Chapter 4 the city pulse

Anazitis emerged from the shadows of the forest, his steps light as he approached the hill overlooking the city. Before him stretched a sea of rooftops, spires, and chimneys, the warm glow of the afternoon sun bouncing off terracotta tiles. Smoke curled lazily from bakeries, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting up to greet him. The streets below buzzed with life—a symphony of merchants shouting their wares, the laughter of children darting through crowds, and the clatter of wagon wheels on cobblestone.

Anazitis lingered at the edge of the hill, his sharp gaze absorbing the scene. The city breathed life in every corner: colorful banners swayed in the wind, stalls overflowed with fruits and fabrics, and the crowd's energy hummed like a living organism. He exhaled, his words barely audible amidst the distant din.

"This city still thrives," he said, as though speaking to the air itself.

Descending into the streets, he walked through the maze of people. A butcher barked jovial greetings to passing customers, while a seamstress displayed her finest silk garments. A bard played his lute by a fountain, children clapping in rhythm to his tune. Anazitis moved with quiet purpose, his dark cloak trailing behind him as he navigated the throng. His eyes flickered from face to face, searching for something—or someone—as he pressed onward toward the sages' meeting.

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Lion stepped out of the inn, blinking against the sunlight. The warmth on his face was matched by the warmth in the streets: laughter spilled from every corner, children raced past him, their cheeks flushed with excitement. He paused to take it all in, his lips curving into a small smile.

"The city's alive again," he thought. "Joy fills the air. If our plans succeed, this happiness will endure forever."

As he strolled through the streets, he passed a group of children singing a familiar tune, their voices carefree. Lion watched them, his smile softening into something wistful. "If we succeed, these children will never grow up to know anything but this joy. Every time I see them, I'm reminded of Anazitis' dream—eternal happiness."

Lost in thought, Lion nearly collided with an old man. The elder radiated an inexplicable warmth, his presence uplifting. He hummed a cheerful melody as he passed, his wrinkled face lit with a smile that seemed to brighten even the sunlit street.

Lion chuckled softly. "Everything feels like it's going to be alright," he murmured to himself.

He continued walking, his steps lighter now, toward the tavern.

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The tavern was alive with the clash of mugs, the roar of laughter, and the faint hum of a minstrel's ballad. Lion stepped inside, the warm scent of roasted meat and ale washing over him. He scanned the room but was interrupted by a drunken man's voice cutting through the jovial air.

"Hey, ladies! You were looking at me earlier, weren't you? Want to join me, don't you?" The drunkard swayed, his words slurring as he leaned toward a server.

I'm handsome indeed you want. To if I was a woman I will look for someone like me and I will not find because no one like me I'm the best

The woman crossed her arms, glaring. "Pay your bill," she snapped.

"I'll apologize, but only if you show me your unde—" Before he could finish his sentence, two men struck him in unison, sending him sprawling to the floor.

One was Lion. The other was a towering knight with black hair and piercing dark eyes. The knight's broad shoulders and rippling muscles made him look unmovable, like a mountain. He stared at the drunkard, his voice calm but firm. "He won't be waking up anytime soon."

The server sighed in relief, offering a quick thanks before retreating. Lion turned to the knight, intrigued by the weariness in his eyes. Though the man's frame radiated strength, his expression carried the weight of a thousand unspoken thoughts.

"You look tired," Lion said, his tone light but curious. "Overworked? First drink's on me, knight."

The knight's lips twitched into a faint smile. "A drink from a new friend? Can't refuse that."

The two men sat at a table, and a server with green hair brought two mugs of the tavern's finest ale and she said that on the tavern. The knight raised his mug, downing it in a single gulp. Lion followed suit. They finished their drink in a few seconds and all the eyes in the tavern were on them .

"I'm Dynatos," the knight said, extending his hand.

"Lion," he replied, gripping it firmly.

The two laughed again, their voices booming across the room, drawing amused glances from the other patrons.

Dynatos leaned back, a bit of the tension easing from his shoulders. "That laughter—somehow, it's made me feel lighter."

"Something on your mind?" Lion asked. I'm always tell myself why's thinking so much on something while the Life Will pass and i will be forget me and what I was thinking and I make the thing simple back in the days when my father see me thinking Alot about something he just hit me with everything in his hands in that moment I remember when I was thinking what should I eat he gave me just bread and Tell me you're thinking too much it's just the bread for you.

Dynatos You're right. I'll take that advice seriously.

You should thank your father other people's Will have more time to think like. That my father tough me how to protect and always thanks him for what he makes me learn.

But lately the things become different from they seem on the surface."

Lion chuckled. "True. But for now, let's just enjoy this drink."

Dynatos raised his mug again. "To simple joys. And simple life"

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Halfy wandered the streets, his mind racing with plans. He muttered under his breath, "The knights should be nearby. What can I do to draw their attention?"

He stopped as his gaze fell on a circus. Brightly colored tents and cheerful music drew a large crowd. Laughter and applause echoed as a clown juggled flaming torches, children gasping in delight. Halfy watched for a moment, a small smirk creeping onto his face.

"I'll ruin this," he thought. "That'll get the knights' attention."

Ruining the circus i never did something like. That it well is a new good thing to try indeed life full of the things to try.

Carefree life for me halfy Said

As he moved toward the circus, an old man stepped into his path, his voice stern but calm. "Stop. Don't take another step forward."

Halfy frowned, his gaze flickering between the old man and the cheerful crowd. "Why are you stopping me, old man ?"

"the old man reply with a serious look on his face. Don't you see their faces,their looks, their smile?" the old man said. "The joy they feel? Don't ruin it. No one should take happiness away from others because he just wants to try something new."

The old man screams louder than he can. No one should ruin a smile on someone's face. We should protect the smile.

Halfy hesitated, his smirk faltering. He glanced back at the crowd—their laughter, the smiles on children's faces, the genuine joy radiating from the performers. He clenched his fists.

"Why?" he muttered. "Why do you care so much about making others happy? Isn't it enough to just make yourself happy? I don't understand people like you."

The old man's voice softened. "It's not just about me. Bringing other's joy, even for a moment, and even make them forget they're trouble for a moment, it will make the world brighter."

Halfy stared at him, his thoughts swirling. He finally let out a sigh, turning away. "Maybe I'll look for somewhere else," he muttered as he walked off, the old man's words lingering in his mind.

Halfy though, while he's going on his way, I did see that old man. It's face not baying forget so easy where did i see him

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