Dreams are stranger than reality. Not many are prepared for sudden the reality shifts, nor the realization that democracy isn't the rose colored best choice for all. We work with the tools we are given, you can tell me something is possible but if you withhold the necessary ingredients to creating such a phenomenon I will deem you a liar. Nothing can prepare you for the death of a favored relative except maybe forewarning. If we order cake, we're probably going to want to eat it too. Thus, integration into a new societal structure comes with many growing pains and caveats. Some that inspire violence.

This is the reality I found myself in; legally bound to a woman and residing in a society I have no understanding of. Armed with the only deadly weapon I have. The perspective of an outsider. I already experienced radical change once. Being whipped to an intergalactic coal mine to retrieve minerals to what I assume was the Death Star 3.2 Deluxe Edition; with proper rest, nutrition, and hydration; the fear, urgency, and shock wears off. Some of the confusion remains... like what is my purpose? will I be able to return to my traditional norms? does this realm have fantasy plumbing?

Whilst 2/3's of those questions have answers, the one that doesn't have the most lingering effects on a person. However, I have Senia. Educator, trained combatant, veiled, and most importantly my current Master. With her guidance I will create a purpose and educate myself to find where my traditions belong in this society. If I must, I will either invent or support the creation of plumbing in this universe. Images of grandeur, millions of thoughts swirling through my mind per minute, warmth... warmth?

Warmth, then a steady weight and pressure. Suddenly I'm starting to come to and I realize Senia is atop of me with a cool cloth keeping me from tossing myself off the bed. Her eyes a sea of concern and my mind in shambles.

"Are you ok?" She asks

As clarity begins to set in and the anxiety lessens, I realize I must've been having a seizure. I attempt to respond but all that comes out is a dry cough.

"One moment!" she shouts off to go get a beverage.

Back as quickly as she left, Senia assists me into an upright position before giving me a sip.

The pressure wears off some. The ringing and thumping persist, but progress is progress.

"morning" I manage to respond shakily

'Good morning too you too, sorry about your rude awakening. The knowledge stone can be very painful for those unaware'

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

' I'll let you rest for a bit while longer so you can recover. A meal should fix you up.' and with that Senia walks out the room, leaving me to ponder and decompress from that horrifying night terror.

Deep breath, deep breath, lay back and BOOM! All the pressure begins to travel downward, and I begin to unwind. Thoughts, snippets of conversation, ideas, and analysis rushing back piecemeal but in a more controlled manner. No longer does the info being relayed to me trigger my flight sense. Doom, the knowledge from the language stone feels like doom. It's not just a simple lesson of language but also cultural norms; being an outsider to this world includes a relativity process. Equating their holidays to mine, figures of speech, and phrases. Doing all that, that even schoolteachers fail to impart, whilst also handing out a speed-reading lesson is ALOT. Are my ears bleeding?

A quick check reveals No to be the answer to that.

I return myself to an upright position and sip more of the drink Senia prepared for me. With the hydration comes relaxation and furthering my attempt to clear my mind and enter into a healing meditative state.

*Breath, Breath, Breath* *Sip* *Breath, Breath, Breath* *Sip*

Eventually I find a balance. Not exactly ready for physical activity but a bit too energetic to sleep, I wait for Senia to return with the promised meal with much anticipation. The drink she gave me reminds me of tea, which is a huge relief. Similar palette's comfort me into thinking that I may not have to worry about food poisoning and other food borne issues. After what must've been around 15 minutes and me entering into a light doze, Senia returns carrying a tray with food.

It looks like I'm being served steak or lamb type of meat, broccoli, and carrots. It's scrumptious, food definitely heals the soul.

"When you're done meet me in the yard" she says and leaves again.

After my first few tenuous bites my stomach expands, and I become a hungry demon. Scarfing down my food within minutes; a burp and some light stretching later I walk out front to meet Senia.

"Good to know you have a habit for exercise, we'll walk and talk"

She then pulls out a small orb, holding it out in her palm towards me. "This is a viewing orb. it lets you view an area remotely. just in case you need to keep watch over an area but can't stand vigil"

'So a camera equivalent..'

"Our lessons will contain stealth and counter-surveillance, forestry, combat, herblore and interrogation" "I am a ranger, and these are my main specialties'. I can also teach you basic utility spells and beginner combat magic"

" As my slave you are required to follow my instructions under the threat of extreme pain, though I will incentivize you to behave otherwise. You will be my bodyguard and assistant." "The timing is excellent as my parents were preparing to select someone for me, but then you came along"

' Like a Janissary?'

" Janis-airye?"

'There was once a kingdom that kept legions of slave soldiers beholden only to the royal family, known as their most elite force. Eventually the kingdom fell to ruins as time usually does to kingdoms, but the memories remain...'

"Why yes.... something along the lines of that, though I'd prefer to only manage you. I am not known for leadership skills so the team will be a duo at best."

' I'd say your underestimating yourself, but you're the person making the decisions here'

And so my life on and island with a beautiful dangerous woman began