The Forgotten Paths of Truth

The wanderer felt the observant eyes scrutinize his every movement while passing through the crowded markets. In hindsight, the feeling wasn't any different from the many settlements he visited. The cold alienation that followed him was mistakable, it didn't matter the decade.

Like many others, merchants clung to a trade-based system, relying on whatever travelers had. To his surprise though, their markets were decentralized, providing fairer values and none of the gimmicks, as everyone's needs were met. Most times, water, food, and other basic essentials were traded at higher premiums in the outliers. Any sort of fairness standard seemed foreign.

Alejandro walked by the bar, tempted to talk to Derek. A sudden jolt reminded him of his burn wound incapacitating him after stumbling forward, clutching it in pain. He felt puss seep through his shirt, which he covered with his coat. The passerby shuffled away after seeing his pained glance.

"Hey, wanderer," a familiar voice called. "Don't mind them."

"I'm used to it, thanks," the wanderer nodded, turning to find Jeb waving by the entrance.

"Please," he insisted. "Come inside. Let me offer you a drink!"

Jeb lent a hand with an inviting smile; Such warmth felt strange to Alejandro, especially when it came from someone working at a bar. Alejandro entered the dimly lit setting, finding Derek's petrified gaze. The wanderer remained cordial as he walked toward the counter.

"Guess who I found outside," Jeb said.

"H—Hey there, stranger!" Derek spoke with a trembling voice.

"Oh, you're the wanderer my son speaks so highly of."

"Um," the wanderer sighed. "Derek, you could drop the act. We've met before."

"You have?" Jeb asked, seeing his father nervously polishing the beer mug.

"Yes, we have." the wanderer responded. "He serves some mean cocktails!"

"Wha—" he cleared his throat. "Haha, I sure do!"

"Well, you can have another on the house," Jeb suggested. "I'm about to go see Sean before I run my errands. He should be getting out today."

"Oh? How's he doing?" Alejandro asked.

"He's doing fine. That necrobear sure did a number on his nerves. But, he was able to get a prosthetic arm.”

"A prosthetic arm?"

Jeb met his father's wince, confused as though to why the wanderer seemed surprised.

"It's been operational for a long time," Jeb answered. "It's the original hospital and all. Is it true that outliers have that sort of luxury?"

"It's almost unheard of," Alejandro noted Derek's nervous smile as he slid over his drink.

"You like it?" Derek asked while the wanderer reveled in its sweet taste.

"Yes, yes, indeed," he responded.

"Ol' pops hasn't lost his touch," Jeb said before making his way out the door. "Yo, Al! Swing by the hospital. I'm sure Sean would be happy to see you."

"Will do," Alejandro held his mug toward him.

Derek and Alejandro looked toward the other, listening to his footsteps fade into the foot traffic. Derek furrowed his brows, parting his lips in confusion upon seeing the wanderer’s softened eyes. Something akin to a smile crawled along his face, glimpsing cold sweat.

"Why?" the bar owner asked. "After the way I treated you—"

"It's all right," the wanderer said. "I'm used to that sort of treatment everywhere I go.”

"No, I shouldn't have done that. It's one of the city's principles: Acceptance.”

"Well, I'm not going to fault you. We can't expect everyone to just fall in line. I don't know what your background is, but… There's no hard feelings here."

Derek cleared his throat again, not knowing how to respond.

"Speaking of foundation," the wanderer continued. "Perhaps you can answer a few questions since there's a lot I'd like to know."

"About the Gardenia's founding?" he replied.

"Yes, that'll do.”

"Enne and Mathias's father built this city with a lot of that elf tech from where he was from. Though they speak of him, not much was known—They always brought up Martha, the matriarch. Something about how Elven culture is female-driven."

"Yeah, that's the case. But—How about recent history."

"I'm only 55—"

"That'll do. I don't expect you to be a historian.”

“If I have to be frank with you, I’m not terribly knowledgeable about the city’s history. I just get by, comfortably at that. I just know The Elven siblings split their responsibilities, while Miss Salazar handles internal affairs. Enne though—She likes getting involved with everything.”

“A real Mother Teresa, that one.”

"She does what she feels is right.”

“Yeah,” the wanderer nodded as he stood. “Seems to be the case.”

"Hey Al," Derek said, as the wanderer glanced over. “Thanks… For saving my boys out there. You're always welcome here if you need a drink."

