Origins of a Nomad

Part Two: An Open Sky

Part Two: An Open Sky

"The Change is possible. An object to be found and brought to the Ruin. I've seen what it can do, and they will stop at nothing to prevent it all from happening. Mai, my daughter, I beg you to find The Change, build the world I so wish I could have given you."

From the Notebook of Devin Starkey

Dinner that night was filled with silence. Kurt and Damian took turns asking me questions, in a veiled attempt to get to know me better. However, neither was too good at actual conversation or asking open-ended questions, so I was able to respond with one-word answers. I could tell my mom was getting annoyed because she'd try to push for a more thought out answer, and I'd oblige but the awkwardness had already set in. She finished a few more glasses of wine with her meal that night than normal.

In a way, I couldn't help but feel sorry for Kurt and Damian. These two young men were so groomed to just regurgitate opinions that having an independent thought seemed difficult for them. Asking me my favorite color or animal on what is supposed to be some sort of "first-date" wasn't my idea of future husband material. I wanted someone to ask me my thoughts on Taqua crystals, the advancements we've made as a Clan in using them to simplify our lives. How out of the countless number of Clans that occupy the world, we are the most peaceful. I want to discuss helping the Clan's ideology spread one day.

Yet, every time I went to ask one of them a question along those lines they would look at my mother with a bashful smile and she would try to direct the conversation a different way.

"Now, Elise, let's try and keep politics out of tonight's meal. Save it for the Day Palace."

I just shook my head and finished my dinner in silence. I had to keep reminding myself that come morning none of this would matter anymore. I'd be gone. I was leaving with Mai. Melina was preparing my things while we ate, meeting with her daughter to tell her how I'd be joining her on her journey. I kept having to hide a smile when I'd think about it. Kurt was sharp and noticed, "Care to tell us what has you so excited?" He asked with a grin.

I smiled, "I'm just thinking about tomorrow and the possibilities that are in store!"

Kurt blushed, and my mother smiled. "Well, of course, tomorrow you are shadowing Kurt here as he conducts his business around the city. You'll be able to see how he gains contracts for trade with our merchants, I even believe he's going to that cafe you talk so much about."

"Well, Bertrand makes the best tea and pastries in the city, it'd be a great honor for you to chose his shop!"

"I-I'm looking forward to it!" Was all Kurt could say before gulping down his own glass of wine. Seeing him get nervous flattered me a little, but I knew I could never have a future with him or Damian. And not because they were chosen by my parents as suitors but neither of them made me feel how I thought I would when I met that special someone. Not that I knew anything about love, but one thing I knew, at least one thing I wanted was for there to be an undeniable connection the first time we meet. As if the universe brought us together in passing.

Silly, I know, but something told me that one day it would happen. Today wasn't that day. I'm sure they both have hundreds of girls willing to be their wives, so to say I felt bad about leaving them in the morning without any explanation, would be a lie. I didn't owe them anything.

After dinner was over, I excused myself back to my room, much to my mother's annoyance.

"She's just being shy. Give her a few days, and she'll be back to her normal self again." I heard her say as I left the dining room.