Pheirdhu

Pagkatuklas

"I can still smell the dung,,,,"

I have finished another day of suffering from Xanhaela. Not only did she humiliate me by throwing dung to my face, but she also forced me to carry her 14 bags full of her vanity materials, 13 of which she does not use.

I was teary - eyed. Her father was so nice, and I hear her mother is just as so. What happened to her? I made my way through the hallways, back to my solitary quarters. I was cold, smelly, and utterly fatigued. The only way I could think of to wear this off is to sleep. BUt even so, I might have that dream again. I pray that it would not so....

"Oh my, dear, what has she done to you again?"

I heard a voice. It was Mrs.Quair. She is Hagel's betroth. I have completely forgotten that they greeted me while I was dashing just to reach Xanhaela's chambers. They are the only few to talk to me without hostile and judging stares. I could see Hagel in the kitchen as well, with a concerned look at his face.

"Oh this is nothing Ms. Quair, I just fell---"

"No sane Sapir would would put SharpSting dung onto their face."

"I....I w-was...."

"No need to explain. Come alon inside so you could change."

Hagel's quarters lie directly at the front of the kitchen. He and Quair live here. Their palce was lined with woven linen, each crafted by Quair. Kitchen utensils are placed orderly in the cabinets and drawers. Several photos on show on top of a table narrating the travels that the two had whilst young. My favorite would have to be their wedding picture, as I could see the two wearing the biggest of smiles. The place had two beds, on for couples and another for a guest. I would sometimes sleep here, but mostly in my quarters as I feel I might be getting in their way sometimes.

She made me sit on the dining area. Hagel made his way to their place. He was carrying warm water mixed with fragrances. Quair made her way to me too, holding some foodstuffs.

"Sometimes Iwonder if that girl is actually a Cryptid..." Hagel said while he was wiping my hair clean.

"That's what happens to anyone who has never had a taste of labor in their lives." said his wife. "Here Yourhia, eat. I'm sure she starved you again."

"Hagel, Quair, it was my fault to begin with. I came to my duty gravely late. Anyone would be furious about what I did." Isaid while holding a piece of loaf with some meat in it.

"She doesn't have to smother you with crap, young lady." Hagel said sternly.

"Why is it that you were late, dear?"

I looked down. I recalled what happened earlier today. I made a vase move just with my mind. Through my readings at the Book Keep, there was no sort of spell of that account. It would only cause distress if I told them...

"I was, uhm, I woke up late, that's all..."

"If she hasn't been tiring you out all the time..."

BARGAIN!!! BARGAIN!!!!

"Is it that time again?" Quair said.

"What time?"

"Circa 710, the month of Gartul, day 66, 10:47 Umbralwise. Yep, it is today." Hagel stated.

BARGAIN!!! EVERYONE HEAD TO THE GROTTO IMMEDIATELY FOR THE INSPECTION!!!!

Bargain? Inspection??? What is this all about? I have been here three years and not have experience any of these. Could the merchants be selling something?

The couple must have sensed my confusion. Quair took my hand, motioned me to stand up. In just a minute, we were all running towards the Presentaion Cove. Along the way, I saw nobilities, High Castes, Peasants and Laborers all hurrying towards the same place.

"This happens every five circas, Yourhia."

"You weren't here the last Inspection, dear."

"Pardon? Come again?"

"Every five circas, a neighboring Dathu would send his merchants to the Commune of another Dathu. What is done is called the Bargain. Unlike Parley, Bargain does not involve materials and such. That is why there are Herders there."

"I don't think it clarifies as much. What are Herders?"

"You're about to know, dear."

We stopped at the Presentation Cove. It was filled with all sorts of people I saw running in the hallways earlier. Most of them were all wearing smiles. I can hear murmurs like hoping there's a boy, good with labor,easy to tame and stuff like that. Cryptids come into my mind. They may be selling Cryptids to out Commune.

SILENCE EVERYONE!!! THE DATHU IS APPROACHING.