Alex was called next. As they disappeared behind the door with Brela, I sat with Ana and Sam in the waiting area. Sam shifted in their seat beside me, tapping their fingers against their knee in a rhythm I couldn’t quite follow. They seemed calm on the outside, but I could tell they were anxious. I gave them a small smile, trying to reassure them.

  Ana was seated on the floor at my feet, her sketch pad balanced on her lap. Her new colored pencils were spread out in a neat semicircle around her, sorted meticulously by color. She was focused, her tongue peeking out from the corner of her mouth as she worked. I leaned forward, curious about what she was drawing.

  It was Val. The tall, enigmatic figure who had greeted us outside the building. Ana’s drawing captured their stance perfectly—their arms loosely crossed, their expression inscrutable. It wasn’t just about her ability to recreate what she saw; it was a reflection of how she absorbed and processed the world around her. Ana’s keen eye for detail and her unique ability to focus on the essence of her subjects made her drawings feel alive, as though she saw layers of meaning others might miss. Her art seemed to be her way of connecting to the world and expressing emotions she couldn’t always put into signs. Even the faint lines of their tunic and the slight tilt of their head were rendered with surprising accuracy. I blinked in astonishment.

  "That’s amazing, Ana," I whispered. Ana looked up at me briefly, and I signed, "You remembered so many details." Her face lit up with a shy smile, and then she returned to her drawing. She added a few final touches, darkening the shadows on Val’s face. Watching her, I felt a pang of guilt. Was I doing enough to nurture her talents? Should I be pushing her towards something more structured, or was it better to let her explore at her own pace? I would need to ask about that during her counselor appointment. Assuming I will be able to go in with her. I hope so.

  While I waited, I thumbed through the skill book Brela had given me, thinking about the changes I’d noticed. I wanted to review all the skills that had shifted or unlocked but decided to save that task for tonight, once I had some quiet time and my new journal in hand. The book was dense but fascinating, detailing skill trees and their potential branching paths. I found myself lingering over the sections on herbalism and cooking, imagining the possibilities for future quests and how they could intertwine with Ana’s growing interests.

  Alex reappeared after about a quarter hour, their face looking noticeably lighter, as though some unseen weight had been lifted. Perhaps it was the relief of being able to speak freely with their counselor or gaining clarity about something that had been troubling them. Whatever it was, their steps seemed surer, and their expression carried a subtle ease that hadn’t been there before.

  Sam gave me a quick grin and a thumbs-up before heading off with Brela.

  After giving us a wave and a smile, Alex leaned casually against the receptionist's desk, starting a quiet conversation. Their relaxed demeanor contrasted sharply with the nervous tapping of Sam’s fingers earlier. When the receptionist giggled at something Alex said, I couldn’t help but smile. It was a side of Alex I hadn’t seen much before—charming and at ease. Watching them, I began to wonder how their relationship with Sam might evolve now that Alex seemed more at peace with themselves. Sam’s reserved nature often balanced Alex’s boldness, but now that Alex seemed lighter, almost carefree, I couldn’t help but think the dynamics might shift. Would Alex’s newfound ease encourage Sam to open up more, or would it create distance as they adjusted to the change in each other? The way Sam’s eyes followed Alex when they weren’t looking made me think there was still so much unspoken between them. When their relationship started due to a mutual illness and now that illness is gone they need to find each other again.

  Ana seemed unfazed as she had already started a new drawing, this time of the receptionist’s desk and the plants arranged behind it. She had also included Alex, capturing the way they leaned casually against the desk while chatting with the receptionist. Her ability to recreate details amazed me, especially how she managed to infuse the scene with subtle nuances, like Alex’s easy posture and the receptionist’s amused expression. It was as if her art gave life to the interactions unfolding around her.

  As I watched her, my thoughts wandered back to Val. Something about them had stuck with me—their demeanor, the way they had looked at me as though they saw more than I had intended to reveal. And now, seeing Ana’s drawing brought that feeling back tenfold. Maybe I should talk to them. Maybe they could offer insight, or at the very least, help me navigate this new world without accidentally offending anyone.

  But the thought of approaching them made my stomach churn. Social interactions outside my small group were already a challenge. Seeking someone out—someone I barely knew—felt almost insurmountable. Still, I couldn’t shake the idea that it might be the right thing to do.

  I looked down at Ana, who was now quietly absorbed in her drawing. Her happiness was simple, pure, and unburdened. For her, I needed to step out of my comfort zone. If Val could provide guidance that would help me better navigate this world, then I had to try. I took a glance at my connections to find Val’s name there and they/them next to it so I was prepared.

  Taking a deep breath, I signed to Ana, "Stay here, sweetheart. I’m going to step outside for a moment."

  Ana nodded without looking up, fully engrossed in her art. I stood, hesitating for just a moment before heading towards the door. At the door I glanced at Alex and got a thumbs up so I continued. The cooler air hit me as I stepped outside, and there was Val, standing exactly where we had left them, their posture as relaxed as before. They turned their head slightly as I approached, their sharp eyes locking onto mine.

