I sat nervously on the thick woolen rug in the large room the Grenir guard had brought us too, shifting a bit to ease my anxiety as Rivi and the Grand Elder began the proceedings in the language of their people.

The guard had brought us to a large central building in the back of the village, nestled up against the sloping edge of the valley, which seemed to serve as something like a town hall.

The Grand Elder was a little bigger than most of the other Grenir, his coat a silver-grey rather than white. Most of the Grenir didn't wear clothing, but the Grand Elder wore a broad red tunic, with intricate silver-gold embroidery all along its edges, though it looked a little faded here and there with the passing of time.

[Bell: So…what's up with these guys?]

Bell had been hard at work over the past few days since we'd emerged from the ice cavern consolidating her new abilities, and among the things she'd learned was the ability to see some of what was happening around me, and also the ability to summon system windows without my prompting.

I looked down at the window, nervously glancing around at the Grenir in the room, hoping they wouldn't see that I was distracted. Luckily the system allowed for thought input, so I didn't have to move my hands to reply.

[Silvie: The guy in the red's the Grand Elder. They're doing like a gift exchange or something? idk Rivi said something like that. Do you understand what they're saying?]

[Bell: You think I know more than you do? Girl, I was born from your soul, ain't nothing in this head that wasn't in yours first.]

[Silvie: I wouldn't say that…you're learning and stuff now.]

[Bell: But I'm still in your soul scape, right? Anything I learn is basically you learning it too "૮₍ ˶•⤙•˶ ₎ა]

[Silvie: hmmm, idk bout that, we're still two separate souls, don't sell yourself short, Bell]

[Rivi: Can you guys not do this in the group chat, I'm kinda busy here]

Oop, I looked and saw Rivi faintly frowning as she continued speaking to the Elder.

[Silvie: Sorry, uhh is this going to be over soon or…]

[Bell: Haha we're testing your endurance Rivi. You gotta have discipline ( ◡̀_◡́)ᕤ]

Rivi seemed to ignore the last messages, and I went back to trying to act like I was paying attention. At last the two bowed to one another, and the meeting seemed to enter the next phase where speaking in Elder became acceptable.

"Welcome, child of the Goddess of Death," The elder turned and nodded towards me. "Welcome, Shadow Chimera, it has been long since we have seen one of your kind this far north." He nodded towards Rufi, who surprisingly wasn't lounging around, but instead was sitting up on her hind legs with a strange kind of dignity.

"You'll have to forgive our poor hospitality compared to what I'm sure you're used to. My people prefer to live simply and our dwellings and habits reflect that. Now, I've completed the exchange with the friend, here, but I'd also like to hear from the two of you. What brings you to our humble village? Is there anything you wish from us?"

"Uhhh," I scratched my head nervously, looking to Rivi, who just gave me a little mischievous nod that seemed to say go on… "Well, we travelled from the Kingdom of Undeath into the Ice Kingdom. I suppose we more or less just want to see the different sights and meet the various peoples of this land to hear and learn from them."

"I see, then we'll be sure to arrange some of our cultural traditions for you to experience. We may live simply, but the Grenir are steeped with traditions older than many of the gods. They keep us on the way of the devout, and bring purpose to our otherwise barren landscape."

"And you Shadow Chimera." The elder turned towards Rufi. "What do you wish from our lands?"

There was a silence for a moment as Rufi stared forwards before her eyes flashed to Rivi, who quickly spoke up. "Forgive my friend, Grand Elder, but this little Shadow Chimera has taken an oath of silence that she would prefer not to break at this juncture. I pray for your understanding in this matter."

The elder frowned, looking deeply at Rufi with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion, before finally relenting. "Very well, we shall not pry too deeply. But please understand that if she will not state her demands, she will be void in the participation of the exchange. She may observe, but participation is reserved for those who come with mutuality in their hearts."

"Very well, if that's how—"

A shadow raced from underneath Rufi, giving pause to both Rivi and the Grand Elder when it reached them. There was silence for a long moment, and I looked curiously between both the Elder and Rufi, until finally the Elder broke the silence.

"If that is your desire, we have no objections. Feel free to participate with your companions as you see fit." The Elder nodded towards Rufi, and I frowned.

Did she just communicate with him? And...Specifically loop me out? Like Rivi seems to have heard what she just said…What the hell? I looked to where Rufi was seated a little offended, but before I could say anything she broke her respectful posture, and leapt towards me, climbing up my shoulders to attack my cheek with her tongue.

"Rufi! Rufi…ahahah" I cried laughing, squirming on the ground as I tried to resist her attacks and grab her up in my arms. "We're in the middle of a meeting, what got into you!?" I finally clamped down on one of her wings, and dragged her, somewhat painfully it seemed into my full grasp.

"Haha, got you!" I looked up to the Elder who to my relief seemed more amused than offended. "Sorry for my companion's behavior, Grand Elder." I bowed a little. "I don't know what got into her."

"That's quite alright," The Elder waved. "In fact I'd say it brought more understanding to the light of her exchange." I frowned, not understanding his meaning. "Verith, I'm sure our guests are tired. Why don't you bring them to their new quarters."

"Very well Grand Elder." Another Grenir that had been silently seated along the side of the room, got up and bowed towards the Elder, then turned to us. "Come along, honored guests. I shall show you to where you'll be staying." Rivi got up first and began following, while I gave one last confused glance towards the Elder and back to Rufi, before shrugging and following the new Grenir.

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