I'm at the village today. The people here are quiet and keep to themselves like usual. It's nice but makes me feel like an outsider all that much more. Anyways, I'm picking up a bag of grain, sugar and a carton of eggs to make a cake this weekend. I also need to go to the repair shop. Maybe they have the parts I need to fix my fishing pole. The string snapped when a fish took the bait. By took the bait, I mean it literally got away with taking my last bit of slimeball bait, which reminds me, I need to pick up more. I definitely don't want to go back underground.

"Hey you."

I turn around.

"Me?", I ask, confused. I can make out one of the villagers in the shadows. He nods and beckons me. I feel on edge and nervous as I slowly walk over.

"Do you notice anything...strange lately?", he asks. I shake my head and ask why. He says, "People are having trouble. Things have gone missing. Up northeast from here is place called Green Hazel Empire. A week or two ago there was an attack. It was a normal day just like this, everyone going about their business but then a religious cult came out of hiding and started sacrificing their neighbors and friends. The Green Hazel Empire went up in flames. Now there's nothing but destroyed buildings and the ash of those who were lost." He finishes and goes silent. I stay silent, wondering why he's telling me this. "Just watch your back is all I'm saying. People seem to be acting out alot lately."

I nod, still saying silent but I take the hint that the talk is over and go about my business, slightly worried and over cautious now. I finished my shopping about mid-day. I looked up at the sun. It was getting warmer then the last few days so I knew spring was on its way. Looking at the sky, I feel a little sleepy. 'It may not be enough time to walk home', I think to myself, 'I'll just get a room at the inn with the money I didn't spend.' I walk down the block a little further till I reach The Brick's Inn and walk in. I do a transaction of 20 Silver for a night in a room.

I go in and place my newly bought things on the bed. I placed my backpack next to them and started putting my items in. First I put in my slimeballs, in their case of course, I don't want my backpack to get ruined. The string for my rod went next followed by a new set of arrows for my bow. The ingredients for the cake were next. My new lighter with a full capacity of fuel went into the front pocket and two water bottles went in the side pockets. My backpack was packed and by then I was sleepy.

Securing the lock on the door I then lay in the rooms bed. 'It's so comfy...and...warm', I think to myself, looking out the window at the now dark twinkling sky before closing my eyes and surrendering to sleep.

I sense the moon in my dreams shifting in the night time sky as it chased the sun, the stars struggling to keep up. I could hear the sheep's faint baa's echo in my ears from outside. The other travelers mumbling of their journeys before they, too, went off to their beds at a later hour. The song of night is so peaceful and keeps the nightmares away.

I wake up just as the last lights of the moon go down and the sun starts to paint the sky a faint orange, growing stronger as if a fire. I sit up slowly, the red sheets sliding down my chest. I turn so my legs hang off the bed and I take a few minutes to just stare blankly out the window, adjusting to the new day. I stretch my arms wide and let out a yawn before pushing myself up off the bed and standing upright.

I smile as I pick my backpack up off the floor and head out.

Fire greeted me.