Irithelle | The Silver Alps: II

Noaki wakes before the breaking dawn. Moritz is snoring softly near the fireplace.

When idling is uncomfortable, he rises from bed and shambles to the washroom where he douses himself in cold water. His mind now thoroughly alert, he quickly dries himself and dresses into a pair of clean garments. While lacing his mukluks Moritz stirs and yawns.

Moritz stretches, groaning in pleasure ."Good," he yawns, "morning."

Taking note of Moritz's sorry state of attire, he tosses his remaining clean garments onto Moritz's torso.

Moritz examines them. "What's this for?"

"You can wear those, the washroom is on the left." Noaki capes his weighty coat around his shoulders. "I'll meet you in the commons area, I'm going to find something to eat."

Moritz's gut audibly grumbles. "Good idea."

The commons area has cleared out significantly from the night prior, save for a few hunters who, like Noaki, were perhaps in the habit of early rising. A custom the innkeeper did not appear to share.

A serving woman readily takes his order. She returns with a basket of fresh steaming loaves and two bowls of creamy mushroom and vegetable soup.

"Thank you." Noaki settles into his seat. "Do you know when the innkeeper will be available?"

The waitress smiles politely. "Mr. Walters would be in not long before noon, though you should catch him at a later time. Should I leave a message?"

Noaki shakes his head. "It's alright, I'll catch him later." He gestures to the food. "How much?"

"Not to worry, everything is billed to your room." She bows her head slightly. "Anything else?"

"No, thank you." He mimics a bow of his head.

While she walks away, Moritz emerges in fresh clothing, his hair disheveled from toweling it dry. Noaki waves him over and gestures to the opposite seat.

Moritz seats himself, and the two begin breakfasting.

"So what are our plans for today?" Moritz asks in-between bites.

"Don't you have to tell whoever you work for you're abandoning your employment? We should probably start there." Noaki tears a loaf in half. "If you want to, that is."

"Makes sense." Moritz slurps his broth. "Though I don't really want to."

"Mister Dallan that intimidating?" Noaki teases. He notes the vegetables' consistent texture.

"Mister?" Moritz chuckles. "Old Dallan is alright, I just don't want to go back there and feel the guilt of leaving."

Noaki dips a piece of loaf into the creamy broth. "I'm sure they can find someone else to replace you, it's a big town."

"It is a big town." Moritz glances out the window. "I nearly jogged myself out of breath trying to find this place."

"Well, when it comes down to it, you'll feel less guilty if you do tell them." Noaki finishes another loaf. "Who do you work for?"

Moritz thinks for a moment, then shrugs. "I know it's some rich guy, Old Dallan mentioned his name in the middle of a long rant about serving a great benefactor." He brings the bowl to his face and slurps it down. "Lord Hosleare?"

Noaki finishes the rest of his soup in imitation.

"You're right about me being easily replaced. I haven't seen his house but from afar it's almost as big as a palace." Moritz contemplates for a moment. "When do you think we'll leave? I'm not really comfortable knowing James and his gang are nearby."

Noaki agrees. "We can't leave until we know where we're going. I don't know what we'll need." He points at Moritz. "You need more clothes, the ones I gave you don't quit fit."

Moritz rolls his sleeves up his forearm. "When I was putting this on, I noticed this." He indicates the monogram underneath his left cuff, 'Ethel'.

"What about it?" Noaki inspects the same cuff on his own sleeve.

"When I was trying to find this place I passed a boutique under the same name." He unfurls his sleeve, reconcealing the monogram. "We should visit the place, you might remember something."

Noaki nods. "Good idea. But first," he stands up, "we should break the news to this Old Dallan."

Despite the early hours before daylight, the streets are ripe with activity. The storefront businesses are closed, but street vendors roam about peddling to passersby.

With Noaki's familiarity of the route, they exit town in good time. En route, Moritz points out the boutique he mentioned earlier, although nothing in Noaki's memories stirs when they pause to examine it.

When they reach Moritz's cabin, a kilometre from the fields, they are greeted by a grumpy looking old man. "You've got some nerve walking off like that," he grumbles.

Moritz returns an impish smile and apologizes to Old Dallan.

The old man accepts this apology and notices Noaki for the first time. "Ah! A wildlander. What did you get yourself mixed up in this time? No, wait, come inside. I just made tea." Before either of them can respond, the old man enters the cabin.

The cabin, in spite of its size, is roomy with multiple bunk beds neatly fixed up. A fireplace with a mantelpiece of river stone is centralised in the cabin.

A kettle, wafting an aroma of freshly brewed tea, steams over a crackling woodstove in the kitchenette. Opposite to the stove are six chairs arranged in perpendicular order around a sturdy wooden table.

