The train has been rolling down the tracks for a good thirty minutes now, and my initial fascination seems to have worn off. I'd never ridden in a train before. Actually, I'd never even seen one until today. I was absolutely amazed at how fast this thing was going. Way faster than any horse or carriage could ever hope to be.
We were in a small cabin with red upholstered seats, and we were sharing it with just three other people. At one end of the cabin was an elderly couple, and the other was a lone man. We were sitting in a booth in the middle of the train.
Kael was just as excited as I was about riding in the train, but the amazement didn't seem to hit Kavella quite like it hit us. Natalia is appreciating the experience, but she's not blown away by it either. There's a train station in Villet Village, where she's from. She never rode one, but she was around them plenty.
"This is about the seventh train ride I've been on," Kavella says dispassionately. "They're not that amazing."
Regardless of what she thinks, this is revolutionary. I wish there were trains everywhere. Just think how much time could be saved if we didn't have to ride carriages all over the place!
I look around the train cabin. The elderly couple seems to be happy and off in their own world. It seems really nice. I hope, when I find the person I love, I can be like them. I don't want to be alone when I'm that age, that's for sure.
I look over at the other person in the cabin. It seemed like he was staring in my direction, but the second I make eye contact with him he darts his eyes away and looks down at the ground. That's…suspicious.
I catch him staring about two more times during the next hour, and he finally just gives up and walks over to us.
I size him up as he draws near. His pale blond hair is long and combed back with gel, which creates a little bit of a poof on the top of his head. If his hair was any lighter, I'd say it was white.
The man has a tough, well-defined face. A strong, jutting jaw, high cheekbones, and a towering, crooked nose. His eyes are small for his face, and exceedingly narrow, but I can tell they are a light blue.
He must be about six feet tall, maybe a little shorter…yeah. I'd say more like 5'10 to 5'11. If I had to guess his age, I would say mid-twenties. He's not old, but he's beefy and mature looking. Nothing like Kael and I, who are both fairly short and slim. I'm only about 5'8 myself. Kavella and Kael are both 5'6, with Kael being just a hair shorter than Kavella. Rounding out the group is Natalia, who is a solid 5'7.
The man is wearing an olive green shirt and a brown traveler's cloak over it. It is frayed and has various stains on it, which makes him look even more rugged than he normally would. He's got a huge pack on his back, and from it there are a variety of swords and different blades. He also has a sword on his hip. Altogether, I'd say he has three swords, four daggers, and some strange sickle-thing.
"I couldn't help but notice that staff there," the man looks over to Kavella's red staff. It is the one that I obtained from the Bugbear upon killing it. His voice is a deep, overwhelming baritone, and he has a lot of strength to his demeanor. Just his presence alone makes a person feel overpowered.
"Would you be interested in selling it, girl?"
Kavella eyes me out of the corner of her eye and looks back to the man. "No thank you," she says. "This was given to me by someone important. I don't want to give it up."
"Hmph. No bother then." He starts to step away when he noticed the ornamental sheath of Crossed Heart. It is resting under the table next to my leg. "What about—"
"I'm not selling that," I shake my head. "Family heirloom."
"That's a Spirit Staff, you know," the man points out. "Do you mind if I have a seat?" I shake my head and he sits in the booth across from Kael and me, next to Natalia and Kavella.
"I'm somewhat of a weapon collector, and I have studied up on such things in detail," he says. For some reason, hearing this man talk about studying, at his size, is sort of funny. He seems more apt to break bricks against his head.
"I've been interested in Spirit weapons especially, but I've never gotten my hands on one. They're so much different from a normal weapon. Do you fight, girl?"
Kavella nods. "Yes. I haven't fought with this staff yet."
"Ah, so you don't know."
"Know what?"
The man drums his fingers on the table that is between him and me. "Spirit weapons have a different type of energy than regular weapons, because they are not from this world. Each type of weapon has a unique Animus technique associated with it as well. Truly fascinating."
"Really?" Kavella bites her lip. "I've never heard about that before."
"Me neither," Kael adds. "Tell me more about that."
"I can't say much. I don't know any Animus techniques. I can tell you the name of that staff, though. That is a Kaladanda, I believe. The word comes from the east, and means 'Staff of Death'. That's about all I can tell you. Perhaps you can look it up in a library, and find out more. I've only seen them in books myself."
The man rises from his seat. "I won't trouble you four any longer. Here's to hoping we cross paths again." He tips his head and walks back to his seat. When I look back, I see he's decided to take a nap.