Ashen Village

Ethan awoke to the sound of distant voices. His body felt heavy, his head pounding like a drum. The air smelled different earthy, with a faint scent of something burning, like wood smoke. His fingers twitched against rough fabric beneath him. A bed? No… a cot.

Slowly, he forced his eyes open.

The ceiling above him was wooden, made of uneven planks. Light filtered through small gaps, casting slivers of gold across the room. He turned his head and saw a woven curtain hanging over what looked like a doorway. Beyond it, shadows moved as voices spoke in hushed, unfamiliar tones.

Ethan groaned, trying to sit up. His body protested, muscles aching from dehydration and exhaustion. The movement must have made a noise because, moments later, the curtain shifted, and someone stepped inside. The young woman from before.

She carried a wooden bowl in her hands, steam rising from it. Her dark hair was braided loosely over one shoulder, and her eyes bright green, sharp with intelligence narrowed as they studied him.

She said something in a language he didn't understand. Ethan blinked. His mind was already sluggish, and now he had to deal with a language barrier too? He frowned, shaking his head slightly. "I… don't understand." His voice was hoarse, his throat raw from thirst.

The woman hesitated, then set the bowl down on a small wooden table beside him. Without a word, she stepped back, watching.

Ethan glanced at the bowl. Inside was a thin broth with bits of something floating in it meat? Herbs? He didn't care. The smell alone made his stomach cramp in hunger.

He looked at her again, unsure if he needed permission. She gave him a small nod, her expression unreadable.

That was all he needed.

He reached for the bowl, his hands shaking slightly as he lifted it to his lips. The broth was warm, mildly salty, and tasted unfamiliar but not unpleasant. He drained it quickly, relishing the way it soothed his dry throat.

When he finished, he set the bowl down with a quiet sigh. "Thank you.", he muttered, even though he knew she wouldn't understand.

The woman studied him for a long moment, then turned and disappeared through the curtain, leaving him alone. Ethan takes in his surroundings marvelling at how simple the furniture was and how there were no modern electric appliances.

Now that he was awake and fed, his mind started working again.

The room was small, sparsely furnished. A wooden chair, the cot he lay on, and a few shelves filled with earthenware pots. The walls were made of packed earth, giving the space a rustic feel. A single window more of an opening let in fresh air.

So, he was in a village. That was good. That meant people. Civilization. Answers.

He swung his legs over the side of the cot and tried to stand. His legs felt weak, but he managed to stay upright. Taking slow steps, he approached the window and peered outside.

The village wasn't large maybe a few dozen houses, all built in a similar rustic style. Dirt roads wound between them, leading toward a central area where a few people were gathered. From here, he could see villagers in simple clothing carrying baskets or tending to small gardens.

And beyond the village? Fields, stretching toward the horizon, meeting the base of distant, tree-covered hills. No sign of modern technology. No power lines. No cars. Where the hell was he?

A sound behind him made him turn.

The woman had returned. This time, she held something—clothing. She spoke again, gesturing toward him. He didn't understand the words, but the meaning was clear.

She wanted him to change.

Ethan glanced down at himself. His shirt was dirty, torn in places. His jeans were covered in dust. He must have looked like a mess. He hesitated for only a second before nodding. "Alright.", he murmured, taking the clothes from her hands.

She turned and left once more, giving him privacy.

The clothing was simple loose fitting pants, a tunic-like shirt, both made of rough but sturdy fabric. When he changed into them, they felt strange but comfortable. More suited for this place than his modern clothes.

When he was done, he took a deep breath. Time to get some answers.

He pushed aside the curtain and stepped outside.

The villagers turned to look at him. Some whispered among themselves, while others simply stared. The young woman stood nearby, watching him with cautious curiosity. It looked like the news of him being found from the Desolate Plains had already traveled. Lyra told him that the place he was from was the Desolate Plains, a no man's land since most people who went there never came back.

Ethan exhaled slowly. He had no idea where he was, what was happening, or how he had survived.

But one thing was certain.

He wasn't on Earth anymore.