Three Philosophical Questions for Travelers

Hyacinth got excited, she took off the boots that got in the way, asked someone to remove the bones in the central plate, and then danced on the plate.The orc yelled excitedly, and the people formed a big circle and jumped together.They have different languages ​​and cultures, but singing and dancing can connect people's souls without words.

She has danced several times, and she has not been so happy since she started wandering.At this time, Silver Fox Ranger came up to invite her to dance together, but Hyacinth had a better partner. She came to Estherite and said, "Sister, can you dance with me?" Estherite smiled , said: "I can't dance."

"I can teach you!" She took her sister's hand, "Come on, come on!"

Yisriette did not refuse, and followed her into the center of the dance floor.Sisters danced hand in hand, twirled around the campfire, and laughed to the tune of song.The banquet suddenly turned into an orc carnival, with plate after plate of food served, and jar after jar of wine drained.

Adora sang until her voice became hoarse, and the ranger broke the strings.Jon changed his seriousness from the past, drank and fought with the businessmen, and won Clark's necklace by wine table games.The Fruit Sisters dance with the slave girls.There was a girl dancing with the iguana, and Hyacinth saw her stand on tiptoe and kiss the iguana's nose and broken horn.

Some people fought, but no one persuaded them to fight. The orcs set up a ring for them, and it was up to them to show off.Yisrit took away the weapons of the two, and then let them fight recklessly.Finally, the red-haired orc knocked the fat orc's horns, and the spirit of the earth mother declared him victory. The girls in the caravan screamed excitedly, and scrambled to blow him kisses.

Among the girls toasting was a female slave with a rose tattooed on her face. The red-haired orc stared at her and hugged her.The girl screamed, and the red-haired orc yelled to marry her and make her have children.Estelle translated for her, and the girl readily accepted without thinking too much.Hyacinth didn't expect that there are girls who are willing to marry an orc, but after thinking about it, there is nothing wrong with an orc—it doesn't matter if it's ugly, dirty, or rude. No matter how bad this husband is, he is better than a slave owner.

Slaves and orcs are both people who have been cast aside by human cities. What does it matter if they are combined?

swamp maze, six

swamp maze, six

The banquet lasted until midnight, and at the end even a big-bellied man like Baruch patted his stomach and shouted for support, saying that he couldn't eat half a piece of meat anymore.Isrit was very tired too, and she told Hyacinth that she was worried about her child.Although there is a nanny to take care of him, the child cannot be separated from his mother after all.

So the spirit of the Earth Mother announced that the banquet was over, and everyone cleaned up the garbage on the ground, cleaned up the scene, and transported away those drunk people by the way.Hyacinth found that, except for the elders, everyone in the orcs was working, and it was impossible to tell who was the master and who was the slave.

Are there no slaves here?Hyacinth thought to himself.

"Come back with me, little sister." Estherite's voice sounded in her ears, and when she turned her head, she saw Estherite already dozens of steps away.She froze for a moment before realizing that Isrit was using magic to communicate with her.

So she hurried over.

Yisriette took her hand and walked towards the Witch King's Tower. Yisriette said to her, "It's finally settled down, Hyacinth, I have a lot to say to you."

"Me too," she replied.

The two of them came to the Witch King's Tower, and when they first went upstairs, Hyacinth heard the cry of the baby. "Is that your son?" she asked excitedly.Estherite nodded, then quickly walked in front of Hyacinth, and said, "Hyacinth, please wait for a while, I have to nurse the baby."

Hyacinth froze for a moment and asked, "What? Can't I see him?"

"Hmm... can you wait for me outside first?" Isrit looked embarrassed, "I'll talk to you about it after I've finished breastfeeding."

Hyacinth was a little puzzled, thinking: Can't I watch breastfeeding?The two of us sisters lived together before, and I even helped you bathe and change clothes at the beginning.

Hyacinth was puzzled, but since Yisrit made such a request, she couldn't say anything else, so she waited obediently outside.After a while, the child stopped crying, and Estherite came out from inside while arranging her clothes.

