In the next two days, we discovered more about our newly named Zephyr.
He was quick to heal..
Granny was astonished. She was an excellent healer, and her ointment and remedies worked so well.
People from other villages came to her with ailments their own healers couldn't help with
Even though she had to admit it, this was too fast of a recovery to solely be her doing alone.
He was also sad and lost.
I saw in his stares to the outside. The way he interacts with us, he is still very polite and trying his best not be to much bother. Yet I don't think we have seen his true personality even once.
My feelings were the same. He shouldn't be here, it's not that, I voiced it. Didn't wanna be impolite. Besides, the others quickly warmed up to him.
Eleanor was there to help him.
" Zephyr, since you feel so much better, how about I'll take you around the village? "
We were having some porridge for breakfast, and she just went right for it. Zephyr looked hesitant but did eventually nod politely.
" That sounds great. I'll also like to help with the work, if you let me." - he smiled and put his spoon down. " I can see how much needs to be done each day. I might need some instructions but I'll do my best."
Mother looked happy hearing it.
I was surprised that he did see the work, I never caught him watching, he tried his best to interact with me but, I was afraid he might just move in and try take advantage of us, if we all look and acted we wanted him around, so I kept my distance.
" That sounds great Zephyr thank you. You can start with us tomorrow. The mother took the empty plates and went to clean them. " For now, just go see what you find in Emet village. You might like it."
I only just thought about it but, isn't that mean I'll have to do Eleanor choirs as well?
How wonderful...well not without a fight.
" I don't wanna do your workload as well. The sacrifice is soon, your job is too important."
She looked pissed but she knew how important it was to gather enough supplies. We only two weeks away, and who knows how many idiots will go and fight this year.
" Then maybe you can show him around Lylly. " - granny reached over and patted my hand. "Feeding the animals and such can be done by your mother."
Me showing him?
I guess it's better than being stuck with the pigs for most of the morning.
Ignored Eli angry gazes. Why is she so childish?
" Fine, I'll do it. The village is not that big. We be back in an hour tops, and I can still help... Zephyr? " - I got up with more force than necessary and headed out. " I'll be waiting outside when you are ready."
I had to leave, Eli eyes weren't pretty, and I also felt strange when he looked at me. Was it my imagination, or did he look more sadder? Maybe I just saw what I wanted.
It's been three days, and our neighbours were still as nosy as ever.
I'm coming over to talk nonsense with my mother just for a chance to see the blue haired boy. It really did made him stand out, and it offered the starving masses something to talk about.
As standing outside waiting, I got approached by Lucian.
" Good morning, Lylly. How are you today? "
Ughh...so transparent.
Why not just go for it ages ago? He clearly wanted to be with Eli, and I think my sister likes him just fine.
He is a fool, I saw him practice with his sword lately. I believe he wants to challenge Emet with the rest of the idiots comes the sacrifice.
" Morning Lucian." - I turned to him and gave a sad look. " We doing fine, thanks. Eli should be on the fields soon...if you want to help her. "
He looked like someone who got caught.
" Oh..yes I-i see. I will think about it after training."
- he looked everywhere except my eyes, which changed the subject. " How is your guest? "
Before, I could answer this obvious attempt.
" His name is Zephyr for now. After my late husband. Hello Lucian."
My mother came out with some clothes to wash.
I saw his pants on the top and the old shirt his been wearing for the last three days.
" O-ohh morning, Mrs Wold... I was just in the right.."
He stopped whatever he wanted to say. When Zephyr stepped outside.
He was wearing my father's old clothes. It fit him well. Also made me shoot some angry glares at Mother.
He smiled at us, and Lucian still frozen in mid movement but extended his hans toward him.
" I don't believe we meet. I'm Zephyr. Nice to meet you."
" Oh yes, right.. I'm Lucian M-mordin..nice to see you better."
He didn't answer, just smiled politely.
It was funny he did nothing or said nothing that would even remotely consider threatening, yet Lucian shook like a leaf. How is he supposed to face Emet?
My sister and granny came out and just stared at us awkwardly. For Ehlite sake...
" Zephyr, you ready to go? "
He just nodded to me and bowed to my family.
---
Showing him this village felt so pointless. What is he supposed to see here? The blacksmith? The idiot brigade flailing around with their swords? I was such a nice day, too.
"..I suppose you feel somewhat annoyed with this situation? "
His voice was so sudden it me jump a little surprised. Was it that obvious from seeing just my back?
" What situation? "
" Me being here?... Having your fathers name, wearing his clothes? A stranger invading your life?"
He wasn't wrong.
I felt any other name would've served him until he remembered his own. The last one who wore those clothes are my father.
We should've gifted like those did before us, but no one ever touched them.
Now his clothes are being worn, his name taken.
I couldn't comprehend granny's thought process. Does she want this boy to stay forever? Or just until the winter festival, perhaps?...I didn't feel like lying to his face.
