《The Resting Wolf》


 Introduction

    Introduction


    Welcome to the World on Tendia. One of the oldest worlds in the magical universe. The world of Tendia has seen withering life and new beginnings for millions of years. When gem dragons were created, they were sent to the farthest points of the universe to keep nature''s balance and await the revival of the legendary Ruby Dragon. This world¡¯s guardian is Barmuth, The Great and Wise. An ancient amethyst dragon that Bahamut, The Platinum Dragon himself appointed to guard the magic materials and all knowledge of this side of the universe. He has witnessed cycles of rebirth and has assisted in its revival since the beginning.


    Though magic was known to the world, not many were gifted or chose to practice the arts. The people used magic as a treat, not a need. There is a material called Glanor, a transparent crystal that absorbs magic and keeps it inside to be used for eternity. People would use it for fires or to chill their food, but no one ever studied its full capabilities. There¡¯s also a metal called Oclite that is regularly traded. Metal is stronger than steel and the only accessible metal that can be magically enchanted. But the metal was deep within the mountains and mortals weren¡¯t equipped to drudge through the seasons with their present materials.


    Over the years, the world fell into isolation and ignorance. The goddess Tendia came down and birthed a new revival with the help of her Vesitages.


    Sia, the world¡¯s first Druid. She is said to have long dark thick curly hair and brown skin as the richest mahogany tree. She was as tall as the mountains she created, and the lands were as richly green as her eyes. The animals flocked to her, and she gave them shelter and open lands to roam. The circle of life continued. She gifted humanity the seeds and rich soil for their crops, cattle for milk, and plenty of flowers for the bees for some sweet honey. The most terrifying monsters live in the southeastern part of Tendia. And the druids and barbarians keep the people and monsters protected from one another.


    Nesta, an elemental witch with raven black hair, honey-brown eyes, and tan skin, commanded the seas and all its creatures. There were so many fish to discover and eat, clean fresh water for humanity to drink, and boats and ships for humanity to travel anywhere around the world. She did have a temper and changed the tides of the seas how she saw fit. The boats, however, were unsinkable, could take on any wave, and the passengers were never lost, for the wind always took them to shore safely. Her side of the continent is a desert Oasis with harsh sand storms and its share of monsters. But it¡¯s home to the most beautiful beaches and raw materials for building.


    Icurus was an architect, who could build anything with almost any material. He led humanity to underground caves rich with minerals and metals so they could always be sheltered. And he taught humanity how to upgrade their homes to something more sturdy and reliable against the elements. The discovery of Oclite was because of him. Lush, colorful, and mineral-rich mountains expand from one side of the continent to the other.


    Lastly, Syris was a scholar and the world¡¯s first sorcerer. The disciple of infinite knowledge, he knew everything there was to know about the world and beyond mortal''s limits. He taught them magic, to read and write, world exploration, and innovation. He founded the world¡¯s first library and created the first schools for all magic users of any kind. He worked closely with Barmuth and other sapphire dragons to preserve knowledge for mortals. A dense forest tundra on the far east side of the continent is where you see all seasons in its full beauty. Twice a year, the northern lights could be seen from any part of that part of the continent. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    When Tendia returned to the Ethereal Plane, her vestiges continued her legacy and named the world after her. The vestiges then appointed world leaders to their corners of the world to better lead and relate to the people. But, had they known what giving mortals power could do?


    Queen Simona, reigning Monarch of Icurus was said to have led the divide in the world. She kept demanding more power and influence due to their trade''s value but was rejected. On the 7th of Moontide, 865 AT, Simona declared war on the entire world, and the last strings of her sanity finally snapped. It was an overwhelming and oddly, easy success. Icarians reigned supreme and the others were left in fear. For 30 years, Icurus was the dominant country, until Queen Simona called forth Tendias Vestiages for a battle. In an ironic turn of events, Icurus himself struck down the Queen with one slash of his fae-touched Oclite sword.


    As punishment for the War, Sia and Nesta created an earthquake so big, that it parted the once-united continent into 4 continents and summoned a flood burying most of Icurus¡¯s most valuable materials, and most magic was striped from the country. Seeing now the divide and chaos that even they couldn¡¯t control, the Vestiges left the realm and were forgotten with time.


    The country of Icurus was exiled from the world and left to rebuild all on its own. Icurus had fallen into the Dark Ages. Over the years, the country would see many leaders come and go. All came in hopes of making the country prosperous again but fell into greed or laziness. Each one taking more and more from their people, their crops, their coin, even their spirit.


    However, a group of lesser-class citizens formed The Jackals in 1000 AT. A band of thieves that stole and swindled the rich to give back to their people. For 100 years, they were celebrated and praised as honorable amongst the people, but they too fell into greed for the past 40 years when a newcomer came and forcefully took the mantle as leader. Now even the poor were in debt and they claimed royalty for themselves. Every Jackal has a sizable bounty on their head. The highest being the leader, Rakkan Fuzsun, his two sons, and the unknown persona known as The Fox. Anyone who can bring in and prove the Fox¡¯s identity would be paid handsomely. For no one knows of their true face or voice.


    Other countries offered aid and even organized a summit to bring the country up to speed on the world''s magical and technological advances. But, just like Queen Simona, their greed clouded their judgment, and the Conflict of 1197 began. Two brutal years of fighting, all for another loss for Icurus. A few thousand soldiers perished, magic items such as potions were confiscated, and prejudice grew stronger.


    Syris is the only standing country still fighting for Icurus¡¯s redemption even after the conflict, but it¡¯s hard to justify if anyone in that country can be redeemed. To prove that they can, they still open their borders to those who want a new life, if they choose to seek it, believing that Tendia¡¯s blessings are still upon them. Could this be possible?


    Well, the focus of this story, is a strong contender of making what seemed to be the impossible, possible. A character who is about to get a world of awakening.

 Chapter 1 - Arrival

    The journey was long and threatened to be treacherous in its final days at sea. This cargo ship had just traded goods with Icurus and was sailing back home to Syris. Dreamfall was upon them as cold air at night nipped at the ship crew''s noses and ears while the heat swelled and beamed in the morning. The roar of the steam engine fighting to keep momentum against the Nesta Sea. However, its sounds kept the crew entertained as they sang songs from home. The smell of the salty sea most say is calming and rejuvenating. But to one sailor, it was anything but. This was her first and hopefully last venture across the seas, but it was worth putting up with her now-known sea sickness. Some of the crew tried to keep her spirits up, saying that they would let her off first to kiss the ground of her new home.


    ¡°Home¡­¡± she said drearily, looking out at the open sea, letting the mist soak her face and dampen her long curly raven hair.


    ¡°Syris straighthead!¡± The lookout yelled out.


    The young woman ran to the head of the ship in time to see the ship parting the mist and the first batch of islands were now in view. Rich greens of the grass, the trees were turning shades of orange, red, and yellow. The smells of the salty sea dulled as they crossed into the freshwater. Looking down, the water was crystal clear, the sight of the sand made it as though they were barely gliding off the ground. You could see several fish swimming alongside the ship guiding it back home. The woman had never seen such beauty in her life. The thought to just reach down and feel the water in her hands¡­


    ¡°Alright men!¡± The yell jolted the woman out of her fantasy. All eyes were now on the captain. ¡°We should be docking in 2 hours. Let''s make sure everything is in order before taking your stations. I want everything ready in 1 hour!¡± The captain ordered.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± The crew loudly acknowledged and hastily finished their duties.


    The crew proved well run as the duties were done in one hour on the dot. After he gave his last orders to the crew, he pulled the woman aside.


    ¡°Forgive me ma¡¯am¡­ but you are still a stowaway. I need you to wait in the brig until we have talked to the Overseer.¡± He explained.


    She couldn¡¯t complain much, he was right, though by accident. But it matters little to guards and she couldn¡¯t predict a best-case scenario. She looked down with a blank stare trying not to think the worst.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fear. I¡¯ll talk with them. Just tell them what you told us and you¡¯ll be fine.¡± He comforted her.


    The woman nodded and raised her hood before heading down to the brig. It acted as a security blanket for now, and at least it would keep her warm in that leaky, stale room.


    An hour later, the sounds of banter and shouting could be echoed in the brig. The ship was small enough to still feel the small waves that gently rocked the ship. The woman leaned her head on the steel wall, allowing her to relax and keep her thoughts from her gurgling stomach. She tried to think of her newfound freedom and what her expectations of Syris would be like. Cobblestone streets? Oclite-made mountains? Buildings as tall as oak trees? The possibilities were vast.


    ¡°In any case, the bar is set somewhere in the 5th or 8th circle of hell.¡± She sighed.


    She can feel the ship docking and the faint sounds of rope being thrown. She took one look outside and saw at least five muscular men and dwarves on her side pulling the ship closer to the port. They secured the boat within seconds and then there was silence on the deck as several heavy footsteps came aboard. Voices muffled and it felt like an eternity trying to anticipate what would be her fate.


    Sometime later, she heard a faint snap of the fingers, and the clanging of metal boots grew louder with every step. Her heart threatened to jump out of her chest, but she practiced her deep breathing as the crew taught her and stared blankly out the window.


    ¡°Please gods, don¡¯t take me back.¡± she prayed.


    The door swung open and two tall fully armed guards greeted the prisoner.


    ¡°Let''s go.¡± one said.


    The woman stood up out of her chair and peered through her hood. Stepping to them, one guard grabbed each arm and escorted her upstairs. Neither one made eye contact with her, but she didn¡¯t expect that they would be¡­ gentle with her. Their armored hands were cold but they made sure that they weren¡¯t being too rough with her.


    Going from a dimly lit hallway to the harsh sunlight again nearly blinded her and she couldn¡¯t cover her face more with her hood. The buzzing in her head was light but dull and pulsing. She opened her eyes to see the crew and captain in line at full attention, and an old Dwarf with a big red beard and glasses standing in front. He wore an ash blue tunic with the sleeves rolled up to show his wristwatch, a brown vest, and boots slightly worn. He eyes the woman up and down while puffing his pipe.


    This must be the Overseer.


    He then signals the guards to release her.


    ¡°State your name, girl.¡± The Overseer ordered.


    She opens and closes her mouth trying to find the words but loses her voice.


    ¡°Speak woman!¡± He aggressively repeats.


    Before she could, her stomach gurgled and something vile was climbing her throat. Seeing her green gills, one of the guards grabbed a rogue barrel and planted it in front of her. She loudly relieved herself to the rest of the men''s pity and disgust. The Overseer ordered everyone off the ship and for the dockers to start unloading the cargo, but to practice caution with her barrel. One brave docker carefully grabbed the barrel, took it to the side of the ship, and dumped the contents out into the sea. It will wash away, right?


    The guards sit the sea-sick stowaway on a nearby bench, offering her a tankard of water which she desperately guzzles down.


    ¡°Slow down! Or that will come back up as quickly as you drank it.¡± The Overseer exclaimed.


    She heeded his warning and took slower sips. A few deep breaths in and she spoke, ¡°Aliza. My name¡­ Aliza Menona, sir.¡±


    ¡°She speaks. Very good.¡± He grunts as she stands up. ¡°I¡¯ve heard tales from your crew about you. Care to elaborate?¡± He asked.


    Aliza took one look at the crew and captain who gave her nods of assurance and encouragement. She took a deep breath and looked only at the Overseer.


    ¡°I¡­ran away from home sir.¡± She answered.


    ¡°Clearly. Icurus native?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ sir.¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°The lack of accent says so as well.¡± He breathes out some smoke as she bites her lips holding back a growl. ¡°Why did you stowaway on one of my ships?¡±


    She began fidgeting with her fingers and a rogue string on her hood before she spoke again, ¡°I needed to escape the Band of Jackals, sir.¡±


    The guard''s armor shuffles and the Overseer pauses his smoking.


    ¡°Care to elaborate on that?¡± He asks with a raised brow.


    She bites her lip again fighting the growing anxiety and irritation.


    Hopefully, this works.


    ¡°I stopped a mugging, I didn¡¯t know it was them. They wanted payback by sundown, so I grabbed what I could and ran. Originally I was trying to find one of the immigrant ships but panicked. I hid in one of the empty crates but didn¡¯t know that I was going to be hauled on the ship. I was just trying to get away from them I swear to ya!¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ the crew said the same. Usually in cases of stowaways you would be thrown in jail and wait for the next ship back.¡± Aliza¡¯s heart began to race and was fighting to keep a neutral face. She started to literally shake in her boots. ¡°At least¡­ if you were caught after arriving here.¡± Her breath stilled. ¡°You were discovered amongst the cargo six hours after departure according to these reports. By that time, you adhere to the laws of the sea. Your punishment was already carried out by your captain. Not our problem anymore.¡± He says resuming his puffing.


    Aliza and the crew let out audible sighs and chuckles of relief. ¡°Thank you, sir. Thank you!¡± She breathed out.


    ¡°Save your thanks. You¡¯re not out of hot water yet. Not sure what your plans are here but suggest you go through the proper legal channels if you want these guards off your ass. Icarians still get the stink eye in some parts.¡± She nods instinctively, at the very least grateful. He turns to the crew and captain, ¡°As for all of you, good work. Pick up your pay at the office and the clerk can talk to you about booking a room in the Inn should you need it.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir.¡± They all answered in unison.


    The Overseer gives a debriefing on future jobs for the next coming weeks and dismisses them.


    ¡°Ummm¡­ sir? I¡¯m sorry but¡­ what about me?¡± Aliza asked timidly.


    ¡°If you think you¡¯re getting paid for this-¡±


    ¡°No! I mean¡­ no sir. The captain already relayed my lack of payments. I was their prisoner after all. I just¡­want to know where to go from here.¡±


    He looks at her from his side profile still puffing away on his pipe for a few moments.


    ¡°Come with me.¡± He ordered.


    Aliza nods her head and walks behind him with the guards staying on either side of her. They entered the main office of the shipyard, a decent-sized office with elven and dwarvish clerks neck-deep in paperwork. When the Overseer walked in with two guards and an unknown cloaked person, they couldn¡¯t help but stop and stare. From what Aliza could see through her hood were faces of concern, fright, and maybe a little intrigue. No one talked but papers were still shuffling. Somehow that felt more deafening to her than pure silence. All she could do was hold her head down and just focus on the floor and the Overseer''s feet.


    Before entering his office, the Overseer turned around and shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t you people have anything better to do? GET BACK TO WORK!¡±


    The clerks spooked and frantically scribbled on their paper and loudly opened and closed the file cabinets. A couple comically bumped into each other and the files they were holding went flying, scattering all over the office.


    ¡°No no! Broomhilda is going to murder me! She needs those fabric invoices today!¡± One of the fallen clerks said.


    ¡°Those are my shipment details! Move!¡± The other said.


    Aliza let out a small snicker before straightening when she met the Overseer''s glare. He growls and gestures for her and the guards to enter his office. She was surprised that the office was big enough for an average human. It was very clean and organized, each book and file were shelved in perfect alignment and color-coordinated by the spines. Four chairs in front of his desk could sit the largest human to the smallest dwarf. Aliza took her seat while the two guards stood on each side of her. His desk was big enough for the average human, the dwarf had to jump 2 feet in the air to sit in his chair. Dwarves in Icurus had homes and offices customized for them. Either the people of Syris are insensitive to those shorter than a human or the dwarves and halflings here must not care.


    Once situated, he opens a drawer and pulls out a small stone. The stone had a side profile of a person etched into it. Though cloaked, he could see Aliza¡¯s confusion from the twitch of her jaw.


    ¡°Umm¡­ sir? What¡¯s-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡± He interrupted.


    He hovers his hand over the stone and the etches begin to glow a bright blue.


    ¡°Kalan Stroud.¡± He speaks into it.


    The stone hummed for a few moments, then, the glow hovered over the stone and formed a head. A head with a strong jawline and tapered short black hair, a full beard, and a tidied-up mustache. The guards clanged their armor to stand at attention. Aliza shook and frightened leaned further back into her seat gripping the armrests till her knuckles whitened. Her eyes bugged out of her head as she gazed at the aberration.


    What in the Nine Hells is this?!


    ¡°Good afternoon, Holstric.¡± The man spoke.


    IT TALKS?!


    ¡°Afternoon Sergent Stroud. I¡¯m sure you''re busy so I¡¯ll make this quick. We discovered a stowaway on one of our ships from Icurus. The name¡¯s Aliza Menona.¡± The head turns to Aliza and her stomach starts churning again. His eyes were piercing, his face handsome but stonily and frightful to Icarian. His intimidating stare could put generals to their knees. ¡°She proves no threat, at least not right now. Figured to get your advice on what to do with her.¡±


    ¡°I see. Please remove your cloak, Miss Menona.¡± Kalan asked.


    Aliza had some hope that she could remain hidden, but she knew better than to refuse a Sergeant of the guard''s orders. Her hands were shaking but she carefully removed her hood, and one of the guards gasped. What was revealed was an ebony-skinned woman with big honey-brown fox-like eyes and coarse raven hair tied in a low bun. Her beauty stunned the guards. Holstric and Kalan remained neutral.


    ¡°Thank you. What are your intentions in Syris Miss Menona?¡±


    The growing lump in her throat proved to be another challenge, ¡°I¡­I, umm, well¡­¡± She stutters terribly.


    ¡°Words woman!¡± Holstric barked to her flinch.


    ¡°I just want to¡­ be somewhere safe. I¡¯m¡­ unsure where to go next. I just needed to get out of that damned country.¡±


    He was silent for a few moments. ¡°Well, for as long as you are here, the guards will be wary of your presents since you came here illegally. The protocol would be that we send you on the next ship back.¡± Sweat started to form in her pits and her held her breath.


    ¡°I told her that too. But technically she was discovered 6 hours after departure.¡± Holstric informed.


    ¡°Law of the Sea.¡±


    Hostric grunted in acknowledgment, and Kalan pondered for a bit. Then there were whispers from Kalan¡¯s end of the call, he was staring off to something in front of him. When he was done, he looked directly at Aliza.


    ¡°I have someone here that could help you in your situation. But she is working with other clients at the moment. She can be down there in 2 months.¡± He said.


    Someone who can help me? Or screw me?


    ¡°Umm¡­ sure, sir,¡± She replied softly.


    ¡°Good. She¡¯ll send a letter before she arrives, so be prepared. In the meantime, I¡¯ll have you placed on a soft probation. You must stay within the port limits until arrangements can be made for our immigrant judge to come to you. My guards will send reports when you find your residence here. Understood?¡± He relayed.


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± She acknowledged.


    He turns to Holstric, ¡°Is that all for now?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Unless there are more stowaways I should know about?¡± Holstric addressed the guards to which they shook their heads. ¡°Then we are clear here.¡±


    ¡°Good. Have a good day. And good luck to you Miss Menona.¡± She nods once. The aberration fades and the blue light quickly gets absorbed into the stone.


    I have to be under a spell. Did that really just happen?


    Hostric took notice of her shock and green gills returning and asked the guards, ¡°Could one of you escort her to Twin Barrels? I¡¯m sure that seasickness isn¡¯t done with her yet.¡± He grumbles.


    ¡°I can sir.¡± The guard who got the barrel and water answered. He took off his helmet and rich red hair, a fair skin face with a sharp jawline, and hazel eyes revealed himself to the room.


    ¡°Good. By yourself some ale girl while you''re there. Looks like you need it. Tell the innkeeper Holstric sent you. She owes me one.¡± He said.


    ¡°Th-thank you, sir.¡± She bowed her head.


    He nods, ¡°Good luck to you Miss Menona.¡± He bids the three farewell and escorts them out of the office to continue his duties.


