"Mister Loik, it is good to see you."
"Haha, since when do we use formalities? You heading to the forest?" Loik said with a big grin.
"Yes, we are bringing today's shipment."
"Hm, and you are the patient, right?"
While Loik was speaking to him, Marvin realized that Loik had been paying close attention to Sontra. Marvin was sure that Loik was not someone who would pick fights with an injured person, but he was still cautious. The moment Loik called out, Marvin tried to warn Sontra with his eyes.
"Greetings, Mister Loik. May peace grace upon you."
"Of course, pleased to meet you. Is it fine for you to be moving about?" Loik spoke energetically.
"Mister Loik, I truly appreciate your concern. Thanks to your town's care, I am almost fully recovered."
"That is good to hear... Sontra, was it? Just call me Loik."
"If you say so, Loik."
The two men fell into silence. They stared into each other's eyes, as if trying to assess one another. They did not break eye contact for a few moments, making Marvin fidget uneasily as more time passed. His mind grew restless, fearing something unpleasant would take place.
"...Mister Loik, is there something wrong?" asked Marvin cautiously.
"No, it's nothing," Loik chuckled softly.
Loik's gaze turned toward the direction of Marvin's house before slowly looking back at Sontra. From the town center, he could clearly see the two-story house that stood out like a sore thumb on the hill. It was clear that he wanted to ask something, but he was hesitant.
"Mister Loik, is it fine if we go ahead? I am afraid the Elder would be furious if we are too late, haha..."
"Right, I'm sorry. I took up too much of your time, didn't I? Let's go together. I was also heading to the forest."
Turning his horse around, Loik began to move a couple of steps ahead of them. Marvin showed a little hesitation, as if he would have preferred that Loik not come along. Since he was not bold enough to say so, he could only let Loik escort them to the forest.
Passing through the rest of the town, the townsfolk happily greeted them, some even putting down their work to approach. Their eyes were genuine, lighting up as they exchanged greetings.
"Everyone is really busy."
"Of course, this is the most important festival for us. We can't allow anything to go wrong."
"Loik, can you tell me what this festival is about? It seems to me that it is not just a music festival."
"Marvin didn't tell you?" Loik asked teasingly.
"Haha, I figured Mister Loik would be the best person to explain," chimed in Marvin.
Slowing down, Loik pulled his horse back right beside Sontra. Having grown up for almost three decades in the small town of Erla, he knew so much about the Erla Music Festival that it would take more than a day to tell Sontra everything.
Loik stayed silent for a few seconds, thinking of how to begin.
"Let's see... You are right. The festival is not a normal music festival. While we call it a Music Festival, it is not music that we are celebrating. It is the descent of a Spirit."
"..."
"The Spirit of Erla Forest."
"I thought it was just a rumor."
"You feel it too, don't you? That presence. The music festival is the town's way of expressing our gratitude. As for why it's called the Music Festival, that spirit loves our music."
"...What do you mean by expressing gratitude?"
Sontra was curious about the spirit, but more than that, he was curious about the town's relationship with it. If it were built on respect, as is common in most places, he wouldn't be too worried. However, if the town worshipped the spirit, it would be quite a hassle for him.
"That spirit has been helping the town since the time of our ancestors. To repay it for its help, we send the best gift once it descends around this time of year."
Loik went on to explain that the gift was not consistent. Sometimes it might be a game, other times jewels or crystals. He claimed that the spirit simply accepts whatever the town collectively believes to be the 'best'.
Sontra asked several other questions, appearing greatly interested in Erla Town. Loik, contrary to his rough look, was surprisingly amiable. He had no problem explaining and answering each question as best he could. However, Loik also had his own curiosity to satisfy, so he asked a few questions in return.
"You're a traveler?!"
"I am."
Loik was incredibly excited when he heard that Sontra was a traveler. He looked like a child who had been given a new toy, smiling from ear to ear. However, his excited expression turned to confusion in an instant at Sontra's next response.
"Y-you have visited many places then? How long have you been traveling?"
"About two weeks."
"Th- huh...?"
"...I would not have called myself a traveler before. I was more of a wanderer, roaming around the kingdom wherever the wind carried me."
