The sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape, painting the sky with hues of coral and salmon. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers, and the sound of chirping crickets provides a soothing background melody.
As we continue to talk, the old man expertly builds a small campfire, the flames crackling to life as he adds dry wood to the fire. The fire crackles and spits, casting a golden glow over our faces, and the warmth emanating from it is a welcome respite from the cooling evening air.
The old man carefully places the fish on a makeshift skewer, and the aroma of sizzling fish wafts through the air, making my stomach growl with hunger. The smell is intoxicating, and my mouth waters in anticipation.
As the fish is cooked to perfection, the old man hands me one, his eyes twinkling with kindness. "Here, boy, have one," he says, his voice gruff but warm, like a gentle bear.
"Thank you, Gramps," I say, taking a bite. The flavors explode on my tongue, a perfect balance of smoky and savory. "It's delicious!" I exclaim, and the old man lets out a hearty laugh.
"Hahaa, glad you liked it, young boy!" he says, his eyes crinkling at the corners, like the lines on a well-worn book.
As we sit by the campfire, watching the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky, I ask the old man, "You don't look like you're from around here, Gramps. Where do you live?"
The old man's expression turns wistful, and he gazes into the distance, his eyes lost in thought. The stars above seem to twinkle in sync with his gaze, as if the universe itself is sharing his secrets.
"I'm an adventurer, boy," he says, his voice filled with a sense of longing, like a sailor yearning for the open sea.
"I love to explore the world, to see the natural beauty that this world has to offer. I've traveled across many states, seen wonders that most people can only dream of." His voice is like a gentle breeze on a summer day, carrying the scent of far-off lands and exotic spices.
"Can you tell me more about your adventures, Gramps?" I ask, my eyes wide with excitement. The old man's face creases into a warm smile, and he nods, settling into his storytelling. "Ah, boy, where do I even begin?" he says, his eyes glazing over as he gazes into his past.
"I've spent my life traversing the world, seeking out the most breathtaking natural wonders," he begins. "I've watched the sunrise over the towering Dragon's Spine mountains, felt the mist of the majestic Celestial Falls on my face, and walked the scorching dunes of the Golden Desert."
As he speaks, his voice paints vivid pictures in my mind, and I feel like I'm right there with him, experiencing the thrill of discovery.
The campfire crackles and spits, casting flickering shadows on the old man's face, making his features seem even more rugged and weathered. The stars above twinkle like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse, and the night air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant hooting of owls.
"But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, boy," he says, his expression turning serious, like a storm cloud gathering on the horizon.
"There were dark times, too. Times when I had to face the monsters that lurk in the shadows." His voice drops to a whisper, and I feel a shiver run down my spine as I gaze up at him with wide eyes.
"I wonder... it must be fun," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "This is the first time I've heard about such incredible adventures, Gramps."
The old man's eyes sparkle with a knowing glint, and he learned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.
The old man's eyes locked onto mine with an unnerving intensity, his gaze piercing like a winter breeze. "Not only do you look like him, but you also speak the same words," he thought to himself.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as he stared at me, his eyes seeming to bore into my very soul. And then, a warm smile spread across his face, like the sun breaking through the clouds on a stormy day.
"Where do you live, Aries?" the old man asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. I smiled, feeling a sense of pride and belonging. "Not far, just near the farms," I replied, gesturing vaguely in the direction of my house.
The old man nodded thoughtfully, his gaze drifting towards the horizon, where the sky was painted with hues of pink and orange.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant chirping of crickets.
The old man's eyes seemed to gleam with a hint of weariness as he said, "It's been too late. Mind if I stay one night at your place?"
I grinned, feeling a surge of excitement at the prospect of having this fascinating stranger stay with us. "Yeah, sure Gramps!" I exclaimed, my smile bright and welcoming. "It would be a pleasure!"
The old man chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "No, no, the pleasure is all mine," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.
As we began our walk through the farms, the crunch of gravel beneath our feet was the only sound breaking the evening silence. The sky was painted dark, with the stars shining like diamonds against the blackness.
The air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent of damp earth and growing crops.
The old man's presence seemed to loom large beside me, his strides long and purposeful. The sound of our footsteps echoed through the stillness, and I felt a sense of companionship wash over me. The old man's eyes seemed to gleam with a hint of curiosity as he gazed around at the farms.
As we approached my home, the darkness of night began to fall, casting a mystical spell over the landscape. The stars twinkled like diamonds in the sky, and the moon cast a silver glow over the fields.
