Chapter song Children of Circinus

The man donning his pristine medical coat stood in front of the entrance. He seemed to be staring at the medical insignia placed above the door. Eris could definitely see how tall he was even from where she stood. Due to the darkness, she couldn’t quite make out all the details of his face, but his skin was more on the younger spectrum of age.

She felt a tap on her shoulder and knew exactly what would happen next. She turned and looked Zeais right in his eyes.

[*Zeais*: Is it him?]

His tall stature definitely didn’t match what she saw before and he also seemed to be of different origins than the man she saw years ago. The only similarity was that The Healers shared a similar garment, based on what she found out from the traders near Don’te, the cult's version was more extravagant.

[*Eris*: No, I wish it were that easy.]

She looked back to the unaware man and called out to him.

[Eris: Mister?]

The man turned to look at her.

[Doctor: Ohh, yes? How may I help you little one?]

As she approached the man, his height seems to only tower higher the closer she got.

[Eris: Um, we’re looking to visit the young boy named Nova and his uncle. We were told this is the doctors they were brought to.]

The man gave her a short look of hesitation.

[Doctor: Ah. Fallas family. The child told a story about you.]

Eris couldn’t help but notice his broken English. She couldn’t put a finger on what kind of heritage he might have.

The doctor took a quick glance at the sign once more and back to the children.

[Doctor: I can fix sign later. I can take you two to upstairs to visit. I am Doctor Dubey]

[Zeais: Nice to meet you Sir.]

[Dr. Dubey: Follow me.]

Dr. Dubey kindly opened the door for the children to head inside first. Eris had her doubts about having an adult man be behind them, she carefully felt for her knife just in case.

The lack of people around truly made it feel like early morning to her. She swiveled her head taking in the details of what should be a medical clinic, but to her surprise, it looked nothing like she thought. There were only five doors on the back wall, each numbered from one to five. There were no stairs for an upstairs level or a large front office for clerks. The main room only held a few couches and a coffee table. Along with a small desk near the rear doors, piled with various books, writing utensils and papers.

It’s just like the Chiefs town hall. Is this a style?

[Eris: Are you the only one that works here Dr?]

[Dr. Dubey: No no, two doctors for each room.]

[Eris: I see.]

[Dr. Dubey: You can find Fallas family in first room.]

[Zeais: Thank you Sir.]

She found it odd how he didn’t react to the clinic's decor or even the chiefs place for that matter, now that she thought about it.

Ah, right, his eyes. I should keep that in mind.

She started to walk to the door and Zeais started to follow behind. At that moment, a sudden thought came to her as she walked through the room.

He never moves first until someone else leads him. Come to think of it, he only walks to places he visited before.

She wanted to take a good look at his eyes, but that would require putting up with what might be an awkward stare down. It did amaze her that he still did everything so naturally.

Before she could reach the door all the way, the doctor walked ahead of her.

[Dr. Dubey: Please wait.]

He silently slipped inside and closed the door behind him. Eris could hear his voice faintly behind the door speaking to the occupants inside. A few moments went by and the doctor opened the door widely, he motioned for them to come inside.

Upon entering the room, the first thing she saw was the young boy Nova, sitting upon a large bed rubbing his eyes. Once again the room looked much more like a house. Half of the room was taken up by what looked like an Inns room with facilities such as a small kitchen and bathroom. The other half was separated by a large curtain, she couldn't see through it or tell what was on the other side. There was also a flight of stairs, that seemed to go to a second floor. She thought it was strange that there weren't any stairs in the front.

Disregarding the room, her attention turned to the sleepy-eyed boy in front of her. Her heart felt warm watching him wipe the tiredness away from his small body. When his eyes finally met with hers he slid off the bed and softly said with a yawn,

[Nova: Good Morning Eris, Zeais]

She had a hard urge to go and hug him, but she could see his face held more than just sleepiness. The young boys face held hints of sadness. She felt a slight sting in her heart and a feeling of unease.

