As dawn’s light seeped through the window, the trio of children stirred. Bell was the first to rouse, his eyes blinking open as he sat up in bed.

  “Nrr.”

  A sound from below caught Bell’s attention, halting his movement. Aki had nestled into the bed during the night. On the other side of Bell lay his twin, Alice, who was also beginning to awaken, her eyes fluttering open as she smiled at her brother.

  “Good morning, Bell,” Alice said softly.

  “Good morning,” Bell replied, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

  Aki mumbled in her sleep; her face scrunched in discomfort.

  "Mama… don’t… leave me.”

  Recognizing the signs of a nightmare, Alice and Bell exchanged a knowing glance. Alice gently wrapped her arms around Aki, offering a comforting embrace. Bell took Aki’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

  “It’s alright, Aki. We’re here,” Bell whispered.

  Slowly, Aki’s eyes opened, and she saw Bell holding her hand and felt Alice’s comforting arms around her. Tears of relief welled in her eyes.

  “Thank you,” Aki murmured, her voice barely audible.

  “Of course,” the twins replied in unison, their voices filled with warmth.

  “JINX, Bell. You owe me,” Alice declared with a mischievous grin, earning a resigned sigh from Bell.

  “Fine, Alice. I’ll make sure you get some sweets when we go out today,” Bell conceded with a chuckle.

  “Hehe, great. You ready to get up, Aki?” Alice asked, her tone gentle.

  “Yeah,” Aki replied, her voice steadier now with the support of her friends.

  A light knock on the doorframe drew their attention. Zald stood there, his presence filling the room with a reassuring calm.

  “Well, look who’s up already,” Zald said with a smile.

  “Morning, Uncle Zald,” Alice chimed.

  “Morning,” Bell added.

  “Morning, Mr. Zald,” Aki said, her voice a little stronger now.

  “Haaa. First, breakfast will be ready soon. Make sure you get ready quickly. Second, kid, there's no need for the ‘Mr’,” Zald chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

  “Oh, okay,” Aki murmured, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

  “Let’s go get changed, Aki,” Alice said, extending her hand to her friend, who took it eagerly.

  With Alice leading the way, the pair hurried off to change. Bell watched them go, feeling a surge of affection for his sister and their friend. They had been through so much together.

  The children quickly donned their clothes and raced downstairs to the dining area, where Celia was setting out a lavish breakfast. The enticing aromas of grilled steak, fragrant soup, braised chicken, and a heaping pile of seafood filled the room, making their mouths water.

  “Morning, kiddos. How are you doing today?” Zeus inquired as they sat down.

  “We want to go into the city and explore!” Alice exclaimed eagerly, Bell and Aki nodding along in agreement.

  “That sounds wonderful. Why don’t you go with them, Alfia?” Hera suggested, her tone gentle yet firm.

  “Of course, I’ll be going with them,” Alfia confirmed with a smile.

  The group quickly finished their breakfast, the lively chatter and shared laughter setting a hopeful tone for the day. Today was the beginning of new adventures and challenges, and they were ready to face them together.

  As they prepared to venture out into the city, the children felt a sense of anticipation and excitement.

  “Let’s go!” Alice exclaimed as she took off, her laughter ringing through the courtyard.

  “Wait up, Alice!” Bell shouted, struggling to keep up with her quick pace.

  “Not a chance! Catch me if you can, slowpoke!” Alice taunted back, her voice filled with playful mischief.

  “Why you... Just wait till I get you,” Bell called out, his voice filled with mock anger as he took off running after her.

  “Yeah, wait for me, you two!” Aki shouted, her legs pumping as she chased after the twins.

  Alfia raised an eyebrow at the children, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she called after them;

  "Stay together and be careful,"

  The trio continue their merry chase but nod in wave an arm in understanding. Alfia sighs as she begins to think:

  “Good grief these children are noisy.

  But I don’t hate their noise.

  I promise I will look after them Meteria.

  I promise I won’t let any happen to the twins…

  And I suppose I will look after that little black cat too.

  She then walked after the children, who had continued chasing one another through city streets. The cobblestone streets of the city unfurled before them. The air was electric with the hum of merchants hawking wares and citizens weaving through the thoroughfares.

