The Reapers : Sons of the Void

🎙️ Narrator (warm, curious tone):

"You might awaken a prophecy…

You might awaken a ring…

But the real challenge lies in bargaining for a strawberry loaf in the midst of townsfolk."

Leonhardt Palace – Exiting the Crystal ChamberTheir backs still damp with perspiration, the doors swing open.

Miller and Brien step from the cool stone of the crystal chamber into the warm, marble corridors of the palace.

Light still echoes in their eyes; dreams tremble in their souls.

At the corridor's end stands a familiar figure:

General Felix, arms folded, watching them intently.

Felix:

"You're off duty today.

You may wander the city. But... stay vigilant."

Brien (eagerly):

"So we're… completely free?

No guards or anything?"

Felix hands them a pouch of gold coins.

Felix:

"No. Today you walk among the people—as strangers.

This isn't a test.

It's an observation."

Miller (examining the pouch):

"How much is this?"

Felix:

"Spend it well and it lasts a day.

Spend it poorly… fifteen minutes of shame."

Leonhardt Kingdom – Royal Road and Market SquareThey step out the palace gates into wide cobblestone avenues, soaring towers, and a vivid market alive with bustling crowds and colorful stalls…

Miller freezes at the sheer number of people.

Brien, on the other hand, buzzes with "tourist energy."

Brien:

"This is like an MMORPG marketplace!

See any NPCs offering quests?"

Miller (teasingly):

"If one of them says 'collect five potatoes,' I want a refund."

Stall One: The FloristBeneath a violet canopy, blooms of every hue burst forth.

A cheerful older woman tends to her potted flowers.

Florist:

"Oh, handsome boys!

Want a rose? They protect young love and ward off curses."

Brien (smirking):

"If they guard love, I need one for my ex—not me."

The florist laughs heartily.

Florist:

"Your tongue is sharp! I like that. Here—you're welcome."

Brien hands the rose to Miller.

Brien:

"For you, brother.

Sometimes, the quiet ones deserve the brightest blossoms."

Miller (softly):

"…Since when did you become so poetic?"

Stall Two: Clothier and Light ArmorA bell rings above a stall filled with colorful cloaks, embroidered tunics, and light armor.

Merchant (proudly):

"Elven cloth! Reflects light—makes you invisible at night!"

Brien:

"So, basically a free invisibility cloak?"

Merchant:

"No, three gold coins. But your charisma rises by sixty percent."

Miller (touching the fabric):

"It's beautiful… but we don't chase the light—we draw in shadows."

Brien:

"If I ever wear charisma gear, I won't be Brien anymore.

Show me a real leather belt—keep it grounded."

The merchant eyes them with curiosity.

Merchant:

"You two are from somewhere else, aren't you?"

Miller (smiling):

"A bit… farther away."

Stall Three: Sweet Vendor and "Burning Biscuits"Aromatic scents swirl: strawberry, cinnamon, walnut…

The stall features stacked cookies and fruit-stuffed pastries.

Vendor:

"Freshly baked!

Sugar Moonstone biscuits—smile guaranteed with every bite!"

Brien:

"Moonstone? Are they supposed to be stones?"

Vendor (laughing):

"No, dear. Just a name.

But eat too many, and they feel as heavy as rocks."

Brien grabs one, takes a bite, and pauses in wonder.

Brien:

"Miller… this is like sunshine in my mouth.

I can taste the palace right now."

Miller:

"You still haven't stopped talking before swallowing."

Vendor:

"I'll give you another palace bite—third cookie's on me!"

Stall Four: Hatmaker and Funhouse MirrorRacks brim with eccentric hats and masks, alongside a distortion mirror.

Brien peers in—his head looks double-sized.

Brien:

"My head can't really be twice as big… can it?"

Miller:

"That mirror can't hold your soul—that's bigger than your skull."

Hatmaker:

"Try this mask—elf ball style.

Wear it and no one will recognize you."

Brien dons the mask and inspects his reflection.

Brien:

"If I walked into the throne room like this… would they crown me?"

Hatmaker:

"Maybe they won't eat you… but they'll enjoy tossing you out."

Stall Five: Portrait Painter SurpriseA woman paints tiny portraits on mini canvases.

Brien leans in, intrigued.

Brien:

"Could you make one of me?"

Painter:

"Of course. But you must stay still."

Brien never does. She captures him as a pensive figure—eyes half-shut, head tilted.

Brien (studying it):

"That's not me—it's philosopher me."

Painter:

"Maybe that's the real you.

You just haven't met him yet."

Miller quietly admires the portrait—deep in thought.

A Moment of Silence – Terrace and ReflectionThey ascend a stairway to a terrace overlooking the city.

Below, the bustling world; above, the sun prepares to set.

Miller:

"Look at all those people.

They share our world… but live different lives.

No one looked at us and said, 'ah, the Prophecy Children.'"

Brien (with a soft exhale):

"And that's a blessing.

Sometimes, being just a stranger is a relief.

That kid laughed at my smile—not my strength."

🎙️ Narrator (emotional close):

"A kingdom is built not only on its castle…

but on marketplace calls, pastry aromas, and a child's laughter.

And sometimes… those who bear rings learn the most among common folk."

Return – Evening BeckonsBrien and Miller walk slowly back, pockets lined with trinkets, minds rich with thoughts…

but hearts carrying a newfound sense of belonging.

