《Eyes of the Sign: A Portal Fantasy Adventure》2.26 Tralaithe's Rest
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At Eli’s approach, both guards turned to scrutinize him. They apparently didn’t see much of a threat, with the woman looking away a moment later. The other guard bowed his head fractionally at Eli in greeting. “Hail, Gifted. What do you seek?”
“Hail and health to both of you,” Eli replied with an easy smile, glad they were starting things off politely. “Is this Tralaithe’s Rest? A guy named Bearach recommended it to me.” The second guard who’d busied herself with watching the passing crowd suddenly looked over before glancing away again.
Her partner simply nodded, his expression warmer. “Of course, Gifted. I’ll escort you inside. Please, follow me,” he said, turning and tapping the heavy door with a complicated series of knocks. A moment later, he opened it to reveal a darkened entryway with the door beyond already open and another guard walking swiftly away.
Eli silently followed the first guard inside, thinking the series of doors, layers of guards, and the dark passage after the bright day outside a good bit of security for a hotel. With how many other buildings looked like mini fortresses, he could only think that conflict was a real and constant danger in these parts. There’d also been plenty of other guards wearing different colored armor in his walk through the city, which indicated private security forces were the norm. Clearly, he’d have to keep his wits about him.
They walked into a beautiful little courtyard oasis with a lovely gurgling fountain in the center. The square area had a selection of plants in the four corners, mainly colorful flowers and a few trees. A series of doors were set around the edge of the space, most in shadow as the open sky overhead darkened. The two upper floors had open walkways with more of the same doors, only a swirling bit of wood serving as a railing to hopefully keep people from an unfortunate stumble.
Staring at the small table with some comfortable-looking chairs near the fountain, he idly wondered if it would be rude to sit uninvited. Before he had a chance to find out, a woman around Eli’s age came gliding out of one of the nearby doors. She was wearing a flowing garment with multiple layers, long open sleeves, and satiny floral fabric, unlike anything he’d seen in this world. Strangest of all, she wore what looked like honest-to-goodness white denim jeans.
“Greetings, Gifted. I am Melerasa,” she said with a slight bow. The guard that had led him in also bowed at her words before walking away.
“Nice to meet you, Melerasa. I’m Eli,” he replied warmly. If he didn’t know any better, he was pretty sure the woman was related to Bearach based on their resemblance. While she didn’t have Bearach’s broad shoulders or height, their smiles were unquestionably the same. “I was hoping to find a room for a day or two if you have one available.”
“Please, let’s sit and discuss your needs,” she responded with the same warmth, gesturing at the nearby table. “Would you like something to drink? We have a variety to offer,” she continued, seating herself on one side of the table.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having,” Eli responded, taking his own seat.
“We’ll have two channas, Tarec,” Melerasa said as a young man approached. He bowed, departing through a nearby door. They didn’t have to wait long, as he soon returned with two narrow glasses filled with a bubbling clear liquid.
Taking the one placed before her, she took a sip and sighed. “I have to admit, a little channa after a long day is lovely.” Setting her drink down, she ran her hand over a little blue marble inset within the table’s surface. Beside them, the fountain suddenly gurgled more loudly, the water in the center shooting higher as the pitter-patter of rain filled the air.
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Eli took a sip, pleasantly surprised. “Hmmm, that’s good. Thank you,” he said, slightly raising his voice to carry over the fountain. He didn’t think the drink was alcoholic, especially since Guide wasn’t warning him about poisoning this time. It could have been almost seltzer water with the bubbles tickling his tongue, though there was a strong fruity undertone. With a few ice cubes, it would make for one hell of a refreshing drink on a hot summer day.
“Gifted Eli, I understand that Talent Bearach recommended our Rest to you. Could you perhaps explain the circumstances more?”