  Alice led the way, her eyes shimmering with excitement. She practically bounced around from one shop to another, her white hair catching the sun's rays in a halo of mischief. Her laughter, a bell-like chime, cut through the clamor. Bell's eyes brighten as he surveyed the goods at the shops. Aki matched the twins' strides with her own steps, her black eyes sparkling with joy as they looked at the myriad wonders around them.

  As they navigated the stream of life flowing through the city's heart, the trio happened upon a street performer garbed in a cloak of many extravagant colors. He conjured spheres from the air, his hands a blur as they danced with orbs that glinted like jewels under the midday sun. The balls soared and dipped, following the whims of their master, leaving trails of color stitched against the canvas of the sky.

  "Look at him go!" Bell exclaimed, his words bubbling over with excitement. He clapped his hands together, the sound crisp in the open air, urging the juggler to greater displays of skill. The performer responded with a flourish, sending his colorful charges into even more intricate patterns, much to the delight of his growing audience.

  "Bravo!" Alice cheered, her voice joining the chorus of admiration that swelled around them. The street performer, emboldened by the appreciation, executed a final trick—a dizzying cascade of motion that ended with a dramatic bow as each ball found its place back within his folds.

  The trio erupted into applause, their hands coming together in enthusiastic support. Bell, Alice, and Aki exchanged smiles and set out again.

  Guided by their curiosity, the trio ventured away from the main thoroughfare and into a serpentine alleyway that led to a nearby market. The cobblestones underfoot bore the wear of countless footsteps, each shop a treasure chest waiting to be unlocked. Their windows displayed a myriad of trinkets, from books bound in leather to sparkling jewelry resting on beds of velvet.

  "Look at this!" Alice whispered, pressing her face against the cool glass of a shop whose window brimmed with wooden trinkets. Bell and Aki peered over her shoulder, their gazes marveling at the intricate details of the carved trinkets.

  "These are amazing," Bell said "I've never seen anything like them."

  Aki nodded; her eyes wide. "I wonder how long it took to make these. They are so pretty."

  As they ventured deeper into the alley's embrace, the distant sounds of celebration began to seep into their awareness. A lively song, filled with joy and energy, drew them onward. The music swelled in volume, urging them forward, until they emerged into a sunlit square alive with laughter and chatter.

  Before them sprawled a bustling market, its stalls adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors that captivated the eye and captured the imagination. Merchants energetically peddled their wares, each stall a testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of its owner.

  "Would you just look at that?" Aki exclaimed, her finger pointing towards a display adorned with gleaming trinkets of silver and gold. Delicate chains suspended intricate pendants; each one adorned with ancient runes. Aki reached out, her fingertips brushing against a pendant shaped like Mjolnir, the legendary hammer of the God Thor, while Alice's gaze lingered on a necklace adorned with the intricate design of the World Tree Yggdrasil.

  Their attention momentarily diverted by the shimmering treasures on display, Bell stood slightly apart from the group, his gaze directed towards Alfia. With a tug on her sleeve, he drew her attention, prompting her to look at him with a raised eyebrow. He gestured towards the pendants, then towards the girls.

  Alfia sighed, acknowledging his request with a nod, her lips forming the word "Later," which elicited a grin from Bell. His gratitude was expressed in silent mouthing of “Love you Auntie” followed by an affectionate hug, earning him a playful flick to the forehead from Alfia.

  While Alfia's expression retained a hint of annoyance, a delicate blush spread across her cheeks as she placed a hand on Bell's head, tenderly stroking his hair.

  "No FAIR! I want to hug Auntie too!" Alice's cry interrupted the moment, as she darted back to throw herself into Alfia's arms. Alfia's response was a resigned sigh, as met with Alice's enthusiastic embrace and a gentle pat on the head.

  “AH. Bell help me get Aki over here too.” Alice as she looks at Bell who nodded back.

  “haaa! You guys… EEP” Aki waws about to protest but before she could Bell and Alice, each seized one of her hands, pulling her towards them.

