Chapter 49
Flange Orphanage, City: Three Prongs Fork, Republic of Shantu, Continent: Barat, the Year 2022, Planet: Grimoire
Several hours passed or so it seemed when he became aware of his surroundings having altered considerably. As he awoke, he became aware of something rather surprising. He was cleaned up as in squeaky clean. He was also covered in blankets and dressed in something very peculiar that ensured he remained warm. Well, that was nice.
As he tilted his head this and that way, he noticed odd things hanging from the ceiling and creaking a bit. Ah, so that was what awakened him? Was that the only thing that alerted him that he'd come to a different place? Somehow there seemed more to what awakened him than a mobile ornament hanger.
Grifton watched it with mild curiosity since it seemed to have rather eerie figurines swirling and dipping and rising in various patterns. The sight of it was a bit confusing to him right then.
Hmm, interesting though it seemed rather weird to watch it move. Maybe it was meant to be hypnotic with a soothing effect? He watched it for a little while longer. The shadows danced in graceful patterns, so it wasn't too alarming.
Soon he heard soft humming from a corner and made a grunting noise as he attempted to move.
"Oh my, did I awaken the little dragon Grifton?" A gentle voice crooned.
A kind maternal woman looked at him over the crib's rim. She had rounded green eyes, graying brown hair, and a freckled tanned complexion. Her hands, while rough and calloused were gentle as she picked him up and cradled him against her generous bosom.
So, his name was Grifton, was that all there was to it? He was puzzled because while it sort of suited his taste, he wasn't sure what to make of this person. He eyed her curiously and pointed to himself and then her.
"Ah, you want to know my name?" She watched him. "Just blink once."
He blinked at her in response to the suggestion.
"Hmm, I'm Anne Greaves, one of the nannies employed here at Flange Orphanage." Anne introduced herself. "You were already given a name by those who'd birthed you. Grifton Tinroy."
Well, knowing his identity was nice. Even if he didn't quite understand everything she was saying. Grifton liked the first name. The surname, not so much. Maybe he would adapt to it after hearing it a few more times.
Right now, though he was processing all of what she said. He was in an orphanage, hmm? Well, while he'd read plenty of horror stories that revolved around those, Grifton sincerely hoped that this wouldn't turn out to be an abusive one where people did all kinds of criminal stuff.
Anne eyed him in amusement. "Well, in time I'm sure you'll adjust to how life runs here. Not all orphanages are bad ones despite what people are led to believe about them."
Wow was she a mind reader or something? Grifton eyed her warily. He decided to test something. Surely there was a way he could communicate without having to wait for his vocal cords to catch up with him. {Can you understand what I'm saying?} He watched how she'd react to that if she even heard him.
Anne didn't even blink. {Yes, I can understand you quite clearly.} She didn't seem all that shocked. {Your siblings are quite adept at this type of communication too. I'm surprised you didn't hear them chattering at me earlier.}
Well, he'd just awakened right now, so no he hadn't heard anything from them. If anything, it was possible they'd stopped as soon as they realized he'd awakened. {You're the only one I hear right now.} It also could be that he could only talk to one person at a time.
She didn't even bat an eyelid at his candid response. {True that is a possibility.} Anne acknowledged that she could hear what he was saying without speaking.
Obviously, he would have to learn how to wield mental shields around this place. Grifton wasn't entirely surprised when coming to that conclusion. What surprised him was her calmness when talking to him.
She prompted him patiently. {So, what is it that you would like to know.} Anne was clearly not ruffled at all at this happening.
Hmm, there was so much Grifton wanted to ask that he was stumped. {How long has this place been up and running?} He meant the orphanage, but he'd like to know about the surrounding area.
{Hmm, the orphanage has been running for about thirty years.} Anne smiled. {I've been working here for about fifteen years.} She tapped her jaw as she revealed something very comforting to Grifton. {There is very little turnover in staff because the conditions are extremely satisfactory.}
Huh, so that also meant that the orphans living here weren't abused or mistreated? That was good to know. {What are the living conditions for the abandoned children who are sent here?}
Anne frowned slightly. Shadows haunted her eyes. {Well, since the age limit to become an adult depends on who currently controls the government,} She shook her head in disapproval of what she'd seen or heard recently. {All of the orphans can remain here between the ages of eighteen to thirty. However, that tends to change.}
Hmm, that didn't sound at all encouraging to Grifton. From what he discerned, she might've been one of those orphans. Either that or she'd experienced life on the streets and wasn't able to find security in an orphanage.
{Oh, don't get me wrong, I grew up in a good family,} Anne surprised him. {I just chose to work here because the alternative was a forced political marriage.} She grimaced. {I'm not one to abide by societal rules.}
Hmm, there was some history there, but Grifton wasn't going to judge. Only in this lifetime was he living as the gender he preferred. He wasn't going to screw that up by being too stupid and dying early. {So, we're allowed to live healthily and gain a decent education with the possibility of having a good future ahead of us?}
Anne nodded. {All that you have to do is follow the rules that'll be explained as you grow up and everyone will work together.}
That seemed a bit too idealistic, but what did he know? Grifton yawned and fell asleep once more.