[ TT ] The journey never ends . The same hero is constantly caught in the cycle of leaving for an adventure , having their adventure , settling down , and being forced to leave again .

All of the lights in the small village had gone out at this hour. The surrounding verdant landscape was illuminated almost solely by starlight. All lights save the ones of a modest inn located just outside the cluster of buildings at the town center. The innkeeper had long since gone to bed but had left a roaring fire in the hearth for the two men sitting at the table. 
 
 -- - 
 
 `` Do n't presume to lecture me on the nature of good and evil old man. Both are subjective. No one is evil in their own eyes.'' The dark eyed smith stated candidly. 
 
 The elderly gentleman sat across from him puffing on his long stemmed pipe. `` A wise position to take.'' He chuckled. `` But I promise you there are things that are objectively good and evil. I have seen them.'' 
 
 `` I wo n't deny that you've lived long grey one. That's easy to see. But surely you know things are not always so black and white.'' 
 
 `` Of course, I would be a fool to believe that everything fell under the strictest definitions of morality.'' He replied. `` I have traveled all over this world and seen unimaginable things my young friend.'' 
 
 `` Where do you hail from?'' The smith inquired. 
 
 `` Long ago, before I started my journey, I came from a small hamlet in the south. Much like this one come to think of it. Perhaps that's why I was drawn to this place. It has a nostalgic air to it.'' He looked around; his bright eyes did not appear dimmed with age. 
 
 Apprehension colored the smith's face. `` I must admit there have been... misgivings about your presence here. Folk do n't take too kindly to strangers asking questions. Especially with all the peculiar happenings going on.'' 
 
 `` I assure you that my arrival here is no coincidence.'' He smiled warmly. `` But I can also say that I harbor no ill will toward anyone in this village. If anything I came to offer protection.'' 
 
 The smith let out a short bark of laughter. `` My apologies sir, but I do n't believe you have the strength to protect us from a rabid dog. Much less what seems to haunt the people's nightmares and rumors lately.'' 
 
 `` Is that so?'' The aged man smirked. `` I suppose we shall see in due time.'' 
 
 `` Just how old are you exactly?'' He replied ignoring the previous comment. `` We do n't get many travelers around these parts much less ones your apparent age.'' 
 
 `` I'm old enough to have dealt with questions like that hundreds of times over. Old enough to have been in places like this. Old enough to know that danger lurks around every corner.'' Came the cryptic reply. 
 
 `` Well if you're going to be a wise a-'' The smith stopped mid-sentence. 
 
 An inhuman scream pierced the night. 
 
 `` W-what was that?'' The smith stuttered. Looking pale as a ghost. 
 
 The old man stood up and grabbed his staff that had been leaning against the table. The carved runes on the side of the staff lit up like a wildfire. The whole room seemed washed in the staff's light. The old man looked at the smith. 
 
 `` Evil.'' He replied and stepped out the door. 
 
 
 
 

