Vim was studying the blocks of wood with a keen eye.

We were in a rather odd shop. One that sold wood. Timber. The place actually smelled familiar, and reminded me of home.

The building was situated in the corner of a small square marketplace, near the edge of the market district. I had heard this was the western market, though I wasn’t entirely sure if we were in the center of it or on the edge. The only thing I was certain of concerning our location, was that we were very close to one of the large stone pillars. It loomed nearby, blocking most of the sunlight.

It was interesting for it to be the middle of the day, yet somewhat dark. As if the sky was covered in dark clouds. But there was no storm. No clouds. Just the stone pillar. The monolith, as Vim called it.

Standing a few tables away from Vim, I glanced around the shop one last time before looking back to the colorful wood in front of me. There were a few other customers here, but by the sounds of it they were regulars. They were speaking with the one who was running the shop, laughing about something they had heard from a friend earlier.

Reaching out to pick up one of the thin pieces of wood, I wondered what one would need such long strips of thin wood for. They were too thin to be used to build anything, at least so they looked. They were only as thick as my fingernail. They were pretty though. The one I was lifting had an orange tint to it that seemed… fake almost. As if it had been soaked in paint for a long time.

Putting the slice of wood down, I stepped over to the next table. It, like all the tables in this shop, was large and covered in wood. Each table had different cuts of wood, or of different shapes and colors.

This one had square block shapes of wood. They were stacked together, forming a small pyramid, with different colors on every side. It made it look neat, but once again I wasn’t sure what this shop’s entire deal was.

They sold wood. I got that. Here in this dry place, wood was likely valuable. So it made sense to me.

But… why the different shapes? These small pieces wouldn’t be usable for anything too useful. No one would be able to build a house, or a cart, or even a table with most of these things. They were just not big enough.

I’d understand if this was just a way to display the wood. Like showing off their quality and type, by showing smaller cuts, and then selling the larger pieces… but from what I gathered that was not what this place was for.

You bought these pieces, not what they represented.

It was the oddest shop we’d been in yet. Vim had been on the hunt for something, seemingly these wood pieces, but had been kind enough to let me browse the shops we passed on the way here. I’d not bought anything, but it had been fun looking at all of them.

There was a bit of comfort in finding that even though half a world away… the shops here were nearly just like the ones back at home. Some of the stuff was different, or odd, but relatively it was all the same.

Yet…

Glancing again over at Vim, I frowned as he finally nodded and decided on which one he wanted.

“I’ve not seen you before sir, which crafting guild do you belong to?” the shop owner stepped over to Vim, who likely had also noticed Vim had made his choice.

“None. Do you have any ivory?” Vim asked him.

I stepped around the tables I had been busying myself with and watched the shopkeeper’s face morph into a small frown. “Ivory…? I can only wonder what you’re making. I do have some, but what I get is from trade and barter… so it’s not much of a selection, honestly, and nothing I’d really want to sell to be frank,” he said.

Ivory… Vim meant bones right?

He wanted bones…?

Now I was very interested in knowing what he planned to make. The only thing I could think of was jewelry, or maybe certain tools.

“Wouldn’t happen to know anyone in town that sells ivory, would you?” Vim then asked.

The man shook his head. “No. There might be some like myself who have a little from trade over the years, but there’s definitely not a singular store for it or…” he paused as he pondered it. Then nodded. “The only thing you could do is put in a request for it. To one of the main guilds, or maybe the Queen,” he concluded.

Vim sighed as he looked away from the man and to me. I perked up a little at his glance, but it was short lived. Vim looked away after a moment and back to the shopkeeper.

“I’ll take this. And a section of your smoothest leather,” Vim said.

The shopkeeper nodded as he glanced at the block of wood in Vim’s hand. “I’ll give a discount if you’ll tell me what you’re making,” he said.

Smiling at the man, I nodded. Yes, please ask.

“No thanks. Actually let me have this one too,” Vim stepped away, to another table, and picked up a smaller piece of wood. One a quarter of the size of the one he already had. It was about the size of my closed fist.

“Hmph. You’re definitely not a craftsman. Bet you’re some weird merchant. All right then, I’ll go get the leather, one moment,” the shopkeeper complained a he stepped away and headed deeper into his store.

Stepping over to Vim, I smiled at him. “Keeping it a secret, or do you hate haggling that much?” I asked him.

“Both. Touch this, how’s it feel?” Vim then held out the first piece of wood he had picked up to me.

