Chapter 9 • A Tour of the City
They rose early the next morning eager to meet up with Aila and Maurin to survey the city. The big Gundinar was already gone, having risen before dawn to join his fellow Gundinars to run some laps around the complex and training field. Pratt Tremayne was still soundly slumbering, appearing much less fierce and intimidating than when he was awake the previous night. Talin and Elix dressed and washed quietly, preferring to let the Junior Officer remain asleep. They closed the door to their dorm softly upon departing and made their way down to the foyer and out into the chilly morning air. The sprinkle had quelled to a damp mist again and the courtyards and pathways were slick with moisture. They “Pleasant enough, she is.” Commented Maurin, “Not exactly what one would call graceful.”
“No, not exactly.” Agreed Aila, “Clumsy would better describe it, and as my granduncle would say, a bit of a bumble-skull. That tail of hers has a tendency to knock into everything that’s not secured down. She arrived early this morning, seems she somehow meandered off unnoticed at the wind port and spent the better part of the night wandering around trying to locate the Academy, so they placed her in a room and now she’s off to Processing. I can’t imagine what type of duty she’ll end up with.”
“As you said, at least she’s somewhat agreeable. We’re stuck with a guy that hasn’t uttered so much as a single vowel,” Elix groused, “and if it weren’t for his towering size, might as well be a piece of the furniture. But he’s nothing in comparison to this pompous, self-important sack of hot wind that blew in last night while we were in the dining hall. Some nose-in-the-air, son-of-a Senator out to prove himself and make everyone’s life miserable along the way.”
“The moist weather seems to be diminishing.” Commented the tranquil Maurin cheerfully, having come from a dry, arid land and unaccustomed to such dampness.“For the time, let us put the dormmates and the Academy behind us and out of our minds, and go enjoy a day in the city. I, myself, have not had much of a chance to get acquainted with our new home and am indeed looking forward to it.”
Talin couldn’t agree more to suggestion “I’m in favor of that, besides I don’t know about you three, but I’m famished and Elix mentioned he knew a place not far from here.”
They first went to the Administration building and were issued day passes allowing them to leave the Academy grounds unescorted. Passing through the main gates and showing their cards to the attendant guards, they stepped out into the plaza and Talin got his first good look at the Citadel from up close. The glass and metal columns and spires were crowded together closely and built up into many levels to both conserve and maximize space and he had to crane his neck back far to gaze up towards the crowns of them which were obscured by the low hanging haze. Scattered occasionally between the tall towers were various lower and medium height structures that were made primarily of stone Although it was fairly early, the streets and walkways were mildly crowded, although not nearly to the extent Talin had seen on his ride to the Academy the afternoon before. The four of them traversed around shallow puddles left from the previous night’s drizzle and skirted amongst the sporadic wheeled vehicles in the avenues. The wet pavement was beginning to steam and evaporate into a low fog of condensation, combining with the damp vapors rising from the street grates and illuminated by the still glowing lights of the city. Rounding a corner, Elix led them to one of the older buildings with a large, darkly smudged window that faced out onto the street, a sign above simply labeled “Ig’s”.
“This is the place!” Elix held his hand out in a gesture of exalted presentation, “Ig’s Cafe. Finest cuisine in this sector of the city.”
They descended a short, sloped entryway and entered through a single heavy wooden door that showed the wear and tear of countless years.
The inside was dimly lit with old oil lamps not unlike those back home on the farm and a scattering of tables on a raised platform that looked out of the window onto the street. A row of four booths lined the far wall, above which were the mounted heads of many wild beasts, most completely unfamiliar to Talin. The place was empty except for a pair of bearded men in grease stained work coveralls at one of the tables, hunched over their plates just finishing their meal. In one of the darkened booths sat a very tall, thin figure with long cloud-white hair, drinking from a steamy cup and reading a large set of scroll-like papers. Upon seeing them, he arose and ambled slowly over.
“Grand sunrise to you, my young compatriots!” He greeted them in a surprisingly vibrant voice, “Is it victuals you’re after and perhaps some warm refreshment to stave off the morning’s chill, or just a bit of chatter and some counsel from old Ig?”
