Coming up on the Village

As you enter the village some of the small folk took note of your presence, some recognized you and shout out greetings and well wishes. You return the favor and even stop to chat with some them, asking how they are and what’s new. Dismissing yourself and begging for forgiveness as you head off towards your Family’s Keep.

Arriving outside of it, the doors open and your Uncle standing there with two servants doing a curtsy as they saw you. Speaking softly and gently “ladies” as you nod looking to your Uncle “is everything ready or can I get cleaned and dressed first?” Your Uncle replies “almost ready, this beautiful ladies will take you to the bath and get you some fresh clothes. I also instructed another one to bring word to the Village Elder to make preparations for a celebration.”

Looking puzzled at your Uncle “Celebration? What for?” You ask, your uncle just smiles and says “For your safe return of course, that way we can thank the seven that you were spared and…” his face sours “to honor your father” looking back at you with a half heart smile “he would rather us drink to his **** then cry our hearts out.”

You just remember he was the same way with your Mother’s passing, he held a funeral and had a celebration. To celebrate her life, and for those who knew her to share her stories so that we could know what she was at her core.

As you take a deep breath and let out a sigh, you get close to your Uncle and pull him into another hug. “Uncle… I know you were my Father’s friend and right hand man.. I would like to ask you to forgive my selfishness but I must ask you to stay on with me.” Your Uncle perplexed says “Where would I go? Your father gave me everything I have, the least I could do is look after his only son.”

You would just remain silent as you hold him a little while longer, he would pat you on the back and finally tell you “Okay okay, now go get cleaned up you smell.” Both you start laughing. Regaining your composure you let him go and walk towards your first bath in a week since the incident.

Getting ready to hop in the bath, you would start by stripping down and putting your clothes on a small table near the door. As you slip into the warm wooden bathtub, you dip under the water to clean off your hair first and as you come back up you see a servant girl standing there staring at you from the door.