Alfafolk

Ch.2 Getting to know each other

(Previously, Winde was cleaning the back of their father's bookstore when they were transported to another realm where mythical beings existed. Now, they are staying with an elf named A-Rod, who is planning to help Winde return home.)  

After finishing their meal at Adaa's restaurant, Winde and A-Rod returned to A-Rod's house. A-Rod offered Winde a place to stay until arrangements could be made for Winde's return home. As they entered the guest room, Winde took in the comfortable bed, soft blanket, fluffy pillow, and a lamp by the window. Curiosity piqued, Winde asked, "Do you get visitors often?" A-Rod explained, "Not really. I set this up for guests who might be stuck here during a storm or if they need a place to recover."

As they were about to leave the room, Winde's attention was drawn to a photograph on the wall. In it, a five-year-old A-Rod and a three-year-old Adaa stood beside an older man holding a giant golden oarfish. Intrigued, Winde asked, "Was this you and your sister?" A-Rod nodded, saying, "Yes, that was us fishing with my dad." Winde's eyes widened as A-Rod revealed that the man was his father. "Have I not told you about him?" Winde shook their head. A-Rod continued, "My father, Cirdan Wiksey, was the best fisherman in Alfafolk. Whenever he caught a big fish, he'd sell it for a good price. One time he caught a giant golden oarfish and made a fortune. We got to enjoy my favorite BBQ Chimera and Unicorn Legs."

As A-Rod described the mythical feast, Winde was astonished by the idea of consuming such legendary creatures. Sensing After finishing their meal at Adaa's restaurant, Winde and A-Rod returned to A-Rod's house. A-Rod offered Winde a place to stay until Winde could arrange to go home. As they entered the guest room, Winde noticed the comfortable bed, soft blanket, fluffy pillow, and a lamp by the window. Curious, Winde asked, "Do you get visitors often?" A-Rod replied, "Not really. I set this room up for guests who might be stuck here during a storm or need a place to recover."

Just before they left the room, Winde saw a photograph on the wall. In it, A-Rod, at five years old, and Adaa, at three, stood next to an older man holding a giant golden oarfish. Intrigued, Winde asked, "Was this you and your sister?" A-Rod nodded and said, "Yes, that was us fishing with my dad." Winde's eyes widened when A-Rod revealed that the man was his father. "Have I not told you about him?" A-Rod asked. Winde shook their head. A-Rod continued, "My father, Cirdan Wiksey, was the best fisherman in Alfafolk. When he caught a big fish, he sold it for a good price. One time, he caught a giant golden oarfish and made a fortune. We got to enjoy my favorite BBQ Chimera and Unicorn Legs."

As A-Rod talked about the feast, Winde was amazed by the idea of eating such legendary creatures. Sensing Winde's surprise, A-Rod suggested watching a movie to lighten the mood. Winde was astonished to learn that Alfafolk had its own version of films shown through a unique water bowl that worked like a TV. A-Rod explained that this device is called a river view and shows various content like a television in Winde's world. When asked what they wanted to watch, Winde confidently chose a cooking show, and A-Rod picked "Superintendent Cook," one of his favorites. They settled in to enjoy the show.

The next day, Winde woke up refreshed in the guest room and went to the bathroom to wash up. A-Rod was already in the kitchen cooking Amphisbaena ba-skin and regular flapjacks. When Winde finished getting ready, the smell of breakfast drew them to the kitchen. A-Rod smiled and said, "Winde, did you finish washing up? I made breakfast." Winde nodded and sat at the table as A-Rod served the hot meal. "Thank you," Winde said, enjoying the unique food. After breakfast, Winde helped A-Rod clean the dishes. When they were done, A-Rod said, "I'm heading to work now. Do you want to stay here or come with me?" Winde replied, "I'll come with you."

When they arrived at A-Rod's workplace, Winde was surprised to find out he worked at a clothing store. Noticing Winde's expression, A-Rod asked, "Do you like it? I've worked here since I was 19." Winde explained, "You mentioned you worked at your father's bookstore. Why did you choose that?" A-Rod asked. Winde replied, "I wanted work experience, and my dad let me work at his store." A-Rod expressed surprise and asked, "So you're in middle school? Do you have any friends?" Winde hesitated but said, "No, I barely have friends because I was afraid people would point out my appearance... that's why I aimed to work at my father's bookstore." A-Rod understood and said, "If someone criticizes your appearance, it's probably out of jealousy." Winde thought, "Jealous?" A-Rod nodded, "Yes. They must be envious of someone as unique as you." Winde felt surprised by A-Rod's view. A-Rod added, "Some people appreciate your appearance, right?" Winde nodded. "But how would you know if you never talk to anyone?" Winde paused to think about A-Rod's words. "So when you figure out how to return to your world, try to connect with others. There may be people who won't judge you." Winde replied, "I'll try." A-Rod said, "Great! While you're here, why not help out?" Winde agreed, "Sure." A-Rod added, "Alright, hang some clothes near the window." Winde nodded and got to work with determination.Winde's surprise, A-Rod suggested watching a movie to lighten the mood. Winde was amazed to discover that Alfafolk had its own version of films, displayed through a unique water bowl, which functioned like a TV. A-Rod explained that the device is called a river view, showcasing various content just like a television in Winde's world. When asked for a preference, Winde confidently chose to watch a cooking show, and A-Rod selected "Superintendent Cook," one of his favorites. They settled in to enjoy the captivating culinary program.

The next day, Winde woke up refreshed in the guest room and promptly headed to the bathroom to wash up. A-Rod was already in the kitchen cooking Amphisbaena ba-skin and regular flapjacks. When Winde finished getting ready, the delicious aroma of breakfast led them to the kitchen. A-Rod smiled and said, "Winde, did you finish washing up? I made breakfast." Winde nodded, sitting at the table as A-Rod served the steaming plates of food. "Thank you," Winde said, savoring the mythical cuisine. After finishing breakfast, Winde helped A-Rod clean the dishes. When they were done, A-Rod said, "Alright, I'm heading to work. Do you want to stay here or come with me?" Winde replied with certainty, "I'll go with you."

Accompanying A-Rod to work, Winde was surprised to discover that A-Rod worked at a clothing store. Noticing Winde's expression, A-Rod asked, "Do you like it? I've worked here since I was 19." Winde responded, "You mentioned you worked at your father's bookstore. Why did you choose that?" A-Rod prompted. Winde explained, "I wanted work experience, and my dad let me work at his place." A-Rod expressed surprise, asking, "So you're in middle school? Do you have any friends?" Winde hesitated but replied, "No, I barely have friends because I was afraid people would point out my appearance... that's why I aimed to work at my father's bookstore." A-Rod empathized and reassured them, "Look, if someone criticizes your appearance, it's likely out of jealousy." Winde pondered, "Jealous?" A-Rod nodded, "Exactly. They must be envious of someone as unique as you." Winde felt astonished by A-Rod's perspective. A-Rod added, "There are individuals who appreciate your appearance, right?" Winde nodded. "Well, how would you know if you never communicate with anyone?" Winde took a moment to reflect on the truth in A-Rod's words. "So when you figure out how to return to your world, make an effort to connect with others. There may be people who won't judge you." Winde replied, "I'll try." "Great! While you're here, why not help out?" "Sure." "Alright, hang some clothes near the window." Winde nodded and got to work with determination.

(To Be Continued)