Hair and Fur It took them two hours through the dense forest, cutting through the marsh more than often, to finally reach the small village that Juuban Town was. In truth, they got lost, you see... Sense of direction wasn’t one of Donkey Pelt strong points. ‘Does she have any?’ A little voice in Michiru’s head perfidly asked. She guiltily battered down the voice. It wasn’t like her to be that cynical. After all, the girl didn’t deserve it. Yes, she was a bit... Err, incredibly clumsy and, hum, rather oblivious, but she had sincerely tried her best. Not that it was really helpful, but she had also been genuinely interested in Michiru’s life. She had even asked her to play the violin, a request that the young ogress was more than happy to grant. It was the first time that someone really wanted to listen to her, after all, she couldn’t let the chance pass. Even if she played for only one person, in the middle of the woods, covered in mud and unidentified plants. And the girl had actually shed a tear upon hearing the sad piece Michiru had chosen. The ogress didn’t know why, but she felt flattered. She couldn’t recall the last time anyone had taken interest in her. She couldn’t recall the last time someone had tried so hard to befriend her. That girl, Michiru decided, hid a diamond under this pelt. The ogress wondered why she always wore this horrendous thing. Curiosity stung her. What did Donkey Pelt really look like? What was her real name? What was her story? Michiru had tried to get answers to these questions, but Donkey Pelt had cleverly diverted her by asking again about Setsuna’s last words. Setsuna’s words. The main thing that had preoccupied her thoughts since she had taken on this quest. ‘My heart’s desire?’ Well she wanted a lot of things. The most urgent one at the moment being a bath... “AAHHH!!! MONSTERS! MONSTERS ARE ATTACKING THE VILLAGE!!!” The high-pitched scream wrenched her out of her thoughts. She and Donkey Pelt frantically looked around them, trying locating the new threat. That’s when she saw the mob of villagers with sharp scythes and nasty pitchforks heading towards her and the servant that she understood who the monsters were. She back-pedalled hurriedly, dragging Donkey Pelt with her. “NO!!! We aren’t monsters!!! We are on a quest for Prince Endymion!!!” With her free hand, she reached in the cleavage of what was left of her dress and produced the cardinal’s envelope. It was dripping pitifully. Nevertheless, she threw it at the mob. The mob backed away in perfect synchronisation, staring at the wet envelope lying in the grass as if it was going to blow up. One of the peasants even poked it with his pitchfork to verify it wasn’t alive... They whispered among themselves, occasionally glancing nervously at the two women. Finally, they seemed to come to a consensus. “We haffta get Thinker!” She could hear them say. “Yeah, Thinker can read ‘nd all... And it ain’t like she’ll be a loss for da village if they eat her...” “Yeah, we dun need a useless doctor! We’re all healthy as horses.” “And her fees’re too high!” “But she ain’t asked to be paid...” “That’s what I said! That ain’t normal!!!” “Yeah!!!” “Yeah!” “Yeah!” “Yeahh!!!” They finally claimed in unison. A peasant was quickly selected to go fetch the person called Thinker. He came back two minutes later, a rather petite, well dwarfish was more accurate, woman, tagging along, a curious look painted on her gentle face. She had deep intelligent blue eyes and short dark blue hair. She wore a plain white dress with plenty of pockets, writing feathers stuck in them, and carried a black handbag. She looked at the ogress and her companion with an amused glint dancing in her eyes. She neared the envelope, kneeled and carefully picked it up as the mob backed further away, not so far as they’d miss the show, though. She opened her bag, took a small, very sharp-looking knife and opened it without breaking the seal. She opened the letter, read it silently and carefully folded it back. Then she turned to the expectant villagers. “They are not lying. They have really been sent on a quest by the Prince himself.” She said quietly. “But what if these monsters had killed the real hero and taken the letter?” A peasant asked dubiously. Thinker smiled confidently. “That was a very intelligent question and I am glad that you pointed it out.” She saw him literally inflate with pride. “However, as you can see, this envelope has been sealed with the Cardinal’s personal holy seal, which means that it has been blessed by the church and God Himself. Thus, no SINNER, much less monster, would be able to touch it without being immediately burned to ashes and their soul sent to hell to suffer an eternity of torments.” She handed the letter to them. “Does anyone want to have a look?” It was amazing to see how perfectly healthy people could suddenly look so ill. “NO!!! Err... No, we trust you completely, Thinker. Now, err... Oh! The sun’s setting already! So late! Gotta go, by!!!” and they dispersed hurriedly. ----------------------------------------------------- In a dark little street, not far from the trio, a blue-eyed shadow was cursing their luck. Plan A was in the drains. It was time for plan B, then... ----------------------------------------------------- Left alone, Thinker turned to the two newcomers and walked to them. She extended her hand. “Good evening, travellers. My name is Ami, the town’s doctor, but everybody here calls me Thinker.” She looked them over as each one alternatively took her hand and shook it. “And I believe you are looking for an accommodation for the night?” Donkey Pelt bounced enthusiastically. “Oh wow! You’re so clever! How did you guess?” Michiru and Ami sweat dropped. “Err... Indeed. She’s called Donkey Pelt and my name’s Michiru. Thank you for helping us out!” Ami smiled in return, a slight blush colouring her cheeks. Yep, Michiru really liked the blue-haired doctor, she decided. “We heard about a famous inn in this town and thought we would spend the night. It’s called the ‘Snow White Inn’, I believe...” At this, a smile like no other blossomed on the young dwarf’s face. “Oh! Mako’s tavern! Of course, it’s the best in the whole kingdom. I was going there myself, I’ll show you the way...” The blush on her pretty face considerably deepened at mentioning the inn’s owner name. Michiru had to smile to herself. Of course a pretty little thing like her would be taken... It was a short walk, really. And Michiru wasn’t disappointed. It was huge, considering the size of the village, there was large stables in the backyard. Indoor, it was brightly lighted, and spotless! The ground floor was obviously a bar-restaurant, already packed with patrons of all origins, waiting for the evening meal, which was absolutely delicious, if the smell coming from the kitchen behind the bar was any indication. Michiru noticed a stage in the far end of the room, but nobody was currently performing. A staircase on her right led to the bedrooms, upstairs. The inn was probably a coach stop. Ami disappeared directly in the kitchen and came back minutes later, pulling on the hand of the tallest woman Michiru had ever met. She knew she wasn’t the tallest of ogresses by far, but still! This woman was really impressive! She blinked several times, her gaze jumping from the giant to the dwarf and back again. And for once, Donkey Pelt was speechless as well. Imagination was launched into stratosphere for both of them. “You better not make any tasteless joke!” The giant warned in thunderous tone. Michiru suddenly realised that she was staring. “Oh my! I apologize for my unforgivable behaviour. I didn’t intend to be so rude!” She nudged the still awe-struck Donkey Pelt, who snapped out of her private fantasy and followed the ogress’s example. Err, actually she literally jumped to the tall woman’s feet, mumbling incoherently about being deeply sorry, delicious smell, plush beds... Ami smiled reassuringly while helping the prostrated girl up. “Please, don’t be embarrassed, we get that look all the time...” “It is still not an excuse for my unacceptable behaviour, but I thank you for your understanding and forgiveness.” Michiru replied firmly, which earned her a smile from the Snow White’s owner. “Yeah, you can thank her, personally I’d have flattened you.” Her smile widened when the two women paled down, swallowing nervously. The petite doctor swatted her arm. “Ow! Okay, okay! I’ll be nice now.” She turned to her two new guests. “So, Ami tells me that you’ll be spending the night?”
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