The sun was already dipping westward, painting the sky in shades of gold and soft crimson.
"Ready, Nova?" Joren called, fastening the strap of his small leather pouch.
"Yeah!" Nova rushed out, eyes gleaming with excitement. His short black hair shimmered faintly under the sunlight.
Elaine smiled from her bed. "Don't tire your father too much, Nova."
"Haha, don't worry," Joren chuckled. "If anyone gets tired, it'll be him—from all that talking."
Nova grinned proudly. "I'll prove you wrong, Dad!"
"We'll see about that."
Joren and Nova waved to Maela and stepped out the door. The path ahead shimmered faintly under the golden light. The air was crisp—cool with the evening breeze and scented faintly of wet earth from the river nearby.
---
As they walked down the narrow dirt path, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant birds filled the air.
One could say that Oak Village was actually divided into three parts.
Where Nova's home stood was the outer edge of the village—a peaceful and quiet area. Only twenty or thirty families lived there, scattered among the trees. This was also where Nova's friends lived.
Nova skipped over small stones along the path. "Dad, how far is it again?"
"Not too far. The market's past the main village—we'll reach the main residential area soon."
"I remember! That's where old man Theros lives, right? The one who sells fish?"
"Haha, yes. You remember him. But try not to ask him again why he doesn't eat his own fish."
"But it's weird, Dad! Why sell something you don't eat?"
Joren laughed. "You'll understand when you grow up."
---
After a short walk, the forested trail opened into the heart of the village. Smoke curled lazily from the chimneys, and the air grew warm with the scent of bread and roasted meat. Villagers passed by carrying baskets or pulling small wooden carts. Chickens darted across the dirt road, clucking loudly.
Soon they reached the center of the village—near the giant oak tree. Though it stood right in the middle of Mistgrove, not a single house surrounded it. This was the farthest Nova usually came.
They passed the oak and, a little further ahead, houses and bustling life appeared once again.
"Evening, Joren!" a man called from his porch.
"Evening, Garil," Joren replied with a smile and a nod.
Nova waved eagerly. "Hi, Mr. Garil!"
"Ah, young Nova! Going to the market, huh?"
"Yep! Dad promised me he'd buy something cool today!"
"Ha! Lucky you," Garil laughed before turning back to his work.
Nova tugged Joren's sleeve. "Can we really buy something cool?"
Joren smiled. "We'll see—if you behave."
---
As they entered the market district, the air buzzed with life. The stone-paved road widened, lined with wooden stalls covered by colored cloths. Merchants shouted over one another to attract customers.
"Fresh fruits! Straight from the southern orchards!"
"Leather boots and belts—best price in Mistgrove!"
"Spices from the eastern caravans!"
The scent of cooked meat, herbs, and freshly baked bread filled the air. Nova's eyes sparkled with wonder. He turned his head left and right, trying to take in everything at once—the laughter, the shouts, the smells.
"Dad, look! That man's selling swords!"
"Those aren't for you yet," Joren said with a grin.
"I wasn't going to ask for one!" Nova pouted—but his gaze lingered all the same.
They stopped by a fruit stall.
"Two apples, please," Joren said.
"Three!" Nova corrected quickly.
Joren raised a brow, then laughed. "Three, then."
The merchant chuckled as he handed the fruits over. Nova bit into one instantly, his cheeks puffing as he chewed. "Mmm! It's sweet!"
---
As they continued walking, Nova's excitement only grew. He pointed at nearly every stall—colorful fabrics, shining trinkets, even small carved animals made of wood.
"Dad, what's that?" he asked, pointing at a stall selling small, solid spherical objects—mostly green, with a few yellow ones mixed in.
"Beast energy cores," Joren said softly. "You don't need to worry about them now—but one day, you'll learn all about them."
Nova looked puzzled, but before he could ask more, Joren ruffled his hair. "Come on, we've got to buy your mother's herbs."
---
They reached an elderly woman's stall filled with dried leaves, small bottles, and bundles of roots.
"Evening, Granny Tesa," Joren greeted.
"Ah, Joren! Right on time. Your wife's doing well, I hope?"
"She's resting. Maela's been helping her."
"Good. Here—the usual mix." She handed him a small wrapped bundle.
"Thank you, Granny."
Nova bowed politely, earning a kind smile from the old woman. "Such a polite child," she said.
"Only sometimes," Joren teased.
Nova puffed his cheeks again, making Granny Tesa laugh.
---
They went on to buy vegetables and other supplies.
"Now then," Joren said as he tightened his pouch, "since you've behaved, I suppose I can buy you something. Something cheap, though."
Nova's eyes widened. "Really?!"
Joren smiled. "Yeah, really. But decide fast—it's gonna be dark soon."
"Okay, so… uhm…" Nova looked around the bustling market until he spotted a wooden toy stall. His eyes suddenly lit up. "Come with me!"
Joren followed, curious.
At the stall, Nova pointed to a small, decorated wooden horse. "I want that!"
Joren raised his brow, glancing at the horse and then at Nova with mild confusion. "You're really interested in a rocking wooden horse, son? Heh—even after all those push-ups?" he teased.
"Ugh. Dad, I'm not asking for myself! I want to buy it for my younger sibling. Don't you think he or she would love it?"
Joren's eyes widened for a brief moment before softening. He smiled and placed a hand on Nova's head. "So small and yet so thoughtful, huh? Well then, can I know the price of that horse, sir?"
The shopkeeper picked up the toy and handed it over. "Five coppers."
Hearing the price Joren couldn't help but think, 'Five huh... That's rather cheap.'
"Alright, I'll take it. Here you go, Nova."
Joren handed Nova the horse and paid the shopkeeper.
---
They spent a while longer browsing the stalls before Joren finally said, "Alright, time to head back before it gets dark."
"But—" Nova began, then looked at the deepening orange sky.
"Fine…" he sighed, clutching his last apple. "But next time, I'm choosing where we go first."
"Deal," Joren said with a grin.
They began walking home, the lively chatter of the market fading behind them. Fireflies started flickering near the edges of the road. Nova looked up—the first stars were peeking through the twilight.
"Dad?"
"Yes, Nova?"
"When I grow up… I'll buy everything in the market."
Joren laughed. "That's quite a dream."
Nova grinned, "You'll see."
Joren looked at his son—the same stubborn glint he once had in his own eyes—and smiled quietly.
"Yeah… you will."
The two walked on under the rising moon, the warm lights of the market glowing faintly behind them.