In the village of Eastlodge, a young man ran along a road.

Today was an important day, let me rephrase that, today was THE MOST important day of the year. Sweat dripped down the young man’s face, with even measured breathes he ran. Lean muscle propelled him forward with respectable power, for a mortal that is.

‘I can’t be late, today is the day I’ve been waiting for all my life.’ The young man thought as he continued his invigorated journey to the town center. ‘Today I’ll finally show my old man that I won’t be stuck in this backwoods for my whole life, that I won’t be relegated to a background character in the annals of history. Today is the day I take control of my life!’ With a confident, maybe even arrogant, grin the young man increased his speed.

Passing by farm houses, grain silos, and cottages, the young man was greeted by the residents of these abodes. “Be careful now Connor, you don’t want to tire yourself out. The day has barely started. What will your father think when you come home barely able to lift a bag of seed?” An aging man yelled at Connor as he passed by.

“Thank you Mr.G but I won’t be lifting any more seeds or tilling any more fields after today. Today Is the day I finally start my journey as a cultivator.” Connor responded with a laugh.

“How could I have forgotten, today’s aptitude day isn’t it? I didn’t think I was getting that old but apparently my age is catching up to me.” Mr.G said with a chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Yes sir, today’s the day!” Connor responded with a yell. Picking back up the pace Connor ran along the dirt road that lead to the town square of Eastlodge. Although calling it a town square would be generous, seeing as there wasn’t much town nor was it much of a square.

Connor drew closer and closer to the town square and the house became less and less spread apart. The wood walls and thatching roof became more and more stone walls and tiled roofs. The town square soon came into view, a crowd of people had gathered. Old and young alike had come to see the spectacle, parents praying for their children’s future, and youths brimming with vitality ready to fulfill their dreams. Yet, for most that will not happen.

The shops and houses flew by in a blur, and then they were gone. ‘Oh no, I was too distracted getting here that I didn’t bother to slow my pace down.’ Connor focused his eyes forward, his eyes widened as he realized that there was a person in front of him, actually there were many persons in front of him.

“Shit, get out of the way.” But his warning came too late.

-Thunk-

“Ow,” an unknown voice said from under him.

“Sorry,” Connor said as he quickly got up and stretched out his hand to help the person he’d knocked over up. The young man took his hand and pulled himself up to his feet.

“No problem, just watch where you’re going next time will ya.” The young man said as he dusted off his clothes. The young man looked to be about the same age as Connor but while Connor was tan, tall, and lean, this young man was pale, short, and pudgy.

“Sorry again Eric but you know how my father is, he wouldn’t even give me the morning off so I had to do all of my work before I could go to the ceremony.” Connor told Eric apologetically.

“Like I said Connor, it’s fine.” Eric waved away his apology, acting like it was nothing.

“Thanks Eric, see this is why we’re friends.” Connor answered with a smile.

“What, so you can assault me then act like it’s nothing. Whatever asshole.” Eric answered with a snort.

“Hey, it doesn’t happen that often.” Connor protested.

“Sure,” Eric answered sceptically. “Whatever, you made it on time and that’s all that matters. Now shush, the ceremony’s starting and I don’t want your annoying voice to ruin it for me.”

“Hey,” Connor said with a hurt look on his face. Eric looked over at Connor with crossed arms, they both stared at each other for a few seconds before breaking out into laughter.

“Shhhhh.” Everyone around them turned to them with annoyed looks on their faces. They both quickly quieted down, due to a potent mixture of guilt and shame.