Dhule woke in the morning later than he had for the past Dechit but not as late as he had the day prior. He put on another set of clothes lent to him by Yerentai, he opened his door to find Yerentai at his door, hand held up to knock. “Ah, Dhule you’re already up great. Here, I wanted you to have this.” He handed Dhule a small bag, “I figured you’d want your own clothes, I know mine are nice but I’ll want them back at some point.” He chuckled.
“Oh, um, thank you sir. I don’t know where I would purchase any clothes, Yesugen only took me to trinket shops yesterday.”
“Well I can just give you directions to some places or I can ask Yesugen to take you if you’d rather.”
“Uh, I think it would be nice to have some company.”
“Alright son, well you go down and eat, I’ll go wake Yesugen.”
“Thank you again sir.”
“No problem son. Go have breakfast, we’ll be down soon.”
Dhule walked down the stairs into the common area once again, he was greeted by the familiar faces of Altani, Kara, and Sagra. All three looked happy in their own ways, Altani was playing with Kara who was sitting in her lap playing with food, Sagra sat across the table from the two his eyes soft looking at his daughter and grandson, he held his hand up when he saw Dhule come down to signal where they were in case he hadn’t seen them.
“So boy, what’s the plan for today?” Sagra asked as Dhule sat down.
“Um, Yerentai gave me some money to buy my own clothes so Yesugen and I are going to walk around and get some.”
“Huh, well, take good care of my granddaughter, would you?” Sagra smirked.
“What, um, oh, wait, no, n-n nothing like that, no.” Dhule stammered over his words.
“Ah, come on boy I’m teasing you.”
“Um, right. Anyways I’m going to go get food before I leave.”
Dhule walked up to the bar, the woman from the first night stood behind the counter. Now that he was rested and had time he could pick out features on her, she was stout, with long brown hair, she wore a pointed hat, a white shirt, and a pair of hide pants that extended to her chest and had straps over her shoulder. “What can I get for ya dearie?” She said as he walked up.
“Do you have Dosa?” Dhule asked.
“What’s that?”
“Oh, uh, nev- nevermind. Just a breakfast sandwich.”
“Anything specific on it dear?”
“No, just whatever’s on it normally.”
“All right, be right out hun.” Dhule waited at the bar in silence for only a minute before he was interrupted by a loud noise, Yesugen had come running down the stairs and flung herself into the seat next to Dhule.
“So you wanted to hang out with me again, huh?”
“OH! Um, I suppose, I didn’t know where I would be going and thought it would be nice to have company as I walked around.” Dhule’s cheeks grew a bright red, “Th-that- that’s all.”
“Uh-huh, suuure. Anyways, what were you thinking? What style are you going for?”
“I don’t know, I haven’t really thought about that. I also don’t know what there is to choose from, so I guess we’ll have to look around.”
“Here ya go dear, breakfast sandwich, fresh and hot.” The woman came back from the kitchen.
“Thank you ma’am. How much is this?”
“Complementary with your room dearie.”
“Oh, thank you.”
“Not a problem, now how about you young lady?” She turned her attention towards Yesugen.
“Just a plate for me.”
“Alrightie, just a second.” The woman walked back into the kitchen and almost instantly walked back out with a plate of meats, fruits, and bread. “There ya go lass.”
“Thank you!” Yesugen turned to Dhule, “Eat up, we gotta go get you clothes.”
“Alright, alright, but shouldn’t we go back and sit with your family?”
“Nah, it’s fine, OUR family will be fine without us for one meal. Just eat, stop stalling.” The two ate in relative silence, not of discomfort or nervousness, but of being unable to speak with the food in their mouth. Dhule’s sandwich was good, the bread was fluffy and crisp, a juicy ham-steak in between a fluffy egg and a few strips of bacon, there was also a few different types of cheese and some slices of tomatoes. As the two finished, Yesugen grabbed Dhule’s arm and ran off. “Bye Mom, Bye Dad, Bye Grandpa, we’ll be back later, can’t say when though!” She exclaimed while running out the door. After the two got about a block away from the inn, Yesugen stopped running and let go of Dhule’s arm, “So have you thought about what you wanted?”
