A woman laid lifelessly over the makeshift straw bed with people surrounding her. One, her stoic husband trying to keep his demeanour while his face half-covered in tears; and her son who couldn't understand what was going on agitated by the mood the filled the room. The boy shook his mom, innocently trying to wake her up. "Mommy please wake up, you promised to play with me."

Over and over the boy shook the body of his deceased mom frantically trying to get her to move. He starting screaming and crying as the others could only stare down at the floor with a solemn face or trying to hold back their tears. He kept going until his father took him and held him in his arms. He grabbed on so tightly almost crushing the boy as both of them started to cry.

On this dark rainy day, the boy had lost his mother and the coloured pendant she gave him was pitch black.

__________

The man opened his eye to find himself laying on his bed, passed out from exhaustion. The nightmare he had just experienced had not given him a pleasant nap that he desperately needed for his job at night. But what truly woke him up was the hustling and bustling of the city that had just woken up. He got up from his bed and opened the curtain to have the light pierce his eyes. It was now a little past half-day and the streets were filled with people going about their business.

The young man's name was Luther Ruxil, and he had lived in this city for nearly 12 years. He came as a child and has stayed there ever since, only leaving for trips relating to his job. The place he lived was called Everleade, a seaside city next to a luscious forest that served as the capital of the country. The city was huge, divided into many different areas. The area he lived in was next to a market area known as the Commons. People of middle wealth that weren't poor enough to make it to the slums lived there. Luther's house was on the border of the market area and the common which made getting food much more convenient. Moments after he had opened the curtains, he heard his stomach growling as a reminder he fainted after work yesterday without eating. Luther went for his coat and left the house for the market without a second thought.

While walking down the brick road, the man walked observing the city and its people, taking in the refreshing atmosphere of the sea, but also the serenity that living next to the forest gave them. Getting closer to the market area gave his nose a little surprise as the smell of freshly made bread wafted into his nose, amplifying his hungry. His pace quickened a bit as he made his way to a small restaurant that he frequented.

Halfway to his destination, Luther noticed a little boy pointing at him asking,

"Mommy, what's wrong with that man's face." "Hey now, don't stare at him."

The mom scolded her child.

"I'm sorry about that."

As she turned away from him, bring her child along trying to escape the awkward situation. The man was reminded of the scar where his eye used to be but was quick to dismiss it, as he was already used to it.

Eventually, he would arrive at the restaurant.

__________

At the door, Luther could hear the yelling and laughter going on inside the restaurant. Opening the door to the restaurant a huge yell overpowering the rest of the noise could be heard, "Welcom... Oh hello, Luther." "Good day to you Mrs. Lain, I was wondering if I could get something to eat" "Of course dear, your always welcome here. Honey, Could we get the #10 special."

The man had entered his favourite restaurant, Boar of Lilandia, named after the ocean Lilandia that the city lived next to. The restaurant was also very busy every day, gaining traction from its menu based on what was freshly caught from the ocean, and their famous boar dishes made from what was caught from the forest.

The Owner of the restaurant, Jack and Elena Lain, had known Luther since he came to this town. Growing up without a family, Luther could go to Jack for fatherly advice, and Elena always gave him comfort, treating him like her own son beside her other two sons and, not to mention, a daughter.

Luther had walked into the restaurant and sat in his favourite seat in the corner by the huge window that stared into the ocean. Even though the whole restaurant was in good cheer and spirits, Luther distanced himself from the noise only wanting to enjoy the delicious food that was made while enjoying the view.

Giving him his water and complimentary freshly baked bread, Mrs. Lain decided to stop by his table for a little talk.

"You haven't been in for a while Luther is something wrong." She inquired with a tone of worry.

"Nothing like that, I'm just busy with work and all."

"So that's why, Speaking of which, I can't wait to go see the show." A big smile appeared on both their faces.

"Can we get some more water over here!"

"Coming! Sorry, Luther, we can talk a little bit later."

Mrs.Lain quickly retreated from the table to serve the other guest. Luther looked towards to window, staring at the ocean and taking in its magnificent. Other people might have brought a book or have been reading a newspaper but Luther enjoying the serenity that peace brought to his life.

After a while, the food came and Luther started eating. He had gotten what he always had gotten, giant shrimp fried in a batter seasoned with dried herb with a salad and a corn potage on the side. Sometimes, he would want to eat a little heavier dishes but today he wanted something quick a light so he could go shopping for dinner.

__________

Suddenly, the door opened.

"Mom, I'm home"

A beautiful blonde lady encased in light metal armour and carrying a sword by her side came into the shop. She possessed a commanding voice that was almost unfit for one with her looks.

"Look it's one of the king's commanders"

"She's beautiful, I wouldn't mind being with her for a night"

"Forget it, she would crush the family jewels before she'd let you"

Whispers started forming while she walked inside and went upstairs, presumably to change out of her work attire.

Her name was Celica Lain, the only daughter of the owners of this fine establishment. When she was only sixteen, she was chosen to be apart of the king's guard because of her dominance in sword fighting. Now twenty, she was promoted to be one of the commanders of a group that personally sees to the king and his family's protection.

"Luther!"

Celica had just walked down from her room upstairs where she spotted Luther.

"Where have you been," she said approaching him for a hug.

"I've been busy with work"

Luther had known Celica almost as long as he had known her parents. Luther always saw her as a little sister that needed to be pampered, he truly acted as one of her older brothers. Of course, it was Luther and her oldest brother that taught her how to wield a sword in the first place.

"Are you still working there?"

"I am, How have you been faring with your new position"

"Tiring, I barely get any time off now and this is my first vacation since last year. Hey, you should come back to being a guard, I still probably can't match you with a sword."

A reassuring smile appeared on Luther's face

"You're being optimistic. I gave that up a long time ago, I..."

"Celica, You're bothering Luther"

Mrs. Lain had interrupted their little conversation.

"Luther, shouldn't you be going soon"

"Oh you're right, thank you for the meal"

While getting out his money, Luther also reached for some tickets

"Mrs. Lain, take these for the show tonight, I hope you won't be disappointed"

Luther then handed Mrs. Lain the four tickets.

As Mrs. Lain took the tickets and read them, her face went aglow with what was written on them.

"Front row!? Luther you didn't have to."

"You guy are family to me, let me treat you guy once in a while"

Luther had given her front row seats to the show, usually costing a month's worth of work to the average worker. Of course, being a well-off restaurant, the Lains could have easily taken a little from their savings and have bought the tickets, but even so, this was a huge gesture.

Mrs. Lain reached out to give Luther a big hug.

After conversing a little more, Luther said his farewells and headed out to the marketplace with a small smile on his face, filled with the blessing of having people that cared for him. Meanwhile, the crystal pendant necklace that was given to him by his mother that he always wore was dull jade green.