“Oh, sure,” he responded, gathering his thoughts while trying not to react to the glowing lines of hidden people in the nearby rooms. They didn’t exactly look aggressive, but a few more had walked up while the young man had been getting their drinks. “Since Bearach isn’t here to explain his side of the story, I’ll try not to embarrass him too much. But essentially, I ran into his group north of Osky yesterday. Let’s just say they made some abysmal decisions. I convinced them of their mistake, and they apologized. Then, when Bearach heard I was coming to Bishal, he recommended Tralaithe’s Rest.”
“And he was healthy when you left him?” Her voice was still warm as if it was of no consequence, but her shoulders had tensed at his explanation.
“Yes, Melerasa, he was healthy when I left him. I did leave them with a warning about making such poor choices in the future, so I can only hope they listened.”
“Thank you for your words,” she said, some of the tension leaving her as she took another sip. “Could you tell me about who Bearach’s companions were?” Perhaps seeing his hesitation, her smile widened disarmingly. “I’m concerned for him. My nephew is a good man, but the region beyond Osky is quite dangerous, filled with bandits and monsters. I'd like to know if the family needs to send him aid.”
“Understandable,” Eli replied with a slow nod, deciding to share more. “I’d actually tried to warn them about some suspicious people hiding further up the road. That’s when…well, that’s when Talent Earnan steered the group into that poor choice I mentioned. The other two with them were Talent Fasuto and Gifted Malitea. Does that help?”
“His mission is with the Temple? Hmmm, yes. That is most helpful. Thank you,” she responded, relaxing more into her chair. “We can certainly provide a room to someone who’d help my nephew. How long will you be staying with my family?”
“Family?” he asked, looking around and realizing he’d been wrong. “Ah, sorry, I thought this might be some new kind of inn. I’ve only been to a couple of the Lodges, and I’m still getting the hang of how your people do things. I don’t want to impose, so if you could recommend a decent place, I’d appreciate it.” He started to get up, a bit embarrassed by his mistake.
“Please, Gifted, we’d be happy to have you,” she said, gesturing for him to sit again. “Would it be too forward if I called you Eli? I could explain Rests as well, to clear up the confusion?”
He’d only been half out of his chair, but seeing her sincerity and curious himself for an explanation, he sat again with a sigh. “Yeah, I’d appreciate it. I can’t say I’m too comfortable with all the titles – the place I come from is a lot less formal. And yes, I’d love to learn about Rests or anything else. It might keep me from making as many stupid mistakes in the future.”
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“Thank you, Eli,” she said before gesturing at the courtyard around them. “And this building is a Rest, another name for where families stay when visiting different regions. My family, the Tralaithes, have similar buildings in nearly every major city where we do business. Our interests cover much of the Alliance and even a few lands beyond its borders. We don’t offer rooms to just anyone, but guests occasionally stay with us, though only through recommendations such as in your case. Rests are our sanctuaries when we’re far from home, finding safety and security in locations where that’s often in short supply.”
“Oh, interesting,” Eli murmured, wondering if Dara’s family had a place like this in Bishal. She’d never said that her uncle lived in a Rest, but Eli hadn’t known enough to ask about it. “So this is more like an oversized house with plenty of room for when your extended family visits? Is this a common thing? I mean, when I travel to other cities, would you recommend Lodges, or are there other establishments? I plan on leaving in a day or two, and any tips would be helpful.”
“Rests are widespread within the Alliance, at least with the oldest families, but other regions have their own quirks. As for Lodges, they are ideal for those powerful and wealthy enough to afford them. I’ve stayed in a few myself when I didn’t have access to one of our family’s properties. I should also point out that our home doesn’t have the same features as a Lodge, but then we’re not trying to attract paying customers,” she finished with a chuckle.
“Wait, I’m not supposed to pay? Are you sure? I don’t feel right not paying my own way.”
Melerasa held up a hand, smiling almost apologetically. “No, I won’t hear of it. Bearach is seeking to make amends, and I would be a poor aunt if I took that from him,” she said.
