Dio - Settlement (3)

"Welcome to our little community! I'm happy to see new faces. I hope you’ll like it here!" a man with thinning hair and a rough smile called out as Dio stepped closer.

"How did things go for you, Wes?" he asked, turning his attention to the rider.

"Great! Really great, to be honest! These three here will fit right in, I’m sure of it. This is Ha, Dio, and Oli. They made my journey very pleasant. Also, there are a few things I want to discuss with you, Reab... but that can wait. Though not for too long! I’m really excited..."

Wes jumped off Snicker and pulled the man along with him before he could properly engage with Dio and the others.

He must really want to cook that soup, Dio thought.

"Wes is not usually like that," an older man muttered, mostly to himself.

Something about him caught Dio's attention, though he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was. The man had a scruffy white beard, bushy eyebrows above large, slightly swollen eyes, and lightly tanned skin speckled with freckles. Deep lines around his eyes and mouth hinted at many smiles past. He radiated warmth, even through a trace of melancholy.

What a pleasant fellow, Dio thought.

"Indeed, quite strange," another man remarked, pressing his lips together as he watched Wes and Reab disappear.

"Anyway... welcome, all three of you. I'm sure you'll settle in just fine. Take all the time you need. You can start helping out whenever you feel ready, or just do your own thing."

This man, too, appeared aged, though his long, well-kept hair and beard were a pale yellow.

He was of average height, or at least that’s how Dio judged it compared to the others he'd met since awakening. The group around him was a colorful mix: some had lighter skin, others darker, and one even had a faint greenish tint around the eyes. Their heights and apparent ages varied, but they all shared one thing to varying degrees: a palpable sense of calm. None looked burdened, and all greeted Dio with a smile or a nod. With just a few exchanged words, Dio already felt a sense of belonging stir within him.

After a short conversation, Yorm—the man with the yellowish hair—suggested that Dio, Ha, and Oli settle into one of the vacant huts in the village.

"Of course, you're also free to head out and explore the Dream," he added. "A few have chosen that path, but usually not right away. I think we all carry a yearning for something. But for most of us, it’s peace we long for, not adventure. At least, that’s how it is here in Daw."

Dio was torn. Part of him wanted to settle down right away, but another part urged him to move on.

Ray’s presence was still there, now faint and distant in his heart, yet it continued to tug at him. And then there were all the wonders still waiting to be discovered: silver trees, new species of animals and plants, strange relics...

Yet in the end, a little calm and quiet didn’t seem like such a bad idea. Besides, he had promised Ray he would wait for her, and that was a promise he intended to keep.

After all, he had more than enough time—perhaps forever.

"I would suggest you settle in first," said Des, the older man with the kind face.

"Yeah, I think we’ve had enough adventure," sighed Ha.

Dio was surprised by her words, since they hadn’t exactly had grand adventures or been traveling for all that long. But in the end, everyone experienced things differently.

"True. Even though I enjoyed the splendor of the Dream, those strange stones really gave me chills. I don’t want to stumble into something dangerous out there. I mean, this is our second chance, right? I’d rather tend some rye fields and feed a few Muldis. That sounds much more relaxing. Besides, you’re all very welcoming! I’m looking forward to getting to know you better!" Oli agreed.

Even though Dio didn’t fully share their views, he nodded. There was no point in starting a debate before they’d even claimed their huts.

Apparently, there weren’t many vacant shelters, but still more than they needed. When Des mentioned that the hut next to his had been empty for quite some time, Dio decided to move in there. Partly because he liked Des, and partly because the spot was on the outskirts of Daw, where he would likely find more quietness than closer to the center. Not that it had been particularly noisy here; the dominant sound was still the soft rustling of workers tending the fields. But better safe than sorry.

After saying goodbye to Ha and Oli and thanking the others again for their warm welcome, Dio followed Des along a narrow path leading away from the village square. Despite Des’ age, his movements were graceful despite his age.

"How long have you been here?" Dio asked, trying to start a conversation.

"Hmm," Des hummed without looking up, his gaze fixed on the ground.

Silence hung in the air. Dio wasn’t sure if that was all the answer he was going to get. They walked on for a while, passing dwellings and people who waved at them, though Des hardly seemed to notice.

