Auren stood still for a moment, his fingers trailing through the air with a subtle flourish. The three snow wolves, now lifeless, floated into the air before him, suspended by an invisible force.
"Time to eat, I suppose," he said casually, as the wolves hovered behind him. The townspeople who had gathered around stopped their chatter, all eyes on him.
He gave them a half-smile, watching their expressions shift from awe to curiosity.
"Uh... I'll need some utensils," he added with a raised brow.
One of the townsfolk, a middle-aged man, blinked for a moment before rushing forward with a set of cooking tools—knives, a large pot, and some sturdy wooden spoons. Auren nodded in appreciation and accepted the items.
"Thank you," he muttered, walking toward a nearby firepit.
With a wave of his hand, a sturdy iron pot floated over to the flames, heating up. He casually set the wolves down on a flat stone, using his magic to carve the meat with precision and ease. The thick, snowy fur of the beasts was carefully removed, and the cuts of meat were chopped into neat pieces, floating into the pot with a soft hiss as they landed.
The air soon filled with the scent of roasting meat, and the townsfolk couldn't help but watch in fascination as Auren continued his work.
He reached into a pouch at his side, pulling out a handful of herbs and spices, letting them drift into the pot. The mixture of aromas wafted up, teasing the senses of those nearby.
After a few moments, Auren added some water from a nearby stream, allowing it to boil with the meat. He kept stirring occasionally, his hands never touching the utensils, guiding everything with a careful, almost meditative precision.
The stew bubbled and simmered as Auren occasionally adjusted the seasoning, his face showing a rare moment of concentration. Finally, after a few more minutes, he added the finishing touches: a sprinkle of salt, a dash of pepper, and a few crushed leaves from a local plant.
"It's ready," he said, his voice low but carrying. He turned to the crowd, still watching him expectantly.
He motioned for them to gather, his usual calm demeanor in place. "Don't worry about the waiting," Auren said with a grin. "It'll be worth it."
With a few final flicks of his fingers, bowls began to levitate toward the waiting townsfolk, each one filled with the hearty stew.
The first bite was met with collective relief—delicious, hot, and comforting after the chaos. As the townspeople savored the food, Auren leaned back against a nearby log, his arms folded.
"Sometimes, the best way to warm up... is a bit of patience and good cooking," he muttered under his breath.
Auren grabbed three bowls, walking toward the small group gathered by the fire. His eyes found Eirlys almost immediately—her figure a picture of quiet elegance amidst the bustle of the town. The light from the fire flickered off her pale silver hair, almost like a reflection of the snow that clung to the land outside. Her delicate features were soft, as though carved from the winter itself, and her presence was both calming and strangely ethereal. Her pale blue eyes caught his, and for a brief moment, the world around him seemed to quiet.
Her mother stood beside her, just as striking, though in a very different way. She was younger than he'd imagined, with dark hair that cascaded like a waterfall, and eyes that seemed to shimmer with a warmth that contrasted her surroundings. She radiated a quiet strength, her posture graceful but unyielding, like a flower thriving against the chill of the season.
Auren hesitated for a brief moment before walking over and offering them the bowls.
"Here," Auren said with a warm, almost apologetic smile. "I thought you two might want to try some stew. It's not much, but I hope it'll do."
Eirlys looked up, her eyes wide with surprise, before accepting the bowl from him with a soft smile. "Thank you, Auren," she said, her voice a gentle melody that seemed to echo the tranquility of the world around them. "It's very kind of you."
Her mother, who had been watching the exchange with a knowing smile, accepted the second bowl. "You've done so much for the town already," she remarked, her voice warm yet carrying a hint of admiration. "This is more than we expected."
Auren chuckled softly, scratching the back of his neck. "It's nothing, really. You've all been through a lot today. The least I could do was help out... with whatever I could."
As they began to eat, a comfortable silence fell between them. Auren noticed how Eirlys ate with quiet grace, savoring each bite, her delicate features softening in contentment. Her mother, too, was poised and calm as she ate, offering him an occasional glance that seemed to carry an unspoken understanding.
