The Village Head was sat in front of a desk. He had a letter placed in front of a desk. He had a letter placed in front of him.
From: Master Carson
To: Chief
The Village Head sighed as he stared down at the paper, his mind mentally drained and exhausted.
"This is how it all started. With this little piece of letter." The Village Head rubbed his temple.
"I think it was sent to my father about 19 years ago."
*Flashback (The Village Head's POV)*
I was 21 years thereabout. My father was the leader at the time, a very powerful one. He had a mighty warrior who saved his life times without number, but never asked anything in return. His joy was in serving my father without faltering.
Eventually, he found a lover. Someone who opened his eyes and made him truly see for the first time.
The lovely woman, May, is the one who stole his heart. The warrior, Master Carson, eventually retired to focus on his new family.
That day was the saddest day of my father's life. He lost his greatest warrior that day.
Despite the fact that my father wasn't happy with the warrior's decision, he let him go and even gave him access to the greatest apothecary physician.
I still remember my dad lasts words to Master Carson.
"You have served me and this village well. In whatever path you decide to take, know this: Your labor will not be wasted. I, Village Head Edward, owe you, Master Carson, a favor.' Go and be happy. "
* * *
The Village Head squinted his eyes at the letter.
"I never thought he'd have asked for a favor, but I guess circumstances changes people. My father died before he could see this letter, so I did it in his stead. The result: Florisha." The Village Head placed his hand on his head out of frustration. He knew about Florisha's situation and circumstances, that she and the people around her experience since she was a child. That knowledge has given him a ton of headaches over the years.
"It's been a while since I read this...." He said, slowly unfolding the letter.
- - -
Dear Chief,
I have never and will never take anything you have done for me for granted. I never thought a day will come where I will have to request something from you. In all your benevolence, please assist me. I have a daughter. Her birth brought about the death of her mother and so many unforeseen circumstances. The atmosphere around her dull, grim and uninviting. Though she's just five, she has brought about a haunting sadness into all the members of my household just by her presence alone; a sadness that refuses to leave when she's in our midst. Some of my servants has gone as far as to commit suicide; some even get locked into the gnawing and cold shackles of depression. I have lost all comprehension. It is a dilemma and an enigma. I have already accounted for over 24 suicide attempts. Tell me, is that normal? I'm afraid not.
Though I love her, I had to take drastic measures to avoid anymore. Hence, I decided to drop her off in the forest to avoid her from being near civilization. I know it's wrong of me as a father, but did I really have much of a choice.
This has been going on for 3 month now. I drop her off in the forest to avoid come pick her later. I can't keep this up any longer. I'm afraid for my daughter's life, but I can't risk so many lives because of her. I'm unsure what to do.
I have made a choice. I'm travelling away. I found something that can give me a new ambition, a new goal. I feel like it can really be groundbreaking. I can't go into details, but I think... I've found a way to leave the village.
Please try to take care of my daughter as much as you can and see if you can help her. She's the only family I have. Thanks in advance, Chief.
- - -
"Leave the village? I still don't understand what he meant by this. Does he mean leave to the sky? Master Carson has always been a peculiar man, who knows what he has ventured into. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I wonder where she is now..."
* * *
On a large expanse of deserted and arid land, a woman in white robe is walking across the sandy arid land. Her white robe untainted and completely pure contrasting with the arid nature around her.
In her hand was a scroll, sealed. The seal was crimson, stamped with a sign: 'DX' and under it was cursive-like numbers '23.'
The woman kept on walking on without pausing or looking back.
After much time had passed, she stopped for the first time in her journey.
"For what purpose is this journey?"
Her gaze shifted to the scroll in her hand.
"For what purpose is this scroll?"