The same young man who’d delivered their drinks approached, holding out a sheet of paper to Melerasa, who passed it over to Eli. “The only thing I’d need from you is an Oath to guest rights. Here is the standard agreement for our guests. I’m unsure if you can read our language, but I’d be happy to explain.”
Eli looked over the two short passages, nodding at the simple words. One covered what the guests were swearing to, with another covering the Rest’s reciprocal responsibilities. Considering their conversation, he was inclined to accept their offer, even if he did feel like a freeloader. He didn’t push about paying, though, guessing she might find it insulting. “Okay, I can do this. Uh, sorry, but how do I pronounce that name at the end?”
“Cavarach,” Melerasa said, sounding out the word for him. “That’s my father, who is responsible for this Rest.”
Nodding, Eli read off the sheet of paper. “With your agreement, I swear to offer no harm to the Tralaithes or anyone else welcomed within this Rest. I will protect your Rest when called upon during my stay. Nothing I see or hear within these walls will be repeated unless given leave by Head Cavarach. I swear this by the Oververse.”
Melerasa said much the same in return, swearing that her family would offer no violence, protect him during his stay, and they’d keep anything he did or said to themselves. When she finished by swearing to the Oververse, the little colored lights that had been listlessly floating through the air suddenly danced around them with a flash.
“Excellent. Welcome to Tralaithe’s Rest,” she said with a smile as she stood. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to your room.” The hidden people in the nearby rooms retreated, apparently satisfied that he was no longer a threat.
Melerasa led Eli across the courtyard and down a short hallway to an open door. The same young man hurried up with a lit lamp, holding it out to Melerasa with a short bow. Inside was a decent-sized room with a bed, a small table with a couple of wooden chairs, and some colorful artwork on the walls. Fresh linens were folded on one of the chairs, with a plush towel on top. There were a few small windows set high on the walls revealing that night had fallen, but the lamp in her hands was more than enough light.
“The bathing room is down the hall,” she gestured outside. “We don’t have any other guests at the moment, so it’s all yours. I know it isn’t a Lodge, but I hope this meets your needs.”
“This is more than enough for me. Thank you.”
Melerasa set the lamp down on the little table, her smile slipping as an uncertain look flitted across her face. “Eli, I have a favor to ask. I’m unsure of your plans, but would you come to dinner and meet my family? We’re having glazed ollmora shank if that helps convince you,” she offered with a shaky smile.
“Huh? Dinner?” he asked, surprised by the offer, wondering if there was a cultural cue he’d missed somewhere.
Her eyes dropped as she bowed slightly. “You don’t know our family, but my grandmother has told us stories about Outlanders visiting in her youth. It would mean so much to her if you were there, maybe reminding her of better times. I know it’s asking a lot-.”
“For your grandma? Sure, I’ll be there,” he interrupted with a smile. He’d thought of begging off at first, but if just his presence was going to cheer up someone’s grandma, he’d feel like an ass for not showing. Plus, a hot, homemade meal sounded terrific. “Uh, but do you maybe have some clean clothes I could borrow? I’d rather not greet her or the rest of your family like this.”
“You will?” she asked, her eyes lighting up. “Oh, she’ll love meeting you. And don’t worry about your outfit – I’ll have Tarec bring you some clean clothes in a few minutes. With your leave, I’ll be back in a little over an hour to escort you to our dining room.” She bowed deeply at the waist, straightening with a beaming smile.
“Of course, Melerasa. I’m already looking forward to it.”
***
Later that night, Eli felt much better as he followed Melerasa to dinner. He’d had a chance to clean up, though the Rest only had narrow tubs like the Lodges, and he’d had to settle for something more like a sponge bath. He still hadn’t seen anything like a shower and wondered if that was even a thing here. Regardless, he felt good wearing the clothes delivered earlier, even if they were simple grey drawstring pants and a long-sleeved cottony shirt.
They entered a larger room where a bunch of people sat talking at a long table that could have easily held twice their number. There was a smaller table near one corner with three teens playing something with little pieces scattered over the surface. The youngest girl laughed just as they walked in, apparently happy with whatever had just happened in their game.
