Ria was doing her best to assimilate all this new information but it was proving to be rather overwhelming. What she really needed was an empty room, a chair to curl up to, the guide to poke through, and at least an hour alone or maybe even two to get her thoughts in order. Charlotte had always accused her of being an over-thinker and needing too much time to adjust to something new. The accusation held a grain of truth, she did need a generous amount of time to understand and process new things, but it wasn't because she hated change or trying new things. It was because she was looking at the scenario from every angle and creating at least three plans if not more for any possible scenario. Life had pulled the rug out from under her enough times that she had learned to prepare, to over-prepare truthfully, for any possible scenario.

However, since none of those were currently an option, she pushed the longing away and dealt with it like a grownup. She knew that her silence was probably unnerving Ward given the way that he kept looking at her from the corner of his eye but she couldn't force words or questions, her thoughts all tangled up and snarled. It was interesting to learn that there was a universal language but set it aside as something to explore later, when her head didn't feel like it was going to explode. A single language would make it so much easier to navigate this world it was true but she couldn't speak it so it was useless to her at this point. Not only that but the thought of meeting even more people at this point left anxiety churning in her gut.

Still, Ward was taking time out of his time off to deal with her situation and the part of her that refused to inconvenience others kept her protests silent. All too soon, they were standing in front of a cheery red door, the color somehow both welcoming and soothing, the flower boxes to each side a lovely feminine touch. Stuffing her nerves down deep, she automatically switched over to her meeting face, warm and polite without giving any of her emotions away. Just in time too, the sound of running footsteps echoed behind the door before it was jerked open and a young woman was standing there, curiosity shining brightly on her face. The woman gave a squeal of joy and tackled Ward in a hug, making Ria take a small step back. If this was Ward's partner, she did not want to create any misunderstandings.

Ward hugged her back before pulling away, smiling down at her, "Surprise. Is Mom home? I have something that I need to talk with her about." He looked over at where Ria was standing off to the side.

The woman studied her for a long moment before her face positively lit up with wicked glee before she disappeared back into the house, calling loudly, "Moooooom, Ward's home and he brought a giiirl!"

Ward sighed and he was about to follow after the woman when Ria tugged on his sleeve to stop him, still trying to process what had happened. He stilled at her touch, turning his attention fully to her, concern filling his gaze as he studied her. "Miss Willows, is something wrong?"

Ria blinked her eyes rapidly but no words appeared this time. She struggled to find the right way to say it without sounding crazy before her need to know overwhelmed her filter and she asked bluntly. "Something's weird here. I mean, if I'm on a different planet, how come we can understand each other? I doubt that you're speaking English to me. Not only that, but you both were speaking a different language just now. I understood your words but hers were foreign to me. Not only that, but when she spoke, it was like subtitles suddenly appeared out of thin air. But I didn't call up the guide or the translator or anything."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Ward ran a hand roughly through his hair, a hint of frustration on his face. "Sorry, I keep missing important things. Normally, this would all be covered in a group orientation after a drop by one of the assimilation counselors. Translators are unnecessary for speaking with me or any guardian. When we are chosen as guardians, the system makes it so that our words are automatically understood by anyone we speak to, so that there's never any confusion during times of crisis. As for the subtitles, for the first two weeks, the system will provide translations for conversations in order to ease the assimilation process and give people a chance to truly settle in. Some people, those who are hard of hearing or deaf will continue to have access to the translations after the two weeks pass, but the majority will either have to rely entirely on their translators or learn Audri. It's a measure to keep travelers from staying too insular and separated from their new planet, integrating them entirely into the community."

Ria nodded numbly, struggling not to cry. This was all too much too soon. The sensory input was overwhelming and knowing that the next two weeks would be like sitting through a foreign film with subtitles before she was supposed to just magically understand the actors and dialogue, it felt like a test that would result in her expulsion if she failed. Feeling the start of a panic attack creeping up, she automatically started a breathing pattern. In for 4, hold for 7, release for 8. She managed to complete three repetitions before an older woman appeared in the doorway, her resemblance to Ward making it clear that they were related.

However, the woman's most striking feature was a large scar on the left side of her face, as if someone had attacked her with a knife. The scar was white and faded, so it had obviously happened some time ago, but it was still prominent. Her equilibrium abruptly reasserted itself and she offered the woman a small smile and polite nod.

The woman studied her for a moment before smiling back briefly. She then turned to Ward and offered wryly, "As I'm sure the entire neighborhood heard, your sister kindly announced your arrival. Why don't you both come in and we can chat while the stew finishes up."

Ward nodded, his voice low enough so that only the three of them could hear, "That would be great, Mom. It's not what Lynne thinks. Miss Willows is a star traveler, just arrived."

Her eyes widened slightly and she studied Ria for a long moment before nodding decisively. "Well, we'll definitely need to have a chat then. Welcome to Audrilandre, Miss Willows. Please, come in and be welcome."

As soon as she finished reading the text, Ria nodded weakly. She could feel the neighbor's gaze on her already and it was all she could do not to shift uneasily. No, best to do this as privately as possible. Offering a slightly wavery smile, she said, "Thank you for your hospitality, ma'am."

As she followed the pair into the house, Ria wished once again, for just a little bit of alone time to process things.