The History of Us

Chapter One

*Author POV*

In deep valley, there lies a village. The trees surround the village in a nice circle. Roads clearly seen coming out of the North, East, South, and West directions. The cobblestone roads show immense wear and tear, cracks spreading through each rock making pieces litter the slightly bumpy surface.

In the center of town, where all the roads meet, there is a notice board litter with adventure contracts and help wanted ads. Thick light posts stand on each side, illuminating all the roads and the board simultaneously. Patches of jasmine use the light posts and notice board legs as places to grow on, circling around through the vines. 

Houses and shops line the main roads. Dirt paths weave in-between the buildings, making roads the villagers travel along. The main roads have hanging signs high enough in the air so they are out of the way, but still legible. The entire village consists of farmers, hunters, shepherds, and one outcast. 

The outcast walks down the main road to the North. She had heard rumors from passing adventures a few weeks ago that there is a cavern deep with in the mountains that contained rare minerals. Inspired by her obsession with knowledge, she packed her bags and headed out. She walks to the edge of the forest and turns to look back to the village. She took a deep breath and turned back to the forest, walking in. 

Different shades of greens, reds, oranges, and yellows light up the forest as the sun shines brightly. Pink flower petals rain down from the canopy, littering the earth and path. She walks through with wonder and curiosity, her eyes taking in every detail.

She travels for a few months before she finally reaches the mountain range the adventures had mentioned. She traverses the steep climb, almost falling off a few times. She reaches the flat plateau where the entrance of the carven was located.

Deep down in the cavern labyrinth, the dragon of destruction eats his meal with vigor. He slurps the marrow out of cattle bones he had stripped the meat from. A gentle breeze blows an alluring scent of leather and jasmine throughout the cavern tunnels. Enticed with the scent, the dragon follows it to the fork of tunnels by the entrance. Hidden in the shadows, he watches with protective curiosity.

*Dimia POV*

I finally reach the entrance. I smile with relief and let out a deep exhale. I walk to the edge of the entrance and try to see if I can see anything. I find a nice branch and tear off a piece of old fabric from a tattered shirt. I wrap it around the branch and take a match out to light it. 

Using the torch I made, I walk into the cavern. Specks of light reflect off of tiny minerals that line the walls. I smile happily that I can witness this. 

*Aurelius POV*

I watch her curiously. A human bravely walked into a dangerous place. Perhaps she has no idea the dangers that lay here. I sniff the air once more. Her jasmine scent intrigues me. I haven't smelt something this enticing in a long time. Something about her smile, makes me wonder what her intentions are. 

I let a deep growl rumble in my chest and throat, "Human... What brings you here? Have you come to steal the treasures said the be buried here? Or are you here to slay the monster that guards said treasure?"

I watch her from the shadows. She takes off her bag and places it on the ground. She removes her blade from her belt and places it on the ground, making my eyes narrow. Her voice comes out soft, "Oh hello... To answer your questions, no and no. I had not heard of treasures here. Nor have I heard about a monster."

I drop my growl lower, "Then what brings you here? If its not treasure or glory, what could have brought you to my home?"

I watch her look around trying to find me, "I had heard there were minerals here that are rare to find. I wanted to learn about them so I could make potions and poisons. I am interested in the history and knowledge that comes with learning about them."

I step out of the shadows. My human body clothed by a deep obsidian black robe. My horns rest on my head, black as night with gold shimmering as the light from the torch reflects off them. Golden patterns slightly glow across my body. My black hair drapes my back in a thick braid.

My eyes hold her gaze, "History... Knowledge... How practical of you to want to have the knowledge of such things." I glance at her knife, "and yet you come armed with a knife that wont protect you from dangers like myself. Most who come for minerals usually bring more bags and people. I find myself wondering why you have neither."

I lean in slightly, "Do tell me. I will know if you lie to me."