As the two of them got comfortable opposite Elder Maize, she began to speak. “Were you able to teach her anything last night?”

Recognizing that her question was meant for Nori, Kora decided to remain silent. Nori quickly recapped the basic information that he told her about the monsters, but neglected to mention their conversation about marriage customs. Silently agreeing to keep it a secret, Kora decided to avoid mentioning it as well. 

“That is a good start, much of the finer details about each species will be learned later on. For now, it is important that we determine what your plan is moving forward. You are welcome in our village to do whatever you would like. However, before you answer, I would like to tell you what I have seen in my visions. Although I saw the past yesterday, I was able to get a small glimpse of the future.” Elder Maize pauses to grab a few books she had laid at her side. As she takes a breath, she continues, “I will give you these books to read, they will be useful to you, no matter what you decide. In the brief moment I was able to see the future, I saw the two of you fighting alongside each other against our enemies. The two of you were quite successful from what I could see.”

As she finished her last sentence, Nori visibly tensed. Waiting until she finished speaking, he said, “There is no way, she can’t fight any of them. She’s just a human.” Despite the fact that his words could be perceived as hurtful insults, the concern on his face was reassurance enough that he meant well. 

“She is stronger than you would ever know. In many ways, she is even stronger than you are.” Elder Maize says. “Strength is not only measured in your physical abilities.”

“Yes, but she’s just arrived, you can’t tell me you intend to have her fight in our wars.” Nori says in a pleading tone. 

Despite the fact that this level of concern would normally be strange coming from someone she met yesterday, his past is likely playing a significant role in his reaction. After all, to him this probably feels much like a replay of everything he’d lost before. Keeping this in mind, Kora didn’t hesitate to comfort him, reaching over and placing a hand over his. Looking at Elder Maize she says, “I would like to do my best to serve the village and do my part. However, I am able to admit that I am currently lacking. So, in the meantime I would like to learn as much as I can. You mentioned I have essence. Is there anyone who can teach me how to use it properly?”

“I thought that you would,” Elder Maize says in a soft tone. “I can teach you much of the basics, but your abilities surpass even those of my own. However, two of the books I have provided you should help with everything beyond the basics.”

Despite the fact that Nori had been quiet for the last few minutes, he decided to speak up. “Are you sure that you want to do this?” he asked as he looked over at Kora. 

“Yes, I’m sure. I intend to stay here so I also intend to contribute to the best of my ability.” Kora responded as a smile made its way onto her face. Despite the way he acted this morning, it was evident that he was at the very least concerned for her.

“Good, now that that’s been settled, I’ve heard that you were eager to find someone else to watch over her for you. Although seeing your concern for her, I’m surprised you’d consider entrusting her to someone else.” Elder Maize says with a chuckle as she looks directly at Nori.

Taking a deep breath, he lets go of her hand as he answers, “It is improper for her to stay with me, if she intends to marry any of the men in the village.”

“Holding hands is also seen as traditionally improper as well.” Elder Maize pointed out. “Besides, wouldn’t her opinion matter most? Most marriages here are arranged from a young age, but the two of you are adults. Despite the fact you are trying to hide it, you have shown more concern for her in the past 24 hours than I’ve seen you show for yourself in the last few years. You can deny your feelings all you want, but it won’t be helping either of you.” She says as she continues her lecture. 

Fiddling with his hands and with a vulnerable tone audible in his voice he says, “I don’t want her to suffer by marrying me though. I am not as social as everyone else and I can’t promise her that I’ll live a long life alongside her either. I can’t be there for her like a husband should be there for his wife.”

“Child, I will only tell you one more time. Her opinion should be the one to matter. Considering that she doesn’t look surprised at all, I imagine the two of you must have already had a similar conversation and I imagine you are so stuck on what you can’t do that you won’t see that you can be everything that she needs.” Elder Maize says in an admonishing tone as she looks at him. Glancing over at Kora, she gives her a look of pity before saying, “Good luck. I know he can be a stubborn one, but you’ve accomplished more in the span of a day than anyone’s managed for years. 

Feeling happy that she wasn’t simply imagining the progress that the two of them had made, she smiled at Elder Maize before replying, “Thanks, I’ll do my best.”

After Elder Maize’s words, Nori had become quiet and as the two of them looked at him, they could see him deep in thought as he looked down at the floor. 

Elder Maize interrupted his train of thought by asking, “Have you decided whether you’ll allow her to continue staying with you, or would you like me to assign someone else for her?”

“I- I’ll continue to guard her, if she’s okay with that.” he says after a few moments of hesitation. 

“Good that we’ve got that settled then,” Elder Maize responds. “I assume that you’re okay with the arrangement?” she says as she looks directly at Kora. 

“Yes, sounds good to me.” Kora replies with a smile. 

“As for anything you need, I will ensure that you have more clothes and shoes delivered.” Elder Maize says as she looks down at Kora’s bandaged feet. “I can see that your feet are bandaged but you still don’t have any shoes. I believe that Nori was tasked to make sure that you were provided shoes before our meeting, but I am glad that you look comfortable in our traditional clothing.” 

“I apologize, I completely forgot that we needed to stop for shoes this morning. I will ensure that we stop for everything that she needs before we head back home.”

“I expect that you will. If neither of you two have any questions, you are free to leave for today. As for you, Kora, I expect to see you tomorrow after lunch to begin your lessons.”

After the two of them politely said their goodbyes, they left Elder Maize’s tent and began to make their way through the village.