"Let's go, let's talk in the room." Yisruite took her hand and went to the next room.

A few animal-face lamps were lit in the next room, and the light diffused through the pupils of the beast's skull, dimly illuminating the room.Estherite sat down on the bed. It was a large bed that could accommodate three people, and it was covered with a whole lion skin, which was very soft.Hyacinth sat down beside her, held her hand, and said, "Sister, what's going on?"

"I also want to ask you, Hyacinth, why did you come here?"

Hyacinth's story is very simple. She said: "After the Xiongshan riot, we were imprisoned. Then we escaped from the prison and everyone got separated. I traveled with this caravan and came here."

Estherite nodded and asked, "Then you..." She hesitated to speak, "Forget it, I won't ask."

"Sister, what's wrong with you?" Hyacinth was puzzled, and Estherite seemed to have been avoiding the matter of Xiongshan, "You can ask me whatever you want, um... Let me think about it, Violet and I are safe ,Then--"

"Stop talking." Islet held her hand, her voice became low, "Please don't talk, don't mention the past."

"elder sister?"

The light was dim, and Isrit's face was divided by light and dark, and she looked even thinner.The corners of her jaw and the contours of her brows were as hard as steel, not a soft woman.Hyacinth looked at her and suddenly felt very sad. "Sister, how did you come here these days?"

Estelle looked at the tiger skin pattern on the bed, and her whole body froze. "I..." Hyacinth saw her fingers dug into the animal hide, "I don't care about the past anymore, and I don't think about the people in the past. I just want revenge now."

"Revenge?" Hyacinth asked, "Who do you want revenge for? People from Xiongshan?"

"People from Xiongshan, and my husband! I mean the sea..." Her face contorted when she said the word, and the second half of the syllable was stuck in her throat.

"elder sister?"

"I mean, Hai, Hai..." Isrit murmured softly, trying to say the name.But at this time she started to sob, and her body trembled, "Hai, Hai, Wen, Hai...I..." She covered her face with one hand, choked and speechless; His hands were still tightly clutching the sheets, painful and unwilling.

Only then did Hyacinth realize that she had been holding back.

"I, I..." Isrit swallowed, "I'll be fine soon." She crawled to the head of the bed, took out a handkerchief from the pillow, and wiped her tears.There is a small box wrapped in the handkerchief. Inside the box is a makeup mirror and a pen for painting makeup. The orc’s colorful face makeup seems to need to be kept at all times, and it cannot be removed while sleeping.

Looking for a handkerchief, wiping tears, touching up makeup... Isrit's movements are very natural.Hyacinth thought to herself: Why do you put a handkerchief and a touch-up brush by the bed?Why is she so skillful?

Does she cry like this every night?

Thinking of this, Hyacinth's heart suddenly ached.She hurriedly asked, "Sister, do you think Lord Haiwen is dead?"

"He..." As soon as Esrait opened her mouth, her voice choked up.She closed her eyes, made a "pause" gesture to Hyacinth, and then adjusted her mentality.After taking a few deep breaths, Estherite gradually calmed down, and she said: "I heard that he is no longer here, his..." Estherite frowned and swallowed hard, "Someone saw him being hang on the wall."

Hyacinth said: "I didn't see it! Sister, did you see Lord Haiwen's body with your own eyes?"

Isrit replied, "I haven't."

"Then why do you believe he must be dead?"

"I..." Estelle was speechless.

Hyacinth held her hand and said, "Sister, you are too pessimistic! No one actually saw him die. During the Xiongshan riots, Haiwen people were in Jinsha Castle! He escaped unharmed. Later we were imprisoned. In the prison, I didn’t see him being arrested. It wasn’t until I got out of prison that rumors began to spread that the earl was sentenced to death... No one saw that he was really dead!”

