Year X375, The Second Month of Winter.
11 months after Natsu's revival.
…
"Careful, careful…"
Zeref cautioned Natsu as the boy attempted to set alight the small piece of paper.
They were inside the cave practicing magic. A cave, full of documents cataloging Zeref's own research into his magic. In the same place Natsu was practicing fire magic.
It wasn't really smart practicing the elements within such a narrow space, but Natsu was adamant to learn more. So they began with less volatile elements, starting from water before proceeding to others. Thankfully, Natsu's ether magic was in its infancy- allowing him to perform magic within one year, but also letting Zeref personally manage his exercises.
Therein laid the problem. Zeref couldn't use too much of his magic energy, fearing that it would disturb the seal holding back the rest of his death magic. He was limited to a small fraction of it, which was more than enough to control Natsu's beginner practice.
In a few years, he wouldn't be able to control Natsu's magic anymore. A few more after that and the seal would be completely eroded by his death magic.
So, one of Zeref's current goals was to build a solid magical foundation for his little brother while he still could.
A spark, followed by a miniscule change in temperature as a flame burst into existence. It quickly ate up the torn papyrus fragment before disappearing as the fuel was exhausted.
"I-I did it!" Natsu turned excitedly to his brother.
Zeref smiled and patted him on the head.
"Good job."
They were halfway through winter, and Natsu had already learned to cast tiny amounts of each element he learned. Every week, he would dive into learning a new element. While the magic wasn't impressive, it was the rate at which Natsu picked it up. Soon, Zeref would start having to teach him harder lessons like the fundamentals of the basic elements.
"Now, enough training. We're already late for your handwriting exercises."
Natsu pouted at him.
"Don't give me that look. I have already given you extra time to practice magic. If you want more time, then use your free time after the exercises."
Zeref hoped to teach Natsu the importance of managing his time, so that Natsu would learn to allocate his time effectively. Splitting his efforts between multiple subjects would help the boy multitask later on. Zeref wanted his little brother to be like him, talented in numerous fields of magic.
The first step to all those would be making sure Natsu learned the importance of different magics. Not just in Caster Magic, which is the active use of magic from the body, but also Holder Magic, which is magic that can be activated through other magical sources. Much of Zeref's current magic is limited to Holder Magic due to his seal holding back the rest of it, in fear of inflicting his unstable Death Magic around other people.
Zeref picked up a sheet of papyrus and gave the rough material to Natsu. The boy grumbled at the paper, before taking it from his hand and grabbing a quill on the table.
At least Natsu was motivated to work hard if he wanted to learn magic.
**BGM: A Doll's Beginning by Evan Call, Violet Garden OST Extended Version**
Year X376, First Month of Spring.
…
Zeref and Natsu looked at the cave that had been their home for the last year.
The past week had been spent preparing for their departure, Zeref storing all of his research inside a spatial artifact. The only things left behind were a few pieces of furniture. Two beds pushed up against both sides of the room, and an assortment of makeshift tables and chairs Zeref himself constructed. There was not much left of importance, since Zeref and Natsu didn't really keep much belongings.
For some reason that Natsu didn't understand, Zeref still decided to carry around a large bag containing clothes, food, and water. A smaller bag was also provided for Natsu to carry.
"Why are we bringing bags? Isn't it better to keep it in the ring?"
Natsu still wasn't good with big words. Artifact, being one of them.
Zeref picked up the larger bag while handing the smaller one to Natsu.
"People travel with bags all the time. We're just doing the same."
The truth was that Zeref didn't want to stand out. Once they started travelling, meeting other people was inevitable. Other travellers would notice inconsistencies that would make them wary of the siblings. Such as being bandits, since they were commonly seen on roads without bags, simply because they were there to take them. Some would jump to the assumption that both were mages, and Zeref didn't want to attract attention. He wanted to travel quietly, show Natsu the world as it was.
Natsu accepted the smaller bag, holding onto it with a rope while Zeref fixed it on his bag.
"Let's go. We shall visit the village one last time to buy some food while biding everyone goodbye."
