441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV54dism21ACHAPTER I: THE COTTAGE
The Sun shines. Its light pierces through worn curtains. Metro’s modest lodging cottage.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ258xgILBUL
He gently rouses from a deep slumber, stirring up on a straw mattress. The murmuring of neighbors are heard outside, a new day in the village square begins. Metro rises to his feet, approaching the window, a weathered frame. Peering outside, he sees the mass of a moving people, their auras, it’s a rhythm connecting to a central well, a lifeline and gathering place for the community. The rhythm of the village hums, yet Metro’s mind pulses with questions, a nagging uncertainty amidst the tranquil scene.
Putting on his commoner’s clothes, a comforting bliss is felt. He also grabs a set of dagger’s, they slide into separate sheaths down into his belt. A quick count confirms the weight of the gold sac. Afterwards, he stretches thoroughly, loosening himself from the trance of sleep.
— The door pushes open —
VILLAGE SQUARE
The village square is welcoming.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60aHkwnJTA
Alive.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcgPvoHRTf
With morning activity.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnKIF0RX3B
Farmers lead their carts of goods, children chase each other with friendly shouts, the scent of freshly baked bread drifts from the communal oven. Metro lets the morning sun rays heal his exterior, light bouncing off his face, just right. He's ready for whatever the day has to offer.
The aroma of simmering stew guides him to the food stalls. Approaching the old woman with wrinkles of kindness, she ladles a generous portion of steaming stew soup into a wooden bowl, then hands it over with a warm crusty loaf. A single gold coin is pressed into her weathered hand, a small fortune for a simple meal. She bows in humble gratitude.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Qx9U4nWMm
Walking away, the bread is dunked into the rich broth. Metro’s path leads him to Ana's cottage. Her herbal and vegetable garden, usually a mix of vibrant greens with pastel blossoms, looks a little different today. A few rows seemed disturbed, some of the erbs look trampled. An earthy smell passes his nose, as the wooden cottage door creaks open-
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpenQ8djewY
—ANA’S COTTAGE—
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxwZJlgqCd
Inside, a scent of dried herbs and old wood fills the small, quaint home . Ana sits by a small sunlit window, her silver and white hair, braided with flowers, radiating a gentle glow that surrounds her advanced age. Her ears are slightly pointed, her eyes deep, bright, and true blue. She crinkles her nose as she looks up.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVUIkIJncp
Ana:(voice soft)
“Come in, you’re in time for some ice porridge.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqNCkcIxLN
She gestures with the spoon towards a steaming pot on a nearby table, but as she moves, a wince crosses her face, her gaze fixes on the garden outside.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsTBQxLNgS
Metro (smiling, warm, radiant glow)
“Sorry Ani, I’ve had breakfast already. I’m here to pick up the extra bundle.’
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18mMgBxnIF
(beat)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bMyMqS2mY
‘My backpack should be here.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV5uYivpHn
Ana:(soft smile, somewhat absent)
“Of course.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u0Vv28BJh
She reaches under her stool, pulling out a woven backpack that rest against the stool’s leg, comfy to the touch. Ana stares again, watching the garden. She sighs, a sound of unspoken worry.
Ana:
“There’s something going on there. Something bad.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2q44GqNqx
METRO:
What happened in the garden?