"But I heard Gerrit say...I..." Isrit was a little incoherent.Hyacinth grabbed her by the shoulder and said, "I've heard the rumors too. I heard that he was killed and hanged on the city wall. But think about it, if the enemy really caught him, they would easily kill him." Did he kill him?" After saying this, Hyacinth herself was taken aback, she didn't expect that she would say such level words.

"Sister, I think this is probably a lie!"

swamp maze, seven

swamp maze, seven

"Really?" There were still tears in Isrit's eyes, "Are you serious?"

Hyacinth was actually not sure, but in order to reassure her, she gritted her teeth and said, "Really! Think about it, even a useless female slave like me is put in prison, and they will easily kill a slave." Earl? Besides, beside Lord Haiwen..." She thought for a while, "There is also a smiling cat! We have all seen the skills of the smiling ranger, who is his opponent?"

"Yes, there is also the smiling cat! Lord Spike is still following him." Isrit laughed through his tears, "By the way, Hyacinth, wasn't Haven there when Bear Mountain fell?"

"Not here! Haven, Smiley Cat, and Ramon, the three of them went to Sands Castle at that time. The Sea God's rebels took advantage of his opportunity to negotiate, gathered troops, and captured Xiongshan City."

"So that's how it is..." Estherite nodded and said, "Where would Haven be now?"

Hyacinth had never thought about this before, she mused, and said, "Hmm... in Mustang Town?"

Isrit shook her head and said, "He's not here, I've already sent a pigeon to look."

Where can that be?He was certainly not in Bear Mountain, nor in Shrimp Cove.Before Haiwen left, he had just killed someone on the territory of Xiawan, and the countess would definitely not take him in.So... maybe he's at the Black Pine Manor in Tondern?But that place is not safe.Or that he is in Fengleibao?With Raya's relationship, maybe the Marquis will take him in?

"Maybe in Fengleibao?" Hyacinth tried to say, "Laya and the Marquis of Mondalia are good friends, maybe she can speak good words to Lord Haven so that he can take refuge in Fengleibao."

"That's right, Fengleibao," Estherite nodded, and said, "Hyacinth, do you know how the nobles in the bay area fight in teams?"

"This..." This is a bit embarrassing for Hyacinth, she said, "I know that Fenglei Castle and Jinsha Castle are opposed, and the descendants of the Sea God... Maybe Jinsha Castle is from the same path? Maybe not? I don't know."

Isrit sat cross-legged on the bed, she looked thoughtful, and said: "The Earl of Bear Mountain is considered a vassal of Fenglei Castle, but the funds are provided by Jinsha Castle. If Haven seeks political asylum, these two places may go to— —Wait for me later!" She put on her robe and ran out of the room.She came back after a while and said, "I released two pigeons, one to Jinsha Castle and the other to Fenglei Castle, and asked them to investigate the news. It is estimated that they will come back in two or three days, and they may bring something useful." information."

Hyacinth asked: "Pigeon scout? So amazing? Can your pigeons talk?"

Estherite shook her head and said, "This is the sorcery that I researched a few days ago. I can see things in the eyes of pigeons through the crystal ball."

Hyacinth shouted: "What a powerful witchcraft, sister, who did you learn from? Gerrit? Or... um... a master from the academy?"

"Borrowing the eye technique was developed by myself." She showed a shy smile, "It's not some powerful witchcraft, it's just a trick."

Hyacinth doesn't know witchcraft, but she thinks that the person who can create witchcraft by himself must be a master. "Sister, you really have become powerful, what kind of magic do you know?"

"It's witchcraft," she corrected. "Northmen use magic, and witches use witchcraft."

From Hyacinth's point of view, they are almost the same, "Then what else do you want? Can you show me a show?" She asked very excitedly.

"It's too late today, let's rest first, and I'll tell you about me tomorrow."

"it is good!"

So they fell asleep on the big bed, Isrit put out all the lights, leaving only a dim little bird lamp.

