Contract with a Star (On Hold, Possibly Forever)

Nari Names a Horse

            When Nari deemed it safe, they stopped for water and some food. Nari had ridden bareback more than a few times and it was almost second nature to her. As she ate, she thought about what she would do. She had no idea.

            “Might I suggest heading south, to Onyx Country? I heard it’s quite nice this time of year.” Rena hoped the country’s names hadn’t changed in the last few years.

            “Don’t do that!” Nari couldn’t be blamed for yelling, Rena had snuck up on her intentionally. “And maybe I have plans of my own.” Nari bluffed.

            “You don’t.” Rena was just a bit smug about startling the other girl, “I can hear your thoughts, when I choose to.”

            “Why did you have to wake up now, of all times?” Nari moaned, depressed about the loss of the only privacy people really had.

            “Most likely, it’s because you’ve started moving. I was waiting for you to grow up and start traveling so you could fulfill your end of the bargain.”

            Nari took a large bite out of the bread and thought deeply, which Rena assumed she had picked up from her mother, not her father. “Right, about that contract. I can ask you anything I want, is that correct?” Nari looked a bit mischievous and Rena could see finally see Aiden in the girl.

            “Yes, but be warned. If you ask me useless questions, I will be forced to make you slap yourself in the face repeatedly.” Rena threatened. Nari’s hopes were dashed.

            “So, you really think I should go to Onyx Country?” Nari asked without much enthusiasm.

            “Yup, but first you need new clothes. And you should probably name that horse while you’re at it.” Rena pointed behind her back at the horse that was staring at them with intelligent eyes.

            “What’s wrong with my clothes?” Nari looked down at the brown tunic on top of the darker brown shorts. Her durable boots had mud stains on them.

            “They’re worn out and inappropriate for anywhere except the countryside, which we will not be staying in.” Rena answered firmly. “Now, how much money did you bring?”

            Nari looked back at the girl sheepishly, “None?” Rena calmly walked over to the nearest tree and began bashing her head against it, regardless of how tangible she actually was. “I didn’t think I’d need it! Besides, I can just steal whatever I need.” Nari tried to defend herself.

            Rena just laughed. “Unless you got your brains from your father, which I hope to the highest heavens you didn’t, you’re probably a terrible thief like your mom. It was strange how easily she could bash a man’s head in when she would stutter and tremble at the mere mention of stealing. More than that, no shop owner would let you near their store looking like that without a reasonable proof that you had the means to buys something.”

            Nari muttered, “There ain’t nothing wrong with my clothes.”

            “That’s a double negative, little one, but I can teach you grammar later. Right now, we have to get some cash. Do they still use Kydels?”

            “Gold is gold, no matter who’s crest is on it.”

            “Well, then we’re lucky I liked messing with your dad because buried nearby is the money your father spent two weeks working to earn.” Rena began reminiscing. “That donkey really did take a liking to him.”

            “Anyway,” Nari drew the word out, changing the subject. “We should probably get going. I don’t know when they’ll realize I’m gone. Oh, and you’ll be Eleia, after one of my old friends.” Rena raised an eyebrow at the horse’s name but Nari did not see it as she mounted. “Funny, I can’t really remember him, except that he was kind of old.” With that, they started off again.