Melerasa steered them towards the larger table where an elderly woman sat on one end, a thick blanket over her lap. She had to be the oldest person Eli had seen on Lurra, her body frail and almost swimming in her colorful clothes. She looked up at their approach, a broad smile spreading under sparkling eyes.
“Grandma Jenerasa, I’d like you to meet Eli,” Melerasa said warmly, gesturing his way. “Bearach is on a mission, but he asked Eli to stop in and share our hospitality.”
“Welcome, Eli,” Jenerasa said, her wrinkles briefly deepening with another smile. “And so tall! There’s no need to use your gift in here, young man. Any guest in our home is almost family.”
“Thank you, ma’am, but I’m naturally this tall. Is this seat taken?” he asked, his hand touching the back of the chair on her left.
“Oh, my, and an Outlander! Please, sit and tell me about the things you’ve seen. I want to hear all about it.” The older woman patted the nearby chair’s armrest with a shaky hand.
Introductions were made as Melerasa took the seat to his left. On Jenerasa’s right and across from Eli was her son and Melerasa’s father, Cavarach. To the man’s right were his sons-in-law, Daichi and Werta, though their wives were busy watching the youngest kids in another room. Further down were a group of cousins visiting from out of town, a mix of men and women who were just as gregarious and loud as the local Tralaithe family. On the other end was Lesella, Bearach’s mom, frowning at some paperwork scattered on the table before her. Sitting at the smaller table was her daughter, Jasamin, who’d been so excited earlier and with her were a couple of the cousins' kids.
“Where are you from?” Cavarach asked in a deep voice, his broad shoulders hinting at where Bearach might have got his size.
“Originally, a small town in Washington, but I’ve been moving around a lot since then. I can’t imagine you’ve heard of it, but then, it’s a long way from here,” Eli answered, uncomfortable with the topic. Turning to Jenerasa, smiling at his side, he asked, “Ma’am, perhaps you’ve met a few Outlanders from distant lands too?”
The older woman laughed, perhaps picking up on Eli’s reticence, but she was polite enough not to say anything. Instead, she started describing a dark-skinned man she’d met when she was younger, the story revolving around some misplaced spoon. The whole thing seemed convoluted and confusing, with words and places he didn’t recognize sprinkled throughout. Regardless, the tale had the other adults laughing with one of the cousins slapping the table – something had obviously been lost in translation.
That was about when the food was brought out, which ended up being something like beef shank with a tangy glaze. The sides were fresh bread and a leafy green that almost looked like broccoli but without the bitter taste he’d always associated with it. There was also a salad with a fruity dressing, but it was a bit too sweet for his liking. On the other hand, paired with the meal was a deep red wine, bringing out the ollmora’s meaty flavor.
A while later, he sat back with a contented sigh after cleaning his plate, unsurprised that most were still working through their food. He hadn’t said much, simply listening as the others talked and laughed while swapping stories of what they’d been up to. Jenerasa had helpfully explained that this was not a typical dinner but more an event they did every twelve days, so there was plenty to share. Surrounded by the warmth of excited conversations sprinkled with the inside jokes and little peculiarities found with any family, Eli felt a bit melancholy, reminded of his childhood before the Fall.
Jenerasa’s knife suddenly clattered against her dish, a bit of the tangy sauce splashing onto the table. Her hands dropped, clasped tightly in her lap, but Eli couldn’t help noticing how badly they were shaking. Her son, Cavarach, frowned momentarily but then acted like nothing had happened as he turned to ask one of the cousins a question.