“Maybe some of both, Ig.” Elix replied with informality, “But let’s start off with a choice meal, you’re in the presence of four mighty hungry cadets.”
The old proprietor seated them at one of the tables by the window and then went off and fetched some well worn wooden slates with the bill of fare painted on them.
“My parents used to bring my sisters and me here occasionally because they always enjoyed the food and Ig’s company.” Elix related as the man was making his way back to the table, “He’s been here in this same location since long before anyone can remember. In fact, it’s rumored that he’s perhaps one of the Citadel’s oldest living residents, if not the oldest, but no one has been able to verify that and he refuses to reveal his age. Here, watch this.”
With a pair of long fingered,bony hands, the old man placed the menu boards down in front of them and Elix looked up at him.
“Ig, how old did you say you were?” Elix turned to his friends and gave them a sly wink.
“I didn’t. Even if I knew for sure, I can see no demand for it. All that I can tell you is that I’m as young as my eyes and slightly older than my teeth. Now, I’ll impart upon you a moment to purvey our sumptuous selection of staples.”
They studied the list of various items Ig had to offer, as the old man returned with a pot of hot tea which had a unique, but quite delicious flavor.
“Might I suggest the glazed marmalade bowl with a slice or two of the grilled sweethams and creamed honey?” Elix recommended, setting down his bill of fare. “It’s a particular specialty of Ig’s for which he’s quite renowned.”
Maurin looked at her slate and commented passively, “It’s a rather high cost to spend for a morning meal, perhaps I’ll just have something light.”
“Nonsense!” Elix countered, “I invited you all to join me for the day and was the one who brought you here, so I’d be delighted if you you allow me to take care of whatever expenses we incur during our little jaunt through the city.”
Talin protested, “I appreciate the gesture, Elix, but I have a few credits the Academy issued to me. I don’t mind using some of them, as I’ve never personally had much use for currency anyway. Where I lived, there was no place to spend it other than on supplies which were shipped in, and the rare visit from travelling peddlers.”
“Talin, please don’t debate with me my friend, but as I said, I possess a few credits myself.” Elix glanced around and extracted a rather thick leather billfold from his inside coat pocket and withdrew a significant sum of money.
“I don’t intend to swagger, but my parents are fairly affluent and left me with a good deal of funds on account, most of it in a holding trust at the Ministry of Commerce. A day of enjoyment with fine companions is impossible to assign a price. Now, order anything on the menu and we’ll have no more discussion of finances today, I insist upon it.”
With no further resistance, they took Elix advice and ordered the jam bowl and sweethams. As they waited for their meal, Elix mentioned some of the sights they might want take in afterwards. He suggested they begin at the Museum of Artifacts, which was a short walk away, and then perhaps from there they could catch a steamtrolley to the City Circle, which was the oldest remaining section of the original Citadel. They could then visit the market place district and have the noon meal, and afterwards take the trolley around the outer wall past Coalition Quarter where were housed the Hall of Allied Administration, as well as the Ministries of Science, Commerce, Health, and Engineering. The largest Ig emerged from the kitchen pushing an old polished metal serving cart laden with four plates and assorted sauce cups. He set the dishes down and the aroma was mesmerizing. The glazed marmalade bowl was a huge, crispy ball of flaky, candied dough hollowed out and filled with hot jam preserves that were bubbling slightly. The slices of grilled sweethams had a syrupy layer of creamed honey melting into and spreading across them. Having for the most part forgone the meal from the night before, they hungrily dug into the savory fare with enthusiasm. Barely a word was uttered amongst them until they had devoured every last bite and sat back in their chairs sipping tea.
“Now, that was proper a meal!” Elix exclaimed, rubbing and patting his stomach. “It would do the Alliance well, if the Academy were to employ Ig for the cooking, just imagine the huge surge there would be in recruitment.”