[Eris: G-Good Morning Nova. How are you?]

The boy didn’t answer her question, instead, he silently walked up to her. She could see his face slowly scrunch up as if he were going to cry as he got closer. When he reached her, she was awestruck. His small arms were wrapped around her and his face was buried in her stomach. She could feel him lightly shaking, her heart went silent for a second.

[Eris: N-Nova?]

His face lifted up to meet her eyes. The sight of tears beginning to stream from his eyes made her feel choked up in her throat. His voice was crackly and near the verge of letting out sobs, yet he asked her,

[Nova: How do I- How do I stay strong, when he won’t wake up?]

The tears that the boy looked so desperately to hold back began running down his face. Her heart couldn’t take any more, this isn’t what she came to see. She wanted to see the boy happily laughing and being near his uncle's side. So why? Why was this the welcoming?

Eris wanted answers, she quickly looked to the doctor who was watching them. He seemed to know exactly what she wanted, he solemnly explained.

[Dr. Dubey: The man has head injury. With the burns and neck sprain, he has not awaken yet. He is still alive.]

[Eris: Neck trauma?]

She didn’t remember seeing him take a blow to his neck.

[Dr. Dubey: I believe the neck sprain is due to falling down.]

Eris went blank, she felt her unease explode inside her chest.

Falling down? Was it the hill? It had to be. But how? He slid, didn’t he? Is it my fault? Did I do something wrong? It’s probably thanks to me that he won’t wake. I shouldn’t have meddled. Maybe this wouldn’t have happened if I just stayed home. I might have taken this boys uncle away. What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? Seresa. Seresa. What would you do? I—

Void of her own volition she held the boy closer to her, taking in his warmth. Her mind mulled and sent her diving into her mind, reminding of the warmth she felt such a long time ago. Answers. She wanted them.

The images of her dear caregiver always came to mind. An embracing hug from a time long ago. The words the woman soother her with calmed her, letting her know that she would do everything in her power to keep her safe, telling her what to do in case she ever left her.

Why do I play the hero? Every time I do, it goes wrong. I can’t be like this. I need to be better. I need to be stronger. Be strong, right Eris? A bad outcome is still better than the worst. It will be okay, things will change and you will grow.

She was slowly dragged back to reality. When she looked up, her eyes met with herself. A mirror had shown her exactly what she looked like, and it terrified her. Her eyes were no longer bright, they were dead inside. Is this what she looked like right now. Is this what happens when she traveled her mind. She saw her vision blur quickly, she knew why.

No, not going to happen. I won’t give in to something like this. This is the start, this will happen a lot. Tears are only meant to be shed when you’ve truly lost. The voice in the room faded back into existence for her, she could no longer stay in thought.

[Zeais: I see, the hill…]

Before she turned to look at Zeais she made sure to wipe her eyes. Rubbing quickly to remove any traces of tears.

[Eris: That's what I thought as well.]

She looked down to Nova, still wrapped around her waist.

[Eris: Is it okay if we take a look at him?]

She looked to the doctor for approval.

[Dr. Dubey: That is up to the boy.]

She looked back down at Nova, who was now looking up to her once more.

[Nova: Its, okay.]

[Eris: Are you sure? ]

[Nova: Mhm, I’ve watched him all this time anyway.]

Dr. Dubey walked to the curtains and gestured for the children to come to look. As she walked toward the other side of the room, Nova had stopped holding on to her waist and had grabbed hold of part of her dress.

The doctor brought back the curtains, revealing a wooden bed and then the body of the man. The moment she laid eyes on his exposed skin, it made her skin crawl and her stomach recoil.

Stretches of burnt flesh covered his torso. Some of his skin was an only second degree, while others were third. Below his neck down to his lower rib cage were hundreds of blisters of varying sizes, all covered in treatment oils to soothe them, giving them a slimy look.

His arms were definitely the most severe in her eyes. His entire right arm looked like leather and tissues inside his arm could be seen. The redness around his larger wounds heightened the skin crawling feeling she felt throughout her body.