Finally, after a few moments of silence, Eirlys looked up, her expression curious. "Auren," she asked hesitantly, "are you going to stay here for long?"
Auren took a moment to finish his bite, then gave a small shrug. "I don't think so," he replied honestly. "I've got plans to head off soon. There's something I need to do. A few things I want to figure out, maybe find some answers."
Eirlys's eyes brightened with intrigue. "What is it? If you don't mind me asking."
Auren paused, choosing his words carefully. "I'm planning to enroll in the Hero Academy. I've heard it's a place for people who want to become stronger, who want to find their purpose. I thought maybe I could find something there that helps me... understand where I'm headed."
Her mother's eyes softened with a knowing smile. "The Hero Academy..." she murmured, her gaze thoughtful. "It's not an easy place to get into, but I can see the determination in you. If anyone has a chance of making it, it's someone like you."
Auren couldn't help but smile at the unexpected encouragement. "Thanks. I'm not sure if I'll fit in, but I won't know unless I try."
Eirlys watched him with wide eyes, her curiosity bubbling over. "The Hero Academy sounds incredible," she said, her voice filled with awe. "Is it really as amazing as they say?"
Auren grinned at her enthusiasm. "Guess we'll find out. But, uh, first I have to actually get there."
Her mother's laughter rang out softly, a sound that was both light and warm. "I have no doubt you'll make it," she said, her voice tinged with quiet confidence. "The path you're on, it's clear you have the strength for it."
Auren felt a warmth in his chest from her words, and he nodded gratefully. "Thanks, really."
Eirlys suddenly looked down at her bowl, her cheeks dusting a light pink. "I... I hope you make it," she said quietly, almost as if embarrassed by her own words. "It sounds like such an important thing, and I think... I think you're meant for it."
Auren blinked in surprise, not expecting such an honest sentiment. "I'll do my best," he said, his voice quieter than before.
Her mother, sensing the shift in the mood, smiled softly. "You've already shown a lot of bravery today, Auren. Strength is not only about power; it's also about how you face the world and protect those you care about. You have that in you."
Auren stood there, looking at the two of them for a moment, struck by the kindness and sincerity in their words. It wasn't often that people spoke so openly with him, and it was refreshing. He hadn't expected to find such peace in the middle of a town torn apart by conflict, but in this moment, it felt like the world was simply... calm.
"Thank you," he said quietly, his tone sincere. "For everything."
The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable. Instead, it was comfortable, like the warmth of a fire on a cold night.
Eirlys's delicate voice broke the quiet moment as she glanced up at Auren, a small frown tugging at her brows. "If you don't mind me asking... where will you sleep tonight?"
Auren blinked, momentarily taken aback by the question. He had been so focused on the tasks ahead that the thought of where he'd sleep hadn't quite crossed his mind yet. He gave a small shrug, trying to brush it off casually. "I'll be fine. I can handle the cold. I've got spells for that—make a nice little barrier and keep the warmth in. I'll be just fine outside."
Eirlys exchanged a quick look with her mother, and he noticed the slight hesitation in their expressions. They seemed to want to say something, but neither spoke right away. Eirlys's lips parted, then closed, as though debating how to phrase her words.
Her mother, seeing the unspoken conflict in her daughter's eyes, spoke up gently, "You've already done so much for us, Auren. If you'd like, you're more than welcome to stay inside. There's always space for someone like you here, especially after everything you've done for this town." Her voice was warm, inviting, but there was a hint of hesitation, as if she didn't want to impose.
Auren raised an eyebrow at the offer, surprised by the kindness. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to be a bother." He glanced at Eirlys, who was now looking at him with an expression of concern and a touch of curiosity, as if she was waiting for his response. "I can manage, really," he added, wanting to reassure them both.
Eirlys's soft voice interjected, her gaze earnest. "It's not a bother at all," she said quietly, her eyes looking up at him with sincerity. "You don't have to be out there all alone, especially after everything that's happened today."
Auren shifted slightly, feeling the weight of their kindness settle in. He had always been used to solitude, to being alone in his own space, but there was something different about the genuine offer they were giving. It was... unexpected. He met Eirlys's gaze, her pale blue eyes full of warmth, like the very snow she resembled.