Old Dallan sets out three cups and fills them from the kettle, fragrant black tea.

After the three are seated the old man speaks. "A wildlander. We don't see much of your kind this far south." He examines Noaki's coat. "Welcome to the Silver Alps at any rate."

"Thank you" Noaki takes a hesitant sip.

Old Dallan holds Noaki's gaze and nods to himself as if reassured of something. He shifts his attention to Moritz and frowns like someone familiar with a delinquent. "You're leaving?"

Moritz blinks. "What?"

"You plan on leaving?" Old Dallan nods knowingly. "Not to worry lad, we've enough workers. I only put you out in the fields for sleeping in again."

"How did you know?" Moritz blows the steam from his cup.

"I've know you since you were a mischievous little scamp. Before she left for the Holy Lands, my niece asked me to watch you." The old man smiles sadly, "of course you don't know this, do you?"

Noaki almost chokes and starts coughing. The two look at him. He quickly regains his compusuer. "Sorry, Continue."

"How did you know I meant to leave? " Moritz gulps the scalding tea.

The old man motions to Noaki. "A few days ago, an incident happened on the estate concerning a wildling. I hoped you had not gotten mixed up in it."

Noaki sinks into his seat in an attempt to make himself small. This news makes him feel like a criminal. "What happened?"

"Something of Lord Hosleare's property has been stolen, though I only call it his property out of respect. I suspect Lord Hosleare stole it from your people."

The glimmering Opal comes to mind and Noaki shares a knowing expression with Moritz.

Before either can to speak the old man waves them off. "It's alright, I won't pry, I don't want to get involved. Nasty business, but you'd be wise to leave as soon as you're able. The butler and his servants are out looking for you." He indicates to Moritz with a nod. "As for you."

Moritz innocently sips his tea.

"I had my suspicions but I wasn't certain until you had a deep confused look about you." The old man sighs. "Then I knew you'd been involved. So I sent you to till the fields and keep you out of sight and as punishment."

"Thank you," Moritz finishes his cup.

This sincerity appears to surprise the old man who shifts uncomfortably. "Your best way to the next town is taking the ferry downriver to Borintass." The old man exchanges a meaningful look with Moritz. "You don't have many belongings, never really cared for gathering them." He chuckles, "including your wages."

Moritz responds a wide grin. "I figured as much. Thanks again, Old Dallan."

The old man smiles and faces Noaki. "Keep an eye on this fool for me, make sure he doesn't get into trouble."

Noaki nods reassuringly. This seems to satisfy the old man's impressions.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

The old man rises. "To throw off your trail I'll inform Lord Hosleare you'd gone off to live with your relations in the north." He pauses at the entrance. "Though you'd best leave as soon as you can. Alright lads, take care." With those words he exits the cabin.

While Moritz is packing his belongings, Noaki finishes the rest of his tea. Moritz doesn't take too long, he packs a few trinkets into a small pouch and stands ready for departure. "I should probably replace most of this stuff, a lot is tattered or worn out" he says, tossing a measly sack of coins into the air.

Noaki reaches into his pocket and tosses Moritz one of the three sacks of gold and silver.

Moritz's eyes widen. "No way."

"Between the two of us, you're the most unprepared for a journey. It's fine, I'm starting to wonder if I stole them." Noaki downs the rest of his tea. "Well" he rises from his chair, "shall we be off then lad?" He exits the cabin, swiftly followed by Moritz.

The two take the beaten path concealed behind the cabin. Not once does Moritz look back. Compelled by a mysterious force, Noaki rubs and pats Moritz's shoulder. His friend regards this gesture with an appreciative smile.

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The two spend their spare time searching for the ferries with the advice of a street vendor, they manage to locate the docked ferries without much difficulty. "I mean where else would it be aside from the river?" Moritz announces. The docks consist of a series of stone platforms constructed next to old ghats that are still in use.

"The ferries transporting passengers north are on the eastern embankment and the ferries transporting passengers south are on the western," the vendor had explained.

A good way across the bustling bridge, Moritz nudges Noaki and points towards the ferries. Two distinct masculine figures catch their attention amidst the crowd. Garrett and his dark hooded companion appear to be pressing a wary looking helmsman.

"Are you in the mood for confrontation?" Noaki gibes.

Moritz's laugh earns a few curious glances from passersby. That's when Noaki recognizes Kaien heading their way, hefting two heavy looking sacks over his shoulders. "That's Kaien," Noaki indicates to Kaien and waves..

The wildlander grins, revealing four impressive fangs. "No'aki!" He readjustes the sacks comfortably.

