The first rays of dawn crept through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. Kite stirred, the softness of the bed a stark contrast to the hard bunk beds he had grown accustomed to. For a moment, he lay still, enjoying the comfort that was so foreign yet so welcome.
As he opened his eyes, the unfamiliar ceiling came into focus. It was a gentle reminder that he was no longer in his world, no longer bound to the barracks and the war that had consumed his life. Here, in Eldoria, he had a room of his own, a space that was peaceful and just for him.
He sat up, stretching his arms above his head, feeling the pleasant ache of muscles used in play rather than battle. The laughter from yesterday's games with the children echoed in his mind, bringing a smile to his face.
Kite rose from the bed, his feet touching the cool wooden floor. He walked over to the window, pushing it open to let in the fresh morning air. The village was just waking up, the sounds of life beginning to stir—a rooster crowing, the distant chatter of early risers, the clatter of pots and pans.
He turned back to the room, his gaze falling on the golden sword propped against the wall. It seemed out of place in this tranquil setting, a relic of a life he was still trying to understand. Yet, it was a part of him, a link to his past and, perhaps, a guide to his future.
After dressing in simple clothes provided by Elder Mirrin, Kite made his way downstairs. The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the cottage, leading him to the kitchen where Mirrin was already at work.
"Good morning, Kite," a woman who resembled Liliana said, smiling at him.
"Kite, let's play!" Liliana yelled, tackling him from behind.
The woman sighed as she put the bed on the dinner table. "Lilia, you need to help me set the table."
She grumbled. "Okay, Mommy."
Kite smiled. She wasn't as mature as he had originally thought.
"Mind if I help too?"
Liliana's mother gasped. "Oh, I can't have a guest do that."
Kite chuckled at Liliana's mother's surprise. "I insist," he said warmly. "I want to be more than just a guest here. Please, let me help."
Liliana's mother hesitated for a moment before her face softened into a smile. "Well, if you're sure, then I won't say no to an extra pair of hands."
Together, they set the table, Liliana bustling around with plates and cutlery, her earlier reluctance forgotten in the face of a new game. Kite found himself swept up in the domesticity of it all, the simple act of setting a table feeling strangely fulfilling.
As they worked, Kite learned that Liliana's mother was named Elara, a kind woman with a gentle strength about her. She spoke of the village, of the people, and of the upcoming festival with a fondness that made Kite curious to experience it all for himself. A festival was the perfect chance to learn more about this world's culture.
A tall blond man with short hair yawned as he walked into the kitchen, followed by a five-year-old blond boy.
"Finally awake, dear?" Elara asked, chuckling.
The man crossed his muscular arms and chuckled. "Why didn't you wake me up for breakfast?"
"Well, I wanted to let my boys sleep in."
The little boy smiled as he hopped into a tiny seat and grabbed a roll of bread from the table.
The man's eyes twinkled with mirth as he ruffled the hair of the little boy, who was already munching happily on his breakfast. "I'm Darian," he said, extending a hand. "And this bundle of energy is Tomas. Dad told me about you. How my Lilia found you sleeping in the Forest of Whispers."
Kite shook Darian's hand, feeling the firm grip of a man accustomed to hard work. "It's nice to meet you both," Kite replied. "I've heard a lot about the village already, and I'm looking forward to seeing more."
Darian nodded, a look of approval in his eyes. "You'll find Ald town is full of surprises. And if you're interested in learning about our ways, the festival is the perfect time."
Tomas, having finished his bread, looked up at Kite with wide, curious eyes. "Are you going to the festival too? There's going to be games and sweets!"
Kite laughed, the boy's enthusiasm infectious. "Yes, I'll be there. It sounds like it's not to be missed."
Elara smiled as she watched them, her family and their new guest bonding over the simple morning routine. "Well, it's going to be a very eventful next couple of days."
Darian nodded and flexed. "Yeah, I got a lot of work to do."
Liliana giggled. "Daddy is super strong! He helps build all the stalls and stages for the festival!"
Kite hummed. Maybe he should help. While he wasn't sure if he wanted to be a hero again, he did want to get stronger.
Breakfast was a lively affair, with Mirrin joining them at the table, sharing stories of past festivals and the antics of the village children. Kite listened, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time, laughter coming easily to his lips.
After the meal, Kite offered to help with the dishes, but Elara shooed him away. "Go on, explore the village. See what Eldoria has to offer," she urged.
Stepping out into the village, Kite felt a sense of wonder.
"Want me to show you around?" Liliana asked.
He shook his head. "No. I'll look around myself. It'll be funner that way."
She giggled. "If you say so. I'm gonna go play with Elian and the others!" The girl rushed off, leaving him alone.
With a smile, Kite began his sightseeing of the town. The cobblestone streets, the quaint shops, and the friendly faces of the villagers were all new to him. He wandered without direction, taking in the sights and sounds, each turn revealing another aspect of Ald Town life.
He stumbled upon a blacksmith's forge, where the ringing of hammer on anvil was a familiar sound. The blacksmith, a burly man with a friendly grin, welcomed Kite and showed him the intricacies of his craft. Kite watched, fascinated, as metal was shaped into tools and art.
Further down the street, he found a market bustling with activity. Vendors called out their wares, from fresh fruits and vegetables to handcrafted goods. Kite sampled a piece of fruit he didn't recognize, its sweet taste bursting on his tongue, a reminder of the bounties this world held.
As the day wore on, Kite found himself at the village square, where children were playing much like they had the day before. Liliana spotted him and waved him over, her earlier mischief replaced with a bright smile.
"Kite, come meet everyone!" she called out.
And so, Kite spent the afternoon with the children of Eldoria, learning their names and joining in their games. He felt a part of the community, despite only being here for a day. The people of Ald were so nice and inviting, unlike the people in the big city from his past life.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson, Kite knew that this was just the beginning of his life in Eldoria. There would be challenges ahead, mysteries to unravel, and a past to come to terms with. But for now, he was content to live in the moment, to enjoy the peace and warmth of a village that was slowly becoming home.