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvH4KuDkKT
Metro slides his pack strap over his shoulder, gathering closer to Ana. Her brows furrow, instantly clutching her cane.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcdmMX9vPn
Ana:
(looks out window, vacant expression)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCelJYTIpud
“It’s not just plants, the prints, like tiny animal feet. They dug-up one of the ice-burg patches, scattering the petals everywhere.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPmB5LLRls
Metro looks up towards her.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XqeYTFP1O
METRO:
“Hmm well, we don’t know what it is. I think we should build a fence. I can visit Paul today for some wood then I’ll help with building when I return.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzLmVCajip
Ana's eyes widen slightly at this suggestion, a sign of relief.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIaSMp9jB8
Ana(nods)
“A fence would be a great blessing. Perhaps it will deter whatever's causing trouble.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImRtle44k8
“Thank you for being swift. Be careful, dear.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSn2XIK4Nm
Metro offers a reassuring smile. The warmth, glowing radiantly from his backpack—
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJYxuPpdpz
He opens the door outside.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYz90K6reV
— VILLAGE OUTSKIRTS—
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AVHyUjzqK
Stepping back out into the morning light. The village grasslands are surveyed. A beautiful bright blue sky. The white clouds move slowly overhead. The idea of constructing a fence seems like a solid response to the unsettling discovery, yet his mind wanders to an unknown enemy, and if a sturdy barrier would deter the mischievous prints.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb2Q72JBFK
Metro snaps back to reality, unleashing his black horse, Sally. He leaps onto her back, adjusting himself into the saddle, feeling a familiar surge of power, as the magnificent mare responds instantly to his touch.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1awzav1ec9
They thunder through the village, passing bustling market stalls, galloping through the quiet reverence of the church, bells ringing, hammers from smiths banging and hushed scribblings within the cartographer’s abode.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2PlN7Y5tm
Metro offers Sally a piece of magic leaf, hand feeding her as they ride; her ears flick back as she savors it. A visible spark of renewed energy storms her stride; the white patch between her eyes blazes a streak against morning light.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkp4qVfib2
Metro:
“Nice! Right, Sal? That’s the good stuff babe. Hahahahahaha!!”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E8p0H9R2a
Energy radiates a soft, translucent white aura around the horse and rider.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeb4jYv5Hy3
The familiar path passes simple cottages near the outskirts of the village wall, before dipping and hills merging into vibrant grasslands flowing with streams that nourish the community.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCcFPHuyFQ
PAULs SHACK- WORKSTATION
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GzdI8ZFrK
The rhythmic thud of her hooves slows down on the dirt trail. They approach a small stone shack with a workstation placed by a small house. The air here is thick with the scent of sawdust and cut timber. Piles of neatly stacked wood surround the clearing alongside half-finished carvings and contraptions that mark Paul’s blend of carpentry and magic.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wYYqfYQm2
Paul is a stone, built like a lumberjack—green and blue flannel, with slightly unruly brownish-grey hair and a full beard. His sharp brown eyes look up from his workbench, temperate forest behind him.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mE6boMAZM
Paul:
“Metro! You old rogue! Just the man I was hoping to see! To what do I owe this visit?”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQnw4O8N9p
Metro (smiles, dismounts Sally)
“Hey Paul, I came early (boots land) because the harvest is here sooner than expected.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ76yyNlw9o
Metro hands Paul a leaf pack pouch, double the size of what he gave Sally.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpTdgyJEsX
Paul’s eyes light up intensely, his smile spreads wide.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2niMHxzzp
Paul:
I can tell it’s potent.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzh3G2GVef
Paul tucks the pouch away with content. Metro approaches the neatly forged lumber; he walks past a nearly perfect frame, smelling the fresh hewn logs, its bark still fragrant.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCDfhjmqVy
Metro:
(looks up at Paul’s collection of handmade axes)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjg7LU7JGY
“Ana’s garden has some unwelcome visitors…
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVOSR1fj35
(beat)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW18QQmkc9m
I’m thinking of a sturdy fence..."
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzyS8v444X
Paul breaks off axes with different color wood handles, hanging from his wall rack.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCZOKWs9Rl
Metro:
“Hmmmm… How about an axe for two zips?”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmKdedmv5g
Paul strokes his grizzled chin, his eyes twinkling as he considers. He reaches high for a selection of axes.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVcQR1yboj
Paul:
“That’s a trade..."
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VQl2GMIZ7
(Beat.)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCvLfBmyK7
"But I'm your friend, not a highwayman. Take this piece of steel for one."
