Sera, as she was being dragged through the estate nearby, tried to come up with some panicked explanation of why she was there and what she was doing. She didn’t want to get in trouble—she really hadn’t meant to cause any issues! But will the master of the estate realize that? From the way the maid was talking, it didn’t seem like he was the nicest guy…

She was practically shoved into what she assumed was his study; there was a large desk and several surrounding bookcases. The master of the estate looked up from what he was writing, setting down his pen and looking Sera over.

“This young woman was intruding,” the maid explained. “And she broke several items in your garden.”

“I—I didn’t mean to!” Sera began quickly. “I hadn’t even realized this place belonged to you! I thought it must be okay, if it was easy enough to access from the street, but I realize now the error of my ways! And I didn’t mean to break anything, either. I don’t know if I’ll be able to pay you for it, but I promise, I’ll do what I can to—“

The man patiently glanced at the maid. “What did she break?”

“That vase you inherited from your great aunt,” she said. “She also scratched one of the statues…”

“The blue one?”

“Yes, I believe so.”

“You know I never liked that thing. There’s a reason it was outside.”

“With all due respect, sir, you’re supposed to be upset when something like this happens…”

“Well, doesn’t anger just lead to more resentment? Why not start making amends today, to save from the trials of tomorrow?”

In fear that she might be wrong, Sera cautiously asked, “So am I… not in trouble..?”

“No, not really.” The man addressed the maid when he said, “Go on, I’m sure you’ve got other things to do. Just please leave us alone for a little while, I’d like to talk with her.”

The maid nodded and left, closing the door behind her.

With his attention solely on Sera, he continued, “Names are probably important to share. I am Iankas Orican of Kadhor.”

“I’m… Sera.”

“That can’t be all of it. Do you know the name of your founding ancestor? Or the tribe that ancestor was a part of? Even where you were born would be helpful, if you don’t know either of the others…”

Still, she was quiet.

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“You… don’t know what I’m talking about, do you?”

She shook her head. “I don’t…”

“So, the name of my founding ancestor was ‘Orican.’ Orican was a part of the tribe of Kadhor. I was born in Aecara, which I hope I don’t need to tell you is the capital of Nivia Plains—and, in fact, the whole of Aedrisea. So I suppose, if we’re being especially formal… I’d be Iankas, son of Orican, from the Tribe of Kadhor. Does that make any more sense to you?”

“No…” Sera knew that wasn’t going to do anything, though, so she started explaining herself. “I don’t… remember a lot. Of my past, I mean. I know I have siblings. I left home because I knew that I wasn’t going to find my purpose there—that, whatever I wanted to do, I’d find it by traveling. I… don’t really remember how I got here, honestly…”

She somehow convinced herself to look up at him. “I bet you probably find this pretty hard to believe, huh..? Like someone just making excuses for the reason I’m standing in front of you in the first place…”

“No, actually. I believe everything you’re telling me.”

“Wait. You… do?”

“I see no reason not to. I keep a rather close eye on the news, and unless you happen to be some shapeshifting trickster, I’ve heard of no one by your description. As far as I can tell, you also have no reason to lie to me.” He paused for a moment, like he was considering something, then asked, “Could you tell me a little bit more about your siblings? Perhaps I’ve heard of them—I know a fair bit of people with good connections, due to my previous job. I might be able to help you find them.”

“Well… I have four siblings. Two older brothers and two older sisters. I… don’t know what happened to one of my sisters, though. My oldest brother does, but I don’t think he ever told me—or if he did, I don’t remember. I remember her existing but my memory of her is foggier than of all the others…”

“Do you know their names? Or what they look like?”

Sera shook her head. “I don’t remember a lot about them other than the fact that they exist. Their names, a lot of details about their faces and their clothes… I’m not sure. I’d like to think that I’d recognize them if I saw them. I don’t think I actually could, though.”

“Do you think they look like you, at least?”

“No. From what I remember… we all look different. You almost couldn’t tell that we were siblings.”

“Were you adopted, then?”

“I’m pretty sure we’re all actually related. At the very least… I know that we shared a father.”

“A father? I don’t suppose you know anything about him?”

“I don’t.”

That seemed to mean more to Iankas than it meant to her. He stood up from his study. “I’m afraid that, no matter your previous circumstances, you’re going to need to repay me for the damages you’ve done to my garden.”

She went into a brief panic. “I thought you said that I wasn’t in any trouble. I kinda assumed that meant that you also weren’t offended? And I didn’t need to repay anything?”

He laughed. “Oh, it’s not hard work. I could just use an extra hand with some research I’m doing.”

“Research?”

“Yes. It’s my calling, you see—interpreting folklore and applying it to what we know of ancient history and similar such things. But I’m afraid I haven’t had some help in quite a while, and I thought I’d extend the offer to you.”

“Why me, though..? I’m just some stranger you met…”

“Ah, but fate’s an odd one. Perhaps you’ve been brought here, to this estate, for a specific reason—maybe this is where you’ll find your talent, or I’ll somehow help guide you to it. I don’t see a reason why we can’t try.”

Slowly, Sera nodded. “Alright. I’ll help you, as long as it’s not too hard…”

“I think you’ll enjoy it. Come on—I’ll show you to the private library. That’s often where I work on these kinds of things.”