Reiji's piercing gaze locked onto Tatiana in a one-room hut, awaiting answers.
Tatiana's gentle voice broke the silence. "You've asked two questions, Reiji-eni. Which one would you like me to tackle first? Each requires a lengthy explanation."
Reiji's confusion deepened. "Lengthy explanation? How complicated can protecting me be?"
He furrowed his brows.
"Why don't we sit by the fire while we discuss this?" Tatiana suggested, offering him a slice of smoked meat as they sat. "Where would you like us to start, Reiji-eni?"
Reiji shrugged. "Suit yourself, little girl. Thanks for the meat."
To himself, he thought: "This little girl speaks like a seasoned adult. Who knows what secrets she harbors."
"I don't have that much information to share," Tatiana explained, "but I know you keep a secret. You see, I'm not from this continent too, and I wasn't welcomed initially."
Reiji's eyes widened in confusion. "Not welcomed?"
"Yes," Tatiana continued. "This side of the world doesn't warmly welcome outsiders. Though I'm still unaware of the history behind it."
Reiji's curiosity piqued. "Outsider? Where were you from, and how did you get to stay?"
Tatiana beamed proudly. "My appeal helped. Thankfully, I was a charming six-year-old back then. That was four years ago."
Reiji's gaze turned skeptical. "Are you actually your age? Does your appearance match your real age?"
Tatiana pouted. "You're not very popular with girls, are you?"
Reiji pulled his head back and his eyebrow furrowed. "What's that got to do with anything?"
Tatiana muttered to Bobbin, "Reiji-eni is such a clueless guy."
Reiji's confusion deepened. "Let's refocus. You were explaining how you stayed here, where you're from, and what you meant by 'outsider'?"
"It's your fault we went off-topic!" Tatiana exclaimed. "Anyway, this village debated whether to bring me before the Bellatoris to decide my fate."
Reiji frowned. "What's Bellatoris?"
Tatiana scowled. "Reiji-eni, please listen without interrupting."
Reiji paused, apologizing. "Sorry."
"I can't believe I'm being shut down by a kid because she's got a point. Still not buying that she's a kid inside." Reiji thought.
Tatiana smiled. "Thanks. So, the villagers debated my fate, but thankfully, the elders spared me."
Reiji nodded. "So, you think I'd face similar treatment?"
Tatiana's expression turned serious. "Yep and you'd likely be killed. But with your abilities, I doubt you'd be caught by these townsmen. So I'm making you an ally to protect both you and the townspeople."
Reiji nodded. "That makes sense."
To himself, he wondered: "So I am considered strong here. She's deducting things accurately. Is she really just a brilliant kid?"
Tatiana continued, "I'm from Southeast land, by the way, and Bobbin's originally from the North." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Keep that a secret."
She added matter-of-factly, "People here tolerate Southerners, but those from your homeland? No chance."
"Where does this girl think I am from?" Reiji wondered.
Reiji's curiosity piqued. "Why do you think they'd hate me?"
Tatiana's smile turned sympathetic. "I don't know much, but I know your people face prejudice here. That's your challenge, Reiji-eni. I'll help."
She stood, finishing her meal. "Stay hidden for now. We'll figure out your next step later."
Reiji's questions persisted. "Wait, how do you speak my language?"
Tatiana yawned. "Reiji-eni, can we pause? That's another long story. Duty calls. Let's continue tomorrow?"
"Can't complain," Reiji responded.