Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Ring Language

Chapter 19: Ring Language

“Thanks Crag, not gonna argue, it is in really poor condition after all.”

“Sure, here you go, 4 empty silver and 9 brass. And I hope you have a good day.” Crag looked a little confused, but nothing that should worry me. I figured I could ask Bluebird if anything still seemed odd to me tomorrow.

Looking at the 13 coins in my hand, and pondering the annoyance of having had to juggle the coins and things at the bath I nodded at Crag and figured if I passed a store I might need to get a bag of my own. Or maybe Ann would have a suggestion.

‘Now, back to the Pillow and Pie!’ I thought as I left the Guildhall again.

This time I made it all the way back to the inn. During the walk I counted at least 5 people who had skin which seemed unusual, like my own. A couple in blue, one a vibrant red that seemed almost metallic and glossy and two shades of green. Almost half the people had hair that seemed wildly apart from the more common blond, black, and shades of brown. Most of the different ones were similar to the older lady at the bath, or Dominick or Bluebird - a single vivid shade, or blend, but a couple of these new ones were really unique. I really liked the hair that reminded me of sunlight glinting through the pine tree I woke under, though I had no idea how it was possible or if it meant anything.

Entering the Pillow and Pie I paused to see if Ann of the silver hair and blue skin would come out of the back. She did about 10 seconds later. “Oh, Monday. Are you done with your errand?”

I nodded, thinking about how to ask her for the help I wanted. “Are you having a good afternoon?”

Ann nodded back, her silver hair rippled and her voice tickling into my ears. “Tomorrow's bread dough is rising well, and the pie fillings for dinner are all ready.”

“I was hoping to help you out, and instead of some extra brass, I was wanting, er, I’d like some help finding… Well, what I’m wearing is all I have besides some money. Buckle’s stuff is his, and I want something to put my coins in, and, well, the things I should have?” I’m pretty sure there are things people are expected to own, the elusive place in my head that knew what words meant also seemed to indicate that much, however it wasn’t particularly forthcoming about what those might be.

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Ann squinted at me a little, and I felt a bit self conscious, but she smiled pretty quickly. “Well, you don’t currently seem to need a hairbrush. I have a few things to pick up that I was hoping you could carry, and a few chores around here I was looking to have you help with. We can go do the shopping for you while we pick up the other things if that’s okay?”

Smiling back I responded, “That sounds good to me, how much money should I bring?”

Ann paused for a moment. “As long as you are not looking for anything super fancy, you could probably get everything you need for only a dollar or two. Probably not more than 10 dollars if you want good quality, of course there is always more you could get.” Turning away, her whisper voice was still clear as she walked to the door. “I’m going to grab a couple bags and let Ernie know that I’ll be out for a bit. Be just a moment.”

Only a few seconds passed to ponder things I should buy before Ann returned with several sacks in hand. “Before we go out you’ve asked me for help, so please forgive me if I offend with any of my questions.”

I shrugged and said, “Sure.” Even if she said what the old woman at the bath said, Ann’s voice would likely make it far more tolerable.

“Buckle made your clothes, I can tell, and he wouldn’t put a male in a skirt unless they asked. Couple that with your delicate facial features, I’m pretty sure but would like to confirm that you are female?” Seeing me nod in response, she continued. “I can’t quite tell your age, but have you menstruated, spotted or the like?”

Information trickled into my head as the meanings, relationship to gender, sexuality and procreation wandered about and kind of planted themselves in locations of my consciousness that had either been empty or ignored since I woke under that tree.

“Oh, not yet. But I’m in my puberty, so probably sometime? One second.” Then I whispered, “System Query: What is the female Giant Blooded experience of menstruation?”

 

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