I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Well, I did come across... what I assume was it... um..."
Alexander's eyes seemed to light up with interest. "Ah, so you've seen it firsthand. That's fascinating..."
I took another, shakier, deep breath. "That might've been a reason I even came over here... I... recognized your cloak." I placed my hand on the back of my neck. "And when you said that... it felt like confirmation to me."
Alexander's smirk softened into a thoughtful expression. "Interesting. The Angel's Tomb is not a place many find, let alone survive. You must be quite resourceful."
"Resourceful might be pushing it," I chuckled nervously. "More like... incredibly lucky."
Alexander nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. "Luck can be a form of resourcefulness. Surviving the tomb means you've likely encountered the guardian. How did you manage that?"
I shuddered, remembering the giant spider and the desperate fight. "It was... a struggle. I didn't think I'd make it. There was this spider, and..."
He raised a hand, stopping me. "No need to explain further."
"But why the interest in the tomb?" I asked, trying to shift the focus. "What's so special about it?"
Alexander leaned back, his fingers steepled. "Well, I guess you could say it has something to do with the Angel itself."
"Uh huh...." I sigh, "I've heard a lot about this Angel, but I don't quite understand..."
"I should probably start by saying that The Angel should be the only one that was understood to defeat the guardian.", Alexander chuckled, covering his mouth.
"You're joking... R-right?...", I was caught off guard when he said that. After all, if that note was true, maybe that's...
My thoughts were interrupted by Alexander, "Yes, It was only speculation based on what we know about the Angel."
Alexander's laughter faded, leaving an almost solemn air between us. "But the fact that you managed to defeat the guardian suggests something... Another thing unique about you.
"I shifted uncomfortably, trying to process what he was implying. "Unique? What do you mean? And.. another?"
Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly as he focused on me, his smile fading into a more thoughtful expression. Before he could respond further, the door to the waiting area opened, and Elara walked in.
Her face was a mask of both relief and exhaustion. "Winston," she said, her gaze shifting between me and Alexander. "Z'zatira is awake and recovering. The potion seems to be working."
I exhaled a sigh of relief. "That's great news!"
Elara nodded and then turned to Alexander. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were waiting here. What do you need help with?"
Alexander gave a polite nod. "Well... my reasons have changed.", he looks over to me, "Do you mind if we talk more later? I'll be at the tavern in the middle of town." He stood up.
Ya'know... This guy is super weird. If I didn't see his eyes, I could never guess he was blind. He seemed to have a lot more information... I didn't even get to ask if he knew a way home!
I guess I'll have to ask him more questions later. "Yeah, see ya there."
Alexander gave a courteous nod, his gaze unfocused but still attentive. "I look forward to it."
As he turned and left, I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. His departure left me with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. He sparked a multitude of questions in my mind.
Elara's arrival was a welcome relief. Her presence reminded me of the urgency of the situation at hand. I turned to her, my focus shifting back to Z'zatira's recovery.
"Uh-! So, can I see Z'zatira now?" I ask, my voice still a bit shaky but calming down.
Elara gave me a reassuring smile. "Yes, you can. She's awake and stable now. I think she'd be happy to see you."
I followed Elara back into the room where Z'zatira lay. Buddy also noticed me leaving so he followed me. The soft, warm glow from the crystals and the gentle smell of herbs created a soothing atmosphere.
Z'zatira looked a bit disoriented but relieved as she turned her gaze from S'uu to me.
Her eyes met mine, and she managed a weak smile. "Winston, you're here."
I returned the smile, my relief palpable. "Yeah, I'm here. How are you feeling?"
Z'zatira took a deep breath, still looking a bit worn but more alert. "Much better, thanks to Elara. Though, have you figured anything out about that magic item?"
"How is THAT your first question?" I facepalm as I sigh.
Elara stepped back, chuckling. "I should get the old geezer since you're up now.," she said before leaving.
I sat down beside Z'zatira's bed with S'uu, trying to ease her concern. "Elara did a great job. I'm glad you're awake."
"Me too," Z'zatira said, her voice still soft but more steady. "Thank you for everything you did. Elara told me you had to get the ingredients."
"Well... I felt like I had to since it was my cuff that did this..." I shake my head while exhaling, "But that doesn't matter now that you're awake..."
Buddy jumped onto Z'zatira's bed and cuddled next to her.
Z'zatira's eyes widened as she noticed Buddy curled up on her bed. "Oh!-", she turned her gaze back to me, "Who's this little one?"
I chuckled softly, watching as Buddy snuggled closer to her. "This is Buddy. I found him while getting the ingredients."
Z'zatira looked intrigued. "I haven't met a spirit before... He's quite charming." she smiled and let the head of the fox.
I was stunned for a moment and looked at S'uu. It seems they weren't surprised by what Z'zatira said... I guess I'll have to ask her myself, "What do you mean by spirit?"
