As the sun starts to rise, so does the activity of the people. People walking, people talking, people trading. Everybody has their own business to attend to, even at the break of dawn. As the people are engross with their own activity, they weren't able to realize everything that happens around them. Even if they do realize, they will not remember afterwards, as their brain don't see it as something important to remember. This could be a leaf falling from a tree, the sound of birds chirping, and a hooded figure passing through.
After walking for awhile, the hooded figure has reached the end of the city. A wall towering over even the tallest building welcomes the hooded figure. Now, the hooded figure is in front of a gate. To reach their destination, the hooded figure must first pass the gate.
"Hold it."
The sound of a man was heard coming from one of the guards near the gate.
"Where do you think you're going?"
The man grabs the shoulder of the hooded figure.
"..."
"Being quite now are we."
The man unveils the hooded figure.
"Ricky, what are you doing here?"
The one that was unveiled was a short black hair boy. The boy was wearing a leather armor and was carrying a short sword.
"Well, you said I need to get experience in fighting if I want to be strong."
"And your plan is to go outside to fight monster?"
"...Yes?"
The guard then starts kneeling, their face are now facing one another.
"How many time do I have to tell you it's dangerous out there Ricky? There are even monsters that high ranking knights have trouble fighting against."
"But I'm tired just swinging my sword around."
"Okay how about this, once my shift is over I'll help you train."
"Really? You promise?"
"Yeah, now go home and help your parents."
The guard pats the boys head. As soon as his finish, the boy leaves. The guard then stood up and went back to his post. Feeling relieved, he look towards his fellow guardsman only to see him being puzzled.
"Hey man, what's wrong?"
"It felt like a hooded figure just pass by."
"You mean Ricky?"
"No not him, there was someone else."
"You sure you weren't hallucinating, you did drank a lot last night."
"Well, I do feel a little dizzy. Guess it was nothing."
The guards then laughs off the conversation and continue on with their work. As guardian of the gate, it is their duty to make sure the people inside the city is safe, that is why they must always be vigilant. But, in the end, they are still human and they are bound to slip up and let something pass their sight.
On the other side of the gate was a road that have been path by the countless number of people and carriages passing through. Surrounding the road was a forest. Normally someone would want to stay on the road as it is the safest route. The hooded figure is no exception.
After passing the gate, the hooded figure just keeps on walking forward. Looking back and seeing the gate no more, the hooded figure changes direction. Standing in front of a tree, the hooded figure reaches toward their bag and pulled out a piece of paper. The hooded figure then pointed the written side of the paper towards the tree.
RUSTLE RUSTLE
The sound of leaves rustling can be heard. The hooded figure didn't flinch, as if they expected this outcome. Not long after, a hand appeared, grabbing one side of the tree. And in the next few seconds, a knight covered in leaves emerge.
"So, do you just suddenly appeared out of thin air or did you actually waited for me behind the tree?"
"I have my way."
"Sure, let's go then, it's going to take awhile to reach the mountain top."
After a brief conversation, the two begin their journey with the hooded figure leading the path.
RUSTLE RUSTLE
Okay, we've been walking for awhile now and we haven't reach our destination. We're not even at the foot of the mountain yet. I believe I've seen this exact tree three times now. Maybe, just maybe, we're lost. Should I just confront her already? My job here is to protect her and keep her away from danger, but the only thing I'm keeping her safe from is falling leaves.
"How about we take a break for a second Mr. Knight?"
"Very well."
It's seem she finally got tired of walking, and would you look at that, it's the same tree from before. Guess she really like this tree. The space around the tree is spacious, so much so that it looked man made. It's as if someone made it especially as a spot to relax.
"What are you standing around for, come sit down."
Sitting next to a beautiful lady under a tree, nice. BUT, I am her bodyguard right now. I must prioritize her safety. It'll be a challenge to defend someone when I'm sitting down.
"I am delighted by your offer, but right now I have a duty to protect you my lady"
"If you say so."
Even though I'm not sitting next to her, standing beside her is still nice. Still, I haven't met any problem so far. I want to show my good side by fighting against monsters, but the walk was peaceful. But why though? There should be at least one or two monsters walking around. They can't be asleep right? Maybe someone came first and took down every single one in the area.
CLANG
Is that a thermos? Is it tea?
POUR
Yep, it's tea. It doesn't smell like the one from before though.
SLURP
She really likes tea it seems. Guess she's a tea enjoyer, or maybe she's a scholar who studies tea. A tea connoisseur.
Back to topic, why haven't we reach our destination yet? Is there some sort of ritual where we have to go around the forest and pass this tree three times, or are we just lost? Should I ask, and not enjoy this beautiful moment with a gorgeous woman? NO! In fact, I'm mute when under this tree. Don't know why.
CLANG
"Let's go, There's still some distance before we reach our destination."
"Very well."
NOOOO! IT HAS ONLY BEEN A COUPLE OF MINUTES! If I had known it would only be a couple of minutes, I should've just accept her offer. A young beautiful lady, sitting gracefully under a tree while enjoying a nice cup of tea. The wind blew, caress her face and lift her hair. As she sits and she waits for the fated one to come. Her patience was rewarded, as a figure who shines the brightest under the sun gaze appears before her eyes. So, the lady look the figure up as she utters the words, "Welcome, my knight."