Taking it from him, I frowned as I ran my hands along it. It was rather light for as big as it seemed and felt… smooth. A little too smooth. As if it had spent a long time in a river, or ocean. “It’s smooth,” I said after a moment.

Vim took it back, and then reached over to grab my hand.

I went a little still as he turned my hand around, as to stare at my palm. I kept it open, and watched as he studied my palm for a moment.

“Vim…?” I asked softly. What was wrong?

Then the shopkeeper returned, carrying a small bundle of wrapped leather.

“Will this do?” he asked Vim.

“Perfect.”

Before he handed Vim the leather, he smiled one last time. “Half off. I bet you’re making a flute of some kind,” he said.

Vim frowned at him, and I noted the annoyance on his face.

Vim didn’t find the man’s attempts humorous at all. “No,” was all he said as he dug out the coins.

A few moments later we were walking out of the store, and Vim was smiling happily as he carried his new spoils.

I wanted to ask what he was planning… but that had been the third time that I had asked, and he had ignored me. Which meant he had no intention to tell me.

I’d found out eventually, hopefully. But it was starting to really bug me.

Vim had messed with those leather pieces earlier. While we had been stuck outside of the city, thanks to that quarantine thing. Was this just a simple continuation of it, or was it something more?

“He was upset with you, Vim,” I said as we headed down a street. One that had more people on it than before. It was now the middle of the day, but I was starting to realize that Vim was right. This place wasn’t as busy as it should be. I felt like we were walking in a smaller town, not one the size of Lumen.

“Who?” Vim asked.

“That shopkeeper,” I said.

“Oh. Hmph,” Vim shrugged, uncaring.

Yes… Vim really didn’t care did he?

It was honestly a little interesting how Vim cared so much for certain attention, yet completely didn’t notice or care for other types.

“Shall we find somewhere to eat then?” Vim then asked.

I nodded quickly. “Preferably somewhere with something tasty to drink,” I said.

Vim smiled at me. “Yes. Landi only had alcohol, I’m assuming,” he said.

“She had water too,” I admitted. But not much else. Or well, I probably could have asked for anything I wanted. She would have then ordered one of her servants, and I’d have gotten it shortly.

But I hadn’t wanted to seem ungrateful, or needy. We had already been so bothersome with Hark after all.

“This way then. If I remember correctly all the food shops are either north or south, and past the marketplaces,” Vim said as we turned down a different road.

“Past the marketplaces…?” I asked. Usually markets were where they were located.

“Landi built this place in zones. It’s a useful system, but once a city gets big enough you need to start incorporating more efficient methods. She hasn’t done it yet,” Vim said.

Zones…? “So… that’s why the city is made in blocks?” I asked.

“Blocks indeed,” Vim said.

Smiling I nodded. Yes. The buildings were actually blocks themselves. They were all just giant rocks, carved into the shape of houses or buildings.

It was honestly a little ugly, now that I’ve spent enough time looking at them to realize they were so… Similar.

They had been interesting at first… but now I missed the… uniqueness of wooden and brick buildings. The ones back home up north.

Those had character. Each one was different. Each one, even if uglier or smaller, had been its own building. Something recognizable and unique.

These though were all the same. Some were painted different colors, or had designs carved into them… but…

Passing one of the more boring looking buildings, I decided this place wasn’t very fun. And not just because half of the town was missing, or afraid to leave their homes because of the plague.

Though the looming pillars of stone were interesting. I could admit that.

There were four of them as far as I could tell. But only two were massive. The other two were about half the size of the others, and one of them was Landi’s palace. It was situated in the center of the other three, and looked to have huge sections cut out of it all over it. Like giant windows… but I wasn’t sure if any of them were anything more than massive open rooms.

Landi’s palace was her own. Past a certain floor, no one else was allowed up there. Other than her… and her servants when she wanted them to do something.

“Is there another member here Vim?” I asked him as I thought of Landi, and her smell.

She had a strong scent. One that was very obvious and noticeable… but there had been other smells on her too. And not just from oil, incense, or her clothes.

“Yes. A porcupine,” Vim said.

I slowed a little, but returned to walking normally when Vim didn’t notice. “Really? Where are they?” I asked.

“In her castle. He’s her…” Vim frowned as he thought of something, going silent.

“Hm?”

“Well… A concubine, in a way,” he then said.

Concubine…? “You’re kidding,” I said.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“No. She used to have a rather large harem, actually. Though I suppose she might have human members now and I don’t know about them,” Vim said.

