The meal was one of the best that Ria had eaten, especially in recent memory as she had been so busy tracking trends that she'd practically been living on takeout and prepackaged meals. This was a stew that had been simmering for hours, the flavors blending and melding to create a symphony of tastes upon her palate. Not only that but the bread was a movement in and of itself, the thick golden crust with a soft chewy middle, freshly churned butter melting into the warmth.

She didn't speak much, focusing on the delicious food and trying to not break any manner taboos. Lynne and Ward carried the bulk of the conversation, Ward sharing tales about his latest guardian rotation and Lynne asking a million and one questions about it before moving on and chattering about everything that had happened while Ward had been gone. Despite her best efforts, most of the conversation went over her head. While she understood Ward's words, there were so many unfamiliar terms and names that she was missing too much context to make any sense of what he was saying. Lynne, on the other hand, was speaking so quickly that Ria couldn't keep up with reading the helpfully provided subtitles. So she ate and answered the occasional question directed her way.

The one bright spot was that Faye offered to tutor her in Audri. Apparently, one of her occupations was helping new star travelers acclimate to their new lives, specifically focused on language skills and basic cooking. Ria immediately accepted her offer, relief flowing through her. While she would be able to pick up the rough basics using the guide, it was always better to learn from a native speaker. They would help uncover the hidden rules or the little ones that everyone knew, so no one thought to mention them. The faster she could learn the language, the better.

As soon as the meal was finished, they moved back into the sitting room, Faye pulling two paper tablets from the desk and pencils. Settling herself more comfortably with another mug of tea, Ria set her mind to the task of learning the new language.

X

This set the tone for the next three days.

During the morning, Ria would do self-study using the guide, trying to parse the different words and phrases and how to pronounce them. Lynne would fetch her at noon and together they would prepare a simple luncheon. Faye had been pleased to find that she knew at least the basics of cooking, although Ria had to admit that anything more complicated than a sandwich or a simple soup was beyond her. Faye had laughed and informed her that most of the star travelers came with no cooking skills beyond the ability to burn water if left unattended in a kitchen.

After lunch was eaten, they would move to the sitting room for lessons. Ward would help her with geography, teaching her how to fully utilize the map in the guide, and then Faye would take over, drilling her mercilessly in Audri until it was time for dinner. By the third day, she was able to hold a simple, very simple, conversation with Lynne. It was all she could do not to jump with joy and clap her hands when she finished the conversation, so pleased was she with her progress. Nothing like total immersion to help one pick up a language quickly. However, her restraint did not apply to Lynne and the young woman let out an excited squeal, jumping up and down happily.

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Drawn by the noise, Ward stuck his head into the study where they were gathered. He glanced back and forth between them, smiling slightly. "What's all the commotion about?"

Ria couldn't help her answering smile even as a trace of exasperation laced her voice, "Lynne is excited that we just managed to have a discussion about how I enjoyed breakfast this morning. It was a very, very basic conversation, nothing worth this level of excitement."

Lynne frowned at her tone before turning to her brother, "Ward, she managed a whole conversation and didn't miss any articles or words. She's amazing!"

Ward grinned and answered before Ria could protest, "Indeed she is. She doesn't realize how many travelers struggle with Audri, to pick up the basics in three days is quite the accomplishment." His expression turned thoughtful. "You two have been cooped up and working hard for days. How about as a reward for such progress, we take a stroll outside town? I need to do a quick check of an area outside the gates and it would give you guys a chance to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Give yourself a break from learning a bit."

As much as Ria wanted to protest, she needed to learn so much more in order to stand a fighting chance, she knew that a break would benefit her greatly. Give her the opportunity to come back and see things with fresh eyes. She nodded shyly, still uncertain around the guardian. He'd been kind with the geography lessons but she'd barely seen him besides that. Despite saying that he was here on break from his official duties, he was still out and about most days dealing with guardian tasks that couldn't be put off. Faye had told her a little bit about what Guardians were and how they affected life in Audrilandre, but Ria had the feeling that the older woman had barely skimmed the surface.

Lynne shouted about telling their mother and dashed from the room, yelling that she'd be right back. Ria asked quietly, "Are you sure that you can spare the time for us if you need to do a check?"

He tucked his hands in his pocket, "No, just routine, making sure that nothing dangerous has ventured close since the last time I cleared the area. There have been no reports or signs but I still like to check every month or so to make sure that I don't miss the early signs of trouble. It'll be nice to take a walk, just de-stress for a bit. I think I've caught up on everything that needed to be done. Sorry for basically abandoning you, I should have some time to help you figure things out now."

She shook her head, "You didn't abandon me, you had tasks that you needed to see to and your family has helped me immensely. I'm fortunate for everything that you all have done for me, I'm very grateful."

Whatever he might've answered was lost to the clatter of Lynne returning. The younger woman looped her arm through Ria's and tugged her towards the door. "C'mon, we'll have so much fun!"