Zeref went ahead and exited the cave, turning back to see Natsu giving the cave one last look.
"So we're really leaving home?" Natsu clarified one last time, his tone different.
The older sibling smiled. It was clear to him that had gotten attached with the small cavern they called home. It had been his safe space, a comfortable sanctuary that he relied on. It was expected that the young boy would come to appreciate it.
"Home…is not a place." Zeref tapped Natsu on the chest. "It's where your heart is."
He waved his hand to the world outside.
"There are many things out there, Natsu. So much that I want to show you. This world is full of beauty and I want you to experience them all."
Natsu's eyes glanced behind him one more time. He turned around, taking a step forwards into the wide world. Zeref smiled, holding his hand out to Natsu, who clung to it.
Together, the two began their travels.
.
.
.
The trip to the village was long. The siblings covering the distance in an hour.
The villagers were quick to notice the bags they carried, and came to greet the pair before they left. Zeref bade each of them farewell, having built a good relationship with many of them during his long stay in the area. Natsu also joined him, being taught that goodbyes were expected as part of normal courtesy.
"So, this is the last time we'll be seeing you around." The butcher clarified.
"Indeed. We plan to start travelling again." Zeref confirmed.
"I had a feeling you weren't going to stay. You didn't feel like the rest of us, I would take a guess that you're one of those educated upper class in the cities. Though, you're clearly far more courteous to treat us nobodies like equals."
"Oh…was it that obvious?" Natsu watched his older brother scratch his head apprehensively.
"Boy, the entire village could tell from the very first day you walked in here. Nobody walks that smoothly nor acts with as much manners as you do. You're practically the prince all the girls have been waiting here for."
Zeref chuckled nervously at that.
"Anyway…here's a little something for you before you go."
The butcher picked up his carving knife, cutting into a slab of deer meat hanged in front of his shop.
"W-wait. I haven't told you what I was ordering." The older brother tried to stop the butcher.
"It's on me. A goodbye gift for such a good customer. You've never tried to haggle for a lower price like many I meet on a daily basis." The butcher grinned widely, showing his appreciation.
The cut of deer meat was wrapped with straw and handed to Zeref.
"That should be enough for three days between the both of you. Good luck and safe travels."
Zeref felt the butcher pat his shoulder aggressively, laughing at the stunned face the young man showed.
"T-thank you. But I still want to-"
"No payment. That is final." The butcher crossed his arms. "Even if you give me gold, I wouldn't accept it. Would feel like cheating."
"Thank you, mister!" Natsu exclaimed happily for the free food.
The gruff man turned to look at the younger sibling now.
"And you. Make sure you grow up into a good man like your brother, ok? This world needs more people like him." He rubbed the young boy's hair roughly, making the hair wild and messy.
Zeref only smiled at the interaction between the two.
.
.
.
Next was the tavern owner. The last place Zeref wanted to visit before leaving the small village.
When they arrived, the woman was already waiting outside. In her arms, was a small package.
"Finally leaving are we? Couldn't you stay a bit longer so that I could earn a little more?" The woman grumbled at Zeref. He smiled in reply.
"Sorry, but I did say it in the last week or so."
Natsu, who picked up on the smell wafting from the package, quickly jumped in.
"I-is that apple pie?"
The tavern owner smiled, lowering herself to Natsu's level.
"Why, yes it is. Now hold your arms out."
Zeref watched his little brother do as instructed before the lady placed the package in his arms.
"It's my little gift for you and your brother. Can't have you boys leaving without something to enjoy on your trip."
Natsu's eyes kept switching from the smiling lady and her gift. They were sparkling in delight.
The scene made Zeref feel warm inside.
This. This was what he wanted to show his brother.
To stay in that little cave would mean to turn a blind eye to the wonders of the world, of the people, and of the experiences they would have.
"Be a good boy, ok Natsu? Don't cause trouble for your brother." She reminded him.
"Yup! I'll be a good boy!" Natsu answered happily.
