Juliana went to watch the theatre for the third time this week. The traveling troupe had cloths covering half of the stage. In the back was a tent for the actors to prepare. The seating was portable benches with soft padding. She sat once again close to the front. Jun’ep had taken her to the performance, it was nothing like she had seen on earth. Despite the set up’s simplicity, the show made Broadway look like a grade school play.

Purple, pink, and orange haired elves performed. The purples provided moving scenery and special effects from behind the curtains. The orange elves shape-changed into monsters and large beasts. The pink haired elves, the ones whose mana was most subtle, could express emotions to the audience and influence their feelings. The higher-ranking ones would feel the audience and adjust the performance accordingly.

A passing thought came to her mind: was she being brainwashed? No. Juliana felt the emotional tug, but it wasn’t a command. She watched their supporting actor. They were a Fa and from what she knew, Fa could completely force feelings, although they could not force thoughts. A terrifying power if used wrongly. Most of the actors were of the Mi level. She assumed other Fa would be in positions of power. Perhaps they served as ambassadors or other diplomatic roles.

Did the supporting actor just glance at her?

She didn’t care it was the third time she watched the performance. This planet had not invented recorded videos. The translation magic helped her read, but it’d give her a headache after four hours. She was bored outside of her classes and conversations were only so much entertainment.

Each time she watched their performance, she noticed another detail of their hard work. The costumes, the animation of the backgrounds, the slight movement of hands and brows as the actors spoke.

This play was about an adventurer crossing the vast eastern ocean to seek new lands. They fought with sea monsters. After a storm, they are pushed back to their continent. Tired and defeated, they decide there is only Asa Dominion for them. A patriotic play, to be sure.

Last month, she only saw one performance. The Fa onstage at the time was the lead. It took place during the first contact with humans. It was a tragedy of a blue hair wanting to be paired with a woman, but the woman leaving him for another clan. Clan wars ensued. She recognized the actor despite their hair color changes for different roles. How could she forget the gentlest voice she’s heard!

At the end of the performance, audience sang lauds and whistled for the actors.

Jun’ep glanced at her, “Are you going to give them your gift?”

She breathed out, “I’m ready. I’m so nervous. On my old world I was never a fan girl.”

The hot pink haired actor with a tight braid on the top of his head but loose beaded strands stood outside the actor’s tent. Their outfit was of rich frills and elaborate stitching. Jewels draped over their ears and on their fingers. It was obvious they enjoyed the fashions from the upper districts. They bowed, “A pleasure. Are you looking for someone?”

Their voice was unmistakable.

“Actually, you. I love your acting. My name’s Juliana Humesier. What is your name?”

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“I am called Fionn.”

She squeezed the box she held, “I want to give you these sweets, but I don’t want to burden you to accept them.”

Fionn gave a bright smile, “I would fight for such a burden, my lady.” They opened the package and sucked on a dessert.

Jun’ep muttered beneath their breath, “If I was stronger, I too would fight for that favor.”

Juliana made a slight bow of her own and turned to leave the Adasion.

“Please wait. Juliana, is it? I heard there was something interesting about the House of Nue’ant. You made quite the social scene by advertising to build your own clan. That is you, isn’t it? You’re brave to do so. Poor Nue’ant. I’d ask if he’s treating you well, but his reputation precedes him. Others however are saying they are losing control of their clan. Others wonder about their treatment of you. Some even say you are ungrateful.”

“Those words best not be coming from your mouth,” Jun’ep warned.

They raised their hands, “On the contrary, how can someone generous enough to give sweets and not expect anything in return be the ungrateful type? She is obviously very giving.”

“Which clan do you come from, Fionn?” Juliana asked.

They scoffed, “My own. I was ousted more years ago than I can count. I didn’t fit in with the generation’s Fa. They and I have different views on life. Maybe we can get to know each other over a glass of deep moss?” The deep moss beverage caused the elves to become inebriated. It didn’t work on humans and Fionn seemed not to know.

Hadn’t he just insulted her? Maybe not directly, now that she thought of it. She’d hear him out. “Sure.”

It proved to be an interesting night. In a tavern in the Mi district, Fionn was a popular person. They knew the band and got them to start a song. With a tenor’s voice, neither clearly male nor female, they began to sing a story. At certain intervals, everyone sang a verse “and down they went again!” The serious beat quickened as the story became funnier and funnier. Everyone cheered at the end. Juliana clapped and whistled.

“What is that sound?” Fionn asked in amazement.

“Whistling. Some humans can do it. It takes practice.”

“Do it again! Do it again!” A merry tune flew from her lips. Fionn leaned forwards memorized, before blinking themselves from their trance.

With a laugh, Fionn pulled her from her seat and they began to dance.

For the first time in Adasion, Juliana felt free. Her feet barely touched the floor as she twirled around. No one to make her stay within the rules and the formalities. Not like the Fa District. Not like answering to angry citizens or a city council. This freedom to move, laugh, be. She had not felt so alive for a while. When was the last time she last felt like this on Earth? She…couldn’t remember.

As they danced, Juliana noticed that within the steps, the Adasions didn’t have leaders and followers. Their way of dancing was togetherness. They pushed and pulled equally. Fionn was moving so fast, their long bold pink hair came disheveled from their braid.

As the night went on, Fionn was drinking a little bit more than Juliana thought they should. However, they kept just out of full drunkenness. She happily accepted when he poured more deep moss into her cup. Even though they sat and became drunker, she remained sober. So far, she had found no comparison to Earth’s alcoholic effects.

They told a story how his clan worked for those in high positions. Fionn did not agree to use their powers to force influence during the war. Their clan thought they were lazy. Fionn stuck by their beliefs and was expelled from the clan for them.

Juliana took a closer look at their clothes. In the dimmer light of the tavern, she saw that they were worn. The cloth was thinner in some areas, stitched in others. They had a tanned finger where the skin underneath showed the line of where a ring had been. A few of the gems were scratched. Glass, she realized. At first glance, one wouldn’t notice. Fionn probably couldn’t afford upper district’s rates anymore, but still bought what they could to keep up appearances. It was a type of pride. Her expression softened.

“Do you miss not having the clan stipend you would’ve earned?”

“Of course I could always use more money! But honor, no, that is something not bought.”

“I would like to meet you again—if anything, at least as a friend.” Juliana decided to ask.

“This wisdom trial you have planned sounds interesting. Mind if I tag along? You could use me to tell you if they’re being honest.”

“I would love that.” With that decision made, Juliana quickly had a plan in mind.