    ¡°Twin Barrels?¡± She asked the guard.


    ¡°One of the local inns around here. It¡¯s the only one that takes long-term patrons like yourself.¡± He explained. She nodded in acknowledgment, grabbed her bag, clocked herself again, and he led the way.

 Chapter 2 - Safe Haven

    The guard introduced the port city as Tula. The most populated and trade-heavy city in all of Syris. Aliza couldn¡¯t help but be taken aback by the size and structure. It was vastly different from Argos, her home city in Icurus. It was almost everything she had imagined. Finely paved cobblestone streets, the comforting cool air, the rich colors and smells. The buildings were of various sizes from one story to four stories. The tallest was the guard building dead in the center with armed guards patrolling every corner of every street they passed by. She felt both safe and a little uneasy by their presence.


    Further down they walked, Aliza was taken aback by the beautiful colors on display. Back in Icurus, it was shades of grey and drab and was constantly plagued by rain. Here in Icurus, now that it was Dreamfall, the greens were melding into shades of yellows and oranges. The leaves are starting to fall off the trees and one falls directly on her head. She took the leaf and smelled it.


    ¡°Maple?¡± Aliza asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Gives the city character doesn¡¯t it? Wait until you try the maple syrup for breakfast.¡± The guard explained. She smiled gazing down at the leaf, then released it into the wind to join the others on the ground.


    The people also were very colorful and diverse. Humans, elves, orcs, dwarves, and even a few cat folk. People talking, laughing, and playing, it was shocking to see two people hug and one person wasn¡¯t stealing or driving a dagger through their backs. It was refreshing to see smiles on people''s faces, she could feel the warmth their energy radiated.


    The clothing in Syris was passed Icurus¡¯s time. What the rest of the world would consider ¡°medieval¡±, these garments are elevated. Long simple skirts, buttoned-up blouses, and mostly leather corsets or vest corsets. The women looked to be in suits like the men but were refined and elegant to suit them. Striped patterns, turtle necks, buckles, and form-fitting jackets. The men looked dashing as well. The majority of them wore long leather coats and tall hats. What stood out was the emphasis on buckles and belts. One for every style and every occasion.


    They passed by a few shops, one clothing shop had designs that were decades ahead of Icurus. One outfit in the window caught her eye. One of the manikins wore a dark blue lined vest corset with straps wearing a flowy off-the-shoulder tunic with lace cuffs. It also wore slightly loose-fitting pants with some type of fabric that lay on the garment like a skirt but shorter in the front. The best part was the boots. Black leather high-heeled boots with buckles on the side and laced up to the knees.


    Another had her pondering how truly far behind Icurus was in fashion. It was a tan fluffy dress but it cut off above the knee. Courtesans in Icurus were more known to wear short dresses but this one¡­ this one was elegant and functional from all the belts and pouches that accessorized the bodice. And the boots were to die for! They were brown with flowers embroidered on the sides in different colors. The boots also came up to the knee and had a low heel. She yearned to walk in there and have them.


    ¡°Almost there, Miss. Come on.¡± He redirected snapping her out of observation.


    ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± Aliza spoke softly and followed.


    Finally arriving at The Twin Barrels Inn, the erratic sounds and music made Aliza step back a bit. She had hoped to be isolated from the crowd, but then again she did arrive on a Festa evening. It was no different than a busy night in Argos. The guard gestures for her to come closer and he offers his arm to her.


    ¡°Stay close,¡± he said. Aliza nods and takes his arm that she had to fight from shaking. She was losing the fight.


    Walking in, there were so many lively people drinking, dancing, and fraternizing. The tavern had seating in every corner and almost all the space available. There was a huge dance floor where half the patrons were accompanied by a band of Bards playing and singing. The music was louder than what she was used to but there was a pulse that called to her, wanting to reach the dance floor.


    Looking around, she saw races of people she had only seen in mythology books. Of course, there are Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Catfolk. But she had never seen Orcs, Centaurs, Birdfolk, Fairies, Geni, and¡­ Goblins?


    They do exist?! This is incredible!


    Aliza was becoming overstimulated with the exposure to her soon-to-be new residence and the guard had to redirect her attention to get to the bar. Regaining her composure, they managed to reach the bar without further delay. The guard asked one of the bartenders to get the innkeeper as Aliza took in the smells of sweet rolls and steak coming directly from the kitchen. It was dinner time.


    Soon after, an older woman about six feet in height, with tanned skin and blond hair and very muscular, came around holding two large barrels of ale in each arm. She also had fawn-like eyes and freckles across her nose. She looked threateningly cute. When she saw the guard, her smile grew large and bright.


    ¡°Olif my friend! Haven''t seen you in a few weeks. Where have you been?¡±


    ¡°Was just officially transferred here from Dahli. Had to get the proper paperwork first. Sergeant Kalan has been backed up for weeks thanks to Captain Boes.¡±


    ¡°Still on his shit I¡¯m guessing?¡±


    ¡°How the King doesn¡¯t see it I don¡¯t know.¡± Olif shrugs. ¡°But neither here nor there. As long as I get a paycheck, the Captain can do what he wants.¡±


    The woman laughed, ¡°I see you there.¡± She then looked at Aliza as she was still cowering under her hood. ¡°Who''s your friend?¡± She asked in a lowered voice.


    ¡°Not a friend but an arrival. From¡­¡± He leaned in for a whisper, ¡°Icurus.¡± Aliza¡¯s brow raised not knowing if she should be insulted or grateful for whispering this fact about her. The woman''s eyes flicked to her and Aliza¡¯s heart began to race, trying to anticipate her next move. And if something were to happen in here she would be screwed out of an escape. The Innkeeper leans on the bar and gestures for Aliza to come closer. Aliza obeyed but hesitated with each step.


    ¡°Looking for a place to stay I¡¯m guessing?¡± She asked.


    Aliza nodded nervously, not making eye contact with the owner. The innkeeper leaned in to get a better look at her but she flinched back still keeping her head down. She can sense her suspicion and mustered the courage to speak.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Holstric sent me,¡± Aliza spoke softly.


    ¡°The little¡­ I have a room you can use for the month. But it would be 50 gold to stay.¡± The innkeeper relayed.


    Alright¡­ more expensive here I see.


    She reached into her bag and grabbed her coin purse on top. Counting the gold in seconds she handed the bag to the innkeeper. She and Olif were surprised, but she didn¡¯t question much about it. When she looked over to Olif, the suspicion was written all over his face.


    ¡°Inheritance from my father. What little there was at least.¡± She said, He seemed satisfied with that explanation, for now.


    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯ll leave you to it. Have a good night. And I¡¯ll see you tomorrow!¡± Olif says and strode off.


    ¡°Yes, have a good night! And I can show you to your room Miss¡­¡±


    ¡°Menona.¡±


    ¡°Miss Menona, follow me.¡±


    The innkeeper stepped from the bar and that¡¯s when she saw her beefy fawn legs. Aliza couldn¡¯t couldn¡¯t help but stare but that was when her voice lowered to her.


    ¡°Eyes up here Miss Menona.¡± She redirected.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    They headed to the second floor, where the downstairs noise was muffled and almost silent. A few people saw me and stood frozen or whispered to each other. Aliza kept her eyes to the floor to distract herself. When they got to her room, the innkeeper reached to her left, flipped on a switch, and lit up the room. Aliza flinched looking frantically around the room.


    ¡°How did you-¡±


    ¡°I forgot, Icurus. The lights turn on by themselves. Something we call electricity.¡±


    From candlelight to electricity, Aliza was drawn to the light like a moth to a flame. She looked similar to a curious cat observing the lights, and the innkeeper was amused and pitiful for this woman who had lived in the dark ages until now. Quickly snapping out of her light observation, she looked at the rest of the room and it seemed cozy. A bed by the window with a nice view of the night sky with a small nightstand adorned with a lamp. A table for food and study. A small shelf with a few books on it and next to it, a standard-size wardrobe.


    The innkeeper walks over to her right and opens a door.


    ¡°This is your bathroom. There are soaps for hair and skin, toilet paper, and towels. Anything else is on you to bring.¡±


    The bathroom was small but it wasn¡¯t just a bowl on a stand and a large wooden tube. They were made out of porcelain with steel spouts. Similar to those she had seen the nobility bathed in back in Icurus. She was surprised that such luxuries can be accessible to everyday people. Going back to the spouts, she was confused as to why there were two of them, and there weren¡¯t levers or pulleys for them. She gave that confused look again and the Innkeeper picked up on it right away.


    ¡°Here, let me show you. The right faucet is for cold water. The left is for hot. More convenient than having to lug barrels of water to your room, right?¡± She asks. Aliza nods in amazement. She then picks up the third handle and waves her over. ¡°Now this is if you need a shower or just need an extra rinse after your bath.¡± She taps the hot spout making a soft hum and shows her to turn a nob behind the tub. Water then shoots out from the handle and she wets the entire inside of the tub with it. Aliza let out a small yelp seeing this happen but looked in amazement from this creation. The innkeeper looked entertained by her amazement and chuckles. She taps everything off and places the handle back on the tub. ¡°The sink works the same, just no handles.¡±


    ¡°What kind of magic is this?¡± she asked breathly.


    ¡°Well¡­ only partially magic. Plumbing for the pipes and water pressure. Magic to make the water hot and cold. Don¡¯t ask me for specifics. I just indulge in the convenience.¡± At least she was honest.


    ¡°I understand. Thank you very much, Miss-¡±


    ¡°Just call me Tohea.¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much Tohea.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Now, if you need food, just come down and order. The kitchen closes at 10 and reopens at 7. Need anything else, let me know.¡±


    ¡°Will do. Thank you again.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Have a good night.¡± She says exiting her room.


    Once the door closed, Aliza immediately locked it, grabbed her toiletry bag, stripped, and took an overdue bath. The first hot bath she had in about a year. All her muscles started to loosen relaxed and her mind at ease. She tried to manage her hair as best as she could, the water was less harsh and she could feel the difference from root to ends. Even shaving felt better, the blade glided smoothly on her skin. Clean and hairless, she braided her hair into a low ponytail and she took the last of her lotions to moisturize.


    Settling down for the night, she changes into the only sleepwear she has, a piling white oversized tunic. The fabric was rough but it¡¯ll do for now. She unpacked and put away the rest of her things, which wasn¡¯t a lot. A total of 3 outfits including her green and white clothing from her time on the ship, a black dress with a brown worn leather corset, and¡­ her black pants and hooded tunic with a black and red scarf. She clutched the scarf in her hands, glaring at it.


    ¡°Never again,¡± she growls.


    She closed the curtains and turned off every light but the one on the bedside. She moved the shelf to barricade the door, paced back to her bed, and reached in her bag for something. Reaching more to the left, she felt a rogue string and snapped it. Peeling back a thick layer of fabric, she takes out several large bags of coins, a notebook, and a pencil. One by one, she counts her coins and documents her last expenses.


    Start: 3100 GP, 30th of Moontide


    Stacy- 100 GP, 5th of Serenesea, 1204


    Cart to Port City - 100 GP, 5th of Serenesea, 1204


    Twin Barrels - 50 GP, 13 of Dreamfall


    End Total: 2950 GP


    Let¡¯s see, 2950 gold left in a land I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t know if this is enough. Just need to do this smartly. As long as¡­ as I don¡¯t end up back there, I should be fine for now. Just hope they don¡¯t find me.


    The very thought of having to be on the run again made her anxious.


    What if I can never find rest? Can I start a new life?


    Aliza looked out of the window pulling the curtain back, the distant Mountains seemed to overflow with a mystic blue fog, she could faintly see the northern lights in the distance. The town itself seemed to either be sleeping or late-night goers out and about.


    For now, she felt assurance that she could at least settle down for a bit and get her bearings, it didn''t seem like she''d be thrown back onto a boat anytime soon.


    The sudden sensation of her stomach turning over flips her out of bed and vaults to the toilet! After a few heaves of bile and clear fluid, dinner was now the last thing on her mind. In her weakened state, she entertained spending the night on the floor. Her pride however refuses when she has a perfectly good bed 10 feet out the door. She willed herself up and slumped out of the bathroom.


    Crawling back to the bed, it was a relief to finally have something other than a Hammock on the ship to slump into. The exhaustion lulled her to sleep.

 Chapter 3 - A New Look

    Heartburn, awful breath, and an irritated throat. No matter how many times she rinsed her mouth the taste lingered.


    ¡°Gods¡­ make it stop.¡± She groans.


    For the past two nights, Aliza was burdened with seasickness. Not feeling a ship''s constant jostling and rolling was relieving, but she could hardly keep what food she ordered down. Other patrons of the bar became concerned. Tohea would occasionally make sure she was still alive between meals Aliza missed. This morning only one episode of vomiting and fatigue took her. Feeling a bit confident to be able to stomach at least a couple of warm bagels. Overlooking her attire, the situation of eventually mingling with others was beginning to settle over her.


    ¡°I think it might be time to look more fitting to my new ¡®home¡¯ now.¡±


    Dawning her old black tunic and pants, she made her way to the main entrance of the Inn.


    ¡°Miss Menona!¡± Tohea called her at the bar, alerting Aliza. She slowly approaches the bar fighting her gurgling sore stomach.


    ¡°I see you''re finally walking, feeling better? Are the bagels settling?¡± Concerned frowned her face.


    Unknowing to Aliza, her face started to pale and sweat was beading from her forehead, ¡°Yes, I feel rested today. I figured I would go shopping for some¡­¡± Her head droops overlooking her drab.


    ¡°Proper attire?¡± Tohea giggles. ¡°You go ahead dear, if Olif comes by I''ll let him know where you went¡­you won''t go far. But first¡­¡± She cleans a small cup and fills it with water.


    ¡°You need fluid. Drink,¡± she orders Aliza while pouring a strange powder into the water. Aliza raised her brow and glared at the innkeeper from under her hood, ¡°Easy girl. It¡¯s a nausea relief, should keep your stomach settled so you can venture around.¡± Tohea assures her pushing the glass to her. It had a slight bubbling and hiss and smelled bland.


    ¡°Personally¡­I hold my nostrils shut,¡± she cringes.


    Aliza ponders, looking back from Tohea and the cup of fizzing water. She grasps the cup, taking her advice and plugging her nostrils, she gulps the mixture down with a couple of mouthfuls and places the cup down. She accidentally tasted it. Nowhere near her samplings of poisoning on how to smell and taste for it. Could be medicinal¡­ It felt strange going down her throat, but her stomach went from a rough grumble to a settled state. A comforted sigh of relief escapes her.


    ¡°That''s much better! Thank you so much!¡± Aliza smiles and Tohea nods.


    ¡°Of course. Now, run along and by the way¡­try on something red,¡± she winks at her as Aliza leaves the bar.


    Retracing her steps back through where Olif escorted her, she could feel eyes beading on her. She kept her eyes ahead and at the same time, tried not to get lost in her new environment. There was crisp cold in the air that had Aliza clutching her flapping hooded cloak together. Though she could tell it was time to retire it, it did little to nothing against the cold. Close to the dress shop, there was a stand that smelled of a warm aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and apples. She desperately wanted to taste it. And she was sure her starving stomach would appreciate it.


    ¡°Good morning! Apple Turnover?¡± The merchant greeted her.


    ¡°S-sure. How much for one?¡±


    ¡°3 gold Miss.¡±


    Without hesitation, she reached into her pouch and gave the merchant his gold. With a smile, he took out his tongs reached into his stand, and pulled a medium-sized puffed pastry with cinnamon sugar coated on top. He slides it in a parchment bag and presents it cheekily to Aliza. Even though her eyes were hidden, he could tell they were glowing. Gently grabbing the pastry from his hand, she nodded and thanked him, and found a nearby bench to enjoy her treat.


    One soft crunch, the cinnamon sugar coating her tongue, the gooey and soft center of the caramelized apples. Her senses were dancing and a satisfying smile grew on her face.


    Gods, even the food is better! Well¡­ not better than Mama¡¯s banana pudding. But this is miles ahead from what I ate in the manor.


    After some quality time finishing the warm pastry and a now happy stomach, she let out a sigh of relief and the cold hurried her to the market square. It seemed to be the start of the bustle of the day as the crowds were growing larger by the minute. As she quickly scanned the shops, her eyes met the blue number she had seen days ago, and paced herself to the shop.


    She walked in to only be met by stares from everyone dousing the excitement she had. Brows furrowed and women and children clutched each other.. Aliza just kept her head down trying to keep a low profile. Making her way to the outfit by the window, the women nearby shuffled to get out of view. Taking a quick look around the room, some patrons looked at her in anticipation. Others observed from a distance while still shopping. The shopkeepers were less subtle as most stared daggers at her standing behind the counter. Aliza wanted to bite back and confront them, but the rational side kicked in just in time before the fire struck.


    Calm down. I¡¯m sure anyone with a ratty cloak coming into a store like this would raise suspicions. Just go on about your business. Rather not give them a genuine reason to call the guards.


    Aliza walked up to the rack with pieces of the outfit putting a small smile on back on her face. She looked at the price tag for the white tunic, 20 gold, and held it to her body. It seemed¡­ off. She grabbed the corset, still off. Then, the sudden realization washed over her before she grabbed another garment¡­ Her measurements are unknown to her.


    When was the last time? I was 25 right? And I¡¯m 28? Shit¡­


    Panic arose as she looked down at her clothes; well, her brother¡¯s old clothes.


    Oh, that makes sense now¡­


    Her hope of a simple shopping trip with zero interaction just got complicated. She couldn¡¯t - no- wouldn¡¯t go back with the rags on her still. Amid her panic, a woman tapped her shoulder. She had medium dark skin, dark brown eyes, and pointed ears. Her hair was braided back into a ponytail. She was slender with a round face and pursed lips. She wore the tan dress that Aliza also wanted and was the same height as her. Her smile was¡­ warm. She seemed genuine.


    ¡°Welcome to Broomhila¡¯s¡­ma¡¯am?¡± Aliza nodded. ¡°Perfect! I¡¯m Taryn. May I be of service?¡±


    Her accent¡­ or lack thereof.


    ¡°Are you¡­Icarian?¡± Aliza whispered.


    ¡°Yes. I guess the ¡®accent¡¯ gave it away.¡± She giggles.


    ¡°I¡¯m from there too. Born and raised.¡± Aliza says keeping her volume low.


    ¡°Well look at that! One native meets another I see. Not many of us are around here. But don¡¯t worry my dear. This place will grow on you quickly.¡± Taryn says laying one hand on her back. ¡°Does anything stick out to you?¡±


    A couple of the shopkeeper''s Psst! at her and gave her the ¡°What are you doing?¡± eyes. Her glare shuts them down and she redirects her attention to Aliza.


    ¡°This blue outfit I saw the other day, I would like to try on every piece of it if I could.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely ma¡¯am! I¡¯ll just need your measurements.¡± She says taking out her small notepad and pencil and turning it to a blank page.


    ¡°Well¡­I¡­ I don¡¯t know my measurements exactly.¡± Aliza stutters.


    ¡°Oh! That¡¯s no problem ma¡¯am, I can take your measurements in the back. I do need you to remove your cloak before we can begin. Store policy against cloaks or hats being worn inside.¡± Taryn said.


    The lump in her throat grew and her head began to buzz as everyone¡¯s gaze darted to her. She swallowed harshly looking back at Taryn hoping she would see or feel her fear. She stood firm with that smile still on her face. With a couple of deep breaths,  she removed her cloak, and¡­ jaws dropped to the floor.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am you are gorgeous! Why have all the beauty hidden under a cloak?¡±


    She nervously giggled and shrugged, ¡°Nervous?¡± As her eyes darted around the shop.


