You saw how she was talking about it, and it didn’t sound good. You’ll consider a way to inquire without putting your life in even more danger just to find out how far they’ll go with their hokey superstitions.

I’d say the mural is a good sign that we should probably at least learn more about the Shintarics before we start self-reporting.

As for any side effects, you don’t really feel off…

“Zeb?”

“Y-Yes?”

“So, about that soul stuff… What are they, exactly?”

Zeb looks up and pauses for a bit. “A soul… is what remains of you when you’re gone. It’s uh… the body you have when you go to the afterlife.”

“…And you don’t think I have that part?” 

Zeb fidgets, as if he’s trying to find the right words. “N-no, you don’t. Your kind was not blessed with a soul and will not pass onto the Golden Pasture. I-It’s a blessing only to grazers.”

“So where do you think I go when I die?”

You hear Zeb’s heartbeat increase. “N-nowhere. You are just… left behind.”

“Okay, so… could I get a soul?” You ask.

“No, Glass– It doesn’t work like that; Souls aren’t a material thing. You’d have to be born with one, and hunters are not.”

“Why…?”

“I-It’s kind of a punishment that was dealt for the sins of your ancestors. It’s a long story, but like the sister said, hunters did feed on grazers – and still apparently do. But it was really bad back then– like my ancestors were nothing more than livestock. And because of that, Shama deemed every hunter and their descendants unworthy of souls.”

“That sounds really bad, no doubt about it.” You say, “But it was also thousands of years ago, wasn’t it? I’m mean, forgive me for being a backwater bog creature, but don’t you think that the punishment seems a bit overkill?”

“I…”

 You continue, ”Let me put it this way: If someone robs you, what do you do?”

“You… comply so you don’t get hurt?”

“No, you shoot them quicker. You put them out of business right then and there. That’s it. You don’t gun for their entire family and trampler! Otherwise, you become the one needing shooting!”

“I’m uh, not following. I’m sorry.”

“My point is, I don’t think it’s fair to put this on all hunters. I don’t know much about Gnomanyan history, but I’ve picked up over the years that my Sorrova ancestors were slaves. Our chains weren’t exactly long enough to mosey on over to the next continent and eat you.”

Zeb solemnly mutters, “I’m sorry, Glass. I– I didn’t know that about your people. It’s just that– you… You… umm…”

He speaks up, “Y-you did something last night that really scared me. You were… sleepwalking. But it didn’t really look like you were sleeping. Your t-tail was frizzy a-and you were gnashing your teeth and shaking like a leaf.”

You roll your eyes, “I don’t sleepwalk. Are you sure it wasn’t the wine making you see things?”

“N-no, it wasn’t. It felt real, I swear! You were staring right at me, Glass. I was just about to hit you with my winding key, a-and when I accidentally dropped it you came at me! I… really thought you were going to eat me. I-I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, but I’m just scared, okay?”

You pause for a moment to process what he just told you.

“…I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

He shakes his head and his eyes start to drift.

“Zeb, can you look at me please?”

His eyes meet yours, rattling in place.

“I don’t know what that was, but I’m not one of them. I risked my ass to get you away from those freaks. You think I’m gonna hurt you after all of that?”

Zeb stammers, “Not intentionally.”

“Okay, I’m gonna ask you this question again. Do you need me to give you space? Should I spend the night someplace else?”

…

“No.”

“I don’t get you.”

Zeb’s voice quivers, “I-I don’t think I do either. But I mean it.”

As you both stand in silence you hear boisterous steps approach you.

“Guess who got you two flames in a meeting with the divine? Janko has!”

“Wait, both of us? Do I have to come too?” Zeb pouts. “I thought it was just for Glass.”

“That was the intent, yes. But it was the mention of this Circle tale that had sparked interest, and you were the one who told me about such tale, eh?”

“B-but Sister Roni told us to wait here.”

“Roni? Ah, then we must hurry! She’d lose the balls if she sees I’m bringing you up alone! Come now!”

Janko leads you through a side chamber and up a spiral, gilded stairwell that seemed to go on an eternity, gradually shrinking in circumference as you ascend many floors of what seems to be the upper Beacon. You pass by many members of the clergy going about their day, to which Janko Shintarically flourishes his hand at.

You eventually reach the top of the stairwell and continue through a few halls before stopping in front of a set of ornate doors.

“This is her study, let’s not keep her waiting, eh?”

Zeb rubs his arm, “Are you sure I can’t just wait outside?”

“Your presence was requested as a key witness.” Janko says, “And come on, cousin– believe what silliness you may, but this is an incredibly privileged position you find yourself in! For not many may claim to have enjoyed a private conversation with a Lightkeeper!”

Janko glances towards the door, “And with this great privilege, it also comes the time to use the utmost of manners. Lightkeeper Kivari is a fragment of God. So, follow my lead, keep a good posture, and please keep your shoes on, Zeb.”

“I.. wasn’t planning on taking them off?”

“Good, you’re learning.” 

Janko opens the door and you all walk in.

As you all enter the room, Janko stops to kneel and bow, “Divine Lightkeeper! Sentry of the Shintari! Avatar of Daunto! May your immeasurable light and wisdom guide us all!”

He glances in your direction, “Bow like this, both of you!”

Zeb looks to you for a reaction.

Special thanks to FoxxArie for additional help with editing :>