  Caught off guard, Aki stumbled forward, only to find herself enveloped in a group hug with the others. Together, the group moved among the stalls. After the hug, the children made to leave and Alfia quickly purchased the trinkets from the merchant unnoticed by Alice and Aki. She places in the bag she has at her hip.

  Through the bustling crowd of the marketplace, the children forged ahead. Amidst the lively chaos, the vibrant hues of the displayed fruits beckoned to them, an abundant spectacle of nature's offerings.

  The market square unfolded like a canvas of vitality before their eyes, its stalls adorned with colorful canopies and fluttering banners. Among the myriad of sights, Bell's attention was drawn to a peculiar vendor whose table boasted an array of small, spiky, oval-shaped green fruits.

  "Excuse me, sir. What are these?" Bell's inquiry captured the merchant's focus.

  "They are gooseberries. Tart and refreshing, whether eaten raw or made into jams. Here, try one," the vendor offered, pushing a spiky fruit towards Bell.

  Bell raised the fruit to his lips, the scent tantalizing his senses. With a decisive bite, the tartness exploded on his tongue, a flavor unlike any he had experienced before.

  "I'll take a handful of those," Bell requested.

  "Sure thing, kiddo. That'll be 10 valis," the merchant replied.

  Bell exchanged the coins, their glint catching the light before vanishing into the merchant's weathered hand. With the fruit now in his possession, Bell turned away from the stall, his gaze scanning the bustling marketplace for his companions.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Meanwhile, Alice's wandering gaze alighted upon a nearby stall draped in rich crimson fabric. Amidst the kaleidoscope of hues adorning the market square, a cluster of brightly colored berries caught her attention, their allure irresistible. Drawn closer by their vibrant display, she found herself amidst an array of luscious fruits.

  Leaning forward, Alice extended her hands towards the assortment of juicy berries, their glossy skins reflecting the sunlight.

  "Auntie, please?" Alice appealed to Alfia, who offered a nod of acquiescence.

  "Sure, go ahead," Alfia replied, gesturing towards the merchant, who promptly began filling a carton with an assortment of fruits. The air was suffused with a blend of fragrances as strawberries, blueberries, grapes, and various other fruits mingled together.

  With each berry she plucked, Alice's anticipation grew, her mouth watering in anticipation of the burst of flavor. But as she indulged, a mischievous notion took hold.

  "Aki, here," Alice offered, holding out a grape to her friend.

  "Oh, thanks, Alice," Aki responded, reaching out eagerly, only to be halted by Alice's intervention.

  "No, no. You have to let me feed you," Alice insisted, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

  "Wahhh..." Aki's blush deepened, her cheeks flushing crimson as her ears and tail twitched nervously.

  "Hehehe. It's an absolute rule when sharing food. You have to let the other person feed you," Alice declared with a mischievous grin, prompting a subtle twitch of Alfia's eyebrows as she thought about from WHO this supposed rule originated. As Alfia glanced at Bell, he immediately look down confirming Alfia suspicions.

  "It's fine, no worries. Open wide," Alice urged, moving to offer the grape to Aki.

  "No, no, I'm sure that's not—" Aki began to protest, but Alice interjected.

  "Oh, oh. Maybe you'd prefer someone else? Maybe...," Alice teased as she looked towards Bell, her grin widening as she playfully teased Aki.

  "What...Don’t be ridiculous. What are you saying, Alice?" Aki stammered, uncertainty evident in her voice, but Alice's grin only grew wider.

  Realizing it was futile to resist, Aki relented. "Fine, I'll let you feed me," she conceded, her cheeks still tinged with a blush as she opened her mouth for Alice to feed her.

  Alice proceeded to gently offer the grape, but before she could attempt another, Aki quickly recoiled. "I'm fine, that's more than enough. I'm not even that hungry," Aki protested, leaning away.

  "Muuah. Fine then," Alice pouted at having her fun stopped.

  Alfia led the group away from the chuckling merchant and the amused onlookers, guiding them through the bustling streets of the city. Aki's attention was soon captured by a shop adorned with an array of candied fruits and fruit-filled pastries, the tantalizing aromas drifting from within causing her nose to twitch with anticipation.

  "You can get something if you want," a voice from behind offered, causing Aki to startle before realizing it was Alfia.

