Chapter 4 - Visitors

The entire family and a guest gathered at the dinner table. Abdo was a week into his work and it yielded great results, the only thing left to do was to confirm his theory. Before that he’d like to relax. Klaus was happily reading tablets that the guest brought over. He’s always enjoyed those that Elaria brought over. She’s quite curious about it as well! Klaus thought to himself, feet swaying underneath the chair as he read the latest regarding the Dustsong.

The three have gathered around the table for an hour now. Considering the number of adults Klaus opted to tend to himself. “It has been quite a while since I last had your food. You have greatly improved.” Elaria said as she finished the last scraps of food.

“Thanks!” Klaus leaned in, “What did you think of the bear?” And pointed at the now empty plate.

Elaria shot him a thumbs up, “It was great!” Klaus’ smile widened. “How did you cure it of its gamy taste?” In fact, it tasted sweet.

“That’s the cool part. I didn’t.” Now it was Elaria who leaned in. “See, gamy is a taste. I simply used ingredients that worked well with it. Like egg and bitter gourd.”

“That’s very impressive. I’m going to steal that for myself actually.” She righted herself and made a mental note of it.

“This one,” Klaus flicked a finger towards Aurora, “Is very picky. Ow!” Aurora lightly slapped him on the shoulder. “I had no choice but to improve. Not with her taste buds.”

“Okay you. Go back to reading.” Aurora placed a hand on Klaus’ head, making him look down towards the tablet. Klaus did just that and now it was her turn. “How’s the experience of working under my brother? It’s been half a year, yes?”

“He’s very overbearing, and overprotective.” An honest answer possible because the subject is currently not present. “The coin is good. I can easily provide food for my family for at least a year.”

“That’s a lot of coin! That’s wonderful!” Aurora rejoiced at the notion. What neither of them knew was that Elaria’s wages were well below average. A strategic choice Abdo made; her lifestyle was frugal to begin, that paired with the fact that she’s a hardworker makes it a very attractive deal for Abdo. “How much do you make?” Aurora had asked a very personal question and Elaria would not answer. Though, neither of them knew this. They would spend time around merchants, not with them.

“Every month I earn 25 silver!” Elaria answered with excitement. If proper merchants heard of this, they’d be laughing their hearts out. Elaria’s excitement quickly faded as she materialised a stone sword. “I still try to hunt but I am only reminded of the fact that I am not a very good hunter.”

Aurora held Elaria’s hand, “I’m sure you’ve gotten better. I notice that my skills sharpen if I take an occasional break.”

“That’s not how it works for me, unfortunately.” Now holding Aurora’s hand with hers. Aurora tapped the stone desk, “Did you join the whatever blazers?”

“Trailblazers.” Elaria corrected her. The stone sword dematerialised and crumbled into the dust. She leaned her neck against her hand. “We hunt in a party. Though, only for the fun of it.” Elaria looked at her calloused hands, “Hard to believe I can hunt for fun now. Maybe I should stop all together. I don’t particularly enjoy it.”

“Then why don’t you stop?” Elaria simply stared at Aurora. “I didn’t mean anything by that. Just… Aren’t you forcing yourself to hunt? You should do what makes you comfortable. You will always be one of us.” Elaria’s eyes drooped, now she’s fixated on the stone table. “You always will be, no matter what you think.” Their eyes met. I provide my family by hunting, you do it with business. Neither method is superior." Aurora smiled, “We can always just wandering around in the Wilds, hunt a boar or two.”

Elaria’s lips parted, she was about to say something. What was she going to tell Aurora? Was it a declaration that they’ll always be friends? Or something else? Who knows? Because, Abdo cut in. “I grant Elaria great wages,” Lying through his teeth is something he’s quite good at, “Wages so great I estimate her family will be able to live of it for at least a year.” He pulled a chair and sat down like the owned the place (he did). “There is no reason for her to hunt.” He had no context of the conversation except for Aurora’s invitation to hunt together, yet he still felt the need to answer.

“I remember a time when Aurora would tell me stories of how you attempted to sneak out.” This caused Abdo to back down slightly, Elaria kept on going. “Back when you were in Verdant’s Edge, it was barely a 10 minute walk to before you crossed into the Wilds. You were so excited every time our families went to hunt together.”

“That didn’t work out well for a majority of us.” He whispered. Aurora shot a quick glance at him, one that he did not see. “I decided to not hunt, it wasn’t as efficient as what I have in place now. There are people who make a living using the Old Ways. There will always be people who chose to live the Old Ways, but, they must adapt or they die. The Alliance is the way to that adaptation. Now, that,” he gently smacked the table for emphasis, “is something you cannot deny.” He said and pointed a finger at Elaria. She said nothing, after all, the reason she can provide is because of him.Even if he wasn’t responsible for her livelihood, what he said isn’t wrong. Elaria decided to steep in it a little longer, only to be broken out of it.

“You’re meant to go hunting with Aurora, are you not?” He pointed up at the glass roof. “Sun is at its apex. Not much time left.” Aurora gently tapped Klaus on the shoulder, “The Wilds.” Klaus set down the tablet he was reading and hopped off his chair. Elaria and Aurora both walked towards the exit and Abdo entered his study. “Let’s get some aulion, I want their bones for broth!” Klaus’ excitedly requested.