Ch 3: Like Father, Like Son - Pt 2: My First Friend

The following morning, even though I lost the bet -- or because I lost the bet -- I woke up extra early, threw on my grey slacks, hurriedly buttoned my black shirt, and snuck out of the house. After trudging through the dense part of the forest, I reached the main path that led into town. It was a peaceful little stroll. Chirping birds and humming insects were all there was to be heard.

After walking for about forty minutes in the serene environment, I finally emerged to be greeted by a sign. With no particular design in mind, "WELCOME TO THE VILLAGE OF ERINDRING" was etched into the wood. I took a few more steps to where the road began to slope downward.

From the top of the hill, I gazed over the village of scattered homes much like the ones Hakuma built. There was a cluster of structures, including some larger buildings, in the center that must have been the main market. Beyond the homes lay a large field of what resembled wheat, and pockets of other fruit bearing trees and other produce were scattered about around the landscape.

"Erindring, huh?" I took a deep breath. My first experience in a town after eighteen years living in this world was only moments away. "Well, here goes nothing."

* * * * *

The main road was already bustling. Shops consisted mostly of simple stands with some storefronts on the first level of the sturdiest structures. The second floors appeared to be the homes of the shop owners based on the women hanging laundry on the lines hanging over the balconies. But, even with as busy as everyone was, there was one thing pulling their attention.

Me.

Every merchant and buyer paused their bargaining. Every housewife got distracted and struggled to properly clip the clothespin in their hand. Every child playing in the street stopped and stared. Every person I walked past had their eyes on me. And every topic of discussion switched to the strange man that suddenly appeared in this remote village.

"Who is he?" "I've never seen him before."

"What's with his hair?" "His hair? Look at those eyes!" "Oh, yeah. Why are they different colors?"

"Papa. What's wrong with that man? Is he sick?" "I'm not sure, but you should stay away from him just in case."

"A red eye? Aren't Demons the only ones with red eyes?" "Not sure. But other than the weird hair and eye color, he looks like a normal guy to me." "I guess so. Maybe he's just cursed or something." "Oh, man, that would suck. He's definitely not gonna find anyone in this town that could cure him."

"Mommy, I'm scared." "It's okay, Honey. He doesn't seem to be interested in bothering anyone."

I guess this is what Dad was trying to warn me about... All I had to do was show my face, and they are already treating me like an outcast.

I walked with my head down all the way through the market until I came across a weathered bench on the far side of a garden shaded by a blossoming cherry tree. "Why did I even bother coming here? What did I think was going to happen? I know I don't look normal, but still..."

"Hello, Sir. Is something wrong?"

My head involuntarily jerked up at the gentle voice, and there stood a girl about my age. Her long brown hair flowing out from the back of the green kerchief on her head waved behind her as she leaned over to check on me. Her copper-colored eyes were locked into mine, unblinking.

I lowered my head to look at nothing in front of me. "Aren't-- Aren't you afraid of me?"

The girl stepped into my line of sight and held her basket behind her back. "Afraid? Should I be?"

My eyes scanned her emerald skirt and white buttoned shirt until I saw her grin. "Well, um... No, I don't think so. But it seems like everyone else is... Just because of my appearance..."

"Really? Well, my father always told me to never judge a book by its cover. Unless you do something wrong, I have no reason to fear you. Isn’t that right?" The young woman's smile grew so big her eyes closed.

At a loss for words, I silently stared in awe for a moment. "My name is Aoi. May I ask for your name?"

"Aoi? That's such a pretty name! I'm Yuuna. Mind if I take a seat?" Yuuna brought the basket back to her front and held it up.

"Oh, uh, sure." I scooched over to give her some space. My heart started to race, but I was not sure if I was nervous or excited.

Yuuna held the back of her skirt against her legs and sat with the basket on her lap. "So, Aoi, what brings you to Erindring? We don't often encounter travelers."

"Actually, I've been living in the forest a few miles away for the last three years, so I wouldn't exactly call myself a traveler. This is just my first time visiting the village." Wait, should I have said that? This girl is really lowering my guard.

"You have?! Wow! How do you survive out there on your own?" Yuuna's eyes were shining with interest.

I leaned back and watched the few clouds in the blue sky. "I'm not alone. My parents live with me. My father hunts in the forest, and my mother grows food in a garden. I help them out whenever I can, but I don't know that I could manage a lifestyle like that by myself."

"Ohhh. It sounds like you love your parents very much. You must not be a bad person if you can say things like that so freely." Yuuna lifted the cloth covering the basket and rummaged around.

I looked down and fidgeted with my fingers. "Maybe. My father and I are kind of fighting right now."

"There are only two types of people you can fight with: your enemies and those you love." Yuuna handed me one triangle of a fluffy sandwich. "Here. Take half."

I hesitantly accepted the snack. "Uh, thanks." There was some type of cream and slices of fruit between the bread. This girl has an interesting outlook on life. It's refreshing.

"You're welcome! I was coming here to have myself a picnic, but having someone nice to eat with makes it so much better." The gentle soul next to me nodded elatedly.

After examining the contents of the sandwich for a little too long, I finally gave it a try. "This is amazing!"

Yuuna flashed a smile and brushed the loose strands of hair behind her ear. "Good! I'm glad it cheered you up!" She held her half of the sandwich to me like she was trying to give a toast. "Since we are sharing a meal on a bench together, that makes us friends now, wouldn't you say?"

"Friends?" My eyes softened and my face relaxed as I made eye contact with the beautiful woman sitting beside me.

"Yup!" Yuuna touched the corner of her share to mine before taking a big bite and then placed her left hand against her cheek. "Mmm! Yummy!"

I felt a pound in my chest. My first friend... I think I kind of understand how Dad felt when he met Mom...