The Cheshire Cat Does Not Mourn [Part 3]

An elf girl. The most striking feature, something that must be unique to this world, is the girl has shiny cyan hair that almost went to her waist. Which is strangely inviting in contrast to her captivating bronze complexion. Wearing what I think is their club uniform, as the others had some type of uniform or insignia on their person. I wasn’t sure if I was drawn to her or even something at her booth. When I approached the scene, the elf was surprised and flustered at my presence.

"Ahh, hello… Ahh! Oh no.”

The elf fumbles through papers and drops some, somehow making a small mess. She seemed quite surprised that I stood at her small booth, but what surprised me was that I walked over to her without realizing until she made those odd noises. The elf then placed her hand on a large book on the table, completely dismissing the papers that just fell and the mess she made.

"Um, well, hello and welcome... Um, Oh!"

Welcome to the Guild of Vapula!

The Void shall bring Ardor of Enlightenment!

"Well, umm, anyway. As I’m sure you already know, most Guilds have a type of test to pass. Our test is quite simple, just open this book… That is if you are interested in joining…A-of course.”

This Elf also fumbled the words out of her mouth in an indecisive manner, even so, it was clear that she was giddy about this interaction. The elf was most certainly nervous, even though she had a smile. To avoid smiling back at her, I looked at the book that took up almost half of the table. This eldritch book with just an unholy presence that it felt like it wanted to stare not only at my person but into my past.

I brushed off the dark attitude of the book; for it was just another dull book to me. I had more important ideas to give light. 'Guilds? Seems a bit of an archaic term.’ I maintain the flood in my brain with more questions and ideas. I suppose that there’ll be more medieval-like characteristics in this world that I should prepare myself for, and what was that bout with the Void? Must be their motto or something… Was this book calling me? Why is there a test? So much to think about. I just paused and stared at the mysterious, now dull book, to then glance at the elf girl. Hesitantly and slowly, I opened the book to a completely random page with unknown writing and cryptic illustrations. I briefly analyzed the two pages, then shifted my focus back to the elf.

Her face was intensely focused on mine. She was in amazement, leaning quite close to me. Close enough to see that her eyes are also a charming shade of cyan. I could ever so faintly see that she has dimples too. From her own surprised body, she didn’t realize that she was this close, so when I looked at her and our eyes met. She also blushed a little to quickly back away to an acceptable distance.

“What...?” I said with some clear apprehension and concern.

“You did it!”

“Did what?”

“You passed! You see, to pass the test you must open this book to 1 of the 13 special pages. I’ve been doing this for a long time and you are the only one that I've witnessed to pass!”

She stated in one long gleeful breath. I was again apprehensive with the situation, but I slowly asked.

“Ok, then…? Now, what happens?”

She looked away for a moment and pressed the tips of her index fingers together. It's likely she does that as a self soothing technique and uses it when she has some discomfort. It's probably helping her focus on what to say next. Her tone shifts quite frequently. It was easy to read her emotional state, just by the way her voice altered. Just in the short time I’ve been talking to her. I’ve been able to tell if she is in panic, anxious, or excited.

“Well, not much right now… There’ll be a few more tests to do, but those are only if you want to join…”

She said that somberly, I wondered why she had that tone in her voice. She’s probably worried that I’ll reject her offer.

“What’s your name?”

Her face turned a little red for some reason when I asked the question.

“M-my name? Um, Valaquendë Tirion... A-and yours?”

She said that awkwardly but with excitement. I found that a little charming. This was likely the most involvement that she’s had with a potential recruit in a while. Which would also explain why she seems so inexperienced with conversing. I thought that was odd since she mentioned she’s been doing this for a long time. I wonder why that is?

“Ryōsuke Matsushita, and I think I’d like to see what these other tests are.”

I extended my arm to give her a handshake, she then quickly grabbed my hand with both of hers, making a funny noise of what I think is excitement then smiled. That was also charming. To break my own awkwardness, as well as the slight anxiety I have when I talk to people for the first time, I said something that I always say when I tell someone my name.