    ¡°We have the same skin tone! Height too! Makes things easier for me. And those eyes¡­ like sweet sweet honey. And your cheeks, adorably round.¡± Aliza blushed looking down at the floor. ¡°Hmm¡­ your clothing says Icurus. But your face resembles Sia. Your face almost resembles a wolf or a fox. Do you have family there?¡±


    Aliza¡¯s brows raised with curious eyes.


    ¡°No, my parents are Icurus natives.¡±


    Taryn shakes off her thoughts and a smile gleams once more. ¡°Well, you won the genetic lottery, ma¡¯am! I¡¯m sure you have a beautiful head of hair tied in that bun. I can bring you to one of our hairdressers in the back when we''re done here.¡± Taryn gleefully went on. A new wave of excitement grew in Aliza as she enthusiastically nodded to her recommendation. ¡°Perfect! Follow me. I¡¯ll set up a dressing room for you.¡± Taryn took her hand and strode to the dressing room giddily. All eyes followed them but now - dare to say - there was admiration in their eyes. Passing by the other shopkeepers, one hastily followed behind them. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Taryn had Aliza strip down to her underwear to get the most accurate measurements possible. Aliza was both excited and embarrassed since this was the first time she had been measured in years and the first public fitting room she had ever been in. The fitting room was full with Aliza taking the last stall. As Taryn escorted her out, all eyes followed her. She just kept her eyes on the ground up to the three-way mirror.


    Usually, the seamstresses she had interacted with in the past were rude or incompetent. But this one was rather¡­ gentle¡­ and polite. She adjusted and advised her with gentleness and care. Kept the conversation going so things wouldn¡¯t be too awkward between them, even getting the other shopkeeper involved, by the name of Gale. She didn¡¯t apologize for her behavior before, for it seemed like two shy women being in the same place. Taryn used the opportunity to see if maybe she could be brought more out of her shell.


    When the measuring was done and Taryn took time to write down her findings, Aliza looked up at her reflection and was enamored by her physique. She has seen herself naked but never this clear before. Maybe it was the lighting, maybe it was Taryn¡¯s contagious positive vibrations, but Aliza was admiring what was looking back at her. She was lean and curvy. Large firm breasts and a cinched waistline. The lining of her abs leads to a V line to her hips. Her arms were bigger than she thought but her broad shoulders complimented them. And her long legs were toned to the point that when flexing her quads, the muscles carved themselves out. Turning around, her calves looked as if they were carved by a sculptor. Her hamstrings were smooth and strong.


    Damn. I have nice legs. I can see why Father forbade me from courting.


    Gazing up to see her full rear complemented by her thong was a nice round firm rear with dimples on each cheek.


    When did I have dimples?


    ¡°Like what you see ma¡¯am?¡± Taryn asked.


    ¡°Oh-um¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡± She straightens attempting to crawl back into her shell.


    ¡°No, no! You should. You have a great physique. Do you train in anything specific?¡± Taryn asked.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t trained in the past three months. My father trained me since I was ten in sword fighting.¡± She explained, her tone neutral when mentioning her father.


    ¡°Awww, isn¡¯t that sweet? Daddy trying to protect his little girl.¡± She clenched my jaw and masked her swallow. It went unnoticed. ¡°There are more training opportunities in Dahli if you ever travel there. I should consider it the next time I¡¯m there. I could use muscles like yours.¡± Aliza softly chuckled.


    ¡°So I can pull a few outfits for you to your liking. Since the seasons are changing, I suggest our warmer pieces. If you still want the summer clothes, I can sell them for a discount.¡±


    ¡°That sounds great, thank you. I got 500 gold to spend so I¡¯m open for anything.¡± She gleefully informed her. The second she said her budget out loud, Taryn and Gale¡¯s face gawked. They raced back to the front and started to grab pieces left and right. When they came back, they had stacks of clothing in their arms. She was completely engulfed by fabrics and leather.


    They tried a few tester pieces on her first to see what worked well for her body, one of them being the tan dress she wanted. When she tried it on¡­ it seemed off.


    ¡°Something wrong ma¡¯am?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ yes¡­ I mean- I don¡¯t think this dress is for me. But I¡¯m not sure why. It looks perfect on you.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm, I think I know why.¡± She comes to the mirror next to Aliza. ¡°So I¡¯m a more petite frame. So I want something that will give the illusion of bigger hips. I also love frills and buttons and lace. How does this dress make you feel?¡±


    ¡°Being honest? Like a cupcake.¡±


    Taryn and the other patrons collectively giggled to Aliza¡¯s embarrassment.


    ¡°No, no, ma¡¯am it''s ok. What you want is something that accentuates your curves. You want skirts with less layers and more length. Paired with the right corset will show off your natural hourglass figure. As far as frills, we can calm those down. And coverage, what is your limit?¡±


    Pondering in the mirror for a moment, ¡°Honestly, I would like to show a little more skin. I¡¯ve worn high necks and turtlenecks most of my life and I want to retire that look.¡±


    Gale seemed to ponder along with Aliza until her eyes lit up.


    ¡°Broomhilda¡¯s collection. The blue one. In the window.¡± Gale suggested


    ¡°Oh! The blue would be perfect! Against her neutral skin tone would make her glow!¡±


    Aliza and Gale shared soft smiles giving nonverbal consent to the idea.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to try it since I laid eyes on it. I would love to see how that looks. And if you two can, I would like something red if it¡¯s not too much.¡±


    ¡°Not at all!¡± Gale and Taryn replied in unison and they went back out to the floor.


    They brought out the blue outfit she wanted and a few other pieces with them. Some of the pieces were clothing she needed regardless and didn¡¯t feel the need to try them on. Some pants, everyday shirts and blouses, blue and black pants, and flat boots.


    When she tried on the blue number, a big smile grew on her face as she posed and twirled. The fabric was so soft and the pants fit in all the right places. She kept twisting her hips to see the sewn-in skirt move with me. The boots need some breaking in but she can handle that.


    Another outfit was a cream off-the-shoulder blouse with satin buttons in front and the sleeves cut off at the elbows. A small brown leather corset that laced the front and back. A brown skirt with a split all the up to her hip with white fabric under it giving it a little modesty and layer. They paired with brown ankle boots but they had no ties. Slip-on shoes they said. The skirt flowed every which way I walked and the shoes were very comfortable despite their height.


    The last outfit she tried was a burgundy V-neck blouse with bellowed sleeves. A black lined cotton corset vest with vine designs sewn into it, a flowing black skirt, and lace-up ankle booties. Aliza can imagine with her curly hair and red lipstick she can pull this outfit together. It was both comfortable and sexy making her eyes narrow in lust.


    ¡°I love this!¡± She exclaimed.


    ¡°This color looks amazing on you! You¡¯re glowing ma¡¯am.¡± Gale commented. Aliza smiled brightly at her as a bright rouge grew on Gale''s face.


    ¡°I just need to hem up the skirt a bit¡­¡± Taryn pins the skirt up and marks up the line to sew. ¡°And that should do it! I can have your clothes ready for you in a few hours.¡± Sorrowed having to return the clothes, she returned to her old clothes and met Taryn and Gale at the front. Taryn finishes jotting down some notes in the ledger and adds up the items. ¡°With everything including tailoring, that would be¡­300 gold exactly ma¡¯am.¡±


    Without a second thought, Aliza grabbed three bags of 100 gold each and handed them to her. Taryn let out a gasp and looked back at her with twinkles in her eyes.


    ¡°Thank you, Taryn. And thank you Gale for helping me.¡±


    ¡°Of course Ma¡¯am!¡± They said in unison.


    Why did I feel so relaxed here? Seamstresses couldn¡¯t give a good godsdamn about you in Icurus. But here¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll get started on the hemming. Gale, mind taking¡­ I¡¯m sorry I never asked for your name. Forgive me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. It¡¯s Aliza,¡± She answered softly, a small smile curling on the side of her lips.


    ¡°Love it! Gale, if you don¡¯t mind taking Aliza to the back to get her hair taken care of.¡±


    ¡°Not a problem. This way.¡± Gale directed her.


    There was a door just down the hallway of the dressing room. This salon sat 10 women comfortably. Some were getting their nails done, a couple were at the washing stations. A few sat around a table conversing with one another, one woman was just finishing up with her client. When they walked in, all eyes darted to Aliza. Their faces seemed more neutral and unbothered than those in the shop. Most just observed her come in and then continued their business as normal. Aliza felt a little more at ease. But those who kept their eyes on her made her shoulders stiffen.


    ¡°New client Gale?¡± one of the stylists spoke. Caramel skin with bright blue eyes and light brown hair. Her voice is high but a little raspy.


    ¡°Yes. This is Aliza. She just arrived a few days ago from Icurus.¡± She introduced.


    ¡°Ahh! Nice to see some color around here huh? I heard Icurus only comes in one color. Drab.¡± A few of the women giggled. Aliza bit her lip holding one back and glanced at the ground. ¡°No need to be shy, hun. Name¡¯s Vanessa by the way. Come have a seat.¡± She gestures to her. Gale patted her on the back, smiled, and left back to the shop.


    As Aliza sat in the chair, her anxiety started to creep up her spine as Vanessa started to untie her ribbon. Her hair back home was deemed ¡°a jungle¡± and too much for anyone to deal with no matter how much money was thrown at them. What would be the excuse in this new world?


    ¡°Alright¡­ Let¡¯s see this mane of yours.¡± She managed to untie her ribbon and Poof! Outcame inches of long tangled mess of black hair. ¡°Whoa!¡± She exclaimed and laughed. Aliza buried my face into her hands and tried to breathe.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I could find a way to-¡± She tried rushing out of the chair when Vanessa¡¯s hand held her in place by her shoulder.


    ¡°Where do you think you''re going? It¡¯s a lot of hair, most wouldn¡¯t be up for this challenge. Lucky for you¡­I love a challenge.¡± Her voice purrs and a devious smile smoothes over her face. Aliza didn¡¯t know if she should be scared or fortunate to trust this woman. But from the look on her face, she wasn¡¯t giving her a choice in the matter.


    After three hours of detangling, washing, moisturizing, and styling, her hair was beyond her expectations. This curl pattern she had never seen. Big loose luscious curls that stretched to the middle of her back. It bounced and shined and it was so¡­soft. She recommended a few products of hers and advised a regimen to keep up the maintenance. Her services cost 50 gold, she gave her a bag of 100 for a handsome tip.


    ¡°I feel like a new woman! Thank you!¡± Aliza exclaimed, playing with her hair in the mirror.


    ¡°Anytime sweetheart. My chair is always open to you.¡±


    She nodded and smiled brightly. Heading back to the front of the store, the customers and shopkeepers could keep their eyes off her, for good reason now. Smiles grew on their faces, a welcoming change from earlier today.


    ¡°Your hair is lovely Aliza!¡± Taryn exclaimed.


    ¡°Thank you very much. I didn¡¯t know it could look this good,¡± she said, playing with her coils.


    ¡°I told you this place will grow on you. Syris looks good on you already.¡± Aliza smiled and giggled. ¡°It¡¯s going to look even better with your new clothes. Come with me.¡±


    They headed back to the dressing room and tried on the burgundy top and skirt number that now fit her perfectly. She felt¡­ confident and sultry for the first time in her life. Maybe this place won¡¯t be so bad after all. Aliza gave Taryn a hug and a million thank yous. As a courtesy, the store threw in a black coat and jacket free of charge if I donated my old clothes to the unfortunate in the city. Plus, it was a gift for the newcomer of Syris. She gladly said goodbye to those clothes, grabbed her bags, and strutted out the door.


    Aliza wasn¡¯t done yet. She went across the square to a makeup store so she could have her red lipstick to tie the outfit together. Plus, she loved makeup and needed to know the quality that Syris could provide. It did not disappoint. With her new look, she gracefully strode back to the tavern.

 Chapter 4 - Not an Ick

    For the first time in her life, Aliza walked the streets with a new cloak of confidence. Even warranted a few smiles from people. Walking with grace, her steps light but her heels clacked with purpose. However, when she walked through the front doors of the Tavern, her confidence was left at the door. The comradery and loud music silenced, a pin could drop and it would reverberate off the walls. The amount of eyes on her was unnerving even to a rising Bard. She could barely walk further. All she could do was clutch her bags tighter.


    Then one man shouts from across the room, ¡°FUCKING HUBBA!¡±


    Whistles and coos followed him and the neutral faces turned to a mixture of admiration and intrigue. She nervously smiled and giggled, when several people bolted out of their seats and surrounded Aliza. A few of them reeked of ale, pure lust in their eyes.


    ¡°May I buy you a drink, beautiful?¡± One flirtatiously slurred.


    Aliza stuttered until she was left mute. She just wanted to get back to her room. Then loud clacks of hoofs shook the floor as she approached the circle.


    ¡°Alright, back to your corners and partners pervs! Act like you got some house training before I call the guard.¡± Tohea exclaims, sending the men and women scurrying back to where they were. She cleared her throat and the music started up again and the chatter grew. She turns to Aliza with a smirk and a raised eyebrow, ¡°The amount of people in my Tavern is about to increase because of you.¡± She said in a low tone.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry,¡± Aliza responded softly.


    ¡°That was a compliment miss. I¡¯ll be rolling in gold tonight because of you!¡± she said letting out a hearty laugh.


    Aliza chuckled and blushed and looked back up at her, ¡°I¡¯m¡­glad I could be of service to you then Tohea.¡±


    She looked down at Aliza confused, ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry. Have we met before?¡±


    Aliza tilts her head, ¡°Yes¡­ I rented a room for the month a few days ago. You gave me that stomach concoction this morning?¡±


    Tohea¡¯s eyes widened and her jaw hit the floor.


    ¡°Miss Menona? That¡¯s really you? Holy shit!¡± She exclaimed.


    ¡°Is it¡­bad?¡± She flinches.


    ¡°Bad!? You¡¯re telling me THIS was under that ugly cloak this whole time!? If you and a cloaked hag came in the other day I wouldn¡¯t have known the difference.¡±


    Most would have taken this as an insult. But Aliza¡­ started laughing. A snort leads to belly-pinching laughter. Contagious enough that Tohea started laughing, the two bellowing the Tavern.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a good thing I cleaned up then. Thank you for the ¡®something red¡¯ suggestion by the way.¡± Aliza says trying to recover her breath.


    ¡°It serves you well. You¡¯re not going to keep all this in that room, are you? Stay and mingle, won¡¯t you?¡±


    Aliza''s instinct to say no crept in. Looking around the room to see smiles on everyone¡¯s face, and again at the threatening cute smile on Tohea¡¯s face, she knew it was time to know more of the people of her new home.


    ¡°Tonight, yes. Oddly enough I want a bigger audience for my new look. In the meantime I¡¯ll have lunch in my room if that¡¯s ok.¡± she smirks.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that! I¡¯ll inform my evening crew about you. If you need anything, let them know.¡±


    Aliza nodded and strode to the stairs. All eyes followed her. Their gazes felt¡­ empowering.


    After a few hours of napping, a loud pulse wakes her up. A loud pulse of drums makes the ground shake, and it pulses something within her, enticing her. She runs to the bathroom, fixes and fluffs her hair, reapplies her lipstick, and floates out the door.


    The environment was more¡­ sensual than before. The air was thick and oddly humid, her body flushed as she stumbled on the scene. Couples all over each other and the dance floor packed tightly as the band strums and pulses, her heart mimicking the rhythm. They must have had a spell on all the patrons and Aliza felt compelled to join the party. For a moment as she scanned the room, she saw a few men that she wanted to entertain tonight. However, the smell of those garlic steak bites snapped her out of those thoughts and her stomach grumbled harshly.


    Alright, I can mingle later. That steak is driving me wild!


    Aliza strolled up to the bar with straightened shoulders and light steps. She took the one vacant seat left between a deep red-skinned Geni woman showing off some of her magic with flamed grain alcohol and a tall tiger-patterned catfolk trying to sweet talk an elven woman on her right. Both saw her approach and she could see the curiosity fill their eyes but said nothing.


    ¡°Good evening ma¡¯am. What will you be having tonight?¡± The bartender greeted her. He was very tall with olive skin, white hair, and hazel eyes, and oddly built for his profession. He was clearly the lady''s favorite judging from all the eyes that followed him to her.


    ¡°What do you have, sir?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Whatever you want. Mead, ale, beer, wine. Or if you want a cocktail, I''ll give you that.¡±


    ¡°Cocktail?¡±


    His brows straightened and then relaxed as if he remembered a key detail. ¡°Ahh, I forgot. Aliza Menona da Icurus. Or should I say more specifically Argos from how you carry yourself?¡±


    Her brow raised and her arms crossed, ¡°How could you tell?¡±


    ¡°Aside from your accent, of course, you have perfect posture. Even in your cloak, I could tell. You walk with a purpose and fear. Your eyes always survey the room. Not looking for trouble, are you? Or is it trouble looking for you?¡± his voice lowers.


    She lightly squeezed her arm and fought not to furl her brows and glare. After a hidden swallow, she cheekily responds, ¡°Depends. At least on the drink that you give me.¡±


    He laughs, ¡°Fair enough. I¡¯ve been told on glass 3 their dancing improved. Still couldn¡¯t recover from the centaur incident of 96¡¯.¡± He jesterly shutters.


    A small smile crept up her lips and a giggle escaped. Why did that work? ¡°Ahh, the pretty woman smiles. Careful gentleman, you¡¯ll melt looking at her.¡±


    Aliza let out a full-on hearty laugh covering her mouth, glancing up at him, ¡°You¡¯re good. Very well. You piqued my curiosity. What¡¯s this drink of yours?¡±


    A sharp smile flicked to his cheeks and he leaned into her. ¡°3 gold and I¡¯ll fulfill your curiosity.¡± He proposed with an open hand and a wink. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Oh, he¡¯s smooth. I can see why he¡¯s a crowd favorite. The women around us are completely under his spell.


    She returned his gaze, leaning in, resting her breasts in her arms, her thick lips curled to a wide sultry smile. ¡°Alright, sir, put those skillful hands to use then, " she purred while grazing his hand with her index finger. He stepped back, and when he looked down, three gold coins appeared in his hand.


    ¡°Right away ma¡¯am.¡± he returns smiling from ear to ear.


    ¡°Lucky woman.¡± The Geni nudges her.


    He reached down and grabbed a small glass, a bottle of bourbon whiskey, a small bottle of brown liquid, orange peels, sugar cubes, and a large cube of ice. Aliza adjusted her seat, fully invested in seeing how this turned out. So do all of the patrons within eyesight.


    He then takes out a toddy stick and magically starts making her drink. He adds the sugar cubes and brown liquid to the glass, he tells her that the liquid is called bitters. With a wave of hand, the totty stick floats and makes its way to the glass smashing and stirring the sugar and bitters. While that was going, he measured out the bourbon and he pours it into the glass using the stick to guide it in. It stirs for a few more seconds then floats out of the glass and sits itself on the side. He points to the ice cube and it bounces into the glass and swirls itself inside. With a snap of his fingers, a bright blue flame ignites and he holds an orange slice an inch behind it. Holding his form above her glass, he looks at her asking, ¡°How smokey would you like it?¡±


    With curious cat eyes looking at him she says, ¡°Surprise me.¡±


    One squirt and a small fireball ignite and the smoke and oils somehow perfectly go into the glass. He got a solid squeal out of her. Her cheeks blushed when the patrons laughed at her. He twists the peel, adds it to the glass, and slides it to her. Thoroughly intrigued, she took it and swirled it, and eyed it like a damn cat. One sip and her shoulders relaxed and her mind clear.


