The dirt road opened into a cluster of wooden homes glowing with lantern-light. Nyxar's head tilted back, taking in more sky than he'd ever seen. His blindfold still softened the glare, but the sound of laughing children and clattering tools made him stiffen.
The Offer
Ember slowed and turned.
Ember: "Want to come to the village with me?"
Bug zipped around to face Nyxar.
Bug: "She's asking if we should follow her to a… 'village.' Whatever that is."
Nyxar's eyes narrowed behind the cloth.
Nyxar: "Trap?"
The spirit hovered lazily above Ember's shoulder.
Spirit: "Nooo. It's a place where many people live together. Homes stacked like mushrooms."
Nyxar considered this.
Nyxar: "Home for a lot of people. Interesting. I want to see."
Bug translated, wings buzzing.
Bug: "He's in. Field trip!"
A Rare Gift
As they walked, Ember glanced back.
Ember: "By the way… being able to talk to a spirit is extremely rare. You're special."
Bug, relaying the message, added a cheeky trill.
Bug: "She says you're special."
Nyxar barely shrugged.
Nyxar: "So you're special."
Bug translated, and Ember giggled.
Ember: "Ha, not really. I only understand a few words."
The Boar Dilemma
The village gates creaked into view—simple wood and rope. Lanterns bathed everything in warm gold. Ember slowed, eyeing the hulking giant boar that snorted beside them like a small house with tusks.
Ember: "Uh… can you, uh, de-summon the boar? People might panic."
Bug spun midair.
Bug: "She says the walking mountain should disappear before we enter. You know—small talk deterrent."
Nyxar tilted his head.
Nyxar: "Why?"
Bug: "Because your pig looks like it eats cottages. Just put it away."
Nyxar placed his marked hand on the boar's hide. Shadow rippled; the beast melted into darkness. Ember exhaled.
Welcome to the Bar
They wound through narrow streets until a cozy building spilled light and laughter into the night. A wooden sign swung overhead: The Lantern's Rest.
Ember: "Nice couple runs this place. Best drinks in town."
She pushed open the door. Warm air scented with spice and woodsmoke wrapped around them.
Behind the counter stood a gray-bearded man polishing a mug. His eyes crinkled when he spotted Ember.
Edward: "Evening, Ember! And who's your friend?"
Ember: "This is Nyxar."
Edward stepped forward, hand outstretched.
Edward: "Name's Edward. Nice to meet you, young man."
Nyxar stared blankly at the offered handshake, unreadable.
Ember quickly waved her hands.
Ember: "He… uh… doesn't really understand our language."
Edward: "Ah! From another country then?"
Ember: "Let's say that, yeah."
Not a Pet
Bug zipped forward, wings buzzing.
Edward (noticing): "Well now, is that your pet?"
Bug bristled.
Bug: "HEY. I am not a pet."
Edward's eyebrows shot up.
Edward: "It talks!"
Ember's cheeks flushed.
Ember: "Uh—so what's your name, little… friend?"
Bug: "I'm Bug. Nyxar's companion. Translator, too."
Edward chuckled, recovering his composure.
Edward: "Pleasure, Bug. Remarkable! A talking translator-bug. The world never stops surprising me."
Bug puffed up with obvious pride.
Drinks & Opinions
Ember: "Could you get us two drinks, Uncle Edward? Surprise us."
Edward: "One moment, dear." He vanished into the back, humming.
Ember turned back, smiling at Nyxar.
Ember: "So, how are you liking it here?"
Bug translated faithfully.
Nyxar's eyes roamed the lively room, lanterns glinting off polished wood.
Nyxar: "Too soft. Too loud. Too bright."
Bug relayed with a dry click.
Ember laughed, covering her mouth.
Ember: "Yeah… probably feels like foreign territory, huh?"
Bug nodded dramatically.
Bug: "Oh yeah. Totally foreign. If he could hide under a rock, he would."
Nyxar merely folded his arms, unimpressed by all the warmth and light, while the bar's friendly chatter washed over them like a world he'd never known.