Dark & Light – Chapter 12: A Temporary Home

Gathering Their Things

Vael and Rai walked through the streets of Redgrove, the remnants of the festival still visible in the form of scattered lanterns and a few lingering merchants cleaning up their stalls.

The inn was quiet when they arrived, the previous night's festivities now just a memory. Rai grabbed his small bag of belongings, which mostly consisted of his new clothes and a few essentials, while Vael packed their travel gear with efficiency and precision.

"Alright," Vael said, adjusting his cloak. "Let's go."

Rai, shouldering his bag, walked beside him as they left the inn behind. The excitement from last night had yet to fade from his voice. "So, what do you think their house will be like?"

Vael glanced at him. "Probably pretty good. Toban's been in the trading business for a long time, and he's always done well for himself."

Rai nodded, curiosity growing. A real house, not just an inn or a tavern. He had never stayed in someone else's home before.

Arriving at Toban's Home

As the road stretched ahead, Rai's eyes widened at the sight of Toban's house.

It was larger than expected, a two-story wooden home with a porch, a wide stable, and smoke curling from the chimney. The warm glow of lanterns flickered in the windows, giving the entire house a welcoming presence.

Before Rai could take in more details, the front door swung open.

Toban stood in the doorway, grinning. "There you are! Took you long enough!"

Vael smirked faintly. "Had to pick up our stuff first."

From inside, a woman's voice called out. "Guests? Toban, you didn't say anything about guests!"

A woman—Toban's wife—stepped into view, wiping her hands on a cloth. She had dark brown hair pulled back into a simple braid, her expression a mix of surprise and warmth.

"Didn't think I had to!" Toban laughed, gesturing to them. "This here's Vael, an old friend of mine. And this kid is Rai."

Before Rai could introduce himself, another voice cut in from the side.

"Who are they?"

A girl about Rai's age stood in the hallway, arms crossed, her dark brown ponytail swaying slightly as she stepped forward.

Toban turned toward her. "Mira, meet our guests. This is Vael and his nephew, Rai."

Mira's sharp eyes scanned Rai up and down before tilting her head slightly. "Your clothes are fancy."

Rai blinked before glancing down at himself—he had forgotten he was still wearing his new tunic from the festival, embroidered with silver patterns.

He straightened slightly and responded with a simple, "Thank you."

Mira nodded, satisfied with his manners. "Well, at least you're polite."

Dinner & Conversation

The dining table was set with warm, hearty food—roast meat, fresh bread, and a thick stew that filled the room with a savory aroma.

As they ate, conversation flowed naturally.

"So, what's been going on around here?" Vael asked between bites.

Toban leaned back in his chair. "Hunters have been leaving. Either retiring or moving elsewhere. Not enough hands around to keep the supply of meat steady."

His wife nodded. "It's becoming a problem. There used to be plenty of fresh game to sell at the market, but lately, things have been drying up."

Toban glanced at Vael, a smirk playing at his lips. "If there's anyone who could fix that, it'd be you."

Vael chuckled. "I don't know about that."

Toban's wife raised an eyebrow. "So, you really are a good hunter?"

Toban grinned. "The best. Back when Vael was still selling game, he always had more than enough to trade. Never seen someone track a beast as easily as him."

Mira's eyes widened. "That's so cool!"

Rai, on the other hand, stayed silent, processing the information. He had always seen Vael as his mentor, someone strong but secretive. A hunter? It made sense—Vael had always been good at survival, but Rai had never thought about why.

Now, it was obvious. Vael wasn't human. He had skills no normal man would have.

Making Plans

After dinner, the table was cleared, and the discussion turned serious.

Vael placed his elbows on the table. "Alright, let's talk game plan."

Toban nodded. "We head out at dawn. We'll split up—cover more ground that way."

Vael agreed. "We'll meet back here before nightfall."

Toban turned to Mira. "While we're gone, I want you to be kind to Rai and show him around."

Mira shrugged. "Sure, whatever."

Toban gave her a look, and she sighed. "Fine, fine. I'll be nice."

Rai smirked slightly but didn't say anything.

With the plans set, Toban leaned back, pouring himself another drink. "Now, Vael…"

Vael raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Toban grinned. "You ever gonna settle down?"

Vael blinked. "What?"

"You heard me. You're not getting any younger. You never considered finding someone?"

Vael scoffed, shaking his head. "I never had the time, and frankly, I haven't met anyone who made me think about it."

Toban laughed. "Same old Vael."

Vael smirked. "And that's not changing anytime soon."

The group chuckled, the conversation shifting into lighter topics as the night carried on.

Before Bed

Later that night, Vael and Rai settled into their guest room, a simple space with two beds and a small wooden desk by the window.

As Rai climbed into bed, Vael sat on the edge of his, looking at him with a rare softness.

"Listen, Rai."

Rai looked up. "Yeah?"

Vael rested his forearms on his knees. "Be careful around Mira. She's Toban's daughter, but she's still got a fire in her. Don't start trouble."

Rai grinned. "Me? Start trouble? Never."

Vael rolled his eyes. "Just… watch yourself. And be kind."

Rai nodded. "I will. You be careful too, alright?"

Vael smirked. "I'll be fine."

Rai yawned, pulling the blanket over himself. "Goodnight, Vael."

Vael leaned back, looking at the ceiling. "Goodnight, kid."

As the house fell silent, only one thought lingered in Vael's mind.

I hope this peace lasts a little longer.