"You didn't know? ... Huh...", Z'zatira thought for a moment while gently petting Buddy. Buddy cuddled into her wagging both of his tails.
"Well, Spirits are like beasts that are from the spirit world. However, they are far more intelligent than beasts", Z'zatira explained, "They usually don't take interest in anyone, or come to the mortal realm at all."
Buddy, sensing my attention, trotted up to me and nuzzled my hand.
I scratched behind his ears, a bit puzzled. "I wonder why you followed me..."
Z'zatira's eyes sparkled with interest. "That makes things even more interesting. But let's not get sidetracked. I'm even more curious about the magic item now!"
"Eh-!... Really?", I asked. Honestly, I would rather ignore it.
"Yep! Though I won't touch it this time.", Z'zatira gave me a thumbs up.
I sigh before turning around to get something from my backpack. Suddenly, I realized that I left my backpack in the waiting room.
"Um..." I blushed with embarrassment, "Well," I turned back to Z'zatira, holding my wrist up.
"Let me see here...", I scroll through some of the icons and info.
Watching Z'zatira asks, "Ooo-! What does that say?" She carefully hovered her finger over something without touching the cuff.
"Um-" I looked, and she was pointing at the stats, "These? It's just my stats with numbers next to it."
"...", Z'zatira looked dumbfounded, "I only understood numbers. And even so, what language is this? I've never seen such a language."
"Really?", I ask, "huh... Well, it is like... I don't really know much, but it says how strong and athletic I am."
"For the language... It's English, my native language...." I answered. However, I didn't really want to bring up that we're speaking English right now.
"Oh! Okay!" She smiled and pulled her hand away.
Before Z'zatira could ask more, the door creaked open, and Kaigara entered. His presence immediately brought a new energy to the room. Elara followed him, her face showing a mix of fatigue and relief.
Kaigara looked at Z'zatira with a warm but tired smile. "Nice to see you awake and all good."
"Yep," Z'zatira replied, passing her gaze to Kaigara. "I'm feeling much better, thanks to everyone."
Kaigara nodded in acknowledgment. "Good to hear. I came to check on you and to discuss some matters. Elara has kept me updated, and I believe I owe Winston some thanks as well."
Kaigara's gaze shifted to me. "Winston, I'll be sure to thank you properly for your efforts soon. But right now, I need to speak with my daughter privately. Could you come to the manor at the other end of town once the sun sets? I have a few things to discuss with you then."
I nodded, "Sure, I'll be there."
I guess that makes sense, a father would want to make sure his daughter is okay. I mean... I would know...
S'uu, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "I need to get back to my guard duty now." They turn to me, "I'll meet you at the manor later.
I looked at S'uu, then back at Kaigara. "Alright, see you later then!"
Kaigara gave a curt nod.
As Kaigara and Elara moved to speak with Z'zatira, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. It seemed like now was the perfect opportunity to find out more from Alexander.
With that in mind, I leave the healer's hut. Though, I remember to get all my things and Buddy is following close behind me. I headed towards the tavern.
As I stepped outside, the midday sun greeted me with a warmth that contrasted the cool, dim light inside the healer's hut. Buddy trotted alongside me, his tails swishing playfully. My mind was abuzz with thoughts about the Angel's Tomb and what Alexander had said.
The walk to the tavern wasn't long, but it gave me time to reflect. Alexander seemed to know more about the tomb and the guardian than he let on. And what did he mean by "unique"?
When I reached the same tavern I was at a few days ago, it was bustling with activity. The chatter of patrons and clinking of glasses filled the air. I spotted Alexander sitting at a corner table, his posture relaxed but alert, as if sensing my approach.
"Ah, Winston," he greeted me with a nod, "Please, have a seat."
I sat down in a chair on the adjacent side of the table. "You mentioned wanting to talk more." I mumbled.
Alexander's expression turned serious, "Yes. There is quite a bit I'd like to discuss."
"Before we talk, I'd like to ask a question myself... Are you human?", I ask. I suspect so but I just need to be careful.
"Yes," Alexander replied calmly, "Is there a reason why you ask?"
"Uh- well... I wanted to know if you knew a way home." I said, feeling a bit more at ease.
Alexander looked puzzled. "Home? What do you mean?"
"I'm human too," I explained, my voice tinged with desperation. "I just... want to go back home."
Alexander's brow furrowed in confusion. "That doesn't make sense. The only humans here should be ones from 'The Holy Union'..."
I hesitated before I confessed "I... actually woke up in the Tomb. That's how I knew about it"
Alexander's eyes widened slightly, and before he could stop himself, he blurted out, "So the summoning was a success..."
"What?" I asked, confusion clouding my thoughts.
Alexander quickly composed himself. "It's nothing. Just a slip of the tongue."
I knew there was more to it, but I decided not to press further for now. There were too many questions and not enough answers.