You ponder the question, “Keep my head down and live for another— ten years, maybe? I don’t know… maybe see what kind of crabs live around here?”

Kivari rolls her eyes, “You are positively blinding me with the sheer grandiosity of your aspirations. I’m sure you can think of something more adequate, yes?”

“Right— I just never had to think about this stuff. Never thought I’d get the chance.”

“Well here’s this chance. Look inward, child. Think about what truly calls to you.”

Sounds nice— a quiet life where you get to read all the books you want — not to mention being able to make all of those motions with the inky brushes. Perhaps you can even write a book and then read it! The thought of it makes you feel warm, but one thing at a time. You don’t think they’d let a librarian or scribe learn on the job.

“I think I should start with learning to read.” You tell her.

“Yes, that would be a grand start. And so she learns to read. Then what?”

Make no mistake, Siltria is gorgeous. You’ve never been in a more promising land. But let’s face it: You’re not out of the water yet. You could still die here. Or worse: be deported back to Gnomanya.

Oh and there’s that too.

Kivari places her hand on your shoulder. You feel a wave of warmth permeate through your coat, “What is on your mind, child?”

You take a deep breath, “A lot. I mean— I want to live, but I feel like I’m hanging from a branch with a sawback latched to my tail. And I’m supposed to think about what I want?”

The Lightkeepers tone softens, “Burden should not shackle you from purpose, child. Discovering what your spark may kindle might seem pointless, but you need purpose to relinquish yourself from your burden, lest for what reason do you toil?”

“I don’t know, ma’am — I guess I’ve just been running on instinct.”

“Hm, how about I lend you my view: You seek a home, a true home. One where you are driven by your own desire, not by fear. Is this what you wish?”

“I guess, but— “

“No more guessing. It is a simple question. Is this what you truly desire?”

“…Yes.”

“Then by the will of God you shall find it.”

“How?”

She holds up the invitation, “It was provided to you here.“

“The Circle? You want me to like— live in the forest with them like a creep?”

“No, child. The key to progress is the courage that makes it happen. If your home is to be here, in Cohv, then you share in its splendor, but also its troubles. If these reprobates exist inside of this city, then shouldn’t they be dealt with?”

“Yeah, that’s why I gave you the note.”

“Now, If we were to deal with them, wouldn’t it be prudent to know where they are and what they do?” 

You pause, “You’re asking me to spy on them?”

“Who other than the one that snatched away their dinner and was granted an invitation for her trouble? You have the cunning to unveil this cult, I have no doubt in that. And perhaps we can even work to direct them away from the innocent in the process, as you have already demonstrated.”

“And how would I do that?”

“They wish to hunt the Nanzuul scourge, who in turn want to slaughter this city. I know things about the Nanzuul that can keep the Circle… occupied, which in turn allows our work to go unnoticed.”

“My work.” You reiterate.

“Yes. Your work. Your courage. Your moment. This is the path to your home, and it is your choice to follow it. Now, what say you?”

You take time to process this. Going back to The Circle seems like trouble. You know how much they make your hide crawl. Ugh, and you don’t even want to think about hides. And as for the Nanzuul, you still don’t know who they are, and you’d really like no part in whatever holy war is happening between them and the Shintarics.

On the other hand…The Lightkeeper is right; this is your home now and there are still problems — ones that you might be able to do something about. You can’t just keep ignoring them, like you did back in Gnomanya, because where else are you going to run off to if things go south again?

As far as tramplers go, this is the one you should not eat. As much as you don’t trust her — or anyone for that matter — this is the first time in your life someone this powerful is willing to help you.

This is why you’re here; you need to bite the bullet and work towards freeing Iron, even if it scares you.

“When do we start?” 

Kivari smiles, “Let this be the first step on your journey towards absolution. The information will be given as you head out under the cover of night — when it’s too dark for the Qoths. You have a Lightkeeper’s blessing and promise of the life you deserve.”

Kivari turns to Roni, “Chin up, Daughter— you’re Shintaric. Sulking is not the will of Daunto.”

“But I failed you, Your Radiance, I need to be punished.”

Kivari tilts her head, “For what? Insomnia? And why would you say it like that?”

“I’ve failed to transcribe the Kualassi note.”

