Taylor was walking through a forest.
Weeks having passed since he began his journey.
He had finally arrived at his destination, [Eldergrove] a town he'd searched for tirelessly.
Finally after having passed through many villages along the way.
As he entered, he took a deep breath.
Aware of his unkept appearance.
He had gone through three days without a proper meal.
Surviving only with the kindness of the villages he'd passed through.
Now standing at the edge of the town.
He began to reminisce about his journey.
At had been a weak.
But the faces of those men were burned still on his mind.
As he walked through through the town.
He was greeted by the sights.
Quaint buildings with sloping roofs lined the cobblestone streets.
Their facades painted in soft pastels.
Window boxes overflowed with vibrant flowers. Adding bursts of colour to the otherwise muted palette of the buildings.
He saw merchants selling up stalls.
Their tables Leiden with goods—fresh produce handmade pottery, and woven baskets.
The air was filled with the rich aroma of baked bread.
As he walked, a man raised his hat in a courteous gesture.
Tipping it slightly as before placing it back atop his head.
*Is he greeting me?*
Taylor nodded his head in response.
"Now, to find a place to stay for the night."
He murmured to himself as he walked through the village.
"Please, I'll give you your money."
Suddenly his attention was drawn to a scene just ahead.
A couple of men were victoriously stomping on a man.
Who was cowering on the ground.
"If you don't have the money to pay us, well, we'll just have to take everything you own!"
One of the assailants shouted, his voice harsh and mocking.
"Please don't take everything away. Where will my wife and be staying? I promise I'll pay you back, just give me a couple of days!"
The man pleaded.
Instinctively covering his head.
As they continued to stomp on him.
Taylor turned his head away.
He knew better than to get involved in someone else's business.
The he resumed his walk.
Continuing with his way Taylor saw asked a woman for directions.
She was tall, with long, tousled hair that framed her face along with a short brown hat. And an air that gave her both strength and vulnerability. Her clothes elegant and well-kept, a light blue dress that flowed gently with her movements. Giving her an noble appearance.
Her eyes, her striking shade of green, held a depth of understanding that included him.
"Are you alright?"
She asked, her voice soothing.
"Oh, I'm looking for someone ."
He replied, glancing at her.
"Well, who might that be?"
She asked curiosity, brightening her eyes.
"Her name is Lennie Learmoth."
"Hmmm, well, oh you mean Lennie? I know her."
"Seriously? Where?"
He asked hope rising.
Taylor's cleared his throat, trying to comprise himself.
"Sorry about thta, could you please show me?"
"It would be my pleasure."
She said with a warm smile.
Pointing him in the right direction, with her purse in hand.
"Thank you!"
He said bowing slightly.
Then proceed to run off.
"What a strange fellow."
The woman muttered to her self.
As he arrived at the place she had indicated.
Taylor found himself standing in front of a lively tarven.
Taking a deep breath, as he pushed open the door, then he walked in.
The crowd first fell silent.
All eyes suddenly on him.
Making his way to the register.
He noticed the atmosphere.
Several wooden tables scattered throughout out the room, barrels doubling as chairs, were mostly men sat and talked.
Enjoying their refreshing beers.
Finding a barrel to sit on he settled into the rough-hewn seat.
The conversation continued resumed.
Returning to their familiar din.
Ensuring the tarven was alive with chatter once more.
"Hey where's my cold ale?"
A man asked.
"Sorry, it's coming."
Suddenly a woman holding a tray brimming with beers.
She made her way to a table.
Her dark redish hair cascading down her shoulders in soft waves.
Her distinct attire—it resembled a uniform.
Neatly fitted, and adorned buttons that caught the light as she moved.
As she walked, Taylor's gaze drifted to her chest were it jiggled gently with each mesmerising step.
-Tak!
-Tak!
-Tak!
Her heels echoing with measured rhythm, slow and deliberate.
"I'm sorry was this your order!?!"
She asked sweetly placing the beers down In front of a burly man.
"I specifically ordered a ginger ale."
The man replied, not having it.
"Oh, I'm sorry ! Could you please find it in your heart to forgive me?"
She cast him a subductive glance.
Her tone dripping with false sweetness.
"Oh, don't worry about it. Mistakes happen."
He said grinning.
All the men in the tarven stared at her.
*I hope you die, you lazy perverts!*
She inwardly taunted.
Her kind face belied by venomous thoughts brewing beneath the surface.
Though she projected a cute and friendly demeanour.
It felt like a carefully instructed facade.
Masking her, true sharper personality.
It wasn't something that could pass through Taylor.
He knew how to read people like books.
It was like a gift he'd developed in his old world.
After placing the beers on the table.
She abruptly locked her eyes with his.
As she made her way to the counter
"Excuse me, little boy but kids aren't allowed in this tarven."
She said eyeing him with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Oh, sorry! But I came here looking for someone."
He replied his voice steady despite the unease creeping in.
*Poor kid. His father must be one of these idiots right her; I really pity you kid.*
She thought, regarding him with an all-to-knowing look.
"Are you looking for your dad, kid?"
"No, I'd like to speak with the manager of this tarven."
He said narrowing his eyes.
"You're looking at her."
She replied, with a hint of confusion.
"Wait, you're the manager?"
"Yeah, I get that a lot. I run this tarven all by myself."
"Then I'm looking for a woman named Lennie Learmoth."
He stated keeping his voice steady.
"Huh?"
She raised an eyebrow.
Her expression shifting.
"That's me."