Concerned, Eli triggered Manasight, and the tiny colored lights materialized in the air around him. Trying not to make it obvious, he looked over Jenerasa, the colors inside her chaotic. Below her core, where one of her mana channels connected, was some kind of dark substance, unlike anything he’d seen before. If he didn’t know any better, he would have thought it akin to a blocked artery with how little of the emerald color in her core managed to slip past. Her lower body was in a sad state, only bits of glowing light showing around her stomach, hips, and knees. Her feet were nearly dark, which couldn’t be a good thing. At least the mana channel at the top of her core appeared fine, with very little of the same issues as her green energy spread into her torso, arms, and head.
Switching to Lifesight, he blinked, trying to hide his frown. He wasn’t sure what had caused the blockage, but it had also created significant problems for her body. The muscles near the obstruction were discolored, and her organs didn’t look too good. Her legs were grey, unlike the healthy colors inside the others around the table. Worse, her upper body was only slightly better. He wasn’t sure why an issue with her mana would so severely affect her health, but he couldn’t argue with the reality before his eyes.
“Is there a problem, Eli?”
Startled, he looked up to find Cavarach staring across the table, his eyebrows pulled together with the beginnings of a frown. “Uh, no. I’m good,” Eli replied, and Cavarach only grunted before turning back to continue his conversation.
Even without the scrutiny, though, Eli considered whether he should speak up. He didn’t know what was wrong with Jenerasa but wondered if there was a way to help her. Whatever that dark substance was blocking up her mana channels, there was a chance he could dissolve it with his own energy. If he could do that while healing her, wouldn’t that fix the issue?
Making a decision, he sighed, pushing his plate away. “Jenerasa,” he said in a quiet voice, and she looked at him with the same warm smile she’d worn for much of the meal. “Would you let me try and heal you?”
“What did you say?” A woman’s voice said, and Eli turned to find Lesella staring at him with a shocked expression from the other end of the table. He had no idea how she’d heard him from so far away, but her surprise soon shifted into a glare. Jenerasa and Cavarach had also reacted, frowning at Eli. At least the teens were undisturbed, still laughing about something as they continued eating their meal.
Looking first at Cavarach and then Jenerasa, Eli figured it was too late to back out. “It’s not something I want generally known, but I can heal others,” he said with quiet intensity. The other adults had abandoned their conversations as silence settled over the table, their eyes focused on him. “While I can’t guarantee it’ll work, I’d like to try to help you.”
Instead of his words helping, the tension at the table ratcheted higher. Melerasa stood with an artificial smile. “Jasamin, why don’t you show Erok and Yolena your room? I bet they’d be interested in your collection. And before you ask, we’ll send along your desserts in a bit.”
The teens looked up, frowning as if just realizing something had upset the adults. Even as Jasamin opened her mouth to protest, one look at her mom had her apparently deciding otherwise. With a few words, she pulled her cousins out of the room though all three looked back before disappearing through the door.
Jenerasa finally chuckled, patting Eli’s hand. “It’s fine, young man. You don’t understand our ways, nor likely the insult implicit with your offer. Don’t worry about me. I’ve already seen some of the best healers in Bishal, and they all agree that it’s the Wasting.”
Eli glanced around the table, not shying from the angry eyes before returning his attention to the older woman beside him. “Jenerasa, it’s your decision, but what is the harm in letting me try?” He took in a breath, deciding to jump off the proverbial cliff to try and help this woman who reminded him of his own grandma. “I swear by the Oververse that I only want to try and heal you.” And there was a bright flash that filled the room.
“You dare?”
“Calm, Cav, it’s fine,” Jenerasa said, patting her son’s hand as his face flushed with anger. She turned to Eli, her eyes scrutinizing him for a few moments. “I’m inclined to let you try, but why do you think you can help? No, Cav, it is my choice,” she said with more heat when her son tried to interrupt. “We’ve already done everything the healers suggested, and I’m growing so tired,” she continued, her voice dropping.
