Wolf: Dawn

It's a minor relief in knowing that the Party bathes. Remaining a luxury for the majority of populations as such, is typically reserved for the upper class and nobles. As it is understandable that most advancing Civilizations will regularly lack proper means of hygiene until they further their technologies. With that, it is nice to see that the Party values this way of living when it is available to them. Now cleaned and properly bathed, they made their way to the tavern for some likely festivities.

Within moments they were greeted with familiar faces. Cassandra quickly came up to them and provided small conversation before sitting them down at their designated table. Soon after, Nasir was ready and red faced, likely indulging in an intoxicating beverage. He was shouting and cheering ‘Another Round!’ every few minutes. Full of splendorous merriment, the entire tavern perpetuated the fun and excitement.

“Wow, the energy is wild in here.” Luna mentioned.

“Yeah, but we need food soon!” Bulan pouted, as the others grinned at her impatience.

“Cassandra said that they are preparing a grand meal for us.” Luna replied with a smile.

“Hello, everyone.” Minh gleefully greeted the Guild from behind.

“Please sit.” Selene mentioned as she pulled up a chair.

“Ah! Look, the food is coming here!” Bulan immediately pointed out, as her mouth watered with hunger.

The Guild and company promptly looked at the approaching waiters with plates of food for the random heroes. No surprise that Bulan quickly began to get the food before the others. The cuisine that is placed before them, was a wide assortment of colorful and uniquely crafted to impress the Guild.

A tapestry of distinct colors, odd shapes and sized, artfully arranged. With some plates glowing with warm mist from being steamed or covered in a delightful char from being grilled. It was a small yet grand show for the heroes, and the loving way for the villagers to express their appreciation. Not only showing that the villagers are grateful, but a pleasant way for them to share their traditions in the wonderful ways they prepare their food.

Mentioning the food for one observation is that there doesn't appear to be farms dedicated to any form of livestock. The main source of farming is primarily agricultural. Supported by the food they eat. Appearing to be consisting of Vegetables, Nuts, Roots, and possibly Fruits. Even further, there seems to be a general lack of other organisms on this planet.

Thus far, only the three species of bipeds, one scaly solitary creature, some small creatures of flight, and the relentless presence of these Monsters. It is still up for discussion if the monsters are even a natural occurrence—considering their unnatural existence. Going deeper, even the vast seas seem to be devoid of any form of average wild life—nothing at all recognizable in the waters—not even the motionless lifeforms that live their entire lives on the seafloor. Another worthy field of study.

“So, um, Minh, have you always lived in Air Pasir?” Luna asked, somewhat shyly.

“Oh, hmhm.” Minh nodded as she finished some of the shared food. “I’ve been here since the day I was born. I truly love this village.” She gave a genuine smile.

“I bet it's pretty comforting to live in such a charming place.” Luna remarked with a smile.

“It is, this place is so lovely, I’d do anything for this village…” Minh mentioned with a somber tone, as her hands retreated under the table. “I… I just wish I was as strong as Lady Cassandra, Lord Kim, and Lord Nasir.” She sadly announced.

The others at the table looked at her with sympathy.

“Soon after I woke up, heh, and I stopped crying.” Minh giggled slightly. “I asked a lot of questions about what happened, and even about the monster.” She disclosed.

“They told me that the monster isn’t even all of the way removed from my eye—And it's going to take several more weeks for my body to naturally remove the monster's residue, even with Lady Cassandra’s aid.” She mentioned, looking downward. “I was lucky, some of the others will probably take years to fully recover.”

“I was also told that most of the girls weren’t from our village… Those girls were the ones that died during our rescue.” Minh continued, as her voice cracked slightly. “If it wasn’t for Lady Cassandra and her team constantly working to help find us…” Her voice shivered, with a small tear escaping her one eye, but she quickly wiped it away. “I-I probably wouldn’t even be here.” She tried her best to hold back her tears.

“How did the monster get to you?” The boy suddenly asked.

“Well… I wanted to learn Sorcery, but I was born on a bright sunny day. So, there wasn’t much I could do about that, then I heard that Witches somehow still use Sorcery no matter where the moon is.” Minh began her story.

“For a long while, I searched within my limits for a Witch to teach me how to use Sorcery, eventually I heard that one was passing through the Village, I had to see it for myself… As soon as I did, myself and a few other girls. Willfully followed this fake Witch, then—Everything just turned into a euphoric stupor.” She divulged, as she recollected her living nightmare.

“It's so frustrating to think…” Minh’s body tensed up with repressed anger. “I just wanted to be strong with Sorcery, and protect my family. But I almost became the very thing I wanted to stop.” She confessed with disheartening self pity.

The silence at the table grew as the others reflected on her unthinkable situation.

“Every few hours… I can still feel the monster in what’s left of my eye—Quietly tickling the back of my head—Almost like the same feeling, when your ears pop underwater from swimming a little too deep, but somehow… Much, more, stimulating.” Minh methodically prolonged, seemingly unknowing of what she’s revealing, as she hovered over her bandaged eye. All with an undertone of longing.

Silence remained at the table with Minh’s eerie confession. The others were completely clueless on how to even begin to understand or even comfort Minh.

“Oh, I'm terribly sorry, we were having such a pleasant evening, and I ruined it, hah…” Minh took a deep breath and quickly chuckled to lighten the mood.

“No! It’s alright!” Luna quickly reassured Minh, placing her hand over Minh’s. “It's important to express those types of feelings, and talk about your experiences.” Luna mentioned with care, as the two lightly grabbed each other’s hand.

“Thank you, Lady Luna. I'm so grateful to have met such wonderful people.” Minh smiled, as cathartic tears ran down one side of her face.

“How are we doing this evening, Ladies, Young Beyonder?” Nasir suddenly announced to the table with a spritely ego. Beholden as he looked over everyone, now that the battle is won, he manifests a debonair persona.

“Hello, Lord Nasir.” Minh smiled.

“Heh-heh, you don’t have to call me that.” Nasir chuckled humbly. “Enjoying the evening?” Nasir then asked.

“Yes! The food was perfect!” Bulan quickly answered.

“Glad to know that you are having a good time… Beyonder, have you got a moment? I’d like to host a small exchange of wordplay with you.” Nasir asked randomly.

The boy and Nasir walked to another table, somewhat in the corner of the tavern. A bit odd that Nasir wants to have a private audience with the boy. Perhaps he wants some more information about the boy’s world, and likely Cassandra’s as well. Soon into their private session, the boy was quite fixated on Nasir’s neck tattoo. His expression looked as if it was a cautious yet curious gaze. Within moments of him obviously looking at it, Nasir was quick to recognize his staring.