"Thanks! I'll catch you around."

"You take it easy now."

* * * * * * *

Alejandro felt more at peace before walking into the bustling city square. He navigated north in search of the hospital, walking into a residential area. Neighbors spoke on trivial matters while children at play ran through the street. The air didn’t smell horrid like he had long grown used to in his travels.

Can’t recall the last time the air smelled so clean, he noted.

The wanderer recalled a time as a child, a time when outliers weren’t in the deplorable conditions. There wasn’t fear of the outside world or political turmoil, often plaguing societies following the Collapse. Life felt simple through the lens of a child, which part of the wanderer missed. He drew the attention of the inhabitants of the neighborhood, calling their children to return. He wanted to ignore the things said to him: a freak, an outcast, Hellspawn, names which carried stigma after becoming a wanderer.

Hundreds of years, it don't change.

Becoming a full-fledged wanderer gave him an extended life akin to immortality, a taboo act amid the death that swept the world. Alejandro witnessed the injustices of the world as he grew older. People were exploited, settlements starved to death, and innocence perished in conflict. Amidst all the misplaced hatred toward him, his existence was also against the natural order.

He hoped to be an agent of change, someone to enlighten the masses. Instead, he was met with vitriol and hatred, often driving him away from pursuing his goals. Ever since, Alejandro wore the disdain as a badge of shame.

Nothing but despair and false hope… That never changes, he reminded himself.

"Wanderer," a familiar voice shouted from the intersection. "What brings you to these parts?"

"I'm headed to the hospital," he answered after glimpsing Kenneth and his son.

"That's where we're headed too," Kenneth pointed the way. "They aren't giving you a hard time, are they?"

"This is probably the least hostile place I've been in so far."

"Well, that's—uh, good then."

"The lights above the mansion," Billy asked enthused by what he'd seen. "Was that you and Enne?"

"Yes, yes, it was," Alejandro responded as he approached.

"Wow, even after surviving the necrobear, she can still spar?"

"She is of Elven descent. They can handle violent fights pretty well."

They looked at the wanderer curiously; Their collective silence warranted his raised eyebrow.

"But you're still standing?" Billy remarked.

"What?" the wanderer winced.

"Nothing," Kenneth sighed. "It's just that—Aren't wanderers human?"

"Yeah."

With nothing further to add, they continued through the empty street leading to the hospital. There were places of worship every other block, a sight elusive beyond the city. Society had become more secular in some parts of the old country after the Collapse. Those who clung to religion created seemingly impenetrable theocratic strongholds. And found in those settlements was where the most mistreatment happened.

“I’m surprised you guys still have these standing,” Alejandro pointed to the weathered cross.

“They’re like monuments,” Kenneth looked on with him.

“Monuments?”

“The old Elven lord didn’t really care for places of worship. He let them stand to appease those who stayed in Gardenia. When we started to grow, we could’ve repurposed them for housing. But Enne was concerned about preserving the city’s culture. In case someone needed another way for enlightenment, she’d say.”

“That’s—Strange.”

“How so?

“Elves have their own religion. I would think it would’ve done away with the local ones.”

“I couldn’t say what he was thinking at the time. All I know is, there’s a small shrine dedicated to that at the edge of town. Nobody goes to those parts though.”

“Wow, she’s really open with other faiths.”

"She is."

They arrived at the corner of the small, well-preserved hospital, bidding farewell to them as they parted ways. dating from the early 2000s. The wanderer stood in awe, examining the exterior before entering through sliding doors. The hospital likely dated from the early-2000s; It was a simple setup equipped to handle the city's residents. Within the minimalist setup, he saw a single receptionist behind the desk, reading a book. The young woman had yet to acknowledge his presence.

"May I help you with something?" she asked as her blue eyes glanced over.

"Oh, yes," he said, noting her brown, curly hair. "I'm here to see Sean Jones."

"He's on the 3rd floor in room 102. You can take the elevator."

"An elevator? Whoa, thank you!"

His childish wonder amused the receptionist as her stern gaze softened. She watched him as he read the plaque dedicated to the late matriarch before entering the elevator. He continued into the antiquated hallway when the well-greased doors opened. The energy source still eluded him as he looked around his well-lit settings. While absorbing his surroundings, his presence drew everyone’s silent attention.

