Chapter 31
Flange Orphanage, City: Three Prongs Fork, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat, the Year 2022, Planet: Grimoire
Verdant green pasture land with butterflies fluttering everywhere, and ancient tree stumps along with humongous rocks scattered everywhere. Luxurious warmth from vibrant sunlight warmed his cold body.
This was nowhere near where Grifton's physical body was located. So where had he wound up this time? He looked around in bafflement because this was eerily quiet and pastoral. Perhaps it was what that area looked like before the massacre? Even as he wondered, the scenery shifted and became darker, somewhat more threatening. Oh, now what was going to happen? He didn't want to witness death any further.
"Mother, we've arrived." A trio of children appeared in one of the areas of the picnic. Grifton watched them with fascination as their mother appeared not long after them.
"Be careful, I wouldn't want to get scolded if any of you showed up with bruises, children." The woman cautioned them. She was smiling faintly, pushing hair from her face. Her gaze roved sharply and restlessly around the meadow. It paused briefly when noticing Grifton, however, she merely continued surveying the surroundings.
Huh, so he wasn't considered a threat. Interesting. So, who were these individuals? Obviously, they were part of the scene. Still confused, Grifton watched the activity with bafflement.
"Harper, Anara, Sherpa, please go back and fetch your siblings. I fear they got lost trying to follow us." The woman instructed.
The trio looked resigned. "Yes, mother," They politely bowed and ran off. She looked at Grifton quizzically. "I see that you're in spirit form, but clearly new to this world." Her words startled Grifton. "I'm guessing this isn't your current form?" She motioned to a small pond nearby. What did she mean for him to do? He glanced at her curiously. Her eyebrows arched. "Aren't you curious as to what you'll possibly look like as an adult, or at least a teenager?" Amusement crinkled her eyes. "You're just as bad as my kids when it comes to neglecting their appearances." She folded her arms. "Go on now, take a look."
Now she had him very curious indeed. So, he wasn't the same as before? This was intriguing for a possibility of what he could appear in the future. Though likely it would alter depending on his circumstances of life. "Huh?" Grifton floated over to the pond and inspected his appearance curiously.
"Yeesh, what is this?" He was taken aback at what he saw.
"Your potential appearance as an adult." She sounded amused. "Clearly you came here for a reason, but since you're not asking questions, it means that you don't feel quite secure in your current body."
Well, that was actually true, but to not look anything like what he once did...This was going to take some getting used to, Grifton grunted as he studied his appearance intently.
She wasn't kidding about him looking rather sloppy. He appeared to have just awakened and thrown on whatever was at hand, or else he wasn't from good circumstances and was dressed in work clothes. Either way, it was a good measure of what his future held for him.
Messy wheat-blond hair that reached his backside was haphazardly braided to keep out of his face. His features were triangular, dark scaled with red and black coloration. His eyes were bright amber-orange-hued orbs.
He had black and ivory-hued wings that were currently half spread, supporting him as he floated in the air. Of his physical appearance, he possessed ivory-ebony tinted horns curved to bend down behind his pointed ears. He was dressed in a simple brown jerkin and breeches, without shoes or socks.
A sigh escaped Grifton. "Honestly, I have no idea how I wound up here." He admitted looking at her wearily. "I've newly arrived in this world and have almost died four times as an infant."
As far as Grifton knew, he was still in a box with his siblings being transported somewhere.
The woman nodded thoughtfully. "All right, well, our planet is named Grimoire, the mega continent that we're on is Barat, and I'm in a small township called Glaston, my name is Davina Glasson, and I'm the mother of eight children." Her head tilted as she listened intently. "Hmm, they'll be here soon."
Oh, maybe he should depart then. It seemed like this was precious time that she'd carved from a busy day. "I'll take my leave."
"What is your name?" Davina looked at him quizzically. "You give me an inkling of what my children will become in the future." A faintly sad smile quirked her lips.
Ah right, manners, he'd forgotten his in the shock of meeting someone like this. "My name is Grifton Tinroy."
Her smile stiffened. "Tinroy, hmm? So that jerk did have other mistresses, I thought so." Davina sighed. "Well, no matter since I won't come across a certain philanderer any longer."
Oh dear, he'd stepped into something messy from what it appeared. "Does the name bring back bad memories for you?" Grifton hadn't meant to do that.
"No, not you in particular." Davina shook her head. "I just had bad luck with a choice in men, that's all." Her eyes glinted with amusement. "Stick around for a while and join us. They won't mind if I introduce you as a cousin."
Well, that was nice and all, but Grifton felt a tugging sensation. "I don't think I can remain any longer." It was a pity he wanted to get to know her and the kids better. He had a distinct feeling that he'd be seeing them again somewhere.
"Farewell and be more careful when projecting your spirit." Davina cautioned. "You were lucky this time but there are other places where you could get trapped and killed if you're not prepared to fight against other spirits that're quite malevolent."
"I will keep that in mind." Grifton really did want to stay, but it seemed his physical body had other ideas. Perhaps they were somewhere else that would give them time to heal from sickness? Only one way to find out. He went back into a dreamless sleep once more, and when awaking, discovered they were still in a box in the carriage. Nothing had changed at all. What a wasted opportunity. Grifton fumed.