    ¡°Delicious! Tastes like a sweet oak, if that makes any sense. I do like my alcohol on the sweeter side.¡± A heat wave came over her body like the sun was radiating above her. Her head fell back and let out a seductive breath, letting out smooth swirls of smoke. ¡°Whoa! What was that?¡±


    ¡°The smoke? That''s me. I kept all the smoke in the glass, it¡¯s like a liquid cigar.¡±


    She took another sip as she leaned back a bit in her stool. Taking in all the flavors and letting it do its work on her body. She released another breath that had everyone around her blushing. The bartender looked very amused. Aliza is not a smoker but this was satisfying.


    ¡°This is great. Really, it is. I needed this, thank you.¡± She complimented, raising the glass.


    ¡°Of course ma¡¯am. Need anything else?¡±


    ¡°I am hungry. This would pair well with steak. What¡¯s a girl got to do to get some red meat around here?¡±


    The bartender chuckles leaning on the bar again, ¡°Take that table behind you. I¡¯ll send word to Travis for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Shoot, I never got your name.¡±


    ¡°Rolim.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Rolim.¡± She winked and swiftly left the bar to her table.


    To her surprise, she didn¡¯t have to drink and eat alone because the Geni, the catfolk, and three other people joined her. They were an interesting bunch though they seemed sketchy at first. One talked about their niece coming home and she had some presents for her. In Icurus, that is a thieving attempt on a noblewoman. But Aliza relaxed when she showed an actual picture of her niece.


    She ordered garlic steak bites with asparagus and it was cooked to perfection. Pink in the middle, savory, and smokey, paired with her drink made a very satisfying meal. After an hour of conversing and drinking, her eyes were growing heavy and her speech started slurring. She excused herself back to her room for some well-needed sleep. The tiger fur catfolk asked if she would stay for a dance but declined. Her head was feeling more and more like a cloud by the second.


    ¡°Ahh, come on just one for the night.¡± He slurred.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry. Have fun for me.¡±


    ¡°Please¡­¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    As she was walking away, he grabbed her arm and pulled her down to him.


    ¡°Listen you Ick! You are going to-¡± A strong grip on his shoulder cut him off.


    ¡°Oh please, continue with this display of hate crimes. I¡¯m sure the Strouds and the King would love to hear more about it.¡± The catfolk slowly looked up to see Olif standing over him, giving him a death glare that would make the Jackals fall to their knees. Everyone, even the band grew silent. He had both parties shaking. ¡°Gripping her arm tight there. One bruise found on her and we can replace aggravated battery with assault.¡± He quickly released her arm and Aliza backed up giving him her own death glare. ¡°Good kitty. Punishment is still coming to you. You four, can you confirm that he was the perpetrator?¡± They all nodded and scooted their chairs several feet away from the scene.


    For the love of fucking Tendia, is this place no different?! I would have been better off in Nesta in this case!¡­ I could have his body hidden by the moonrise.


    Before she thought further about her plan, a centaur sitting between Aliza and Olif gets up and swings directly for the creep catfolk. His hit had so much force it knocked him back 20 feet into another group of people who proceeded to jump him. Tail pulling, fur ripping, kicking, stomping, it was brutal. All you could hear from her perpetrator was hissing and screaming. Aliza was in shock from this display of violence. Is this allowed in Syris?


    ¡°Ahh, public flogging. Perfect punishment. You may not want to stick around to witness this display, Miss Menona. I¡¯ll escort you to your room.¡± Olif tells her while directing her to the stairs. She agreed without hesitation.


    Aliza was trying to wrap her head around that entire interaction. One minute she¡¯s laughing and conversing with the group, and after one rejection, reduced to an Ick. How does a slur like that just roll off the tongue? And after saying no to a dance?


    Are people just fucked in the head at birth? Or is it taught by their ignorant parents?


    ¡°I understand your anger Miss Menona. But please know that this situation is being taken care of.¡±


    Aliza snaps out of her thoughts and turns to Olif. Her hidden furl is not so hidden anymore.


    ¡°I doubt that you can understand my plight. I thought I escaped that word. Just saying no makes me a- ugh¡­ but, it surprises me seeing people more angry than me. Why would they care?¡±


    ¡°I guess our King is a better leader than most give him credit for. He has been trying to combat hate crimes towards Icarian people for years. Even as we stand with the conflict, he doesn¡¯t want any of his citizens to go through what you just went through.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± She had heard of the Syris King wanting to make better negotiations with Icurus for immigration. But the King Taurus, the last King of Icurus, was at best lazy, at worst incompetent. Even when it came to hate crimes or hate speech against his own people in his own country, the people were punished for retaliating. Whether it be raising your voice or punching the perpetrator. You were thrown into the dungeon and the perpetrator walked away freely. The King¡¯s excuse: not wanting to stir the pot more with the other countries. It was intriguing seeing so many people stand up for her after something like that.


    ¡°Miss Menona¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Thank you for saving me back there. I¡¯m¡­ not exactly¡­used to guards standing up for the people.¡±


    A small smile slowly grew on Olifs lips. ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad to be of service. If you wish to report him, I just need your signature on this citation.¡± He says pulling out a small leather notebook, and turning to a blank, pre-written page. With a heavy sigh, she signed the citation. And with a small smile and nod, walked into her room and locked the door.


    Aliza took three steps in and eyed her old clothes by the waste bin. Those old tattered rags and worn-out boots. Her heart skipped, and a flash of puddles on an uneven cobblestone street flashed in her mind. She blinked. A tanned man in teal and gold robes glared and pointed down at her. ¡°Inbred Ick.¡± She blinked and snarled. Another flash of black and red striped scarves. She blinked. A figure towering over her, staring her down from his faceless shadow.


    ¡°Backstabbing bitch.¡± it echoed into her soul.


    Aliza began to hyperventilate as her mental fortitude was slipping. But then¡­ nothing¡­but¡­black. One moment, she was staring at her old clothes. The next moment, a flash of the crew she sailed with crossed her mind¡ªtheir kindness and warmth, the laughs and experiences they shared, the first bit of genuine kindness she experienced before ever stepping foot on Syris soil. When she came to, most of her old clothes were torn to shreds and scattered all around the room.


    ¡°Wha¡­? What have I-?¡±


    Her fists trembled and she practiced her deep breathing to calm her rapid heartbeat. Looking down at her lap and heavy grip, she was about to rip the one piece of clothing she treasured. It was her green and white tunic and pants with brown strings. The clothing she served on the ship in mostly. The outfit that she escaped in. How could she possibly tear this up? She held it tightly to her chest, the faint smell of sea salt that made her nauseous for so long gave her comfort.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± She whispered. Taking a few more minutes, she regained herself. ¡°Almost everything from home is destroyed. But I will cherish you forever. ¡­At least I have more room in my bag for the new clothes now.¡± she dryly chuckled. She folded the clothes and carefully put them in her bag. She then reached in to grab her compact mirror and looked at herself.


    I look¡­normal, I guess. What does normal me even look like?


    ¡°That¡¯s a first. Blacking out?¡­I¡¯ll deal with that later.¡±


    With a blank mind, she cleaned up the room and herself and slumped into bed.


    A great morning¡­ hoped to have matched the evening.

 Chapter 5 - They Come at Night

    Aliza managed to get out of her room the next morning and journeyed downstairs for breakfast. She forgot she was still in her nightshirt but for all she cared, she was covered up. Getting to the dining hall, it was as if last night didn¡¯t happen. The table that the catfolk broke on impact was repaired. There is no fur or blood to be seen anywhere. Even some of the wait staff who were there that night were back and greeted her with kindness.


    This can¡¯t be normal¡­


    ¡°Miss Menona. Glad to see you came down.¡± Tohea called out from the bar. She gestured for Aliza to approach, which she did but slowly and slumped. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for what happened last night. Rolim and Olif called me about it after his arrest.¡±


    ¡°Ahh¡­ so he was arrested. I thought he would be slumped on the streets after that beating he took.¡±


    Tohea softly chuckled. ¡°Well I¡¯m sure he¡¯s slumped but he¡¯s in a cell awaiting trial,¡± Aliza smirked but quickly disappeared recounting last night. ¡°I assure you this is not a regular occurrence. The bastard was lucky I wasn¡¯t here.¡±


    ¡°Why weren¡¯t you?¡± Aliza asked bluntly. Tohea¡¯s lips curled and one of her brows raised. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry. I just¡­ I thought the Innkeeper¡­ lived in the Inn.¡±


    Tohea¡¯s brows furrowed as she continued to wipe down the bar. ¡°Not that it''s any of your business but I have a niece and a nephew that I raise. So I live somewhere else entirely while I have a night manager taking care of my guests.¡±


    Aliza¡¯s cheeks flushed and she started fidgeting her hands. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Just¡­ I thought I escaped such hate. It seemed as if it followed me here and I don¡¯t know how to feel about it.¡±


    There was an awkward pause between the women before Aliza adjusted herself to step away. With a grunt, Aliza¡¯s exit came to a pause.


    ¡°Listen Miss Menona. I don¡¯t give a fuck where you are from or what you have been through. Neither do most people here.  I¡¯ve seen every type of person cause chaos in my Tavern and where they are from did not matter. I won¡¯t even ask who started the confrontation because it''s clear as day. But if you''re going to let that one stupid person get to you then he got the exact reaction he was looking for. Furless or not. I would throw more appreciation to the people that kicked his ass for you than the prick rolling the slur but that¡¯s just me.¡±


    Aliza hung her head as she clasped her shaking hands. She wanted to scream that she didn¡¯t know what she was talking about. If only she knew what she experienced back in Icurus. What her experience was. But it would just be a circle game at this point. She wants to move on from her past and not be constantly reminded of it. And until people could understand, there was no use talking about it.


    ¡°I understand. And¡­ thank you.¡±


    Tohea nodded and continued with the cleanup. Aliza went to her usual corner table and ordered breakfast that just consisted of porridge, toast, and ale.


    Aliza stayed in her room for the majority of the day just constantly playing that night in her head. It was becoming daunting and annoying to replay like a broken record. Tossing and turning, trying to think of something else to occupy her mind. Anything else! Argos? Why think about that depressing despair of a city? Her father? Brothers? Rather not be reminded of them.


    Mother? Our farm. It seemed so long ago now. I miss our little herbal garden. Our small cabin by the sea. Her flowing hair. Her smile. I wish you were here.


    ¡°My favorite melody,¡± her mother called her. The memory of her lullaby came to mind as she closed her eyes and hummed her senses back in order.


    Aliza spent days in her room only coming out for her meals. Eating in her usual spot in her plain clothing and her hair wrapped in a bun. Looking around the dining hall to see smiling and joy-filled faces both made her angry and envious. Part of her wanted to mingle but her feet were frozen and her mouth dried at the thought. What if the next person calls her a disgusting slur too? A few people walked by her table and eyed her, only to look away quickly.


    Not good enough for them anymore?


    Fed up with the people and her own mind, Aliza paced out the Inn to go for a walk. She didn¡¯t know where to go, just as long as it was away from there. She wandered timelessly in the streets looking down at her feet, barely ever looking up to observe the settings around her. Even amongst the growing cold autumn air, it was no match for how hot her body was regulating. Her head buzzing and aching, the voices never silencing.


    Listen you Ick!             Inbred Ick¡­             BACKSTABBING B-


    ¡°Enough!¡± She shouted in the air.


    She opened her eyes and realized that she recognized none of the buildings around her. The sun had already set and all the colors of the town were now in shades of blue like the night sky.


    ¡°Fuck¡­ How did I¡­ Did I black out again?¡± She growled to herself. Taking another - more careful - look around, she looked to be in a residential area. Small family houses were close-knit to each other, a street light on each corner of every block, and every other house had a huge tree in front of it. ¡°Ok¡­ I could just go backward from where I came from. I remember¡­ umm¡­ maybe that way?¡± She walks back up to the closest intersected block from her and follows the street, for several blocks. Making turns everywhere she could, nothing that she saw resembled the market square, the docks, or the Twin Barrels. Panic started to arise, then froze when she glanced down an alley and saw a tall shadowy figure of a man, just standing there.


    Aliza¡¯s eyes squinted as she took a few steps toward the ally. Praying that it may be a guard¡­ or someone¡­ who could redirect her to the main streets.


    ¡°Excuse me!¡± She called out.


    The figure said nothing. Continued to stand there.


    ¡°Hey there! Umm¡­ does that street lead to the market square?¡±


    The figure said nothing.


    ¡°Excuse me, sir?¡±Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Aliza took two steps in the alley when the man slowly turned his body toward her. Aliza stopped her pace to observe the man''s next move. From the quick side profile of his shadow, she saw strands of short coily hair at the front of his head. Her blood stilled, her feet cemented in place.


    ¡°There¡¯s¡­there¡¯s no way¡­¡± she said breathlessly.


    The man took one step towards her, she took a step back. Her body was shaking beyond relief. He took another step, Aliza stepped back. She looked all around for a guard, a pedestrian, anyone. Then¡­ the man sprinted to her. Aliza gasped and ran from the alley. Blurs of yellow light and dark blue buildings filled her sight. She turned to other streets desperate, trying to find her way back but failing. She barely looked back¡­ and the figure was gone. Heavily breathing while leaning on a light pole, she gripped her heart tightly, her legs numb, her blood cold as ice.


    Was that¡­ it couldn¡¯t have been. He¡¯s-


    Before Aliza could think further, she looked up to see that same figure standing 20 feet away from her. A wicked smile grew on his face. She tripped and fell backwards and scurried back on her feet running opposite of this figure. More blurs of lights and houses crossed her vision but all that was screaming at her was to get away. Far away. She took another turn and darted down an ally. Dashing down and throwing some rogue crates over to slow her pursuer. Daring to look back again, she tripped on her skirt, rolled on her shoulder, and tumbled 10 feet into the side of a fountain knocking her head into it.


    Barely turning on her back, vision blurred, her body in prickling pain, a figure stood over her. In a weakened tone said, ¡°Jal¡­ please¡­ don¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Miss? Miss, are you alright?¡± The figure touched her head. ¡°You''re bleeding! Help! Someone, she needs a doctor!¡±


    Several lights blurred together, several voices melding into a ring, and then¡­ darkness.


    Two days later¡­


    ¡°Uggghhhhhh¡­. What¡­ where am I?¡± She groaned out as bright lights hazed her vision.


    As it adjusted, she saw a figure in all white with seemingly a hat with a red symbol on it.


    ¡°Dr. Fahana! She¡¯s awake!¡±


    Closing her eyes and taking deep breaths, she tries to focus her mind. All she could think about was the writhing pain her head and arm were in. Opening her eyes, she saw a flash of a man with ebony skin and coily hair. Her eyes widened and she gasped for air as she willed herself in the far corner of a¡­ bed?


    ¡°Please don¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°Whoa, there ma¡¯am! I¡¯m here to help not hurt.¡± The man spoke to her. His voice was low and smooth, very calming. Aliza¡¯s vision cleared and what was in front of her was a man with a distressed look on his face. Ebony skin, Long pointed ears, square jawline, curly hair, blueish green eyes, and a doctor''s coat. ¡°Ma¡¯am please, that blow to the head is serious. I don¡¯t want you to strain yourself.¡±


    Aliza lightly nodded and flinched as the pain riled up again. She tried to correct herself but almost fell over on her left side. The doctor caught her in time. As she looked down, she saw her arm was in a sling and bandaged. The doctor and nurse carefully adjusted her in bed, propping her up on a soft cushioned pillow.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I thought you were¡­ someone else.¡± Aliza groaned out.


    ¡°From what the witness said that night, it sounds like you were giving your pursuer one hell of a chase. You give cheetahs something to strive towards.¡±


    Aliza breathly chuckles cringing through the throbbing pain.


    ¡°What is¡­ your name?¡±


    ¡°Fahana. Dr. Cailu Fahana.¡±


    ¡°Fa-ha-na.¡±


    ¡°There you go. Mind if I ask yours?¡±


    Aliza slowly blinked, fighting both the pain and staying conscious.


    ¡°Aliza¡­ Menona.¡±


    ¡°Lovely name Miss Menona. Or is it Mrs.?¡± She shook her head at the question. His bright white smile managed to calm her and make her return hers. She went to scratch her forehead when she felt the bandages around her head.


    ¡°Mmmm¡­ what happened to me?¡±


    Dr. Fahana¡¯s face fell to a serious expression before sitting beside her.


    ¡°You took a nasty fall. Fractured your shoulder and wrist. Finally hitting your head on the side of the Market Square fountain. Left a small laceration on your scalp that we had to stitch up. Lucky for you, your arm was the only thing fractured.¡±


    Aliza¡¯s brows furrowed looking down on her fractured arm and lightly grasping it. That shadow figure flashed in her mind¡­ with that wicked smile. Dr. Fahana noticed her eyes dilate suddenly. But he knew that it was not because of her injuries.


    ¡°The witness also said that as he approached you, you called out someone¡¯s name. Was that the person pursuing you?¡±


    ¡°He is¡­was¡­ someone¡­ I knew¡­ a long time ago. He¡­ he¡­¡± tears began to fall down her face. Silent sobs started to grow louder, and a vacant blank stare crossed her face. Dr. Fahana then placed his hand on hers, and a warm, bright light emanated from him. The radiating glow brought instant comfort like a mother¡¯s embrace. Her sobs grew silent, and her head became light and painless. She looked back at him with curiosity.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ve been a devoted cleric for a good portion of my adult years. It looked like you needed comfort. I apologize for overstepping.¡±


    Aliza¡¯s head tilted closer to him, ¡°To whom¡­ do you pray?¡±


    ¡°Tendia. Let''s just say the person I was before would be swimming in the seas of the Abyss. I was given a second chance, and I took it. Now¡­ now I get to help souls like you get their second chance.¡±


    ¡°How do you-¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t Miss Menona. But judging from the distress this person gave you, speaks volumes. No one deserves that. I don¡¯t know your story, but I hope that you heal from your past.¡±


    Aliza slowly blinked and smiled at the kind doctor. She squeezed his hand never wanting that warm embrace to go.


    ¡°Thank¡­ you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. We¡¯re going to keep you here for the remainder of the week for observation. Want to make sure you''re sane in the membrane before we free you, Ok?¡±


    Aliza chuckled hard enough to flinch but it was worth it. She gently nodded her head and the doctor''s grasp released, leaving the air cold once again as he walked out the door. The nurse stayed and looked over Aliza¡¯s vitals and bandages, all with a warmth in her smile.


    ¡°Are you a woman of faith Miss Menona?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No. Haven¡¯t practiced my faith in a long time,¡± she answers plainly.


    ¡°Oh. I apologize. I was going to suggest our chapel if you ever wanted to visit. I just thought¡­¡±


    ¡°I thank you¡­ for the suggestion miss. I¡¯ll consider it.¡± her voice grew very tired and weary. She looks to the window behind the nurse¡¯s station, the cloudy sky and the whistle of wind blowing the branches every way it could.


    The nurse nodded and the awkwardness stilled the room. The whistling wind made the pain in her head rile up again. ¡°Ahhh¡­ isn¡¯t there a healing potion you can give me?¡±


    ¡°Those are only regulated to soldiers and miners, Miss.¡±


    ¡°Really? Why?¡±


    ¡°They are meant for quick healing on a battlefield or when there¡¯s no physician close by. Plus all the addictive chemicals in it make the body less reliant on itself to heal the more often you use it.¡±


    Aliza stiffened as her brows furled letting out a soft growl. The nurse pauses hearing this while also seeing Aliza¡¯s freed fist clench.