After they had finished the pot of tea, Elix paid the bill and thanked Ig for a wonderful meal, with the sincere promise to return again soon. The outdoors were warming in the morning sun and the foggy haze had lifted. The streets had dried out and were congested with all manner of residents out going about their business. The stroll to the museum was welcomed following the large meal and gave Talin a good opportunity to leisurely observe the city in the full light of day. Going by his cousin Janna’s radiant and glorious descriptions, he had somehow pictured it in his mind much differently. Sure, the glass and metal towers gleamed from a distance when the sun hit them just right, but they also had The Museum of Artifacts was one of the few remaining large masonry structures in the Citadel. Within it’s stone columns and corridors were diplayed treasured and valuable items regarding the history of the Allied Coalition and the original colonists of Cartania and the Citadel. In addition, it also held many invaluable objects that were much, much older. An entire room was dedicated to artifacts from before the time of the Great Separation. Elix explained it was just a mere sampling of the known articles discovered and in the possession of the Alliance. The majority were currently kept safely deep within the halls of either the Ministry of Science or the Ministry of Security. Hardly anything was known The museum was interesting to Talin, but Elix seemed to find it so much more so. Feeling as if he were monopolizing the conversation with talk of hypotheses and principals, Elix sensed that his audience was getting somewhat bored and restless inside the dank, stuffy old building. He suggested they catch a steamtrolley and over to the City Circle and then spend some time in the trade market. They departed from the museum and made their way to the trolley stop. The steamtrolley travelled along a set of tracks elevated above the street level, following a route encircling the Citadel along the inside of the outer wall. The layout resembled the shape of a wheel connected by a series of spoke-like rail “The trolley is the best way to get around the city, as it would take us the better part the afternoon just to walk from one end to the other, and this way you avoid the crowds in the streets. Ah, here it comes now.”
The platform shook slightly as the steamtrolley came sliding down the track towards them. Talin could see no visible wheels as they were tucked up into the undercarriage and covered by the smooth metal body. A trio of lights which ran in a vertical row up the tall, curved nose shone bright, even in the morning sun. Above the lights was a bowed windscreen for the engineer and below him the motor compartment. Behind that was a double decked section for passenger, enclosed by a large window panel on either side and a domed glass roof for optimum viewing. The rear of the trolley was identical to the front, which allowed the vehicle to be driven from either end. The trolley slowed to a stop and “This is it!” Announced Elix, “Next stop is the City Circle and the trade market.”
The trolley slowed to a halt at the rail platform and the four cadets waited patiently for the bulk of the passengers to exit before they themselves stepped out. From up on the platform, they could get a good overview of the large City Circle and part of the accompanying trade market beyond. The circle itself was encompassed with wide blocks cut from ancient stone, separated by three narrow openings, which Elix explained was the foundation of the original wall built around the initial settlement. Within it could be seen the faint remains and crumbling walls of the old structures built by the inhabitants, left unpreserved to time. In the very center was constructed a circular pool around a tall statue, ringed “It’s generally considered by most Cartanians,” Elix contended as they descended down the platform stairwell and worked their way into the stone enclosure, “That to dip one’s hands into the water of the fountain will bring one charitable luck in the coming times, and if one sprinkles some of the water on the left shoulder of another, they will bear a lifelong bond.”
A few others were gathered in couples and small groups around the fountain, each dipping their hands and some were sprinkling other’s shoulders. The cadets found a vacant section, pulled their sleeves up and immersed their fists into the cold water, all with a slight shiver. Cupping his palm, Elix scooped up a handful of water and drizzled it on Maurin, Aila and then Talin’s shoulders, each one of them in turn repeating the action.
“Now we are individually deemed with good fortune,” The Rashallian decreed, “and unitedly with an attachment not unlike that of family.”
Maurin suddenly displayed a sorrowed expression on her face that was hard for the others to ignore. She lowered her head and turned towards the pool, staring blankly into the splashing liquid. Aila placed her arm around her shoulder and gave her a look of deep concern.
“Parden me, did I say something out of place?” Elix asked worriedly, glancing at Talin, then Aila.
