear your thoughts, and I'll share the names I have. Together, we can find the perfect name for our little one."

And so, the new parents embarked on a heartfelt conversation, volleying names back and forth, their expressions thoughtful and their voices filled with tenderness.

The discussion could have stretched into the night, but their deliberations were interrupted by the sweet cry of their baby, a timely reminder of their precious duty as parents.