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSBvAkuu0a
Paul holds two balanced axes in both hands; the handles worn smoothly from years of use. Paul holds the pair, heads gleaming; He hands one to Metro gently.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCqpxwTm1M
Paul:
“I’ve got fresh cut oak — very strong. Good for a solid fence. Take the cart next to the shed, and load whatever you need. Just bring it back with those fruits… and careful with that axe, it bites deep.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6P52bIGkp
Metro claps Paul’s hand, the handshake turning into a hearty hug.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxrbKBadQY
Metro: (boasting slightly)
"Thanks Paul! I’m meeting Veronica at The Den. She’s keeping me in the loop with big time trades.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBG3L4QbqD5
Paul chuckles at that, half-heartedly.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1by3cYcWJB
Paul: (waving casually with one hand)
“Give Ana my regards. We will gather soon, won’t we?”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlJkoKSNjM
“I’ll be here if you need me.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lqF4kcqs0
With Sally properly yoked, Metro expertly maneuvers three freshly cut oak logs onto the bed. The mare braces, her powerful muscles rippling and bulging under the weight, but she pulls steadily, hooves gaining traction on the forest floor.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH6lsJZFD9
Metro gives Paul one last wave. The creak of the cart’s wheels starts to fade. His mind drifts to the bustling environment where Veronica’s familiar smile will be.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqy6L9H8ts4
The journey back to the village contrasts the rustic charm of Paul's clearing, to the scent of fresh cut oak mingled with the familiar sights passing by.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fdTXgddND
Approaching the versatile DEN restaurant, the riotous laughter and the clapping of eloquent wooden cups spill out into the street.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxw8ZI0X0W
-THE DEN - VILLAGE SQUARE
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldG20Zl0ur
It's midday, but the place is already packed with a collection of modest farmers, energetic merchants, and the usual array of traders.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftKaCa8qvE
Metro navigates Sally and the cart through a dirt lane. He spots Veronica inside her establishment — sitting at a corner table bathed in sunlight by a dusty window. Her long dark brown hair with golden highlighted streaks (usually meticulously braided) falls loosely past her shoulders, and her eyes are a deep green, seeming to hold hundreds of untold stories.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaBMUDk9fj
She slips slowly from a wooden cup; a half-eaten plate of stew sits before her.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsffFWUpTog
A faint glow still emanates from Metro's backpack as he leans against the table opposite her, feeling heavier than usual in this confined space.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oFS6E41u4
Metro:(voice louder than intended)
‘Veronica!’
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUosPatnJC4
(Beat)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVnxlG3hF6
'What are you doing in a place like this?’
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNYZKdVWuy
Veronica raises her eyebrows, a slight smile playing on her lips. She sets down her drink, a soft thud. Her gaze sweeps over Metro’s awkward stance toward the illuminating light radiating from his backpack. Her eyes linger there before returning to him, a flicker of amusement dancing in their dark depths.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAwySPdHwB
Veronica:(Voice somehow cuts through the din.)
"Metro."
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWdrRH3lcM
Her speech stays soft, never rising in volume.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkEnfJPNKo
‘And tell me, what are you doing clattering in my humble establishment with half the forest on your tail?’
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j71xK8fXJ
One might think you’re preparing for a siege, or perhaps a bon fire—’
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9uf2T74Os
She gestures towards the door where Sally and the cart are parked-
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVOBGQZnjF
‘As for me?’ I simply keeping my head down and my ears open as always.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR77eLLvvY3
Metro nods, disinterested.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpKTCYxwkB
Metro: (Looks at Veronica, approaching the exit) “Mmhmm… c’mon, let’s go! I need to ask you some questions on the way to The Lodge.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlrgwwz2Yp
Veronica rises with a fluid grace amongst the crowd, her expression playfully entertained by Metro’s suggestion to leave.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4K9RPubQg
Veronica: (purring with mischief in her tone)
“Always so eager...”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jRL3rl8VT
She casually places a few coins onto the table, metal clicking softly, and follows Metro to the door. V walks lightly, tapping the faintly glowing backpack.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6DIVQTw7m
Veronica:
"You got something in there for me?"
