The town was a small, lively one in the midst of the countryside. People passed through every day, usually just stopping by on their way to far off places. Most of the people that actually lived in the town were quiet simple folk, who were content with day to day routine. They lived fine lives, farming, selling, and keeping among themselves. Strangers to the town were usually treated as guests as long as they didn't stay too long, then they would start to be regarded with suspicion.
The people of that town did not have many rumours or legends, but they did have one fear. That fear, was of the dark deep green wood that bordered the North side of town and spread far into the distance. It could get as dark as night in the middle of the day in there if one went far enough in, which no one ever did, even though there was a single trail that led in. If one stood on the highest hill on the south end of town, they would see a strange curiosity. A high tower, that just poked up past the gigantic trees far in the distance with a tattered black banner. It was said a monster lived deep in those trees, in a ruined castle, so nobody, absolutely nobody ever went in. Even if they were headed North, they would take the long way around. And so life went on, them being ignorant of the wood, and quite happy that way.
