SOULTALE | By ShadowNTS

(Chapter 44) Hospitality.

It's been some time since you left home. Traversing the mountains is tough but you have a clear goal.

RHT: I'm so tired.
CHAR: Same.
RHT: What?
CHAR: Hmm?
RHT: You're a ghost! What do you mean you're tired?
CHAR: I'm tired following your slow soul around.
RHT: *grunt* Good answer.

You are very tired from all the walking. Charoline ,on the other hand, is humming a lullaby.

RHT: Where'd you hear that?
CHAR: You mean the melody I'm singing?
RHT: Yeah. I've heard it before.
CHAR: It's an old song the monsters used to sing. My father sung it to me every day.
RHT: At least you had a father.
CHAR: Don't say that. Your father was a good man.
RHT: How could I know. He died before I was born.
CHAR: Yea-
*CHIME*
RHT: That sound, could it be a bell?
CHAR: No doubt about it.
RHT: It sounded like it came from over there.
CHAR: Let's go check it out.

You climb up a hill and stand up, looking down on the valley below. A small town sits in it. It looks populated. You decide to go down and check it out. After arriving you're greeted with a small parrot landing on your shoulder.

PRT: Welcome traveler! I'm Rio and I'm the towns' news anchor!
RHT: A talking parrot?
CHAR: Why do you say that as if you haven't fought a giant cupcake before.
PRT: Why don't you visit the town bar so you can meet the other residents?
RHT: Will do.

You head towards the town bar. As you open the doors to go inside, you're greeted with stares.

RHT: Hello?

They stay silent for a moment.

LDY: Hey kid! Come and have a drink!
RHT: Thanks.

You sit down at the counter.

LDY: So where you from?
RHT: Home.
LDY: Ahh, well then, hope you like it here. Stay as long as you like.
RHT: Much appreciated, but I won't be staying long.
LDY: It's alright. What can I get ya?
RHT: A sea tea, please.
LDY: That's my favorite too. One sea tea coming up.

While waiting for your beverage, a male who looks in his early 20s sits down next to you.

???: Howz it goin?
RHT: I'm fine... what about you?
TIN: I see you're uncomfortable. Sorry for not introducing myself first. I'm Tien.
RHT: I'm Rhett. Nice to meet you, Tien.
TIN: So what brings you here?
RHT: Travels.
TIN: So you don't even know the name of the town?
RHT: Sadly no.
TIN: Unfortunate. Let me tell you. It's called joyus, named after joy.
RHT: So it's yall motto, joy?
TIN: Pretty much.
RHT: Cool. Anything else I should know about this place?
TIN: The people are friendly. I suggest you meet the town elder. It's an old women who can predict fate but I don't believe in that stuff. She's also my mother.
RHT: I'll go meet her tomorrow.
TIN: You can sleep at the inn if you don't have a place. The receptionist is nice.
RHT: Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night.
TIN: Have a good nights sleep.

You leave the bar and head for the inn. You greet the receptionist whom gives you your room key. Arriving at your room, you enter and jump right into bed. It is important to be well rested, especially when you're trying to destroy the world.

End of Chapter 44
"Hospitality"