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1UHnAso3F
Metro pauses, turns around with an innocent look, but doesn’t respond.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIDKbfgCM9
— THE TAVERN DOOR — Opens
— VILLAGE SQUARE —
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i4E9opzQk
Metro exhales, watching the bustling market square. The bright afternoon light washes over the street. The pair make their way toward Sally and the cart loaded with oak logs. Metro mounts, and Veronica climbs up behind him. They set off; her arms settle around his waist for balance. Metro blushes tensely at the closeness but says nothing. Sally trots steadily along the crowd of villagers carrying them deeper into the busy streets.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yZ4QKL0Ss
The village unfolds around them—sound and color. Food market stalls where old growers barter, flowers and herbs hang above them. Stern money lenders are hunched over by the edges of their offices, with scales and coin stacks; gamblers inside dim doorways and traders of every sort. Exchanging coins and tense words.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmuyOni8z0
Eventually the streets grow wider. As they approach a timber framed lodge bearing the crest of Veronica’s father.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3HyWoWwzz
-THE KINGS LODGES ENTRANCE-
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2S1IScLowE
Metro brings Sally to a halt near the entrance.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9uhOK0KoJ
METRO:(dismounts with V, backpack on)
“Alright, that’ll be that sack of silver you gave your word on…”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdTsJP5CPZ
Veronica:(hand on hip, looks displeased)
“You’re not coming up to hang out?”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33Tr2tdvY3
METRO:(shakes his head)
“I told Ana I would help her build a fence today.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOayx6rd1h
“Have you heard anything suspicious going on outside the walls? Ana's garden is trampled.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVdXxEL5zW
Veronica :(peering into Metro)
“Villagers like ours have hungry bottomless pits for stomachs. It could be pest, or maybe a wild magical accident.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKp0DISIuw
She glances at Metro once more.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETVAkgZnje
“I haven’t heard anything though.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfUrpQOSrF
Metro walks towards the cart where the oak logs rest. His presence remains steady and calm. He reaches for his woven pack and pulls out a small pouch from a side pocket, hands it to Veronica. She pockets it unenthusiastically.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVhb4xpDnd
Some time passes, busily wagons, and carriages stroll by the dusty community. Metro and Veronica post up leaning against the cart of stacked logs waiting for her contact to arrive. The backpack rests beside them on the ground next to the cart's wheel.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NwLv4uPJM
--Just then, the large doors of the lodge swing open.
A tall figure. Tan skin, an intricate red, purple and gold design on his button up robe flaps in the wind. He steps from the doorway down into the stairway leading to Metro.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFzUxbRTHc
It's Veronica’s Father.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3abEjHTFMu
His eyes immediately settle on Metro and his daughter. His stern sight pierces through Metro first before softening.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzPkfzeYKf
Theron:”(Careful commander’s voice)
"Veronica.. '
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwq6QKPNly
(pauses)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Tfkd4G2Bt
'Are you quite alright?
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs3SLrQytD
I heard...'
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFa8V2CERj
(beat)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvnW8lkybX
'...Rumors. “
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxi8pGdiBk
(another pause)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfRuKR1eVq
'You know how quickly they spread in this cesspool of whispers."
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9l6wsIBPu
He glances pointedly at the surrounding street, a faint curl of disdain tugging at his lip. Then his eyes snap to Metro in a fierce way.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPvzOhMRrc
Theron:
“I understand you possess certain botanical talents and have a unique gift for growing magic leaf.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPmHj8f4IM
He leans in slightly lowering his voice though it still carries authority.
“Tell me, what would it take to share the secrets of your green thumb? Name your price.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdz0D6C8KD
'Property.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzcVJnzvsc
Gold."
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdaQN93T4t
He gestures towards Veronica with a dramatic flourish, a twinkle of mischief in his eye, half testing, mostly power.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS246BMLvh
"After all," (straightens gaze over busy markets) "men with influence inside the Providence need a steady supply of novelties."
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTvgK0CzUb
Metro steps back, subconsciously alarmed.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPMxl77wt7
Metro:(breath catching)
"Sir... I just came for the silver that was agreed upon."
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnK9orBAwP
Metro speaks quickly, rattled by shifting tones. Theron looks away, distracted.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFs29T2TGQn
Metro:
"I have a group, my team - I'm always looking for extra work - and Veronica has always been there for me, a great help. I love her."
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobHkF0liS4
Metro glances at Veronica, then back at Theron, looking even paler.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7socMl0v79
Metro:(nods slightly)
"I just have to run the idea by my folk first! We can get as much as you need."
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzwhO4CMOb
"I'm willing to sit down about the work!
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZI4HiO4ZA
(pauses)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdfzr9B3vn
Thank you for the opportunity!"
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEeVl27zvm
Theron studies Metro's flustered retreat, a small smile spreading across his face. A soft, theatrical chuckle escapes him at the declaration of affection towards his daughter.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsG9in9uq7
His eyes flick to Veronica, who rolls hers; arms crossed.
Theron:(arms now crossed now)
"Do you have feelings for my daughter?"
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwysI3328Q
He lets the words hang.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCropTvlrFG
"I'm sure you already know that genuine affection can be nothing more than mere words."