The lady turned to Zeref. "As for you…you better make sure he grows up into a good man. If he's nowhere near as good as you, then clearly you haven't done a good job."
"I will."
With that, the woman smiled.
Zeref uttered his goodbye, Natsu doing the same. The tavern owner did the same, wishing them good luck and a happy journey.
.
.
.
Zeref walked ahead of Natsu, leading the younger sibling on the road out the village.
The ground was worn, revealing the constant use it was under. More importantly, it was the path they would use. Zeref wanted to reach a town and catch a caravan that they could ride with. From there, they would accompany the traders until they reached a city.
Villages like this could only survive because a human territory existed nearby. Be it an entire kingdom or an independent city, a human presence meant there was a sizeable power capable of protecting them from wild elements and other races.
In this case, that kingdom was Dragnof. One of the few lands humans can live on in the continent of Ishgar. Its existence was primarily because of the presence of dragons. Dragons- who have agreed to live together with humans, establishing a human-dragon kingdom on the continent. A close relationship was formed between the humans and dragons living in the kingdom, giving the people a chance to flourish and develop their own magic and technology.
That was Zeref's current goal. Bringing Natsu to the capital of Dragnof and using the resources there to educate him. With his reputation and ability, he could exchange his services to access the magical archives of the nation.
But first, the siblings would need to reach Dragnof.
Much of the day was spent walking, Zeref making sure to take periodic breaks for Natsu's sake. The body of his little brother was that of a six year old, and was not capable of travelling for very long. Zeref didn't want to make the journey easier with magic, intent on acclimating Natsu to a life of hardship. If the common person undertook the same trip without magic, then Natsu would have to learn to survive without it as well.
In the future, his brother would thank him. Relying on magic became a weakness every mage had. Their overreliance on magic limited their perspective on the world, to the point that it affected their daily lives. Sometimes even going as far as using magic to solve basic problems. Zeref himself believed that the best solutions were the simplest ones, which magic is not able to provide. People were responsible for thinking and creating solutions, and magic was just a tool to achieve that goal.
Late that afternoon, the pair of siblings stopped to prepare for the night.
Zeref, carrying Natsu on his shoulders and their bags on his back, stopped by a small dry patch of land on the side of the road.
"We're stopping here for the night."
Natsu was lowered to the ground and Zeref eyed some bushes to hide the bags in. He would be bringing Natsu along to teach him the necessary materials in building a good campfire.
"Natsu, let's hide the bags behind the bushes. Then I'll teach you how to prepare a campfire tonight."
Both siblings stored their bags in separate bushes before leaving for the forest treeline some distance away. It was a young forest, the size of trees ranging from small to medium showing its relative age.
"Let's start with collecting branches for the fire." Zeref picked up two branches, one thing, the other thick. "Which of these two would make for a better fuel?"
Natsu didn't have any idea, deciding to use his magic lessons as a basis for his answer.
"The bigger one."
Zeref nodded. While the wording was incorrect, he understood that Natsu was referring to the thicker branch.
"This is not bigger, it is thicker." He was still adamant on teaching Natsu new words. Reinforcing the lessons on his mind so the boy would understand harder words when studying magic. "But yes, you are correct. This branch provides more fuel because it is larger."
Natsu still wasn't aware of the concept of density, which Zeref planned to teach later down the line. For now, he would teach the boy the importance of different materials.
"There is also another way to find good firewood, and it's by the strength of the wood. Stronger wood survives longer, which means a longer fire." Zeref pointed to some trees. "We will both collect branches, but make sure to collect thin branches too. Return to the camp when your arms are full."
It took some time for them to accomplish the task, both siblings returning to the camp afterwards. Natsu quickly noticed one large piece of wood that Zeref brought, different from the rest of the branches.
"Is that for fuel too?" He asked.
Zeref nodded.
"This will be the base for the campfire. The branches are here to help start the fire until it is strong enough to burn this log." He arranged the branches around the firewood, placing the thinner branches outside while the thicker ones inside. "Branches are not good as fuel, they are small and thin. What they are good for- are as firestarters. Their small form allows us to burn them easily, igniting a stronger fire the more we have."