  "Back so soon?" they asked, their tone even but lacking warmth. Their accent, with its soft drawl, was as noticeable as before, yet their expression remained unreadable.

  I swallowed hard, forcing myself to meet their gaze. "I… I just wanted to thank you for helping us earlier. And, um, I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions."

  Val’s expression shifted slightly, their eyes narrowing as if weighing my words. "Of course. What’s on your mind?" Their voice was steady but distant, and I felt a flicker of hesitation.

  I hesitated, glancing down at my hands. "I’m still figuring things out here. I’m worried I might say or do the wrong thing without realizing it. You seemed… like maybe I said something wrong earlier."

  Val’s mouth twitched, though it didn’t quite form a smile, their tone measured. "I should be upfront—I’m not the most expressive person. It’s not personal. People have told me I come across as harsh or emotionless, but it’s just how I… am."

  I blinked, taken aback. "Oh. I… I didn’t mean to imply… I was just worried I might have done something wrong."

  Val’s voice remained steady. "You haven’t done anything wrong. It’s why I came to this world in the first place. Where I’m from, people assumed the worst about me. They said I was a psychopath, but it turned out to be alexithymia, a condition where a person has difficulty identifying and expressing their own emotions. I figured that out here after some research. For example, I remember being accused of not caring when a close friend lost a loved one. I felt the sadness deeply, but I couldn’t articulate it or show it in a way they could understand. It created distance, misunderstandings, and assumptions about who I was. It’s not that I didn’t care—I just didn’t know how to show it. It’s not that I don’t feel emotions—I do—but I’ve always struggled to articulate them or understand them fully. I feel though I am pretty good at seeing emotions in others. I’m working on my expressions but it’s almost harder than learning a language."

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  I nodded slowly, the tension in my chest easing a bit. "Thank you for explaining. That must be difficult." I looked down, blushing slightly before peeking up at them again with a small smile. "You don’t have to change for others, just for yourself. You’re perfect the way you are."

  Val’s expression softened, not exactly showing emotion but seeming less harsh, less bland. They inclined their head slightly, their eyes meeting mine briefly. "It’s not easy, but this world gives me space to be myself. I’m still figuring it out too."

  I hesitated for a moment and then asked, "You looked at me funny when I said ‘minutes’ earlier. I know we don’t use minutes in this world, so I thought I made a misstep."

  Val’s eyebrows lifted slightly, a flicker of recognition crossing their face. "Oh, that. I’m from Earth too. I’ve been here for 15 years since I was 12. It took me almost a year to stop saying things like ‘minutes’ and ‘miles.’ The look I gave you wasn’t what I intended; it was recognition, not judgment. Sometimes my expressions don’t translate well."

  I took a moment to look at Val, noting the sharp definition of their jawline and the striking clarity of their deep-set eyes. Their broad shoulders and confident stance exuded a quiet strength, while the calm yet intense focus in their gaze made them seem both approachable and enigmatic. It wasn’t just their appearance but the way they carried themselves—steady, poised, and utterly compelling—that left a lasting impression. The way their tunic subtly outlined their frame hinted at strength, while the reserved poise in their movements suggested a quiet self-assurance. As I observed them, I couldn’t help but feel drawn to the subtle interplay of ruggedness and refinement in their demeanor.

  "Well I should get back in to my daughter, we are just waiting for our friend Sam to finish their appointment then I think we need to go find some lunch, is it lunch time?" I realized I was running on and blushed.

  Val looked down at their watch and said "Getting near enough, I hope I see you again sometime." They didn’t smile but there was something in the way they said that, which had me blushing even more. For someone who had trouble expressing emotions they sure know how to get me to express mine.

  I waved and walked back to the door and in, just as Sam was walking out. They had a concerned look on their face and Brela caught my attention. I walked over to Sam and Brela and Brela asked Sam for permission to speak to me about Sam. Sam agreed but looked down. Alex walked over too and Brela again glanced at Sam but Sam seemed more hesitant with Alex there.

  "Lets set up an appointment," she said instead as she walked over to the receptionist. We set up an appointment for later in the day with just Sam, Brela and myself. Alex looked confused, their brows knitting together as they glanced between Sam and me. I offered them what I hoped was a reassuring smile, though my own uncertainty gnawed at me. I had no idea what this was about, but perhaps Sam would feel comfortable enough to open up with Alex later. For now, I decided to focus on getting us all back on track.

  "Why don’t we head to the market and grab some lunch?" I suggested, hoping to lighten the mood. Sam gave me a small nod, still looking pensive, while Alex’s confusion turned into a hesitant grin, but their eyes still looked worried. Ana quickly packed up her things and was ready to roll.

  As we left the waiting area, Ana skipped alongside us. The walk to the market wasn’t far, and soon the air was filled with the inviting aromas of spiced meats, roasted vegetables, and freshly baked breads. Stalls lined the bustling street, each more colorful and enticing than the last. Vendors called out their wares, offering everything from skewers of sizzling meat to delicate pastries dusted with sugar.

