Staying Covered and Close

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A/N: As usual, I would recommend putting the video on loop.


Stepping out of the pool of water, she seated herself on the ground, dried off her feet, rolled up her pants and put her socks and shoes back on. Once finished, she stood back up only to have Tarhuinn pull her close to him. His left hand intertwined with her right, and he kept a strong grip on her. Thankfully, it wasn't enough to hurt her.


Walking into the market, she glanced around at the various goods being traded, but she couldn't make eye contact with any of the traders. It was frustrating to say the least that she always had to keep her head downturned. Eventually, the two of them stopped, and she glanced over the various dried foods up for trade. Tarhuinn pulled out some of their items and began to collect what they would need for travel if they did have to journey far.


"I never thought that you would bring your partner out here, Tarhuinn. You're usually the more protective out of any of us," spoke the man trading the dried foods.


"We decided to do some traveling before settling down in the house. I'm still keeping her close, but we were curious about some individuals. I haven't heard of their last names before, and I was wondering if you would know something, Carratus."


"I would ask if you drank too much last night, but you don't purchase alcohol. Regardless, maybe, I know something. Who are you looking for?"


"Their last names are Tergii, Amtoma, Bimaa, Rocean and Alpontus."


"I've heard of them but probably from the same location as you. They're the authors of those five books. That's all I have on them, but why would you be searching them out?"


"My wife has some questions for them. She's very persistent on knowing more about our culture. So, I thought that I would indulge her. I know that it's strange to ask, but I couldn't deny her such a request. She made a very convincing argument."


"She must have," Carratus muttered, glancing to her. She kept her gaze down and acted like she was incredibly shy. "Hmm, well, I know of someone that might know a little bit more about them or at least some of them. I wish that my wife was as interested in our history. She read the books, but she stated that she never wanted to read them again. Regardless, you'll want to talk to Delnella. She should be here today."


"She's one of the metal workers correct?" He received a nod from Carratus. "Alright, thank you. I wish your wife, son and you well." After receiving a word of thanks from the dried foods trader, they headed off in the direction of this Delnella.


Speaking softly, (f/n) asked, "Tarhuinn, how old is his son?"


"He'll be a year old in two weeks."


"Then, we still have plenty of time to help them."


"First, we're extending your life. You're my priority. The others will come afterwards. I would like to save everyone, but that might not be realistic. So, I'm making no promises to anyone except to you. If this exists, I promise to extend your life first. And, you've already made it clear that you wish to live longer. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here. I'm not letting you die so easily now."


A small smile touched her lips, but she did wonder if this possible solution would help out more couples than just them. Still, he was right. She did wish to live longer, and that was her goal, but it would be nice to give that opportunity to others if they could.


The two of them stopped in front of a female kelremm, who was on the outskirts of the small market and sitting in a pool of water. Her ink black hair went down to her jaw and had some natural curls to it while her eyes were somehow a darker blue than Tarhuinn's. They were like a night sky on a moonless evening. A simple black cloth shirt and pants covered her form while a blue apron decorated her form as well. On a blanket in front of her were kitchen utensils, weapons and jewelry.


Tarhuinn pulled her a bit behind him so that the female kelremm couldn't see her face. "Delnella, correct?"


"Yes, what can I help you with?" she questioned, glancing slightly over to (f/n)'s partially hidden form.


"I've heard that you may know something about the five authors Tergii, Amtoma, Bimaa, Rocean and Alpontus."


"Besides them being authors, I know a few things, but only about Tergii and Bimaa. The other three names have never popped up around my ears. Still, I would like to know why you wish to learn of them. Or, is it that your partner is the curious one?"


Tightening his grip on (f/n), he responded, "My wife wishes to learn more about our culture. I thought that it was a reasonable request after she made a sound argument. Will you tell us what you know about them? My wife would ask, but she's exceptionally shy."


"If she's the one who wishes to understand, she should be the one to ask me for the information that she requires. If she's looking for Tergii and Bimaa, she'll need to improve her confidence. If you would like the information that I have, bring her forward." Tarhuinn tensed, and a scowl rested on his countenance. "Perhaps, she really isn't shy, but you're worried that I would harm her. I have no intention of doing so. Nor, do I plan to give out the details that you two asked me about these authors. I'll swear on my life if that makes you more comfortable in letting her speak to me."


"They're dangerous people, then?" he asked, hiding (f/n) more behind him.


"They're ones who aren't known well, but that is all I'll say until you bring her forward."


Resting her free hand on his left arm and squeezing his left hand, she tried to signal that it would be alright. His glare met her gaze, but she forced herself to continue to stare at him. She wanted answers, and she wouldn't let his over-protectiveness get in the way. If she had to listen to a lecture later, that would be fine, but this kelremm might be their only lead on the authors. Risk was going to play a part in their journey at some point, and it decided to reveal itself early. "Let me speak to her, please," she whispered.


Reluctance was written all over his expression as well as concern and slight anger. With a heavy sigh, he brought her forward and pulled his hand away from hers. "Speak as softly as you can (f/n)."


Positioning herself on her knees, she made herself comfortable in front of Delnella. A smile overtook the kelremm's face. "I congratulate you on getting him to cooperate. Then again, I imagine that you're the only one who can sway him like that. Now, why do you wish to know about them?"


Slightly embarrassed, she murmured, "I wish to understand their wording in their books."


"I suspect that there is more to it than that, but I won't press you. That information is your business with them. As for what I have on Tergii and Bimaa, I've heard that they live past all three complexes and that they're intimidating to even gaze upon. They only make their presence known if they require something from someone, and that something is usually information on the kelremm population. The two also only ask for this information from those who have partners close to dying."


"How did you learn of this?" (f/n) inquired as her theory about these five only grew darker.


"As one who works in the metal trade, I go in search sometimes for rare metals or jewels to decorate my more delicate metalwork. On these travels, I come across interesting information."


"And, you stated that you've only heard this information, but did you hear it directly from these two. Were you there when they asked for this information?"


"I'll only say that I've heard of this. You understand, though, that their behavior is suspicious and that they could be quite dangerous if approached."


"Yes, but do you happen to know anything more on their location, or how we get beyond the three complexes?"


"Your partner should be able to guide you to the outskirts of our homes. All kelremm are taught the way."


"Thank you for your help. Is there anything that we can do to repay you?"


"No, I'm close to dying, but you should be careful. You still have at least a few years ahead of you. I would recommend you to spend them wisely, but you seem to consider this the smart course of action."


"I do," she uttered before getting to her feet. "Thank you again." She received a nod from the female kelremm before she turned to Tarhuinn. Swiftly, he took up her right hand again and walked off with her. To her displeasure, they were heading towards the poorly lit pool of water.

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