The old man looked around, his eyes taking in the rustic charm of our farmhouse. "So you live here, huh, Aries?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
I nodded as I knocked on the door, calling out, "Mom, Dad, it's me!"
The door creaked open, and my mother stood before us, a look of annoyance on her face. Her eyes narrowed, and her voice was laced with worry.
"Where have you been, Aries? I've been worried sick! It's been too late, and you're returning home now?" she exclaimed, her hands on her hips.
I held up my hands, placating her. "No, Mommy, please leave me for this time. I was with this Gramps," I said, gesturing to the old man.
"who gramps?" My mother lifted her head and eyebrows to look at the old man, and her expression changed from annoyance to shock.
She took in the old man's rugged features, his wind-swept hair, and his piercing eyes. Her eyes widened, and she stumbled backwards, her hand flying to her mouth.
My father came from inside the house "What's taking you so long, honey? Is Aries here?" he asked, rushing to her side, A look of concern etched on his face. As he saw the old man, he let out a shout of surprise, his eyes locked onto the old man's face.
I felt a surge of confusion, unsure of what was happening. "Whats wrong? why were they reacting like this?" I thought.
"Why are you stunned like that, Mom? Dad? What's going on?" I asked, my voice laced with curiosity and concern.
My father's eyes remained fixed on the old man, his gaze intense and unyielding. He took a step forward, his movements deliberate and measured.
"Aries, the man standing before you...," he began, his voice low and husky.
But before he could finish, he seemed to struggle for words, his emotions getting the better of him.
His eyes darted back and forth, as if searching for the right words to convey the magnitude of the situation.
I tried to fill the silence, "Oh, this Gramps before me, huh? He's an awesome adventurer, Dad, he is very-"
But my father cut me off, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and excitement. "This man standing before us is Drake Ironhart, an infamous powerful knight who is an S-rank!"
As I heard my father's words, I felt like I had been punched in the gut "An S-Rank Knight ?" i stutterred, my eyes and mouth wide open with shock and amazement. "whaaaat?" I exclaimed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Drake Ironhart, the old man, chuckled and scratched his teal hair, his eyes twinkling with humility. "No, No I'm not worth that many compliments" he said, his voice laced with a hint of embarrassment.
My parents, however, were not having it they stepped aside, ushering Drake into our home with a warm smiles. "Please, come in, Mr. Drake" my mother said , her voice filled with respect.
Father nodded in agreement, his eyes shining with excitement. "yes, please, make yourself at home. we're honored to have you here."
Drake smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and stepped into our home, his presence filling the room with an air of quiet authority.
Drake Then entered the hall, his eyes scanning the room. He settled into the plush Sofa, his worn leather boots creaking softly.
my sister, keylith , served him a steaming cup of tea, "here, Mr. Drake" she said, her eyes wide with excitement. "thank you dear girl" he said then took a sip of the tea "its good" he said smiling towards keylith.
my parents, Dorian and Liora, sat opposite drake, their faces filled with curiosity and respect. "What brings you here, Mr. Drake. And where did you meet Aries" my father asked.
Drake took a sip of his tea, then set the cup down.
"Before we start, Aries, can you come here?" drake asked, his voice low and mysterious. I walked over, curious about what he wanted. "yes, gram-" before I could finish, he struck me with a swift blow to the neck.
I felt a surge of pain, got unconscious and stumbled forward, but drake caught me, his arms wrapping arround me to hold me upright. my mother let out a shocked gasp, her hand flying to her mouth.
my father jumped to his feet, his eyes blazing with anger. "Sir Drake, what do you think you are doing?" he demanded his voice firm but controlled.
Drake's expression remained calm and serene. "Relax, mr.Dorian. I mean not harm. I just don't want him to hear this conversation." with that, he gently laid me down on the couch, my head spinning as i struggle to regain consciousness.
Dorian's expression turned cautious as he sat back down on the couch. " What is it that you wanted to talk about Mr. Drake?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Drake's gaze drifted off into the distance, a hint of a smile playing on his lips "After all these years, I've finally found someone" he said, his voice filled with a sense of wonder "An individual with great potential."
My parents exchanged a confused glance. "what are you talking about Mr.drake ?" my father asked, his voice filled with confusion.
Drake's eyes snapped back into focus his gaze locking onto my parents. "I'm asking you both", he paused then gets quite straight, with seriousness "To let me take Aries on my care, on my journey."