“Not really. Just something for every weather I guess. Maybe, I don’t know how far I plan to travel.”
“Well we go just about everywhere so I don’t think it would hurt to buy some stuff like that. We'll get you a nice winter coat and a few more casual items. You still have your desert stuff right?”
“Altani said she’d wash them for me, so yes but not currently.”
“Alright so just the coat and some casual stuff. How much money did Dad give you anyways?”
“I dunno, haven’t checked.” Dhule pulled the bag out of his pocket, opening it and counting the coins he replied, “Looks like about 15 Tau Ro and maybe 10 of those gold and silver coins you used yesterday, what are those?”
“They’re just the Viri currency, were you not listening at all yesterday, I explained all this in great detail.”
“Oh, um, I think I remember some but I was more paying attention to the snake woman, sorry.”
“It’s fine I’m just messin’ anyways, I only talked about the basics, I can tell you about it if you want?”
“Maybe when we’re back on the road but we should start heading to a store.”
“Alright, you have quite a bit of money so you should be able to get a bit. Come on, let's get going.” She held her hand out once again waiting for Dhule like she did the previous night.
Dhule stood beside her not grabbing her hand, “I’m following you, lead the way.”
“Gods you’re dense.” She whispered under her breath. She put her hand in his, causing Dhule’s cheeks to turn a bright red for a second time in the hour. “This way.” She let out with a sigh. The two walked through the streets of Carsioli before reaching “The Gracious Cloak.” “Here we are, let’s pick out some cute outfits, what do you say?”
“I guess, but I don’t have too much of a fashion sense really.”
“Well that’s what I’m here for.” Her smile crossed her entire face.
“Alright, I’ll just have to trust you then.”
As the two looked through the store Dhule tried on a variety of different outfits, some of his decisions, some of Yesugen’s. In the end they left the store with 4 outfits and a thick coat, the clothes were nothing special, basic knee length tunics, 2 pairs of pants and 2 pairs of shorts, a belt that would cinch his tunic keeping it from flying up too much, a thick wool coat that would keep him warm “Even in Meiyo winters” or so the salesman said. He was also gifted a small pendant. “Do you know what this is for?” He asked Yesugen, “I forgot to ask when they put it in the bag.” He held up the pendant, the centerpiece of which was a star split in half between gold and silver.
“They’re supposed to ward off evil spirits but I think that’s just some folklore around it.” She took the centerpiece in her hand, “But it still looks beautiful, don’t-cha think?”
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
“Yeah. Well we should get back to the inn, your family is probably waiting for us.”
“What, no, they’ve set up a stall, they’re selling stuff. We have the rest of the day to ourselves again. Anything you want to do?”
“Not really, I don’t know what there is here.”
“Anything you want to do is here, so what would you do in your free time back in Khalux?”
“I didn’t have much free time at this point in my life. I was studying most of the time.”
“Well are you hungry, do you want to just walk around, just pick something to do, I won’t drag you around today.” Her face lit up with a smile.
“What’s entertaining, we should do that.”
“Gods, you can’t pick anything can you?” She playfully groaned. “There’s a library a couple blocks down, we could go read?” She shrugged, “It’s probably similar enough to what you’d be doing and I enjoy it personally.”
“Oh I was hoping for a break from the norm.” Dhule said slightly disappointedly.
“Then what would you consider the past Dechit? According to you, you were just walking around the desert only worrying about survival, I thought you might want to go back to the “norm.” Anyways we’re going to the library unless you can think of something else.”
Dhule stood in silence, he really couldn’t think of anything he’d want to do. “Lunch first?” He asked.
“Fine by me, what do you want?”
“Sandwiches?”
“Have you only ever had sandwiches? You seriously need to explore more, we’re in the biggest melting pot of culture in all of Mabura, you can get nearly anything you want here.” Yesugen was slightly exasperated at Dhule’s simple request. “Expand your palate would you.”
“Uhh, o-o okay, umm...” Dhule felt as if he had shrunk when Yesugen told him off. He also couldn’t think of anything after being put on the spot. “I don’t know, w-what do you want?”