" It's true.." - i decided there was no point hiding it. He already seemed to know. " I think my grandmother and the rest are either lost their minds or just trying to be kind for... God knows what. You shouldn't be here. "
I almost blurted out something I shouldn't..
They wanted Eli to marry him at the winter festival. It's not like anyone said anything, but now it was so easy to see their brain at work.
He was young, handsome, and polite, but most importantly... he was alone. Naming him after father must be part of it..just one more thing tied him to us.
I was looking for him being sad or maybe even angry. But he laughed... he laughed a lot. Did my words amuse him?
" I sorry..please don't be angry. " - he put his hands up like, I did when we first talked. " I didn't mean to make fun of you.. It's just nice to see you speaking your mind. "
Some of my 'annoyance,' as he called it, felt vanishing with his laugh. I guess it's nice to see in his mind a little, too. He wasn't done either.
"..I'm sorry. I want you to know that I plan to leave once I... or even if I don't remember who I was. I wanna familiarise myself with the land a little." - he smiled and picked up a pebble from the ground, examining it.
" Maybe earn a sword worth with some working. I never intended to abuse your family kindness."
It's funny. A few words can make you feel bad about something you were so sure of just a moment ago.
He seemed serious about his words..so he planned to go? I did want that, so why I want to tell him..
He smiled and walked in front of me.
" Let us go..you can show what Emet village has to offer."
There were things I wanted to say!
Like how he didn't need to leave.. and maybe even apologise for being so blatantly against the idea of him being in my house. But I only nodded and went ahead of him.
We walked along the main road filled with houses similar to our own. I talked about some basic along the way.
There were no leaders of Emet. We had a council made of members of the village who voted or passed judgement when needed. They were also responsible for the annual tribute to both Emet and the feudal lord.
My grandmother is part of that council and they reside in the big building, middle of the town centre.
When Emet came down the mountain, the previous generations used it to hide themselves and their families. The last time it happened, I was so young and could barely remember it.
We soon reached it, and people started to come closer to greet the newcomer.
He politely shook hands or bowed and watched everyone with a smile.
I envied his composure. It was hard enough to act calmly with new people in general. How hard must've been to accept that kind of attention when he is not even sure about who he is. I was late to notice Alexander the town head idiot.
He led those who wished to test themselves against Emet each year. He survived the last three years with barely any injuries. which gave him useless admiration from the youth and created more food for Emet for years to come.
I didn't hate him.. he just happened to be the leader of the those, I wouldn't wanna mingle.
He pushed people away and stood right in front of Zephyr. He seemed surprised not only by Alexander considerable size but also by his great sword. The fool even had a name for it... Hilda.
" So you're the lost soldier, huh? " - he looked at his face uncomfortably close before shouting. " Well, I don't believe it!! Much to pretty for a proper soldier. Tell me, blue haired boy..who the hell are you !?"
Damned idiot, of course he knew who he was.
He just wants some, most likely, dangerous brawl against someone new. I need to stop this before something stupid happens and Zephyr gets hurt.
" I wish to know that one day myself.. In the meantime, please call me Zephyr. "
He extended his hand and waited. Instead of acting up, he kept his polite smile.
Alexander not only refused to return the gesture.. he swung his sword up the sky and aimed to cut him in half !
The people behind Zephyr scattered in every direction. It all happened too fast.. He was gonna die..
Zephyr sidestepped his downward cut and kicked with his right the hand holding its hilt, then took one step back and kicked the now bent forward Alexander in the face with his left feet, knocking him back a few feet.
I was midway between stunned and horrified.
For a second, he seemed too late with his reaction, or maybe just didn't expect to be sliced in half by some lunatic!!
" Alexander, what are you doing!!? YOU SERIOUSLY WOULD'VE KILLED HIM!!!?? "
He was kicked really bad and couldn't immediately answer me. I felt a hand on my shoulder.
" I'm sorry pal..I don't know where that came from... you did surprise me though with the.." - he imitated his swing down. ".. you know trying to kill me."
He offered his hand to the man who almost cut his life short.
Well, almost maybe a stretch.. his movements didn't seem to come from a recently injured person. It showed control and a lot of practice. Looking at his handsome profile.. Who the hell are you?
Alexander looked at the extended hand and then took it. Zephyr pulled him up and even helped with dusting him a little.
" Hah..Hahahah.. Maybe I was wrong. Forgive me.. I acted rashly. " - this time it was be who extended his hand. " The name is Alexander Jartok, but please call me Alex."
" It's nice to meet you, Alex. By the way, I don't believe you were wrong. " - he shook those hands enthusiastically with a smile. " I may not remember much of who I was. I'm almost certain. It wasn't a soldier."
" Hey, I can see talent, you know? I'm training those wanting for honour and the respect of their peers."
" As in.. you train soliders? "
" Far from it..it's for the yearly sacrifice for Emet. You want to see them?! " - he pointed behind him towards the edge of the forest. " We are about to start training."
He just nodded and went with him. I was completely forgotten. Is he getting along with the main idiot? Unbelievable.
What, I'm supposed to do but to follow them and see where today leads to?