Akipoutark

Crackles of fire, warm wind hitting trees, the sky covered in black clouds. Under it, suffering runs amok. Fighting and yelling. Metal on bone and flesh. The smell of death and the cries of despair. War is never easy, there is always a losing side. Even when one side may win in the world's eyes. It's all of those tiny losses that feel insurmountable. Those losses feel like all of it was never worth the effort.

Parents lose children, children lose parents, siblings get ripped apart yet it's the only way to protect the overall balance. The world will never be perfect but protecting what little of it we hold dear comes with great consequence. So long as evil still lurks. And that day is no different...

"It's my job to keep you safe and free"

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Long ago

Sounds of metal and leather clanks around. The guards keep patrol around town, it's one of those uneventful days where people are happy and working. Enjoying their lives the best they can. Birds are chirping, cicadas are at their loudest. The sun is at its highest when a woman skips along the path in excitement towards one of the tallest guards standing near the entry gate. Her ebony hair gently dragging behind her with the slight wind. She stops right in front of him with her hands behind her back. She looks up with her ever so slightly mischievous smile.

- Good Afternoon M'lady, is everything alright? He looks down towards her while keeping his focus on his work.

- YES! .. Yes! Everything is perfect! We just received news some new traders are coming to town soon. From all over! She giggled with excitement.

-That's amazing, Congratulations! He looks back up.

-... Nothing to say?? Oh Garroth! I am taking YOU with ME. You need a break. She huffs and puts her hands on her hips. While pouting she grabs the guard's arm. He lets out a grunt of surprise

-I'm fine Lord Aphmau can't this wait after my patrol is over? He shrugs her off and gives her an annoyed look. The woman in front of him gave him a glare before snickering.

-Oh you! Your Patrol is already over!

-Huh?

-Because I said so! Now come!

They end up at the entrance of the market. There was mild chatter and boxes cluttering the space. People carrying the merchandise and some taking a break to eat lunch. There were a couple new temporary traveling merchants. It made the market look more lived in than usual. It was going to be busy for the next few weeks. The guard recognized the insignias for some of the merchants. Some symbolized clans, some houses, and some their hometown. He tried to avoid staring at one in particular. He sighed as he was dragged around by the short woman.

They approached a stall that had pastries of all kinds. It smelled wonderfully fruity and flavorful. The woman was feasting with her eyes with stars in her eyes. They took some of the options to try out later and give some to friends who were still at work. Chimes gently swayed in the wind towards a toy vendor. And there they went on to their next destination.

And just like that they spend the entire lunchtime looking at the various products that arrived. Leaving with arms full of things they headed back towards the guard house. Children started playing outside, catching bugs and running with animals. The afternoon was always lovely in this town. Nothing to disturb it. As they arrive they catch a glimpse of a man in a green cape arriving from his rotation to take a break. They picked up the pace to catch up with him.

-Laurance! Wait up! The woman said as she started trotting towards the man.

He turned around with a look that seemed like he was just taken out of his monotonous focus of everyday work. He blinked and smiled when he saw who was approaching him. Eyes became soft as he glanced over to Garroth. He halted until they could catch up with him.

-I see you both have been busy. He raised an eyebrow and smirked eyeing out all the boxes and bags.

- You know, just the usual. Some new merchants are in town. Lady Aphmau urged me to come. Just wouldn't allow me to work. Please just humor her. He let out a soft laugh.

-Yeah!!! We got so much good stuff to show you guys. and we couldn't come by without food so there's plenty to share!

They all walked back to the guard house the rest of the way. Laurance had picked up some of the bags they were carrying and they chatted during the walk. The group made it all the way and got inside to put down their stock. This caught the eyes of some of their friends as the smell made their head turn.

-Woah, that smells amazing? What is all of that? Said a short man with blue hair. Coming to a stop in front of the table. Things were placed in a neat pile with the food placed in the front so people could have easy access.

A gathering of people and friends ended up in the building and the mood felt pretty festive as drinks were shared and tasty food was being shared all around. The tall pale man orbiting around the long squishy piece of pastry filled with cream and topped with chocolate. He thinks they were called "Eclairs"? The brunette definitely saw his enthusiasm and took a mental note to ask the merchant if he could get the recipe. Something fun to do together when they move into their new house. He bends down to grab some cream from his piece of food and swatches it on his partner's cheek. With a gasp the blond man turns around and elbows him in his ribs. They chuckle and start bickering and poking at each other, almost making the chairs fall.

-Please get a room guys. And let the rest of us eat.

-Joy killer. Laurance scoffs

Laurance grabs Garroths waist and drags the both of them to a quieter part of the building with some of their remaining food. Garroth cleans the cream from his face and wipes it away on some rag.

-You sneak. He grins. I'll get payback on you later.

-Yeah yeah.. You love me. He leans against the wall.

Garroth rolls his eyes. They end up talking the evening away with their usual banter. Today, work, gossip, town updates and food. Friends joining in on the conversation after a little while. It was a good day. Drinks were shared and people started calling it off for the night. Accepting the gifts and saying words of thanks. Some would probably go to the market as groups to check things out in their free time. The girls, including Cadenza and Kawaii-Chan, are interested in the foreign toys and clothes.