  "Can I get some for Bell and Alice too?" Aki inquired eagerly.

  "Of course. Bell doesn't really like sweets too much," Alfia replied with a knowing smile.

  "Okay," Aki nodded, then turned to the smiling merchant who awaited her order.

  "I would like some candied fruits and pastries, please. And something for someone who doesn't really like sweets," Aki requested, her nerves evident in her voice.

  "Sure thing, little kitten. Coming right up," the merchant responded warmly, beginning to select a variety of treats for Aki's purchase.

  With her purchase in hand, the children continued their exploration of the city, sampling candied nuts encrusted with spices and pastries filled with creams and fruits. As they indulged in the delectable treats, their excitement and enthusiasm for their adventure only grew.

  Beyond the bustling clamor of the market lay a vast park, a verdant oasis amidst the city's hustle and bustle. Towering ash trees reached towards the sky, standing alongside sturdy oaks, while smooth stone paths wound their way through the tranquil landscape. Hedges adorned with vibrant flowers and ripe berries framed the scene, adding a splash of color to the serene tableau.

  Bell, having discovered the path to the park, led the way. Sheets of ivy vines hung from the great oaks, forming a natural canopy that shielded the park from the cacophony of the outside world. With a gentle push, Bell parted the verdant tapestry, revealing the hidden courtyard within.

  At its heart stood a majestic fountain, its waters cascading in a dance that seemed to whisper tales of bygone realms as they leaped towards the heavens, only to return to their marble cradle with a gentle sigh.

  "Look at this place," Alice breathed, her voice a reverent whisper as she took in the beauty of their surroundings. The air was alive with the symphony of nature, as birds chirped melodiously, bees hummed their industrious tune, and dragonflies flitted gracefully across the glade.

  In this secluded sanctuary, amidst the tranquil embrace of nature, the children found themselves captivated by the timeless allure of the park, their senses alight with wonder and awe.

  Bell nodded, a serene smile gracing his lips as he settled at the edge of the fountain, his fingers trailing lightly along its cool, wet rim. The gentle touch of the water left glistening droplets upon his skin, sparkling in the sunlight. Beside him, Aki's joyful grin mirrored his own as she joined him by the fountain's side.

  Their laughter bubbled forth, a carefree melody that danced upon the air, mingling with the soft murmur of the fountain's waters. Above them, the sun played hide-and-seek through the foliage of the ancient oaks, casting dappled shadows upon the courtyard.

  With a mischievous glint in her eye, Alice sprang to her feet, excitement coursing through her veins. "Bell," she called, her voice brimming with anticipation, "You're it! Catch me if you can!"

  And with that playful challenge, Alice darted off, her swift footsteps followed closely by Aki's. The two friends raced through the verdant grove, their laughter trailing behind them like a joyful refrain.

  As Alice vanished behind the gnarled trunk of a towering oak, her laughter echoed through the forest, light and teasing. The playful spirit that animated her every movement now led her on a merry chase, whispering secrets of hiding spots among the leaves and enticing her into a game of sly concealment.

  Heart pounding with excitement, Alice pressed herself against the rough bark of the ancient tree, its silent presence seeming to embrace her in its timeless wisdom. In that moment, amidst the playful game of hide-and-seek, she felt a profound connection to the ancient spirit of the forest, a bond forged in laughter and shared joy.

  Bell wasted no time, spurred on by the spirited challenge issued by his twin sister. With a determined gleam in his deep red eyes, he dashed after them, a silent resolve propelling him forward. As Alfia settled onto a nearby bench, embracing the tranquility of the glade, Bell embraced the chase after his sister.

  Alice danced ahead, her movements agile and graceful, while Bell followed closely behind, his focus unwavering as he kept pace with his sister and friend. The forest seemed to come alive around them, the rustle of leaves and the whisper of the wind mingling with the laughter of the children.

  In this secluded sanctuary, amidst the timeless embrace of nature, the worries and troubles of the outside world faded away, replaced by the simple joy of play and companionship.

