The Journal: The First Edition

Chapter 2

Our tour continued as we passed the medical center. I was fascinated with the layout of the fountain, watching how the water flowed into the pool below, but it never seemed to overfill. I couldn't understand how it worked, but I knew I would spend time by myself trying to. We continued past the fountain to the market plaza. Each of the stalls seemed to be of a different style than most of the other buildings I'd seen. But, it also seemed to be the most busy location. Every stall had at least one person working behind it, chatting away with what little customers they had as well as preparing their items. I had also become aware of a particularly good smell coming from somewhere within the plaza.

My curiosity had to be satiated. I practically dragged Johnathon along where the smell led me. Passing through the hedges lining the plaza's area, we found a separate closed off section that led to an area filled with tables and chairs. At the edge of one of the hedgerows, just opposite the entry way, there was a small structure composed of a few small wooden pillars, and a chain between them. Hanging from the chain was a large metal pot, which was bubbling thanks to the contained flame beneath it.

"I thought I smelled something good," I hummed. "So this is where it was coming from."

"Ah, this place... This is sort of our, uh, community eatery," Johnathon explained. "Most of the townspeople don't have kitchens of their own, and can't afford to visit the larger shops. So, the farmers tend to come here to donate some of their early harvested crops to be made into stews."

"Stews..." I echoed. "You mean the liquid in that pot?"

"Yes," The man answered with a nod. "A stew is like a combination of different types of food all cooked in the same pot. The liquid you're referring to is what's called a broth, which is what's made when you cook meat in water."

"Fascinating," I mused, idly clapping my hands. "Would you... mind if I tried some? I'm quite intrigued by the idea. I've only ever had fruits like the ones you've brought me. It would be a new experience for me."

"If you're really interested, I guess we can take a break," Johnathon said and shrugged.

Johnathon led me over to the suspended pot of stew, and as we approached, a woman also came to stand by it. Nothing about her seemed particularly special, as she wore the same clothing that everyone else seemed to. But, what stood out the most was the silver-leaved daisies woven into a crown underneath her bangs, and the beauty mark on her right shoulder. She seemed innocent, but I still felt my eyes change shape, and anxiety prickle through every hair on my body.

"Greetings, Sir Johnathon," The girl addressed Johnathon while curtsying.

"No need to be so formal, Bella," Johnathon said, waving a paw.

"I'd rather not be rude, thank you," Bella hummed, a light laugh itching into her voice. "Ah- who is this?"

Like the last time I was addressed, I felt my body immediately tense. My hands clasped together at my sides, and I stepped to the side to somewhat hide myself behind Johnathon. He glanced at me, expression blank this time, before he turned back to Bella.

"That's not important right now," he said. "We just came here hoping for some of the town's stew before we continue our tour of the city."

"A little peckish, I see," Bella laughed. "Well, go ahead and grab yourselves a bowl each, and I'll get some stew for you. We tried something different this time, so some feedback is much appreciated."

"Noted," Johnathon said, tail swishing.

He didn't say anything else as he turned to the side, taking my arm and bringing me along. In the corner of the eatery, there was a display of cutlery and tableware. Many of them were missing, and as I glanced around I became aware of how many people were in the area. Instinctively I felt my body tense, discomfort coursing through my entire being. I began to feel self conscious about my appearance, as I looked nothing like anyone here. I was beginning to regret stepping out here, almost wishing I could've done this tour at night.