>>6175805====
For a moment, you seriously consider reporting everything that has happened to Victoria. She was a ‘Matriarch’ of some kind of order, so you've heard; she's likely powerful enough to help you if you were to tell her.
But not trusting the people of this world enough, you hesitate.
“Thank you.”
You say nothing else.
“Oh!... Um, of course.” Victoria smiled and nodded.
“I have a question, if you don't mind me asking,” you add quickly. “What did you mean when you said, ‘even humans’?”
Her blue-green eyes widened. She spoke gently.
“Do you know that I am the only elven Matriarch in Greyweul’s Grand Coven? You won't see a lot of elves in Encore - especially not in this kingdom, because this is the region of man. My kind lives in the Great Wilds,” Victoria explained. “They do not feel particularly welcome here… So, I understand why you hesitated to allow me, an elf, to heal you. Even so… I cherish and care for your kind as much as I do for my own.”
“In other words, she's one of us,” Lisa said. “She's the most loved elf on this side of the world.”
“You jest, Lisa Minci!” Victoria chuckled shyly.
After a drop of tea, you and Lisa saw her out. You waved as Victoria Izh’mir disappeared down the road. She went on the way back to Navia city.
Lisa didn't smile. She looked at you.
“Why didn't you tell her about Eléonore?” She asked. “Lady Izh’mir could've helped you.”
You crossed your arms and looked away. The clouds in the sky were towers of white racing across the green horizon of the countryside. You remembered: the only thing you left in the room upstairs was the cheap sword and armour the Fire Witch had bought for you.
>You tell Lisa that you don't trust Victoria or anyone else enough. At least not right now.>You decided to handle things by yourself, and the Fire Witch on your own.>You don't say anything.>Write-in.Lisa sighed. She followed your eyes, and saw through what you were thinking. It was a good day. She knew you could leave her roof today.
“Hey… Nathan? You could stay here. You don't look like someone who's got a place to go.” She blushed suddenly and shook: “No, no. That's not quite right… No, I meant, since you're an Otherworlder who's only arrived here yesterday, well. I don't suppose you intend to leave now and wander the country, alone, walking the roads?”
You stared at her. Lisa’s eyes avoided your gaze.
“Of course, I'm not offering this hospitality without anything in exchange this time…! If you're okay with helping around the house, and doing errands for me… I'd like you to stay,” she admitted.
You look at her, then at the road which led away from here.
Now felt like one of those choose-your-own-adventure novels that you vaguely remember existing in your world. This time, you are in it. If you leave, you could see the world. If you stay, you would find companionship with her.
>STAY. >LEAVE.>WRITE-IN. 