3 | To Volan

“Fantastic! Truly, it’s all fate’s will! I knew a good sleep would bring you around,” Devrik beamed at Nito’s decision.

“I’ll register you as soon as possible, I’ll get you a log and ah… Regrettably, I don’t have any explorer compasses as I mentioned. However, the Mistvall branch guild ought to have plenty. It’s the nearest city, so you should certainly head there next on your journey. It will be quite fun I assure you, such a lovely place. I’ve been there three times in my youth…”

“That’s nice and all, but I don't even know the immediate area much less how to get to another city,” Nito said, breaking Devrik from his musings.

“Not to worry, the handy explorer log has a map of the known Everwood. It’s got practically everything up to the Rift charted in some detail at least. As you can see, the Explorer Guild has your back as an esteemed customer. Any service you may need is likely to be accommodated for, and when you delve further towards headquarters, our influence only grows.”

“Hmm… Either way, I don’t really care about that now. What I do want to know is what that blue light-ball you pulled out of your ass yesterday was,” Finally Nito was able to ask the question that burned hottest in his head since he woke.

“Haha of course! The concept which explores must acquire the most knowledge in to survive and flourish in this perilous world. It was simply an orb of condensed ethereal energy that I made to produce light.”

“Ethereal energy?” Nito mimicked quizzically.

“Yes, etherea is present all around us in the Everwood, and as humans, we have the ability to harness it as energy. Oddly, Throne is lacking in high concentrations of etherea, so none of you seem to have such abilities upon first arrival. Truly, I am a humble merchant by trade and thus not well versed enough to properly explain the whole picture, apologies.”

“What! Then who can? If it’s something I’ll need to survive, then I’d like to know about it.”

“Well, there is an old explorer who’s settled here with a family. Volan’s his name, and if you’re lucky, he may provide you with some aid. I’m not personal enough with him to say though...”

“If that’s the case, then I’ll go find him now since there’s nothing left for me here,” Nito rose to leave.

“What’s the rush? There’s still plenty of food, eat some more! You won’t get comfort like this in the woods.”

“That’s alright, I’m full enough to last till noon,” He said, exiting the room.

“This stubborn son of a bitch didn’t even touch the mig pudding! That’s the second time he’s avoided the master’s pill.” Devrik cursed his luck under his breath.

◈◈◈

Nito descended the stairs after retrieving the spear he now claimed as his own. With it and the clothes on his back, he had a mind to make the most of his new situation. Even still, he held hesitations. But remaining static because of them wouldn’t do much good. It would be a lie to say adventure had never crossed his mind before, but it was simply never an option. Now that the opportunity presented itself, there was an edge of excitement in his steps.

“Nito my friend, before you set out please take this,” Devrik called to him while offering a stitched leather bag. “It’s got your explorer log with a bit of food and drink for the road.”

“Thanks. And can you tell me where this guy’s living exactly?” Nito asked, slinging the bag over his shoulder.

“If you turn left out of this place and head north, I’ve heard Volan’s wife runs the ceramics shop up there, but that’s all I know. Safe travels and I hope the Guild serves you well on your journey. If you need anything, feel free to return.”

Not giving time for all Devrik’s words to enter his ears, Nito briskly strode out the door, the crisp morning air hit his face. He turned left then marched north as he was directed. Thinking of the air, he noticed it was significantly less laborious to breathe than it had been the day prior, though still not effortless.

He joined the throngs of people going about their daily chores on the walkways. Strolling along, he took in the smells of spices and listened to the clinks of wooden wind chimes.

“Sir! Excuse me, sir in the red cloak.”

Nito turned towards the call to find a young boy approaching him.

“Excuse me, you’re an explorer, right? Of course, dressed like that while carrying a weapon around, what else could you be! I’m honored to meet you, mister explorer. I have a question if you wouldn’t mind answering. You see, I really want to be an explorer like you. I’m soon to come of age, and I was wondering if I should be one.”

“Ah… Sorry, I can’t help you there. I only became an explorer this morning.”

“Oh, I see...” The boy responded dejectedly.

“Kid, do you happen to know where the ceramics shop is, the one north of here? I don’t have any jen, but I’ll give you some dried meat as payment if you show me,” Nito asked, pulling the meat from his bag.

“Wait, that’s where the retired explorer lives! Yeah, I’ll show you the way,” He snatched the jerky from Nito. “If we keep straight, it'll be facing us on the left,” He said through a full mouth.