Her mother, still watching with a soft, knowing smile, added, "We'd be glad for the company. It's been a long day for everyone, and your presence would be a welcome comfort."
Auren thought for a moment, feeling the unfamiliar pull of warmth in his chest. He could easily turn down the offer, stay outside, and keep his distance as he usually did. But... something about the way they had spoken made him reconsider. Maybe, for once, he could allow himself to be part of something... something more than just a wanderer passing through.
"I guess... it wouldn't hurt to stay for the night," he said, his voice a little softer than before. "If it's not too much trouble."
Eirlys's eyes brightened immediately, and her mother's smile deepened. "It's no trouble at all," she reassured him. "Come on, let's get you settled. It's not much, but you're welcome to rest here tonight."
As Eirlys turned to lead him inside, Auren's thoughts lingered on the unexpected kindness he'd found in this quiet town. Perhaps, for tonight, he could let down his guard and accept their hospitality.
As they moved to the small home, Auren couldn't help but feel that this brief moment of peace was something he hadn't realized he'd been missing.
Back to the Heroes Party and The Legendary Kick Bunny of Mount Ow-Ow
The party trudged through the icy snow, breath puffing out in mist as they approached the summit.
Leon, their mighty leader, squinted against the wind. "Stay sharp, everyone. We're getting close. The Kick Bunny is said to reside here."
Lyra, the archer, shot him a look. "Are you serious? You dragged us all the way up here for a bunny? What's next, a rabbit with a sword?"
"It's not just any bunny!" Leon said, with a dramatic flair. "This bunny—this legendary beast—has been known to kick grown men into next week. It's feared across the land!"
"Oh, great," muttered Garron, the tank. "A fluffy, furry death machine."
They finally reached the top. And there it was.
A snow-white bunny, sitting innocently on a rock. It looked at them with its big, red eyes and flicked its ears.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "That's it? The legendary Kick Bunny?"
Before Leon could respond, the bunny's ears twitched again.
WHAM!
Leon was suddenly launched into the air like a ragdoll. He spun twice before crashing into a snowbank.
"LEON!" Lyra shouted.
From the snowbank, Leon groggily muttered, "It kicked me... I think I'm concussed..."
The bunny hopped toward them, completely unfazed. Lyra drew an arrow. "Alright, you oversized cotton ball, let's see how you like this!"
She fired an arrow straight at the bunny. But the little beast just ducked, and the arrow whizzed harmlessly over its head.
Then, the bunny—still sitting there—did a little hop and kicked her bow out of her hands.
Lyra gaped at it. "It... it disarmed me... with a kick?"
Before anyone could respond, the bunny hopped again and kicked her—straight into a snowbank, leaving only her feet sticking out.
"WHY IS IT SO FAST?!" Lyra shouted from beneath the snow.
Garron, who had been busy trying to figure out where his shield went after a snowstorm of arrows, stood tall. "Alright, fluffy. You want to kick people around? Come at me, bro."
The bunny stared at him. Then, without warning, it leaped into the air with impossible speed.
WHAM!
Garron flew backward, his shield sailing away into a tree. He landed face-first in the snow, groaning.
"Is that... is that even legal?" he groaned, his voice muffled by snow.
Seraphine, who had been casting a barrier spell, immediately got pelted by a snowball thrown by the bunny.
"IT JUST THREW A ROCK AT ME!" Seraphine screamed.
The bunny, now sitting atop a rock, gave them all a long, slow look, as if it were judging them. Then, as if bored, it hopped away in a perfectly nonchalant manner.
The entire party lay in the snow, bruised, battered, and utterly confused.
Lyra groaned from under the snowbank, "Well, that was embarrassing."
Leon, still lying half-buried in the snow, muttered, "We don't talk about this... ever."
"I think my dignity is broken more than my ribs," Garron added, rolling around in the snow to try and get up.
Seraphine picked a pebble out of her hair. "It's official. I've been outclassed by a rabbit."
And with that, the legendary tale of the Kick Bunny was cemented in their memories—and their embarrassment.