Noaki introduces Moritz who bows slightly. "It's nice to make your acquaintance."

Kaien shifts the sack to shake his hand when Noaki offers to carry one for him, "thank you." In a relaxing demeanour he shakes Moritz's hand firmly. "Kaien."

"Here let me carry the other one," Moritz offers.

Kaien obliges and passes the sack into Moritz's arms and rotates his shoulders. "Much appreciated, I've been carrying those since first light"

"What's in them?" Moritz heaves the sack over his shoulder.

"Feed." Kai answers. They proceed to walk in the opposite direction of trouble.

"You're a farmer?" Noaki asks, taking in Kai's strange apparel.

Kai laughs. "No. I help this old couple outside of town deliver their feed to customers."

Moritz glances back, making sure they hadn't been noticed. "So who are these for?"

"The butcher Hoyte, a regular for the old couple." Kai shifts his fanged smile to Noaki. "Have you decided what you will do?"

Noaki nods. "I'm going to leave and explore the world a bit."

Kaien considers this thoughtfully. "Elder Yuen might agree with you, even if your memories don't return you'll create new ones." He observes the sky. "Like clouds, we change shape through time."

"That idea is neat." Moritz comments.

Noaki shares an expression with Kaien and responds in their native tongue. "I will carry with me those words."

Kaien's face brightens.

After twenty minutes they arrive at the end of the bridge. Kaien proceeds to guide them southward when the three pause for a quick break to watch a departing ferry, its passengers wave eagerly to a gathering crowd. Moritz leaves the two to relieve his bladder.

"You will have to be careful traveling," Kaien advises in their native tongue. "Without your hunting skills, it will be difficult."

"Did I hunt well?"

"Your eyes were the best," Kaien's eyes glow. "A predator in the Guild of Hunters."

Noaki smiles. "When I woke, there was a black bow.."

Kaien's eyes widen. "You must show me when we are done with these," he indicates the sacks. "I am not laboring today."

When Moritz returns they proceed for an hour, navigating the streets at a leisurely pace until they arrive at their destination.

Hoyte, a burly middle aged man with a kind face, greets them with warm smiles. Preoccupied in curing a slab of meat, Hoyte orders an apprentice to take over and leads Noaki and his companions to a silo in the backyard where he instructs them to put down the sacks.

"You're Noaki?" Hoyte washes his hands from a pump. "Kaien mentioned you. What brings you to Irithelle?"

"Just passing through, I did not expect to see Kaien," Noaki answers

Hoyte glances at Moritz. "Have I seen you in passing?" He scratches his beard, "lot of people from the valley pass through Irithelle, so I suppose it's not that uncommon for an Okari to come through, certainly not the first time."

Moritz shrugs. "I used to work at the Hosleare estate, so you might have."

Hoyte nods. "Aye, then I've likely seen you." He retrieves a silver timepiece from his pocket and sighs. "Ah, well that ought to be it for me. Thank you lads for bringing the feed." He turns to Kaien, "I'll be needing you bright and early tomorrow."

Hoyte leads them back to the entrance. The butcher's shop wafts a fragrant familiarity to Noaki. They utter their farewells and begin the return stroll to the Silver Fox.

"Man, I'd take working the fields any day to that place." Moritz inhales the air deeply. "Er… no offense" he apologizes to Kaien.

"It's not for everyone," Kaien waves his comment off. "Where will you two journey?"

"Southward, to Borintass." Moritz answers.

They turn a corner, narrowly avoiding a run in with a carriage. "The last ferry leaves around sunset."

Noaki inspects the sky, it appears to be sometime around noon. "I suppose we will leave today. If that's alright with you," he says to Moritz.

Moritz shrugs. "I haven't gotten anywhere else to be."

Kaien pats both their shoulders. "I'll see you two off then."

The commons area of the Silver Fox is filled once again. Noaki hands Moritz the key to his room. "I've got to speak with the innkeeper, I'll catch up."

The innkeeper had been expecting Noaki. "Erin said you needed something to talk about?"

"Yes," Noaki nods. "I wanted to add another person to the bill, last night I shared the room with my friend."

The innkeeper nods. "Your honesty is appreciated."

Noaki scratches his head. "Not a problem, I'll be leaving town in a bit, so I'd also like to check out."

"So soon?" The innkeeper rummages beneath the counter and produces a large leatherbound book with the embossed number sixteen. He does a few calculations in his head and scribbles something down. "That'll be it then." He returns the book and retrieves a chest, takes out three silver coins and handa it to Noaki.

"You can keep it," Noaki declines. "The service has been excellent."

