A Recent Dream

Chapter One, The Book Of Life

"Relax Sren, a puff at the pub will do you no harm," Evlen said. Evlen had been a long time friend of Sren. "I reckon your tattered handkerchief would do a lot more," he continued, choking profusely on a puffer. "Your coughing on it, I'd probably do the same," Sren said, half rebuking him. "Your gonna say you've celebrated your profession and gone to a bar, yet you haven't been confirmed," Evlen said, making a point that Sren was all too familiar with. "I've heard enough of that from others, it's just tradition. I'm just a bit different alright..." Sren said, seeking an end to the pressure that's been on him. Evlen, despite having had a, healthy few puffs, understood where Sren was coming from, after all, they had been friends since Alto Dectrus seized the throne. Veering from his stance, he decided he would accept Srens decision, but he would, at most, tell him his confirmation story. Evlen cleared his throat in a deep bleat, he then changed the subject. Unbeknownst to the two mingling with each other, they were attentively being watched. Quite a few men clad in black cloaks were seated at a table not far from where Sren and Evlen were. They were members of the Bounty Hunters Guild. When Evlen and Sren concluded their conversation they got ready to depart, Sren payed the bill for his glass of water and lingered afterward, waiting for Evlen to pay the bartender. Meanwhile, one of the cloaked men put his mug down, another paid a waitress. One of them spoke, he murmured an inquiry. "I thought Evlen is a girls name," he said quietly, suppressing his gruff voice. It was easy for a murmur to go unnoticed especially with the coherent talk of the many people speaking at the bar, yet someone outside his party heard. "I thought it was a boys name," a man at the table beside the edgy bounty hunters said. The hunters looked at him and the people seated with him. "No, it's a name for women and men. My uncles name was Evlen, but then he got nicknamed," another man said, also at the same table. By the hunters table, a man finished his drink and set it down, in a deep and exerted voice he said, "that sounds about right." He then signaled for his comrades to quite themselves and not act inconspicuous. He got up and gently followed their target. The rest of the hunters followed behind. He was their leader, the most experienced among them. They called him by code. He was called Alpha. He and his companions were called "The Wolves." They were the best bounty hunters in Kivrelia, but that did not mean they wouldn't operate here, in Gurtress. If anything, operating in Gurtress made them invisible.

The two were having a solitary celebration and had went to the bar, they were honoring Srens victory, he had charted all the valleys, meadows and fauna of the greatest mountains in the kingdom, all at an early time in life. He always had a talent for adventure, even when it invoked climbing great mountains. Though moving mountains was another story, he still had his fears. In particular, he feared confirmation. In Gurtress it's traditional that when a boy is ready for adulthood, he would ceremonially go to a pub with his close relatives and associates to witness him getting drowsed by a pufferfish. Eating a pufferfish typically gives a drowsy effect and often gives a brief ailment, it's often used to get drunk or forget the hardships of life. Some Gurtressians of old decided it would be a perfect way to initiate their young adults, after all, "discipline builds character..."

As the two walked out the bar, and through the streets of Andhrel, their hometown. Evlen decided it was the right time for his tale. "Hey, Sren," he said sternly, seeking the affirmation of his friends attention. "Yeah, Evlen," Sren replied in a miff tone, as he strolled beside Evlen, eyes attending the streets. "I'm sorry about what I said earlier," Evlen said, seeing that he imposed an unnecessary thought on him. "Firstly, I appreciate your sorriness. Secondly, why do you think I feel bad?" Sren began, to Evlens relief, followed by a lousy retort applicable to his manly ignorance when it comes to, totally notbeing offended. "I'm not falling for that again," Evlen said. Seeing that they were about to pass a cluster of ladies, Sren came up with a scheme. "Can you play along. The ladies are watching," he said with optimism. "Oh, I did not at all mean it like that," Evlen playfully said. "In fact, I actually forgot what we were talking about. What are my lines?" Evlen continued, genuinely having forgot. As they passed an assembly of women Sren glanced, seeking where their attention was pampered. A few smiled at him. Those were acquaintances who caught his rambling, and one who he certainly knew not of, he returned the gesture and nodded. "You like