“Can you just not think of anything?” She glared at him, “Whatever, I know a good spot on the way to the library, come on.” She grabbed Dhule’s hand and started walking off.
Dhule followed behind Yesugen “So, where are we going? Or at least what we’re getting?”
“We’re gonna get a Meiyo delicacy, sushi. It’s probably safe to say you haven’t had it before, right?”
“Um, no I haven’t had any before. What is it?”
“You’ll find out, we’re almost there. It’s fine if you don’t like it but just try it okay, promise me that.”
“Yeah, I could do that.”
“How much money do you have left? After all the clothes we bought.”
“13 Tau Ro and 9 of the Viri coins.”
“Man, Dad gave you a lot of money, he must have wanted you to take me out or something.” She teased him.
“That’s fine I can pay.”
“I’m going to eat so much, I’ll make you regret your words.”
“It’s not my money, why would I care? I’m just going to give the rest back.”
“You know he won’t accept it. Come on, we're here.” She pulled Dhule into a building they had stopped in front of. “Table for two please.” She spoke to the woman in the front of the house.
“Of course, there are two seats open right over there if you want,” The woman motioned over towards a bar, “or I can escort you to a table if you’d prefer.”
“We’ll just take the bar seats.” Yesugen and Dhule walked over to the bar and took a seat, picking up the menus laid out before them. “So what looks good to you?” She asked Dhule.
“This says it’s raw fish. That really seems like it’s not something you should eat.”
“Come on Dhule, you promised.” She dragged out the last word.
“It just seems extremely inadvisable, you’re sure this is what you wanted?”
“This place has been open for a decade. Do you really think that would happen if they actively poisoned anyone who ate here? You’ll be fine just pick something.”
“Okay, that makes sense.” He looked down at the menu. “Um, what would you recommend?” He was overwhelmed by choice. “Just as a question.”
“If you look at the back there’s a drink menu, I’ll worry about the actual food, just remember our promise, you have to try one of everything. Alright”
“That was NOT our promise.”
“I decided our promise changed when you tried to get out of it in the first place.”
“You can’t do that, especially not without talking about it. Promises have to be agreed upon and if they change you have to tell the person, that’s how they work.”
“Fine, but please try everything just as a courtesy, besides they all have different flavors so even if you don’t like one you might like a different one.”
“I mean-”
“PLEEEASE!” Yesugen cut him off.
“I was going to say yes. I’ll try everything but I can’t promise I’ll like it all.”
Yesugen’s smile beamed as Dhule agreed, “No one is asking you to like it all. But thank you in advance for trying.”
Yesugen ordered food for the two of them, a mix of Nigiri, Maki, Sashimi, and other types of sushi, along with a teapot of green tea to share. Dhule’s favorite was the Rainbow Roll, the combination of avocado, crab, cucumber and the tuna, salmon, or shrimp just hit him just right. The tea was refreshing, slightly sweet and grassy, and helped flush what got stuck in his mouth out.
“Thank you, Yesugen.” Dhule said as he finished one of the Rainbow Rolls.
“Hmm?” Yesugen’s mouth was full of various types of fish, rice, and greens. “What d’ya mean?”
“The food, I appreciate it.”
“What!?” Her eyes widened as she looked at Dhule, “Is this you telling me to pay, because dad gave you a ton of money, not me.”
“Oh, no I figured I would be paying, as you said, Yerentai gave me the money.” He dismissed the thought she had, “No, thank you for introducing me to this, for taking me out, for everything you’ve done, and everything your family has done for me.”
“Of course Dhule.” Her eyes softened as she looked at him, “You’ll always be family and we’ll always be there for you.”
“Right, thank you.” He grabbed another Rainbow Roll as he and Yesugen finished their meal.
- ?? -
When the two finished, Dhule paid for the meal. “Looks like you held up your word, that cost quite a bit. 5 Tau Ro for some fish and tea is quite expensive.”
“I suppose if you’re simplifying it down that much but it’s so much more than that, everything takes time and effort and the sushi takes a lot from what I’ve heard.”
