The morning breeze rustled gently through the trees, carrying the crisp scent of dew-kissed earth and distant hearth fire smoke. Birds chirped in cheerful harmony, welcoming the start of a new day in the Lan household.
Inside the modest wooden home nestled at the edge of the forest, Lan Zhen stirred beneath his blanket.
His eyes fluttered open to soft golden light streaming through the window, illuminating dancing dust motes in the air. For a moment, he just lay there, staring at the ceiling, listening.
No yelling. No fear.
Only the muffled sounds of firewood crackling, metal clinking in rhythm, and soft humming from the kitchen.
This was home.
He sat up quickly, heart racing with excitement. Today was the day. His first visit to Shuiyun Town—and the spring Harvest Fair.
He quickly dressed in the clean tunic Lan Xin had left out for him, stitched with a simple wave pattern along the cuffs. The cloth was slightly oversized, but warm and soft.
"Zhen?" Lan Xin's voice came from the hallway. "Are you awake?"
"Yes, Mother!" he called, slipping on his boots. The word mother still felt strange on his tongue… but also wonderful.
She peeked in a moment later, a smile spreading across her face. "Up early, are we?"
"I didn't want to be late."
Lan Xin giggled and entered with a towel and comb. "Let's tame that hair of yours first, little wild fox."
Zhen squirmed but let her fuss over him. He closed his eyes as she brushed his hair gently, humming a tune.
"Today's going to be special," she whispered. "There's a whole world waiting for you."
The Journey to Shuiyun
Outside, Lan Hai was already packing the cart. The horse snorted softly, and the wooden wheels creaked as baskets of goods were loaded—some tools from the forge, some herbs and preserved food, and a few things to barter.
Lan Zhen hopped into the cart, his eyes wide with anticipation.
"Ready for your first fair?" Lan Hai asked, adjusting the reins.
Zhen nodded eagerly. "Will there be swords?"
Lan Hai chuckled. "Swords, armor, music, sweets, and troublemakers. Keep your eyes sharp."
Lan Xin climbed in beside them, placing her hand on Zhen's back. "But no running off, understood?"
"Yes, Mother," Zhen said with a grin.
The cart rumbled down the forest trail, birds scattering as they passed. Zhen gazed out at the winding road, trees parting like a curtain revealing the stage of the world. He leaned over the edge, watching squirrels scurry and sunlight dance through the leaves.
After nearly an hour, the trees gave way to open roads and rising rooftops.
Shuiyun Town was alive.
Colorful banners fluttered in the wind. Music floated through the air—fiddles, drums, and reed flutes. Lanterns swayed above cobbled streets, and the aroma of sweet buns, grilled meat, and fried dumplings swirled into the sky.
Zhen's eyes sparkled.
He had never seen anything so alive.
Blacksmith's Alley and the Melody of Metal
Their first stop was the blacksmith's quarter. Lan Hai was a familiar face here, and many craftsmen greeted him warmly.
"Lan Hai! Finally came out of your mountain cave?"
"Who's the young sprout?"
"My son," Lan Hai said proudly, ruffling Zhen's hair. "Zhen."
Zhen beamed shyly.
A senior blacksmith let Zhen hold a hammer and strike a glowing rod.
Ting!
Zhen gasped. "It sang!"
Lan Hai laughed. "Told you. Metal always sings if you listen closely."
Zhen handed tools, asked questions, and marveled at how molten ore became gleaming weapons. It wasn't just fire and hammering—it was art.
Lan Hai crouched beside him and whispered, "Would you like to learn this craft someday?"
Zhen looked up, eyes shining. "Yes. I want to make swords with singing steel."
The Gu Family
While strolling through the market square, Lan Xin's eyes lit up.
"Lan Hai! Look—it's Mei and Gu Wen!"
Zhen turned to see a friendly couple approaching. The woman, elegant and warm, carried a basket of herbs. Beside her was a tall man with strong shoulders and a kind smile.
And hiding behind them…
A small girl with pale silver hair and violet eyes peeked out, clutching a little wooden horse.
"Lan Xin!" Mei called joyfully, embracing her. "It's been too long."
Lan Hai and Gu Wen exchanged a hearty handshake and a quick hug.
"Zhen," Lan Xin said, crouching, "this is our good friend's daughter—Gu Na'er. She's about your age."
Zhen turned, nervous.
Na'er peeked out again, eyes wide. "Your hair is messy," she said quietly.
Zhen blushed. "I… forgot to comb it properly."
Na'er giggled and stepped forward. "Do you like candy?"
Zhen nodded.
She held out a small, sticky sweet wrapped in paper. "For you."
Zhen took it slowly. "Thank you…"
"You can call me Na'er."
"I'm… Zhen."
The Bonding of Two Families
The two families spent the rest of the day together. The adults chatted over tea and stalls, trading laughter and local gossip, while the children explored nearby.
Zhen and Na'er watched a puppet show, shared roasted corn, and ran with a group of children chasing paper kites.
At one point, Zhen picked a flower from the riverbank and handed it to Na'er.
"It's pretty," he said.
She smiled. "So are you."
Zhen turned bright red. "Huh?! I—I mean—you're—!"
Na'er just laughed.
A Quiet Moment Beneath the Stars
That night, the families watched a lantern release ceremony by the riverside. Floating lights drifted across the water, carrying silent wishes into the sky.
Zhen sat between Lan Hai and Lan Xin, holding a paper lantern of his own. Na'er sat beside him, her lantern glowing softly.
"What did you wish for?" she asked.
Zhen thought for a moment.
"…That this day never ends."
Na'er looked at him. "Me too."
Lan Hai wrapped an arm around Zhen's shoulders. "Home isn't just a house, son. It's where hearts meet."
Lan Xin leaned against her husband. "Today, our hearts grew."
As They Rode Home…
Zhen sat sleepily in the cart, leaning against Lan Hai's side. Na'er had given him her wooden horse to "keep him safe."
As he held it tightly, he whispered into the wind.
"I'm not cursed."
Not anymore.
He had a home. A family. A future.
And for the first time, a friend.
And in the distant void, where ancient forces stirred in slumber, the faintest ripple passed through a sealed mountain range. A dragon stirred in its sleep, sensing the warmth of bonds that would one day shape the fate of the world.