“No, you said nothing wrong.” Replied Maurin, “I must apologize for my behavior.” She took a deep breath and slowly let it out with a sigh. “It is just that you mentioned family, and I have none.”
“What do you mean you have no family?” Aila inquired disconcerted, “You never mentioned this. Don’t you have any parents or at least some relatives, somewhere?”
“My matriarch and patriarch, or parents as you term them, were killed during a spiteful period of warfare with a rival dynasty when I was still very young and before I was able to conceive any memory of them. I was raised collectively by my clan, along with numerous others like myself who were left orphaned and alone by the seasons of bloodshed. The members of our clan did what they could to provide for the ‘Lone-Ones’, as they referred to us, but our numbers were many and with the ongoing war they were increasing with each passing sunset. Eventually it was decided to relocate the Lost-Ones along with twelve of the elders to a remote landmass which was considerably barren and scarcely A hushed silence fell over them and even the background noise of the city suddenly seemed faint and indistinct for some moments, until Maurin turned to them and let out a flustered laugh.
“I suppose that is the most I have said all day. I am not customarily prone to converse at such length, but it is a rare occasion when I think of my childhood and rarer still when I bring myself to talk of it. I prefer to discern ahead towards the future, rather than back towards the past.”
“As I said, Maurin,” Elix proclaimed hearteningly, “You have a family now. The four of us jointly, united by the waters of Norrev-Bellawan and the Allied Coalition. Yesterday, we were but four solitary individuals. Today, we are consolidated together as one!”
“With speeches like that, Elix” Maurin replied with a warming smile, “They should have assigned you to the Department of Military Morale.”
“Not likely. Few tend to listen to, or take the advice of, we Rashallians unless it concerns matters of science. We certainly aren’t known for our forceful nature, and fortunately haven’t had to endure through a span of violence for many decades. We possess rather limited wisdom when it comes to matters of combat and I don’t believe that I could be altogether that persuasive as a highly spirited and seasoned warrior rallying the corps.”
“I’m not so convinced of that.” Joked Talin, “You stood your ground last night against that swaggering gasbag Pratt Tremayne fairly well. I can’t speak for the others on Rashalla, but I am personally acquainted with one that can display a very forceful nature when the situation deems it.”
“I never said we can’t defend ourselves, I just stated we haven’t had much use for it in the recent past, but enough of this, we’re done here. Let’s head over to the trade market, have a bit of fodder and see what wares the vendors have to offer today.”
“No, not exactly.” Agreed Aila, “Clumsy would better describe it, and as my granduncle would say, a bit of a bumble-skull. That tail of hers has a tendency to knock into everything that’s not secured down. She arrived early this morning, seems she somehow meandered off unnoticed at the wind port and spent the better part of the night wandering around trying to locate the Academy, so they placed her in a room and now she’s off to Processing. I can’t imagine what type of duty she’ll end up with.”
“As you said, at least she’s somewhat agreeable. We’re stuck with a guy that hasn’t uttered so much as a single vowel,” Elix groused, “and if it weren’t for his towering size, might as well be a piece of the furniture. But he’s nothing in comparison to this pompous, self-important sack of hot wind that blew in last night while we were in the dining hall. Some nose-in-the-air, son-of-a Senator out to prove himself and make everyone’s life miserable along the way.”
“The moist weather seems to be diminishing.” Commented the tranquil Maurin cheerfully, having come from a dry, arid land and unaccustomed to such dampness.“For the time, let us put the dormmates and the Academy behind us and out of our minds, and go enjoy a day in the city. I, myself, have not had much of a chance to get acquainted with our new home and am indeed looking forward to it.”
Talin couldn’t agree more to suggestion “I’m in favor of that, besides I don’t know about you three, but I’m famished and Elix mentioned he knew a place not far from here.”