them and they like you," Evlen teased. Sren thought about retorting, I didn't see them smiling at you sarcastically or humorously, but he decided against it. "They're flocking to Shirey again," Sren said, for his own allay, whilst ignoring the yucky tease. "Perhaps some change would do the town good," Evlen suggested. "If they succeed, the town would be like... a matriarchy, in kingdom terms," Sren proclaimed, seeing it to be very likely. "I guess so," Evlen said, truthfully agreeing but disappointed that the only way for change would be such a path. Sren had been taking the lead and slowed his pace, he saw the familiar sign of Mr. Lamareys shop. He turned and took a step onto the deck with Evlen following behind, he opened the door and was immediately greeted. "Hello, boys. What can I do for you," the shop owner asked. Mr. Lamarey was in his late sixties, he spoke in an experienced tone and what seemed to be a gruffly kind voice. "Hi mister Lamarey, we'd like one of your wife's Apple sugar pies," Sren said with a friendly facade. "Hmm... let me double check," Mr. Lamarey said, as he checked a book and quill. The notebook enumerated what they were serving for the day. "I'm afraid we haven't had any apples the whole month. Even if we did, Veera is getting sicker and I can't make it like her," Lamarey said, discomposed, sharing his troubles. "I'm sorry, I hope she gets well soon," Sren said, he could tell a little sympathy soothed the man's heart. "I'm sure we could do with something else Mr. Lamarey. What do you suggest," Evlen interposed, sensing the need for a change of mood. "Hmm. I think you would both enjoy a Nacar'sont pie topped with the best lafry in the whole region. What do you say?" Mr. Lamarey asked, to which Evlen and Sren answered in unison. "Great, we'll take it," the two replied. "Okay, how many servings," Lamarey asked. Sren conveyed a thought, as for Evlen, he already thought about that so he only had to reiterate it off his mind. "I think ten servings will do," Evlen Said. Lamarey then headed to the kitchen just behind the reception counter. "Is there any particular occasion," mister Lamarey asked while he searched the kitchen. "Well as you know, Sren has been back in town. He's recently accomplished charting all the Mikachukin culminates. We'll be celebrating his achievement at my house," Evlen said. Sren smiled for the recognition. Honestly Sren wanted to keep things quiet, he already had passels of adventurers flock to him whenever word got out that he's in town. And he still had plenty of offers. If he wanted to, he would be rich with all the work. Imagine if he sold his service to the highest bidder. But that isn't who he is. Lamarey walked over with the pie in hand, smiling. "I'm glad to hear, congratulations Sren," mister Lamarey said. "Thank you, that means a lot to me mister Lamarey," Sren affirmed happily. "Oh, please, Sren, Evlen, we've known each other for how long now. Three years. You two have always been so kind. Please, feel free to call me Lamar, just don't say it like you hear my wife say, not like my brother either," Lamar said. "Well, I always thought the world could use more love," Evlen said, feeling complimented. "Love is a strong word for a young man like yourself," Lamar said approvingly. Sren then butted in saying, "You sure? I think I see you like more of an uncle," Sren said in a playful and genuine manner with a slight smile. Lamar lightheartedly had his mouth agape in surprise. "I suppose you may call me Uncle," Lamar answered. "Good job Sren. Lamar can I call you uncle too," Evlen asked with anticipation. "Of course Evlen," Lamar replied. "Great, now your a great uncle," Evlen said, emphasizing the first great. Hearing that, Sren remembered about Evlens family. "Oh yeah, Evlen I forgot to ask how your family's doing," Sren partly inquired. "Their doing fine; the usual," Evlen responded. "And the kids?" Sren added. "Same trouble as always," Evlen said as he opened his satchel. "I think I know where they get that from," mister Lamar said aloud in ponder. "I hope it's not me," Sren proclaimed with a twinkling grin, struggling to stay composed for the coming showdown. Evlen looked up from his satchel, he caught eye of Sren and then looked to Lamar, and in the sincerest face he could muster he spoke his alibi. "Buddy, sir, great baker. I fully assure you..." Evlen almost burst his mouth. "What's with the laugh," Sren questioned. "Out with it," Lamar pushed. In a flurry of the mouth Evlen burst his accusation. "It was my sister I swear. It's always her..." Evlen claimed as he tried bearing his laughter. Everyone at the counter laughed their worry's away. Moments earlier, hearing the commotion someone stopped by the entranceway and eavesdropped on a familiar and nerving voice. Now at present, the