Natsu watched as Zeref prepared a flat thin piece of wood and a small stick that was somewhat straight. He brought out a bunch of dried leaves, crunching them into smaller piece and leaving them on top of the makeshift wooden board.
"This is how we start a fire without magic, Natsu. The flat board becomes our base, the dried leaves are the fuel we need to start a fire. But to start a fire, we need heat." Zeref showed Natsu the straight stick. "To make heat, friction is needed, and to have friction, we create movement."
The smaller sibling observed as his older brother started rubbing his hands back and forth on the stick, spinning it in place over the dried leaves. A few minutes of rubbing took place before he noticed smoke wafting from the stick and the leaves. Zeref continued to twist the stick, creating more smoke. When it reached a suitable amount of heat, he started blowing on the contact patch. Sparks appeared as the darkened contact patch showed signs of glowing from the small patches of heat. Zeref increased the amount of air powering the fire by blowing on it, the sparks turning into small flames that spread across the leaves and flat piece of wood. Carefully, he moved the small burning wood in between the branches, letting the growing fire consume them.
By that time, the sun was already setting and the skies purple as night came.
"We're not finished yet."
Natsu turned to Zeref with a confused look.
"We need rocks to place around the fire. It blocks the wind at night from blowing out the base of our campfire. Help me find some."
Some time later, a small circle of rocks surrounded the fire while Zeref brought out the packed food they had. There was no more apple pie, having been eaten as lunch earlier in the day. What they did have were some hard bread, fruit, and dried meat. The food was similar to that of their normal meals in the cave, so Natsu was perfectly accustomed to them. Both siblings dug into their dinners, hungry from the day's trip.
After eating dinner, there was nothing more to be done. The siblings settled into a comfortable silence while enjoying the warmth of the fire while digesting the food. While they rested, Natsu looked at the expansive sky above him. Dotted with beautiful stars and complex light formations that were actually galaxies, the young boy thought about the world.
"Was the world always this large?"
Zeref looked over to his brother who asked the question.
"Bigger than anything you have ever imagined."
Natsu continued to admire the beautiful sky.
"How big?"
"I don't know."
To be honest, Zeref had only travelled the continent of Ishgar. He had never ventured to the western continent of Alakitasia nor the northern continent of Guiltina.
"Can you tell me about it?"
Zeref knew what Natsu wanted. For some reason, the boy enjoyed listening to him talking about magic. Before they slept, Natsu would ask Zeref about his adventures that involved magic, always nodding off to sleep in the middle of his stories.
This time, his little brother wanted to learn about the world.
He began with the known history of the land, talking about the first races that were recorded by the earliest humans. A quarter of an hour later, in the midst of talking about the rise of the first human kingdom and signifying X0001, the first year of the modern calendar, Zeref stopped.
Natsu had dozed off beside him.
A small smile crept over Zeref's face. Natsu had fallen asleep while leaning against him, not exactly a comfortable position to spend the night in. With a few careful movements, he arranged the sleeping position of his little brother beside him, making sure that Natsu wouldn't wake up sore from sleeping. Zeref himself parepared to sleep, double checking the alarm wards he placed down while they were busy collecting branches in the forest.
If anyone approached that night, Zeref would be awake long before the intruder reached them.
Much of the week was spent travelling, the nights spent resting under the majestic sky.
Each night, Natsu asked stories about the world, and each night, Zeref continued to do so. Before the first leg of their journey was finished, Natsu had learned about the current kingdoms and races living in the continent of Ishgar.
"Why don't we see them then?" Natsu asked while munching on a fruit.
It was late afternoon, and Zeref handed out snacks for both of them.
"We are in the wrong place. Other races are more common in towns and cities, though some others are harder to find. Elves for example are rarely found outside their homes. Some are locked into their habitats like the mermaids who can't leave water."
Natsu was quiet as he digested the information.
