Chapter 10: 10 – Twenty Questions

Tess sighed in relief, grateful that the first person she met seemed understanding. “Thank you.”

“No trouble,” Mirari answered. “However, I would like to ask why you were in the northern Kalbas wood.”

“You wouldn’t believe the story,” Tess said.

Mirari smiled, Tess noticing multiple laugh lines on the man’s face. “I’ve heard a number of impossible tales in my time.”

“Trust me,” Tess answered dryly. “I don’t even believe my story.”

Mirari sat down next to Tess. “Then how about this? Let me take you to a friend’s home. You can wash up with her, get a hot meal, and then we can discuss everything.”

Tess’s mouth watered at the thought of a properly cooked meal. A flash of doubt ran through Tess’s mind. It was possible Mirari had ulterior motives. But, Tess was tired, and wanted to trust the kind smile on the man’s face.

And there was always the fact that she could use these new powers if anything happened.

She nodded. “Mirari, you’ve got yourself a deal.”

Mirari laughed as Tess hopped off the stone. “Good to know that good food and good health is universal.”

“You wouldn’t believe how long it’s been since I had a good meal,” Tess answered.

Mirari started walked, leading the way as the land and river sloped downward. “I’d say a good amount of days. Possibly… seven or so?”

Tess stopped in surprise. “That’s actually close. How did you do that?”

The Jejende tapped his nose. “You could say I have a nose for these things.”

Tess made a face before sniffing her clothes. “Please don’t tell me you can smell it.”

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Mirari laughed again, his voice carrying in the wind. “Unfortunately for you, yes. I’m from the Aire caste. The wind is our friend and helper, even if others wish that wasn’t always the case.”

“Caste?” Tess asked, uncertain if she heard correctly.

The man nodded. “All Jejende are born from the elements. Earth, water, air, and fire. We are made from each element in the image of our creator, Laubat. He grants us dominion over our affinity and in turn we work to sustain his creation.”

“I see,” Tess said. “So are you some kind of hunter?”

If Mirari noticed Tess’s abrupt change in topic, he didn’t show it. “I am an adventurer for Gimu Ortzi’s lands. My job is to perform the tasks that others can’t.”

“That doesn’t really answer the question,” Tess said.

“It’s quite a broad question,” Mirari answered. “Besides, we are here. Welcome to Ortzerri, Tess.”

Mirari gestured to a series of wooden roofs in the distance downhill. The buildings resembled the log cabins Tess had seen from old frontier museums. The only difference was the materials. This town looked to use smaller logs, and as they walked closer Tess noticed the smaller logs were somehow woven together.

At the center of the village sat a stone fortress twice as tall as the houses. Nestled next to it rested a bell tower. The rest of the village had built itself around these two structures, packing near the buildings like sardines in a can.

Dun dundun dun dun dun dunnnnn! 500 xp earned! Spend it wisely! Oh! That also makes you level three! You get new equip slots!

 

Tess’s status screen opened unprompted.

 

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