I had to blink an odd fog out of my head as I tried to comprehend exactly what he was saying.

Landi… she had a harem…? Really…?

“But… but Vim, she doesn’t want a child from a human,” I said quickly.

“Yes. Odd, isn’t it. It’s why I hadn’t realized she was actually trying for a child. She hates humans. So I thought she was just… frisky. Like Kaley,” Vim said as he frowned.

“Frisky,” I whispered the word that made me smile and wondered if that was really what she was.

“I try not to get too involved in our members more personal matters, Renn. You should know that,” he said.

I nodded. I did. “Why didn’t he come introduce himself…? Or why didn’t she tell me about him?” I asked. Last night she had been very clear she had wanted a mate, and desired one something rather fierce. If she already had such a thing, those desires and our conversations concerning them made little sense.

“Well he’s… a little unique. He’s not what you think he is,” Vim said.

“Hm…?”

Vim pointed at a road we were approaching. It was actually one of the busiest roads I’d seen so far. Not only were there more people walking around, there were also more carts and wagons upon it too.

“What are you in the mood for Renn?” Vim asked as we headed down the busy, for this town, road.

“Something warm. No more plain soups or dried meat, please,” I said.

Vim nodded, understanding. During our stay outside of the city, all our food had been of poor quality. Thanks to the rations they brought out being so lackluster. Even when Vim offered to pay more than normal, they hadn’t been willing to bring anything nice out for me.

“So… can I meet him then? Or is he one of those types afraid to meet someone like me?” I asked Vim.

Surely not right…? I mean if he was Landi’s partner then…

She was far more forceful than me. I could only imagine what she’d be like in a bedroom, especially when one took into account her natural personality.

Vim chuckled. “I’ll show you him. But he’ll… well… you’ll see. Put him aside for now, and let me know once your nose catches your fancy,” Vim said as we drew closer to the shops, and the people walking in and out of them.

I nodded as I took a small sniff of the air.

Yes. He was right. The smells of food were now in the air.

Once I acknowledged them, my stomach made a noise.

Vim chuckled at me, but I ignored him as I paid keen attention to the smells and stared at the buildings we started to pass.

Like all the buildings before, all of the ones here were made of stone. Giant block buildings. But although not painted fancy, they did have something to make them stand out and distinguish themselves. Each building had fancy designs carved into their upper roofs. Designs that quickly became very apparent in their meaning.

One was a pig. Another had a bunch of ducks lining the top of its roof. A larger building had huge tankard looking barrels that looked as if they were constantly pouring from their spigots.

“Neat way of doing it,” I said.

“A lot of people here are illiterate,” Vim said.

That made a lot of the shops make a lot more sense. Not only had most not had signs… very few had displayed prices on any of their products.

Coming to a stop before a shop wafting in spices, I smiled as I pointed at it.

“Sure,” Vim obliged me, and was about to go into the shop that smelled of honey, but we both came to a stop as a pair of guards emerged from the shop’s entrance.

Pulling a man behind them.

I quickly stepped aside, alongside Vim, as we watched the guard pull the body out onto the street, dropping the man in the middle of it.

They both sighed as they stepped back away from it, and suddenly they had the attention of the entire area. It was almost scary how quiet it suddenly got.

“I’ll go get the others,” one of the guardsmen said with a sigh as he turned and hurried away down the street.

“Well, there goes that idea,” Vim simply said.

Looking down at the body, my eyes narrowed at the man’s face.

At first I had thought it was black and blue from a beating. Usually when I saw men, or knights, dragging a man out of an establishment it meant they had gotten into a fight, or were being arrested.

This man hadn’t been beaten. Nor was he even still alive.

His face was covered in dark spots.

“Vim…?” I whispered.

“Come on, before we get caught up in it,” he said with a sigh.

I happily obliged, but stared behind us at the guard and the body he stood next to as we left. Most of the rest of the people on the street followed suit with us, also hurrying away.

“Sorry Renn,” Vim apologized.

“I… uh… Well, it’s not your fault,” I said as I finally looked away from the guard and the body. Other guards were now in the distance, hurrying over.

“We can try the other side’s market. Or elsewhere…? Maybe an inn or something?” he suggested.

“Hm…” I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to agree to such a thing. All of the happy expectant joy at eating fresh food had just disappeared.

We walked in silence for a moment, and I noticed I was now studying the faces and exposed skin of everyone we saw and passed. As if on edge, I was now paying attention if we were going near anyone sick or not.

