Caoilainn

Richard stretched a bit. The girl turned to him and said:

- "You are a human being, so you deserve to know my name, I'm Isabella." - he answered:

- "I am Richard."

- "Nice to know you, Richard, where are you from?"

- "Well, I have hunch you will not know, but from Brazil. And I've been living in Chile." - she tilted her head to the side:

- "Are you sure you are alright? I've never heard of those places and trust me, I've heard of every place" - she tilted her head upwards.

- "Well, I did live in those places, but you've never heard of them." - he touched his chin - "I have an hypothesis, I don't why or how, but I think I've been pulled into a world different from my own..." - Isabella turned away from him, crossing her arms.

- "It seems I've found another drunkard in the fields" - she sighed - "I can take you to town at least" - she opened her arms - "but, please do not waste my time, it's acceptable to be drunk or lost or" - she sighed again - "estranged." - Richard kept his hand in his chin and his silence. One minute or so later she continued - "sorry if I offended you."

- "No offense taken." - he paused - "it's just that you are absolutely right." - she was looking at him, amused - "I am really estranged" - again he paused - "I feel I've been estranged for quite a long time." - She was left wondering, but soon started walking and he followed her.

After a few minutes, she broke the silence:

- "Alright, so let's say you are not mad. How do you know you are in another world?"

- "Besides you not knowing where I came from" - he said - "I've seen some strange things. I can assure you that where I come from there are no giants" - he tilted his head - "swords are out of fashion and..." - he raised his eyebrows - "I think there is no one with a battle prowess such as yours." - her cheeks turned pink:

- "Thanks for the compliment. In our world there usually aren't giants, but that's a story for another day." - she stopped to think - "I still don't believe you, but at least you don't seem out of your mind. You know there is something wrong and you use strange clothes" - he now noticed he was wearing his typical work attire, a white shirt, blue jeans and black shoes, along with his glasses. She finished saying: - "I will think more about your case."

- "That's reassuring, thank you again" - They kept walking in silence.

They strolled through the field in the winding path, until a small hill, which revealed their destination, Morirom town. It was a small town featuring many blocks of brick and stone houses intertwined by brick roads. The town was divided by a river with bridges and mills installed on it. In one side of the river, on the top of a moat, lay a small castle towering over the town with a single tower and scarlet banners. Isabella started speaking:

- "Richard, I am not sure about your situation, however I saved you and I feel responsible." - she looked proud - "I will present you to someone who might be able to help you. If it does not work, I will help you find a place in our town. It is very accepting of estranged people, as long as you're willing to work honestly." - Richard answered:

- "Well, thanks a lot. In all my life I've been able to work and do my part, so no problem."

- "Great, I hope that is true, as I will make sure you do your part" - her face was stern as she approached, invading a bit of his personal space. Richard felt intimated, but remained silent.

They descend the hill and crossed the town gates. At the gates the guards saluted Isabella. As they strolled through the streets, the people that saw them kept looking, and Richard couldn't help but feel uncomfortable, whilst Isabella kept unfazed. They crossed a bridge and walked towards the castle. When the guards saw Isabella, they opened the gate and saluted her.

They went inside and Richard was greeted by an imposing hall surrounded by strong brick walls lit by torches and fancy chandeliers. He followed Isabella to a room with a round table and knight statues. In the end of the room stood a woman with blonde hair covered by a white linen coif. She wore a long black dress covered by a white apron. She bowed to greet Isabella and said:

- "Hello Isa! So today you came back early and with a man, what's going on, tell me!" - Richard was confused and Isabella sighed and answered:

- "Cut the teasing, Caoilainn, I came early on serious business. I've saved this man from a giant and he seems to be an oddity..." - Caoilainn continued quickly:

- "An oddity, how interesting!" - she turned to Richard - "So how are you, why so confused, are you shy?" - he hesitated a bit and answered:

- "Well, I'm Richard. And" - he paused - "I was a just bit confused, because everyone seemed so formal with Isabella and then you just started talking like that" - Caoilainn laughed at this and said:

- "Come on, Isabella, didn't you tell him?" - Isabella crossed her arms and Caoilainn continued - "So, Richard, this is Lady Isabella of Kitatik, first of her name, the Lady of our town of Morirom, fourth in line to the throne of Solerelos." - she paused and let a sly smile - "but I simply call her Isa."

- "And this, Richard, is my childhood friend, the most disrespectful, disregarding and carelessly nosiest person I call a friend, Caoilainn" - said Isabella pointing towards her. Still smiling, Caoilainn replied:

- "You forgot the most important part, my dear friend" - Isabella sighed and went on:

- "Yes, and she is a very talented mage, that's why I've brought you to her"

- "You mean, the most beautiful, talented, skilled and fantastic mage you have ever seen!"

- "I will exercise the right of a Lady to stay silent." - Caoilainn laughed and they sat down.