The town they find is small, less of a town and more of a village.
It was built into the middle of a clearing in the forest; a giant well sat right in the middle of the town, from what Astra could see, which must be why they chose this area.
The houses were all built to blend in, dressed as mushrooms or trees.
Tiny lights criss-crossed the main road…well…road was a bit optimistic.
It was more of a dirt path.
The latter half of the town, from where they were facing, was made up of market stalls and storefronts.
Astra spotted a tavern, a library, and a restaurant.
At the very end of the town was a giant building, the sign over it labeling it the town hall.
Though currently, the doors seemed boarded up, and a closed sign hung over it.
Perhaps the strangest thing, however, was the banners and decorations strewn about.
Pink and red hearts, roses, banners flying that read ‘The heart wants what it wants’ and ‘Every day is a good day for true love!’ Not only that, but almost everyone he could spot walking around the town was coupled up.
For a minute, all three of them stood at the town’s entrance, utterly unsure of what they were supposed to do next.
Astra had visited many towns before this one, searching for a place to stay the night.
But it’s an entirely different feeling to look upon a town after a prison escape and days at sea.
“Ah!
Welcome to Agape!
My name is Laura, and this is my partner Tom.
You must have come a long way, yes?
You poor dears look exhausted.
Pirates, Navy-men, or simple travelers?” A woman slides into view.
An older Halfman with her brown hair in braids.
She startled Astra quite a bit; he didn’t notice her walking up.
Her partner was a Dwarf, with a short red beard and hair, and his arm slung around her shoulder.
The two were staring up at them expectantly, and only then did Astra register their question, as well as the fact that nobody had answered yet.
“Oh, uh, just travelers,” Rubio replies awkwardly.
“Yeah,” Thalia agrees.
“Do you think you could point us to the inn?” She adds.
“Why of course!
I wouldn’t dream of saying no; you three look like you need a good scrubbing and a warm bed, come, come.” Laura says cheerfully, waving them on as she and Tom walk ahead, hand in hand.
“Your village seems quite keen on romance and love.
Is there a reason behind that?
Do you perhaps worship the God of Love?” Rubio asks, making simple conversation as they walk.
Astra stays hunched in on himself, clutching the water to his chest.
He has no interest in the town or its folk; he just wants to sleep, shower, and then leave.
Despite thinking that, he still finds himself listening.
“Indeed, my, you are a clever one.” Laura praises, and Astra rolls his eyes when Rubio seems to preen a bit.
“Yes, our town is a big one for romance; we see it as one of the most important relationships you could make.
We are always excited when a new couple is born; we celebrate that as much as we celebrate a marriage.” She giggles.
“We don’t worship the God of Love, however.
Yes, they are tied to the concept, but we much prefer to worship the concept itself.”
“You see, it all started with our mayor.
Well, it was before she became mayor.
You see, she was the previous mayor’s daughter, and she fell in love with the sweetest young boy.
Oh, it was the most beautiful story you’ve ever heard.
When they got married, the whole village cheered them on.
And when she became mayor, she decided to honor love and everything it did for her.
The entire town agreed, of course, and we’ve been better off since.” Laura explains.
“Seems like kind of a strange thing to honor on a whim.
I mean, tons of people have fallen in love before, but they haven’t worshipped it.” Thalia mutters.
“Thalia!” Rubio and Astra hiss.
“What?
You have to admit it’s weird.
Look, I can get worshipping the God of Love, but worshipping love itself.
It’s a little…” She puts a finger next to her head and swirls it in a circle.
Rubio’s mouth is hanging open, and Astra frowns distastefully.
“Don’t worry, you two; we don’t force anyone to adapt to or even understand our way of life.
I was just explaining the town’s histories and traditions a bit.” Laura reassured.
“Of course, it’s all very interesting…” Rubio continued to walk with Laura, but Astra pulled Thalia behind a bit, enough that the three up front wouldn’t be able to hear them.
“How about we don’t antagonize the town of people who worship love?
If you think they’re so crazy, then shut your mouth and nod along.
We don’t need to be making enemies.” He tells her, glaring harshly.
“Alright, alright.
But I don’t trust this place; I’m going to keep an eye out.” She frowns suspiciously.
“Do whatever you want, just don’t make things harder for me.” He huffs, power walking to catch up.
When he finally got within earshot, they had stopped moving in front of a building.
“Alrighty!
Here we are, the lovely town inn.
The owner is such an adorable man named Winny; he’s actually getting married in about…oh, when was it, dear?” Laura turned to her partner.
“It’s tomorrow, love,” Tom answered.
“Oh my!
I’ve been too caught up in the excitement of visitors.
A marriage tomorrow, what joy!
I do hope you’ll stay long enough to attend.” Laura grins.
“We’ll see,” Rubio replies, and pushes the door inward.
Astra and Thalia follow close behind and are greeted with the sight of a small downstairs tavern.
Only…it’s empty.
There’s only one man there, a bigger Tallman with short blonde hair, cleaning a glass behind the bar with an empty stare.
He regains focus when they enter, though, and greets them with a wave.
“Welcome to the Amor Inn.
My name is Winny, and I’m the proprietor.
Would you three like a room?” He questions, and Astra lets out a relieved sigh; this guy seemed a bit more normal.
“Yes, we don’t have any money though; is there perhaps a way to work for it?
We only need it for one night.” Rubio answers.
“Oh, there’s no need.
I’m sure you’ve heard, but we don’t get visitors very often.
It’s on the house.” Winny waves them off, then pauses.
“Well, actually, there is something you could do for me.” His words catch their attention.
“And that would be…?” Thalia prods.
“I’m getting married tomorrow; I’d sure like it if you’d come.
It’s kind of a big deal around here.” Winny admits shyly.
“…”
“Tell him no.” Astra and Thalia whisper discreetly in Rubio’s ear.
“…Sure, we’ll go.” He agrees.
They glare at him as Winny leads them to their rooms.