“Yeah, I guess.” Dhule thought about whether he could make the food that he enjoyed, “Well what now?”
“Did you forget what we talked about before lunch? You’re taking me on a date to the library!” She wrapped herself around Dhule’s arm.
Dhule’s face turned a bright red, “N-n-no, I remember, I was, um, making sure you remembered. But you did, so it's all good.”
“Yeah, for sure.” She rolled her eyes, “Alright let’s get going, it’s just a bit away. You can read up on some stuff outside the Central Wastes.”
“Yeah, sounds good to me. We can even have a discussion about what we read on the way back to the inn.”
“Oooh, good idea! Should we read the same book or different ones?”
“Umm, we can read different books. Cause that way we can introduce each other to our interests.” Dhule looked into the distance absent mindedly, “Unless you want to read the same book.”
“I asked for your opinion Dhule, that means I wanted to do what you want. We’re here now, let’s go in and pick a book, then we can talk about it after, when we head back.”
The two walked into the library and found books to read and eventually discuss. Dhule found a book named The Twins of Toringhill Bunker, it followed a titular set of twins in a post apocalyptic version of Mabura where they were locked in a bunker by their parents and now must survive in the ruined world. Yesugen’s book was called The Ocean’s Secret Admirer, a story where the ocean is given a humanoid form and must find the one who loves him the most.
“So how was your book?” Yesugen started the conversation, “What was it called, Children of the Hidden Shelter?”
“The Twins of Toringhill Bunker, but it was good. The conflict between the brothers felt real and the mystery behind what happened to the world was compelling.” Dhule paused, “Uhh, but, how was yours?”
“I liked it, the twist at the end was a bit out of nowhere but I suppose I could see the chemistry between them. I just felt he had more with some of the other candidates but hey, what can I do?”
The two continued to walk back to the inn talking about their books the entire way. When they finally made it back to the Copper Hearth they found the family sitting in the common area. Yerentai noticed them walk in and brought them into the conversation, “Welcome back you two, how’d your day go? Hope you had fun.”
“Yeah, we got Dhule his clothes, had some sushi, and then went to the library.” Yesugen responded.
“That’s nice, did you like the sushi Dhule?” Altani asked.
“I suppose it was the best sushi I ever had. But it was also the first I ever had so there’s that.” Dhule lightly joked.
“HA!” Sagra let out a hearty laugh as if he had just heard the greatest joke ever told.
“But yeah it was good. Oh here.” He handed Yerentai the bag and remaining money he was given in the morning. “There’s some missing but I assume you wanted me to use it.”
“Oh no, that’s for you son. Can’t have you relying on my daughter to pay for everything you want.” Yerentai replied while chuckling.
“I mean yes but I’ll make sure to earn my keep, so you can take this until you think I’ve earned it.”
“Look Dhule, personally I don’t think you need to “earn your keep” and if I did I would already believe you’ve earned it, but I can tell that you won’t just take that, so I’ll tell you this. If you want to think of this as a job, and you want to “earn your keep”, think of this as a signing bonus. So you know, don’t go join some other Weybonds that will take you in as family.” He smiled and put his hand on Dhule’s shoulder. “Obviously you’re free to leave whenever you wish, I remember you said you were going to leave at Carsioli. But also we’d be happy to have you travel with us further.”
“I think I will, I don’t have anything else I’d rather do.”
“Alrighty then, welcome to the family Dhule.” Yerentai smiled as he pat Dhule on the back, “Make sure you pack everything tonight, we’re leaving tomorrow.”
“What why? We only just arrived.”
“We’re traders, Dhule, we have to travel to get the best out of our work.” Altani said.
“Right, I’m sorry, I forgot. I’m not used to moving around a ton so I assumed we would stay here for longer. But I understand, luckily I don’t have much so everything’s pretty much done already, I’ll just need to put these away.” He held up the bag of clothes he had picked up earlier.
Once again the family talked into the night, Dhule interjected more this time than he had at any of the previous conversations but he still didn’t talk as much as everyone else, and when the time came everyone went back to their rooms. Dhule packed his bag and laid down in bed thinking about what the next coming days would bring before drifting off to sleep.
