meteo

Birch, linden, fir, pine...

Rose, daisy, orchid, tulip...

Sunset, dusk, twilight, night...

Got all that down? Now let's try reading an entire passage.

Okay.

'The roses in the garden have bloomed, filling the garden with a sweet scent.'

'I look up at the sky, at the sunset in the distance.'

'It is a... a...'

What's the matter? Is something wrong?

I don't know this word, Miss Meteorite.

Let me see...

Ah, sorry, I must've forgotten to mark it yesterday.

Okay, repeat after me:

(Speaks in Sarkaz)

(Repeats after Meteorite)

Very good.

What does it mean?

It's a word that describes a very specific scene, one that is...

Keep moving! Why are you standing in the middle of the road?!

Shit, another damned beggar.

A beggar? Here?

Don't poke your head out. It might get his attention.

Dammit, he's coming this way.

So what? Just ignore him.

Sir? Ma'am? Anybody need someone to write a letter for them? I'm only asking for a few coins, or some food.

Hey, Salley, you need this beggar to write a letter for you?

Gimme a break, what's the point if I can't even read?!

Haha, even better! He can read for you, too. Two jobs for one beggar.

Get lost.

You hear that, bum? Scram. We've got no money and no need for any letters. Everyone I know who ain't dead is right here in this group.

Sir! Wait, sir!

Sir, please, even just a cup of water!

*Sigh*... Over here!

Do you need a letter written, young lady?

Not interested. But you can have this bread. This is a battlefield, and we don't need what you're selling.

(Stomach growls)

I'm not a beggar. I can't just take something for free.

Do you want to learn to read and write yourself? Those soldiers don't understand the value of words, and they're too old and stuck in their ways. But you're young. It'll be useful to you.

I don't have time for that. We have to keep moving.

I can come with your group, then. If you decide to study with me, I promise I won't leave until you've gotten the hang of it.

I see... Here, you can have your bread back.

Just keep it and eat up, quick. We still have a long way to go. You can teach me on the way.

Ah, alright.

Do you know how to write your name? I can teach you that first.

We don't have names, only codenames.

What's your codename then?

Blunt Wedge. One of the previous captains named me.

It's a nice name.

Yeah right. The captain told me it means 'useless arrow'.

Haha. There's a Sarkaz proverb: 'Beware rusty arrows.' Infection is no joke.

Heh... So what were you doing before the war started?

I was a teacher.

Two months later...

I wonder how long this war will go on.

(Wraps wounds)

How's your injury?

It's fine. I disinfected it and wrapped it with bandages. It should heal up soon.

That's good. What a beautiful day... The sunlight's so warm.

I've almost finished that book that you lent me. Got any others?

Only poems and essays.

Never mind then.

Hey, Blunt Wedge, you got that wound wrapped up?

Yeah, it's fine, I applied the dressings.

The what now? Whatever, come get your share.

2, 4, 6, 8, 10... 14 heads total. Not bad! Could've made more if we didn't let a few get away.

(Frowns)

Your share of the bounty, plus rations. Okay, later.

Wait, that's not enough.

What're you talking about?

I killed two snipers and an armored grenadier.

Those are 30 and 50 percent more than standard, per our agreement. So that's 12 gold coins short.

Since when did you learn crunch numbers like that?

(Hold out hand) 12 gold coins, or we could sort this out with the captain. And I might mention your little cache while we're at it.

What are getting at?

No need to play dumb. Your side gig is none of my business, as long as you don't try to screw me over.

...Take your money and keep your mouth shut.

(Shrugs)

Haha, you're a quick learner. Not quite what I had in mind for applied math, but it does the job.

It's just that everything you teach is way too easy.

Well, looks like you've learned everything from me you need to. It's time for me to go.

Here.

Half a sack of gold coins? For me?

Lesson fees for two months.

Well, I'm not going to say no.

Where are you going to go after this?

I heard things are calmer in the east. Maybe there are still a few schools remaining there.

You know how to use a weapon. You could've made a living as a mercenary. Why insist on making it hard on yourself?

Kazdel won't miss a single sellsword.

Tch... you intellectual types.

So when will you finish the book? Remember to return it before I leave.

Tomorrow. I'm almost at the end.

'Mathilda found the moonlight shining through the windows too bright. She rubbed her eyes and closed the curtains, before falling into slumber in the... er...'

What does this word mean? I've never seen it before... let's keep going.

'Sitting by the campfire with her friends, Mathilda poked at the chestnuts in the fire. The sweet scent in the... er... was a gift.'

That word again? Gah.

'Mathilda closed the door, picked up her suitcase, and prepared to get in the car. She thought back to the countless... er... that she spent here...'

Countless what?

'Farewell, those... er...'

Who are you saying goodbye to, Mathilda?!

'Perhaps in the days to come, she will see more... er..., but there will be no... er... as unforgettable as the... er... here.'