Ten days had passed since Naeem and Anisha had walked away from their last campfire.
In that time, they crossed through a vast forest—dense, green, and quiet. The journey was long and peaceful, filled with the sounds of nature and the occasional quiet laugh from Anisha as she played with leaves or climbed low tree branches.
Now, they stood on the edge of something different.
Before them was a small village still in the making—fifteen, maybe sixteen houses, some fully built, others rising slowly from the ground by the will of Earth Element users. Workers moved stone and packed mud into form, while others carved patterns into wooden beams for roofs. It wasn't much—but it was. It was hope.
Naeem took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"This place… feels right," he murmured.
Anisha looked up at him, hopeful. "Are we going to live here?"
"We'll see," he said with a small smile.
They wandered through the village paths, watching people greet one another, sharing tools, food, laughter—even grief. It felt real. It felt human. After all the bloodshed and running, Naeem felt the tug of peace pulling at him.
He stopped a passerby. "Where can I find the village leader?"
The man pointed toward the largest house near the center of the village—modestly decorated but clearly important.
Naeem and Anisha made their way there. Two guards stood at the front. One of them stepped forward.
"The leader is in a meeting. State your purpose."
"I'd like to speak with him," Naeem said calmly, resting his battle axe across his shoulder. "I'm Naeem, and I'm here to request a place to stay."
The guard nodded and led them into a guest room. "Wait here. He'll call you when he's ready."
They waited patiently. Anisha sat on a cushion, playing with the strings on her tunic. Naeem leaned back, quietly scanning the room. It was simple, clean, and smelled faintly of cedarwood.
A short time later, a servant arrived. "The leader will see you now."
Naeem nodded. He stood, battle-axe still across his shoulder, and followed the servant through a corridor lit by daylight pouring in from open windows. Anisha trailed quietly behind him.
Inside a large hall, the village leader stood near a table, discussing something with a few others. He turned as Naeem entered.
He was a tall, lean man with silver in his beard and sharp, intelligent eyes. He looked Naeem up and down.
"You're the one asking for a house?" the leader asked.
"Yes. I'm Naeem. She's Anisha. We've been on the road a long time. We'd like a place here—if you'll allow it."
The leader nodded slowly. "We don't usually accept outsiders without a trial period. But I can sense something in you… You've seen battle. You're not here to cause trouble."
He called for a servant. "Take them to the guest house for the night. Feed them. Bathe them. Let them rest. Tomorrow, I'll decide."
Naeem nodded in thanks.
The servant led them to a quiet house at the edge of the village. It was small but warm, with soft bedding and water ready for washing. They bathed, cleaned their clothes, and for the first time in a long while, felt human again.
That night, they were served hot stew with fresh bread. Anisha ate with joy.
Naeem, for once, didn't worry. Not about food. Not about safety. Not even about the future.
That night, they slept deeply under a roof of peace.