“Yeah, it’s kinda strange for a girl to have.”

But then I instantly realized that this is a whole different world. How would anyone know that my name was meant for a girl or a boy? Then sure enough Valaquendë followed with.

“No, not at all, it sounds a little different, but I think it’s nice.”

She smiled and I did the same. She then averted her eyes downward, still smiling. This is a good sign. She’s sweet. I’m looking forward to getting to know her.

⧫⧫⧫

I sat at the booth with Valaquendë for what I think was only a few hours. It was difficult to tell time though. The sun seemed to have a similar speed as the sun from my world. Now that I’m in a much more advantageous position, I just kept having thoughts like that, constantly comparing this world to my own. For example, there must be a Printing Press; I didn’t actually see one. There are what I think are newspapers in this world. If that is the case, then that gives me a pretty good idea of what else to expect.

I also couldn't avoid the thought about my name. I shouldn't have used my real name. I should have fabricated a completely new name to avoid any kind of unwanted attention. It would have been even more difficult to think of a new name on the spot. One that would also suit this world. I suppose I could make some time for an excuse, but… Oh well, too late now.

Oh yes, about my name. Ryōsuke is a Japanese name meant for men. Because my father wanted a son instead of a daughter. That was his cruel way to experience the life of having a son. I’ll never forget the day my father nonchalantly mentioned to me that he’d wanted a son. I was somewhat hurt, but not surprised… Despite that, my life moved on, and I didn’t care for the idea. I started to actually like my name right when I started university in the States. Nobody knew that my name was meant for girls or boys. Everyone just treated it as any other Asian sounding name. And no, that never really bothered me either. As long as I was treated in a way that wasn't going to be bothersome.

I glanced over to Valaquendë and she pressed her index fingers together again. Seeing this made me feel kinda bad because I was so lost in thought, I’m pretty sure she was trying to start a conversation. I must have ignored her. Unintentionally, I’d like to add. Nevertheless, I sat there in silence, pretty much the entire time. I'm a little awkward anyway, when I try to talk normally around new people. So, it was probably for the best. There was one more thought that stuck out to me and I was quite intrigued with it in particular, because this was one of the only moments I earnestly asked myself.

Is this even real?

Before I could even consider the question, Valaquendë spoke up causing me to lose my train of thought. Fortunately, this didn’t bother me because Valaquendë was my kind guide in this world, so anything that she wanted to say to me, I valued with importance. And it definitely wasn’t because I probably ignored her and felt bad.

“Well, it looks like other Guilds are starting to pack up their supplies, so we probably should too.” She smiled. We then gathered up the supplies she had, and she gave me directions on how things went as I helped.

“So Ryosuke, I already reserved a room at a hostelry nearby, but it has a single bed. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to recruit anyone today, so we'll have to get another room for you. And… I’m kinda hungry too, so we should get something to eat before we go to bed, if you don’t mind.”

Her explanation had a gleeful tone. I had no comments or concerns at the moment, so I just nodded in agreement. I then formed a quick thought of if she heard my stomach growl? Alas, I then had a new formation of ideas when I saw that large, creepy book again. I wondered if that was where the ominous voice came from. I hadn’t heard it since I opened it. Is this a normal object in this world?

Valaquendë was talking the entire time we packed, but I was lost in my own thoughts again. But I heard some of it. Something about an eatery she likes. She also likes to talk. Which I enjoyed, because I treated it as if it was soothing background music. When she's relaxed her voice sounded so warm, even the way she expressed herself felt calm and kind. Happy to be alive. Grateful even. When she smiles, it’s because she is truly happy… Yes, Valaquendë is a kind and happy person, or elf or whatever. I have no doubts about that. I’ve met plenty of people in my life to know which ones have kindness in their hearts and the ones who simply don’t.

Hopefully… This unique skill I have will be useful in this new world.