Kapitel 4: Chapter 4: A Moment to Relax
S'uu rushes to me and checks me from head to toe, especially my wrist, "Are you okay Winston?"
I sigh, "I'm fine..."
Though, I can't help but focus my gaze at Z'zatira in concern. What just happened? Maybe a result of those strange symbols? Or maybe whatever magic thing she was doing? Hell if I know...
Z'zatira's eyes are closed and her body is limp as she lays still on the wooden floor. I turn my focus to S'uu, "But..., maybe you should bring her to a doctor or something..."
"That would probably be best," S'uu sighs, picking up Z'zatira and turning to leave.
"S'uu," I called out, making them stop, "Can you tell me where you're taking her?"
They smirk in my direction, "Down the way, the healer's hut has a giant red flower on the roof" they force a giggle, "Can't miss it!"
"O-oh... Thank you", I mumble as S'uu rushes out of the room.
After S'uu leaves, I sigh, falling backward comfortably onto the bed. These sheets are pillows are really comfy...
"Hah...", I force a laugh of relief. Even though my mind is fuzzy, I place my arm on my stomach as I take a deep breath trying to focus.
Interupting, the cuff beeped, "Caution! Subject's hunger is critical. Please see that Subject is fed."
"Ugh, okay, okay...", I groaned, as I sit back up and stand up. My legs are weak and shaky, its probably from all the running I keep doing. "I really need to stop getting in those situations...", I mumbled.
Then I grabbed the backpack, placing it on my back. Afterward, I grabbed the dagger and placed it in the side pocket of the backpack. Luckily.... Or not.... It doesn't seem the dagger is cutting the material the bag is made of.
"Alright...", I take in another deep breath, "Now... Food?"
"Caution, Subject must be fed quickly."
"Yeah, yeah... I get it," I groan, I was right... This thing will and is annoying.
"But, my 'dear cuff companion'," I say sarcastically, "where do I get food?"
I stand there in silence for a moment, "Yeah, now you don't say anything...", I sigh.
"I suppose I'll have to find out myself...", I think out loud.
Before I walk out the door, I find my boots at the side of it. They are shiny as black boots can get. "I guess S'uu cleaned my shoes too...", I mumbled. Now I just feel worse...
I put the boots on and sigh before opening the door, the warm breeze of the village hits my face as I step out. I take a deep breath of the fresh air, it smells like wood, wet grass, flowers, and dirt. But it's not overwhelming, in fact, it's actually rather refreshing.
The sunlight warms my skin as I stand outside. However, that's when I noticed, everyone was staring at me as they passed by.
"Huh..." I stare back. I don't know why I'm so surprised or nervous? Everyone here has those horns like S'uu and Z'zatira; except the smaller ones. Though, all of the people here look unique, each person has deep violet eyes.
However, the more I look around, the more I realize how strange this village is. It's like this place is stuck in a fantasy medieval world. That or some renaissance fair. I decide to walk into the road of the village. It's not even very far from the front of S'uu's hut.
"Maybe there is a restaurant or something of the like nearby...", I mumbled.
However, I couldn't help but notice the stares from the villagers as they walk past me, "Hello?", I awkwardly wave at someone who who staring. Though, as I waved they turned away and walked faster.
"It's like they are trying to avoid me like the plague...", I mumbled before I sighed.
"Whatever... I'm not looking for people anyway." I look around, "Though, it would be nice to have directions to a place where I can find food..."
Suddenly, as I turn around, a kid comes up to me. She is short, about a third of my height and she has short black hair in pigtails with a pink flower in it that looks like a large pink daisy. Though she has no horns like S'uu or Z'zatira, I could see the stubs of black horns.
"Um, excuse me?", she calls out in a soft but cute childlike voice.
"Uh- oh- yes?", I stumble on my words. I was surprised seeing this child just suddenly pop up.
She smiles, her eyes full of innocence and curiosity, "Who are you? You don't have horns... Are you a kid like me?"
"Um...", I think about what to say, "I'm Winston..." I decided to not answer the other question.
"Oh, cool! I've never heard of that name before!", her eyes shine.
"Hah...", I nervously chuckle.
"Well, anyway, my name is K'shaar'kilvva," She does a curtsy.
"Huh... Nice... to meet you.... Kay..." I stumble on my words before I sigh, "Sorry I'm not very good at pronouncing... Things."
"Nor am I good with kids...", I thought.
"Hah, don't worry, it's alright! It can be a nickname between us!" She reassures. "Like I'll call you....", she thinks for a moment, "Win!"
