"Oh, this looks fantastic!" I sit on the far end of the long table, inadvertently made the center of attention by being the only person on this side. The dish is quite the treat: the so-called apples are cut into thin slices, dipped into a paste made from nuts and coated in a conservative amount of spice. Taking a bite, I am overrun with several complementary flavors. First, the spicy kick contrasted with the cool mouthfeel of apple flesh. Then, the sweet, thick chew of the apple and nut mash. Finally, the refreshing medley of fruity and nutty scents as I swallow. I hum in delight. "What is this spicy flavor, Rytia?"
"That is Barbosa, it's a spice made from a snake organ." Rytia sees the urgency on my face as she explains. "Ah, but it's not poisonous! It's safe to eat."
I nod along to ease her worries. "This is really quite the treat! Thank you, Rytia." I look towards the two men on each side of the table. "And thanks to you two for allowing me to come here." They have been quietly eating so far, merely sneaking glances, but they look up from their plates. The one on my left speaks.
"Wren, was it? You seem like a nice kid, for a human. I am Tyr Altous. That old man on the opposite end is Ser Altous." Tyr smirks at Ser.
I laugh. "I take it you two are father and son?"
"Hmph. Tyr is a daring kid, to be so openly rude to me. It seems like having a guest has given him confidence he's not had before." Ser raises one eyebrow, glaring at Tyr.
"Wren was brought to Altous by the Winds, I'm sure of it!" Rytia claps her hands together, already done with her meal. "Great Shaman Ipha would not choose an apprentice so readily unless Wren were a talented one."
"In truth, I do not feel so special. But I want to be able to do what I can for the village. I'm afraid my skills in the wild are insufficient, so perhaps magic is my best shot." I play with an apple slice.
Ser grumbles, wiping his beard. "Oh? Wren, if it is skills you desire, I would not mind training you."
"I wouldn't dare ask such a thing of you, Ser!"
"Ha! I've gotten along in my years, boy. I spend most of my nights at home. Tyr is too focused on woodwork to train with the blade like I once did, so my skills won't be passed on otherwise." I tilt my head.
Rytia jumps in. "My father, Ser, used to be a swordsman. He was one of our defenders from when we had to deal with neighboring villages attacking."
"Your village seems quite peaceful. What's happened to the other villages?" Their eyes darken.
Rytia is the first to respond. "The others were slain by human crusaders."
Ser shakes his head, finishing the last of his meal. "Listen well, Wren. Humans like you are rare around here. After meeting you, I know our family can trust you." He turns to Rytia, then looks forward to Tyr. "The crusaders haven't come back since their second raid 25 years ago."
"25 years?" I say, shocked. Tyr seems to understand my surprise.
"You see, elves can live a long time. Old man Ser here is nearing 300."
"Old man, you say? I ought to teach you a lesson, my foolish son." Ser cracks his knuckles. "Elves usually live for 350 years, Wren, so I'm considered an elder, but I'm not an 'old man' quite yet." He scoffs, stroking his beard.
"Thank you again for the meal, everyone." I stand. "Am I to take this dish somewhere?"
"Winds, no! Let me handle it. You're our guest." Rytia says, scrambling to her feet.
My eyes widen in realization. "Um... I believe I may have spent far too long enjoying your presence." My eyes dart around, as if Ipha might be nearby, upset at my disappearance from her cabin. "Mentor Ipha had instructed me to stay in her building, yet here I am enjoying a meal a long walk away..."
Rytia covers her mouth in surprise. "You must get going, then! Who knows what might happen if you upset her further."
Ser stands from the table, glaring at Tyr. "I'll tell you what happens to smart-mouthed kids who would call me an old man..." In response, Tyr jumps up, pushing me to the door.
"Come now, Wren! I'll show you the way to Great Shaman Ipha's home." Tyr laughs, nervous.
"Don't you run away, boy! I'll show you what disrespect gets you in this house." Ser smirks. Tyr and I make a dash out of the house, laughing.