Rains Village, Year 454

Rains village is a quiet village with a population of few hundred people. Rains village rarely had new settlers and most of the villagers were originally born and bought up in the village. While some of them would occasionally leave for the large cities and metropolitans, majority would choose to remain, often picking up professions like farming, herding, or sewing. Even from those who left for metropolitans, a large chunk would retain, often claiming that they preferred the quiet city life as compared to bustling city life.

Rains village was quite self-sufficient and rarely imported or exported anything to and from the cities, which also contributed to lower traffic in the village, and also the main reason why the villagers rarely had any contact with city folk.

A young man of roughly 19-20 years was casually lying under the shade of a large tree while looking at sky chewing on a straw.

The man heard gentle footsteps approaching him, but he didn’t move and continued gazing at the sky.

“Adam how long do plan to laze about?” A slightly annoyed voice sounded out behind him.

The speaker was a woman, roughly the same age as the youth.

“What is it Ellen?” He asked lazily, without opening his eyes or getting up.

“Don’t ‘What is it Ellen?’ me.” Pouted the girl and continued speaking. “You are leaving for the city tomorrow and haven’t packed a single thing.”

“…Hmmm…I’ll do it in a while.” Spoke Adam, as he pretended to sleepy. “I’ll miss this…wind.”

“Adam, I swear to god, if you are waiting for me to pack everything you are sorely mistaken. I won’t touch anything, and you’ll end up going with no cloths.” Reiterated Ellen, in hopes of convincing Adam.

“Man, you are such a nag.” Grumbled Adam under his breath. Of course, he didn’t have the guts to say it to her face. “Sigh, I’ll do it now.” He knew better than to continue arguing against his childhood friend once she made up her mind to make him do something.

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“Hmph, that’s what I thought.” She snorted with pride, as she pulled him up.

“Oii Ellen.” Adam spoke walking behind her, heading back to the village.

“What is it?” She asked, slowing her pace.

“Will you miss me?” He asked, as tinge of red hue spread across his face.

Ellen came to complete standstill and started feeling restless. It was honestly a cute sight, or so Adam thought. He did enjoy putting her in such awkward positions.

“Of course, you fool.” She replied shyly, whiling blushing, without turning back. She obviously didn’t want to show her blushing face to her crush.

Adam quickly approached her and tightly hugged her from the back.

“Ahh…” She moaned softly. “Adam…..” she spoke while blushing heavily.

“Once I’m settled in, I’ll have you come to city as well.” He spoke as he buried his face into her luscious hazelnut colored hair. “It’s been our dream since we were children. Will you come if I ask you?”

“Of course, I will Adam.” She spoke turning around to face him.

Looking into his deep blue eyes she spoke. “I will haunt you for the reminder of your life.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” Adam burst out laughing.

“Okay no more time to waste, quickly go pack your things.” She spoke.

“Fine, fine, I’m going.” Adam sighed.

…………………………………………….

The next day.

Near the entrance of Rains Village, was a horse carriage meant for transporting goods.

Adam was standing near the entrance in a white shirt, black trousers and dark brown lace up boots. His blonde medium length hair was neatly combed towards the right. In his right hand he held a suit case with his belongings.

“Well, I’ll be off then.” He spoke to Ellen who was the only one to see him off. Adam’s mother died at childbirth, and he was raised by his father. Unfortunately, a flu claimed his life when Adam was 18 years old. So technically speaking, he was an orphan. Hence only his childhood friend and sweetheart came to see him off.

“*sob*Adam..*sob* I’m going to miss you” Spoke Ellen, as she wiped her tears.

“Don’t cry silly girl, I’ll see you very soon.” Adam spoke consoling his emotional friend.

“Also, you are to write to me every other day, and I want you to stay away from all city girls. Male friends are okay, but no females.” While she knew Adam was meek and wouldn’t go out of his way to make friend with either sex, she still wanted to emphasize that female friends are ‘no go’.

“Yes, yes.” He spoke laughing dryly.

“I mean it.” She pouted. “No female friends!”

“Yes Ellen. I will make sure I don’t have any female friends.”

“Alright then. This is something for you to remember me by.” She spoke as she handed him a bag.

“Woah, you got me a present.” Adam’s eyes sparkled as he received her gift.

Inside the bag was a thick black trench coat. “Well winter had started, and I know that those winter coats are expensive in the city. So, I made this for you. You should be grateful.”

Adam immediately took the black coat and wore it. “Thank you, Ellen. I’ll definitely get you something when you come to the city.”

“Hmm, you best earn a ton of money then.”

After striking a few poses Adam asked Ellen. “How do I look?”

“The coat looks good. I really am talented.” She spoke smiling.

“Ahh….Will it kill you to compliment me every now and then?” Adam sighed dejectedly.

“Also, I something else I want to give you.”

“What is it?” He asked confused.

Ellen pulled Adam towards her and leaned in to kiss him. It all happened in a flash. “Okay, I have to leave now.”

“huh?!” Adam was still dazed, not understanding the situation.

“No female friends.” Ellen shouted as she ran back to the village.

…………………………………………..

Inside the carriage.

“So, Westport City will be my new home?” Adam spoke to himself inside the carriage, while still touching his lips where Ellen kissed him.

“I’m excited.”