The young man found himself overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. It marked the first time he had engaged in extended interaction with someone, particularly a woman, and a remarkably attractive one at that. Alle was a woman of striking beauty, with mesmerizing green eyes, glossy black hair, and a complexion that boasted a delicate, pale-white tone; she possessed a mature and well-defined physique that exuded both grace and composure. Struggling to manage his emotions and stay focused on the conversation, he found himself swept up in a whirlwind of feelings.

"It's about time you took this mute child and took him somewhere else. I've wasted more time than I would have liked on this whole ordeal already," Rick's words carried a tinge of annoyance. Shifting his attention to Five, he added, "Don't forget to come back tomorrow for the final readjustments on your cast," his tone tinged with a gruffness. Rick, with his silver-gray hair, defied his age with a surprisingly sturdy and well-maintained physique. His body bore the proud marks of his craft, adorned with burn scars that told the story of years spent toiling over the forge. His skin, tanned by countless hours amidst the fiery glow, bore witness to the dedication and expertise he had accrued over his many years of blacksmithing.

"You can be quite heartless at times, old Rick," Alle playfully chided the veteran blacksmith. Turning her attention back to the young man, she continued, "Come, Whispers. Let's leave the old man to his grumbling. It's time you got some proper rest, and we can discuss what to do with you on the way back." Alle, taking a step back, gestured to the young man to follow her. Her actions seemed guided, as if she had received an unspoken cue from Rick following his earlier exchange with the boy. From a distance, she subtly indicated the path, wordlessly inviting him to accompany her.

Alle’s frame allured the young boy, and he felt some sort of excitement he had never experienced before. As the Herbalist walked and Five followed, his eyes started to wander elsewhere, to the beauty of nature. There were plants double his size, plants in colors he had never seen before.

Once again mesmerized by the unknown, Five instinctually followed Alle, her demeanor, tone of voice, and choice of words, all commanded assurance to the utmost.

Five's attention was drawn to a repulsively intriguing scent that wafted into his senses, capturing his curiosity. His eyes followed the scent's trail, leading him to a gray, carrot-shaped plant that jutted upward.

“Those are Rattails.” Her voice took his focus, but his previous train of thought was too busy to catch her meaning. He looked puzzled.

She gently smiled at him and spoke once more, “ The tall plants you’re staring at, they are rattails. Their aroma is amazing at keeping mosquitoes away, but it has the downside of keeping people away as well…”

She rushed ahead, towards a big tree in their path.

“And thiiiiis… This is a Kolerak tree” She picked up a fruit that was laying under the giant tree. Her hands reached towards him, and offered the fruit. “And its children are mouthwatering.”

Driven by curiosity, he cast caution aside and slowly reached for the yellow triangle she held in her hand. After examining it carefully, he even contemplated taking a bite.

“ARE YOU CRAZY, WHISPERS. HAVE YOU NOT HEARD OF PEELING THE SKIN BEFORE ?”

She screamed, snatching it from his hands and broke it in half to reveal a juicy orange interior. As soon as she revealed its core, a bewitching smell found its way to his nose. Within seconds her claims of mouthwatering were confirmed. He grabbed the peeled fruit and once again reached in for a bite.

Delicious. Absolutely. Delicious. His eyes of dark crimson glared up with excitement. Alle wore a smug face after seeing his reaction. Five walked towards the old oak to gather more of this delicious fruit immediately but his movement was halted by his guide.

“Eating more than one, so fast, could upset your stomach especially since you haven't really been eating much. I’ll find you something better!”

Propelled by her deep passion for nature's wonders, Alle led the boy forward with a sense of wonderment. At every turn, she paused to point out new discoveries—a myriad of plants, insects, and ever-changing landscapes. Her knowledge seemed boundless, matched only by her infectious enthusiasm. In the short time they walked, he had eaten more than he had in a week during his pitiful life of confinement. The exhilaration he experienced was an uncharted emotion, a taste of adventure and exploration that proved to be addictive. Alle's nature lectures carried on until they blended into a distant hum.

Finally, they stood before a body of water, and behind it stood the magnificent Ironfalls. "Isn't it beautiful? The sunset adds to its splendor," Alle commented. The young boy joined her, taking in the sight. He felt the mist's refreshing coolness, the forceful gusts of wind dominating the area, and the majestic falls themselves. The rhythmic dance of the water was a display of nature's innate beauty. As he gazed, his eyes caught a glimmer beneath the water's surface. Leaning in for a closer look, he misjudged the slippery rocks and nearly found himself immersed in the chilly water. Quick as lightning, Alle saved him by grabbing his robe.

