Solis Part 9
#9 of Solis
Vex follows his new friends on Iceland.
Jóhan brought me back to what I assumed was his town. Old buildings nearby a small lake, mixing old and new architecture. Wood, metal, and some old ships making up this town.
"So Tiny-Half." He starts, "You want the ruins yes? You will need guidance!"
We walked into this tiny town, everyone here was human except me and Jóhan. All watching me carefully as the snow leopard next me exaggerated his every move.
"Someone knows the land, who is fearless and strong!"
I throw my paws up in front of him, getting him to stop. "Alright, I get it. I'll let you guide me, one condition though."
His ears tilt and his tail sways in the wind, as he looks down to me with his chest puffed. Amused to hear a demand out of me.
"Alright Tiny-Half, let me hear it!" Says, paws now on his hips clenched into a fist.
"Its me and you alone, no one else should go with us." I point at him, making it clear I didn't trust the humans around here.
He thinks about this for a moment, putting a finger in the air wagging it back and forth. Biting his lip as he thought. "Yes yes.. I do see your point. We will go together then. Me and you, me with the small one!"
"Good" I started, "You at least speak english unlike the others."
He let's out an amused huff, patting my shoulder and leading me to a small hut. "My father spoke english as well, however rarely. But however he made it a point to teach me as well."
"Where was your father from?" I ask him curiously, as he leads me into the small hut. A simple carpeted floor, with a fireplace I was greeted by. A bed and a desk was really all he had.
"I dont remember really," He started. "But my modir told me he wasnt from Iceland, that he crashed her from.. hmm what was it?"
I cock my head curiously. "Go on." I urge him, crossing my arms.
"I believe it was from a place called Mars.. I do not know much of it."
I let out a chuckle, closing my eyes and thinking. "Well, I can say that is very much not from Iceland."
Letting out a deep huff, he puffs out his chest. "Yes, now Tiny-Half! Tell me what you think of my home!" He outstretched his arms, smiling. "You will stay here for the night, as the trek to the ice fields is long!"
I nod in understandment, I had no reason to fully trust the snow leopard. But then again, he was the one with a village full of very functional guns, and was offering help. I guess it could go either way. Though I had to at least tell BB, not that he was really worried. Probably.
"Excuse me though for a moment Jóhan, I need to step outside."
"Of course of course, but do not wander! I do not wish harm to you."
I nod understanding him, stepping out from his warm hut to the icy wind. Humans of all ages stared at me in awe and confusion. I was the only anthro they had seen besides Jóhan, and I certainly did not look like him.
Eyeing them all carefully, I raise my wrist up to my muzzle. Trying to contact BB.
"I wont be back for at least a day or two, made contact with the locals." I tell him, hoping he was listening in.
"Fantastic, they aren't threatening to eat you are they?" His monotone voice provided some relief.
"No, at least not yet. I'll keep you updated though." I sigh for a moment, looking around once more. It was getting late, as I could see the sun starting to set. 'Bit early for that', I thought to myself.
"Though I came into contact with another anthro, the only one here. He seems well enough, but I'll let you know of trouble."
Amused, BB sends his reply. "If you end up in a winter stew, don't say I didn't warn you."
I shake it off, getting a bit annoyed with the AI. "They'll shoot me before eating me, now I'll get to you tomorrow."
Then I shut off my comms and went back inside. The strong smell of fish cooking on the mantle hit me, along with the sound of some other stuff being fried.
"Ah! Tiny-Half you return! I am making dinner, do sit down!"
I take Jóhan's advice and sit down at the foot of the bed, almost sinking into the thick carpet.
"I hope you like paddock, it is all I have
to share with you." He tells me, flipping it as oil seared its side. Though the smell of the oil was unfamiliar to me, as it was not normal cooking oil.
"I suppose I'll be fine with it."
He smiles, grabbing an old plate and handing one to me. "Get yourself some then, it is good to eat." I nod, having hardly any time to relax. Getting up I look to the fish. Two white filets in the pan, with a smaller pan next to it. With what looked like tiny potatoes.
Good enough, I took a filet and some potatoes. Sitting back down as Jóhan took the rest and sat himself by the fire.
"So Tiny-Half" He says in between shoveling fish into his mouth. "Enjoy my beautiful country?" I agreed with him, this land certainly was.
"It is.. quite the sight, nothing like my home."
His curiosity peaked, as I saw it rush across his face. "Your home, what is it like?"
"Venus? Oh hm.. It has a major city, Ishtar on its northern continent, also called Ishtar." He listened intently. "Its very tropical and volcanic, with plenty of tropical and desert islands. Toward the center you have Aphrodite, the second continent. Too hot for really any city, it's almost one giant desert there."
His mouth was agape, listening to the wonders of Venus. It was certainly nothing like here.
"I see, I have never left Iceland. This has been my home forever, you are a lucky man seeing so much!"
I let out a quick breath, amused. Not sure if I'd call myself lucky. "I suppose, I have seen many things."
Jóhan quickly finished his plate, putting it near the mantle but not on it. "Well Tiny-Half! I will set up your sleep tonight, so you will be comfortable."
"Thank you but that's not quite necessary" I started, but was quickly interrupted.
"No no, I will! You will be comfortable!" I didn't see a point in arguing as Jóhan had already begun, reaching under his bed and pulling out a roll of bedding. Quickly he untied it, as it made a whooshing sound while un-curling.
"You will sleep here!" He says proudly, standing up and looking down at me. His head almost hitting the roof.
"Well thank you, I suppose I should sleep soon then shouldnt? Busy day tomorrow."
"Yes, yes you should! We will be up with the birds!" He then started to get ready himself, enthusiastically might I add. Packing himself into his bed, the pillow being crushed under his massive weight.
Rubbing my eye, I set my plate on top of his. Laying down on the 'bed' he laid out for me. It wasnt terrible, but it wasnt my bed for sure. Sleep didn't come quickly, though it was mostly from an on edge feeling I got. Though Jóhan himself was quick to fall asleep it felt like hours for me. In the end I did find it, even though it was light.