Book I — Chapter 3: A Fable

A week into the journey to the Mahucrin village, Rui, Haruno, and Crea are soon to arrive at their destination.

As the three crest over the top of a hill, they see a large clearing up ahead. A village lies in the center. A road leads from the village to another hill in the north, atop which lies a shrine and the entrance to a dense forest. To the west, a good ten-minute walk from the village, tents. Giant tents, with bright colors.

“Looks like we’ll be dealing with more people than expected while we’re here, the carnival must be on its way back to Parali.” Crea observes.

“The carnival?” Rui reiterates.

“The carnival, a group of Guildless who decided that entertainment and money meant more to them than hunting monsters.” Crea explains. “They usually travel around touting their new ‘shows’ from time to time. Honestly, it’s surprising they haven’t been to Parali in quite some time; they must have been on a hunt.”

“I thought you just said they don’t hunt?” Haruno interjects.

“Not in the traditional sense, no.” Crea replies. “They tend to capture extravagant beasts for display to the people. After all, to most civilians, monsters are something to be feared; why not make a ‘safe’ spectacle for them? In a way, they help educate non-adventurers on monsters and intrigue the youth. We get quite a few trainees who trekked to Parali to become adventurers because of the ‘awesome fight’ they witnessed.”

“I never thought of it that way.” Rui muses.

“And that is why they do good business.” Crea continues. “There’s not another group both clever and bold enough to pull it off. Their ringleader is an expert at commanding a group of people; he’d just rather be a showman than a general.”

“How do you know so much about them?” Haruno asks.

“Because I fought alongside them in the Tri-Guild alliance. They may have abandoned the cause of adventuring, but they still show up when they are truly needed.” Crea responds. “Anyways, we should pick a place to set up camp. The village inn likely won't have the space to accommodate us as long as they’re here.”

The group travels to the village’s edge to set up camp. Crea leaves the two to their work to talk with the village leadership. As Rui and Haruno go through the routine they’ve had for a week now, some curious Hucrinis children approach them, pelting them with questions.

“Are you performers as well?”

“Have you gotten your fortune read? Is she always right?”

“How does that Icaro guy do all those stunts without falling?”

Unsure of how to deal with these children, the two talk with them, trying to continue setting up their tents and getting sidetracked by their rambunctious energy. Luckily enough, Crea returns to the site, and their attention turns to her almost immediately. She seems to have the demeanor to work with children, and lets them climb on her armor as if nothing odd is happening, answering their rapid-fire questions and letting Rui and Haruno set up.

Once the campsite has been set up, someone approaches them from the direction of the shrine. A hooded figure in long robes. “I was expecting you, shield of Parali.”

Crea raises her head, shakes off the children, and looks at the figure. “Sadly, I can’t say the same. A heads up would have been preferable.”

“Who is that Crea?” Haruno asks.

“A Keeper, who apparently has some business with us.” Crea answers.

“The Fabled Tellers have taken interest in Matsuri’s care, and are in agreement with Parali’s mission to assist her. We, however, have other matters to discuss, away from prying eyes.” The figure continues.

“Fair enough.” Crea says. “Rui, Haruno, why don’t you let the children show you around the village while we talk. I will find you later, try to have fun.”

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Crea and the figure walk to the shrine, an hour’s trek. There, they were met by the head of the shrine, who provided them a room to discuss privately.

“You haven’t given me your name yet, care to bring us to equal terms?” Crea starts.

“I am merely a Teller, doing what is foretold.” The figure responds.

“Then what is it you want?” Crea asks starkly.

“A copy of the research notes on the medication you’ve been developing, and one of the vials you are carrying with you.” They answer.

Crea thinks for a second at the request. “I would normally have to get approval from the Guild to hand that over to you, but I’m willing to oblige as long as you explain to me why you need them.”

“We would also like to see the end to Matsuri’s suffering.” The figure continues calmly. “We believe she holds something precious that must be protected, and would like to contribute to her recovery in whatever way possible.”

“So you want to control her?” Crea inquires, leaning in.

The figure remains calm. “No. We merely wish for her to live on. What she does with her life afterwards is up to her, as long as she survives.”

“And how do I know you’re not lying to me?” Crea presses on.

“The Tellers do not deal in deception, only in revealing what is true. But since promises alone will not be enough to convince you, let me share with you something else.” The figure answers, still unfazed. “Matsuri will recover. And shortly after she does, the prophecy held by this shrine will come to fruition, but not in the way you believe.”

Crea’s expression changes. “So the Tellers believe she is the chosen one as well?”

“Fate finds a way of leading us on the wrong path many a time. Whether or not she is, she will be valuable when the time comes.” They answer.

“As helpful as always, you lot are.” Crea says, slightly agitated. This brings a slight chuckle from the hooded figure before Crea continues, pulling a vial from her bag and setting it on the table. “Alright, a deal’s a deal. I would get you those notes, but they're in Parali.”

“All is well. Expect a raven with a blue ribbon shortly after your return to Parali. We appreciate your support, shield of Parali.” They respond, taking the vial. “One more thing. Those two with you. Take care of them.”

“Of course I will, they’re my responsibility. But why do you care?” Crea asks.

“I sense something from them, but it remains unclear.” They respond.

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Rui and Haruno spend the day with the Hucrinis children, dragged around the entire village back and forth until it gets dark.

“Oh, we have to get home soon. Don’t want the feral one to eat us.” one of them says.

“The feral one?” Rui inquires.

“Ya, the wild Hucrinis who lives in the forest. My parents tell me to stay away from him, he might eat me if I'm bad and stay out too late.” the child responds.

Rui still seems intrigued, but tries to get the children to go back to their homes. “Well, you better head home then.”

The children run off and leave the two alone as they head back to camp. They continue chatting on their way back.

“I guess every village has its ghost stories.” Haruno shrugs as Rui looks to her.

“My mom told me that stories like that may be exaggerated, but most of the time they stem from something true.” Rui explains. “Maybe there is a wild Hucrinis around here. The village seems so nice, I wonder why someone would live outside it.”