"Wow... um...", listening to my stomach I try to change the subject, "If I may ask... Do you know where I can find something to eat?", I ask nervously.
"Of course, Win!" She grabs my hand and begins dragging me.
I force a smile and let her drag me. Honestly, I'm too hungry to resist.
She brings me to a building that's a bit taller than the others. It's got a sign with an apple and a beer mug next to it. Underneath the picture is etched something with symbols I don't understand. Though, the symbols are very different then the ones Z'zatira used.
"My father goes here all the time! His favorite meal is the apple juice and stew!", she smiles as she lets go of my hand.
"Apple juice? Child innocence I guess.", I think to myself.
"That sounds... so good right now...", I force a smile back, "Thank you, Kay! ... Huh..."
She smiles brightly, "You're welcome, Win!", she twirls before looking back at me, "oh! How much C'ivonbill do you have?"
"Um, Cee- what?", I asked, confused.
"C'ivonbill, silly!" She giggles, "I know! You must from outside, that's okay! C'ivonbill are these," she takes out five coins from her dress pocket and holds them out with her palm to me. The coins are light brown with a flower and a symbol I don't recognize.
"In my hand is fifty C'ivonbill!", she grins, "So how much do you have?"
"Oh... Okay...", I stutter, "But... um..., I don't have any..."
"Oh! Right! Silly me! Hehe!", she giggles, "Here!", she smiles again, "Don't worry, Win!" She takes my hand and places the coins in them.
"What?", I ask, a bit surprised and confused.
She smiles, "I get more allowance tomorrow so it should be okay! You need it more than I do right now anyway."
Suddenly Kay looks like something hit her brain. She pretends to hit her head with her fist, "Ah! I forgot!", she turns to walk away but is still facing me, "I need to meet my friend for lunch today! See ya later Win!" She waves goodbye as she grins before running off, her tiny pigtails flying behind her.
"Bye... Kay...", I say with a forced smile, though as she is out of sight I fall, still standing, but my hands are on my knees. "Huh..." I breath as if I've been holding my breath.
"That girl... is way too sweet... she kinda reminds me of... Whatever...", I sigh before standing back up. I finally then turn my focus to the tavern she led me to.
I open the double door and walk inside, the aroma of spices and food flooding my nose. This place is small, a bar with stools at the counter and a few tables in the room. It looks so medieval. I swear I would've seen this in one of those animes... If I ever paid attention...
"Eh! It doesn't matter!", I mumble to myself as I walk up to the bar.
There are several bar stools aligning it but I decide to sit at one in the middle. Partially because an old man is sitting where I would've sat. He's sitting at the end corner on the left side drinking what looks like a large mug of beer.
"At this time of day?", I ask myself.
The old man has messy silver and hair that is tied into a rattail. His horns are ram-like and matte black with the only exception being two white rings at the ends. Though it also seems one of his horns is broken when you can see the inside of it.
Enough people watching though, as a young woman approaches me with an obviously forced smile. Her eyes, like everyone else's here, are a deep shade of violet. Though, her horns protrude her forehead before pointing upwards. Her horns also match the color of her skin, which is a dusty brown. Strand of black hair drop down her face, though, the rest of her hair is lavender and in a messy bun.
She places a menu in front of me, its pages yellowed and well-worn, and nods in greeting. "Welcome, stranger," she says in a melodic and practiced voice. "What can I get you?"
I glance over the menu, which is written in a language I don't understand, filled with strange symbols and illustrations of dishes that look exotic but enticing. Honestly I'm starting to notice a theme here.
"How come I can speak to these people but not read?", I think to myself.
Feeling a bit lost, I look up at the young lady. She notices my confusion and gestures to a section of the menu that seems to have more pictures than text. "I recommend the Kitopo egg salad with dried seaweed and toast for a nice breakfast or lunch. Though if you're looking for a drink then a Camaberry Honey Ale is great this time of day." she suggests kindly, pointing to the items depicted.
I nod, "I'll go that then, plus the Camaberry Honey Ale, uh- please," I reply, trying to match her practiced tone.
The young woman smiles warmly and nobs back at me. As she turns to leave, I notice her glancing curiously at the cuff on my wrist. It's not just that though, she also glances at the bandages around my torso. It's a brief look but it's enough to remind me.
"Heh...", I sigh before mumbling, "I forgot about that..."
She thankfully doesn't ask about it and just walks in the back. It must be weird seeing a guy just walk in here, no horns, different color eyes, a strange device around his wrist, and bloody bandages around his torso.
