Chapter Text
The church bell had not rung for weddings in three years.
It rang only for the dead now.
Today, it rang three times before breakfast.
Each coffin shared the same last story. To fall in the hands of those whom they distrust most. They hide in the dark and pounce when it strikes the dead of the night.
The sacred tree that characterized the unfortunate village was slowly losing its leaves. Word spread around the country that it wont be long until the village's only protector will fall while saving others. This mighty hero was no knight in shining armor. It wasnt a sword he weilded, but a bow and arrow.
It most certainly wasn't anyone from the palace— infact, he resided in the said doomed village.
He may have been known to protect the village from the continuous attacks of these said rivals, but heroes have flaws too. This being a mere commoner was full of flaws— a habit of breaking things in the process of fending off foes, his arrows being on the brink of piercing others, and having to use brutal ways to shed blood on desperate days. Clearly, he wasn't perfect either.
Nonetheless, he saves the village from evil. But at what cost? Villagers are moving, afraid of the danger. Those who struggle with finances are forced to stay against their will. This village was the wall of the country. It was the boarder between the enemy territory to their palace. The village surrounds itself with a forest of trees and logs enforced to make a standing wall to atleast keep the villagers safe, no enemy dared to climb these walls, they were known to have specially engraved carvings made to prevent people from climbing or jumping on it.
It was no surprise people struggled to stay in such a place. Being constantly attacked and having to live a life being anxious of when you'll be at the purgatory? Certainly isn't a bright look. People still lose their life despite the brutal and gruesome ways this protector manages to save the village from. The man isnt a God, theres no saying when he'll collapse. Rumors say he does this to show off, some say he loves his village. The truth remains unknown, for the man will not speak of personal matters.
And the sacred tree...Yes, the sacred tree. It was believed that centuries ago— lived their saviour that planted the first tree in the world and had blessed it to bring good luck to each and every one that lived near it. Other than this religious belief, it was also characterized as a 'glowing plant' in the middle of the night. Its leaves were brighter than the typical shrubs, people claimed that they've seen angels surround the plant and the village during the hour evil spirits arrive. Apparently, their saviour from centuries ago only had one saying of the tree— "As long as this tree strives and sees the light, people shall have no fright— for this tree is the sign of a life's start and end."
People doubt it, some don't. Was the protector a believer? Is this his reason for fighting? Well again, we dont know. But it all starts off on one bright day.