original

Dessonance

Tác giả: Unwisher

The Arrival of Tobias

Tobias' heart was pounding as she confronted the daunting figure before her. The man's eyes, sharp and piercing, seemed to pierce through her very being, and the way he held himself - chin raised in a display of superiority - only added to the feeling of intimidation. The pitch-black eyes with their golden pupils exuded a chilling aura that made Tobias feel powerless and insignificant. Despite the darkness and emptiness of the dimension they were in, Tobias found herself unable to move, frozen in place by fear and uncertainty. She didn't know what was happening, but one thing was clear - the man before her was a source of terror, and Tobias couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had taken hold of her.

"Thine very being birthed forth the genesis of all impending disasters."

The commanding voice filled Tobias' mind with turmoil as it spoke with conviction. White eyes reflected innocence and a lack of understanding, causing confusion to curl the eyebrows. The open jaw struggled to form words as various possessions were clutched in a tight grip. A sense of helplessness and powerlessness washed over her as her body collapsed onto the ground, legs trembling uncontrollably. Despite the uncertainty, it was clear that Tobias was feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

Tobias never thought something like this would happen.

A few hours ago ...

As Tobias set out on the journey, a feeling of uncertainty lingered. But deep down, she knew everything would work out in the end. There was a strong sense of trust in the path being taken, feeling that it would lead to the desired destination. The place was new, only known by name, but the excitement to explore and see all it had to offer outweighed any anxiety. While not completely rid of nervousness, focusing on the positive and remaining optimistic helped during the journey.

As the morning dawned, the dew that covered the ground provided a refreshing feeling on the skin. Sunlight was broken up into vibrant stripes by the water droplets. Tobias' feet carried her towards one of the carts, hands quickly grasping the handles on the back. The Granny standing nearby was taken aback by the unexpected help from the young person, her expression one of surprise.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

Tobias' face lit up with a warm, genuine smile as she offered to help. The Old Lady seemed hesitant, emphasizing the heavy weight of the cart and the potential for tiring oneself out while driving it. She also mentioned that there was none available for Tobias. Despite the Old Lady's reservations, Tobias' kind-hearted nature shone through, driving her to want to lend a helping hand.

Tobias looked down. "Your steps are shaking. It should be time for your feet to rest, Grandma."

The Granny looked down at her own feet, a pair of legs trembling from the weight they were enduring. A desire to rest and relieve the strain was overwhelming.

" ...."

As the Granny trudged along with the heavy cart, suddenly, a young person she didn't recognize appeared, offering to help speed up the cart. Upon seeing the young person's face, the Granny couldn't help but feel that something was different about this youngster, even with her old eyes. There was a sense of curiosity and suspicion mixed with a hint of gratitude for the offer of assistance.

Inwardly said, "Her eyes are crystal white."

As the Granny looked upon the face of the young person offering their help, they were struck by the unusual color of Tobias' pupils. In her lifetime, it was rare to come across someone with an eye color that wasn't black, as it was a common trait in this region. Despite this, the Granny didn't think much of it and attributed the difference to possibly a visual impairment. She was grateful for the offered assistance and didn't let the unique trait cloud her judgment.

"My name is Tobias." Tobias suddenly said her name, catching the Old Lady off guard as she was lost in thought, wondering about Tobias' background. Questions filled her mind - where are Tobias' parents? Why is she alone? Where did she come from? Without thinking, Granny voiced the thoughts that had been swirling in her head, curious to know more about this young person.

"I'm a traveler." One sentence that can answer everything.

Hearing that, the Granny couldn't help but feel a sense of skepticism wash over her. The fact that this young person was traveling alone, with no weapons or supplies, seemed odd to her. She looked at Tobias with a doubtful expression, her mind racing with questions about her background and circumstances.