(Theron stares into Metro’s soul.)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdeqmfslsF
“It usually requires a considerable investment, just like anything else worth having, fighting for, or protecting.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMoPBPnnaE
Metro’s face goes red, looking away, heart beating.
Theron looks stone cold now, analyzing the frenzy of emotions Metro has on display. He steps closer, papers tucked behind his back.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiOX1AnaeD
“Bring your terms. My schedule. You will meet me at the appointed time.’
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZAn5AwTqi
(pauses)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Xsy32HaYA
‘I prefer to deal directly, however…
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvXlwmv4gJ
(beat.)
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvoRqa2NWF
I’ll humor your request if the tree glows like it should.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAvpgNc16O
His gaze sharpens, cold, and calculating. Metro inches into his now lightened backpack, offering nothing but empty air where the Bloom of magic should have been.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZP1PQJwoLn
Theron’s brow arches, a silent cutting question in expression. Veronica stifles a cough in the background; her eyes meet Metro for a split second—impatiently pained with annoyance—before she looks away.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltC4JSF06u
Theron:(voice dripping w/ dry amusement)
“It seems your ‘folk’ have already made their first contribution to our… arrangement.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGja2VdVvZ9
(thin smile)
“Though perhaps not in the manner you intended.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iorlResVd
Veronica shifts slightly. Theron looks away, brushing the moment aside with a flick of his hand.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsLYhXk7Pt
“Your enthusiasm is noted.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz8tCP2IjI
He turns halfway towards The Lodge then pauses— Distant market chatter seems to quiet down. —For the briefest moment—a blink—a flicker— Theron's eyes— turn pitch black—
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXTEuDgze5
Only Sally sees it.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbXcv2Gwls
Her ears snap back, muscles tightening and nostrils flaring.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHfUqMVXbe
Theron:(voice low, commanding)
“See that you are prepared, and that you present the quarter bloom before our next meeting.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJDtVyAaUQ
With that, he pivots fully and strides toward the lodge's entrance, cloak trailing behind him. The crowd parts for him.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinohbrGWnQ
Metro is left standing in the middle of the street, staring in the distance. A heavy weight is now suddenly felt on his shoulders.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwcAxpgZEa
He mounts Sally angrily.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF82pKBqgNb
Metro:(strong,direct)
“What’s this mean!?”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeyGsYfjOD
Veronica lets out a short sigh, frustrated. She turns to Metro, her face a mix of weary resignation and something close to warning.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPuXEo9Yoq
“It means my father always gets what he wants, and right now, he wants a quarter blossom of Magic Leaf.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvdxaNfabp
'He doesn’t care that you don’t have it now...but he’ll want it when you meet again."
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡju8hTriw0y
She pauses, tightening.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggvftN1ZGV
“My Dad sees everything as a business transaction...
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgAtIPu1Kc
'Everything. '
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOleyxl6f1
'He doesn’t forgive and he never forgets."
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWLwv9K9Dh
Her eyes glance at The Lodge door.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ut4TmqNke
Veronica:(turns to Metro, no eye contact)
“You sure you don’t want to come up?”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80AEvuyZ3u
Metro:(sneers)
“What about the Leaf? It was for your father.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8A9JEEgGb
Veronica’s eyes widen slightly, then narrow as realization dawns.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdL7RA7iBKJ
“Metro… you didn’t give me anything besides the sample. Maybe you’d forgotten it.”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6opp4n9KCP
She looks again toward the lodge door where her father has disappeared.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsuFoYjRhb
“That’s why he made the remark about your folk already making the trade. He thought that someone else took it from you, or that you were trying to play him”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yTRT8fgbO
Her expression grows serious now.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xwCvWPKrh
Veronica:(eye contact).
“Are you certain you had it?”
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lIdhzYmCn
Metro’s mind reels at her words; his jaw clenches. The leaf had definitely been in his pack. The conversation with Theron swirls together in confusing strands.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PLQqwt5ck
Veronica’s bewildered face and the tightening sense of unease.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94oTvr8TRJ
Without another word, Metro swings his head forward and steps back, recoils behind him as he turns away from the lodge and guides Sally back toward the village.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZH6s9vMXs
The vibrant market now feels distant.
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdzowp6peE
441Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2hh2S1d7j
and then Add to home screen.