The conversation turned to more pleasant things as Terri altered a set of clothing for Syl to take with her.

“That about does it.” Terri said as she finished her work. “Try it on, see how it fits.”

She handed Syl a set of soft small clothes, two strange looking garments, and Leather strap. The tan ‘trousers’ had a wide strip that came off each leg and the fabric ballooned out at the waist with even more cloth strips. The top had elbow length sleeves and opened in the front like a jacket. The top also had an abundance of fabric and more strips of cloth. Syl must have been making a face because after a moment both of the other two women started laughing.

“This is your first Kaihed” Julie said, barely containing her mirth. “It is a special article of clothing. The traditional wear of Ril women from before there was a Ril. It is ideal for travel, working with wolves, and scouting.” Julie looked at the leather strap and lightly put her hand on Syl’s shoulder. She gave her a serious look. “It also fits under armor.”

“An elf dressed in one isn’t an outsider, it makes you one of us.” Terri said, adding a grin and a bicep flex. They all laughed.

Julie helped Syl change, and Terri guided her over to a standing mirror tucked away in a corner. A young elf stared back at her, she looked about twelve with a mess of shoulder length black hair and grayish skin. Her clothing gave her a nomadic princess look. If her hair was under control she would be cute.

“Thank you for my first Kaihed.”

“You’re welcome, the next one you earn.” Terri said.

“Elves in Traevane have skin like mine?” She asked holding out her arms.

Terri shook her head. “Nope.”

Syl Sighed.

“Ready for something to eat, Syl?” Julie said

“Okay.”

Julie and Syl left soon after and made their way to a fruit stand with wood shelves next to a barrel. Apricots and bunches of berries were neatly placed in rows similar to a super market. An apricot in hand, Julie fished out a bronze coin and dropped it in a slot in the barrel. It made a dull clinking sound when it hit more coins at the bottom.

“Theo’s stand, you can also pay with compost” Julie pointed across the street to a half full Cart. She used a knife to cut the apricot in pieces and dropped the pit into a small box on the bottom shelf. Half the fruit pieces went to Syl. The apricot had a mild sweetness, a nice mid day snack. They munched as they walked.

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Julie stopped and started talking without facing Syl. “We want you to stay with us, if you want to. It isn’t safe for a young girl to wander the countryside… we want to help.”

“What are Valkyrie? I don’t want to be a problem… you and Stan seem like nice people.” Syl felt conflicted. She didn’t know enough about the world. It was painful to imagine them in trouble because of her.

“Valkyrie don’t speak, all we can do is guess. Years ago, my Grandad helped clear out a group of marauders with others from Ril. He swore one appeared when the fight was at its worst. She fell from the sky and fought like frenzied boar… and sometimes they bring mercy.” Julie added with a heavy tone.

Syl made fists with her hands and brought them up to her face. As she squeezed a little smoke quickly swirled and dissipated. “Even if they aren’t here for me, I am… more than an elf.” Syl’s face grimaced, she was enjoying her time in Ril. Julie turned toward her with a smile.

“We still choose for you to stay with us, even if you have pretty smoke.” Julie said her smile dispelling the heavy air.

“You really think its pretty?”

“I do.”

“Thank you, I’ll try to stay.”

They resumed their walk. Syl followed Julie until they were at the edge of the village. The road here was paved with stone and well maintained. One side of the road had a large open field and on the other side was a large building with a connected wolf stable. Stan was there talking with a a couple of men. The first was a thin man with a gaunt face wearing a set of leathers on dark green with a wrapped spear on his back. The second man was muscled with leathers on tan and a bone bow. He also carried an odd looking spiked hammer lashed to his waist. They departed as Julie and Syl walked closer, Stan gave them a smile and wave.

“Great timing, Just dispatched the boys to help with a broken Ox cart down the road.” Stan Said.

“Trouble?” Julie said

“Iron wood haulers.” Stan said and waved away her concern. Julie nodded like his answer explained everything. Maybe it did in context she didn’t know.

“Stan is a wolf master, he manages our stables and uses wolf teams to buy and sell surplus goods. Our wolves also run correspondence between Ril and the greater Yore.” Julie said with pride.

“And a few other odds and ends. Would you like to meet the wolves, Syl?” Stan noticed her eagerness and nodded. “Chucho!” A massive wolf head rose out of the grass in the nearby field. The wolf trotted over, he was around two meters tall with a white face, chest, and legs. His ears were covered in black fur that went all the way to his tail.

The horse sized wolf stood with his shoulders to the side of Stan and turned his head so that it rested on the mans shoulder. Stan reached up and massaged the wolfs face with his hands.

“Good to see you Chucho, this is Syl, be nice to her.” As Stan talked he gently turned the wolf so he could see Syl.

~It is a pleasure to meet you Sister.

Syl was surprised, the wolf could talk to her mind! ‘Cool, fantasy stuff!’

“And it’s a pleasure to meet you too, mister Chucho.” Syl said back to the wolf. The wolf bowed his head to her words.

~What brings you to our land? Was your journey long?

“I was curious about Ril and wanted to see the world. The journey has been very nice with lots of good people and food.”

~Did the food have potatoes? They are my favorite. I hope Julie makes something with potatoes soon.

“She seems nice, I am sure you could just ask her.” Syl said.

“Eh, sweetie…” Julie said looking very confused.

“Oh sorry! That might be rude. Chucho was just mentioning he really likes it when you cook potatoes. I told him to just mention it to you.”

“Chucho can’t talk.” Julie said.

“Oh…” Syl said.

“Chucho would you tell Syl if anyone came to the stable yesterday?” Stan asked.

~Sister, tell him that a short flat-face came. He wore nice coverings but smelled dirty and I want a baked potato.

“Chucho says a short man came that dressed nicely but smelled bad and he wants a baked potato.” Syl translated.

“A man came yesterday, said he was a noble from the capital. Something seemed off about him and I refused his contract.” Stan said to Julie.

Julie turned to face Chucho. “You want a baked potato?”

The wolf laid down facing Julie, his tail wagged slightly.

Oof.

“Next time I make them I’ll bring you some.” Julie said.

Syl was introduced to more wolves shorty after. Eventually Stan was called back to manage teams and the stables operations. Julie excused the two of them for the village bathhouse and to prepare dinner. Julies cooking was mouth watering and included some baked potatoes for the wolves. After a long involved first day, Syl was surprised to find herself tired. In what was now officially her room she felt the soft feathered pillow and fell asleep.

Syl returned to the basement of the void. It was time to get to work.