The wanderer found Sean alone in his room, clenched his prosthetic arm. He looked over at the wanderer after sensing his observant gaze. His brown eyes were as welcoming as his brothers. The wanderer sat in the nearby chair, collecting himself from the medical miracle.

"Alejandro, right?" Sean asked. "Jeb told me you were gonna swing by."

"I see you're doing a lot better," he spoke.

"Yeah! I feel great!”

"But how did they manage with the procedure? At what cost?"

"The price? Why would I pay if I live here?"

"So, it's free?"

"What? The community believes in helping one another, we don't think about how you pay for it. You seem surprised by this."

"Well, Sean, there was a time when an injury like that meant your livelihood. If you didn't have health insurance, you were left behind."

"What's health insurance?"

"Uh, never mind. How were the doctors and nurses able to do it?"

"Elven magic," Sean whispered, leaning toward Alejandro.

He furrowed his eyebrows, remembering what Enne said. She mentioned mana could craft things in a way that creates something new. What he failed to remember was that included healing.

"Wait, there are more elves in town?" Alejandro asked.

"Nope," he answered.

"Then how were they able to attach it?"

"Enne taught them, the nurses that is. She felt like it wasn't enough that we had running power for the hospital, so she trained a select few to learn how to heal."

"That's incredible."

"You act as you've never been in a hospital before," Sean laughed, although the wanderer tried to withhold his shock.

"Where I come from," he responded. "They don't operate like this. If you lost an arm there, you were crippled for life."

"Yeah? Well, welcome to Gardenia, brother."

Alejandro looked at him, processing the achievement of the unassuming city. When he left the hospital, he sought the Elven shrine. The wanderer passed by the precinct, finding a path leading to a small park entrance. A refreshing breeze lingered over the gentle stream. The entrance was reminiscent of the Shinto shrines of Japan. The Elven manor was inlaid in the background.

The unassuming shrine blended in with nature. The stones were stacked in a way that gave it the appearance of what an ancient tribe would have done. It was archaic but well put together, being a rather simple monument to the Elven goddess. Much like the Christian churches several millennia ago, there was a humbleness to it.

"Why does it look like a kid, did it?" he muttered, although undeniably intrigued.

He bent down to inspect. A faded plaque rested next to the undisturbed rocky structure. Its faded words were barely legible on its worn surface as he strained his eyes.

"This is written in Elven also… Damn."

Alejandro felt unusual energy emitting from the pile of rocks. There was particular divination that left him with more questions than answers.

"This place just keeps getting more interesting." he thought aloud.

"Well, well," Rita said. "I thought it was you."

"Rita?" the wanderer said, surprised by her sudden appearance. "How long—"

"Long enough. What are you doing in these parts?"

She wiped her brow as sweat glistened on her body. Her loose ponytail slung over her shoulders. The mayor took a swig from her water bottle as she looked at the monument with him.

"Just wandering around?" he answered. "You sure like being active."

"Were you expecting the mayor to be some chubby fuck?"

"No, but I wasn't expecting the mayor to be so foul-mouthed."

"Pfft. Please, we're all equal around here. You can talk to me any way you like."

Her wink couldn't disarm his deadpan expression.

"You're so prude, but—How's the princess doing? I'm sure I pissed her off the other day. She needs to understand this isn't some—”

“If I may?”

The mayor nodded, allowing him to continue.

“She wasn’t wrong about much of what she said.”

“Are you saying this as her advisor?”

“I’m saying this as someone that stands for reason. Painting the situation from a simplistic view is disingenuous, especially from a tribalistic lens. The migrants are as much a threat as the merchants that come through the city each day. No matter what you do, it’ll require an effort to ensure safety. The economy shouldn’t be more important than the people that contribute to the city, that includes refugees.”

“I see why Enne went for you. You get cucked real easily.”

"That wouldn't be the worst thing I've been called."

"A sense of humor, too? Heh, I'll be seeing you around. Send my regards to the Princess."

He watched the mayor turn the corner. He glimpsed the structure once more feeling at ease now she was gone. Although he was Enne's advisor, he clung to that title with more pride than the title of a wanderer.

Here we delve into the world of Gardenia and parts of its history.
Yes, there are some political aspects a.k.a. universal healthcare...
And the nature in which their society thrives.
The worldbuilding aspect is trickled in since I want Alejandro to experience it through his lens, contrasting what he knows of the world beyond.
Let me know what you think!
Leave a like and let me know what you think about the society they advocated!
Thanks for reading!