[Zeais: Much worse than I thought. Will he have surgery soon?]

[Dr. Dubey: The surgeons will be here later today.]

Eris felt a sigh of relief when she heard his statement. The only problem was Nova. Surely a surgery would be costly. How would they handle payments? With what the chief tasked them with just for leading the creature to town was outrageous. Not entirely outrageous for the deed, but it still angered her that having to go to the forest was the task at hand.

There's no telling what might happen, but the next thing she thought she should do was comfort the child.

[Eris: Hear that Nova? He should be fine when the other doctors arrive.]

[Nova: Mmm…]

Nova’s face always seemed to hold small tinges of fear, but he never showed it fully.

He should be a strong one when he gets older.

Nova’s uncle looked like he was only sleeping. Eris couldn’t make out if the twitching in his arm was of his own will or due to the severely burned nerves.

[Dr. Dubey: Hmm, his skin looks irritated. Children, can you wait outside?]

Eris could feel Nova clutch her skirt. He must not want to leave, she thought. It’s better that he leaves though.

[Eris: Come on Nova. The doctor has to work, your Uncle will be fine. Okay?]

[Nova: okay…]

The children took their leave, starting with Zeais, then Eris holding Nova's hand. The little boy's eyes silently watched as the Doctor moved the curtains back to the side and the door closed behind him.

Her wish to leave her home had finally started, but it’s beginning felt far from ideal for her. Meeting new people outside and being out on her own felt bizarre in a way, yet she still felt that this was the best path to being a better person. The terrors of man's heart were far more dangerous than what the world could throw at her. As she laid on the couch, staring at the ceiling with the young child sleeping next to her, she wonders what else her future could possibly hold, even after these long but short two days. A whisper from next to her ended the deep thoughts she was going to slip into.

[Zeais: Hey. We don’t have much more time left to stay.]

[Eris: Its been that long already?]

Eris couldn’t bring herself to leave the little boy alone, he had no one else with him after all. While she thought, Nova began to move and awaken.

[Eris: Nova?]

He gave a low grumble acknowledging her question.

[Eris: Did you stay here all of yesterday?]

The boy shook his head in agreement.

[Eris: Which room were you in while the Doctors worked?]

He pointed to the room right next to his Uncles.

[Eris: Okay. Well, we have to go do a few things alright? I’ll be back in a couple hours before I leave town.]

Nova nodded again. Eris knew she wouldn’t be able to just leave him hanging here, she could use a bit of her travel time to see him. The family could be put on hold just a little longer.

[Eris: Alright, let's go to your room.]

She stood up and slowly brought the endlessly tired boy to his room. When they entered it was dark except for the lit eternal candle on the nightstand. She could barely make out that it was of the exact same layout as the other room, even the stairs.

Why? Do they all have stairs like that? I’m curious now. I’ll have to ask the doctor later.

Nova let go of her hand and climbed on top of the bed. He didn’t use any of the sheets but instead just laid on his back with his eyes closed.

[Eris: I’ll be back soon.]

Nova’s eyes opened slightly, emerald green pupils stared at the ceiling for a moment, he softly whispered.

[Nova: See ya.]

She slowly closed the door behind her.

When she returned to the lobby Zeais was already waiting for her near the front door of the clinic.

[Eris: Done.]

[Zeais: So its eat and then were off right, and you’ll be coming back here?]

[Eris: Right.]

Zeais put his hand on the door know and opened it wide.

[Zeais: Well let's hurry up so you can come back quickly.]

Eris internally held a smile, here she thought he was only interested in leaving.

[Eris: let's go.]

The children exited the clinic and thrust themselves out into the chilliness of the morning. The sky was brighter than previously and the fog that always seemed to be around was in full abundance. Despite the towns usually somber feel, there were actually more people than any of the previous times they were out and about. Most of the shops were fully open and some of them even had customers.

[Eris: Do you see what I’m— There are more people than usual.]

