Finvir POV
“They are called Ryokans here,” Aster explained as we walked closer
The exterior of this Ryokan looks like it's been carefully crafted, with a heavy emphasis on natural elements. The walls are of warm bamboo wood, covered in a light coat of polish to give it a lustrous surface. Windows are covered with Shoji paper to allow sunlight to fill the room while maintaining privacy. The courtyard is framed by a bamboo grove, where a natural spring provides the water needed for the guests. Even the roof is made from straw, with special care taken to ensure it withstands the elements.
“Well, it's for sure nice looking,” I muttered, “I'm going to let you do the talking.”
As we walked down the long path to the entrance, I looked over at a small rock garden that had been arranged to look like waves, a small pond sat in the middle of it.
When we reached the sliding door, Aster took his shoes off, “Take your boots off Mr.Finvir, it's respectful.”
I nodded and slid my boots off, when we entered we put on our shoes to the side in a small box. We looked towards a front desk where an old wood elf with small glasses and graying hair “ Oh! Welcome to the Yoku Nemuru Ryokan! My name is Fujikura Fumiko!” she spoke universal (a language that's just English) but it had a windshire (Japanese) accent
The main room inside the Ryokan was an artistic masterpiece. It was spacious and airy, with large windows allowing plenty of daylight inside. The walls and floors are made from light and durable hinoki wood. A large fire pit is located in the center of the room, perfect for those chilly winter nights. In the corner is a low table, laid out with a tea ceremony and its accompanying accessories. The room was for sure designed to be inviting and calming, a perfect place to relax and enjoy a conversation with friends or to reflect on the day's events in my opinion.
“We thank you for having us oba-san!” the kid bowed his head and I copied the motion
“ahh it warms my old heart to see such respectful youth.” she spoke like a loving grandma seeing her grandson after a long time “How long will you be staying with us?” she asked
“Only the night ma’am” I answered, “ how much will that be?”
She put a thumb to her chin for a while before she responded “Well for a witch and his friend, 5 petals.”
We both looked at her in surprise, she chuckled “What? Surprised it's so cheap? Well, it's usually not! I like to treat my guests now and then.”
I reached into my pouch and handed her 5 petals “Here you go o-oba-san.” I struggled with the pronunciation of it so it came out a little wrong
Fujikura smiled at me “Second door on the left”
Aster and I nodded before going to our room, after we slid the door open we sat down on our floor, took off our clothes, and slid on our robes
‘what did the kid call these?’ I thought
“ Yuktas, they are called yukatas.” the kid said
“I didn't even say anything,” I said
“You had this look on your face,” he responded
“Kid, you have known me for less than a day. Why are they so trusting towards me?” I asked as I struggled to put on the Yukta
Aster moved over to me and helped me put it on “Because you were the first person to not see me as a bad luck charm or the cursed child, you're a good man Mr.Finvir.”
“ I appreciate it, kid but I'm not a good person. I've done some pretty terrible things in my life," I admitted, finally managing to get the yukata on properly. " I’ve killed people, some who deserved it others who did not. Shit kid I was an assassin for 30 years of my life. I wouldn't say I'm a good person.” I chuckled at the end
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“ Well just because you've done bad things, doesn't make you a bad person, that sounds naive but that's the way I see it, nobody only does well in their life that's just what being alive is, doing things rather they are good or bad.” he finished his rant when he was right in front of me, due to our height difference he had to look up slightly at me
“For the first time in a long time I have heard somebody be supportive of me after telling them that. “ I chuckled
“Like I said, I'm different.” Aster Chuckled back
We lay down on our futons and went to sleep shortly after.
TIME SKIP TO THE MORNING
By the time I woke up the sun was already pretty high in the sky and Aster was out of bed. I started to pop my bones as I stood up and started to do some simple stretches to wake myself up.
As I started to change into my regular clothes I thought about what the kid had said last night. It was such a refreshing change from the usual people I had interacted with in the past. I wondered what had made Aster different. Maybe it was their innocence or their genuine curiosity about the world. Whatever it was, it had struck a chord with me.
As I finished dressing, I made my way downstairs to find Aster sitting at a table, writing in a journal. Presumably the information about void rifts, they must have heard my footsteps because he looked up and smiled "Good morning! Did you sleep well?" Aster asked, putting the book down.
I nodded and joined them at the table. "Yeah. I did.” I said with some tiredness still in my voice “Thanks for asking. You seem to be energized this morning."
Aster chuckled and nodded. "I always find solace in writing down my thoughts and discoveries. It helps me clear my mind and prepare for a new day," they explained, their eyes bright with enthusiasm.
"I've tried journaling before, but I always struggled to stick with it." I chuckled
Aster smiled warmly as they started to rant. "It's not about sticking to a strict routine or feeling obligated to write every day. It's more about allowing yourself the space to reflect and express your thoughts whenever you feel the need to. It can be incredibly liberating and therapeutic."
I looked up at them with a deadpan look. " Way too early for a rant.” I lightheartedly laughed at him
They blushed in embarrassment “S-sorry I was just excited…”
“It's fine kid.” I was about to say something else but I was interrupted by Fumiko bringing in a large tray of food
“Here you go gentlemen, usually the meals would be a lot bigger but due to all the ruckus the owl soldiers are doing, we are a little short on food.” She put down a bowl of rice, Miso soup, and some grilled fish. I once again apologize for the shortage of food.” she bowed and we said thanks, and then she left us to our own devices
“So what's the plan boss?” Aster asked taking the chopsticks and eating
“Well breakfast, I plan on getting a quest from the guild.” I struggled to use my chopsticks as I slowly started to eat “Have you applied at the Jl llAdventures guild before?” I asked
“Uhh n-no sir, my tribe never really let me leave the camp very often,” Aster replied shyly with a small blush as he kept eating
“Then the first order of business is to get you applied at the guild,” I said
“Are you an adventurer Mr. Finvir?” the kid asked with stars in their eyes
“Indeed I am.” I kept eating as I pulled a card from my coat pocket and handed it to the kid
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Name: Finvir Duskmire
Alias: “silent blade”
Rank: A-1
Sex: M
Height: 6’0
Wgt: 176lbs
Hair: black
Eye: brown
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“ A-1? What's that about?” Aster asked
“ Adventures are ranked from F to S, and in each of those ranks are 3 grades. To rank up you first have to move up to 1st grade and then the guild will give you a special quest to complete and when you do that, they rank you up.” I explained as I finished up my meal
“ What happens when you get to S-1?” the kid asked again still writing in his journal
“ you can't rank up anymore, you do get a bunch of special perks from what I heard.” I shrugged
Just as Aster finished their food, Fumiko walked up and started to collect the dishes “Did I hear you boys talking about the guild?” we nodded “The main guild hall is in a village just a mile or two from here, and before you boys ask the reason it isn't in the capital is because the one in the city mysteriously burned down in the middle of the night.” she finished getting all the dishes and walked away “apparently an owl soldier was seen a day beforehand…” she mumbles as she walks away
“I don't know about you but that sounds suspicious. The largest organization in the world's main hall burns down, and then this brown guy and his owl men show up a few days later.” I explained “ that's most likely not a coincidence.”
“I agree, it is suspicious.” Aster said “ we can look into it some more once we are at the guild.”
“ Let's get going then.” I stood up and popped my back loudly before letting out a quiet groan
As we stood up Fumiko came over and said “ I hope you enjoyed your stay.” we bowed respectfully, got our shoes back on, and then got back on the road