The Flatstone Village

Before we'd arrive at the village, I got an opportunity to ask a few questions of my own. "You guys live in the Flatstone Village?". "We will be living there now. We used to live in a very small village or rather a settlement called Bluepond. That settlement was set up rather recently, and only has about twenty households. The Flatstone Village has at least five times that many. We saved enough money to buy ourselves a house in the Flatstone Village, now we are moving to our new home. How about you?", the mother asked.

"I'm from the North, though we live alone with my parents. There's no village or anything, it's just us", I replied. "Further up north, eh? I heard that some dangerous beasts lurk over there. Your parents must be really strong to live without the protection of a village", the father said. 'I didn't mean further up north… Though I guess there's no point explaining. They wouldn't believe me anyway', "Yes, they are quite strong", I replied with a smile.

"Where are you heading after you leave the village, miss Anna?", Jena asked. "Just call me Anna. I'm going to head north-west. There's no real destination in my mind, I simply need to head in that direction", I replied. "An adventure?", the mother asked. "Sort of, though more like a journey to improve myself", I explained. "I'd like to go on a journey too", Kalim said quietly. His mother shook her head, clearly suggesting she was against that idea.

"What else can you tell us about hunting, Anna?", Jena asked, breaking the awkward silence. "Well, I already told you about the importance of water, food and shelter. I also told you how to track animals. What's left really is how to fight them. That's not something I can tell you much about. This requires years of training and practice. I can show you how to improve yourself once we arrive, but talking about it will bring you no results", I explained.

"Though there's one thing I can add. The choice of your weapon is quite crucial. As a swordsman, you have to hunt the animals in close vicinity. That means you have to be very good at defending or evading. Otherwise, it might end really badly. An archer on the other hand, has the advantage of staying away from close combat. The problem arises when there are too many animals. Of course working in a group, it's good to have an archer and a swordsman. That way, they can cover their weaknesses".

"Can you teach me how to be a swordsman?", Kalim asked excitedly. "I can show you some basics, but don't expect to master the sword in a few days. It's really difficult, and requires a lot of practice", I replied. "What about archery? Could you teach me that?", Jena asked, very interested in archery. "I'm not good with archery at all, but I know one stance. I know some basics too, so I can share those with you, but I'm afraid nothing else besides that", I said.

She seemed a bit disappointed, so I added, "Actually, as long as your aim is good and you follow those basics, I don't see a reason why you couldn't learn archery. Moreover, once you are good enough, why not try to invent something by yourself". Jena smiled and agreed with my point. "Kalim, Jena, I'm fine with you learning about hunting and even exercising… But swords and bows…", their mother said worriedly.

"Oh, I didn't mean to give them a real blade. They are too young for that. A wooden one would do, and it's really safe. Handling a real sword requires practice, so of course they shouldn't go near them", I assured her. "A wooden sword?", Kalim asked, disappointed. "You can hurt yourself with a real sword. Besides, you wouldn't be able to wield a real sword at your age. As for the bow, well it's not dangerous… Though, I'm not sure how much bows cost. I don't want you guys to feel obliged to buy those things", I explained.

"A small bow shouldn't be expensive, a wooden sword even less", the father replied. "Dear, we can't buy them weapons…", his wife complained. "Why not? We have a real hunter who can teach our kids something. I'd like for Kalim and Jena to take over our business, but being strong is not a bad idea. They will be able to take care of each other in the future…", the father stopped for a moment at that point. He looked backwards at his kids and wife, then nodded.

"You see, I usually travel with hired hunters or strong people. I need protection, because I can't protect myself that well. Today is different, since we make this trip in one day. Moreover, this road is frequently used. I'll be much calmer if my kids could take care of themselves, without the protection of others. I never got such a chance, dear. Why take it away from our kids?", he added.

"Ma'am, if I may say something. There are loads of bad people in this world. My parents wouldn't let me leave anywhere, without proper training first. I think they should exercise and learn how to defend themselves. Not to hunt, but to live in peace", I added. Their mother looked at me, then a smile bloomed on her face.

"I don't understand how such a young lady can speak such words. I get a feeling you aren't some simple hunter or adventurer. If you don't mind teaching my kids… Then please help them. We can't offer you much, but..", I stopped her there, "I don't need compensation. I'm doing this because I can help. You stopped and didn't ask me for money, because you could give me a ride. I'll try to teach them as much as I can, but it will be up to them to continue".

"Thank you, Anna", the mother said while hugging her children. "Are you guys up for it? I will only show you what to do. Practice and training will be up to you. This will be hard, but rewarding as well. So long you practice every day, without giving up… You will do alright", I asked them. Kalim and Jena looked at each other, then both exclaimed "Yes!" at the same time.

I didn't consider myself a great teacher or someone who knew it all. I had loads to learn myself. Though these kids knew pretty much nothing. My grasp of the basics was quite solid, if there was anything I could teach them, it'd be those basics.

Our small trip came to an end in the evening. We arrived at the gate to the village, which was almost being closed for the night. I wasn't aware that they closed gates for the night, admitting no one without a good reason. The Savala Town had gates opened pretty much all the time, but there were guards keeping an eye.

"Anna, let's deal with your accommodation first. We'd love to give you a room in our new house, but it's rather small. I hope that's alright", the father said. "Don't worry about it. Any bed will do for me at this stage", I replied. The tavern had a few people inside when we entered. Most of them were drinking and laughing, but some of them were staring at me as well. "I'd like to rent a room for this lady, as well as pay for her meals…", he then looked at me, "A week is fine?". 'I guess one week is not that long', "Sure, one week is fine", I replied. "I'll pay for the full week right now", he added.

I looked and listened closely, since this involved Human currency. He had to pay seventy copper coins for that one week, and additional twenty-eight for the meals. He instead paid with one silver coin, and even got two copper coins in return. 'Alright, so silver is more valuable than copper. A hundred coopers makes one silver too. It's the same as with the Hals in the North… though we have a bit different colours', I thought.

The man behind the counter handed me a key, and told me which room upstairs was mine. He also told me when breakfast and dinner would be served. Alcohol wasn't included, but of course I didn't drink. They made me try that during the wedding and it was awful. That made me wonder how people could drink such things.

"How do I find you tomorrow?", I asked, before heading to my room. "My wife and kids will come by in the morning. Our house is in the eastern part of the village, but it's not on the main road. My wife will take you there tomorrow", he replied. "Alright then, I'll see you guys tomorrow", I bid him farewell and headed to my room. Just to make sure, I locked the room in case someone tried to enter without my permission. 'Finally, a bed… I feel so tired just looking at it. I don't even care if it's uncomfortable', I said to myself before falling face first onto it.