[Zeais: Is there? It does sound more lively. I wonder if they have holidays or something or maybe they were just cautious of the walkers?

[Eris: Who knows. This place is strange enough.]

Observing the towns view was much easier than half an hour ago. The walk back to the Inn would at least be a bit more enjoyable than it was in the dark. Once again thinking inside her head, she took back her previous thoughts on the results of her trip. After all its one of her first encounters helping anyone outside of her town. Everything she had practiced and learned really helped her in the long run. No one would teach her how to treat wounds, so she got books. People wouldn’t let her go on hunts, so she went on her own with the advice of the traders. No children would take the time to socialize with her, so she practiced with the animals and few children who weren't scared. She knew there could have been better outcomes, but some things are just unavoidable and you have to roll with the punches.

Exploring her mind while simultaneously looking at the buildings her eyes wandered to Zeais. She didn’t mean to but she happened to stare long enough for him to notice.

[Zeais: What is it?]

[Eris: Ah- Um. What do you do when things don’t go your way. During hunts and stuff of course.]

Zeais took his gaze away from her and looked forward.

[Zeais: I don’t do anything. There's nothing I can do. It already happened.]

His face was blank but she could feel he meant more than what he said.

[Eris: What about when you don’t know what to do?]

[Zeais: Hmm, I ask myself what would the others do. My teacher and all the other children all have different experiences. Somewhere in the time we spent has to be something right?]

That advice was far from what she was looking for, of course, if she had others to band with, she too might be more capable than she was now.

He wouldn’t know that of course, he isn’t psychic of course.

[Zeais: Do you ask that because you’re less experienced?]

[Eris: Mmm, a bit like that.]

She scratched at her head, accidentally ruffling it, making it look like she had just woken up.

[Eris: There's just a lot to think about.]

[Zeais: I’m sure. Well! Maybe you’ll gain a lot more knowledge when you visit Brights huh.

[Eris: I hope so. Things need to be done and for that to happen I want to get stronger.]

Eris pumped her arms in an attempt to show her muscle or lack thereof with a smile.

[Eris: Strong!]

[Zeais: Haha, your hair makes you look like one of those crazy peddlers trying to sell their last boxes!]

Eris quickly matted down her hair in embarrassment.

[Eris: Hmph, I haven’t said anything but you’ve had eye crust this entire time.]

Zeais’s face showed obvious signs of embarrassment as he vigorously rubbed his eyes.

[Zeais: I don’t feel anything. Is it still there?]

[Eris: Who knows?]

She couldn’t help but smile at his gullibleness, it was quite adorable if she had to put a finger on it.

The rest of their walk to the Inn was traveled in quiet pranks like pointing at something to make the other look or trying to trip one another. Time passed much more quickly this time and they arrived at the Inn in what felt like 5 minutes to her.

When they entered the Inn’s gate, Yale was sitting in front of the entrance in a chair, the entrance to the Inn wide open. What caught Eris’s eyes was the fact that he was wearing glasses and reading a book.

[Eris: You read Mister?]

Yale looked up from his book, stood up and closed it. He set it down on the railing of the porch.

[Yale: I read sometimes after I finish cooking, to take my mind off things if you will…]

Yale picked up the chair he was sitting on and grabbed the book.

[Yale: Breakfast is ready so you can start your day.]

He walked inside the Inn and disappeared around the corner. The children followed suit and went inside. The smell of a fresh breakfast filled her nose and made her stomach rumble with anticipation. This is what I live for, she thought.

[Zeais: Is it the same dining room we ate in before?]

[Eris: Probably.]

She could feel her mouth beginning to water over the smells filling her nostrils. Meat? She sniffed the air to get a lock on the food. That's bird! Emu? Goose? I smell vegetables too! Her legs seemed to have a mind of their own and she found herself quickly walking to the scent of delicacies.

When she finally reached the dining room, the table full of many different vegetables and bread enamored her.

This is heaven!

She tried to keep her face stoic but she knew very well that her eyes said otherwise.