  As Alice's energy began to wane, her steps growing heavier with each passing moment, she glanced back and saw Bell closing in on her. With a mischievous grin, she concocted a plan. Rounding a corner of the oak where she knew Aki was hiding, Alice sprung into action. As she approached, Aki's eyes widened in surprise at her sudden appearance. Without hesitation, Alice enveloped her friend in a flying hug, causing Aki to stumble backwards and collapse under the unexpected force of the embrace.

  Bell, unable to halt his momentum in time, collided with his sister and friend, sending all three tumbling into a heap on the grass. Laughter erupted from them, a joyous symphony that filled the glade as they embraced each other amidst their tumble.

  Entwined amidst the soft blades of grass, they laughed and giggled, their spirits lifted by the simple pleasure of companionship.

  "What should we do next?" Alice asked, her eyes bright with anticipation.

  "We should go back to Auntie and enjoy some of the snacks we brought," Bell suggested, his practicality shining through.

  "Yeah, I could use a snack too," Aki chimed in, nodding in agreement.

  "Okay, off we go then," Alice declared, taking the lead as the children began their march back to the glade.

  As they approached the clearing, Alfia, having heard their approach, had already laid out a blanket for them. With eager hands, the children unpacked their collective feast, their appetites whetted by their adventures in the forest.

  As Alice laid out the colorful array of berries, Aki unfurled the cloth containing her pastries and dried fruits, while Bell proudly presented the spiky green treasures he had acquired. With eager hands, they took turns sampling each other's discoveries, their laughter blending harmoniously amidst the tranquil glade.

  "I want to climb that tree," Aki declared, her finger pointing towards one of the tallest and most gnarled oaks in the glade. Amidst the playful banter of her companions, Aki's gaze was drawn upward, captivated by the towering sentinel of nature that loomed above them.

  "Yeah, that sounds like fun. Let's do it," Alice agreed, her eyes sparkling with excitement, while Bell nodded in enthusiastic assent.

  As they finished their impromptu lunch, the children made their way towards the great oak, their hearts brimming with the allure of adventure. With a sense of daring determination, Aki approached the base of the tree, her hands reaching out to touch the rough, textured bark before she began her ascent.

  As Aki began her ascent up the ancient oak, her hands and feet expertly navigating the rough bark, she suddenly paused mid-climb, her attention drawn to a subtle movement nearby. With a curious tilt of her head, she spotted a chipmunk darting along a branch, its tiny form blending seamlessly with the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.

  "Look, a chipmunk!" Aki said in a hushed tone, gesturing for Alice and Bell to join her in observing the creature. The trio watched in fascination as the chipmunk scampered along the branch, its movements nimble and quick.

  “It so cute.” Alice whispered

  "Yeah, it was," Bell agreed,

  The chipmunk paused for a brief moment, its bright eyes meeting theirs before it darted away, disappearing into the foliage with a rustle of leaves. For a moment, the children remained still, before continuing.

  As she reached the top of the ancient oak, Aki's heart swelled with awe at the breathtaking vista that unfolded before her. From her lofty perch, she surveyed the expanse below: the verdant park stretched out like a lush tapestry, its winding pathways shimmering in the sunlight. Beyond, the city sprawled before them, its towering spires reaching towards the heavens like fingers of prayer.

  Bell and Alice followed closely behind; their eyes wide with wonder as they beheld the majestic sight before them. Together, they stood in silent reverence, each breath drawn in appreciation of the beauty that surrounded them.

  As the sun reached its zenith and Alfia's voice called out to them, the children reluctantly descended from their lofty perch, their hearts still soaring with the thrill of adventure as they made their way back to their waiting lunch.

  As they left the park behind a rich aroma of roasting meat enveloped them.

  “AHH. I smell delicious food.” Alice cried as she took off in the direction of the smell leaving the others behind.

  As they drew closer to the source of the enticing smell, their mouths watered in anticipation, their stomachs rumbling in hunger.

  Before them stood a grand building, Crafted from weathered wood and rough-hewn stone, the inn and restaurant rose two stories tall, its sturdy beams adorned with intricately carved runes and symbols of protection.

  The entrance was flanked by towering wooden pillars, their surfaces etched with tales of heroic deeds and ancient battles. Above the threshold, a carved wooden sign swung gently in the breeze, depicting a fierce dragon locked in combat with a valiant warrior, its colors faded by years of exposure to the elements.

  Inside, the main hall was a sight to behold, its open layout reminiscent of a great hall in the halls of Valhalla itself. Long wooden tables stretched across the polished wooden floor, their surfaces scarred by the marks of countless feasts and celebrations. Above, a massive stone hearth dominated the room, its flames dancing merrily as they licked the air.

  In the center of the hall, a whole boar roasted slowly on a spit, its succulent juices dripping onto the hot coals below, filling the room with the mouthwatering aroma of cooking meat. Along the walls, tapestries depicting scenes of Asgard’s founding and epic battles adorned the wooden panels, their vibrant colors and intricate designs adding to the rich tapestry of the room.

  As the children stepped inside, they were greeted by the warm glow of firelight and the hearty laughter of fellows. A woman with gray curls approached them, her eyes kind and welcoming as she addressed them.

  "Welcome, I am Cecilia. How can I help you all today?" she asked, her voice carrying a gentle warmth.

  Alfia stepped forward, taking the lead for the group. "The children wanted to eat, and we were wondering if your restaurant was open?" she inquired politely.

  Cecilia smiled warmly. "Yes, we are. Please, take a seat in any of the booths, and I will bring you a menu shortly," she replied, her hospitality evident in every word.

  "Alright, children. Let's find a seat," Alfia said, guiding them towards an empty booth nearby.

  They settled into the cozy booth, the wood worn smooth by the touch of countless patrons before them. Above them, tapestries adorned the walls, their vibrant colors depicting scenes of legendary heroes and epic battles from times long past. The intricate stitching brought the tales to life, each thread a testament to the bravery and valor of those who came before.

  Cecilia glided gracefully towards their table and distributed a menu to each of the children and Alfia, leaving them to peruse the offerings at their leisure.

  "I want steak and vegetables," Bell declared, his eyes scanning the menu

  "I'll have the seafood. We never got that back in the village," Alice chimed in, her excitement evident in her voice as she imagined the exotic flavors that awaited her.

  “I'll take soup and bread," Aki announced

  "I will have the chicken and salad," she said with a nod, her gaze lingering on the menu for a moment before returning to her companions.

  "Be right up," Cecilia assured them with a smile before gracefully departing to relay their orders to the kitchen.

  As they waited for their meals to arrive, the children took the opportunity to soak in their surroundings. The inn's main hall was alive with activity, the air filled with the chatter of patrons and the clatter of dishes. Above them, the flickering light of the hearth cast a warm glow over the room, illuminating the tapestries that adorned the walls and infusing the space with a sense of comfort.

  The table before them bore intricate patterns carved into its surface, each line and curve telling a story of its own. The children's fingers traced the winding paths of the carvings, following the intricate design that depicted the mighty Yggdrasil, the World Tree that stood at the heart of Asgard. Above them, tapestries hung from the ceiling captured tales of history, valor, and the founding of their great city.

  Lost in the mesmerizing display, the children were momentarily unaware of Cecilia's return. With a warm smile, she set their food before them, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she observed their fascination with the tapestries:

  “Well, what do you think?”

  "They are so pretty," Alice remarked, her admiration evident in her voice as she tore her gaze away from the hanging artworks.

  Aki and Bell nodded in agreement; their attention captured by the rich tapestry of stories woven above them.

  Cecilia's smile widened at their response as she watched them eagerly anticipate their meal. The savory aromas of grilled steak, fragrant soup, braised chicken, and a heaping pile of seafood filled the air, tantalizing their senses and stirring their appetites.

  Just as they were about to dig into their respective dishes, Alice's voice broke the momentary silence. "We should share some from each of our plates," she suggested, her eyes alight with excitement at the prospect of tasting a bit of everything.

  Bell nodded in agreement, recognizing the wisdom in her suggestion. "That's a good idea," he agreed, his own enthusiasm evident as he glanced at his companions.

  With eager hands, they exchanged portions of their meals, eager to sample the diverse array of flavors before them. As they ate, the worries and troubles of the day faded into the background, replaced by the simple joy of sharing a meal with friends amidst the rich tapestry of their city's history.