🎙️ Narrator (soft, slightly weary):

"Days are long, exploration tiring…

but nights?

Nights can be a bowl of hot stew…

or a tavern full of drunken mercenaries stirring unnecessary drama."

Leonhardt Palace – EveningAs dusk settles, the palace quiets.

Brien and Miller, fatigued from their day's stroll, retreat to their rooms—but sleep eludes them.

Brien (turning across the bed):

"I'm hungry."

Miller (staring at the ceiling):

"Weren't you full at dinner?"

Brien:

"I was. But night food is different.

My soul craves a warm plate."

Miller:

"Go raid the kitchen—scream at the chef?"

Brien (sits up):

"Nope. We're heading to the tavern."

City – The Red Cloak TavernNot far from the palace stands a cozy, wooden tavern inscribed "Red Cloak."

Inside, low ceilings, dim light, and laughter fill the air.

Steam rises from hearty dishes; musicians play in the corner…

Noise abounds.

Brien (wrinkling his nose):

"This place fits me perfectly—noisy, smoky, and a bit stinky."

Miller (evaluating):

"The smell is… like burnt cheese meets chimney smoke."

They find a table and sit on sturdy stools.

Young waitress (smiling):

"First time here?"

Brien (grinning):

"Figuring that out might be your first quest."

Waitress:

"Nah—normally people ask for drinks first. You just stared at the menu and made eye contact."

Miller:

"Appreciate the honesty. Two meat dishes and hot bread, please."

Brien:

"And—wow—one Lava Pot Dessert. Sounds dangerous."

Dinner Arrives – Calm & WarmthDishes arrive steaming—herbs, spices, familiar yet new.

The warmth seeps into their chilled bones.

Miller (tasting a bite):

"This might be the best part of the kingdom."

Brien (closing his eyes):

"Honestly… the best part might be that waitress.

Her eyes are like an RPG side quest—mystery and intrigue."

Miller:

"So… you're on a quest now?"

Brien (laughing softly):

"Yes. But first—I must beat this dessert."

The Door Bursts Open – Enter the MercenariesThe tavern door slams open with a gust of cold.

Three armored, grimy, and clearly drunk mercenaries swagger in.

Mercenary 1 (loudly):

"Mission accomplished! Now—raise a toast for us!"

Mercenary 2:

"If no one's raising, we'll make you!"

They advance toward the bar, laughter spilling out.

Patrons glance up; some stare, others ignore.

Brien (quietly):

"Here it comes—tonight's disturbance."

Trouble Begins – They Target BrienOne of them sniffs the air and moves toward their table, drawn by the dessert's aroma.

Mercenary 3:

"What's that?

Smells like campfire… or my bedroll.

Little knight—got room for another bite?"

Brien (guarding the plate):

"Hands off the dessert.

In my culture, sweet eats mean sweet sword."

Mercenary 1 (chuckling):

"Cute. You're small, pretty… but talkative.

Are you a knight or a poet?"

Brien:

"I write poems about you. Not in blood—but with rose water.

You could use a bit of charm."

Tensions Rise – Hands Near WeaponsMiller stiffens.

The mercenaries' tone grows abrasive.

Hands creep to belt buckles, ready for knives.

Miller:

"Calm yourself—or want help calming you?"

Mercenary 2 (snorting):

"Oh—you got a bodyguard too? Who are you, huh?"

The Tension Breaks – Humor WinsJust as claws hover, Brien pounds the table with a grin and laughs loudly.

Brien:

"All right!

We're all here representing our worlds:

You ruled by coin, us by value…

You in armor, us in wit…

Let's squeeze onto a table and swap tales.

Like—why do you smell like burnt stew?"

Standoff Melts – They Share a TableThe mercenaries pause, then one laughs.

Mercenary 3:

"You're nuts—but funny.

Tell you what—forget the dessert guilt.

Drinks on me."

Chairs slide. They all sit together.

Night Chat – Silly, Wild StoriesMercenary 1:

"I'm Garth. They call us the Thorn Brothers.

We went to hunt some creature at the border. Turns out… it was a wife.

An old woman in the village."

Brien (wide-eyed):

"Wait—you attacked a married spider?!"

Mercenary 2 (laughing):

"She had webs everywhere… we got stuck!"

Miller (laughing):

"I need whatever drink you had."

Evening Deepens – Genuine ConnectionGarth:

"Who are you, really? I've never seen you before."

Miller (softly):

"We're just wanderers.

We don't have a clear path yet.

But maybe one day, when we return, we'll tell someone who we became."

Mercenary 3 (nodding):

"Fair answer. A bit mysterious.

I like that, dark-eyed boy."

Brien drapes his arm around Garth's shoulder.

Brien:

"Look—we're friends now.

Most who try to pick fights end up liking us."

🎙️ Narrator (night's end):

"Friendship sometimes begins with a shared pastry.

Sometimes with a witty clash.

But real bonds… form when you laugh around the same table."

Closing the Night – OutsideThey exit the tavern, each face illuminated by smiles.

The mercenaries drift off in their own directions.

Brien and Miller walk into the cool night.

Brien:

"That was a good night.

We ate… nearly fought… made friends.

A week at that pace and I'll be legendary."

Miller (laughing):

"You're already the kingdom's 'sweet warrior.'"