Jeez shes fast, is she that hungry? Zeais thought.

Zeais arrived at the dining room soon enough to see Eris take a seat, slightly bobbing her head side to side. He could see another silhouette moving around the table, he knew by now that it was Anya. He couldn’t mistake her hair for anyone else in the Inn, if there was even anyone else present.

[Anya: Ah, Zeais too! Good morning! Have a seat anywhere.]

The smell of brazed meat filled him with warmth. It had been a while since he had meat from a bird, they were too hard to catch with just spears. Maybe I should ask a teacher for more archer lessons?

Zeais found walked around the table, various food items fading into existence, it was a bit difficult to discern what was what. For the most part he could see there were plenty of vegetables and bread. The meat was the most obvious, the carcass looked plump and if he had better vision it might even be of high grade.

He chose the seat across from Eris and promptly sat down. Of the six chairs, they were all populated with utensils, it struck a chord somewhere that they still prepared the table for visiting guests. The only other person he could assume would come was Yale’s “Aunt”, she was really just an old neighbor who took a liking to the Inn and family, according to Anya.

The sound of footsteps came from down the hallway and through the door entered Yale’s large figure.

[Yale: All finished preparing?]

[Anya: Yes, I’m all finished, the tables all done too.]

Yale walked around the table and grabbed a seat next to him.

[Yale: If you’ll excuse me.]

Zeais gave a welcoming gesture and Yale promptly sat down. Anya also took a seat, right next to Eris.

Customary to group dining, the oldest of the group gave the usual saying before eating.

[Yale: May this meal fuel us for the future.]

Zeais wasn’t religious nor did he believe the custom was an attempt at it. He thought of it more as a reminder that anything could happen and that eating beforehand might be the last thing you ate. In his eyes, it was a sort of hope.

Immediately after Yale gave the custom saying, Eris was, of course, the first to start eating. He could tell the moment they walked inside the Inn when she disappeared that her hunger was serious.

Zeais took a bite of the strangest food on the plate first, it was always fun to be surprised he thought.

Oh, salted cabbage.

Next a piece of bread and a drink of what smelled like fruit juice. It tasted like a mix of apple and pomegranate.

Now on to the best part!

He took hold of the leg that already resided on his plate. Its warmth and aroma invited him to take a bite. He opened his mouth and took a large bite of the meatiest portion of the leg. Its tenderness and juiciness started a wave of tingles in his mouth. It had been such a long time since he had such a nice meal. Maybe a year or so? He thought. After swallowing down his first bite, he looked around. Aside from everyone eating, of course, the meal seemed a bit extravagant to him.

[Zeais: I guess this is like a celebration.]

Yale took a drink out of his cup and placed it down.

[Yale: Of course, my daughter will finally be doing something shes longed to do.]

He could hear Anya cough a bit.

[Anya: Ahem, it’s not like I won’t be back! It’s only three days!]

[Yale: Maybe so, but you know the world isn’t always so nice.]

[Anya: O-Of course I know that. I will come back just fine though of course.]

Anya gave a confident pose by resting her hands on her side.

[Anya: I’ll also have Memori with me, so no cause for worry.]

[Yale: I know, I know. It’s just concern. I know you’ll have a good time though.]

[Zeais: Brights is small but we all are in the forest at some point in our lives. I’ll be sure to get her there safely.]

Yale looked him right in the eyes, a face of happiness that he had never seen before was presented to him.

[Yale: I’m sure you will, you almost remind me of my younger self.]

Yale put a hand on top of Zeais’s head and rubbed it. Zeais was in shock that he could actually do such a thing. Getting to know new people is always strange, he thought.

The rest of the breakfast concluded with plenty of leftovers that Yale and Anya packaged for everyone to take. As a precaution to the bird being entirely eaten he had a smaller one already cut and prepped for them to take along with them. Zeais felt like it was overkill to make two, but he appreciated it.

The four of them cleaned the dining room and gathered in the lounge once they finished. Anya left to change from her uniform into something more travel ready.