AGGHHH! It's not like I find knights cool because of that, but it would be nice if it were to happen. No, I have to stay optimistic, I have only started out as a knight, I need to garner fame first before a scenario like that would happened.
RUSTLE RUSTLE
What's that? I sense something. It seems to be a living being but it doesn't feel human. Is it a monster? They're coming with incredible speed. Finally, it's time to show what this armor can do.
"Lady Scholar, I ask you to stay behind me."
"Very well Mr. knight."
Now that she is in a safe spot, it's time to brace for impact.
BOOM
Wow, that's a big black cat. Hehe. Anyway, they are around 2 meters tall and 2 meters long. They seem to have some scars here and there, a veteran monster it seems. They look pissed. Did something happened? Well whatever the reason it maybe, I have a job to do.
LEAP
Would you look at that, no wonder they are still alive for this long. I can't attack it if it keeps it distance though. What should I do. He seem cautious, is something triggering it? Maybe it saw my armor and realize it didn't stand a chance. Well can't blame him, I would be cautious if someone stopped my full charged tackle with one hand. Maybe I should scare him some more.
"Mighty beast of the woods, I ask you, leave and never RETURN!"
Nice, I don't think it would understand my words but increasing your volume is a universal way of saying 'get out before I make you' right?
"Impudent knight, it is you who trespass on my territory and you dare to tell me to leave my HOME?!"
Owh no, the cat can talk, and it's a female. If it had stood up as well, then I'm gone. What should I do though? I mean, I would be mad as well if someone came to my home and told me to leave it. Now I feel really bad. I guess I should apologize first.
"I see. Forgive me for my impudence master of the forest, I do not wish to cause trouble in your territory."
"I sense sincerity in your words, knight. Very well, I shall let this matter off if you answer my question."
What's this, a riddle? Is this cat the sphinx?
"Very well, I shall answer any question with honesty as I am at fault."
"Good, now may you tell me the reason for your presence in my forest?"
Should I be the person answering this question? I mean my job is to protect lady scholar to the mountain to get some tea. So any problem that appears along the way should be dealt by me right?
GLANCE
"..."
She's not saying anything. It seems that I have to do it.
"I am but a humble knight, on a mission to escort my lady to the top of the mountain."
"Which mountain are you looking for?"
"The one which produce the most splendid tea leaves."
"And your reason to reach the mountain?"
"My lady wish to do business with the owner of the tea plantation."
How's that.
GLANCE
"..."
Still unresponsive, which means I did good.
"I do not sense any malice behind your word humble knight. Very well, I shall permit you to enter the mountain."
"I thank you master of the forest."
Even though I didn't get to fight any monster and show off my abilities, resolving a problem that I "cause" without violence is still a win in my book. So, do we just follow the giant cat or are we on our own again.
"Sir humble knight."
"Knight is enough master of the forest."
"Very well sir Knight. It seems that your lady is quite tired from the travels, why not let her ride me until we reach the destination."
I mean, it's better than her leading the way and making us pass the same rock three times.
"Thank you master of the forest. Lady scholar, may I assist you."
LEAP
Wow, I didn't know lady Scholar was athletic like that. She just jumped onto the cats back like it was second nature. Does she know how to ride the cat though? It shouldn't be too different as riding a horse right? But does she knows how to ride a horse?
"Can you keep up sir Knight?"
"My duty is to protect my lady, I shall always be by her side."
"Very well, follow me."
ZOOM
"Understood."
ZOOM
For a big cat, they move really fast. Not only that, they seem to have memorize the forests structure. No wonder I don't see any giant footprints on the ground. They are on the trees. How's lady Scholar doing?
"..."
She seems unfazed. She's been quiet this whole time since the cat appeared. is it possible that Scholar lady is afraid of cats? If so, then she wouldn't be so ready to ride on one. Then why is she so silent thus far.
"We have arrive."
"I see"
There's still some way though. Maybe the cat doesn't want to startle the people behind those walls. If a giant cat suddenly appear, I would be scared too. Guess this is where we part ways.
"This is as far as I go. The rest is between you."
"Thank you master of the forest, how may I show my gratitude to you?"
"Next time you come to this forest, a little offering is enough."
ZOOM
Did it just ask for a fee to pass the forest? What should I bring, fish should be a no brainer but there isn't much around here. Guess meat should do the trick. On the other hand, we have arrived. It took around a minute to get here with the help of the cat. Now, let us ask our lady over here on our next course of action.
"Then, shall we go lady Scholar."
"Yes, let us not waste anymore time."
Says the one who ran into the same tree three times in a row.
"Hold it, who goes there!"
A guard, now what should I do.
"He's with me."
What's that? Some sort of emblem?
"I see, than you two may proceed."
Is she an honored guest? A VIP maybe. I've never heard of anyone becoming a VIP though. Maybe she's really into tea that she became a regular so much so that she became that important of a client. The place is secured, so not everybody could enter the place, let alone do business.
"Is he inside?"
"Yes madam."
"..."
Is there a problem?
"I'll enter by myself, so you need to wait outside."
"Are you sure my lady, my job is to be by your side and protect you"
"Don't worry, were just doing business. Besides, I can't have you listening on the trades detail."
Fair enough I guess. So it's just me and this dude now.
"..."
"..."
Well this is awkward.