The innkeeper nods and returns the chest. "So you'll be leaving then. Where to?"

"Borintass."

"In Borintass you can't go wrong with Prowler. I'm familiar with the owner Mr. Akron, if you meet him, tell him Mr. Walters sends his regards" The innkeeper slaps the counter. "I'll be here to receive your key when you leave."

Noaki thanks the innkeeper and returns to his room.

Moritz and Kai are marveling over Noaki's bow when he enters. "It takes some skill to use this kind of instrument," Kaien is explaining when he notices Noaki. "Ah, this bow is just as I thought."

"What's that?" Noaki joins them.

"This is a heartstring instrument." Kaien pulls on the string and a luminous violet arrow appears. "If you're skilled, you do not need an arrow." He gently sets the string into place and the arrow vanishes.

"Whoa!" Moritz’s eyes widen. "Can I try?"

Kaien laughs, "only those who bear the hunter’s kreddos can use this instrument." He hands the bow to Moritz for inspection.

Moritz attempts to manifest the arrow without result. "How does one go about getting one of those?”

Kaien holds Moritz’s shoulder sympathetically. "I'm sorry friend, but one is born with that kreddos. Just as Noaki and I were." He pulls away from Moritz and lifts his shirt to reveal the insignia of three crystalline stars imprinted into the flesh above his hips. It illumines a faint violet.

Noaki and Moritz exchange perplexed expressions. .

Kaien gives them a doleful look. "I forget you've lost yourselves."

Moritz looks away and scratches his head. As he turns his head Noaki holds Moritz neck, holding it in place.

"What?!" Moritz squirms.

"You have one too." Noaki points out to Kaien the cluster of hexagonal shapes on the back of Moritz neck.

Kaien inspects it admiringly. "You bear a fusion."

Moritz attempts to feel the insignia with his fingers. “I don’t feel anything,” he shrugs. “What’s a fusion?”

"When someone bears two natures they sometimes fuse into one." Kaien lifts Noaki's shirt from behind and point to where his shoulder blades converge. "Here is Noaki's"

“What’s it look like?" Noaki haunches forward awkwardly from his shirt being strung so high.

"It looks like the moon.” Moritz traces the large curving outline along Noaki’s back so he’d get a sense of the shape. “There are three of them, they're glowing, like your eyes did."

Kaien releases his shirt so the three are face to face again. He runs his hands along the bow. "You must have been through much to receive this." He lifts the bow and hands it to Noaki. "Try it."

Noaki grabs hold of the bow awkwardly. He aims it towards the wall and attempts to pluck the string. A violet arrow flickers in-and-out of existence.

"This is not good." Kaien sits on the dresser ruminating. "You must learn to use this again."

Noaki sets the bow down, leaning it against the bed frame.

Moritz fiddles with his neck. "What am I capable of?"

"I’m not familiar with that kreddos, it must belong to the storms." Kaien answers. "You two should pack and head to the docks soon." He hops down from the dresser, making his way to the lavatory.

Noaki takes his advice and retrieves his belongings from the dresser. His clothes had been washed, dried, and folded neatly in his absence. He packs them into his hiking pack, along with the chest.

"All of this is strange." Moritz admits. "None of this feels right."

Noaki doesn't respond. He doesn't know how to process the situation, so he distances himself emotionally. There weren't any easy answers, or any answers for that matter. He tightens the straps on his pack and inserts his arms through the loops.

Kaien pats Moritz on the shoulder comfortingly. "Be glad, my friend, that you're not alone in this." He indicates to Noaki with his head.

Noaki gives Moritz a reassuring smile. "Shall we be off then?"

The others agree and they exit the room for the last time. Noaki hands his room key to the innkeeper and thanks him for his hospitality. The innkeeper waves them off with a warm smile and reminds him to seek out Prowler. They leave the Silver Fox a little after noon, and begin towards the docks, guided by Kaien who explains as much as he can to Moritz regarding natures and their abilities.

Noaki keeps a lookout for any trouble. With these bustling streets Noaki wonders what the cities might be like. They purchase their tickets for the next fare departing in an hour and a half, then proceed to find a place to lunch.

Moritz and Kaien warm up to each other and when it finally comes time to leave, they embrace like old friends. From the shoreline Kaien waves encouragingly with a bright fanged smile.

Noaki settles on a bench lulled by the gentle waters. When the view of Irithelle disappears, Moritz plops down next to him and quickly falls asleep, leaning against Noaki's hiking pack for support.

While Moritz sleeps, Noaki gazes into the sky. They weren't expected to arrive in Borintas Until nightfall. His eyes droop languidly and somewhere along the way he falls asleep, his head next to Moritz.