Lee and his party were warmly greeted. When conveyed their need to refresh, the villagers agreed without hesitation. They gladly navigated Ruella, Mia, An and Lee along with their four-legged companions to the pond to freshen up.
--------------------------------------
=====
8 A.M.
24861 Essence harvested.
=====
--------------------------------------
".....and that was how this village was established!"
The village head of 'Burrow' was an old granny dwarf. Nobody, including her, remembers her actual name. That's because everyone had been calling her 'Granny'. In time, she too forgot her name!
The village was established when dwarf granny's father, who was a wandering hunter, came across this place. The fertile soil found at the banks of the river were perfect for agriculture. The water was easily accessible from the river. Most importantly, the forest provided enough resources. He, with his fellow hunters and their families, came and settled here about 287 years ago. Their descendants now occupy the land. Somewhere along the history, elves and humans joined.
The village was 792 metres in length and breadth, and looked perfectly round from an aerial view. The large fence around the village protects it from rarely occurring monster attacks. The forest, south of the village, was their means of sustenance. Due to its presence, all able-bodied men and women in the village have knowledge regarding basic attacks. Children from their early age are taught farming and hunting along with other basic and necessary stuff.
There was a small farmland where vegetables and Pepper Wheat were grown. Twice in a week, a selected group of men and women would go for hunting. The fast populating Rain Rabbit was abundant in the outer areas of the forest. Their fur and skin were the main raw materials for making their clothes. Other harmless, but beneficial herbivores also contributed for the wellbeing of the villagers.
[.....make sure to advance the progress of every affinity you have. That's it.]
While Granny was narrating the history of Burrow village, D was simultaneously advising Lee about his further advancements. He gave emphasis to the progress of the affinities. He also reminded that the Absolute grade of affinity is necessary for flawless cultivation, before stepping into the Elemental Binding Realm.
"I see that you are distracted by some other matters. Why don't you and your companions join us for breakfast?"
Granny saw a momentary distraction on Lee's face. Assuming that he has his own problems to think of, Granny diverted the topic to breakfast. Lee nodded as he was sitting next to his wife. Granny and them were sitting under a tree near her house. Mia was running around with children and playing with them. She was very much enjoying their temporary stay at the village. Ruella on the other hand, was talking with the women and men of the villagers.
Granny stood up and gave a short whistle. A man of about 36 years came walking towards them from one of the neighbouring houses. He bowed to Granny.
"These people will join us for breakfast. Make necessary arrangements."
Granny spoke in a feeble voice. Her tone had an overwhelming sense of kind and care. The man listened and nodded, before going back into the house.
"Shall we go to the dining area?"
Granny smiled at Lee as she spoke. Her wrinkly face and toothless jaw always outpoured kindness and serenity. Lee and An stood up from where they sat and followed Granny, who led them. As they walked, Granny would point out residents and houses, and would give a short description about them. Her small stature and slow pace gave ample time to recollect and organise information, before passing by them.
----------------------------------------------------
The dining area Granny talked about was an open grassy ground. As Lee and An stood next to Granny, who was dictating about their usual delicacies, several kids came to the grassy open area carrying chairs. A few men and women followed them carrying tables. As Lee assumed their community dining setup, the tables were arranged in a big circular shape and chairs were placed accordingly. Within two minutes, it was all set up. Seconds later, people came out of houses with large pots of food. Lee was able to detect the pot which contained soup, without using his View. The steam rising from the broth had an enticing smell accompanying it.
*giggling noise*
An turned her head to her right and saw Mia becoming one among the kids of the village. She giggled so loud that An, who was standing about 17 metres apart heard it. She was evidently ecstatic. An gestured her to come near as she called Mia. Mia came hopping at her like a silly little girl. Mia came near her and she dusted her dress off of the dirt.
At the same moment, Ruella entered the dining area accompanied by two women. She held a Silk Maid plant in her hand, and was pointing out its parts. As the two women were interested in botanical life, Ruella was ready to share her knowledge about plants. So, she plucked a Silk Maid plant standing among the grass and narrated its medicinal purposes.
As An, Lee and Mia fell into her sight, Ruella excused herself from the company of the two women as she handed over their study material. They thanked her and went to join others. Ruella walked straight to Mia, who smiled with flooding excitement. As the antelope and Fero came running to them, Mia started to narrate how she felt among the kids.
Ruella also shared her experiences from interactions. She found the villager's interest in plant life exciting. She added that if they were not on such an important mission, she would have stayed in the Burrow. Mia sounded her agreement to Ruella's statement.
"If you want, that would be great. We can stay here for a while."
Lee gave a response to their statements. Mia glanced at him with an urge to respond, but Ruella spoke out before her.
"We have all of eternity to rest, after the mission. Let us come back then!"
Ruella's answer was immediately followed by a series of ringing. It was the signal to come and join for breakfast. As time hit 9 in the morning, the Burrow village ate their breakfast and served their best delicacies to their guests. A whole hour went past as they savoured the alluring scent and drooling sight of the Rain Rabbit's cooked meat, which was their usual meat option. Freshly baked Pepper Wheat bread loaves invoked an avalanche of emotions inside their hearts. The salted Snake Cucumber slices tickled the taste buds with great vigour. Even D, who was a soul, lost the track of time!