    All those years¡­ Rakkan you son of a bitch.


    ¡°Miss¡­ I should inform you of something.¡±

 Chapter 6 - Softened Shell

    Bedridden for 5 days, only now being given the chance to stand on her feet. With the help of the nurses and Dr. Fahana, she got the strength to walk on her own. It was an awkward feeling not being able to use her left arm for added support. But with the new information about health potions the nurse educated her about, she had a new sense of pride to now let her body do the healing. She was proud that all her head injury amounted to was a scratch on her scalp. It felt worse than it looked. The scratch would leave a scar but nowhere noticeable.


    Aliza explained to the staff of her immigration situation and was anxious that she would not be able to notify anyone about her whereabouts. Lucky for her, Olif, yet again off duty, heard the cry of the witness and rushed to her side. He took her to the hospital and only came to the front desk daily for updates on her condition. They offered to call him so that she could have an escort back to the Inn as she wasn¡¯t completely confident to walk the streets by herself again. He agreed and would be waiting for her on her discharge date.


    After giving her two bottles of medication to take, Aliza signed the last of her papers ready to get back into her bed.


    ¡°Understood Dr.¡±


    ¡°One more thing. Your nurse already let me know of your religious standings. But, wanted to let you know there are temples across Syris not just of Tendia, but others like Bahamut and Ymir and Odin if you ever want to visit. Just letting you know. It¡¯s important to heal the mind and spirit as well as the body.¡±


    Aliza¡¯s neutral mood turned solemn and dreary as he said that. He means well but¡­ with what she had gone through, how could she have faith? ¡­Like how her mother once taught her to have?


    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­give it some thought. Thank you though for your help.¡±


    ¡°Of course. If your pain doesn¡¯t improve or you start to run a fever, come back and see me, ok?¡±


    Aliza nods and dimly smiles.


    The doctor lightly taps her back and she paces out of the building. Olif stood waiting by the stairs in his civilian attire, his red hair gleaming in the sunlight. Aliza pattered down the stairs while cradling her slung arm, the feeling of embarrassment and shame started to grow.


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m terribly sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine Miss Menona. I have no quarrels whatsoever. How are you feeling?¡±


    Aliza¡¯s brows raised before dipping her head to look back at her arm.


    ¡°I¡¯m ok. At least as far as a fractured arm could be. I still have migraine spells now and again but as far as anything serious, they said I¡¯m in the clear.¡±


    Olif cringed at the fractured arm part. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that. At least it¡¯s not broken. I broke my forearm sparing once. My buddies still call me Boomerang to this day.¡± Aliza snorted and covered her mouth. The gesture got a hearty chuckle from Olif.


    ¡°I guess I got lucky there. I¡¯m usually more graceful than this.¡±


    ¡°Eh, accidents happen. Just glad to know it wasn¡¯t more serious. Tohea was worried when I told her you had been in a coma for two days.¡±


    Aliza¡¯s head flicked up to meet Olifs gaze. Her eyes were wide and her brows raised. ¡°She was¡­ worried?¡±


    Olif¡¯s face morphed into confusion. ¡°Yes. You surprised?¡±


    ¡°Well, she hardly knows me. And last week we had a¡­ disagreement¡­ we haven¡¯t spoken to each other since. I thought she¡­¡±


    ¡°No, she cares. But she¡¯s also the type that gives as much energy as she receives. You saw that when you met her.¡±


    Remembering the short and straight-to-the-point attitude she had when Aliza was bashful, to the kind and playful energy when she became more comfortable and confident crossed Aliza¡¯s mind. The wash of realization couldn¡¯t come clearer to Olif.


    ¡°Listen, I don¡¯t know what the people of Icurus are like but know that the majority of people are not like that racist idiot. Not everyone here is like those in Icurus. I hope you¡¯ll learn that. If publicly flogging the fucker doesn¡¯t speak volumes I don¡¯t know what will.¡± Olif said.


    Aliza clutched her arm more firmly while looking at the ground.


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry¡­¡± she spoke timidly.


    Olif sighs while rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°It¡¯s neither here nor there. Ready to go?¡±


    Aliza nods and they start their journey back to the tavern. Like days prior, she could barely look up to notice the scenery around her. They passed the market square when someone with a large box dropped it by the fountain and wrote ¡°FREE¡± on it. Aliza glances at it to see the box filled to the brim with books. From what she could tell, they were used and old. Some could probably be old prayer books, maybe mysteries, one book was cut off but its spine gleamed with gold, white, and green.


    ¡°Ummm¡­ excuse me?¡± She timidly spoke. Olif turned on his heel slowly, that blank stare still on his face. ¡°Is it¡­ok¡­ that I take¡­ whatever is in that box back with me?¡± She points to the box of interest. His eye flicks between the box and Aliza and he is about to reject and continue their journey back to the inn. But something about her sorrow-filled face made him¡­ pity the woman. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    Aliza nodded and darted back to the box for a look. Most of the books were gems. Tales of Witches, The Split of Sardior: The Birth of Gem Dragons, Sherlock Holmes Volumes 1 and 2, Runes for Beginners, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and several textbooks on economics, mythology, and culinary arts. At the very bottom of the box were a few types of stationary with blank notebooks, some pencils that had their tips broken, a sharpener, and one black and silver fountain pen.


    Why would anyone throw these away?


    In the middle of her deciding which gem to take, Olif came from behind her without a word and neatly put back all the books and supplies she took out.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± She asked.


    He then lifted the box and extended his hand, ¡°Why not have them all? Let''s go.¡±


    Finally reaching the Inn, the stares didn¡¯t stop staring at Aliza in her new broken state. Flushed and feeling a Migraine rear its ugly head, she wanted to get to her room as fast as possible. Before they passed the bar, a familiar voice called out.


    ¡°Miss Menona! Glad to see you back!¡± Tohea called out.


    Aliza startled jerked her head to her voice as the clacks of her hooves swiftly approached her. Tohea gazed down to her arm and her brows furrowed. ¡°That must have been one hell of a fall you took to be strapped like this. Are you ok?¡±


    Looking back to Olif, he gives her a nod and a wink. Turning back to Tohea, a soft smile grew on her face.


    ¡°As good as a fractured arm can be.¡± Aliza chuckles. ¡°I¡¯m a lot more graceful than this. I swear.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should take up monk training in that case. Or befriend a nimbus cloud.¡± The three laughed along with some nearby patrons. Aliza flinched as the pain in her arm flared and spikes of pain entered her head. She falls forward but Tohea manages to catch her firmly in her arms. ¡°You¡¯re ailments aren''t done with you yet. Olif, I can take the crate if you can carry her up.¡±


    ¡°Nnn- no. I can walk. Just need¡­ a moment.¡± Aliza stammered.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. Olif.¡±


    With a smooth transition, the crate was passed to Tohea and Olif scooped Aliza in his arms. Too weak to fight back, her head fell into his chest, her eyes closed temporarily losing consciousness. When her eyes opened, she was tucked in her bed with her books sitting between her bed and her desk.


    ¡°Thank you, my friend,¡± Tohea says to Oliff.


    ¡°Anytime.¡± He returns. He looks back to Aliza¡¯s dreary eyes. ¡°Get well soon Miss Menona.¡±


    He turns to leave out the door when Aliza speaks again. ¡°Thank you¡­ for all that you¡¯ve done for me. I appreciate your help. Truly.¡± With a quick nod and what looked to be a small smirk, he closed the door behind him.


    Tohea takes a feel of Aliza¡¯s forehead and props her to give her medication. She also tells her that her staff will be up in a few hours with some soup. She managed to nod before Tohea took her leave.


    ¡°Tohea¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡­ for everything¡­¡±


    The warmth radiated from Tohea¡¯s smile that eased Aliza to sleep.


    Tohea switches off the lights and whispers, ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± as she leaves and locks the door.


    A few days later¡­


    Aliza looked over all her new books and couldn¡¯t think where to start first. Luckily she had nowhere to be. What does one do when you have all the time in the world? Learn more about it! She picked up the Sardior book which was bright red and leather bound, the silhouette of a dragon with horn, teeth, and tongue as black as obsidian. Grazing her finger against the eyes and horns, it was smooth and chilled to the touch. Flipping through the pages, it had an old paper smell that satisfied her senses.


    ¡°Let''s start with you, shall we? I have almost 30 years of¡­ well everything to catch up on.¡±


    By the time Aliza got to a stopping point in her studies, it was well into the night. The moon shone brightly in her window the sky and the stars lighted the galaxy around them. Aliza couldn¡¯t admire them for long when her stomach loudly gurgled.


    ¡°Oh yeah. I didn¡¯t eat lunch today.¡± She says rubbing her stomach soothingly. Tension and heat ran up her spine when the thought of going downstairs suddenly froze her. The various looks that she would most likely get. Possibly judgemental. Who are they to¡­


    ¡°Ugh¡­ this is stupid. If people are going to talk, fucking let them. That steak had been calling my name for ages!¡± Willing herself out of pure spite, she grabbed one of her mythology books, swung open the door, and strode downstairs.


    Aliza looked at her usual spot and her eye and lip twitched. She looked around the hall to see about other empty tables to at least be able to be with her book and food in piece. None were available, but there was a seat by someone who looked to be nose-deep in a book as well a couple of tables away from the bar.


    I hope they won¡¯t mind having a reading buddy for the night.


    Aliza lightly tapped them on the shoulder accidentally startling them out of their world. She was an elven druid with a flower crown with bright pink roses and deep blue eyes emphasized by her black circular glasses.


    ¡°Gods I¡¯m sorry! I was¡­ I was going to ask if it was ok if I sat at your table. But I¡¯ll just leave you alone.¡±


    ¡°No, please! I don¡¯t mind. Go ahead.¡± The druid stops Aliza, a timid look in her eyes.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Aliza sat her book down and took her seat. The two did not spare a second glance as the druid got back into her book. As Aliza read, her eyes couldn¡¯t help but flick up to know what got her reading buddy so invested. It looked to be a textbook of some kind. Maybe a spellbook? The druid''s eyes were focused and intent, she spared no one in the room any glances. Moments later, she opened her bag without looking, and a notebook magically floated in front of her and opened a blank page. The curious cat Aliza kept holding her book in front of her face but the magic that was just shown was now more intriguing than¡­ what was his name¡­ Thor?


    The druid''s eyes flicked up to Aliza whose cheeks instantly turned rosy as she redirected her gaze to her book.


    ¡°I¡¯m-sorry. Ignore me.¡±


    The druid let out a slight chuckle. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you''re from Icurus judging by your surprise.¡± Aliza nodded, still not putting her book down.


    Great what is she about to say?


    ¡°...would you like to learn a little?¡± She asked. Aliza¡¯s eyes sparked as she gently put her book down. She nods. ¡°Arabella.¡± she greets extending her hand.


    ¡°Aliza.¡±

 Chapter 7 Time for Work

    It had been just over a month since Aliza¡¯s tumble and fall. On the rare outing that she would have a night, she could see the aberration staring her down in the alleys. But from that point on, she would make sure she was in the busy streets while being mindful of her surroundings. She still never told anyone what or who she was running from. The guards had tried to launch an investigation but had little evidence to go off of. And with Aliza not forthcoming on testimonials, the subject was dropped.


    Her shoulder and wrist healed up nicely, and in just 4 weeks, she was able to carefully function without her sling. At her 6-week mark, Dr. Fahana cleared her with a clean bill of health. He didn¡¯t ask at all about her potential visits to the temples or cathedrals, but he could see her mental healing when she went on a small tangent about the books she read in the meantime. He laughed and commended her for staying busy while highly recommending to read more on Sardior and Bahamut when she could.


    Bahamut¡­ now where have I heard that name before?


    Returning to her room to grab gold for another month of rent and lunch money, she reached into her pack for one of her pouches, for a nervous vibration to hum her body as she looked. 8 bags of coins left. And one of those bags only had 3 GP left.


    ¡°Where did all my money go?! I couldn¡¯t have-¡± Looking around the room, her back stiffened and her head filled with regret. A wardrobe that was overfilled with clothes and shoes, bags of new makeup on the floor, a box of brand new books and stationary next to the crate of used books, and remembering in her bathroom of all the new skin and hair care that probably wasn¡¯t needed if she were honest to herself. ¡°Gods, was I this bad before? Then again I didn¡¯t need to think about it when I lived in the manor. Ugh¡­ what to do now? I¡¯ll be broke by the end of next month if I keep going at this rate.¡± Aliza said while pulling her hair back from her now sweaty forehead. Feeling the attack that would claim her mind and heart, she gathered herself for her breathing exercises.


    In through the nose, out through the mouth. Find your center. There we go.


    With one final breath, she looked at her collection and thought not to worry about it at that moment. At least, not until after lunch.


    A plain chicken sandwich with steamed vegetables and ale was all that she cared to spend on. She had to be a bit frugal from this point on, though she would miss the flavors of the more expensive items on the menu. But why should people have to pay extra for flavor? Better yet, why was the menu so¡­ limited for an Inn?


    For breakfast, it''s just porridge and toast. It¡¯s leftover soup, chicken pasta, or a sandwich for lunch. And for dinner, it¡¯s the steak bites, seafood platter, or yet again soup. Then again, most people come for the bards or drinks. I¡¯m sure more would come if the food was better.


    ¡°Mind if we join you?¡± A low voice asked snapping Aliza out of her thoughts. Looking over her shoulder was Olif and a few men she worked with on the ship, Tabby, Sean, and Luke. One that she was close to was Thomas Malley, a skinny man with shaggy brown hair and brown eyes. His appetite put Orges to shame, he once ate ate 5 plates of dinner in one sitting. He was also known as the ¡°ship dad¡±. Breaking up fights, making sure everyone eats before him, and despite his size was one of the strongest people on the ship. He made sure that Aliza was as safe and comfortable as possible while being on a ship with nothing but men. She was forever grateful that someone like him was there to protect her.


    ¡°Thomas! Hi! Long time no see!¡± Aliza exclaimed embracing him.


    ¡°Well, that shy girl is unrecognizable now. You look great.¡± Thomas complimented.


    ¡°Yeah, had to clean up the drap. Much better look on me.¡± He and Olif chuckle.


    ¡°And what do we look like? Chameleons? Give us some love too!¡± Luke said tapping Aliza¡¯s shoulder. With that warm smile, she embraced each man tightly and felt her vibrations heighten. After the men ordered their food, they spent the next hour catching up with each other. Tabby, Sean, and Luke gushed about their families and what they did for Halloween. Dressing up as dragons and ghosts and royalty as they went trick or treating. Sean went to his in-laws in Hania and spent the day making popcorn balls for the trick-or-treaters and reading ghost stories to his kids.


    ¡°Ok, I¡¯m glad that there are those similarities between our countries.¡±


    ¡°Really? What does Icurus do?¡± Sean asked.


    ¡°Make treats for trick-or-treaters dress up, the usual. In Argos, we would have home decorating contests. The best and scariest house won a grand prize of 400 gold!¡±


    ¡°Impressive! You ever took part in it?¡± Olif asked.


    ¡°No. Exterior design isn¡¯t my specialty. Even my pumpkins looked like it was attacked by birds.¡± The table snorts and laughs. ¡°I tried to improvise and make it look like a zombie but¡­ a zombie would be insulted by my work. I just decorate the interior and cook for the holiday.¡±


    ¡°You can cook?¡± Olif asked curiously.


    ¡°Hell yeah, she can! She made these pots of collard greens that had the whole ship drool. What shocked us the most was that Sean here only had one bowl!¡± Luke exclaimed.


    Olif rounded at his friend.


    ¡°It¡¯s true. It was filling.¡±


    ¡°It was all we had for dinner that last week. Our captain practically licked the pot clean.¡± Olif turned surprised to Aliza who had her blushing and turning away. Luke seeing the exchange grew a cheeky smile at the corner of his mouth and leaned into Olif. ¡°She¡¯s gonna make someone a lucky husband one day I always said.¡±


    Aliza was practically a tomato when the table erupted in laughter. Luke was like an instigating older brother, but she still loved him for it.


    ¡°Gods can you be more embarrassing.¡±


    ¡°You still love me, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°So yes. I can be. Try me!¡± The table laughed.


    Seeing her sad excuse for lunch that was hardly touched, Olif leaned over to Aliza, ¡°Not hungry?¡±


    ¡°Mmmm¡­ not really. More like¡­ it''s plain. Though I¡¯m trying to be more frugal with my spending.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, I see. Finally hitting the bottom of the well?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Would any of you know about job openings around here? I need to ensure I have enough for the immigration judge next month.¡±


    The men looked around the room pondering. Aliza couldn¡¯t help but be anxious about their silence.


    ¡°Unfortunately there are no permanent positions open as far as I know. But there are odd jobs you could pick up.¡± Olif said.


    ¡°The docks always take people to help with the cargo and ship maintenance. Could ask Holstic about that.¡± Tabby said.


    ¡°The lumber mill is also a good place to start. They¡¯re not hiring per se but they pay by the log.¡± Luke informed. ¡°That is if you don¡¯t mind getting those pretty manicured nails dirty.¡± He then mocks snapping his wrists femininely.


    Though there were chuckles, Aliza''s neutral and calculated face quickly turned the others silent. She just needed enough to get through the next few months depending expectations of this immigration judge. Aliza had asked around estimating what she usually charges for her services. Depending on who she talked to said anywhere from 100 GP to 500 GP.


    If I can find good work, I can probably set aside the rest of my stash for a down payment on a house. Don¡¯t want to be reliant on the inn forever.


    Snapping back into the moment, Aliza¡¯s smirk flicked to the corner of her mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I can make physical labor look good.¡± She cheekily replies admiring her hands.


    ¡°Then come,¡± Sean says grabbing her plate and huffing the lunch down in one breath. ¡°We can take you to Holstic now.¡±


    The grumpy red-headed dwarf was barking orders at one of the repairmen for one of the ships from Sia. Just like when she first arrived, the men addressed him like he was captain of the guard. Though the smoke from his pipe that the wind wafted to their faces they could go without. Once dismissed, Holistic turned to see the five men accompanied by Aliza in the middle of them.


    His brow raised upon seeing them and narrowed down at Aliza.


    ¡°Welcome back men. Who''s this with you?¡±


    The sailors giggled, ¡°You remember Aliza don¡¯t you? The Icurus stowaway?¡±


    And like before, his face remained neutral, though the hidden shock wasn¡¯t lost upon Aliza¡¯s gaze. ¡°Nice to see you clean up girl. What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°I was looking for work sir. I was told you always look for extra hands to help on the docks.¡±


    ¡°You would be right. Never too many hands on deck when it comes to cargo. Though our next shipments don¡¯t arrive for another week. But, I need more hands-on sail repairs. Would you be able to return tomorrow morning for that?¡± Holistic asks while prepping more tobacco in his pipe.


    So quickly. I like it.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°Absolutely sir!¡±


    ¡°Very good. I¡¯ll have my assistant jot you down as help for tomorrow. If you''re looking for other work, uhh- the lumber mill will pay by the log. They close at 7.¡±


    ¡°Ok, I can change and head up there now.¡±


    ¡°Good for you. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me. NO, YOU IDIOTS! YOU SWING THAT PIPE THERE YOUR GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN WILL BE WORKING FOR ME!¡±


    The group masked their snorts as they walked out of the docks. Walking back down the main street, Aliza held her chest a little higher.