"But you still visited a lot of places, right?"
"You could say that," Sontra said calmly.
The journey to the forest did not feel too long, filled as it was with continuous chatter. Before they knew it, they had arrived at a large clearing in front of the forest. Scattered around the clearing, Sontra could see several groups performing different tasks.
On one side, people were preparing a large wooden platform. The platform was taller than everyone present and decorated with colorful stones. In front of the platform, about thirty people dressed completely in white were playing all kinds of instruments.
"Greetings, Elder."
Waiting for them was an old man with a slouched back and a long, white beard reaching his belly. His hair was entirely white, and he had brown eyes that seemed to hold centuries of wisdom. The Elder wore a traditional robe that draped all the way to the ground.
Both Marvin and Loik bowed as they greeted the Elder. The Elder smiled subtly as he reached out to pat Marvin on the shoulder.
"Old friend, you are late... I almost went out to search for you myself."
"I apologize, Elder. I have no excuse."
"Oh, there is no need for one. I was just worried. It's fine as long as you are fine," the Elder laughed as he caressed his cane.
"I will excuse myself first. I need to lead the hunters into the forest."
"Ah, please be careful..."
Bowing once more, Loik swiftly excused himself. Nodding to Sontra, he turned around and led his horse away. The Elder looked a little downcast as he watched Loik hastily depart.
"...Marvin, you may deliver the textiles now. I would like to talk to this young man for a bit."
The Elder smiled warmly at Marvin as he sent him away. Marvin, knowing the Elder was a kind soul, left without any worry to settle his task. Sontra, on the other hand, looked as if he were lost in thought.
"Your name is Sontra, was it? I have heard everything from Marvin… about you and your son. I am sorry for what happened, but I want to thank you for saving Marvin."
"...I appreciate your kind words, Elder."
"If it is not an imposition, may I ask how your son is faring?" the Elder asked in a warm voice.
"Unfortunately, he has not awakened yet."
"Ah, that is truly unfortunate... Doctor Faur is a knowledgeable man. I am sure he will figure it out before long."
"Your words ease my heart, Elder."
"There is no need to be so polite... If there is anything you need, please do not hesitate to ask. We will always be here to help," the Elder spoke, his gaze profound.
The Elder sighed in pain as he thought of the child's condition, as if it were his own son who had fallen into such a state. Suddenly, his eyes widened, remembering something he truly wanted to say.
"Young Sontra, if your son remains unconscious by the day of the festival, I suggest you bring him here before the Spirit descends."
The Elder explained that it was a practice the town held as a way to treat the sick. He claimed that during the moment the two worlds connected, the pure energy from the Spirit World would be helpful for recovery. Nevertheless, the Elder said that while he was not sure if it would help, there would be no harm in trying.
"I understand, Elder. I will not forget this kindness," Sontra said, bowing slightly.
"Oh, please don't be like that. Helping each other is what makes us human... Also, do not worry about your son's comfort; I will prepare a place for him."
The two exchanged words for a few more minutes before Marvin arrived, having finished handing the textiles over to those responsible for weaving the festive attire. The Elder, having personal matters to discuss with Marvin, politely sent Sontra on his way.
Respecting the Elder's wish, Sontra excused himself. Not two steps away, he heard the two engage in a fairly passionate discussion about the textile trade. Looking around, Sontra contemplated whether to head back first or wait for Marvin.
Usually, Marvin would only return after dusk, which led Sontra to believe he would be staying for a long time. Just as he was about to leave, he heard someone call out to him.
"Sontra!"
Turning around, he saw a group of men. Unlike the others in the clearing who wore white clothes, these men wore leather armor with swords strapped to their sides. Standing at the front of the group, Loik was waving at him, gesturing for Sontra to come over. Remembering what Loik had said earlier, Sontra was fairly sure these men were the 'hunters' he had mentioned.
Having nothing better to do, Sontra unhesitatingly headed towards the group of men, who looked especially rough with the bruises and scars decorating their bodies. Compared to the general populace of the town, who appeared elegant and soft, they stood out starkly.
"Sontra, do you want to come with us?"