  "Let’s split up and see what we feel like," I suggested, motioning toward the variety of options. Ana tugged at my sleeve, pointing toward a stall selling fruit tarts and savory pies. "Good choice," I signed to her with a smile. "Let’s check it out."

  Sam wandered off toward a stall grilling kabobs, the fragrant smoke curling into the air, while Alex seemed drawn to a vendor selling hearty bowls of stew and fresh bread. I kept an eye on Ana as she carefully chose four small fruit tarts, the vendor smiling warmly at her meticulous decision-making. I added four savory hand pies, the buttery crust looking like it would melt in my mouth. Alex returned with a loaf of fresh bread and a small container of herbed butter along with a steaming pot of stew filled with large chunks of carrots, potatoes and some kind of beef, while Sam came back with a variety of grilled kabobs wrapped neatly in parchment paper.

  Ana clung to her fruit tarts and beamed as we headed toward a nearby park. The scent of roasted spices and fresh bread lingered as we walked, and soon we found a quiet bench under the shade of a large oak tree. The park was serene, with a gentle breeze and the soft rustle of leaves creating a perfect setting for a picnic.

  "I’ll grab some drinks and supplies," Alex volunteered, pointing to a small booth nearby that also sold beverages. They returned moments later with a small stack of plates, napkins, and four bottles of cool, sparkling fruit juice. "This should make it easier," they said, placing everything neatly on the bench.

  We laid out the food carefully on the bench, Ana taking special care to arrange the tarts in a line while Sam unwrapped the kabobs and Alex sliced the bread. Alex placed the steaming pot of stew in the center, and the rich, savory aroma immediately filled the air. The herbed butter was smooth and fragrant, infused with hints of rosemary and thyme that gave it a fresh, earthy aroma. I couldn’t help but spread a little on a piece of bread to try it immediately. The butter melted into the warm crust, releasing a rich, savory flavor with just a touch of garlic that made each bite feel like a comforting embrace. The rich, savory flavor melted in my mouth, blending perfectly with the freshly baked loaf. The food just tastes better here.

  Alex ladled out portions of the stew into small bowls they had thoughtfully brought from the same stall, and I took a sip. The broth was hearty and flavorful, the chunks of beef tender and perfectly seasoned. The carrots and potatoes added just the right amount of sweetness and texture. "This is incredible," I said aloud, savoring each bite. I glanced in the direction of the stall already wanting to talk to them about what they put in it.

  "Definitely worth it," Alex agreed, dipping a piece of bread into their stew before taking a bite. Sam passed a kabob to Alex, who nodded in appreciation before taking a hearty bite. For a moment, the earlier tension seemed to dissipate completely. After finishing our meal, I reminded the group about the quests we needed to work on from orientation and the town hall. "Why don’t we plan our next steps while we relax here a bit longer?" I suggested.

  Alex nodded, brushing crumbs off their hands. "Good idea. I want to get started on my hunting quest soon, but we should figure out how to combine efforts since some of these are outside the gates."

  "Agreed," Sam added, stretching their legs out in front of them. "It’d be safer to tackle them together. Plus, it could be fun to see how everyone’s skills come into play."

  I glanced at Ana, who was still sketching. "I need to start gathering herbs for my training, but I think it could overlap with my foraging quest. Maybe we could map out a route that hits multiple objectives."

  Alex leaned forward, pulling out their interface. "Let’s start there. If we organize it well, we can maximize our time and even make it back for dinner at the inn."

  Sam retrieved their own interface and began scrolling through their quest list. "Let’s focus on the quests outside the city first since we have about five hours. We can split these between today and tomorrow. Ani, your herb-gathering quest aligns with some of the areas Alex might need to scout for their hunting quest. And I can work on my lost trinket quest along the same trail. Tomorrow, when we have less time, we can tackle things inside Gyrica—like checking the library for books and attending your training sessions."

  As we reviewed our tasks, the camaraderie of the moment deepened. The blend of planning and relaxing in the park made the daunting number of quests feel achievable. Ana occasionally interjected by pointing to spots she wanted to draw, her quiet enthusiasm adding a lightness to the discussion. It was clear that, despite the challenges ahead, we were ready to face them together.

  Ana took small bites of her tart, her eyes lighting up as she savored the sweet filling. The buttery crust crumbled delicately with each bite, while the tangy sweetness of the fruit balanced perfectly against the hint of cinnamon and sugar. Her delight was palpable, her small, contented sighs revealing just how much she was enjoying the treat. After finishing, she began sketching the park’s scenery—the oak tree above us, the gentle curve of the path, and a small bird perched on a nearby branch. "Do we want to get going or relax here a bit longer?" I asked the group. Sam shrugged but seemed more at ease, while Alex leaned back on the bench, clearly content. Ana signed that she wanted to stay a little longer and draw. "Alright," I said, smiling. "Let’s enjoy the moment."