“You be safe, Lani”

I smile at the silent gesture in front of me. I give one back, after sliding some new coins to the vendor. I hear the sliding of my coins on the wood as he gives me my change. He gave me extra. I was out late at night and eating my food. Usually our food comes in small pieces, so you can share it. We cut it up and everyone takes a few pieces at a time.

I was back in Lam Lathi and it felt familiar.

There were no new friends yet. The stars were nice. The music against the stone added to the affect when I peaked up above the torches. The streets of Lam Lathi were peaceful at night. If I wanted to explore, I would head to the torches where people gathered. I could smell my way around the various locations and it reminded me of my training days. Different incenses burned in each area to give some sense of direction to the night time travelers. Sometimes my tempests spoke to me on the way. They would tell me about their life and loved ones and it made the journey seem less lonely. There is more than one way to protect someone. One way doesn't include violence and it made me feel just as safe.

My eyes dart across the square.

Dancer girls loiter around Lam Lathi's imperial square. They stare at me, as they lean against the city's main statue. Their loosened bangs pass over their darkened eyes, bearing with them tints of coffee and bronze. Discarded cigarettes flutter down the streets, glowing orange and then fading to ash. Their hands rub to keep warm and, already, thicker scarfs were being worn in preparation for the changing season.

I grip my arm. It was getting cooler outside.

The messenger girls near me ignore the chills around them, only submitting to the gentle stirring of their hands. They watch me as I keep pace in front of the torches they loitered around. True Lam Lathi natives stare at the girls, who stare right back and press their boots against the statue’s base. They were just as legitimate as the natives, no matter where they came from. Some even war the old-style jointed thigh boots, exposing their bare knees to the elements.

Everyone stares in the city. It's just the way Lam Lathi is. No one means confrontation. They want you to know they are there, and are curious about your presence. It comes across as cold, but it's not. At any moment, I could raise the correct hand-sign and those loyal to Lam Lathi would surround me to join the fight. I would do the same for them. Tribal loyalties are more apparent, when you realize not everywhere is safe. I look up above me.

The cold season was approaching and the domineering shadow of Lam Lathi’s stallion kept watch over the city. Yet, the statue itself was being cast down by the architecture in the distance. Lam Lathi’s imperial palace, no longer in its tribal youth, had given the lands a new face – that of an empire. Lam Lathi was an empire built on casting shadows.

I finish observing the main square and taking it in. I had a lot to write in my diary when I reached the inn I was staying at. It was almost time to leave again. Usually, Lam Lathi sends us back for training every so often. It never stops and, as we get older, they fine tune our ability to manipulate and be alluring. They also teach us how to use our knife and teach us from the diaries of older ones. Our mind is our weapon, they say. I'm not really a natural at being alluring, but I'm young, and growing.

“Mmm....I'm sure I'll grow into it.”

I grip my arm and walk into the inn. Tomorrow I would be leaving for the Felokyle on the western shore. It was dangerous there, but that was where I was needed. Even though it was occupied by the Neandelerians, they were weary of attacking the sacred dancers. It ignited the tribes against them pretty quickly, especially because they were invaders. They were more focused on creating a colony and subduing the tribes with bribes and deterrence.

Inside my room, I fall to my bed exhausted. Reluctantly, I get up and close the window curtains and let the wind chill my face. I look below at all the torches surrounded by midnight blue. I head bak and slide under my layered fur blankets. I could still feel the discomfort of traveling ache within me. My back was locked with pressure, from sitting on horseback, but that was days passed.

“I least I'm safe here.”

I hastily grab my diary to add something new before I sleep. It's a poem Tejani's wife use to hum.

If I had your fair bandanna, I'd never let it go. Loneliness forgotten. The only thing I know

I was glad to be alive and grateful to be bored in Lam Lathi. My current mandate wasn't up for two days, but I was getting a head start. It would help smooth out a lot, if I got delayed. I liked being a messenger more and more. It brought goodwill in the streets. I wanted it to last as far out as possible, until I reached my future destination.