[Realm: Álfheimr]
[Location: Heart Kingdom Outskirts]
[Virelheim Mountain Village]
The midday sun was alight through the streets as Mikoto, Gretel, and their unusual new companion made their way along the dirt-packed main path of the village, ascending gradually toward the second platform where the chief's longhouse stood. The streets had become marginally busier than before—no surprise, Mikoto supposed, considering it was midday. People moved about carrying crates, sweeping porches, selling vegetables and fish. There was the clamor of children nearby, playing happily, and yet, none of the villagers had the faintest idea of what loomed beyond the horizon.
The Heart Kingdom's threat remained far removed from their simple lives.
Mikoto's eyes narrowed slightly as they moved through the crowd. His frame was half-shadowed by the taller Gretel beside him, and yet he walked, irritated.
His mind was elsewhere.