"Never be deceived by the allure of glinting treasures within the falls," Alle warned, her voice cautionary. "Those are swords and armor, relics lost to time. Yet, their worth doesn't extend beyond mere rusted heaps. This is why they're known as the Ironfalls. Considering your amazement at everything I've shown you today, I suspect you might not have known the origin of the name."

After slowly pulling the boy back to safety, she looked at the setting crescent sun. “It’s getting late. Come, my house isn’t much further away now.”

They came to the foot of a hill, and stared into the distance.

At the base of the hill, their gazes converged on the enchanting tableau that stretched out before them. A village, bathed in the mellowness of the descending crescent sun, seemed to emerge from a tapestry of dreams. Alle's hushed voice broke the stillness, "Now that's Ironfalls village."

As Five’s eyes roved over the distant village, the distinct form of a stone church emerged, its wooden door embellished with a crescent sun symbol. Delicately etched, the symbol exuded a sense of unity, hinting at the bonds that intertwined the lives of the village's inhabitants. The church, an embodiment of timelessness, stood as a sentinel over the generations that had found solace within its walls.

His gaze then shifted to the heart of Ironfalls, where the town square thrived. Cobblestone pathways crisscrossed like a labyrinth of memories, leading to colorful market stalls and a tailor shop. The air was alive with the scent of fresh produce, the allure of handcrafted wares, and the distant melody of laughter. It was a scene that spoke of a community's vibrant pulse, echoing through the passage of time.

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The tranquil river, visible from their vantage point, widened as it flowed away from the village. At its edge, a sturdy wooden dock extended into the water, its sturdy form a testament to the village's enduring connection to the river. Fishing boats, their reflections mirroring the fading sunlight, stood at rest as if taking a moment's respite from their labor.

He once again tailed her until they reached a relatively spacious wooden house…

"You know, this is the first time I've ever brought a man into this house," Alle remarked playfully, adopting a mock-helpless demeanor. Yet, the boy remained baffled by the hidden implication, his usual puzzled expression unchanged.

"What use are you if I can't even provoke a reaction from you?" Alle's pout was pronounced as she welcomed Five into her home. Stepping inside, he was instantly enveloped by a medley of scents that permeated every corner of the house and its surroundings.

What immediately caught Five's attention upon entering Alle's house was the sprawling array of books that seemed to occupy every available surface. They were scattered haphazardly, some open and others stacked in makeshift piles on the floor.

"Ah! The place is a bit messy. I rushed off to check on a particularly enigmatic child with multiple injuries," Alle explained hurriedly, swiftly gathering books and objects and stowing them away wherever they could fit.

She then made her way to the kitchen, retrieving a wooden pipe from the counter and filling it with dried leaves. Settling into a comfortable leather chair, she motioned for Five to do the same. He complied, feeling the softness of the cushion beneath him.

"Quite comfy, isn't it? I even skinned the deer myself for these chairs. Knew they'd be something special," she remarked before taking a drag from the pipe and exhaling a wisp of smoke.

"Now," she continued, her green eyes locking onto him, "after spending an entire evening together, I'd say we're pretty chummy friends, wouldn't you agree? So, how about sharing your majesty’s illustrious name with me?" she added with a hint of sarcasm.

“I… I-....” Five's attempts to speak were accompanied by profuse sweating, his voice faltering as he struggled to utter the words "I am no one." The crushing weight of the truth stifled his voice, constricting his throat and preventing him from finishing the sentence. How could anyone claim to be nobody and truly mean it? The agonizing reality of his identity left him speechless.

Recognizing his struggle, Alle gently raised her hands, signaling for him to cease his efforts. "I see. I won't press you further, Whispers," she said gently. "But I do hope you'll promise me that when you're ready, you'll share your true self with me. Can you do that?"

Five let out a sigh of frustration at his inability to answer a simple question from someone so kind. Angry at himself, he recognized that he didn't deserve her time or affection. The pain in his fractured arm served as a constant reminder of who he truly was.

"Your room is upstairs, the one with the gray door," Alle instructed. "Just be careful not to sleep on that arm. I'll check on it tomorrow before Rick tends to the contraption."

Alle took a few more puffs from the pipe before setting it down on the nearby table. As she made her way toward her room, a sudden realization halted her steps.

"Nearly forgot," she muttered.

Rummaging through a pile of robes, she retrieved a book that appeared to be in a rather battered condition. The moment Five's eyes fell upon it, a spark of recognition and excitement ignited within him.

"You had this when I found you on the beach," Alle remarked, handing the book over. "Honestly, one of the most poorly written accounts of the ol ascended king."