“Did… did that man just fall over and die in that shop?” I asked Vim.

“Possibly,” Vim said.

“It happens that fast…?” I asked worriedly.

“Well, it shouldn’t. Odds are it had been a worker or something. Trying to hide. Or something. Plagues can spread fast, and kill fast, but people don’t usually just fall over and die without warning. I’d say it’s more likely he died last night, and they finally just found and handled the body,” he said.

I didn’t like how he sounded a little unsure.

As we walked, I wondered how many people around us were sick. “How long do… plagues last, Vim?” I asked.

“Actually they can last a long time. Especially now that there are no Saints or Gods to perform their…” Vim went quiet, and then abruptly stopped walking.

Stopping next to him, I blinked at the man who had a rather startled expression on his face.

“Vim…?” I asked gently.

“Hm… I just realized another thing I ruined, is all. I’m surprised it took me this long to notice it,” he said softly.

He ruined…?

Is… is he saying he ruined the Saint’s and God’s abilities to help us? Or had his mind simply shifted topics abruptly, as he did sometimes?

He frowned as he nodded. “Without Saints, or the power of their Gods, the only way for such disease to disappear is to either find a cure, or simply wait for them to run their course. Either could take a long time, and in today’s era a cure is highly unlikely. Even if found I doubt it could be distributed enough to make a difference,” he said.

“Are there really no saints left…? What about the Chronicler…?” I asked.

“She’s not a real Saint. She and her church gave birth to her out of desperation. She has access to the power, but it’s fickle and not that strong. She can’t perform what you consider to be miracles,” he said.

I blinked a few times, mostly shocked over Vim’s strange willingness to be so open.

He really was changing.

“Amber hadn’t seemed much like a Saint, Vim,” I said gently, thinking of her.

“She wasn’t one. But her bloodline could have given birth to one. There are… a few bloodlines that I know of, but as far as I’m aware none have a current Saint in this generation,” Vim said.

Shifting a little, I wondered what to ask next. Could I ask something a little more personal? Or should I keep my questions more… safe…?

“Not to say there aren’t any. Link had mentioned there was a war up north somewhere over a supposed Saint. But rumors like that are usually just that, rumors,” Vim then added.

“Oh…?”

We returned to walking, and I made sure not to draw too close to him. I wanted to, out of interest and simple joy over him being so open with me… but I knew if I did, he’d likely change the topic. I’ve noticed that sometimes my touch made him become more guarded.

“I suppose if the disease spreads… it’d be a good way to find any Saints, actually. A real one emits a slight radius of their divine aura. Sometimes it’s strong enough to keep the whole town they’re in free of disease,” Vim said.

“They’re… that powerful?” I asked, surprised.

He nodded. “Some are. Others are like the Chronicler. Able to do interesting things, but nothing too weird. Back in the day there used to be quite a few everywhere. It was common for there to be one or two in every major town,” he said.

Interesting… “You believed the witch I knew was one, right?” I asked.

“I’ve no doubt of it, if you saw her perform what you consider magic,” he said.

“Then… I know where her bloodline is, if you’d like to go check on them,” I offered.

Vim slowed again, and once more we came to a stop.

I nodded up at him, and wondered if he was upset with me. Should I have mentioned this earlier…?

“I thought you mentioned you killed her,” he said gently.

“I had. But she had given birth to a son. It’s… been some time now, maybe over ten years, but last I saw they had grown into a rather large family. The son had settled down, and three of his children had formed families of their own. They lived in a town not far from where Nory and I had lived, near Ruvindale,” I explained.

Vim frowned and tilted his head as he glanced around. No one was around us, although people were walking the street. We had left the direct area of the restaurants a short while ago.

“I’m sorry, Vim,” I then said.

“Hm? What for?” he asked.

“For not telling you earlier.”

He smiled lightly at me, and then nodded. “It’s fine Renn. I was more so wondering… well…” he went quiet as he pondered his words. Then he shrugged. “I was wondering why you hadn’t been with them. But then I realized you had killed the witch, so maybe there was bad blood between you and them, so…” he finished.

Ah…

Smiling at the gentle protector, I nodded. “I’m not on bad terms with them Vim… I just feel horrible. I killed her. So I feel… sick, when I’m with them. Even though they don’t blame or hate me for it. Basically… well…” I hesitated, and didn’t like how my eyes actually began to water.

“That doesn’t make you weak, or a coward, Renn,” he said gently.

“Yes it does. You’re able to go and see those you’ve hurt and failed before. Why can’t I?” I asked as I wiped my face.