man stepped forward to reveal himself, and with a daunting remark. "How could a women of such refined etiquette give way to such trouble," asked the new entry. "Who might this young man who butted in our conversation be? Lamar asked with a tone of inquiry. "By the faggot Gillis. What is it with you." Evlen said with wry accusation. "I'll take my leave," the man said in submission. As the supposed bundler of sticks took his leave, Sren took his chance to bring up what Evlen had said. "And you were proclaiming, Evlen," Sren said, trying to elicit information. Evlen tilted his head and motioned for an explanation. "Love, Evlen; Love." Sren reminded. "Huh," Evlen ejaculated. "Uh, who might the lad be," Lamar asked as he looked past the fenced casement to the busy street outside. Evlen thought about how to put his case forward. "Wait was he?..." Sren partially inquired. "Yeah. He's my cousin, but a while back he was courting my sister." With an intense stare Lamar said, "for certain, it was only play." Lamar's voice was timid with worry. "I'm afraid, you know the saying. It's thirteen twenty eight. The barbarians are at the border." "Wai' say what," Lamar questioned. "Well, he came for the blessing of pops and the brothers, his patriarchal house spoke volumes," Evlen explained. "Evlen, nobody gets those new terms you made at five," Sren interposed. "Oh dear, pardon my language. I can never make a hit these days. Well I remember distinctly. It was the sixth day of atlastar and we were having a family reunion and my sister, Karri, had invited this boy she picked off the streets, or so we teased. The guy, Soleus, was making it good with us, he gave the impression of a loyal, polite, and possibly hardworking man. Father almost sold the deal and gave his blessing, but he first asked who Soleus' patriarch was. He said his grandfather, Gurmi. Father then asked about his grandmother and Soleus said her name was Atria. Then dad said he was a relative, and I spat out my drink in surprise. Furthermore, Soleus was near and I fortuitously wet his pants. A while later my father explained Soleus' grandparents were long lost elders of his; uncle and aunt. At the end of the celebration father concluded fray had graced us with a long lost relative at such convenience. But he never gave Soleus his blessing, but he didn't revoke his courtship. In truth, he forgot. None the wiser my sister bolstered it at mind, even during the festivities. So the two parted but promised to stay close. But ever since, I can't help but think he's a flirt." Evlen told his tale with a dreary and serious tone, so Sren and Lamar couldn't recline in laughter. Even so, Sren knew he could chasten the mood. "Fare this path well Evlen. Every sister delights at a protective brother," Sren said with hidden derision? Before Evlen could respond mister Lamar interjected. "Evlen, do not let this befall you. Take courage to seek and settle your worry's," Lamar offered. "No it's not that. It's just, I'm getting really hungry looking at that pie," Evlen affirmed. "Ohh; Right," Sren said. "How much will the pie be," Evlen asked as he grasped his bundle. "That will be six pounds," Lamar responded with delay, as he was adjusting himself back to busyness. "Evlen I'm perfectly well off. You have a family, spend it on them. I'll handle the pay," Sren said. "No I got this," Evlen said. "Uhauh, I got this," said Sren. "No really-" Evlen was interrupted. "If you don't let me then I'll feel bad," Sren proposed. "But if you don't let me then I'll feel awful," Evlen rivaled, all while Lamar watched their shenanigans, or rather, He-nanigans. "Oye, boys. It's on the house. I gotta gift my... well, nephew, in honor of his accomplishments. Please, it's my pleasure," uncle Lamar offered. "Now I just feel worse," Sren stated. "Me, more," Evlen advocated. "Are you sure uncle Lamar. You can reconsider. You have your wife; your business. You said it yourself, business is tight. You could use the money," Sren advised. "Boys, I'm not destitute. These things come by all the time in business, to thrive we must strive. We'll do fine, it's only six pounds." Lamar considered, he then lifted the pie from the counter, handing it over, saying, "Here boys, it's my pleasure. You always make my day." He handed it to Sren. Sren put it in his inventory. "I don't know what to say," Sren said with sympathetic eyes, conveying worry for his new quasi-uncle. "A thank you would be nice," their new Uncle said. "Uncle, you are too generous for your own good," Evlen said with the same expression as Sren. "You two truly are like brothers," Lamar said. "Huh;" "what?" "Now go on you two. I don't wanna keep you from your celebration," Lamar concluded. "Go, be on your way," he shoo'd. The two headed on their way, wishing their new uncle farewell.