Maybe he’s just not much of a talker, Dio thought.

He was just considering another question, trying to find out whether it was the topic or if Des generally didn’t speak much, when the man suddenly stopped and turned.

He blinked and pressed his lips together.

"You know, Dio… actually, I don’t know. I’ve never really asked myself that. It always felt a little strange to think about. I simply don’t know. Though, I’m certain I’ve been here a long time. It’s very pleasant here, so time blurs for that reason alone. But I also enjoy my work and my meditations and just let myself be carried along by it all," he murmured.

Then he turned and continued walking. Dio felt a smile tug at his lips. He followed Des as they passed more houses and more people, until they finally reached the edge of Daw. In the dimming light, they walked along the outermost huts of the village.

One building caught Dio’s eye. It was built in the same style as the others, but it radiated more life than any other dwelling he’d seen. It was a slightly larger tree-tent, its outer walls overgrown with green and golden ivy. Pink and red flowers wove around the entrance. Inside there was a faint light whose source he couldn’t quite make out. The patch of land it stood on was different, with lusher grass and several clay pots brimming with flowers. There was even a small garden, with primitive but effective irrigation systems made from hollowed-out tree trunks, where rows of root vegetables and glowing plants grew.

Dio’s gaze lingered on the place. He wondered who it might belong to.

"That’s a really beautiful garden," he remarked more to himself.

"Yes, that’s Brela’s garden. I think she’s out gathering herbs and new fruits right now. After all, a new arrival can cause new things to appear in the forest. Her garden is wonderful. I love passing by and looking at it on my way to the fields. It breaks my usual flow of thought. What I love most are her tulips. A wonderful sight, aren’t they?"

"Indeed. Wes mentioned her name before, I think. I’m looking forward to meeting her," Dio said.

"You’ll like her. I think everyone does. Every time she leaves, it feels like something’s missing around here. But she always comes back," said Des, starting to walk again.

Dio could hardly tear his gaze away from the hut and the peaceful garden. Only when Des stopped two houses down, at a tree-tent that seemed empty and was decorated with a few twigs and branches, did Dio manage to look away. The small patch of land that would be his was covered in moss and weeds. He’d have to put in some work, but even so, it already felt cozy.

"Yours. Mine’s right here, next door!" said Des, pointing at the dwelling between Dio’s and Brela’s. It was in good condition but seemed a bit dull. There was no garden or anything else, only a single golden tulip at the edge. Still, Des smiled proudly as he gestured toward it.

"Thank you for showing me the way," Dio said with a nod.

"My pleasure. I hope you’ll enjoy it here!" Des replied, making his way to his conical home.

"Des, why don’t you have a garden?" Dio asked as the older man reached his entrance.

Des froze and looked down again. He furrowed his thick eyebrows, which even seemed to tremble slightly, as if from a chill. More time passed than Dio had expected.

He almost felt bad for asking, but then Des looked up and said slowly:

"You know, Dio, I never thought about it. My daily routine’s been the same for so long, it just never occurred to me. But you’re right..."

He smiled.

"I think I’ll plant something too. Brela would surely give me a few seeds. I’m sure she has plenty. I’ll have to meditate on that a bit... if you’ll excuse me. See you around!"

With that, Des disappeared into his hut.

It was strange that he had never thought about having a garden. Dio wondered whether he, too, might one day become like Des, simply doing what he was used to, without noticing the changes around him.

He thought of the others he’d seen.

They seemed happy, but there was always a certain sluggishness in their expressions.

Perhaps it’s a good idea to keep things fresh, he thought.

Maybe he could explore the forests now and then. Maybe that would satisfy his longing to see more of the Dream while he waited for Ray.

Would she return soon? Or would it be a long time before she walked into this village, searching for him?

Would his own eyes one day take on that same dull expression?

Feeling slightly uneasy, Dio sat down in his new home. The floor was damp but warm, though little of the fading outside light reached inside, and he could barely make out anything.

There were remnants of straw in the corner, but he chose to sit upright.

When will I meet you again, Ray? Who will you be then? And who will I be? he wondered, as his thoughts drifted.

Slowly, the emptiness of meditation settled over him, and he found peace in his new home.