Vim said nothing for a moment as I got my crying under control. I took a deep breath, and… actually felt a little better thanks to it.

Sniffing, I smiled at Vim who was smiling gently at me. “You have a beautiful heart, Renn,” he said softly.

The remaining tear stains made my now hot cheeks feel cool as I smirked at him. “Shush.”

“Let’s… keep your friends secret to ourselves for now, okay?” Vim then said.

“Hm…? Sure?”

He nodded. “If we let others know those at Telmik will send out people to verify it. Let’s not scare and rattle the family for no reason, just in case,” he said.

“Oh… yes. I’d not like that. They’ve always been very kind to me when I visit them,” I said quickly.

“We can visit next time we’re up north,” he said as he returned to walking.

This time I didn’t hesitate to step closer to him. I didn’t wrap his arm with my own, since he was carrying stuff, but I drew close enough to brush against him. “I’d like that,” I said honestly.

We walked for a moment without adding to the conversation, and I was going to enjoy the happy silence… but a question dug at my mind.

“What would they do? If they found a Saint in that family?” I asked.

“Well…” Vim’s tone didn’t sound good. “They’d offer employment, basically. A hefty bribe. If they didn’t agree though, they might resort to force,” Vim said.

“Force…?” I slowed.

“Yes. Depending on the situation, they would,” Vim said as he slowed again, turning to look at me.

“Please tell me you’re joking,” I said.

Vim frowned, and I didn’t need him to tell me the truth. I knew he hadn’t been. Vim didn’t tease like that. Not about such serious stuff. Not when it concerned someone, or something, I loved.

“Sorry Renn,” Vim said softly.

Concern welled up inside me, and I began to grab at my shirt as I grew anxious. “The Chronicler would do that?” I asked, as I thought of her and everyone else at Telmik.

“Most of her churchmen would, yes. Saints are a holy conduit to their divine gods. They aren’t seen as people, Renn, they’re seen as literal manifestations of their holy creators. So they… become very fervent over them,” he said.

“I’m very glad I never mentioned it to anyone else then,” I said.

“As am I.”

Nodding, I sighed as I returned to walking. I needed to walk now, since I felt tense. My tail, hidden beneath my leather clothes, was squirming. “I hadn’t wanted to hear that, Vim. That really upsets me,” I told him honestly.

“Well… I don’t disagree with your sentiments, Renn,” Vim said gently as he returned to walking next to me. I noticed he had returned to walking up alongside me, and not away from me. Even though it would have been easy for him to put that familiar distance between us.

“Yet you allow it. I know. Geez Vim, I don’t know how you do it,” I said.

Vim said nothing for a few steps, and then I blinked and glanced at him. His face was like usual. Without much emotion… but I could see the thoughts in his gaze.

“Sorry,” I whispered an apology. I had just hurt him.

“Hm…? Oh. I’m fine Renn. I know that I’m half the problem. But… that had been why I said we should keep it a secret, you know,” he said.

Ah.

I blinked and nodded. “Right…!”

Actually…

As we walked, I realized that Vim likely did such a thing… very often.

He allowed everyone to do what they wanted. Because he believed in free-will. He let them choose their own fates. Their own stories. He didn’t stop them, from even doing something horrible, because it was their right to do so.

Yet…

“You do that a lot don’t you…?” I asked softly.

“Do what?”

“Keep the Society from knowing what could get them hurt. Or let them hurt something else,” I said.

He rolled a shoulder, which I was starting to realize was something he did subconsciously. Especially so when he was bothered. Or annoyed.

He may not have a non-human characteristic… but he sure did have the same little twitches and tendencies we did.

“It’s a fine line, yes. My hope is you either learn it, or learn a better method,” Vim said.

A better method… “Is there one?” I asked.

“When you learn it, please teach me,” he said.

Glancing at the Societies Protector, I felt all my anger and disgust with our members fizzle and disappear… and get replaced with anxious expectations.

He nodded at me. “I have high hopes for you Renn,” he told me.

“Funny Vim… I have them for you too,” I said.

He smiled at me, and I smiled back.

Then my stomach made a loud noise.

The whole world became oddly quiet all of a sudden as my stomach gurgled in complaint… and it had been noisy long enough to make me look down in shame, and groan.

“Let’s go get Landi to make you some food. Your stomach’s being as noisy as your heart,” he then said.

I blushed again, for a different reason, and nodded as I followed him down another road. Heading back towards her palace.