Chapter Three: Family
Following the Elder's advice, Tsu headed straight for his house. Most of the town would be at the tavern to meet the visitor, but Tsu's father had always been a quiet and reserved man. He also did not drink much.
As expected, he was home sitting quietly in the house's one chair in front of a very small fireplace. He turned from the fire when Tsu entered, and Tsu contemplated his face for a while. It was grizzled, like that of most veteran hunters on the frontier, but there was a kindness and a softness in his eyes. Despite his efforts to hide it, Tsu could see both worry and relief in those eyes. His father would never admit it, but he had been worried about Tsu's first hunt.
"It's alright, Dad," Tsu said, chuckling, though there were tears in his eyes, "I'm safe. I made it back."
"I knew you would. I've taught you too well for anything less," his father replied. "It's good you're home. She'd be proud of you." Tsu's mother... she had died when Tsu was little. His father often thought of her. She had been a hunter, too... one of the best, or so his father told him. No one in town disagreed.
Things got quiet for a time as they always did when Tsu's mother was brought up. They sat in front of the fire, holding thoughts and memories close.
After a couple of hours, Tsu began to wonder what has happened to Byrd. He must still be in the tavern, he thought. "Hey Dad, there's someone I want you to meet. We met up in the mountains. He's a hunter, too."
"Oh? A bit strange, that. Imagine meeting a stranger way out here... and away from the road, too. Let's go meet him then." His father smiled at him. All was well.
