The houses are wooden, the streets are made with stone, and I can see people wearing simple clothes, like those you see in other fantasy comics. There are guards, presumably, as they're riding horses and wearing leather armour, holding spears.

I can see children running around, chasing butterflies, adults talking and laughing, watching over their children, and elderly people walking around, occasionally chatting with the guards. It's a rather heartwarming scene.

"So this is Lafiel? It's rather peaceful." I say quietly as I look around and take in the view of the village and greenery all around.

I walk through the main street as I hear a charming melody. I turn toward the source of the music, and I see a small crowd. I walk closer, get to the village green, and lock eyes with a fairly young guy.

He has light hair, something between wheat blonde and platinum, and bright, crystal clear blue eyes that sparkle a bit, reflecting the sunlight.

'He's handsome...' I think as I stare at him and move slightly closer, making my way through the small crowd surrounding him.

Just then, I notice that he's playing a wooden lyre while singing. The passersby and onlookers throw some bronze coins into a small wooden box that's placed right next to the bard.

Once he's done, he thanks everyone and takes the box. And just when I'm about to walk away, he interrupts me and crosses his arms, looking rather wary and creeped out.

"Hey, lad! Who are you, and why do you have this... weird and eerie presence around you?" He asks me and gives me a look like I'm some sort of a madman.

"What do you mean? I'm Alaire, an ordinary guy." I answer and cock my head to the side slightly. "Hmm.. true. You indeed don't have much going on, but that doesn't answer my question."

'How rude.' I scowl subtly and look at him with my green eyes. I'm not too sure about this 'presence' he's talking about, but it's probably nothing. "Thanks. But that's all I can tell you." I reply, sounding a bit sarcastic, but stay firm with my answer.

This guy clearly has some high standards. I know that I'm not the most handsome dude in the world, but I'm not hideous either!

"Anyway. Who are you? I enjoyed your performance." I change the topic and wait for his answer. Seeing as he's blushing just from some praise, he must be a simple guy. Well, at least his looks make up for his lack of intellect.

"Oh, curious, are we? Well, since you liked my little show, I can share my name with you. I'm Merle, pleased to make your acquaintance, Alaire." He introduces himself, and I nod in response. Though I can't help but wonder what that weird tattoo around the corner of his mouth is...

"That's a magic marking. Everyone in Elarion has one! This one symbolises air magic." Hewie explains out of nowhere. Can this bird read my thoughts or something?! Although I have to admit that it adds to Merle's natural charm. Ugh, it must be nice being that handsome...

"How strange..." Merle suddenly mutters rather loudly, and I focus on him as I get confused. 'Seems like he can't speak quietly.'

"What is strange?" I ask him curiously, looking at him as my curiosity is piqued. "You don't have any markings. I knew you were weird!" He exclaims as my eyes widen slightly. Well, it actually makes sense for me not to have magic. I'm not from this world, after all.

"Don't mind that. It's not important right now." I say and sigh, dodging his question as I avert my gaze. I don't want to reveal that I'm not from Elarion. 

I look back at Merle just as a gentle breeze blows through the air, a refreshing sensation. I catch a small detail as I look at Merle.

"Hm? Are those elf ears?" I ask myself, although I forget to keep my voice quiet. He looks at me as he most likely overheard me. It doesn't surprise me anymore at this point... 

"What? No!" Merle nearly shouts, and I flinch at his sudden outburst. I blink as I stare at him with a dumbfounded expression. 'Ah. Did I mess up? I probably exposed his secret.' I kinda feel bad for this. Damn me.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. I saw a glimpse of your ears, that's why I asked." I explain as I scratch the nape of my neck rather awkwardly.

"Tsk, damn it. I don't like revealing this to lousy strangers like you, but you already saw it, and I'm forbidden to kill." He says with a tone that suggests he's rather upset. I'm really grateful to whoever forbade him to kill...

"I'm a half elf, but keep it a secret. Or else I'll seriously bury you somewhere." He says with a frown and looks at me with a cold and hard glare. I guess he's not as simple as I thought...

"Got it. I'm not one to spill a precious secret. Believe it." I say and promise him. After all, I have a bigger secret than him to keep hidden.

A secret that nobody can know...

"Alright... But I'm going to keep an eye on you." He says and narrows his eyes a bit. Well, at least he won't kill me. "Understood." I say and nod, keeping it straightforward and simple. And then, I realise that I have a big problem...

Money! I don't know what currency they use here or how to make it! If I'm going to be stuck here, I need money. Cash is survival, after all. Who wouldn't want to be rich?

"Rousk is what they use here. It's divided into three types. Bronze, silver, and gold. 1 silver is equal to 20 bronze, and 10 silver equals 1 gold." Hewie explains to me, and I feel a chill run down my spine.

Seriously, how does this bird know what I'm thinking?! Can it even be called a bird...? However, I'm grateful for that explanation. But I still need to know how to acquire it.

"Uh... Merle? Do you know how I can earn some coins?" I ask as I look up at him and patiently wait for his answer.

He gives me a confused look but answers me nonetheless. I must look stupid... "You can take some commissions in a local guild, or you can work somewhere. I can tell you how I make money. But I want something in return."