    ¡°That was fast. I didn¡¯t think work came this easily.¡±


    ¡°Odd jobs come easy. Just be careful while you''re at the sawmill. You¡¯ll be learning a new form of labor from those men.¡± Thomas sternly informed like the ship dad he was.


    ¡°I mean it can¡¯t be that hard, could it? Just chopping wood, right?¡±


    The sailors burst out in laughter bellowing throughout the street. Olif facepalmed, praying that Aliza wasn¡¯t serious. But the deer caught by a hunter look plastered on her face said otherwise.


    ¡°Oh you¡¯ll see when you get there girl,¡± Luke said lighting his laughter.


    ¡°Hey, my next post is on the way to the mill. If you hurry and change, I can escort you there. Sergeant Kalan needs to know that you''re picking up work anyway.¡± Olif offers.


    ¡°Sure! Thank you. I¡¯ll be down in a minute.¡±


    ¡°Before you dash off, we need to be getting back home. It was nice to see you again Aliza.¡± Thomas said. A warm smile curved her lips as she and the other sailors joined in a group hug. ¡°See you next Welden!¡±


    With that final goodbye, she raced to her room, changed into a plain white tunic, black pants, and boots, and was back outside in two minutes.


    Olif was astonished, ¡°I don¡¯t think a fireman can dress faster than you!¡± He jests.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little talent I have.¡± she nervously says.


    Olif shook his head but then drifted his eyes from her boots to her face. Something about her presence made him so¡­ relaxed, calm, and warm. Her innocent demeanor made him feel oddly protective of her as well. As they walked down the street and eye-peered at her, he found himself glaring at spectators with not-so-pure thoughts. Looking at Aliza, she seemed oddly oblivious to the lustful glances towards her. Did she not see? Or does it not bother her? Either way, he didn¡¯t mind being her watchful eye for now.


    Making it to the lumber mill, Olif gave Aliza a solid pat on the back before taking his leave.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to it. You kept in mind the route to get back right?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I won¡¯t get lost this time I promise.¡±


    Olif chuckled, ¡°I hope not. I¡¯ll see you around Aliza.¡±


    ¡°You too.¡± Aliza grins, and a bright rouge grows on Olifs face when he turns to leave.


    The mill was massive compared to the ones in Icurus. A large house with a water wheel in the back occupies the majority of the river. It looked to be their private river with the dame on one side. Up the stairs to the sawmill showed a huge pile of to-be-cut logs stacked to an impressive pyramid. At the bottom were the freshly cut logs were was a stump and axe where some stray smaller logs scattered. Some of the workers were lugging more logs up the stairs while others tended to wheel maintenance and gathering wood from storage to wrap and transport to the city.


    I should have asked where to go from here.


    Seeing a big burly firbolg standing at the top of the sawmill, she figured she could ask him how this was done. She was already nervous about the physical aspect of this job, just going up the stairs was taking the wind out of her. Getting to the top, she saw that the firblog was napping with his arms crossed. He was tall, at least 6 or 7 feet, with greyish blue skin, and chestnut brown hair and beard. His neck and arms were hulking, and his nose had a reddish hugh at the tip and around the nostrils. His loud snores made her chortle, but she straightened up before lightly tapping his shoulder.


    ¡°Excuse me, sir?¡± she softly said.


    He nearly chokes on his spit as he shakes himself out of his restful coma.


    ¡°Oh! I¡¯m sorry sir.¡± Aliza quickly steps back.


    ¡°Huh-what? Oh! Welcome to Wooden Fates Lumbermill. I¡¯m Herris Thure. How can I help you?¡± His deep raspy voice greets. Still keeping his arms crossed he eyes down the confused young woman.


    ¡°N-nice to meet you. I¡¯m new around here, I heard you charge by the log?¡±


    ¡°Yes. For every log you chop, it''s 5 gold.¡± He steps to a box of hooks and searches for a sizable one for her. He finds a small one with a rugged grip that was already giving her calluses. But she was confused as to why he was giving her the hook.


    ¡°Umm, sir¡­ what am I supposed to do with this?¡±


    He returned her confused look with his own with a hint of irritation in his eyes.


    ¡°Haul the log? What else?¡±


    She looked at the pile below the mill and thought, Oh it must be to carry the sliced ones to the stump. Odd. I could carry those but must be a safety precaution.


    As she walked away, Herris grabbed her arm and stared down intently. ¡°Where do you think you''re going?¡± He growled.


    Aliza''s fight instincts kicked in as she yanked her arm from his grasp and glared. ¡°What does it look like? I¡¯m going to haul the logs there.¡± She points to the cutting table below.


    Herris heavily groans while pinching the bridge of his nose. ¡°Oh¡­ you''re one of those privileged princesses.¡±


    ¡°What did you call me?¡± She snarls.


    ¡°Here.¡± he grabs his hook and steps to the pyramid. ¡°Like this.¡±


    He hooks one of the logs at the top of the pyramid and pulls and hauls it onto his shoulder. He steps to the cutter and rolls the log over his back and shoulders and drops the log in place. He then walks to a lever that when pulled, turns on the machine and moves the log down the middle to be sawn in half and drops down to the bottom to be cut in down more.


    Aliza¡¯s face paled and stilled. The log had to be at least a ton! How could someone as small as her lift something like that?


    ¡°Well, princess?¡±


    Her eyes narrowed and she growled at the now smirking firbolg. Now she just had something to prove to the arrogant lumberman.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that! Fine! It should be easy in this case.¡± She huffed and stormed to the other logs. She hooked onto one of the logs, but she couldn¡¯t move the damn thing no matter how hard she pulled. Flexing all her arm muscles and grunting, there was no moving the accursed log. Herris walked over to the struggling young woman and leaned his forearm on the pyramid.


    ¡°If you want to strain your shoulders and triceps keep trying. No. Use your legs and core to pull and lift.¡± Flicking her eyes to him for a second, the confused look returned.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Your abs princess. Power with your abs and use your leg strength to pull and support the log on your back.¡± he shows her the proper stance to take for it and the movement that should be seamless.


    Still getting a grumble out of her for the name, she did as was instructed and prepared to do it again. One deep breath, she pulls and her thighs and calves flex with all their strength. Her core flexed and hardened as if she were about to haul a cart of barrels. With one swift movement, the log was free from the pile. Aliza celebrated for a moment before catching the log and rolling it to her back. It was as heavy as she thought it was. It took all her strength just to keep it on her back and her buckling knees wanted to falter. Her back was screaming at the sudden force thrust upon it, she could barely step to put the log on the machine.


    ¡°What are you doing? Not on your spine! The shoulder princess! Shoulder!¡±


    In no position to argue, she managed to roll the log on one shoulder. With the last of her fortitude, shoved the log into the machine. Hunched and aching, she drudged to the lever and pulled it. She plopped down on the floor as if she got plowed by 100 Rothes fighting to get into the water on a hot summer day.


    ¡°That¡¯s one. Nine more to go, princess.¡±


    ¡°Fuck me¡­¡±


    She only managed to get one more log out of that. She nearly caved when moving the log to the machine. Herris had to support her the rest of the way. When it was off her shoulder, she rested her hands on her thighs hoping with enough grip, it could stop them from throbbing.


    ¡°Fuck it. I can let it slide for now. Now you just need to cut them for payment.¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­ you said¡­ 5 GP¡­ for each piece?¡± Huffs and gasps for air. Herris nodded gesturing her down the stairs. ¡°Th-thank you.¡±


    Each step down the 15-step stairs felt like someone lighting a match under her muscles. She hadn¡¯t felt a burn like that in years yet, this was more intense than any training she had gone through. Even stepping on the grass to the stump, she could feel every dip and pebble underneath her boot and the burn radiated.


    Herris brought her all the logs she could cut. Just five and the gold was hers. He hands her an axe and gives her a concerned glance. Remembering the techniques of the lumberman back home, Aliza raises her axe and slices down on it. It hardly made much of a difference, the axe was stuck at the top and she came down on the log at an uneven angle. She managed to get the axe free and tried again. The cut was even, but only got the blade a quarter of the way through.


    ¡°You have a lot to learn princess.¡±


    ¡°Would you¡­ stop calling¡­ me that?¡± she growls clenching her teeth.


    ¡°When you¡¯re wiser, then I will.¡±


    ¡°What does that-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re using your arms again and not your core. You¡¯re strong enough in your arms to lift but there¡¯s no power in your core to cut all the way through. When you are about to come down, engage your core. You should be able to cut all the way through doing that.¡±


    Aliza¡¯s brow raised as she laid a hand on her stomach. Engage. She felt her abs tighten form into place. Giving a nod, Herris stepped out of her way. She lifted the axe in the air and kept repeating in her head, Keep engaging. Keep engaging. Swing. Slice. Thud. A perfect clean cut!


    ¡°Yes!¡± She screams in pure pride. A small grin flicked to Herris¡¯s mouth giving a soft nod. ¡°Give me the next one!¡±


    She managed to cut all 5 logs. Slumped on the side of the building sweating and covered in sawdust, she only thought of one thing. I hope this can get easier. Training with Father seems like a walk in the park now. Looking up to the sky, the once light sky now had the peaking of stars across it. Was I really here all evening?! For just 5 logs?!


    ¡°Here¡¯s your payment,¡± Herris said towering over Aliza. A small ouch with the lumber mill initials engraved on it with 25 GP inside. ¡°Don¡¯t spend it all at once princess.¡± He jesters as he turns back around and leisurely walks back to the shop.


    That does it! I don¡¯t care how long it takes to get stronger. I never want to hear princess ever again from him!


    Scorned (and incredibly sore) she took her leave back to the Twin Barrels. The night was quickly engulfing her with only the few guards she passed and the street lamps keeping her calm. Through every shadow she passed by until the light was exposed was convinced that it was her pursuer again. But the Band of Jackals couldn¡¯t have followed her here, could they? Crossing the waters for a debt doesn¡¯t seem in character for them. She pondered on this to herself several times until it quieted the ongoing voices of fear.


    ¡°No, even for Jal he wouldn¡¯t. That would mean exposing himself. He wouldn¡¯t take that risk for me.¡± The more she thought about it, the lighter her head became. And by new instinct, found her way back to the Inn safe and sound. The place was lively as always, and seeing the smiles on everyone''s faces warmed something in her. Seeing a group of workers who looked to be in a similar state as her, she strolled over and had dinner with them.


    22 GP to her name now. She was going to hold herself to that standard now that she was going to make things happen on her own from now on. Her stash would only be reserved for her future house. No piggybacks. But she only had enough energy for when she crossed her room''s threshold to strip naked and fall into bed face first.

 Chapter 8 - Try Again

    ¡°Uggghhhhh¡­ oh my back!¡± Aliza cried out.


    It was barely dawn when the stiffening pain woke her from her deep slumber. Mustering any constitution she had, pushed herself out of bed and was greeted by the musty smell of her pits and garden. She wished she could be a puppet on strings so someone else could do the walking for her to the bathroom.


    ¡°Just need¡­ Epsom salts¡­ and oil.¡± she cringed with every step. The smell of eucalyptus and rosemary calmed her while the salts did their work relieving her body of the aches and pains, giving her legs and arms a firm massage. ¡°When did my limbs become so knotty?¡±


    Feeling a little more nimble, she dressed herself and headed downstairs just in time for breakfast to start. It was the earliest she had come down for breakfast and it caught Tohea off guard coming into the dining hall to see Aliza in work clothes ordering breakfast. But also concerned her when she saw Aliza slowly and carefully sit herself down.


    ¡°Aliza, are you alright?¡± She said pacing to her table.


    ¡°Huh? Oh, Tohea! Yes, I¡¯m al-right.¡± Her voice pitched as she turned to Tohea.


    ¡°You look a bit¡­ stiff. Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ ok. I¡¯m trying to earn some gold for the immigrant judge next month. So I took up a couple of jobs yesterday. Well¡­ a job. I¡¯m heading to the other one after breakfast. I worked at the lumber mill yesterday.¡±


    Tohea belted out in laughter echoing in the dining hall, waking up all the other sleepy occupants in the room.


    ¡°That makes sense now. Why would you do that first?¡±


    Aliza cringily shrugs, ¡°I thought it would be easy.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you have a lot to learn Miss Menona.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what Herris said.¡± she grits her teeth and narrows her eyes.


    ¡°Yeah, he knows how to get under people''s skin. But he means well. Take what you can from him and you¡¯ll get used to it.¡± She pats her shoulder which sends a shock through Aliza¡¯s entire upper body. ¡°Sorry¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s ok.¡± She painfully lets out as buries her head in her arms.


    ¡°Just a little advice, stretch before work and after work no matter what the labor is. Your limbs will thank you later.¡±


    With a thumbs up, Tohea heads off to her office as a waitress brings over her porridge. Looking at the plain bowl, Aliza could only sigh and eat it as fast as she could.


    Just until I get my house.


    Taking to an empty part of the port, Aliza stretches as much as she can working out all the clicks and ticks in her joints and stretching her muscles into submission. When she reported to Holstic, her job for the day was to help with restitching the sails for the wooden fishing boats. She wanted to be happy that this was going to be an easy job. She¡¯s been sewing her own clothes since she was 10. But after yesterday, she bit her tongue until she was brought to the sewing stations. Luckily she did, there were several sewing stations with machines that seemed to be doing most of the work. Feeling more out of place than she already was feeling, Holistic eased her by directing her to the patchwork area. Some of the smaller sails needed to be done by hand. She thanks him and dives headfirst into sewing.


    When she was done, her arms felt like stones. It may have been an easier job, but she forgot how heavy the sails were. She kept pricking her finger when she underestimated the distance between each stitch. She finished the job efficiently enough to earn her pay for the day, 30 GP. She asked if there were any other jobs she could help with until next Welden.


    ¡°Like I said, cargo isn¡¯t here for another week. Sorry, not much I can do there.¡±


    ¡°I-I understand. Thank you still. I shall see you next week.¡±


    Well¡­ that gives me some time before going back to the lumber mill. I¡¯ll go there every day if I have to.


    Fueled with spite, she headed straight for the lumber mill determined she could hit the 10-log limit. Herris was a little surprised to see her back so soon. Though judging by her slumped posture he could tell that this was not a good idea for her to be there. But he was also curious how far she was going to push herself to prove a point.


    Without any greeting, barely even a glance in his direction, Aliza held out her hand for a hook. An amused smirk twitched on the side of his mouth as he handed her one. She marched to the pyramid, and following what was instructed yesterday, used her core and legs to get it out of the pile and on her shoulder. The sharp pain that struck nearly made her buckle and a small yelp grabbed Herris¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Princess, you are out of your league.¡±


    ¡°Leave me alone! I can handle this!¡± She barks. Herris stayed put with his arms crossed glaring down at Aliza.


    With a rage now fueling her strength and constitution, she rolled the log to the other shoulder and dropped it to the machine. Stomping around the man, she pulled the lever, walked back to the pyramid, and watched the log cutting before moving on to the next. She hauled 5 logs onto the machine with the last one almost falling on her completely. Herris assisted her with the last one. Still fueled with rage, she hobbles downstairs and to the cutting stump barely managing to cut 10 logs before her arms and legs gave out. Herris grabbed the axe that she wielded over her head as she slumped to the floor wincing and grunting from the pain.


    ¡°Alright, that''s enough. Time to go home princess.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not done here.¡± She growls peering into his eyes. ¡°I can still-¡±


    ¡°I will not tolerate this level of stupidity at my mill. Come back when you¡¯re less sore and irate. If I catch you here within the next few days I¡¯ll call the guards and they¡¯ll drag you off the property.¡± He barks. He takes her hand and claps her a bag of payment. With another glower at him, she storms off and heads back to the Inn.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Counting all her coins so far, she has just under 100 to her name. This is good, but now she has to account for her meals for the next week, which can eat up half of her earnings.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just have to suck it up and get the more affordable dishes instead. But what of this immigrant judge? At this rate, I might as well be sent on the next ship elsewhere.¡±


    But where else could I go?


    ¡°Miss Menona. You got mail.¡± A voice called from behind her door. The night manager handed her a letter from the Syris Department of Immigration. Thanking him, she cleared her space at her desk, ripped open the envelope, and read the letter.


    Dear Miss Menona,


    My name is Tera Stroud, Special Inquiry Officer of the Syris Department of Immigration. I am pleased to hear of you coming to our country in the hopes of starting a new chapter of your life. I will be your standing judge during your naturalization to Syris. I shall arrive in Tula on the 4th of Winter¡¯s Rest to discuss requirements, check-ins, and proceedings while also answering any questions you may have. Please have your birth certificate, tax documents, and 100 GP for payment upon our appointed date. If any concerns or changes come up, please send a message via Sending Stone to contact me immediately.


    Have a good day and blessed thee Tendia.


    ¡°Two weeks from today. Fuck me¡­ Pretty sure Father destroyed those documents a long time ago. Keep his lineage alive unless they''re me, right?¡± She says burying her head. At a loss, Aliza kept rereading the letter with nothing to do. ¡°All I can do now is conjure the money.¡± Looking back at her stash, she clenches her jaw, cursing herself. ¡°Only if it¡¯s necessary.¡±


    A week went by and her earnings were down to 20 GP. A week of sore limbs and pricked fingers undone. Who knew that half of her wardrobe was dry clean only? Down a few dresses but like she would have the opportunity to rub elbows with nobility to wear such things. She hoped that at least she would make a decent paycheck by helping with cargo and could recoup some of that money. Also with a now healed body, she wanted to try the lumber mill again. Donning a brown tunic, black pants and boots, and her hair tied back into a ponytail, she was ready to conquer the day.


    After some stretches with the crew, the first ship docked and soon was given clearance to unload the cargo. Remembering what Herris said about legs and core, she was able to successfully help others with large crates. Though moving the heavy cargo around proved to be another challenge that she was determined to beat. Once the first ship was done in just under an hour, they waited for the next ship to come.


    Thomas gave Aliza a solid pat on the back commending her for hard work.


    ¡°That was very good. How are you feeling after all that?¡±


    ¡°Pretty good I¡¯ll say. Though my legs are saying otherwise. How many more ships are supposed to be here today?¡±


    ¡°They say five, mostly from Sia. Be lucky there are no Monster Hunters up here or they would require us to become barbarians for that cargo.¡±


    Aliza¡¯s brows raised, ¡°Monster Hunters? What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You know, T-Rex¡¯s, giant lizards, Wyverns, wild Drakes, the works. They fight them so they never reach the rest of the world.¡±


    Aliza¡¯s shaking hand covers her mouth as she stares off at sea. They do exist? How can people be so calm about this?


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing to worry about Aliza trust me. The Monsters are mostly in Sia. Though there are rumors of these giant wolf monsters in caves in Aurora.¡±


    ¡°Remind me never to visit there in that case.¡± She nervously chuckled.


    ¡°Well, never mind that, how has your earnings been.¡± Aliza¡¯s pauses and disappointment were written all over her face. ¡°That bad, hm? Don¡¯t worry, I think the pay is 100 or 150 GP for helping today. So you¡¯ll be fine.¡± Aliza turns to him, forces a smile that wasn¡¯t lost on Thomas. ¡°Maybe if you talk with Holstic, he can get you on the next cargo run with us. You don¡¯t mind another ship ride across the world don¡¯t you?¡±


    Aliza genuinely snorted building up to a hearty laugh. ¡°So I can spend most of my days puking up my meals? Thank you but no thank you.¡± Thomas embraced her tightly as they laughed off the suggestion.


    ¡°Next ship approaching! Let¡¯s go!¡± one of the lookouts called out.


