Chapter 5

Paetir was an old man, the oldest in the village. The oldest in the entire region, in all actuality. People would travel miles upon miles to meet with him and hear his stories, though he never asked for anything in return. The people of the village offered on multiple occasions to build him a newer, better house, but he refused each time. He did not want any sort of special treatment for simply being alive. 

Despite his age, his health was magnificent. He walked without the use of a cane, his expressions and mannerisms were exuberant and youthful, and he had long, black braided hair. It started out as a crown, with both sides of his bangs being braided around to the back. This joined with other pieces of hair and smaller braids until it broke off into three separate ones.

'That's the Trifecta. It's given to anyone who is able to talk to the Venae.'

"The Venae?" Maddy said aloud, trying to keep her voice down as Paetir bustled in his kitchen to make her some tea. 

'The council of beings we worship. Each generation, every being appoints one person to represent them and attend the Miirin as the Warmth begins.'

"What was that?" Paetir called from the next room, leaving Maddy standing as straight as possible.

"What was  what?" She called back, heart racing. Could he, possibly, have heard Madian too?

'No. You spoke." Madian's thoughts register at the same time as Paetir called back, "I thought you said something."

"Oh." It was impossible to hide the disappointment in her voice. "I was just talking to myself."

He returned with cups of tea. They weren't anything that Maddy was used to; they seemed to be made of wood. Carefully taking the one he held out for her, she inspected the mug for any signs of the liquid leaking out. She could find none.

Paetir watched her for a long moment, before he tilted his head to the side and nodded. "Hello Maddison."

Maddy jolted in her seat. "W-who's Maddison. My name is Madian."

'You're a terrible liar. It's a wonder you even made it this far.'