While waiting in the lounge with on the couch, he could hear the sound of wheels rolling across the hardwood floor. The sound of footsteps coming down the hallway prompted him to look. He could see Anya's hair still in a ponytail, and her general silhouette still the same. He got up to see if she needed any assistance and stopped in his tracks when he saw her with a rolling luggage case. Her clothing definitely fit the bill, long sleeves and pants, even boots as well, but the luggage did not.

[Zeais: Hey. That's uhh, not going to work out.]

Anya tilted her head in confusion.

[Zeais: You don’t really think we can walk with all that do you?]

Anya looked at her luggage and back to Zeais.

[Anya: Well I did pack light just like Father told me to. I just made some smaalll adjustments.]

A loud laugh was let out.

[Yale: Hahaha, I knew you would do that. Here. I packed my travel bag just for you.]

[Anya: That's why I couldn’t find my— That bag isn’t nice at all!]

The bag in question was a large cylinder like back made out of black leather.

[Yale: It might not be pretty but it’s durable and easy to carry. I also packed it with the food.]

Without so much as letting her get a word in, he walked up to her and picked up the case she packed.

[Yale: If you want you can switch some of the clothing around. You only need four outfits.]

Anya’s face was red, her eyes sharpened and she grabbed the case she packed quickly.

[Anya: Hmph! I only packed a couple things just in case!]

She laid down the case and opened it. From first glance, Zeais knew it was good to stop her.

[Zeais: What is that? Is that a mallet? WHAT!? Are those-Are those logs of firewood?]

[Anya: You have to be prepared right?]

Eris walked up to Anya who was looking even more confused and put a hand on her shoulder. Eris shook her head side to side, in a look of disappointment.

[Anya: Not you too… Fine! I’m going to at least take this.]

She pulled out a item the size of her forearm that was tightly bound by cloth.

[Anya: Is there enough room for this at least Father?]

Yale looked at the item then opened the traveling bag.

[Yale: Yes, here take it and change what you like.]

After changing the contents to her liking she zipped the bag and stood up.

[Anya: Okay, I guess I’m—]

Her father had kneeled down and embraced her in a hug.

[Yale: Be sure to eat if you get tired, and don’t forget to pay attention to what goes around you. If you can’t walk any longer take a short break and take drinks of the water I—]

Anya put a finger to his lips and he stopped talking. She gave him a smile that Zeais thought any father would probably draw tears over. It was one of fear of the unknown and one of hope of what was to come.

[Anya: Don’t worry, I’ve got it.]

She gave him a hug in return and stroked his hair.

[Anya: I’ll be fine.]

Yale gave her a kiss on the forehead, something he also did not think he was capable of, but given how prepared he was to help her leave it wasn’t totally out of the question to him. Zeais could feel that they were sharing a moment and decided to act like he was doing something else. Conversely he decided to awkwardly check his clothing.

Once he thought their moment was over he looked up to see Yale standing.

[Yale: So you're ready?]

Anya gave a nod.

[Yale: Alright then, go show those other children you aren’t just an Inn worker.]

Yale gave a light cough as he looked at his daughter. Anya’s eyes widened for a second and few tears began to stream down her cheeks. She didn’t tell him to rest like she did before instead she said,

[Anya: I will! I’ll show them that I can be strong too!]

Yale’s face couldn’t contain the large smile that went from end to end.

[Zeais: Well then I guess we’re already then huh.]

Both Anya and Eris gave a nod of agreeance, the children walked outside to the porch with gear in hand. Anya turned to her father and whispered in his ear, her face read.

[Yale: See you in three days, traveler.]

[Anya: See you in three days, Inn worker.]

[Yale: Take care of here you two!]

With their farewell completed the children waved goodbye and began to walk down the stairs. He knew very well it must be hard for Yale to let his daughter go knowing shes never gone out at all. He felt a slight bit of pressure but brushed it off.

Be strong, huh.

[Zeais: Here we go then.]