“I only want to help,” Eli said with all the sincerity he could muster. He ignored the expressionless masks that had dropped over Melerasa and the other adults, instead focusing on the older woman beside him. “I have an ability that lets me see inside people,” he stated in a clear voice so everyone could hear, hoping to reduce the heavy tension in the room. “There’s some blockage under your core, or what you might call a quintessence.” He gestured at his own chest, where he had the same wide mana channel connecting under his core. “And it stops most of your energy from spreading to your lower body, damaging your organs, tissues, and everything else. What I’d like to do is clear the blockage while also healing any residual damage. How’s that sound?” he finished, smiling at Jenerasa.
“You can actually see this?” At his nod, her head drooped. “Then it really is the Wasting,” she whispered. A few moments passed in silence, but then she looked up, her eyes steady as she nodded at him. “What do I need to do?”
“Just take my hand, and I’ll do my best to heal you,” Eli replied with a hopeful smile. With a nervous glance, Jenerasa lightly gripped his hand atop her chair’s armrest, her slight shaking more evident.
With no further hesitation, he returned his attention to the problem. He started by focusing on the discolored chunks obstructing Jenerasa’s lower mana channel and carefully pushed a bit of his energy into her body. The white wave of power flowed up her arm and into her torso, hooking around her core. He’d already decided that the simplest solution, of pushing his energy into her core and then out through the blockage, was likely a bad one. He didn’t know what that might do to her or even if the increased pressure could puncture her core’s walls, assuming that was even a thing. Instead, his energy collected a few centimeters below the blockage, forming a small pool of white swirling power.
As a test, he drew a tiny portion of the white energy toward the dark obstruction. Upon contact, his power darkened, but the chunks of material around the walls of Jenerasa’s mana channel cracked, tiny pieces vanishing. Encouraged, he sent a bit more up to wash over the area, imagining the dark substance dissolving like the clog it was. In response, the cracks widened, little bits flaking off and disappearing within his pooled power. More of his energy flowed, following the same process over and over until the last of the obstruction vanished.
“Spirits protect me,” Jenesara suddenly whispered, her grip tightening in his hand.
“Mom, are you alright?” Cavarach took a knee beside her chair, holding her other hand.
“The blockage is gone, Jenerasa,” Eli said as if answering the question. “You probably feel your energy starting to flood the channel, and it’s spreading pretty quickly. Heck, it’s like a small dam burst, and your body is soaking up the power. Let me heal you more to ensure there aren’t any complications.”
The older woman didn’t reply but simply nodded, her eyes closed as she grimaced in apparent pain. Hoping to help, Eli switched gears by toggling Lifesight, sending his energy lower into the problem areas. Unfortunately, there were a lot of issues to fix, and the white energy he’d already collected inside her was quickly soaked up.
Jenesara suddenly gasped, her grip tightening in Eli’s hand, pulling his attention away from healing her. “My legs,” she whispered almost brokenly. “They’re tingling.”
Surprised cries and murmurs broke out around the table, but Eli ignored them, instead focusing on feeding her more of his power. He knew how the human body should look after fixing all his injuries over the past weeks. Holding the image of what he wanted, he willed her body to repair itself, providing all the energy it could ever need to accomplish its task. Organs were first, then the nearby tissues, following her veins, nerves, and bones down until reaching her toes. He wanted her in the best condition he could manage, just like he would have done for his own grandma. He lost himself in the continuous waves coursing through her small frame.
He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but when the colors inside her were finally bright with a healthy glow, he sat back with a sigh. “I think that did it. How do you feel?” he said, dropping his abilities just before a wave of exhaustion swept through him.
Jenesara’s pained expression was gone, replaced with surprise as she released his hand. “How is this possible? They all said there was no cure.” Pulling off the thick blanket covering her lap, she tossed it roughly aside as she almost hesitantly touched her thighs. The first poke wasn’t enough, and her hands soon squeezed as she started laughing, a few tears dripping into her lap. Cavarach leaned forward, his arms going around his mother.
Eli looked up to find the others staring at him as if seeing him for the first time. His stomach growled, reminding him he’d just spent a lot of energy. “Uh, I’m not sure if this is rude, but do you think I could get seconds?”
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