They walked over the small hill's crest, finally sighting the first sign of civilization since the village. Down the hill and at the end of the road was an intersection with a wooden post, signs showing the directions towards different places. It was a small intersection, only connecting three roads together. The siblings continued walking down the hill, stopping in front of the signpost.
"A small test. Natsu, do you remember which direction we're supposed to travel in?"
Natsu thought for a moment.
"Dragnof is north, you said."
"Good. Do you remember which direction is north?"
Natsu pointed in a specific direction, a lesson Zeref made sure he learned.
"Now which path should we take to get closer to our destination?"
The answer was simple, they only needed to take the path that was leading to a town or village towards the north. Natsu nodded then walked over to the path on the right side of the signpost.
"This one leads closer to the north."
"Good job. We'll continue on this road until we reach the next town."
Natsu looked conflicted.
"How much longer do we have to travel? We've been walking for so long…"
Zeref smiled while rubbing his brother's head.
"We're already halfway there. This is now an intersection, meaning we are in the middle of some villages. We follow this one and we're bound to get more intersections until the road becomes a major route. Once we reach the first town, we'll be joining a caravan heading for the capital of Dragnof."
Natsu looked at the country road they were still travelling on.
"How long?"
"Let's say a few more days and we'll start seeing more travellers. A week and we'll reach a town."
Zeref remembered the area, having scouted each location to set up his secret laboratory for Natsu's revival. They were now closer to civilization compared to the village they lived nearby in the past year.
"Just a little longer ok? I promise." He smiled at Natsu.
His little brother nodded, accepting that he would need to put up a little more until they reached their first destination.
.
.
.
Three days later, Natsu met the first stranger outside the village.
It was a farmer riding on a cart being pulled along by a pair of oxen. The cart was piled full of straw, clearly headed for the same town the siblings were travelling to.
The gruff elder caught up to the two travellers as they trekked on the road.
"And what might two younglings like you both be travelling alone?" He greeted after reaching them.
Zeref looked like a young man in his early twenties, and Natsu was a six year old. So, it was natural for some people to be curious why such a young pair were on the road without adults.
"We are trying to get to the city so we can find work." Zeref answered for them. "I'm bringing along my brother because there is no one else to take care of him."
It was worded in such a way, suggesting that the two no longer had parents- which were true. Zeref and Natsu had never met them, and Zeref had grown independent alone, which he wanted Natsu to follow.
"You poor things. Why not hitch a ride on the back of the cart? Just sit on the straw while we're on our way to town? You can cut down the trek by two days this way."
Natsu, tired from all the walking, perked up. Zeref gave a smile while bowing in thanks.
"Thank you, we appreciate it. We have been walking for ten days now, and my little brother is not yet accustomed to travelling."
"As long as you cause no trouble, then I won't have to kick you from my cart, alright? Come on, get up already."
Natsu quickly jumped on the back of the cart and was carried by Zeref on top of the straw stack. The older brother followed, climbing on it alone until he was settled properly.
The farmer pulled on his reins, signifying the oxen to start pulling the cart. It started moving, trudging along at a pace slightly faster than a walk. They were a more efficient mode of travel, the oxen having more endurance and power than a person. The distance a person walked in a day would be less than what an oxen covered.
.
.
.
Natsu stared at the town in front of him.
It.
Was.
Humongous.
"T-this is a town…?"
They were still outside, but Natsu was already in shock. The stone walls were two storeys high, a massive steel gate two times the width of the road, a gatehouse composed of a pair of towers flanking each side of the entrance, multiple buttresses reinforcing the outerwall, followed by many unknown contraptions on top- poking through the battlements.
Natsu stared at the extremely massive lizard- no- dragon, walking on top of the walls watching the line of people entering the town.
"I-Its so big…"
The farmer chuckled while watching Natsu's reaction.
"I assume this is your first time seeing a Dragnof settlement aside from the countryside villages?"
"Yes, he hasn't seen one yet." Zeref confirmed.
"Why is it so big? You said towns were just bigger villages." Natuse turned to his brother.
