Chapter 1: Why I Love The Moon
Dusk settled over the village of Aesop, casting a soft, ethereal glow upon the landscape. The sky, adorned with a blue brim, relinquished its dominion to the moon, Ria. As the sun retreated, the moon took its place, illuminating the world with a mystical aura. The village embraced this transition, surrendering to the tranquility that settled in the air.
Rue, perched on the edge of Ms. Fruentz's homemade emberwood chair, leaned against its uncured lumber. His eyes fixed upon the moon, captivated by its radiance. The tears in his weathered skin seemed insignificant in the face of such celestial beauty.
"Most of us are empty, simply more alive in the scenes of our dreams," Ms. Fruentz remarked, her voice resonating with wisdom. Rue turned to her, his gaze filled with curiosity. He had always been intrigued by her enigmatic ways, sensing that she possessed a deep understanding of life's mysteries.
"What do you mean, Ms. Fruentz?" Rue asked, his voice filled with a mixture of wonder and longing.
Ms. Fruentz smiled, her eyes shimmering with memories. "Rue, my dear, life is a tapestry woven with stories. Each thread represents a moment, an experience, and a dream. As we embrace the moon's gentle glow, we are reminded of the tales etched upon our hearts."
Rue pondered her words, his mind drifting to the inhabitants of Aesop. The villagers, with their weathered faces and calloused hands, had stories of their own. He imagined the conversations held at the village Inn, where arguments danced like fireflies, illuminating the thoughts and dreams of those gathered.
In the distance, he noticed Old Tobias, his face etched with the passage of time, slowly making his way towards the Inn. Rue approached him, a desire to delve deeper into the stories of the village burning within him.
"Good evening, Old Tobias," Rue greeted, his voice carrying the melody of the falling night.
Old Tobias turned to him, his eyes twinkling with a mix of weariness and wisdom. "Ah, young Rue, what brings you here at this hour?"
Rue hesitated for a moment, then replied, "I find solace in the moon's embrace, and the stories it holds. Tell me, Tobias, what stories reside within your heart?"
A smile crept onto the old man's lips as he settled onto a nearby bench. "Ah, Rue, my stories are as ancient as the stars themselves. They speak of love, loss, and the ceaseless dance of life. But it is the sense of belonging that ties us all together, my boy. Aesop may be but a humble village, but its heart beats with the rhythm of unity and community."
Rue listened intently, his heart swelling with a newfound understanding. As the night deepened, more villagers joined their impromptu gathering, sharing snippets of their own stories. Each tale wove together, painting a vibrant tapestry of life in Aesop.
In that moment, Rue felt a profound connection to his village, an unbreakable bond forged not by blood but by shared experiences and dreams. He realized that his purpose lay not just in observing the stories around him, but in actively shaping his own narrative.
As the moon cast its gentle light upon the village, Rue made a silent vow to embark on his own adventure, to explore the lands beyond Aesop, and to craft a story that would resonate through the ages.
With newfound determination, Rue bid his fellow villager's goodnight, his heart brimming with anticipation for the journey that lay ahead. The moon, Ria, watched over him like a guardian, its radiant glow fueling his spirit.
"Why I Love the Moon," Rue whispered into the night, his voice carrying the weight of dreams yet to be realized. And with those words, he stepped onto the path of his own story, ready to venture beyond the peacefulness of Aesop and discover the grand tapestry of the Empire and beyond.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
RuOmino
RuOmino This story will be a collection of riffs woven together by a collective of high individuals. I hope you enjoy our creation.