I sigh before taking a moment to glance around the tavern. The atmosphere quite relaxed for a place like this. The patrons are a mix of villagers, some dressed in simple, earthy-toned clothing while others wear more ornate, colorful clothes. Despite the differences, they all share those distinctive horns and deep violet eyes.
I can't help but notice the tavern's decor, which adds to its rustic charm. Wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, and lanterns cast a warm, inviting glow. The walls are adorned with greenery. Even the beams in the ceiling have flowers wrapped along them.
As I wait though, the scent of food wafts through the air. I swear they are doing this on purpose but it is making my stomach growl in anticipation. The door to the kitchen suddenly then swings open, and the young woman returns with a tray. She carefully places a plate of Kitopo egg salad with a side of both dried seaweed and toast, then she sits the mug of Camaberry Honey Ale, in front of me.
"That will be thirty five C'ivonbill," she says with a smile. It kinda feels as if she is staring into my soul even though her eyes are closed.
I quickly pull out the coins that Kay gave me, handing over four of them to the waitress. "Here you go... You can keep the extra," I say, trying to ignore the intense yet kind gaze she has.
"Thank you," she replies, taking the coins and nodding before leaving a wooden spoon on my plate then returning to her other customers.
I turn my attention back to the meal, picking up the spoon and taking my first bite of the Kitopo egg salad. I could feel my eyes bulge in surprise.
"Th-this is delicious!", I mumbled with some salad still in my mouth. I've had egg salad before but this is oldy citrusy like an orange but also salty and tangy. However, it's not too much of anything and it tastes like it was made of duck eggs.
After tasting the egg salad I have to try the seaweed. Though, I was reluctant as flashes of my teenage vegan phase appeared in my mind, I took a bite. The dried seaweed adds an interesting texture as it is a nice contrast to the flavors, though, the toast perfectly blends everything together.
Sipping the Camaberry Honey Ale, I'm pleasantly surprised by its sweet yet robust flavor. It sorta reminds me of cranberry juice but also white grape wine. However, never of those compare to this as it adds a nice tinge of flavor that perfectly compliments the meal.
I could feel my cheeks flush as I smiled. This is probably- no this is the best meal I've had since being here. And I finally get to relax without a monster almost killing me.
The atmosphere gradually ease the tension in my shoulders. It's a relief to have a moment of peace, even if it's brief. As I continue to eat, I notice some of the other patrons stealing curious glances in my direction. I try to ignore it and it's actually pretty easy as I didn't realize how hungry I really was until now.
After finishing the last of the salad and taking a final sip of the Camaberry Honey Ale, I lay my head on the counter of the bar feeling surprisingly content.
Though I'm suddenly brought back to reality as the cuff beeps, "Subject has been fed. Subject is no longer hungry."
I chuckle softly at the timing of the cuff's announcement, shaking my head. "Thanks for the update," I mutter sarcastically.
The young lady notices the noise then cautiously and curiously approaches me, "Don't mind me asking but, is that a magical item?" she asks, gesturing towards the cuff.
"Oh um...", I sit up before hiding the cuff behind my back, "kind of..."
I glance down at the now empty plate and mug, "Anyway! Thank you for the meal! It was perfect," I say sincerely, pushing the empty pate slightly toward her.
"Oh um-", she collects the dishes, "I'm glad you enjoyed it.... If you need anything else, just let me know," she offers before heading back to attend to other customers. Though I could tell she was disappointed I avoided the question.
I take a deep breath and sigh. Now I have time to think I guess. I lay my head back on the counter. "Huh...", I thought back, "I wonder where S'uu left my clothes... Though maybe it's for the best, they were badly ripped up."
Thinking of S'uu, my mind drifts back to Z'zatira. I should probably check on them... Maybe Z'zatira has recovered by now. I push myself away from the counter, feeling a bit more energized after the satisfying meal.
I glance around the tavern one last time before making my way towards the exit. The villagers still cast glances my way, but I'm getting used to it now. Stepping outside into the warm sunlight, I take a moment to orient myself. S'uu mentioned the healer's hut had a giant red flower on the roof. I don't know where that is but I'll figure it out.
As I walk, I can't shake off the worry for Z'zatira. She looked so fragile back there, lying unconscious on the floor. " I hope the cuff didn't hurt her too bad... Well... S'uu said she was alive so... She's probably fine...", I try to reassure myself.
Eventually, after a few turns, I spot the healer's hut up ahead. True to S'uu's description, it stands out with a large red flower that I've never seen adorning its roof. Taking a deep breath, I approach the door and push it open.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein