Alden woke up feeling groggy. He took an immediate bath, put on some clothes, and went to help Nana who was humming a tune in the kitchen.
Sister Katey was coming. She was Nana's daughter, and had always been someone she was proud about. Nana’s husband had long been gone after her husband fell on the pavement road, and broke his head during a military evacuation. It was simply an accident that made Nana feel like she lost everything. Melia said that it was only when she started taking care of the orphanage that she began hosting the end-of-the-year holidays once more.
It was only through her children that she kept on going.
Sister Katey was her second child. Her eldest son, Michael, was working in the Capital City as an Business Administrator. Sister Katey was around the orphanage when Alden drifted. She was someone who changes the atmosphere of the room when she enters. She might be a tiny woman, but the way she moved about with her gentle charm made her well-liked among her peers.
Nana was making her daughter's favorite food, and was serving some fish fillet alongside the elk meat that they caught.
“Aren’t you going to help Thomas around?”
“Ah, I almost forgot,” Alden nodded. He finished cooking one of the dishes before he looked for Thomas who was gently playing with the kids who were unafraid of his magiborne nature. Thomas couldn’t hide that look on his face, he might have started being fond of the little kiddos who were much bolder than they have right to be.
“Yo, we need to distribute that meat to the block captains before Sister Katey arrives,” Alden said. Thomas bid the kids goodbye, and walked with Thomas until they reached the butcher’s shop where they found the Chief hanging around with a cigar in his mouth.
“Hey, you two finally here,” he thumbed to his truck. “I’ll make an introduction, and you hand the elk meat, understood?”
Chief Zackary smothered the cigar. “Ah, that reminds me, what was your name?”
“Thomas.”
“I mean your full name.”
“It’s Thomas Strongarm, Chief.”
“Got it, I’ll introduce you with your full name. Alden, you’re going to drive my truck, no problem for you?”
“Mind if I rough it up?”
“No, I just got it cleaned from scratch. Don’t you dare, Alden.”
Alden took the wheel and started driving the Chief around the town, calling out to the block captains, and handing them the package of elk meat that was wrapped in white elk hide. Alden had found time to complain about the hide when Chief reminded him.
“It’s to make them obligated to accept it. White Elk has a history as a gift of peace on these parts, so unless you catch fifty kilos of crabs, hand them to the Captains, then this is the best thing you can do, understood?”
“But their horns are ours, Chief. I ain’t splitting that, and I’m going to have to make sure to make Sister Katey check it for how much we can sell it.”
“Eh, my godchild coming home?”
“She’s your godchild?”
“I was here when she was baptized in the church of Jove!, I love her like my own daughter. Shit, why didn’t you say that sooner?”
Alden ignored the Chief, and drove to block three's street where they handed the last of the package. The Chief still had two packages left, and told Alden to drive to the municipal hall.
The three of them entered the municipal hall. Chief led them to Officer Karlan where he was stamping on documents, and handed the package back to him. After that, he told Officer Karlan something, and the four of them went to the Mayor’s office, where they met Mayor Alexei Kina, the elected Mayor, taking calls, and arguing with his secretary.
“Mayor,” Chief started. “This one’s called Thomas Strongarm. He’s a newcomer, and wanted to pay respects. Here’s some white elk meat.”
Mayor Alexei unwrapped the meat packaged in hide and opened the contents. He carefully examined the two kilos worth of meat and smiled amiably. “Good, this is a good offering, you must have brought it to all the block captains, eh?” His eyes landed on Alden. “Alden Fals, your gift wasn’t as good as this.”
“Sorry, Mayor, didn’t think that the hog would be good enough, and I ain’t Thomas here who shot a white elk in the first hunt.”
“Well, your luck’s kinda shite, so there’s that.”
Alden snorted. Mayor Alexei stood and offered his palm to Thomas. “I’ve read about you from Karlan’s report here. You are a magiborne, and I admit that there is a good chance that you might be dangerous for my town, but Chief had you tested out yesterday, and you passed somewhat.”
“Test? There was a test?”
“There was. But seeing that you didn’t get easily provoked by their words, then you passed. Not to mention, you are a soldier of this nation, and we understand that service to this nation is something that we do respect.”
Mayor Alexei looked him in the eye. “Respect the laws, be good to the people of Lano, and love your neighbors, that’s all we asked from you. Can you do that?”
“I can, Mayor. Thank you for giving me this chance.”
“Well, you took the time to be good to us. We Lanoians have always been eager to barter and trade with non-locals and accept them into our fold. Can we count on you from now on, then?”
“Yes.”
“Good,” Mayor Alexi placed the package aside. “I officially welcome you to our town, Thomas Strongarm. May you have a good and peaceful life within our humble community.”
Thomas nodded. Alden might have been imagining it. But there was something that became loose on Thomas’s face with the Mayor himself welcoming him now. It was like the face of a swimmer who was finally able to breathe after being under the water for far too long.
Thomas received a thump on his shoulders. He walked around the municipal hall, introducing himself. The town of Lano was a fairly medium-sized community, but it would be in his best interest to be acquainted with the officials of the town of Lano.
***
The three of them traveled back to the orphanage where they saw a rover parked just outside. Entering the orphanage doors, the three of them saw a black-haired woman with shoulder-length hair accompanied by her husband. She had rather big eyes, and yet there was something in her demeanor that made Alden smile naturally.
“Yo, Sister Katey,” then he turned to Rein who stood next to her, holding Sister Katey’s three daughters. The most little one was on Brother Rein’s arms, while the two were just holding on to their father’s legs.
“Oh, Alden, and Uncle Zackary?” She raised a brow. “Isn’t this your work hours? Why are you slacking off?”
“Katey, how can I not visit when you’re around? Rein,” he shook Rein’s hands firmly. “Are you taking good care of her?”
“I am,” he nodded calmly. “But at this point, I might become a househusband, Chief.”
Chief guffawed, patting Rein’s shoulder furiously. “Haha, Katey got you collared and whipped, boy!”
Rein laughed while scratching the back of his head. Sister Katey placed both of her hands on her hips and looked up to Alden.
“Alden, are you doing okay?”
“Oh, I am Sister Katey. Thank you for your help, I doubt I’d be here if you didn’t persuade them to give me residence. Here’s Thomas by the way, he’s our newcomer,” Alden pushed on Thomas’s shoulder.
Sister Katey studied Thomas from top to bottom. “Mommy called me about you, that’s why I came to visit. Mommy Nana, she’s a softie, and really likes taking care of people who are lost. Thomas, I will give you a chance to help around the orphanage.”
“That’s it?”
“Of course, Mommy always has a good eye on people. I believe her when she says that you just want a fresh start from all that. Mommy, she doesn’t care if you are a magiborne or a normal human. She cares whether you’ll be good or not. Truthfully, I have my reservations on whether I should let a magiborne stay in this orphanage, but seeing that you are trying your best. Who am I to not give you a chance?
“Of course, I would like to put you into probation like Alden here. He’s been here, but he has proven himself diligently. You wouldn’t mind, right?”
“Not at all.”
“Good, but I advise you this. We don’t tolerate twice, and if you don’t prove yourself to us, then I apologize. I would have to ask you to leave this orphanage, this town, and never show your face here ever again.”
Her voice remained soft-spoken as she said that. Thomas was somewhat spooked hearing that subtle threat paired with her voice. Sister Katey however remained calm, and polite.
“Now, that is done, I hope that we can get along.”
Sister Katey then nodded her head in approval and turned to the dining room where Nana was arranging the food they brought and the ones Nana made.
Thomas looked at them with a thin smile. “I think that I might have used all my luck, Alden.”
“How so?”
“All of you...you’re so nice that it makes me FEEL like there is a catch to all this kindness. Am I giving my soul to the devil next?”
“No, the world ain’t right sometimes, but there are places like this where you really do think that they are being very nice. I admit that I was kinda skeptical here, but as days passed, I just realized that this town has a lot of hospitable people. When you’ve been through a lot of bullshit, and you think that this is some scam, of course you’d be afraid. That’s understandable. But isn’t it best if you try to take a chance?”
Thomas stared at the warm scene before him. The kids were looking at the table filled with dishes. Chief, Nana, Katey, Rein, and Melia telling the little kiddos to calm down.
Alden thumped Thomas on the shoulder, and joined the noise in the dining room. Melia looked at Alden, then gave a sideward glance at Thomas staring at the doorway.
“Is he alright?”
“He’s just overwhelmed by the hospitable reception. I kind of get him on that. I thought I was being invited to a cult when I got here.”
“Cult, is that right?” She pinched Alden’s side. “Nana will get mad if you tell her that. She hates cults more than anyone.”
“That’s new to me.”
“So yeah, good thing that you said that first to me. Anyway, a cult huh, is that how you saw us?”
“I did but that’s obviously different now.”
“Good.”
Melia placed the dish. She then gestured to Paul and Lina who was on the side to gather the utensils. Nana was busy, surrounding herself with her grandchildren while chatting with her daughter who asked about her health. Chief was chatting with Rein about the matters in the walled community and how things are there.
Thomas, who was outside of the dining room, was dragged forcibly by the kids who said he was being creepy. Thomas looked at the kids who dragged him, and gave a rather mellow smile.
Afraid of the kindness, and yet starved for it. Thomas looked like he was about to cry and yet he held onto his tears like a man protecting his pride. He looked away for a moment, and wiped his face.
“That’s right,” Melia poked Alden on the side. “We need to process Thomas's residential permit in the Capital City, so we’re taking him with us tomorrow.”
“That’s fine.”
“We should wake up early, since there seemed to be some sort of welcoming parade to one of the ambassadors from the Old Empire.”
“Who?”
“A businesswoman, head of the Angelus Company, and also a diplomat from the Old Empire. So there might be heavy traffic since the parade will definitely gather a crowd. Our nation has been friends with the Old Empire and this always happens.”
“I see. I’ll tell Thomas later about this.”
“Thanks, and don’t just stand there. Let’s eat!”
Alden hollered at everyone to settle next to the dining table. Nana led the prayer of grace, and started the small feast.
Alden woke up feeling groggy. He took an immediate bath, put on some clothes, and went to help Nana who was humming a tune in the kitchen.
Sister Katey was coming. She was Nana's daughter, and had always been someone she was proud about. Nana’s husband had long been gone after her husband fell on the pavement road, and broke his head during a military evacuation. It was simply an accident that made Nana feel like she lost everything. Melia said that it was only when she started taking care of the orphanage that she began hosting the end-of-the-year holidays once more.
It was only through her children that she kept on going.
Sister Katey was her second child. Her eldest son, Michael, was working in the Capital City as an Business Administrator. Sister Katey was around the orphanage when Alden drifted. She was someone who changes the atmosphere of the room when she enters. She might be a tiny woman, but the way she moved about with her gentle charm made her well-liked among her peers.
Nana was making her daughter's favorite food, and was serving some fish fillet alongside the elk meat that they caught.
“Aren’t you going to help Thomas around?”
“Ah, I almost forgot,” Alden nodded. He finished cooking one of the dishes before he looked for Thomas who was gently playing with the kids who were unafraid of his magiborne nature. Thomas couldn’t hide that look on his face, he might have started being fond of the little kiddos who were much bolder than they have right to be.
“Yo, we need to distribute that meat to the block captains before Sister Katey arrives,” Alden said. Thomas bid the kids goodbye, and walked with Thomas until they reached the butcher’s shop where they found the Chief hanging around with a cigar in his mouth.
“Hey, you two finally here,” he thumbed to his truck. “I’ll make an introduction, and you hand the elk meat, understood?”
Chief Zackary smothered the cigar. “Ah, that reminds me, what was your name?”
“Thomas.”
“I mean your full name.”
“It’s Thomas Strongarm, Chief.”
“Got it, I’ll introduce you with your full name. Alden, you’re going to drive my truck, no problem for you?”
“Mind if I rough it up?”
“No, I just got it cleaned from scratch. Don’t you dare, Alden.”
Alden took the wheel and started driving the Chief around the town, calling out to the block captains, and handing them the package of elk meat that was wrapped in white elk hide. Alden had found time to complain about the hide when Chief reminded him.
“It’s to make them obligated to accept it. White Elk has a history as a gift of peace on these parts, so unless you catch fifty kilos of crabs, hand them to the Captains, then this is the best thing you can do, understood?”
“But their horns are ours, Chief. I ain’t splitting that, and I’m going to have to make sure to make Sister Katey check it for how much we can sell it.”
“Eh, my godchild coming home?”
“She’s your godchild?”
“I was here when she was baptized in the church of Jove!, I love her like my own daughter. Shit, why didn’t you say that sooner?”
Alden ignored the Chief, and drove to block three's street where they handed the last of the package. The Chief still had two packages left, and told Alden to drive to the municipal hall.
The three of them entered the municipal hall. Chief led them to Officer Karlan where he was stamping on documents, and handed the package back to him. After that, he told Officer Karlan something, and the four of them went to the Mayor’s office, where they met Mayor Alexei Kina, the elected Mayor, taking calls, and arguing with his secretary.
“Mayor,” Chief started. “This one’s called Thomas Strongarm. He’s a newcomer, and wanted to pay respects. Here’s some white elk meat.”
Mayor Alexei unwrapped the meat packaged in hide and opened the contents. He carefully examined the two kilos worth of meat and smiled amiably. “Good, this is a good offering, you must have brought it to all the block captains, eh?” His eyes landed on Alden. “Alden Fals, your gift wasn’t as good as this.”
“Sorry, Mayor, didn’t think that the hog would be good enough, and I ain’t Thomas here who shot a white elk in the first hunt.”
“Well, your luck’s kinda shite, so there’s that.”
Alden snorted. Mayor Alexei stood and offered his palm to Thomas. “I’ve read about you from Karlan’s report here. You are a magiborne, and I admit that there is a good chance that you might be dangerous for my town, but Chief had you tested out yesterday, and you passed somewhat.”
“Test? There was a test?”
“There was. But seeing that you didn’t get easily provoked by their words, then you passed. Not to mention, you are a soldier of this nation, and we understand that service to this nation is something that we do respect.”
Mayor Alexei looked him in the eye. “Respect the laws, be good to the people of Lano, and love your neighbors, that’s all we asked from you. Can you do that?”
“I can, Mayor. Thank you for giving me this chance.”
“Well, you took the time to be good to us. We Lanoians have always been eager to barter and trade with non-locals and accept them into our fold. Can we count on you from now on, then?”
“Yes.”
“Good,” Mayor Alexi placed the package aside. “I officially welcome you to our town, Thomas Strongarm. May you have a good and peaceful life within our humble community.”
Thomas nodded. Alden might have been imagining it. But there was something that became loose on Thomas’s face with the Mayor himself welcoming him now. It was like the face of a swimmer who was finally able to breathe after being under the water for far too long.
Thomas received a thump on his shoulders. He walked around the municipal hall, introducing himself. The town of Lano was a fairly medium-sized community, but it would be in his best interest to be acquainted with the officials of the town of Lano.
***
The three of them traveled back to the orphanage where they saw a rover parked just outside. Entering the orphanage doors, the three of them saw a black-haired woman with shoulder-length hair accompanied by her husband. She had rather big eyes, and yet there was something in her demeanor that made Alden smile naturally.
“Yo, Sister Katey,” then he turned to Rein who stood next to her, holding Sister Katey’s three daughters. The most little one was on Brother Rein’s arms, while the two were just holding on to their father’s legs.
“Oh, Alden, and Uncle Zackary?” She raised a brow. “Isn’t this your work hours? Why are you slacking off?”
“Katey, how can I not visit when you’re around? Rein,” he shook Rein’s hands firmly. “Are you taking good care of her?”
“I am,” he nodded calmly. “But at this point, I might become a househusband, Chief.”
Chief guffawed, patting Rein’s shoulder furiously. “Haha, Katey got you collared and whipped, boy!”
Rein laughed while scratching the back of his head. Sister Katey placed both of her hands on her hips and looked up to Alden.
“Alden, are you doing okay?”
“Oh, I am Sister Katey. Thank you for your help, I doubt I’d be here if you didn’t persuade them to give me residence. Here’s Thomas by the way, he’s our newcomer,” Alden pushed on Thomas’s shoulder.
Sister Katey studied Thomas from top to bottom. “Mommy called me about you, that’s why I came to visit. Mommy Nana, she’s a softie, and really likes taking care of people who are lost. Thomas, I will give you a chance to help around the orphanage.”
“That’s it?”
“Of course, Mommy always has a good eye on people. I believe her when she says that you just want a fresh start from all that. Mommy, she doesn’t care if you are a magiborne or a normal human. She cares whether you’ll be good or not. Truthfully, I have my reservations on whether I should let a magiborne stay in this orphanage, but seeing that you are trying your best. Who am I to not give you a chance?
“Of course, I would like to put you into probation like Alden here. He’s been here, but he has proven himself diligently. You wouldn’t mind, right?”
“Not at all.”
“Good, but I advise you this. We don’t tolerate twice, and if you don’t prove yourself to us, then I apologize. I would have to ask you to leave this orphanage, this town, and never show your face here ever again.”
Her voice remained soft-spoken as she said that. Thomas was somewhat spooked hearing that subtle threat paired with her voice. Sister Katey however remained calm, and polite.
“Now, that is done, I hope that we can get along.”
Sister Katey then nodded her head in approval and turned to the dining room where Nana was arranging the food they brought and the ones Nana made.
Thomas looked at them with a thin smile. “I think that I might have used all my luck, Alden.”
“How so?”
“All of you...you’re so nice that it makes me FEEL like there is a catch to all this kindness. Am I giving my soul to the devil next?”
“No, the world ain’t right sometimes, but there are places like this where you really do think that they are being very nice. I admit that I was kinda skeptical here, but as days passed, I just realized that this town has a lot of hospitable people. When you’ve been through a lot of bullshit, and you think that this is some scam, of course you’d be afraid. That’s understandable. But isn’t it best if you try to take a chance?”
Thomas stared at the warm scene before him. The kids were looking at the table filled with dishes. Chief, Nana, Katey, Rein, and Melia telling the little kiddos to calm down.
Alden thumped Thomas on the shoulder, and joined the noise in the dining room. Melia looked at Alden, then gave a sideward glance at Thomas staring at the doorway.
“Is he alright?”
“He’s just overwhelmed by the hospitable reception. I kind of get him on that. I thought I was being invited to a cult when I got here.”
“Cult, is that right?” She pinched Alden’s side. “Nana will get mad if you tell her that. She hates cults more than anyone.”
“That’s new to me.”
“So yeah, good thing that you said that first to me. Anyway, a cult huh, is that how you saw us?”
“I did but that’s obviously different now.”
“Good.”
Melia placed the dish. She then gestured to Paul and Lina who was on the side to gather the utensils. Nana was busy, surrounding herself with her grandchildren while chatting with her daughter who asked about her health. Chief was chatting with Rein about the matters in the walled community and how things are there.
Thomas, who was outside of the dining room, was dragged forcibly by the kids who said he was being creepy. Thomas looked at the kids who dragged him, and gave a rather mellow smile.
Afraid of the kindness, and yet starved for it. Thomas looked like he was about to cry and yet he held onto his tears like a man protecting his pride. He looked away for a moment, and wiped his face.
“That’s right,” Melia poked Alden on the side. “We need to process Thomas's residential permit in the Capital City, so we’re taking him with us tomorrow.”
“That’s fine.”
“We should wake up early, since there seemed to be some sort of welcoming parade to one of the ambassadors from the Old Empire.”
“Who?”
“A businesswoman, head of the Angelus Company, and also a diplomat from the Old Empire. So there might be heavy traffic since the parade will definitely gather a crowd. Our nation has been friends with the Old Empire and this always happens.”
“I see. I’ll tell Thomas later about this.”
“Thanks, and don’t just stand there. Let’s eat!”
Alden hollered at everyone to settle next to the dining table. Nana led the prayer of grace, and started the small feast.