"Some of them. This town of Vedeirvilla is different. It used to be a major trading hub before it was turned into a makeshift fortress in the old days. Back then, it was common for other races to raid human territory and Vedeirvilla was where the refugees ran to for protection. As the biggest town with the largest population, they were the safest settlement to ward off the attacks. Over time, people started forming militia and friendly dragons agreed to move in and help the defense of the town. The town council and dragons requested support from the capital, and the kingdom sent people to strengthen the town's defenses. Just like most of the Dragnof kingdom, the town was designed both to house men and dragons."
"Just like most of the Dragnof kingdom…?"
"It is only the countryside villages that are tiny. Vedeirvilla here is a large town, but it is at best a small settlement compared to the cities." The farmer answered for him.
This town was small?
From his perspective, the town wall was already longer than all village houses connected side by side. Zeref stepped in when he saw the confused expression on Natsu's face.
"Vedeirvilla is a fortress town with a population of around forty thousand. Compared to cities like the capital of Dragnof with a population of six hundred thousand, it is but a small settlement."
Natsu couldn't even imagine how many a thousand people were, and Vedeirvilla had forty thousand. He was starting to feel overwhelmed from all the new information. A hand landed on his head and rubbed it.
"Don't think too much about it. It's better to just absorb it all for now."
Listening to his brother's advice, Natsu went back to watching the wall. They were still a fair distance away, allowing him to see slightly over the wall.
Was that a dragon leaving the town?
There were more dragons? Natsu was already overwhelmed from not just the town's massive size, but also the great beast standing guard over the walls.
"How many dragons are there? One just flew out of the town."
"Oh there's a few of them in there. Probably around thirty..."
Thirty of those things live here.
Natsu was beginning to question how such creatures managed to accept people. From Zeref's stories, dragons were one of the strongest races in the world, their strongest capable of even fighting celestial beings like gods.
So what did they find valuable in humanity?
Watching the large dragon fly away and another guard the village gates above the walls awoke an interest in Natsu.
Beautiful.
Strong.
Magical.
And most of all, they were friends of humans.
Deep within Natsu, a small spark of interest burst to life.
What are dragons?
The thought disappeared as fast as it had come, Natsu's attention focused on the dragon overlooking the town wall.
Time passed quickly and soon the cart reached the gates. Natsu watched the large archway pass over them, the thick steel gate looming from above. They looked old, a reminder that this town was reinforced long ago, when humanity was still a fledgling power in the region.
Once they were past the gate, the farmer guided the oxen to pull the cart to the roadside.
"Well, here's my stop. I hope you're both fine if I drop you here?"
Zeref dropped down from the cart, followed by Natsu.
"Yes. Thank you for the ride. We can continue from here."
Now that Natsu and Zeref reached Vedeirvilla, the most difficult part of their journey was over.
The farmer waved at them as he departed. In return, Natsu and Zeref bowed slightly to show their gratitude. The two brothers only moved once the cart had rounded the corner. Zeref explained to Natsu his plans during their short stop in Vedeirvilla.
"We're spending the night in a tavern, then restocking on food tomorrow. After that, we're going to see which caravans are heading for the capital and are willing to take us with them. We find out when they depart and join them on the day they start the journey."
Natsu nodded, listening to his brother while also observing the new environment he found himself in. The town was much different compared to what he expected. The streets were cobbled with stone, their width extremely long. Natsu guessed that the street could fit ten carts in total.
"Why are the streets here so wide?"
Zeref smiled while leading Natsu down one of them. He could understand the confusion his little brother was going through. Even he was baffled at just how enormous the architecture of Dragnof could reach when they included dragons in their plans.
"They're meant for both humans and dragons to use. Major avenues like these are designed so that two dragons could walk together side by side, while still giving some extra space for the people. Smaller streets are not as wide, but still require enough space for at least one dragon to fit."
Now that Natsu understood the reason why they were so wide, then he assumed the said could be said for why the buildings were just as massive. Each building they passed by was made of stone, with windows large enough that a few people could climb through at the same time. In fact, the buildings were actually taller than the walls, some buildings actually had double the height with what seemed like a large platform on top.
