It had been nearly a week since the Dragon day festival in Glipwood, and the coastal town had returned to their routine for another Fang-infested year.
This was especially noticeable for the newcomer.
Elisheva Bennet hadn't given up on her sleuthing on where the Fangs may have taken her father and her little brother. However she needed to better understand Aerwiar and the further regions, it's best to be over-prepared than be caught unaware.
At this moment, she'd finished her lunch and she had settled on a mossy rock by a large tree, basking in the warm afternoon sunlight. The salty breeze from the Dark Sea of Darkness gently tousled her curly hair and rustled through the leaves of the towering oak trees, creating a peaceful symphony of whispers. The enchanting scent of wildflowers filled the air, adding a touch of gentle essence to the already serene atmosphere. She closed her eyes for a moment, allowing herself to become one with the tranquility of her surroundings.
Having lived in New York for all her life, visiting the countryside where nature was abundant always had a special feel for her and her family.
Unbeknownst to her, a group of children had been observing her from a distance. Mesmerized by the air of mystery that surrounded her, they had cautiously approached, their eyes wide with curiosity. They saw in her something they couldn't quite grasp, but desperately yearned to understand.
As Elisheva opened her eyes, she noticed the children gathered around her, their gazes fixed upon her with a mixture of awe and anticipation. She smiled warmly at them, her eyes sparkling with the knowledge that she had something special to share.
She liked kids, especially reading or telling stories to them. And storytelling just happened to be another hobby Elisheva had only managed to do with family during important holidays or past babysitting jobs in high school.
It'd started as a Bennet family tradition in Springtime. No pictures or props, just the stories of her people or past experiences as she remembered what her mother told her — full of extra details and hand motions as the story got more exciting. Elisheva was surprised by how much she enjoyed it. Making the characters take random turns, making scenes more effective with the rising and falling of her voice. But she never would have guessed that her loved ones would be still thinking about it and requesting an encore.
"Hi there," she greeted them softly, her voice carrying a hint of an accent from her dimension. "So, er, you wanna hear a story or two?"
The children nodded eagerly, their faces lighting up with excitement. They found themselves drawn to her, sensing that her story would be unlike any they had ever heard.
Elisheva took a deep breath, her heart brimming with the tales and experiences she carried within her. She began to weave a tapestry of words, painting vivid pictures with her storytelling.
Lost in her thoughts, Elisheva began to recite the parable of the vineyard owner, her voice carrying a melodic cadence that captured the attention of the children who had been observing her from afar not even noticing two others listening close by.
"In a quaint village, there once stood a magnificent vineyard," Elisheva began, her eyes filled with wonder. "The vineyard was tended by a diligent and loving vineyard owner, who carefully planted the choicest vines and protected them with a sturdy fence."
The children listened intently, their imaginations taking flight as they visualized the lush vineyard in their minds. Elisheva continued, her voice filled with passion.
But as the story unfolded, Elisheva's voice softened, her tone carrying a hint of somberness. "One day, the vineyard owner decided to lease the vineyard to some tenants while he was away, He sent his servants to collect the fruits of the vineyard, but the tenants mistreated them, even going so far as to beat and kill them."
Gasps of shock and disbelief rippled through the young audience. Elisheva's storytelling had captured their hearts, and they were hanging onto her every word.
"The vineyard owner, full of love and compassion, sent more servants to collect the fruits, but the tenants treated them in the same cruel manner," Elisheva continued, her voice filled with empathy. "Finally, the vineyard owner sent his own beloved son, thinking that surely the tenants would respect him."
A hushed silence fell over the children as Elisheva's words carried the weight of the parable's message. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as they waited for the climax of the story.
"But, to their shame, the tenants conspired together and killed the son," Elisheva revealed, her voice trembling with emotion.
Unbeknownst to Elisheva, aside from the children and two other listeners, the nearby Fangs become aware of her storytelling. Commander Gnorm overhears snippets of the story, though he has never heard it before. However he suspects what the girl was attempting to teach through it.
Casually he instructs the other Fangs to break up the gathering before nonchalantly retreating indoors.
Brak, a prominent and imposing Fang dressed in red, nods in agreement. His stoic demeanor contrasts with the others, and he grimly steps forward. "I'll take care of it."
Joined by three other Fangs, including Vop, the eyepatched Fang, and the spiteful Orble, Brak approached the gathering as Elisheva was concluding the tale.
"When the vineyard owner returned, he was filled with righteous anger and brought swift justice upon those wicked tenants." Elisheva looked into the eyes of each child, carrying the weight of the parable's meaning. She wanted them to understand the importance of honoring and respecting others, and the consequences of selfishness and greed.
One child suddenly gasped, making the others turn to see the three approaching Fangs. Their presence casts a shadow over the children, who instinctively huddle closer to Elisheva.
Brak's menacing presence looms over them, his yellow eyes fixed on Elisheva, filled with disapproval. "What's goin on here?"
Elisheva locked eyes with Brak, then turned back to the children. She maintains her composure, though concern flickers in her eyes. "Okay kids, better head home. It's lunchtime. Hurry now, and stay safe."
The children, sensing the tension, disperse quickly, casting wary glances at the Fangs as they retreat. Brak and the other Fangs watch them leave, satisfied with their display of power.
Brak said nothing, he just stood there stoically. However, the other two Fangs mocked the children as they fled.
"That's right, run."
"Don't let us catch you causing trouble again."
Elisheva watches the children leave, disappointment etched on her face, but her eyes filled with determination. She glanced back at the Fangs as Brak addressed her.
"Word of advice, mouse." The red garbed Fang said, "If you're looking to settle in Glipwood, you better start by remembering who's in charge around here."
Elisheva stood her ground, her eyes locked with Brak's as he addressed her with a condescending tone. The other two Fangs sneered in amusement, reveling in their perceived dominance over the situation.
'Well, I sure know it's neither you, your boss or anyone else pulling the strings.' Elisheva thought, folding her arms. But aloud she said, "I was just telling a group of children a story from my homeland, I didn't think it would be that big a deal."
Brak's eyes narrowed, his expression growing more menacing. "That's the problem." he sneered. " The only runts you should concern yourself with are... your own. Glipwood belongs to the Fangs, don't think any immigrants are exempt."
The other two Fangs exchanged mocking glances, relishing in their perceived power over the newcomer. But she stood tall, refusing to back down.
Brak leaned in closer, his voice low and menacing. "Put one toe outta line, and it's the Black Carriage for ya," he warned, referring to the infamous Fangs' method of punishment. "You'd do well to remember that."
Elisheva's jaw tightened, but she maintained her composure.
Brak and the other Fangs turned away with a final glare, their presence fading into the background. Elisheva watched them leave, her heart pounding with a mix of chagrin and determination.
Initially she didn't think it was that big a deal to tell the children a simple parable from her world and culture, though seeing the Fangs get this close and irked must've mean they somehow recognized the themes behind it.
With a final glance at Brak and the retreating children, Elisheva gathers her belongings and walks away, her spirit unbroken, ready to continue her mission of searching for her loved ones.
This oneshot allows me to highlight the power dynamics in Glipwood and the Fangs' efforts to suppress any notions of freedom and justice. It showcases Elisheva's bravery and determination in the face of adversity and sets the stage for further exploration of her role in challenging the Fangs' oppressive rule in future stories.