I can't believe your parents lift you like that, they would have been happy to see what you are becoming", Gorin murmured. Did you say something Gorin, Sorin asked. "You're just hungry, let's go eat, Gorin answered. I hope it's roasted fish tonight Sorin exclaimed. "lf you like roasted fish that much why do you always refuse to eat the one that l cook". Don't worry we're here, Sorin said.
As they entered Anna's Inn, the aroma of hot cocoa and roasted food filled the air. Sorin's stomach growled with anticipation. Anna greeted them with a warm smile, "Hey, boys! Come on in. I've got hot cocoa and roasted fish fresh out of the oven." Sorin's eyes lit up, and he rushed to take a seat at a table. "How did you know we're going to order roasted fish", Sorin asked Anna. "Let's just say l got a tip from someone". Anna replied with a smile on her face. Sorin knew right away that it was Gorin. As they sat down, Sorin noticed a girl sitting across from them. "Hi," he said, trying to be friendly. The girl smiled and replied. "Hi, I'm Lana." Sorin introduced himself, "I'm Sorin." Anna chimed in, "Lana's my niece. She helps me out here at the inn sometimes." Anna brought over steaming plates of roasted fish, and Sorin dug in with gusto.
Sorin's curiosity got the better of him, food stuffed in his mouth. "What do you like to do, Lana?" Lana thought for a moment before responding, "I like to read and help Anna with the inn. How about you?" Sorin grinned. "I'm learning how to forge with Gorin. It's really cool." Gorin chuckled. "He's a natural." The conversation flowed easily from there, with Sorin and Lana chatting about their interests and hobbies.
As they talked, Sorin learned that Lana was a bookworm and loved reading about history and mythology. He shared his own passion for crafting and inventing new things. The two of them quickly found common ground and started discussing their favorite books and projects. Gorin and Anna exchanged a warm smile, happy to see the two young people getting along so well. The atmosphere in the inn was cozy and welcoming, with the fire crackling in the hearth and the smell of roasted food wafting through the air.
Lana sat beside Sorin in the cozy inn, with a warm smile on her face. "Sorin, I've noticed you're really sharp, you're picking up forging so fast. But I also saw you struggling with the festival posters… would you like help learning how to read?" Sorin blinked, a little caught off guard. He looked down, scratching his head. "I never really had the chance. Gorin taught me how to count materials and prices, but letters? They just look like scribbles to me."
Lana chuckled gently. "I could help you with the basics. It's not as hard as it looks, I promise." And so, their quiet reading sessions began. Each day, Lana would sit with Sorin in the inn's quieter corners, walking him through the alphabet and simple words. Sorin listened carefully and caught on quickly, driven by the same determination he used in the forge. Their conversations often wandered from tools and stories to village rumors and local history. Sorin was curious, and Lana had a patient way of explaining things without making him feel small.
One afternoon, while they sat at a corner table flipping through a simple book, Sorin asked,"Why do you like reading so much?" Lana thought for a moment. "Because it helps me understand more than what I see. It's like another way of listening." Sorin nodded, thoughtful. "Yeah… I get that." Time passed. Sorin's reading improved, and even Gorin noticed the changes. Sorin read shop signs, material labels, and began recording forge notes in a rough journal. One evening, Lana handed him a small wrapped package.
"What's this?" Sorin asked. "A gift," she replied. "You've been working hard." Inside was a leather-bound book titled The Art of Forging: A Master's Guide. "Seriously? I've wanted this since Gorin showed me a copy once!" Sorin lit up. Lana grinned. "I overheard him talking to Anna about it. Figured it was time. "From the other side of the inn, Gorin quietly watched, arms crossed, a slight smirk on his face. Anna approached with mugs in hand. "Looks like your apprentice's head is finally out of the smoke." Gorin chuckled. "That kid used to dread holding a pen, and now he's reading titles like a scholar. Guess all it took was someone patient enough to explain things without yelling." Anna nodded. "And someone stubborn enough to want to learn, even if the letters fought back." They both laughed quietly as the inn buzzed around them.
• EMBERS OF THE FESTIVAL
The village had begun to hum with excitement. Lanterns were strung between homes, colorful banners danced in the wind, and children ran barefooted down the dusty roads rehearsing lines for the harvest play. The Firelight Festival was only a few days away, a celebration of peace, family, and survival through the long winter. Sorin leaned on his hammer at the forge, wiping sweat from his brow. The flames flickered wildly behind him, casting gold over the scraps of metal and tools. His mind wasn't at work though, it was elsewhere.
He looked at the small bundle on the workbench: a rough piece of steel, some copper wiring, and an unfinished gemstone pendant. His fingers curled around the materials. "I've forged tools and blades… but I don't know what to give someone like Lana." He turned to Gorin, who was working on a large plow blade nearby. "Hey, Gorin… uh… quick question. What do you think makes a good festival gift?"Gorin paused mid-swing. "Gift? For who?" "Someone important," Sorin said, avoiding his eyes. Gorin scratched his beard. "…Is this a woman thing?" "Maybe."Gorin sighed, slamming the hammer down. "Kid, I can shape a sword to split bone in a blizzard, but if you're askin' me what color flowers girls like or whether ribbons go on necklaces or not you're barking up the wrong tree." Sorin frowned. "So you have no idea?"