They weaved through the crowds of head-carriers and merchants pulling small carts of their wares.

“So, are you going to see the old explorer? If you’re looking for help, he’s quite hardheaded. Tried talking to him myself before, but he wouldn’t have it.”

“That’s the plan. I’ve dealt with that type before, so I’ll make him talk, don’t worry.”

“It shouldn’t be much further. Oh, That’s it!” The boy pointed diagonally from their location.

They crossed over to the leftmost walkway, “You’ll want to go to the side door unless you’re fancying some new pottery.”

“Thanks for showing me here. And listen, kid, if you want to be an explorer, go for it. When I was your age I didn’t have a choice about what to do. For me, it was either do the job or get kicked out by the only people who resembled my family. Good luck.”

“Maybe I’ll give it a shot then. I wish I could meet the explorer with you, but I’ve got to return to my duties before my parents notice I’ve been gone. May the Many Mothers bless you with productivity and the Allfathers with knowledge,” The boy bowed then slipped off as suddenly as he appeared.

Nito made his way around to the side door and gave it a knock. After no response, he knocked it harder. He was about to knock again when the door opened, but no one stood in it.

“Hello, mister.”

Nito followed the voice down and saw a small girl standing in the frame.

“You’ve got weird clothes, mister. Rivana, come see the mister with funny clothes!”

Following the girl’s call, Nito saw an older girl, not far in age from himself, come running over, “Mina, don’t just open the door like that! And be nice to guests. Sorry about my sister she-” The girl glanced up at him and paused. “You’re an explorer aren’t you?”

“Dammit, I knew you’d say that! Furs won’t catch a dagger you know. I just became an explorer earlier today, and I’ve come here looking for Volan.”

“Oh, okay I’ll get him for you.” Rivana turned and shouted into the house, “Father, someone’s here to speak with you!” Only a grunt could be heard in response.

She turned back around, “He’ll likely be a moment. So, you recently became an explorer? You know, I went to go sign up soon as the Guild branch opened here. Though, mother and father have been against me actually going out yet.”

“And you won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Your mother’s business will be in your hands someday.” A grumble came from behind. An imposing man clad in a green tunic and hide pants came into view. His voice betrayed his age and experience, but his body looked no older than forty.

“But Mina can do that!” Rivana complained.

“What do you want me for?” Volan asked in a gravelly tone, completely ignoring his daughter.

“I’m a new explorer who arrived from Throne some days ago. I’ve been told you can enlighten me on what etherea is.” Nito replied matter of factly.

“I won’t train anyone. Be off with you.”

“You're mistaken, I only want answers, nothing more.”

“And when you get them, you’ll want training. Been there, done that. Now please leave.”

“Father! Surely, you can answer questions then deny him training. If he won’t, I’ll answer them for you sir, please come in,” Rivana said motioning for him to pass.

“Absolutely not!” Volan blocked the doorway. “If anyone is to answer anything, it will be me.”

“Then mister Volan, I will be in your care,” Nito lowered his head and said.

“I never said- Dammit, only answers got it! Then you leave,” Volan moved from the door returning inside.

“Please come in… What was your name?” Rivana asked.

“Nito,” He said, stepping through the door.

“Hehe, funny name funny clothes,” Mina giggled, following everyone else in.

The house interior resembled the branch Explorer Guild’s with its timber frames and woodwork, but much cleaner. The living space was furnished with fur-cushioned seats and a table with an odd concave center. Large bookcases lined the walls between windows and a curved long-axe hung at one end of the room.

“Alright let’s sit down and get through with this,” Volan said in obvious annoyance. “Go ahead, spill your questions already.”

____

World Note:

Nito is similar to “nitori” which can mean nobody/no one or a scavenging four-legged animal in Ophonic, the most common language across Throne and the Everwood.

Explorer Log:

Vargan

Danger Level - [Elfin] ★

Appearance - a shaggy quadruped, on average they are 3 nanoleagues in height and 2 in length, their fur is usually light brown though varying shades of brown can be found, their feet are hooved and they have thin tails that reach their knees, their heads are wide and long with a bone plating on the top

Behavior - herbivores, they eat leafy shrubs and grasses that grow close to the ground, they are docile unless provoked or sense danger, when they feel threatened they charge and ram threats with their plated head, they can also kick with their hind legs, most are domesticated and have been bred for strength, used commonly for travel and carrying loads

Habitat - Jabber Garden and Paradel Vega