Chapter 111 (2/2)

Razor gaped, looking at the strange scene in front of him.

A tall, slender tree stood in the center of a clear, surrounding by a small path, its leaves burning. Around it, dozens of people, mostly children, but also quite a few adults, were doing a weird dance. After viewing the scene for several seconds, Razor had to admit that it appeared that the tree itself was dancing, and everyone was imitating it.

“What…?” He said aloud, almost instinctually, and the little girl that led him here released a tinkling laugh.

“This is Arbor. Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

To Razor’s shock, he was led up to the tree. He was asked to introduce himself. The tree seemed to listen, then seriously extended its branch towards him, as if to shake his hand. Nonplussed, Razor obliged, finding the bark of the tree to be oddly warm and comforting. Although he did earn a hand of greasy ash for his troubles.

Afterward, the dancing continued for a while, then people began to leave, as if a ritual of some sort was over. Razor was somewhat mystified, but this at least was something the elders had prepared him for. Some foreign cultures had extremely strange or primitive religious beliefs, and the elders had urged him to exercise the utmost respect, should he encounter any.

Although, Razor didn’t believe that the elders thought he would have to spend QUITE so much time over here, experiencing the culture, before he would find someone in charge. He tried to approach a few people during the tree dance thing, but most had just shushed him and continued dancing. Helpless, he remained with the two children. Only when everyone departed, and it was only the 3 of them before the wiggling tree, did the girl again turn to him, with such poise and grace that Razor was slightly shocked. Her eyes burned brightly, lit by the flaming leaves above her. Perhaps these people appeared younger than they actually were.

“Thank you for your patience. What is it you came here for? If it’s within my power, I will give it to you.”

Razor almost blushed. Was his impatience so obvious…? It was slightly disturbing that this little girl saw right through him. “I… simply wish to talk to the elders of this village. To discuss our future relationship. If possible, I was supposed to bring a group back to our village, for a show of goodwill.”

The girl considered this for a moment, then nodded seriously. “I believe I can help. But it must wait until tomorrow.”

“Uh? Oh.” Razor asked, somewhat disappointed.

“It’s bedtime soon,” The boy added. Then he stuck his hand out to Razor. “I’m Nathan. This is Kiersty. We really want to help you Mr. Bunny Rabbit, but our mom will be angry if we aren’t in bed soon.”

“Oh that’s… Okay. I’ll just-”

“You are probably tired too, right?” The girl, Kiersty, said brightly, her eyes glittering. “Why not come and stay with us?”

Razor wasn’t sure how he wanted to answer, either that he had already napped away most of the day, or that wasn’t it strange to sleep with strange children, but he was given no chance. The two grabbed his arms and began dragging him forward.

Before 15 minutes had passed, he had been whisked into a house, into a dark room, and wrapped in a large blanket, sleeping on the floor between Nathan and Kiersty’s beds. Honestly, it was surprisingly warm and comfortable. Razor wasn’t sure where these creatures found the material for their blankets, but he fervently made a mental note to figure it out.

Then, after he was starting to doze, in spite of his already sleep filled day, the door opened slightly.

“Nathan, Kiersty? Both here?”

“Yes Mom.” They chorused, and the door started to close, but then Kiersty spoke again.

“Mom, is it okay for Mr. Bunny Rabbit to sleep over? He’s from another world and has no place to stay.”

The door paused. “Mr. Bunny Rabbit eh? Won’t his mother worry?”

“I think he was sent here on purpose.” Kiersty said.

“He’s an ambassador.” Nathan added.

“Oh? Indeed.” The woman outside the door now spoke with a very amused tone. “Well then make sure he gets his sleep too. Goodnight, Mr. Bunny Rabbit.”

Razor opened his mouth to answer, but felt a hand clamp over it. He turned to find Kiersty giving him a disapproving frown. The door closed all the way, and the sound of departing footsteps were audible. Only after they had traveled a fair distance away did Kiersty speak.

“She doesn’t know you are actually here. She thinks you are imaginary. Why were you going to speak up? Don’t you have mommies where you come from?”

Razor Fleetfoot could only shrug, feeling embarrassed under Kiersty’s withering stare.

What sort of place was this village…?