Goldenvale

The picturesque scene of a vast field of wheat greets our sight as we see my destination on the horizon.

[Goldenvale is just ahead, son. Ready your stuff because I will be dropping you off at the intersection] (??)

The old man called out, his voice tinged with the ease of someone who had made this trip countless times.

Finally, after this long trip, I have arrived at my destination.

The wind brushed against my face as I peeked out from the canvas, catching my first real glimpse of the small town of Goldenvale. The sun hung lazily in the sky, casting long golden hues over the fields, making the name of the town feel almost literal.

The town itself was modest—wooden houses with sturdy thatched roofs, smoke rising in thin wisps from chimneys, and a few people going about their business in the open square. The sound of hammering echoed from a forge somewhere in the distance, and the occasional neigh of a horse signaled the presence of a stable nearby.

It was everything I had imagined. Quiet. Peaceful.

[Thank you very much for the ride, old man.]

I hopped off the carriage, adjusting the weight of my satchel against my shoulder. To anyone else, I was just a young lad with a small bag, a bow, and a quiver full of arrows. Nothing unusual for someone settling in a rural town. But in truth, my satchel held more than it seemed. Enchanted with storage magic, it carried everything I needed—spare clothes, supplies, weapons, and even a few sentimental trinkets from my past life as an adventurer.

[You're welcome, young man! Please do visit me at Etika Port if you have time!] (??)

The coachman gave me a hearty wave before flicking the reins, urging the horses forward. I watched as the carriage became a speck in the distance, its rhythmic clatter fading into the rustling of wheat fields. Silence settled around me.

[I've finally arrived]

The intersection where I stood bore a wooden sign, weathered but still legible: "GOLDENVALE"

I exhaled deeply. My journey to freedom had brought me here. My dream is so simple, yet so elusive until now finally is within reach.

A cozy house to live in. A barn to raise animals. A vegetable field. A lake to fish in.

[Heh... To think that I was into that all this time]

I started walking. Each step on the dirt road felt like shedding another layer of my past. The further I went, the more I could feel the burdens of my old life loosening their grip.

The dirt road leading to Goldenvale was well-trodden, bordered by endless fields of golden wheat that swayed gently in the breeze.

The sunlight bathed the landscape in a warm glow, and for a moment, I allowed myself to simply soak in the serene beauty. It was a stark contrast to the grim cities and perilous dungeons I'd grown used to.

The scent of the fields was earthy and sweet, mingling with the distant aroma of smoke from hearth fires. I could see a few villagers scattered in the distance, tending to their crops or guiding livestock back toward the town.

As I walked, the road narrowed slightly, flanked by wooden fences that marked the beginning of Goldenvale's farmland. A few curious eyes from farmers glanced my way, but they quickly returned to their work. I kept my pace steady, offering a small nod to anyone who looked my way.

The entrance to Goldenvale wasn't grand—no towering gates or city walls. Instead, there was a simple wooden arch, its planks carved with an intricate pattern of vines and flowers. A sign hung from the arch, swaying lightly in the wind: Welcome to Goldenvale—A Place of Peace and Prosperity.

[Simple and quaint. Just what I need] I muttered under my breath.

As I passed under the arch, the sounds of village life greeted me: the chatter of merchants hawking their wares, the clinking of a blacksmith's hammer against metal, and the laughter of children playing near the well in the center of the town square.

Goldenvale was exactly what I'd hoped for. The houses were modest, built from stone and timber, with thatched roofs and chimneys puffing smoke into the sky. The streets were unpaved but clean, lined with wildflowers and cobblestones in some areas.

The same exact place that I have visited a few years ago...

A few villagers paused to watch me as I entered, their expressions a mix of curiosity and friendliness. I nodded politely but kept moving, careful not to draw too much attention. I didn't want anyone to start asking questions about the newcomer.

I spotted the inn near the square, its wooden sign depicting a golden sheaf of wheat. The Golden Sheaf Inn. It seemed like the perfect place to start. I'd stay there for a few days while I scouted the area for a plot of land to purchase.

Pushing open the door, I was greeted by the comforting warmth of a hearth and the scent of roasted meat. The inn was bustling but not overcrowded, with villagers and travelers alike sharing meals and drinks.

[Welcome, stranger! Looking for a room or a meal?] (??) The ginger headed innkeeper, a stout woman with rosy cheeks and a cheerful demeanor, called out as I approached the counter. 

[Both, actually. A room for a few nights, and whatever you have fresh from the kitchen] I replied, setting down a few silver coins.

Her eyes sparkled at the sight of the silver.

[Well, you're in luck. We've got a hearty stew and fresh bread today. As for the room, it'll be upstairs, third door on the left. Do you want me to bring you your meal or would you eat here?] (??) She asked as she points at the empty tables nearby.

[Sure, I will have it here]

I thanked her and made my way to a corner table, setting down my satchel and bow. The chatter in the inn continued, but no one paid me much mind—just the way I wanted it.

As I waited for my meal, I pulled out a small notebook and began jotting down a list of things I'd need for my new life: tools for farming, seeds, fishing gear, and possibly a horse or mule for transportation. My mind wandered to the vision I'd carried for so long—a quiet life away from the chaos.

The innkeeper brought with her my meal, and I ate slowly, savoring the simple yet delicious flavors. For the first time in years, I felt something I hadn't in a long time...hope.

Tomorrow, I'd start the next chapter of my life in Goldenvale.