They first went to the Administration building and were issued day passes allowing them to leave the Academy grounds unescorted. Passing through the main gates and showing their cards to the attendant guards, they stepped out into the plaza and Talin got his first good look at the Citadel from up close. The glass and metal columns and spires were crowded together closely and built up into many levels to both conserve and maximize space and he had to crane his neck back far to gaze up towards the crowns of them which were obscured by the low hanging haze. Scattered occasionally between the tall towers were various lower and medium height structures that were made primarily of stone Although it was fairly early, the streets and walkways were mildly crowded, although not nearly to the extent Talin had seen on his ride to the Academy the afternoon before. The four of them traversed around shallow puddles left from the previous night’s drizzle and skirted amongst the sporadic wheeled vehicles in the avenues. The wet pavement was beginning to steam and evaporate into a low fog of condensation, combining with the damp vapors rising from the street grates and illuminated by the still glowing lights of the city. Rounding a corner, Elix led them to one of the older buildings with a large, darkly smudged window that faced out onto the street, a sign above simply labeled “Ig’s”.
“This is the place!” Elix held his hand out in a gesture of exalted presentation, “Ig’s Cafe. Finest cuisine in this sector of the city.”
They descended a short, sloped entryway and entered through a single heavy wooden door that showed the wear and tear of countless years.
The inside was dimly lit with old oil lamps not unlike those back home on the farm and a scattering of tables on a raised platform that looked out of the window onto the street. A row of four booths lined the far wall, above which were the mounted heads of many wild beasts, most completely unfamiliar to Talin. The place was empty except for a pair of bearded men in grease stained work coveralls at one of the tables, hunched over their plates just finishing their meal. In one of the darkened booths sat a very tall, thin figure with long cloud-white hair, drinking from a steamy cup and reading a large set of scroll-like papers. Upon seeing them, he arose and ambled slowly over.
“Grand sunrise to you, my young compatriots!” He greeted them in a surprisingly vibrant voice, “Is it victuals you’re after and perhaps some warm refreshment to stave off the morning’s chill, or just a bit of chatter and some counsel from old Ig?”
“Maybe some of both, Ig.” Elix replied with informality, “But let’s start off with a choice meal, you’re in the presence of four mighty hungry cadets.”
The old proprietor seated them at one of the tables by the window and then went off and fetched some well worn wooden slates with the bill of fare painted on them.
“My parents used to bring my sisters and me here occasionally because they always enjoyed the food and Ig’s company.” Elix related as the man was making his way back to the table, “He’s been here in this same location since long before anyone can remember. In fact, it’s rumored that he’s perhaps one of the Citadel’s oldest living residents, if not the oldest, but no one has been able to verify that and he refuses to reveal his age. Here, watch this.”
With a pair of long fingered,bony hands, the old man placed the menu boards down in front of them and Elix looked up at him.
“Ig, how old did you say you were?” Elix turned to his friends and gave them a sly wink.
“I didn’t. Even if I knew for sure, I can see no demand for it. All that I can tell you is that I’m as young as my eyes and slightly older than my teeth. Now, I’ll impart upon you a moment to purvey our sumptuous selection of staples.”
They studied the list of various items Ig had to offer, as the old man returned with a pot of hot tea which had a unique, but quite delicious flavor.
“Might I suggest the glazed marmalade bowl with a slice or two of the grilled sweethams and creamed honey?” Elix recommended, setting down his bill of fare. “It’s a particular specialty of Ig’s for which he’s quite renowned.”
Maurin looked at her slate and commented passively, “It’s a rather high cost to spend for a morning meal, perhaps I’ll just have something light.”
“Nonsense!” Elix countered, “I invited you all to join me for the day and was the one who brought you here, so I’d be delighted if you you allow me to take care of whatever expenses we incur during our little jaunt through the city.”
Talin protested, “I appreciate the gesture, Elix, but I have a few credits the Academy issued to me. I don’t mind using some of them, as I’ve never personally had much use for currency anyway. Where I lived, there was no place to spend it other than on supplies which were shipped in, and the rare visit from travelling peddlers.”
“Talin, please don’t debate with me my friend, but as I said, I possess a few credits myself.” Elix glanced around and extracted a rather thick leather billfold from his inside coat pocket and withdrew a significant sum of money.