Five eagerly snatched the book from her grasp, clutching it tightly to his chest. How could he have forgotten about his sole companion, the book that had stayed with him throughout all those years?

“Alright, I too need my beauty sleep. Goodnight whispers.” Alle went into her room and closed the door

Five, now left to his own devices.

The room presented itself as unadorned and sparsely furnished, featuring only a bed and a study tucked into the left corner of its seven-square-meter expanse. Despite its lack of embellishment, Five found a curious comfort in the room's stark simplicity. It reminded him, in an oddly comforting way, of his cell from which he had escaped. As he settled onto the bed, he realized the stark contrast. This bed was far from his cell's discomfort. It embraced him like a cloud, providing a level of comfort he had never experienced before.

Chirp Chirp chirp.

Sounds of birds tweeting on his window gently woke him up from his sleep. First time in his life, waking up wasn’t welcomed with physical pain but with a renewed battery and desire to live.

His tranquil contemplation was shattered by a jarring noise that reverberated through the entire house. Hurrying downstairs, he discovered Alle amidst a cloud of smoke, sporting oversized dark goggles.

"Apparently, Calacot and Vavnet have a strong aversion to each other. Oh, and good morning! I hope my little experiment didn't disturb your slumber," Alle inquired casually, as if it were just an ordinary morning. Five shook his head to indicate that she hadn't disturbed his sleep.

“Brilliant! Now come closer let me take a look at that arm of yours”

Five found himself gradually becoming more receptive to the presence of the doctor. Whether it was a newfound complacency or a cautious sense of trust, he recognized that their intentions were ultimately for his well-being. He was willing to cooperate, realizing that it was in his best interest, at least until he had fully recovered.

"Alright, everything looks good," the herbalist affirmed, letting go of his arm after a comprehensive inspection. "You should head over to the old man for the final tweaks. You'll realize how much of a stickler he is for perfection... well, I guess you're about to discover it firsthand." Alle chuckled under her breath.

Agreeing with a nod, Five's excitement was palpable as he quickly made his way towards the forge. Alle's voice trailed after him, inquiring, "Do you need me to come with you, or do you remember the way?" Five shook his head, signaling his familiarity with the route. "Alright then, I need to clean up after this mishap. Pass my regards to old Rick," Alle mentioned before tending to her tasks.

The young man hurried to the door and made his way back to Rick's house as swiftly as his injuries allowed. Upon arriving at the old blacksmith's abode, he was pleased to find that Rick was already hard at work. Moving cautiously so as not to distract the old man, he positioned himself nearby, content to quietly observe the masterful craftsmanship on display.

"You're up early," Rick's perceptive observation broke the silence, as if he had sensed the young man's presence. "Come here, let me have a look at the contraption."

Rick scrutinized the device securing Five's arm and whispered to himself, "Gotta add a piece here in case you take a tumble." He then shifted his focus to the anvil, clearing his current project aside to work on a small, straight piece of metal. While he was engrossed in his task, he couldn't help but notice the young man's admiring gaze.

Five stood there, his gaze fixed on the sword that Rick had crafted at the behest of a client. It was a standard straight sword, a design he had seen many times before, but even with his limited knowledge, Five could discern its exceptional quality. It stood leagues above the weapons he had observed guards wearing in the past. The craftsmanship was evident in the intricate details and the way the light played off the blade. It was a weapon that spoke of skill, dedication, and a mastery of the blacksmith's art. As he continued to admire the sword, he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of awe and respect for the craft that Rick had honed over the years.

"Kid, I'm not taking on apprentices, so you might as well give up. I know that look." Rick remarked, his voice carrying a trace of amusement.

Five's surprise was evident as the possibility of becoming an apprentice unfolded before him. Could he truly learn to create these intricate devices? Rick's initial refusal, instead of discouraging him, ignited a spark of determination. In a hoarse voice that carried his earnestness, he made his plea.

"Pl... please," Five managed to utter, his voice revealing both his desperation and hope.

Rick's annoyance was palpable as he incorporated the metal piece into Five's cast. He seemed frustrated by the young man's persistence. "Either you're foolish or you struggle to grasp simple concepts," Rick remarked bluntly.

After seeing Five’s expression change to that of anger and frustration Rick Leaned closer, with a dismissive smile he issued a challenge in a firm tone. "Alright then find me some crimsonbane and the horn of a zetar, and then I'll consider taking you on as an apprentice.”. Then with a wave of his hand, Rick concluded, "Now leave. Go bother Alle instead. Return when your arm has healed to have the cast removed."