    ¡°Alright, ready for this one?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± She grits through her teeth.


    After the docks, she headed straight for the lumber mill. An aching weight filled her chest as she spotted Herris at his usual spot. Against her reservations to just turn around and head back to the Inn, she swallowed her pride and marched up the stairs. When Herris laid eyes on the hot-headed woman, he just nodded and gave her a hook. Aliza fought the fidget in her hands and then spoke. ¡°I¡¯m-sorry sir. About last week. I was not in the right headspace but that¡¯s no excuse. That display will never happen again.¡±


    ¡°Good to know princess. Now go ahead.¡± He said plainly.


    Aliza lightly nodded and went to the pyramid. She managed to pull and get the log to her shoulders. She struggled a bit at first to roll and drop the log perfectly into the machine but all she cared about was getting the damn thing in without messing up her back again. She managed 5 logs this time and after straightening her back¡­ could tell that she will be sore tomorrow. But her form was much better this time around. She also chopped ten logs earning her 50 GP.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± She spoke timidly to Herris.


    ¡°Better job today. Still have a long way to go princess,¡± he says as he walks back to the machine. A wave of ease washes over Aliza, at least glad that he¡¯s not one to hold a grudge. Though she would love it that he never called her princess again.


    A long way to go.


    During the next week, she didn¡¯t return to the mill. Her back was killing her from the last job and yet again, her earnings hit below 100 GP when she had to pay for meals and pay by the hour to wash her clothes. And yet again, she went to the dock for extra work but they were full of help every day she went.


    ¡°Fine. No choice.¡± She growls staring at her bag. She grabbed a 100 GP bag and tied it to her belt. Suppressing the anger that wanted to control her senses, she did one last check of her dress and hair before pacing to the dining hall. As she looked around the room, she forgot one important detail.


    What in the hell does this woman look like?


    She then spots a woman at the bar with a neatly pressed black dress and red corset. Her pointed ears with several gold earrings pieced up to the tip¡ªdeep olive skin and curly brown hair that flowed to her lower back. The woman looked around the room and then laid eyes on Aliza. Her hazel eyes pierced her brown ones, her smile was warm and genuine. Aliza swallowed harshly at the sight of this striking woman and carefully strode to her.


    ¡°Umm¡­ are you¡­ Tera Stroud?¡± Aliza clasped her hands in front of her trying to control her fidgeting hands.


    ¡°Yes, I am! You must be Aliza Menona correct?¡± She asked reaching out her hand. Aliza nodded and carefully took her hand. Dainty and manicured, she looked to be a woman of high nobility. Her chest held high, straight shoulders, and direct eye contact. But those eyes were¡­ kind and soft. Aliza was used to someone of her status being intimidating and cold. The longer she looked at Tera, the more confused she became. And her guard was starting to come up.


    ¡°Great to finally meet you. Shall we talk here or would you prefer one of the other tables?¡±


    ¡°Ummm¡­ here would be fine by me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. Please sit Miss Menona.¡± Aliza nodded and hopped onto the stall. Rolim  gave both women a tankard of water and gave Aliza a soft face of ¡°good luck.¡± After Tera pulled out documentation, blank parchment paper, and a fountain pen, she crossed her legs and gave Aliza her undivided attention. ¡°So what brings you here to Syris?¡±

 Chapter 9 - A New Identity and a New Friend

    Aliza¡¯s mind started scrambling for the right words but in truth, she still didn¡¯t have plans for what to do in this country. For someone with no connections starting completely fresh on her own, the possibilities were overwhelming. Exciting, but so many unknowns to comb through. On top of the fact she came here unknowingly, but what would happen if she said that?


    ¡°Well¡­ I, um¡­ I don¡¯t know how to answer Ms. Stroud.¡±  Tera¡¯s brows straighten as she looks down at her papers. Aliza glanced down at Tera¡¯s writing pad and saw a gorgeous gold band diamond ring on her finger. Her embarrassment flushed her cheeks. ¡°I mean Mrs. Stroud. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Tera¡¯s head tilted and a brow raised. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal dear. No need for fear here. I assure you that you are safe with me.¡± Something in Aliza¡¯s chest lightened, but she still wasn¡¯t sure about this woman. She seemed nicer than Aliza had expected from women of her stature. But it was either make nice with this woman or be on the next boat too¡­ who knows? Maybe inhabit one of the vacant islands around Sia or Nesta?


    Aliza faintly nodded and clasped her hands, holding them awkwardly in her lap. ¡°Well¡­ umm, the reason I say that is¡­ it¡¯s because I was on the run when I was coming here.¡± One of Tera¡¯s brows raised as she leaned back on her stool.


    ¡°Are you able to say from who?¡±


    Aliza nodded but gestured her to lean in for a whisper, ¡°From the Band of Jackals.¡± Pulling away, Tera¡¯s eyes were wide with, fear? Intrigue?


    ¡°You are a very lucky woman. I¡¯ve never stepped foot in Icurus, but my husband fought in the last conflict. From what was said, not many people have escaped the Jackal''s grasp. How did you escape, if you don¡¯t mind my asking?¡±


    Is any of this necessary for my citizenship? But also, why do I feel comfortable talking to her about this? Could I trust her with what happened?


    Before she could speak, a vision of rain and a puddled cobblestone street flashed in her mind. Biting her lip and peering into those hazel eyes staring back at her, she relaxed her shoulders and spoke.


    ¡°I used to¡­ work in the nobility district in Ardos. Helping with the ¡®distribution¡¯ of goods. On my way back home, I saw a woman being mugged. I thought it was just a couple of regular thieves so I intervened. I didn¡¯t see the scarves they were wearing until they turned to me and¡­ well¡­ The woman called for help and the guards came and took them away. The next day, some other Jackals showed up at my home, expecting payment by sunset that day. What the payment was; the cost of my life if I didn¡¯t pay. So I packed my stuff and went to the ports to see about an immigrant ship to dock. But I heard their voices close by, and I panicked. So I hid in one of the crates and was going to come out when I didn¡¯t hear them anymore. Before I knew it, I was being hauled on the ship. And well, here I am.¡±


    Tera seemed both surprised and puzzled, Aliza¡¯s heart began to race at the sight.


    ¡°Interesting. And scary. I didn¡¯t know the Jackals gave time limits to payment. I was under the impression that they were the ¡®pay on the spot¡¯ types of thieves.¡± Tera said crossing her legs and resting her head in her hand.


    ¡°Depends on their target. For a high-value target like that woman, I¡¯m sure they wouldn¡¯t have wasted any time if they weren¡¯t caught. I¡¯m guessing they told their leader and it was going to be a game of cat and mouse. Just lucky that the higher-skilled Jackals or even¡­ The Fox wasn¡¯t after me.¡±


    A smile curved the sides of Tera¡¯s mouth as she quickly jotted down something in her notes. ¡°Oof! The Fox,¡± she shivered. ¡°You are a very lucky woman Miss Menona.¡±


    Aliza shrugged and curved a nervous smile. ¡°I guess you can say that. I still wonder if they would find me here.¡±


    ¡°I doubt it. Neck tattoos of the god of death is a bit of a give away don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°True. Very true.¡± The two women shared a giggle that felt oddly natural to Aliza.


    This should be alarming how comfortable I feel around her.


    Tera cleared her throat and refocused the conversation. ¡°Now back to the subject at hand. Now that you are here, are there any plans you had in mind while being here? Do you plan on living here permanently or is it a stopping place to go somewhere else?¡±


    Aliza pondered for a moment but it was an easy answer now that her mind was clear.


    ¡°I do wish to stay here. It¡¯s just what to do with my life now that I don¡¯t know. I like the people here; this city alone is a welcome change from Ardos. I¡¯ve been dependent on my father and brothers for so long that I need a fresh start. Hoping me gaining citizenship is a good start.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Tera wrote on her pad again. The wheels in her mind were turning, but she needed to make sure of a few things first. ¡°Do you still have them or any family to call?¡±


    A lump started to grow in Aliza¡¯s throat thinking back to her smile. ¡°No. My mother died when I was 10.¡± She fought back tears that wettened her eyes and the lump in her throat started to close. A somber look glazed over Tera¡¯s eyes and she held a hand over her heart.


    ¡°Goddess, I¡¯m so sorry for your loss.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s- it¡¯s ok. I did have my father and two brothers. But they died of a plague 3 years ago.¡± Almost in an instant, the tears in her eyes dried and the tension surrounding her body relaxed as she mentioned her father and brothers. ¡°Safe to say I¡¯m an orphan.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Miss Menona.¡± But then, a smile slowly rounded her cheeks. ¡°I don¡¯t know where your faith lies but it seems that Tendia had led you to something here. What that is remains to be discovered. Exciting don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­ I guess we¡¯ll have to wait and see.¡±


    Tera¡¯s soft glance made Aliza feel at peace. Was that wall she originally put up even up? It was as if Tera walked right through it and cleared some of the darkness that enshrouded her mind. Like a peace of her heart was filling. She may be her judge but talking with her was like a bit of closure to her old life she didn¡¯t think she needed.


    ¡°The best part about this process is that you don¡¯t need anything figured out right now. My job is to make sure Syris is the best fit for you and vice versa. And from what these reports say about you from Tohea, the guards, and even those at the docks speak highly of you. Only time will tell if you speak highly of us too.¡± Tera says patting the small stack of reports in front of her. Aliza smiled big enough to show her straight white teeth that both Tera and Rolim melted at.


    ¡°Now¡­ we have to get to the grueling part. Do you have the documents I asked you to provide?¡± She asked.


    Aliza¡¯s face paled and her heart started to race again. ¡°N-no¡­ but I have an explanation for it.¡± Tera¡¯s eyes shifted as she leaned back on her stool once more. ¡°You see, my father was¡­ excuse my language, an abusive asshole. He took guardianship of me when my mother died. But¡­ my mother¡­ was his mistress. So to ensure no one knew who I was, he hid the documents. I tried getting them back, but I have no idea where they are or if they are even in tacked if you get what I¡¯m trying to say here.¡±


    ¡°So you are here essentially with no identity at all?¡± Tera asked bluntly.


    ¡°No ma¡¯am,¡± Aliza replied timidly, waiting for an explosive response.


    ¡°Oh, thank the gods! That makes my job so much easier!¡± Tera exclaims. Aliza tilts her head confused as ever.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ happy that I don¡¯t have an identity?¡±


    ¡°If I may be honest with you, usually we would have to get documents from Icurus to make your citizenship transition seamless. But they are slow when it comes to responding. One of my clients had to wait a year and a half to gain their citizenship. In your case, well just make you a new identity!¡± She gleefully goes on while searching for other documents in her bag.


    Aliza''s heart drops to her stomach, wondering how legally making a new indemnity was even possible. ¡°Wait, how is this legal?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s part of my job as well. We have plenty of people coming here looking for a fresh start for various reasons. Part of my job is seeing it through.¡± Tera excitement still stunned Aliza. Even more, she was prepared with paperwork to get started.


    ¡°But wouldn¡¯t you be afraid that I¡¯m a criminal of some sort?¡±


    Her eyes flick up to Aliza¡¯s. Her gleeful smile straightened pausing her search. ¡°Are you Miss Menona? Any criminal activities I need to know about?¡± Aliza¡¯s lips thinned as she nervously shook her head. ¡°Then you are fine. Besides if you were one you would already be thrown in the dungeon.¡± She shuffles with a few papers in her bag, then takes out a thick folder as thick as half their tankards and slams it on the table. Aliza stilled, eyeing the folder like a she saw cat cough up a hairball for the first time.


    ¡°Umm¡­ Mrs. Stroud¡­ what is all of this?¡±


    ¡°To make your new identity official. You¡¯ll need an identification stone, forms of residency, tax documents, medical records, and bank accounts, we are starting fresh. We would still need to run a background check on you but like I said, Icurus is SLOW when it comes to documents so until those get back to us, just don¡¯t get into any trouble. The guards will continue to monitor you through this process.¡± Aliza was still too stunned to speak, she just nodded her head. ¡°Good! Let''s start with the Identification Stone.¡±Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Tera takes out a stone from her pocket with an eye on it. She waves her hand over it and it glows white. Handing it over to Aliza, she guides her hands to its level to her face.


    ¡°Now, speak your full name and date of birth.¡±


    Identification stones? Hmmm¡­ do I change my name or¡­ no.


    ¡°Aliza Jazelle Menona. Date of birth: 18th of Moontide, 1175.¡± She spoke firmly to the stone.


    Tera waves her hand over the stone again and the light dims to nothing. ¡°Perfect. The best part of these is that we can go back and add any additional information on you. Which we will do before this goes to public records in Dhali. And don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll have a copy for your records. Much more convenient and safe than papers right?¡± Aliza nodded and giggled. ¡°Good! Now for tax documents.¡±


    ¡°Great¡­¡±


    Going through the rest of the documents, a lot of it had to remain blank until Aliza had a permanent job and residence. Tera informed her that the inn was good but wouldn¡¯t count for residency since it was only meant for temporary use. And for citizenship to have a chance at approval, she needs to find permanent work somewhere. When Aliza told her that she couldn¡¯t find work outside of odd jobs, Tera asked if she checked the town''s job board.


    ¡°Wait, there¡¯s one around here? Where?¡±


    Tera smiled, packed the rest of her documents and supplies, and hopped out of her stool. ¡°Follow me Miss Menona.¡± Hopping out of her stool, she was pleasantly surprised to see Tera was the same height as her. However, how she carried herself made it seem like she was six feet or more. Aliza straightened herself to walk with the same grace and confidence as Tera.


    As they walked, people both smiled and stiffened as they walked by.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking,¡± Aliza spoke.


    Tera glanced at her, ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Are you a noble of some kind?¡±


    ¡°What makes you think that?¡± Tera asked curiously with a smirk and eyes that seemed mischievous to Aliza.


    ¡°Well, how you dress for one. I¡¯ve only seen that much gold on one''s ear from a Viscountess or someone of the sort. But also, the people seem to look at you with admiration or fear.¡±


    Tera let out a little giggle. ¡°Technically speaking, no. I am highly respected amongst the King''s Council but I hold no title.¡±


    ¡°The King¡¯s Council? How is that possible?¡± Aliza exclaimed.


    Tera¡¯s smirk curved into a proud smile as she looked down the road to the citizens ahead. ¡°I can cause a stir when needed when it comes to immigration. I share the same sentiments with King Juku when it comes to equal opportunity. Several nobles wanted to put in place the same regulations and restrictions on Icarians as Nesta. Halfway housing, limited budgets, before sunset curfews. Maybe a few I could agree with. But they are also expected to know the entire history of Nesta and are forced to worship their gods. And they have to go through¡­ ¡®tests¡¯, to prove you''re not they are not like Queen Simona. Questioning their knowledge of magic makes them fight amongst each other to earn their citizenship in a ring. It¡¯s disgustingly barbaric.¡±


    The growling and furious passion in her voice would be intimidating to those around her. Several people froze in place and fearful eyes followed the ladies as she became more aggravated. But for Aliza, her eyes were locked on her. Stunned at the conditions for immigration for Nesta, Good thing I wasn¡¯t on one of their ships. She was equally amazed to see someone who was openly disgusted at the people who both put these things in place and the people of her own country considering replicating those regulations. How have you not been beaten for speaking so radically?


    ¡°I made my objections clear and was never going to back down from them. You can¡¯t go from one oppressive hell hole to another one. Will there be outliers? Sure. The King has set those laws in place to have anyone from any country deported for harming or extorting those here. But for people to thrive, they need to be looked at as equals. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here. The King respected my passion so much that I became an honorary member of his court.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impressive Mrs. Stroud. But that still doesn¡¯t explain the fear in some of the people''s eyes.¡± Aliza points out that the mix of admiration and fearful faces still tracking them.


    ¡°Something that we''re still working on. A few newcomers to the court the last couple of years try to¡­ how they say? ¡®Put the commoners in their place.¡¯ Idiota. Some of the nobility took their word as their north star. And now because of the loud minority, it makes the majority look bad. I just ignore the fear-mongering and continue with my job. No one will brainwash me to instill fear in the hearts of our people.¡±


    Aliza nodded plainly.


    ¡°But it could be that I''m the Sergent of the Royal Guard''s wife. I never really thought about it before.¡± Tera casually added.


    The sudden realization made Aliza go a bit pale. ¡°Wait¡­ Sergeant Kalan¡­ is your husband?¡±


    ¡°None other! My honey bear is so sweet and passionate. People think he¡¯s just a scary brute but they don¡¯t see him like I do. We¡¯ll be celebrating 15 years next summer! I haven¡¯t seen my sweetheart in a week and it¡¯s killing me.¡± She blushed and gushed over her husband.


    Who would think someone so serious and scary would be married to someone this bubbly? Unless he¡¯s like this off-duty. Though it¡¯s refreshing seeing someone so in love after all these years.


    ¡°I can only imagine,¡± Aliza spoke warmly.


    ¡°How about you? Is there a special someone for you?¡±


    Aliza¡¯s smile straightens as she stares off to the street ahead of them.


    ¡°One day, I hope. I¡­ never been in a serious relationship before.¡±


    Tera balked, ¡°Respectfully Miss Menona, how has no one scooped you up yet? You have to be one of the prettiest women I¡¯ve ever seen! People are missing out.¡± Tera compliments while gazing at Aliza. She continued to look down but she couldn¡¯t hide the blush from her face.


    ¡°Th-thank you. I¡¯m hoping the men here are better than those in Icurus. So far it seems promising with only one exception.¡±


    Tera let out a laugh that had Aliza flick her head. ¡°Yes. I heard about that one from the guards. Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯s spending two years in a dungeon for that and other stalking charges. But yes, I assure you you¡¯ll find the men here delightful.¡±


    Aliza paused their walk with shock on her face. She wasn¡¯t about to let Tera graze past that key detail. ¡°Wait a minute. Stalking?!¡±


    ¡°Yes. A few women around town. The bastard didn¡¯t know the difference between a friendly conversation and a formal courting. In his case, informally. His slip-up with you finally got him caught.¡±


    Aliza cringed and her thoughts started racing with the possibilities that could have happened that night. If she had given him that dance. Even stayed a little longer for another drink. Probably would have taken it as an invitation for something. She already was paranoid about one person from her past, she didn¡¯t need a new person to fill in those shoes.


    ¡°At least he got what he deserved. Twice.¡± Aliza said plainly.


    ¡°Hm.¡± Tera nodded. It grew uncomfortably quiet between them for a few minutes. So Tera tried to think of something else to distract from Aliza¡¯s thoughts that made a stern and mean expression on her face. ¡°So Miss Menona, have any hobbies or anything?¡± She said awkwardly.


    It managed to do the trick as her brows unfurled and she looked to the sky pondering.


    ¡°Well, I do enjoy reading. I¡¯ve gotten over a dozen books in my collection already.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Like what?¡±


    ¡°History books. I had so much to catch up on about the world. My head is still spinning. So I¡¯m giving those a rest for now.¡± They giggled, and the tension softened. ¡°I do love a good fairytale or mythology.¡±


    ¡°Anything specific?¡±


    ¡°Cinderella. My mother always read that book to me. I liked to¡­¡± Her words trailed off. Biting her lip trying to fight the fluttering in her heart.


    ¡°Liked to¡­¡± Tera urged for her to continue.


    Aliza sighed and her face became a deep cherry, ¡°...I like to hope that something like her ending could happen to me.¡±


    Tera¡¯s face grew sympathetic, and she walked a bit closer to Aliza. ¡°It¡¯s possible. Impossible things happen every day. You¡¯ll see soon.¡±


    An intrusive thought quickly entered Aliza¡¯s mind. Before she could stop it, she quietly tuned, ¡°Impossible.¡±


    Tera raised her eyebrows and smiled widely.


