245 Little Bird (1/2)

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”Welcome to our tribe, Gentle Outsider. I am Neman the current leader of the Gentle Cradle Tribe.”

Raven inspected him briefly and saw that, just like the rest of the people in the tribe, he too is in a bad state. His back was bent, his robes were extremely dirty, all of his teeth are missing, his skin was wrinkled and has a few black patches which looked like a skin disease, he's also incredibly skinny, almost as if he haven't eaten anything for weeks. In all honesty, Raven thought that it was a miracle that this old man is still alive.

”Nice to meet you, Tribe Leader Neman. My name is Raven, please excuse my intrusion to your tribe.”

”It's alright.” Neman said in a dry voice, it was then followed by a fit of coughing which sounded very dry. Raven hurriedly took out a jug of water and placed it on his lips gently.

As the old man took a sip, there was a trace of brilliance in his eyes which didn't escape Raven's vision. Even without Raven's assistance, the old man immediately emptied the whole leather jug by himself as tears flowed down from his eyes. After he emptied the leather jug, there was a trace of reluctance in his eyes.

”I never thought that I would be able to drink something of this caliber. It felt so soothing and warm.” Neman said as he returned the leather jug to Raven and said: ”Thank you for your generosity, Kind Raven. It's a shame that out little tribe doesn't have anything to offer for your presents. But if there's anything we could do to help, do tell us. We will try our best to help you out.”

Raven could feel the kindness in the old man's voice. He smiled and shook his head, ”It's alright, Tribe Leader. For now I just want to know if there's anything you could tell me about this tribe.”

Neman sighed sadly and said: ”What's there to tell? We are in a bad state. It is my life's biggest blessing that I am able to reach the age of 60 in this kind of environment. As for the rest, well I suppose I don't have to explain it further, do I?”

Raven nodded and shared his sentiments, he then took out fruit slices and passed it down to the elder to eat. Neman nodded once again and started consuming the fruits.

Once again, his tears flowed down from his face. ”Ah, this must came from paradise. This taste, this softness, this feeling. I almost feel guilty being blessed like this. Now that I've tasted this heavenly treat, I no longer have any regrets and could pass on peacefully.”

Raven shivered from head to toe as he said that, he then faced Neman and said: ”Tribe Leader, please don't say things like that. You will make your people sad.”

”Haha, don't fret young friend. This is just me being emotional, I do still want to live for a little longer so don't worry.”

Raven smiled wryly and then took Neman's hand and sent some of his energies to check his body. After a while of checking, he took out some medicine and made him consume it. This medicine is quite different from the one he used to Nana's parents as this one is gentler.

Once Neman consumed the medicine, an incredible scene occurred. His bent back was slowly straightening up, the black patches on his skin disappeared and his face regained some colors. Neman felt himself floating through the clouds. He never felt this comfortable in his entire life, it was like he was basking under a gentle trickle of rain after experiencing a year long drought.

He opened his eyes and he could almost swear that the world wasn't this colorful before. The senses that were failing him before now returned, breathing also became easier for him. Neman felt alive.

Neman then stared at Raven and hurriedly prostrated in front of him much to the latter's panic and surprise. As he was about to ask what he was doing, Neman said:

”Either you are God or one of his Envoys. No matter what the case, in behalf of my people, thank you for gracing our tribe with your presence, O Holy One.”

Raven hurriedly helped him up and replied: ”Tribe Leader, I am no God of Envoy of his. I am but a human, who happens to have some incredible abilities, nothing more. There is no need to prostate like this, please stand up.”

Neman who heard his words were stunned, he asked: ”I-It can't be. Your a Human too? B-But how?”

”While it might be hard for you to believe, I am indeed a human just like the rest of you.” Raven stated simply as he assisted Neman on his seat. ”We just happen to learn some ancient knowledge which enables us to perform incredible feats.”

”We? Us?” Neman asked with wide eyes.

Raven nodded and explained: ”Indeed, there's a lot of people like me back in the Kingdom. Some of them are even more incredible that I am.”

Before Neman could even ask something, a little girl pulled Raven's sleeves. Raven looked down and saw that it was Nana who was pulling his sleeves. He then heard her ask: ”Big Brother, what's a Kingdom?”