It was typical for travelers to travel in groups, carrying carts or bags filled with supplies and provisions. Some travelers were loners, but they were usually strong adults. The Granny couldn't help but feel a sense of uncertainty about Tobias, who seemed to be traveling alone and without the usual supplies. However, she also recognized that there were talented young people who enjoyed traveling solo. This caused a mix of curiosity and concern in Granny's mind.

"Traveling worldwide, meeting new people, and experiencing new things is a wonderful way to learn and grow. Exposing yourself to new cultures and ways of life can be incredibly enriching. You, as a young person with energy and time on your side, will surely relish the opportunity to see new things and meet new people. Embrace this chance and let it broaden your perspective and understanding of the world" She smiled slightly with narrowed eyes.

Tobias couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity and a desire for knowledge and experience as she looked upon the Granny. If Granny had been a traveler in the past, with her years of travel and adventure, she would surely be a wealth of information and insight. Tobias hoped to learn more about their travels and experiences, eager to gain a greater understanding of the world.

"Were you a traveler too-"

"No. I'm not."

Even before Tobias had finished posing their question, she hoped that the Granny had been a traveler at some point in their life so that they could exchange stories with each other. She wants to hear about Granny's past experiences and adventures, and perhaps share some of their own.

Tobias looks at Granny and sees a trace of bitterness on her face. This leads her to believe that Granny has likely encountered difficulties with travelers in the past.

Tobias feels uncomfortable. "I'm sorry ..."

"Oh, it's okay.

I get a little sensitive when it comes to traveling. But it seems okay now." Just like oldsters, The Old Lady started talking in a long monologue.

"Old people like me can only tell the younger ones. A story can only be said to other people because if it gets held up away, it will be in vain.

Do you know,

I'm afraid of things I don't know. Of course, sometimes there is also the danger that awaits. Seeing a young girl like you traveling around in solitude, I thought the world had become a secure place. Is traveling your stargazes? Even seeking asterisks takes a lot of intention and time.

I remember,

There used to be someone who said that ten youngs were more worthwhile than a thousand olds. It might be confusing but actually, what that person was trying to say was,

Young people can make dreams come true, and even change the world. But we are decrepitude can only dream without being able to do anything. All oldster begrudge you, young lady. Of course, I'm also.

Therefore, catch it up ere you missed the boat."

As Granny shares her thoughts, Tobias becomes enthused, realizing that he has gained valuable new perspectives. He understands the importance of this knowledge and how it could change his way of life. Suddenly, an idea comes to him and he quickly rummages through his bag, pulling out a small book and pen to capture it. "Sorry Grandma, but can you repeat it slowly? I want to write it down hehe."

"Ahahaha." Grandma's excitement was clear as she repeated the information. Tobias made sure to carefully write it down, not wanting to miss any details.

"During traveling, I want to write down the things I learn and write them in a book. Then, many people will read it and my name will become famous. That way, I will be a little closer to my dream." As Tobias spoke, her gaze was filled with warmth. She glanced at the writing on the page before closing it.

"Closer ...?" Granny sensed that there was something eluding her understanding.

Tobias gave a small smile in response to the question. "My dream is to improve myself and become a more useful, worthy, and compassionate person," she answered.

On that day, the old lady felt that she had accomplished one of her goals. She had never before met such a young person like Tobias, who she believed would strive to be a good and better person. A small smile appeared on her face as she felt a warm feeling in her heart.

Tobias and Granny were so focused on their conversation that they didn't realize the cart had come to a stop. They had let go of the handle while chatting, causing the cart to halt. As Tobias placed his book inside, a yell sounded from the front of the cart.

"O' Wilson! Are you all right? The cart isn't moving at all. Are the wheels got detached again?"

Tobias realized that someone else would have to take the reins of the carriage. Upon hearing the voice, the old lady shouted out, "I'm alright! I just stumbled and caught my leg!" Tobias looked towards the front of the carriage and saw the silhouette of an elderly man in the driver's seat.

"Take care! If you stumble, I'll be in trouble!" Seen's aged hands, thin and wrinkled, flailed about as he spoke.