“I don’t intend to swagger, but my parents are fairly affluent and left me with a good deal of funds on account, most of it in a holding trust at the Ministry of Commerce. A day of enjoyment with fine companions is impossible to assign a price. Now, order anything on the menu and we’ll have no more discussion of finances today, I insist upon it.”
With no further resistance, they took Elix advice and ordered the jam bowl and sweethams. As they waited for their meal, Elix mentioned some of the sights they might want take in afterwards. He suggested they begin at the Museum of Artifacts, which was a short walk away, and then perhaps from there they could catch a steamtrolley to the City Circle, which was the oldest remaining section of the original Citadel. They could then visit the market place district and have the noon meal, and afterwards take the trolley around the outer wall past Coalition Quarter where were housed the Hall of Allied Administration, as well as the Ministries of Science, Commerce, Health, and Engineering. The largest Ig emerged from the kitchen pushing an old polished metal serving cart laden with four plates and assorted sauce cups. He set the dishes down and the aroma was mesmerizing. The glazed marmalade bowl was a huge, crispy ball of flaky, candied dough hollowed out and filled with hot jam preserves that were bubbling slightly. The slices of grilled sweethams had a syrupy layer of creamed honey melting into and spreading across them. Having for the most part forgone the meal from the night before, they hungrily dug into the savory fare with enthusiasm. Barely a word was uttered amongst them until they had devoured every last bite and sat back in their chairs sipping tea.
“Now, that was proper a meal!” Elix exclaimed, rubbing and patting his stomach. “It would do the Alliance well, if the Academy were to employ Ig for the cooking, just imagine the huge surge there would be in recruitment.”
After they had finished the pot of tea, Elix paid the bill and thanked Ig for a wonderful meal, with the sincere promise to return again soon. The outdoors were warming in the morning sun and the foggy haze had lifted. The streets had dried out and were congested with all manner of residents out going about their business. The stroll to the museum was welcomed following the large meal and gave Talin a good opportunity to leisurely observe the city in the full light of day. Going by his cousin Janna’s radiant and glorious descriptions, he had somehow pictured it in his mind much differently. Sure, the glass and metal towers gleamed from a distance when the sun hit them just right, but they also had The Museum of Artifacts was one of the few remaining large masonry structures in the Citadel. Within it’s stone columns and corridors were diplayed treasured and valuable items regarding the history of the Allied Coalition and the original colonists of Cartania and the Citadel. In addition, it also held many invaluable objects that were much, much older. An entire room was dedicated to artifacts from before the time of the Great Separation. Elix explained it was just a mere sampling of the known articles discovered and in the possession of the Alliance. The majority were currently kept safely deep within the halls of either the Ministry of Science or the Ministry of Security. Hardly anything was known The museum was interesting to Talin, but Elix seemed to find it so much more so. Feeling as if he were monopolizing the conversation with talk of hypotheses and principals, Elix sensed that his audience was getting somewhat bored and restless inside the dank, stuffy old building. He suggested they catch a steamtrolley and over to the City Circle and then spend some time in the trade market. They departed from the museum and made their way to the trolley stop. The steamtrolley travelled along a set of tracks elevated above the street level, following a route encircling the Citadel along the inside of the outer wall. The layout resembled the shape of a wheel connected by a series of spoke-like rail “The trolley is the best way to get around the city, as it would take us the better part the afternoon just to walk from one end to the other, and this way you avoid the crowds in the streets. Ah, here it comes now.”
The platform shook slightly as the steamtrolley came sliding down the track towards them. Talin could see no visible wheels as they were tucked up into the undercarriage and covered by the smooth metal body. A trio of lights which ran in a vertical row up the tall, curved nose shone bright, even in the morning sun. Above the lights was a bowed windscreen for the engineer and below him the motor compartment. Behind that was a double decked section for passenger, enclosed by a large window panel on either side and a domed glass roof for optimum viewing. The rear of the trolley was identical to the front, which allowed the vehicle to be driven from either end. The trolley slowed to a stop and “This is it!” Announced Elix, “Next stop is the City Circle and the trade market.”
