Chapter 77: A Cozy Chat With Tamina

POV Tamina

“You are a cat person, right?” <Eliza>

The unknown girl even knew what kind of beastfolk I belonged to. I thought only members of the Church of Lumos and the military knew that among humans. But she didn't give the impression that she belonged to either group.

“Yes, my name is Tamina, but how do you know that?” <Tamina>

“I grew up in one of the hidden camps outside the cities. We also have beastfolk living with us. My mother is a dog people.” <Eliza>

“You're part beastfolk? You don't look it.” <Tamina>

“Sorry, but that's all I want to say. I'm sure you'll understand. The main reason I confided so much of myself to you was to gain your trust. My name is Eliza, by the way.” <Eliza>

“You're pretty honest.” <Tamina>

“I have to be, otherwise you won't believe me. But I can imply as much, I've taken precautions to be safe myself anyway.” <Eliza>

I stood up and approached the fire. She looked like any other person. My appraisal skill also told me she was human. She didn't have any skills to disguise herself either. She was a scout and 16, which also explained why the shelter here in the forest looked professional.

“Do I have something on my face? Oh right, you're checking to see if I'm really human. You won't find any signs of a beastfolk on me. My mother is not my biological mother, so you won't find anything.” <Eliza>

“Sorry, I didn't mean to be so nosy. Rather, I must be grateful to you for saving me. Thank you.” <Tamina>

“You're welcome. I didn't know you were a cat girl until after I rescued you. But I'm even happier that I was able to reach you in the river.” <Eliza>

“I must have been lucky, thank the goddess.” <Tamina>

“Goddess?” <Eliza>

“Oh damn, what did I say? Sigh, I guess I'm finished after all.” <Tamina>

“What makes you think that?” <Eliza>

“Don't you believe in Lumos?” <Tamina>

“No, why would I? I'll become an atheist first.” <Eliza>

“At... what?” <Tamina>

“Forget it. Lumos is the last god I would believe in.” <Eliza>

“I can understand that. As a Beastfolk, I never believe in Lumos either.” <Tamina>

“Which goddess do you believe in?” <Eliza>

“I don't know if I should tell you this, but I don't think you'll interpret it negatively for me. I don't think you'll know her, though. I believe in Luna.” <Tamina>

“Luna? Really, the moon goddess?” <Eliza>

“What, you know Luna?” <Tamina>

I was completely flabbergasted and speechless. My lifesaver knew Luna and even believed in her? How could that be? I had never heard of anyone beside us who knew Luna. I stared at her with open eyes.

“When you stare at me like that, it's embarrassing. At least say something.” <Eliza>

“Uh, what? Oh yeah, say something. Eh, how do you know Luna?” <Tamina>

“That's a longer story, but it's not important right now. The question is, what are we going to do with you now?” <Eliza>

“Oh yes, that's right. Where are we? I have to get back to the city.” <Tamina>

“That could be difficult. The guards have tightened their controls because of something and hardly let anyone in or out. That's why I didn't get into the city.” <Eliza>

“Sorry, that's probably my fault.” <Tamina>

“No problem, I didn't have anything important planned anyway. And if I had come to town, I wouldn't have been able to save you. You'd better be glad you did.” <Eliza>

“When you put it like that, of course I'm glad. Otherwise I would have drowned. Nonetheless I still have to get back to the city.” <Tamina>

“I can take you near the city that night, if that will help you.” <Eliza>

“Yes, that will help me. I can give myself access to the city in other ways.” <Tamina>

“Will you take me with you then?” <Eliza>

“Why? I thought you didn't want to go back to the city?” <Tamina>

“I've run out of groceries. These are the last of mine. I'd manage somehow, but it would be easier if I could shop. I still have a few things I want to sell.” <Eliza>

I looked at the two bags she had with her. She must have had a lot with her. Was she a trader? But then where was her horse? In any case, I owed her my life, so I could take her into town with me. I was sure that she wouldn't tell the authorities the secret of how to get into the city undetected. But I couldn't quite put my finger on why that was.

“I can take you with me, but you have to promise not to tell anyone else the secret.” Tamina

“I won't tell anyone. I have no reason to betray your trust.” Eliza

The directness and honesty surprised me. I knew I couldn't do that and I noticed my cheeks turning red with embarrassment. Eliza had already managed to catch me on the wrong foot several times.

“Thank you. If we're not too far away, I'd really like to set foot in the city tonight.” Tamina

“All right, but eat first. You'll need the rest of the day to recover. Still, I suspect your leg will be bothering you for a while afterwards.” Eliza

“No problem at all. We don't have to climb walls to get there. Wait, we're on the west bank of the river, aren't we?” Tamina

“Yes, why?” Eliza

“Then we still have to cross the river. But there are always small boats on this side that we can use. I also know someone we can ask.” Tamina

“So, enough planning. Here, enjoy your meal.” Eliza

I was given a wooden bowl of steaming soup and a roast bird. It smelled good and I noticed my stomach growling again. The blush on my cheeks deepened.