Granny reveals that the old man is her husband. He is prone to shouting due to his hearing loss, so she suggests speaking loudly when communicating with him. Tobias wonders why Granny's husband isn't pushing the cart instead.

Granny slowly turned to face Tobias, whose honest expression conveyed that her question was genuine. Granny replied, "He has no legs."

Tobias was taken aback by this information. "I'm sorry, I was unaware of that," she apologized.

"It's alright. I can tell that you are a good person," Granny said.

"He lost his leg in an accident a long time ago. I also prefer to push the cart because there is nowhere to sit. And sometimes our old horses aren't able to handle the load. But it doesn't matter anymore. With your help, the fatigue is less than it would be otherwise.

If only I had a granddaughter like you, I would have someone to assist me every day," Granma chuckled.

As they approached the bustling city gates, they saw that the checkpoint was crowded with carriages jostling for position in the queue. The air was alive with the hustle and bustle of travelers and merchants eager to enter the city. Despite the chaos, Tobias and Granny continued their conversation, undaunted by the commotion around them.

Tobias, having possibly never experienced such a densely populated area before. The old lady informs her that Antemur is the capital, which likely explains the high number of people present.

The guards who were responsible for protecting the gates were always equipped with iron vests and spears. Their bulky appearance, reminiscent of a brick wall, added to their intimidating presence.

It's Granny's turn to have her belongings checked. When the lid is opened, the guard discovers only an apple and some vegetables inside. The old man becomes angry and starts yelling at the new guard, who looks visibly scared. This is the new guard's first day on the job, and Tobias can hear the others snickering at the scene.

When the wagon inspection was over, Tobias was intercepted by a senior guard. He informed her that the city was currently not accepting any travelers. This news came as a disappointment to Tobias, who had been eager to explore the city and learn new things. Despite her desire to stay, she knew she had no choice but to return to the village. The thought filled her with gloom, as she had already seen firsthand the exclusion and rejection that others had faced before her.

"She is my granddaughter."

The Old Lady's unexpected words prompted Tobias to pause and consider her motivations. Tobias found herself questioning if Granny's desire to help her came with any potential risks. The Old Lady's statement left Tobias feeling uncertain and bewildered.

As Granny and Tobias's eyes meet, Granny explains to the guard that the reason for Tobias's white eyes - a visual impairment. However, Tobias is left in the dark about Granny's true intentions, her mind clouded with uncertainty and confusion.

"Our family is no stranger to individuals with disabilities like my deaf husband. I just wanted to let you know that." She speaks to the guards, trying to reassure them.

"I hope the square doesn't get destroyed again," the guard commented, his tone laced with suspicion.

Tobias was given permission to enter the city and approached the thick, brick stone gate. Standing tall and imposing, the gate seemed to be a formidable barrier, protecting the city from unwanted outsiders. As Tobias walked through it, she felt a sense of awe at the sheer size and strength of the structure. The shade also grew darker as she passed through the gate, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.

Once inside, Tobias asked Granny, why travelers were not allowed to enter the city. She explained that the previous year, during a performance in the square, two travelers had gotten into a violent altercation. As a result, the city had banned travelers from entering until further notice. Granny added that there would be another performance in the square the following night.

Tobias is overjoyed with gratitude!

As they approached the first intersection, Granny and Tobias came to a halt. Granny had come to town specifically to send a package of apples to the Finales Family's residence. Tobias offered to help, but Granny insisted on handling it on her own. Reluctantly, Tobias agreed to part ways with Granny, allowing her to complete the errand on her own. Despite Tobias' desire to assist, Tobias knew that Granny was capable and strong-willed, and she trusted her to take care of the task on her own.

As Granny handed Tobias an apple with a kind smile, the uncomfortable look on Tobias' face gradually transformed into a grateful expression. Granny's simple gesture had significantly lifted Tobias' spirits, and as they parted ways, Tobias waved goodbye with a newfound sense of cheer. Granny, too, bid her farewell with a warm and loving wave.