The trolley slowed to a halt at the rail platform and the four cadets waited patiently for the bulk of the passengers to exit before they themselves stepped out. From up on the platform, they could get a good overview of the large City Circle and part of the accompanying trade market beyond. The circle itself was encompassed with wide blocks cut from ancient stone, separated by three narrow openings, which Elix explained was the foundation of the original wall built around the initial settlement. Within it could be seen the faint remains and crumbling walls of the old structures built by the inhabitants, left unpreserved to time. In the very center was constructed a circular pool around a tall statue, ringed “It’s generally considered by most Cartanians,” Elix contended as they descended down the platform stairwell and worked their way into the stone enclosure, “That to dip one’s hands into the water of the fountain will bring one charitable luck in the coming times, and if one sprinkles some of the water on the left shoulder of another, they will bear a lifelong bond.”
A few others were gathered in couples and small groups around the fountain, each dipping their hands and some were sprinkling other’s shoulders. The cadets found a vacant section, pulled their sleeves up and immersed their fists into the cold water, all with a slight shiver. Cupping his palm, Elix scooped up a handful of water and drizzled it on Maurin, Aila and then Talin’s shoulders, each one of them in turn repeating the action.
“Now we are individually deemed with good fortune,” The Rashallian decreed, “and unitedly with an attachment not unlike that of family.”
Maurin suddenly displayed a sorrowed expression on her face that was hard for the others to ignore. She lowered her head and turned towards the pool, staring blankly into the splashing liquid. Aila placed her arm around her shoulder and gave her a look of deep concern.
“Parden me, did I say something out of place?” Elix asked worriedly, glancing at Talin, then Aila.
“No, you said nothing wrong.” Replied Maurin, “I must apologize for my behavior.” She took a deep breath and slowly let it out with a sigh. “It is just that you mentioned family, and I have none.”
“What do you mean you have no family?” Aila inquired disconcerted, “You never mentioned this. Don’t you have any parents or at least some relatives, somewhere?”
“My matriarch and patriarch, or parents as you term them, were killed during a spiteful period of warfare with a rival dynasty when I was still very young and before I was able to conceive any memory of them. I was raised collectively by my clan, along with numerous others like myself who were left orphaned and alone by the seasons of bloodshed. The members of our clan did what they could to provide for the ‘Lone-Ones’, as they referred to us, but our numbers were many and with the ongoing war they were increasing with each passing sunset. Eventually it was decided to relocate the Lost-Ones along with twelve of the elders to a remote landmass which was considerably barren and scarcely A hushed silence fell over them and even the background noise of the city suddenly seemed faint and indistinct for some moments, until Maurin turned to them and let out a flustered laugh.
“I suppose that is the most I have said all day. I am not customarily prone to converse at such length, but it is a rare occasion when I think of my childhood and rarer still when I bring myself to talk of it. I prefer to discern ahead towards the future, rather than back towards the past.”
“As I said, Maurin,” Elix proclaimed hearteningly, “You have a family now. The four of us jointly, united by the waters of Norrev-Bellawan and the Allied Coalition. Yesterday, we were but four solitary individuals. Today, we are consolidated together as one!”
“With speeches like that, Elix” Maurin replied with a warming smile, “They should have assigned you to the Department of Military Morale.”
“Not likely. Few tend to listen to, or take the advice of, we Rashallians unless it concerns matters of science. We certainly aren’t known for our forceful nature, and fortunately haven’t had to endure through a span of violence for many decades. We possess rather limited wisdom when it comes to matters of combat and I don’t believe that I could be altogether that persuasive as a highly spirited and seasoned warrior rallying the corps.”
“I’m not so convinced of that.” Joked Talin, “You stood your ground last night against that swaggering gasbag Pratt Tremayne fairly well. I can’t speak for the others on Rashalla, but I am personally acquainted with one that can display a very forceful nature when the situation deems it.”
“I never said we can’t defend ourselves, I just stated we haven’t had much use for it in the recent past, but enough of this, we’re done here. Let’s head over to the trade market, have a bit of fodder and see what wares the vendors have to offer today.”