WEBVTT

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The heavy oak door of the weaver's shop

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clicked shut behind Alina, releasing her into the

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cool, damp embrace of the evening.

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Oak Haven after dark was a secret whispered

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between the ancient stone walls and the slow

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-moving

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current of the river.

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She paused on the threshold, her boots resting

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on the detailed cobblestone texture of the

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lane.

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During the day, this place was a frantic

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maze of commerce, filled with shouting merchants,

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heavy wagons, and the heavy scent of wool

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and spice.

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But tonight, the market town had transformed.

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The stalls were tucked away, their wooden awnings

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draped in shadows, leaving the narrow

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streets to the quiet rhythm of the night.

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Alina pulled her wool shawl tighter against the

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chill, and began her walk toward the water.

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Along the riverbank, scattered lanterns cast a warm,

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buttery glow against the dark, timber -framed

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houses.

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Their light danced lazily across the water, painting

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long, golden ribbons that rippled

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and stretched with the current.

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It was a charming, tranquil atmosphere, worlds away

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from the bustling travel routes that

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brought merchants from distant provinces each morning.

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Here, the loudest sound was the gentle lap

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of water against the old stone key and

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the

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distant chime of the midnight bell from the

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clock tower.

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As she reached the water's edge, she saw

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old Master Thomas sweeping his porch, his

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broom hissing softly against the stone.

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Late night for stitching, Alina, he called out,

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his voice a low, friendly rumble that

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blended into the quiet night.

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The tapestry wouldn't finish itself, Thomas, she smiled,

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leaning against the wooden railing

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of the bridge.

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She looked down at the dark river, watching

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a lone paper lantern drift past, carrying

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a child's forgotten wish toward the open sea.

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In the soft night light, Oak Haven didn't

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feel like a mere stopover on a map,

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but a

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moving, breathing creature resting in the dark, gathering

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its strength for the dawn.

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With a contented sigh, Alina turned away from

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the water and walked home, swallowed peacefully

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by the shadows of the sleeping town.