Screenshots below! They are tied to the story so I put the story above! I had a little idea and have been wanting to write for a while so I just went at it! Enjoy! c:

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There’s a familiar crisp chill to the air in Velia, one that, at least here, signals the change and fall of leaves, the brewing of warm cider, and the preparation for the autumn festival. It’s a familiar sensation to Allekos, yet, also bittersweet. Though these cheerful Velian traditions are a delightful and welcome respite from the daily turmoil and struggle of fighting the influence of Hadum, this autumn he can’t help but feel the distance between himself and his home in Grana. 

The sun is getting low in the sky, the tinges of a rosy hue just beginning to make themselves known on the foliage, rocks, and in the reflections of the ocean ahead. Allekos has just made it through Heidel Pass, and knows that when he reaches the Velia Inn, a warm beverage and bed await him. He’s tired, and his body aches from a particularly harsh day aiding the Serendian soldiers in their pursuit of defending Heidel from the various creatures pushing towards their borders. The strain of the day is even taking a toll on his poor mount, Arello, his movements showing the same lethargy as Allekos’ own. 

As they slowly pass under the crimson and golden-leafed trees just outside Velia, Allekos slightly pulls on Arello’s reins, bringing him from a slow walk to a gentle halt. He looks up for a moment at the colorful assortment of leaves above him, before looking back down, patting Arello on the side of the neck, and dismounting. He winces slightly as his feet hit the ground, the impact of landing reminding him of his soreness. As he walks forward, he reaches into a pocket and produces a pouch of carrot pieces, removing one and holding it up for Arello to take as he steps in front of him. Arello happily obliges, giving a nicker of approval before Allekos stores the pouch again, and walks a bit farther forward on foot. 

Allekos walks to the largest of the trees around them, and places a hand on its rough bark. In Kamasylvia, one can feel the energy of the spirits around them in nearly every living thing, but Allekos can’t feel them the same way here, at least not as easily. However, if one knows where to look, they can still be found in the bark of trees, the running water of streams, the lightning above, and luckily through his traveling companion Arello, who had awakened before he’d left Grana. Alas, they are only faint traces of his beloved home, but they would have to suffice until everyone was safe, until Grana was safe, from the influence of Hadum.

After looking around for a moment, Allekos picks a spot in the grass, and lays down beneath the trees, resting himself for a while. The trees in Grana don’t change colors like these do, and it has only been a year and a half since he left home, so the sight of the colorful leaves still retains their wonder. He lays there for around an hour, tracing the shapes of the leaves and studying the different shades of red, orange, and gold, until the sun has almost completely set.

Allekos then slowly comes to his feet, sweeping the grass from his armor, and moves toward a sturdy birch tree, deciding to watch the remainder of the sunset perched upon its branches. When he was a child he remembers climbing the tallest loopy tree he could find, and watching the sunset from the highest branches he could manage. Of course, this tree isn’t as tall as those trees were, nor was it as delightful to climb, but it would serve to give him a higher view than the grass below. And as he watches the setting sun dip below the ocean from his perch in this amber leafed tree, he tries to remind himself that tomorrow is a new day, the beginning of which will signify progress in defeating Hadum, and progress towards returning home to his beloved Grana.

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