As I sit there and ponder my first voyage into my new life, I look across the village. As I study the new buildings, I can see that the work was done with a skilled hand. There is some sort of balance to the buildings…solidity.

I slowly reach out to the buildings and dig into the essence behind the structures. They are dense. It has the feel of stone, but its essence made. I am not sure how many craftsman were left in the village after the shattering, but I think this village suffered less than most.

“Ummm…excuse me, but are you going to be in the village for bit?” The question comes from behind me. I am not sure I should answer. I also don’t think its a good idea to tell her I am here visiting my sister.

“Maybe. Just passing through for the most part. Why, you looking for scout? Maybe some herb gathering?” I suppose playing off my cover story is a bit lame considering she seems to know who I am…but I still have no idea who she is.

“Oh, umm…do you think you can stay around a few days? My parents would be super happy to meet you.” I think the old ladies are picking up on the conversation, because they stop chatting and begin talking in whispers.

“Oh good. The girl is finally interested in something other than hunting and playing with her cat. “

“It’s about time someone tried to date her. She saved this village, and most treat her with the same suspicion the rest of the world does. Now I understand it, but her and her parents brought this village back to life.”

“Do you think he is a Strong as well? Does he know she is Strong. I haven’t seen him around. Looks a bit young, but so was my Bobby…have to get them young and train them up a bit.” That last comment caused my face to flush and I found myself staring directly into the eyes of the server.

“Uh, I am not sure why I should meet your parents. I mean, I just met you and somehow you seem to think I am someone you know…”. I trailed off to the end, I was hoping some of that statement would make it over to the old ladies, but one can not be so sure.

“Oooh, the poor dear. He turned her down. It happens, but if she wants my advice, she should just glue herself to him…assuming that is what she wants.”

“There must be love in the air, I heard that the captain was seen hugging a young man at the gate…how is it that all the good men are still babies. We need to get an influx of some seasoned men. The wood isn’t going to chop itself, and I need someone to cook for. If I keep cooking like this I am going to weigh more than a boar in another 6 months.”

“Don’t be so pessimistic Evelyn, you are already the size of a boar!” And with that statement, the ladies break into a series of laughter and ribbing.

“Hello, uh...mister Avatar…”

Suddenly I am snapped back to reality. My head snaps up at the server and I can see the fear now. She is terrified of me.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“Just an Influencer. Just an Influencer. How much do I owe you for the tea? It was quite excellent.” I try to push past her statement before the old lady table makes it out…I can just here them gossiping about the new, young Avatar having tea.

“Ahh…2 pence, but really…”. I cut her off by dropping the coin on the table and begin to move towards the stairs.

“Sir, ah…we don’t accept this type of coin…”. Dang it, I forgot about changing the coin over.

“Oh, sorry about that, I was going to change coin, but the smell of the tea pulled me in. Here, hold onto that coin, I will be back with the exchanged amount.” Moving again, I skip down the stairs and out the door. My adrenaline is pumping now. Fear response.

Get control. Get control. Breathe. I wish my guardian was here.

Four more store fronts and I find the coin exchange. I hop in and exchange a few hundred gold…which also wasn’t the best decision, since the clerk’s eyes were bouncing out of his head with the amount. Dammit, I need to slow down and think. Having her say “Avatar” out loud nearly broke me.

Get control. Get control. Breathe.

Skipping back to the tea shop I open the door, only to be met with 500lbs of panther…who apparently was not happy I left. Pinning me out the ground, the panther begins to lick my face…and if you haven’t been licked by a cat, its not exactly pleasant…and rub herself all over my body with her size, it more like getting crushed than a cuddle.

“Sorry, Sorry…she seems to be a little attached. “. A little attached, more like in heat. I am going to have to be careful of cats from now on.

I get up with some difficulty…the cat pushing against me the entire time. I drop off the correct coinage and move back out the door. At least the server has control of the panther again. A few pleasantries, and I quickly move back out the road and down to the Inn.

I need a bath. The panther was dirty, but it did have that wild animal musk. I probably smell like I have been living in the woods for years now. On the plus side, the few people on the street seem to be giving a wide berth.

The Knuckle Bones Inn is across the street and seems to be the oldest building on the street. I can see the wear and tear on the outer facade, and the doors have seen better days.

As I begin crossing the street, and young kid comes flying out of an alley heading straight for the inn. I pause to let him pass, and then continue after him.

“Mom! Mom! Did you hear, the Captain is getting married. “

“What!” A voice echos out from a room behind the counter and in walks a very scary woman. I can already tell she has spatial abilities. I now understand my sister’s comment. This woman could separate my body very quickly if I let my guard down.

“What, what…marriage. Dam that woman, I told her I would find her a husband. I am the one with all the experience after all. Can’t have her making bad choices.” The kid is bouncing on his heels…I am not sure he cares. He looks like a spatial Parity as well. Like mother, like son.

“I don’t know Mom, but John found out…and he is walking around looking for the guy. You should see his face…all scary and grumpy.” I begin chuckling at that. The poor guy is working himself into a state just because her brother visited.

“Who are you?” Well, that was abrupt. I don’t think I was expecting that much heat out of her.

“Uh, I am the Captain’s brother…she told me to get a room here.” I state it with a bit of a chuckle. It takes a bit of time, but I can see the realization on the Innkeepers face.

“Her brother…one of the no-good ones? Come back to beg for money again? I thought she already cut you guys off…time to start making your own way instead of trying to bleed your sister dry.” Well, that was unexpected. So my brother’s are just as a pain-in-the-ass as they were when I left.

“No..no..I am the youngest brother.” And that…stopped her. I see all sorts of emotions going across her face…anger, pain, and then more anger.

“Tim, we need bread. Go to the baker and get 4 loaves…hot. Wait if you have to. We have an important guest.” I am not sure what I did to this woman, but there is a lot there.

Tim looks between his mother and me and quickly darts out of the inn.

“I am guessing you have something you want to tell me…something you don’t want the boy to know.”

“Yes…no…but yes. You killed my husband.”