It Started with Slime - Part 1

Chapter 112 - Discussions

"I am not sure, something I just thought about, I suppose. I don't know where I thought it. Might have been a noise from the forest or something, and I like the sound of it. I think it made it into my dreams." Aarav said, chuckling nervously.

"You have dreams? Have you had any recently? Sometimes they can have meaning, and oftentimes they do." Marasa quickly latched onto the last thing Aarav had said. "Re-Aarav, you need to tell me."

"I don't remember very well, there were some shadows and mist and people talking, and I don't know what they were saying. Honestly, I don't think it means anything, Marasa." Aarav got a bit flustered at the Healer's sudden intensity. "Marasa, I am sure it is nothing. I promise if I have any meaningful dreams, I will let you know.

"The shadow? Lurker?" Marasa turned to give Haemish a meaningful look.

"Marasa, I am sure it is fine. We have not heard the hide or hair of that creature for decades. He was always just out of sight, and no one caught proper sight of him even when it was clear there was something foul afoot." Haemish soothed the concerned woman, placing a hand on her shoulder before realising what he had done and quickly taking it away. The exchange made Aarav smile.

"The Lurker? What is that?" Aarav asked, not put off in the least.

"No, no, no, no. We will not be talking about such depressing things now. You want to learn about it? You will learn it soon enough. But you have had quite the emotional day, and it comes to bedtime. Now that you have eaten and spent most of the day in this room, it is time to get out. You have been here for over a day and explored the lab, your room and this room. Come on, time to get out of here and move around a little. You still need to learn to use those new limbs of yours." Haemish quickly interjected.

"You're right, of course, Haemish. I do need to get out, but I have received some interesting responses from people about my Slime nature. A couple of people screaming at me and trying to bash me with a broom and such." Aarav recalled the journey back from the King's Soul Oath ceremony. If you can, call it a ceremony. It was painful, annoying, and completely unwarranted, but Aarav was no stranger to indiscriminate violence. He had started life in a forest, after all. But he had not come close to dying, and that was a win in his book.

"I will accompany you for the time being until people become accustomed to having a monster in their midst. Unless you wish to take on a more humanoid form? It would help people acclimate to your presence. You have to bear in mind that the people here are not close-minded. They are generally the most accepting of the people you will find in Darf. Brewyn, as a whole, is quite accommodating to those that are not human. After all, we have many that come into the city for the academy. All are accepted, and one year is free for all. What they cannot get used to is your appearance as a monster. Some will attack you without waiting to hear you speak simply because that is the training we undergo as functioning members of society. The citizenry is responsible for keeping the monsters and creatures in check. Else they cause harm to the population." Haemish explained.

"That's okay, Haemish, I under-" Haemish held up a hand to forestall him before continuing.

"As soon as they hear you speak, they will hesitate, and that will be enough time to speak to them candidly, convincing them of your sentience," Haemish said. "Once you can get your torso up and running with the head on top, that will change."

"As I said, Haemish, I understand. I would like to get to a stage where I can hold a humanoid form at the very least. It will make things easier, I think." Aarav agreed, and the three nodded to one another.

"Right, let's get out of here for a short while. We have been in the lab for most of the last two days. Marasa, care to join?" Haemish held his arm out for her to take, and she eyed it like she was tempted but then sighed.

"Sorry, Haemish, R-Aarav, I really do have to get going. I have already spent more time with you than I intended. Still, it has been quite a stimulating afternoon. I have a few things that I need to complete at the clinic before I go home." Marasa begged off and promptly left the room before the other two could convince her otherwise. "I would like to have another discussion with you both again in the future!" they heard her say from around the corner.

"Right, well, off we go then!" Haemish said, and they both walked out of the lab, Haemish supporting Aarav effortlessly.

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