Hyacinth usually doesn't dream when she sleeps. Once she closes her eyes, it will be dawn when she opens them, but this time she was so excited that she turned over several times and still couldn't fall asleep.

At this time, she saw Yisruite's back trembling slightly, so she stretched out her arms to hug Yisruite and said, "Sister, why are you sad again?"

"No, this time it's..." She choked up, "It's because of happiness, when I thought that he might still be alive, I just..." Hyacinth hugged her tightly, and she noticed that Isrit's waist was very slender , the ribs are protruding, which is scary to touch. "You mustn't spoil yourself," Hyacinth whispered to her. "My lord will be sad to see you like this."

"Hmm." Isrit replied in a low voice.

They hugged and fell asleep like this.Hyacinth had a dream that night. She dreamed that she was back in the big house in Mustang Town. She dreamed of Haven, Violet and Mirsalu. She taught little Mir to dance and played games with her. Uffin's dog.

When she opened her eyes again, it was already noon.

Isrit wakes her up softly.Hyacinth stretched herself on the bed and said, "Good morning, sister."

"It's getting late, sister." Isrit was wearing a formal suit, her hair was tidy, and her face makeup was also replenished. "Will you come to lunch with me later?"

She may have been busy all morning, Hyacinth thought to himself, the spirit of the Earth Mother is not easy to be.

She suddenly remembered the "revenge" that Essrait said last night.

Oh, it turned out that she wanted revenge. Hyacinth looked at Isrit's face, which smiled gently. The midday sun shone on her body, exuding a natural and peaceful beauty.In this situation, Hyacinth couldn't associate her with the word "revenge".

Hyacinth got dressed and got up from the bed, "I want to take a bath." She said, "Is there a place where I can take a bath?"

"Most orcs don't have the habit of bathing, but there is a hot spring under the Witch King's Tower, which is for my private use." Isrit's smile was full of slyness this time, "I'll take you there after dinner."

They go out to eat.Most of the orc meals are very lively. There will always be several families eating together. You will provide bread and rice, and I will provide pickled fish and salt. He will arrange cooking ingredients, set up tables and chairs, and clean the plates.The swamp is rich in products, rich in rice and big fat fish, and everyone has nothing to worry about eating, so there is no distinction between you and me when eating.Even beggars and homeless people have to hold a group at lunch and enjoy bug pancakes, mushroom soup, wild dog meat and the midday sun together.

The swamp in spring has a humid climate and pleasant temperature, so everyone spreads a cloth outside or sets up a low table to eat on the ground.

Isrit has her own chef, and there is a lot of food stored in the warehouse of the Witch King's Tower, but she told Hyacinth: "The food reserves in the Witch King's Tower are reserved for festivals, not usually eaten."

Hyacinth asked her: "Then where do you usually eat?"

"Join everyone!" she said with a smile.

swamp maze, [-]

swamp maze, [-]

The Spirit of the Earth Mother is a very friendly leader, and people love her.At noon, she took the hyacinths outside to patrol the streets, and the orcs were eating on the streets.Orcs like to eat barbecue and stews, and they like big pots and bowls. The food is placed in the center of the table, and everyone gathers around the table to eat.

Whenever Isrit passed a table, the orcs would warmly invite them to eat together.They walked past several tables, and then Essraet whispered to Hyacinth, "Whichever table suits your appetite, we will eat that table today."

"Ah?" Hyacinth laughed dumbly, "Is this okay?"

"Yes, the orcs are proud to invite me to dinner,"

"Don't you have to pay?

"I will pay." She showed a subtle smile, "But everyone never accepts it. Even if I pay, people will donate to the statue of the Earth Mother in the Witch King Tower in the future."

Dare to be sympathetic to the spirit of the mother who eats free food every day?Hyacinth didn't know what to say.But it's pretty good, it's one of the top and bottom, in the castle, she is the majestic spirit of the earth mother, in daily life, she is everyone's daughter.

Hyacinth likes fish, so they choose a table with grilled fish.