"Is that also why the buildings are bigger than the walls? They are meant to house dragons?"
If they were, Natsu was beginning to just believe that the Dragnof kingdom must be very rich to afford all these.
"Not really. Some of these houses are shared by families since they are massive. But there must be enough space inside for a dragon's head to poke in when they visit friends. See that large building that's bigger than the rest here? That's actually a restaurant. They serve cooked feasts to dragons as well, which are paid for by the town itself."
Natsu's mouth hanged open.
"H-how do they even serve a dragon a feast? They're so big!"
"Because of how much food they feast on, the surrounding roofs are rented by the restaurant to serve food in. That archway is an opening for them to carry the food to separate buildings. Special restaurants like these are actually funded by the Dragnof kingdom. Dragnof law requires that the kingdom erect special restaurants that could serve dragons, a law that the prideful dragons won't admit they are greatful for. You'd be surprised how many dragons decide to feast in a month. Hunting down prey is fine and all, but prior to Dragnof, they never learned the taste of a cooked dish."
Food.
Was that the entire reason dragons befriended humans?
Natsu tried to imagine a dragon eating at a restaurant, but didn't have an idea where to begin. The thought alone was already insane. For one, what kind of food did dragons even like?
"What else does the kingdom do for dragons? It's clear they value them a lot."
"Everything a human can do, they offer to dragons. Let's say a bath. There is a special hot spring in town designed to fit six dragons at once, with an adjacent area for people. This is to avoid any accidents between the two races, while also allowing both sides to interact."
A hot spring.
A dragon enjoying a hot spring.
Wait…what was a hot spring?
"What's a hot spring?"
"Let's say it's a man-made lake with warm water. They are actually called pools when people build them."
Zeref substituted the big word artificial with man-made. Natsu wasn't ready for such language yet.
A man-made lake.
Natsu blinked, trying to imagine what it would look like.
"I-I think I understand…?"
Zeref laughed at his answer.
The pair of siblings reached the tavern Zeref wanted to stay in, renting a room for that night and eating their first hearty meal in over two weeks. At that point, the sun had set, prompting the night to reclaim the sky, stars appearing above and the familiar white moon rising above the horizon. Streets were awash with light from the lamps, cobbled streets colored orange and yellow. The town quietened slightly as a large portion of the populace settled down to rest for the night. Only a small fraction of activity remained, those whose jobs continued on until morning.
That was the scene Natsu saw while looking out the tavern's window. Streets still filled with pedestrians, though at a significantly smaller number compared to earlier. The brightly lit lamps, both flame and magic, looked like miniature suns from his perspective as they illuminated cobbled streets, turning them from a rugged unnatural road to a beautiful one in his eyes. The entire town was an abnormality from Natsu's perspective, having grown accustomed to nature without man. Here, it was the opposite.
Man without nature.
Zeref watched Natsu with a smile. Whereas the boy was overwhelmed earlier from the sheer amount of people and the rugged appearance the town was in- a necessity due to the destructive tendencies of dragons, he was now openly admiring the brightly lit streets with wonder.
"Looks nice doesn't it?"
"I-I never thought we could build something so nice."
Natsu would admit that the village nearby their cave wasn't beautiful, it was a ramshackle of homes built by people out in the wilderness.
This?
This was different.
"Wait until you see the cities."
Natsu couldn't comprehend how much grander the cities would look like.
"Do you want to see more of the town tonight?"
Zeref had seen Natsu's reaction as dusk settled. He could understand where the boy was coming from. Not only was the town already overwhelming in the day for his little brother, but the transformation when it turned night was also just as mind-blowing.
Almost like it was magic.
Natsu nodded, eager to see more of Vedeirvilla.
"I think we can explore the town for an hour or two. But that means less sleep to catch the caravans early tomorrow." Zeref warned him.
Natsu didn't care. He wanted to see more of the town now and tugged Zeref's arm enthusiastically. The older sibling allowed himself to be pulled forwards.
This time, he would be the one following where Natsu wanted to go.