    ¡°Impossible.¡± She sang back. Aliza¡¯s heart skipped and she flicked to Tera¡¯s gaze. As if sharing the same brain cell, they continued until they finished the verse.


    ¡°Impossible.¡±


    ¡°Impossible.¡±


    ¡°Impooooooossible!¡± They belted. As they laughed, a few onlookers directed their attention to the duo. Aliza clasped her hands again and looked ahead to the job board closing in. But, a part of her seems to heal after that exchange. Maybe she found her kindred soul. But it can¡¯t be with her immigration judge, could it?


    Tera shook her head and giggled. ¡°With a spirit such as yours, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find your happily ever after.  I did hear that one of the King¡¯s sons is single¡­¡± She sings giving Aliza a mischievous brow and smirk.


    Aliza laughs and clasps her hands behind her. ¡°Then maybe this is exactly the place I need to be.¡± She cheekily replies making both of them laugh.


    They approached the job board that was standing between the general store and the bookshop, and they both quickly looked over the postings.


    Carpenter¡­ yeah no. Seamstress assistant. I think I pricked my fingers enough from the sails. Snow plower, lumber mill bookkeeper, sales representative¡­


    ¡°Any of these stick out to you?¡± Tera asked.


    ¡°Not really. Makes me wish I worked up more skills than just passing out resources. If the docks were hiring I would go for that. As long as I¡¯m not sailing again.¡± The very thought of sailing the Nesta Seas again made that queasy feeling make a brief return.


    ¡°There has to be something. Think. Are there any skills you have that could help you? It doesn¡¯t necessarily mean past job history.¡±


    Aliza looked back at the job board and dug deeper into her mind.


    I could go with the seamstress. I only know how to mend my clothes but maybe they can teach me. The bookkeeper isn¡¯t a bad idea. I¡¯ve done inventory checks before for Father. Hmm¡­


    Then, her eye flicked to the bottom right corner of the board to see a Tavern posting that grabbed her intrigue. ¡°The Gleaming Dragon Tavern. Immediate hire! Waitress/Prep Cook Needed.¡±


    ¡°Maybe this one. I¡¯ve never waited tables but I¡¯ve been cooking almost my entire life.¡±


    ¡°Perfect!¡± Tera exclaimed as she took down the posting and handed it to Aliza. The air became colder and crisp as they grasped their coats and shrugged their shoulders for the fur to cover their ears. ¡°The Tavern is about 15 minutes from here. Here, we¡¯ll take a carriage there. I hate the cold.¡±


    ¡°But how would we-¡±


    Tera¡¯s loud whistle interrupts her followed by the clacking of a horse''s hooves and wheels on the packing snow. A black carriage with a bundled-up coachman steps down from his seat and opens the door for the ladies as Tera hands him a handful of gold coins. Tera looks back with a smirk.


    ¡°Come! Unless you want to freeze out here.¡± She jests.


    Aliza laughs as she hurries to the carriage. ¡°Right away Mrs. Stroud!¡±


    This day just keeps getting better.

 Chapter 10 - Let鈥檚 Get Cooking

    Stepping out of the carriage, Aliza and Tera were greeted by a decently sized two-floor Tavern with lights glowing from the windows. Looks as though the place had renovations done recently with new wood around the windows and a fresh coat of paints and finishes. The door was well sealed as its window fogged from the cold outside, with not a scratch or fingerprint in sight.


    ¡°After you Miss Menona.¡± Tera gestured to the door. Aliza nodded and hurried as the cold breeze brushed her ears.


    Upon entering, the tavern was having a slow night. The place looked like it could easily pack 150 people both from the top and bottom floors but due to the cold or the service. The inside seemed to be a cozy environment with the polished mahogany floors and beams, the hearth making the rich reds and browns glow. The hearth was made out of grey and blue stones and had a lone chair sitting comfortably nearby. The table layout made an open path to get from the front door to the bar at the back wall with ease. In the right corner of the dining hall, was a simple piano with three petals at the bottom. A small window in the middle of the right side let out an inviting aroma of savory smells.


    ¡°Oooo¡­ that has to be oxtails. And¡­ pork loin? Marinated pork loin.¡± Aliza smells.


    ¡°How did you know that?¡± Tera looked surprised at her client''s keen smell.


    ¡°Mama used to cook oxtails all the time when I was little. She was friends with the local butcher and taught us how to marinate for the winter. I know those smells anywhere.¡± Aliza warmly smiles, her expectations high after smelling the enticing aroma.


    Heavy footsteps came down the stairs, an iridescent shine reflected on the women from the light of the hearth. Stepping towards them, was a gleaming scaled Crystal Dragonkin with bright blue eyes and smooth spikes on the top of its head that were almost translucent. At least seven feet tall and slim, Aliza couldn''t help but stare in awe of the kin''s beauty.


    ¡°Welcome ladies to The Gleaming Dragon. I¡¯m Sodras, the owner of the Tavern. May I seat you?¡± He greets, and his low silvery voice leaves Aliza in stunned admiration. Tera, keeping her pleasant smile and professionalism, gave a solid nudge to Aliza breaking her quiet observation.


    ¡°Oh! Uh¡­ yes actually¡­¡± Laughing off her fumbling, she cleared her throat and tried again. ¡°I¡¯m here for your job opening for a waitress and prep cook?¡± She says handing him the flyer.


    ¡°Ahh yes. May I have your name?¡± Sodras asks with a sparkle in his eyes.


    ¡°Aliza Menona.¡± Aliza eagerly answers.


    ¡°Lovely.¡± He purrs before turning his attention to Tera. ¡°And yours, miss¡­?¡±


    ¡°Mrs. Stroud and I¡¯m her Immigration Judge.¡± She professionally finishes. She reached out her hand and gave him a firm handshake.


    ¡°Ahh my apologies, Mrs. Stroud. If you like, we can seat you at the bar while I talk with¡­ Miss Menona?¡± He asked cautiously. Aliza nodded. ¡°Good! Come have a seat and we can speak more of the position.¡± He gestures to one of the tables by the hearth. Both women looked at each other and wordlessly agreed to the arrangement. Tera patted Aliza on the back and headed to the bar to catch up on work.


    The hearth gave Aliza a comfort like a mother''s embrace as she silently enjoyed the warmth. Taking off her coat, she sat and warped the fur around her freezing hands. Looking back at the owner, his scales shined like polished sea shells with a pink and teal ray around them, his pearly white claws were rounded and smooth at the tips. Looking up at his eyes, they were calm yet intimidating, probably the most striking creature Aliza had ever laid eyes on. Before either of them could speak, Aliza felt a tickle in her mind. A soft tickle that she couldn¡¯t explain, almost intrusive and¡­unwanted. She gave her head a slight shake, she could feel a slight discontent.


    ¡°So Miss Menona, what interests you in this position?¡± Sodras asks, raising an eyebrow to her.


    Aliza straightens her posture. ¡°I am new to Syris and currently looking for employment to gain my citizenship. I have cooked for family and friends since I was 8 and thought I could put those skills to work here.¡±


    Intrigue formed on Sodra¡¯s face, his arms fully leaning on the table, ¡°Aye, I see. Where did you come from that brought you to this fine country.¡±


    ¡°Icurus.¡± She replied softly. Sodras''s expression straightened, saying nothing for what felt like forever.


    She prepared for the worst as her nerves started to charge¡­ and that strange tickle became more intense, this time it felt like a building migraine, but quickly faded away. She kept her face straight so as not to show discomfort. A couple of moments passed and the owner¡¯s bright smile returned.


    ¡°Well, welcome to Syris Miss Menona.¡± He replied with a cool tone.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± she exhales. What was that?


    Sodras¡¯s brows slightly furrowed as he continued on with the interview, ¡°Now you said you cooked for family and friends for years. Have you had any experience in a Tavern before?¡±


    Aliza shakes her head, ¡°No, unfortunately. Most of the taverns in Ardos are family-built and only hire their own kin.¡±


    ¡°So you wouldn¡¯t have any experience as a waitress either.¡± Sodras leaned back in his chair but kept his hands intertwined on the table.


    Aliza¡¯s hands kept fidgeting and clenching from under her coat, her fur becoming slightly damp from her sweat. ¡°No, sir. But I am a fast learner. As far as the prep cook, my mother taught me everything I know about cooking and I¡¯ve made numerous dishes for my friends and family back in Icurus. I¡¯m¡­ not that good at explaining but I can show you my skills if given the chance.¡±


    Sodras'' eyes narrowed, but there was more curiosity behind them.


    ¡°Wait here.¡± He sits up from his chair and heads straight to the kitchen. After some time, Sodras stood in the doorway and gestured for Aliza to come to him. Confused and a bit put off, she stood and strode to the kitchen still gripping her coat. She walked into a warmly lit kitchen with finely packed bricked floors, a large island with different utensils and cutting boards on it, bags and crates of produce, and a large cast iron stove top. In the far back of the kitchen, there were two thick doors with one having a blue knob and one red one.


    ¡°Let¡¯s put those skills to the test, shall we Miss Menona?¡±


    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re allowing me to cook? Right now?¡±Aliza quickly turned to Sodras, a new weight landing on her shoulders.


    ¡°For someone with no experience or references, better to see it than hear it. Right?¡± Sodras urged a not-so-subtle challenge he just threw to her.


    ¡°Y-yes sir.¡± Aliza looked back to the kitchen and that shadow of doubt started to creep into her mind. Pleading, no, begging her to run out the door. But her feet were cemented in place, that little bit of courage growing inside as she eyes the fresh ingredients around the kitchen.


    ¡°Good! What I want you to prepare today is a simple pasta dish¡ªspaghetti, rigatoni, lasagna, whatever you like. You have 45 minutes to prepare it. If it¡¯s good, I will hire you. Deal?¡± he purred.


    A large devious smile spread over Aliza¡¯s face. As if a candy store owner gave the keys to a child with an overpowering sweet tooth. Hanging her coat up and rolling back her sleeves, she gave a glance at the owner, who was both fascinated and fearful of Aliza¡¯s expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s a deal.¡± Before she got started, there was one component that was missing. ¡°One question if I may,¡± She asked. He nodded. ¡°Umm, where do you store your meat?¡±


    ¡°In the pantry. Where else?¡± he laughed. But when Aliza went to the large spice pantry, he quickly reminded himself of her origins. ¡°Sorry, I forgot. Icurus. Come with me.¡±


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Heading toward the thick doors he opened the one with the blue handle. Inside was a large entryway with shelves that made a U-shape. And on those shelves was an array of beef, pork, and chicken waiting to be cooked. It was almost as cold as outside and backing away from the door, the heat of the room warmed Aliza again. Looking up at the ceiling inside, there was a lightbulb in the center, and a glowing bright white crystal a foot behind it.


    ¡°What kind of sorcery is this?¡± She exclaimed, pointing at the crystal.


    ¡°Glanor. One of the magical elements that powers our world. The magic helps control the temperature. Here, everything stays cold. In the other pantry, food stays warm.¡± He gestures for her to follow and he demonstrates the next-door pantry. Walking in was nicely warm like the start of a summer day. The layout was the same as the other, but here were cooked meats wrapped and labeled along with what seemed to be leftovers. Still fresh and colorful as they should be.


    The spark was now a full-on blaze in Aliza¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Noted! Please continue your duties and I will have your dish out to you shortly.¡± Aliza excitedly sends him off. Sodras nods his head and leaves the kitchen.


    He takes his seat in the oversized chair.


    Tera steps over to the luminescent Dragonborn, sitting in his oversized chair by the hearth, standing over him with a glare of disdain and annoyance.


    ¡°May I help-¡± The Dragonborn looks up to her, but Tera interrupts him.


    ¡°I will not tolerate the fact you tried to violate her privacy with your mind reading, it''s enough she is distrustful of the world already, the last thing I need my client to worry about is the fact even her own mind is not safe!¡± She leans into his face, gritting her teeth and her elvish ears pointing flat to the ground, her sending stone glowing¡­He already knew her husband was listening.


    ¡°Forgive me¡­the Icarian origin-¡± The Dragonborn timidly replied but Tera cut him off again


    ¡°That will not be a viable excuse!¡± Tera snaps. ¡°Violate her mind again, I will bury you in so much litigation, you will need a fucking dwarf battalion to dig you out!¡± Her stern hard finger jabbing into his chest made him cower into the chair even deeper.


    ¡°Now¡­considering this, I hope you give her a fair chance during her interview¡­¡± She straightens her posture, morphing back into her ladylike demeanor, and steps away from the owner, her sending stone dimming dark again.


    Aliza grabbed a slab of steak from the cold pantry and rushed to the prepping island. She grabbed her water-filled pot and had it sit on the stove for later. She then grabbed flour, eggs, salt, and oil and started to make noodles from scratch, making a flour well and combining the ingredients to make the dough. Her arms burned from the kneading but she fought through the pain to get the dough to a smooth and round perfection. Who needs the lumber mill when you can just knead dough, right?


    Rolling it out to the thinness she wanted and carefully cutting the dough into spaghetti, she sat it on a board and had it set aside for later. After quickly cleaning the flour, she grabbed the meat and started slicing and mincing to make ground beef. Somehow, the beef still shined even after the aggressive mincing she was doing. After grabbing and prepping different spices and tomatoes, she was ready to cook. In the corner by the entry door was the firewood and on a shelf above them were matches and mason jars that seemed to have kindling. But it was just a foot too high from her reach.


    She hopped and stretched but she couldn¡¯t grasp the damned items. She opened the doors to ask for help, but the owner was nowhere around.


    ¡°Now that I think about it, where is the staff? Shouldn¡¯t there be a cook here to assist?¡± Aliza thought to herself. She just got 2 steps from the kitchen when she looked at the clock above the fireplace and saw that she had 20 minutes left to cook. Panicked, she ran back inside the kitchen, she had to get those matches and kindle somehow. She looked at the pile for a second and leaned gently on it. She reached the top which was just barely taller than her. Hopping lightly to see if it would give, thankfully it didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Luckily, it hasn''t been too long.¡± She shrugged and smiled.


    She got her bearings, hoisted herself up, and balanced on one arm enough to grab a pack of matches and a jar of kindling before landing lightly in the balls of her feet. A bit of pride took her smile but wasted no more time as she jetted to the stove to get the fire going. She cooked and assembled the dish with seconds to spare.


    Peeking outside the door, Aliza sees the owner back in his original seat, staring into the fireplace. Aliza dusted herself off, held her plate like a waitress would, and confidently strode to the table. A few heads, including Tera¡¯s, turned as Aliza walked, following the steamy aroma of her dish.


    ¡°Here is your meal sir,¡± her velvety voice greeted.


    Turning to her with his charming smile, she could see his eyes dilate just with the smell of her dish. The steam rolls off the dish as she sits it in front of him. The presentation was nothing professional, but the smell was divine. The fresh tomatoes, basil, thyme, and garlic powder uplifted the sauce. The meat was in chunks but they absorbed the sauce well. All were sitting on top of the homemade spaghetti noodles.


    ¡°I apologize that they''re not meatballs, I didn''t have time to make breadcrumbs. But I still hope this dish is to your delight.¡± That charming smile on her face was infectious. Tera and the other patrons smiled and looked at Sodras in anticipation. Maybe even a little envy because none of them would be tasting her dish that day.


    The owner said nothing, just drooled as he sniffed the aroma. He took his fork and twirled the spaghetti and meat until it was perfectly wrapped. Taking a bite, he slowly removed his fork from his mouth and closed his eyes as he chewed. Aliza gathered her hands and started fidgeting her skirt. Her head still held high and written with confidence, but her thoughts raced trying to anticipate his response. He finished his plate in silence for what felt like forever, he wiped his mouth and turned to Aliza.


    ¡°How long did it take you to prepare the ingredients, Miss Menona?¡± He asked plainly.


    ¡°Umm¡­ I wasn¡¯t exactly looking at the clock, sir. By the time I was ready to cook, I would say it was almost 20 minutes.¡± She responded hesitantly.


    ¡°Did you use the boxed noodles in the regular pantry? And where did you get the ground beef? We hadn¡¯t gotten that shipment yet.¡± He wondered curiously.


    Aliza¡¯s head tilted, ¡°The noodles I made were from scratch. I didn¡¯t realize noodles came in boxes. If that¡¯s what you would have preferred, my apologies sir. As far as the ground beef I prepared using one of your steaks.¡±


    ¡°You know how to do all of that?¡± Sodras eyes widen and brows raise.


    ¡°Y-yes sir. My mother¡­ taught me from a young age how to do this. I¡¯ve only prepared dishes like this ever since.¡±


    A few more moments of silence passed, and Aliza practically had the front of her skirt in a ball. She looked to Tera, who had stopped any work she had in front of her to hear of Sodra¡¯s feedback. But seeing Aliza¡¯s fearful face, she hurried to put her things away and be at her side. She didn¡¯t know why she did that; her intrusive instincts controlled her mind for a moment.


    ¡°So¡­ um¡­ how was your meal¡­sir?¡± Aliza stuttered.


    Sodras stands and smiles at Aliza. Extending his hand he says, ¡°When can you start Miss Menona?¡±


    Aliza¡¯s smile beams with excitement and she returns his gestures tightly. ¡°Whenever you need me, sir!¡±


    Sodras laughs as he wiggles out of her surprisingly tight grip. ¡°Good. How about the next Monos at noon?¡±


    ¡°Done and done!¡± Her enthusiasm turned timid as she thought about one important detail. ¡°What do you pay?¡± Aliza asked curiously.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ as this is for both a waitress and prep cook, 20 GP a week plus tips.¡± Sodras proposes.


    ¡°I accept sir!¡± Aliza responds with a large gleaming smile.


    ¡°Good! Good job today.¡± He compliments as he walks back to the kitchen with his cleaned plate.


    ¡°Yes sir! Thank you!¡± Aliza exclaims. She turns to Tera whose face beamed with joy and pride. Aliza wanted to embrace Tera, to thank her for leading her to this opportunity. Fighting her eagerness, she could only smile back with her hands clasped over her heart. Tera grasped Aliza¡¯s shoulders and smiled brightly at Aliza, non verbally congratulating her. When Sodras returns, the woman''s professional demeanor returns. Tera quickly sat down with the owner to fill out paperwork for Aliza¡¯s employment for her naturalization period.


    ¡°Have you checked the apartments nearby Miss Menona? Matilda has a new vacancy ten minutes from here if you¡¯re interested.¡± Sodras suggested.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Aliza perks up from filling out her portion of the paperwork.


    ¡°It¡¯s no Titan¡¯s by any means but it''s something. I¡¯ve known Matilda for years. She can get you a good deal.¡± Sodras suggests.


    ¡°As long as the place has a kitchen, it¡¯s better than nothing to me. The Twin Barrels has been kind to me but I¡¯ve been dying to make my own meals for a while now.¡± Aliza¡¯s gentle and friendly nature somewhat soothed the Dragonkin. His shoulders visibly relaxed and a small smile grew on his face.


    Sodras laughs showing his literal pearly whites. ¡°Well judging by your cooking today, I would be missing my cooking too if they all tasted like this.¡± Aliza giggled. She wanted to ask again about his views on her food, but he quickly signed the rest of the papers for Tera, shook both of their hands, and went upstairs. Both women looked at each other awkwardly. Why was he in such a hurry? Looking around the area for an explanation but there was nothing. Both just shrugged off the awkward end and carried themselves out the door.