Estherite led her to the other side, and a thick orc woman ran over after a long distance. She held Estherite's hand and spoke a series of orc language very enthusiastically.By the looks of it, she was also invited to dinner.

Eastraet was polite to the man, and then was pulled over halfway.Hyacinth looked very surprised, and thought to himself: This is the first time I have seen such a thing, so many people rushing to invite you to dinner.If I have this kind of treatment, will I still come out to wander?

As soon as Isrit and Hyacinth sat down, an old man came up to salute.Every orc family has a patriarch, and the patriarch of this family is an old woman.She was blind and hunchbacked, and the creases on her face crowded out all the features.But even so, when she heard that the spirit of the Earth Mother was coming to her house for dinner, she would come forward to welcome her with a cane, kneel down according to ancient etiquette, and touch Isrit's feet with the horns on her head.

Yisrit quickly supported her, and then told her to sit back on the chair, all etiquette was omitted.Then Isrit introduced Hyacinth to them in Orc language, Hyacinth stood up and saluted, and said two words of thanks—whether they could understand it or not, anyway, it meant that they had arrived.

Then everyone had dinner, and the main dish on this table was grilled fish. This fish was a big fish, probably weighing more than ten catties, and a table of ten people could share a catty of meat.But the orcs have a big appetite, and a catty of fish is not enough to eat, so there are some stews and dry food on the table.People here are also good at cooking insect pancakes. There are many reptiles in the swamp, especially on the riverbed or in the wet soil. You can dig out many insects thicker than your fingers with a shovel.These things look disgusting, but fried in hot oil, and then chopped into crackers to eat, the taste is very fragrant.

Hyacinth originally thought that this table would be rich enough, but she didn't expect that after just a few mouthfuls, the neighbor next door brought over big fish and meat.After a while, there was no room for food on the table.

She asked Isrit, "What's the matter? Is the food that orcs usually eat so good? I think ordinary people can also eat fish and meat."

Israet replied: "For one thing, it's spring now, and the river is plump. You can catch big fish if you go into the water. Pheasants and ducks are everywhere... I only come out to eat free food at this time." She He whispered in the Bay Area dialect, "When supplies are tight in winter, you can't come here. It's not easy for everyone. Some people would rather go hungry in winter and use the stored food to entertain the spirit of the Earth Mother. How can I have the heart to snatch their food?" ?”

They both laughed, and then Estherite went on to say: "Secondly, the system of Harpoon City is also different from that of human nobles. There are no landlords or nobles here, and there are no slaves and slave owners. There is no exploitation of nobles, and everyone Everyone can eat better." She paused, "But I guess with the prosperity and development of Harpoon City, the privileged class will gradually emerge, and then... well, let's talk about it when the time comes. I will try my best to let everyone eat Just dress warmly."

After the meal, Esriette was about to leave, and the orcs knew that she had a lot to do, so they didn't force her to stay.The housewife of this family is a half-orc who can speak human language, perhaps to make Hyacinth understandable. She said in Mandarin with an accent: "Spirit of the Mother Earth, I wish you could come every day. My younger brother's leg is broken, it is you." For those who pick it up, we all thank you!"

Isrit thanked again, and then wanted to pay them. Of course, none of the orcs were willing to take her money.When she came out, she said to Hyacinth: "It's not good to eat white rice all the time, but I really use this method to strengthen my relationship with the people. At first everyone kept a distance from me, many people were afraid of me, and some people rumored that I was an evil witch, but since I went to their house to eat with them, the rumors have all died down. Now they think I am the spirit of the Earth Mother, and they love me, and I love them."

Yes, Hyacinth thought, the orcs worshiped her as a living god.She is both a leader and a god.

After leaving the "family restaurant", they went to the human caravan.Humans and orcs have been mingling since last night's orgy.At the moment they are also eating together, of course, the caravan must pay.But the orcs sell things very cheaply, and they don't bargain with you, so the transaction is very happy.The caravan had the most comfortable meal during the trip here.