“Oh? I did not know we were in Hwombazu.” The Lightkeeper sighs, “Very well, if you want to be busy, then take this one and work on those old Wulnic texts you were trying to understand. Perhaps she can help you with that before she heads out, yes?”

Roni smiles, “Thank you, Your Radiance.”

“And fetch Janko for me.”

“One more thing, child. A private word with one of Daunto’s avatars is one that is hallowed, and as such is to remain private. I trust that you know this. You will discuss this only if Janko and Daughter Roni speak to you about it. 

“Light guide you, Glass.”

Perhaps a good idea, you’ll probably hand them off to Roni soon. To hold onto of course. But then again, you’re not sure if it’s wise to go into the cannibals’ den unarmed.

You bow and leave as Roni gathers her things. You pick up your satchel and part with The Strange Note, and The Wanted Poster.

As you walk out of the study, Zeb is waiting close by. You pick up a scowl on him. “Hey, Glass. How’d it go for you?”

“Alright. She said she can help me find my friend.”

“Really? Just like that?”

You nod your head.

“That’s… great.” he says, “Listen, I… I didn’t like what you did back there. Making me bow for the Lightkeeper. I… really didn’t like it.”

“Seriously?”

Zeb blinks. “Yes? I didn’t want to bow.”

“Look, Zeb. I wasn’t going to get us both in trouble. I’m trying to get my friend back and I’m not fixing to piss off the person who can help.”

Zeb shakes his head, “If you want to bow, then you can bow. You don’t need to force me to sin. I will stand if I want to.”

“You’re going to risk your ass over a simple gesture? And what if she didn’t want to help me because the Pasturist I brought didn’t feel like bowing?”

“Then let it be so.” he scoffs.

Your heart rate immediately spikes. “What?” 

“That’s cause he’s a hunter, isnt it? Not enough soul in ‘em to even bother, right?”

“Don’t do this. You know I tried to be a good host for you last night.”

“And if Shama told you not to?”

“Stop it! Y-you’re letting the Shintarics get to you.”

“Zeb, my friend is real!” you shout, “I don’t even know if I’m gonna see him again, and you’re over here bitching about making your made up god uncomfortable! It was just a stupid bow. Get over it!”

“I-I I’m sorry I made you upset. I-I should’ve just kept it to myself.”

“Are you shittin’ me!?”

“I- I have to go.” Zeb’s voice shakes.

“Hm. That was fast. Pasturists are a dense breed. Now you know why there are eight crusades.

“Can’t blame you for trying, though. He was cute.”

“On that note, I’m finding Janko… and wringing his balls. Wait here — as in don’t go wandering off, yes?” 

As Roni heads out, you hear the rustle of leaves and Janko approaches behind you.

“Have you been here this whole time?”

“Yes, I was hiding behind a plant.”

“Well, Roni’s looking for you.”

“Let’s not get in her way, then.”

You sigh. “Well, then you saw that. Sorry I yelled at your cousin. I’m gonna be sleeping outside tonight, aren’t I?”

“Eh, I wouldn’t imagine so — but this is all new to him so I can’t say for sure. In such a case though this Covenant can provide shelter.”

 “For how much?” You ask.

“Child, it is a charitable service.” His eyes narrow. “You don’t have any gods in Gnomanya, do you?”

“They wouldn’t like us.”

“Well, then allow me to offer some wisdom: Faith is everything on this side of the realm. It has built our communities and provided us with purpose and direction. Your people might not believe in higher powers — perhaps even after an encounter with a divine being — but the results are tangible. As such, you can see faith be a part of who someone is; question that and you question their whole world.”

You sigh, “Janko, Zeb- he-”

Janko interrupts, “Yes, I know of his folly. I do not intend to make a case for nor against that. I just wish to tell you that my cousin truly has a gentle soul.”

He continues, “This morning he told me a lot about you… he said, ‘Glass terrifies me. But my mind wanders and I remember that wink she gave me before knocking back an entire cup of Siltrian wine.’ He said, ‘Later that night we shared words, and somehow this strange, charming hunter from far away is the only one who understands me. I think Glass might’ve saved me more than I know. And if the Golden Pasture allowed hunters, she’d probably be the first.’”

“I am sure both of you are going through a lot right now. You’re from entirely different lands, friction was inevitable. But I know deep down you both really care for each other, eh?” Janko taps you on the shoulder before going into the study.

You sit down to wait for Roni.