His story finished, The Traveler became silent. Malon was in awe. "That really happened?" She asked in wonder and The Traveler merely nodded. Malon looked sad for a moment before speaking, "such a sad story. That poor woman." She said with pity in her voice.
The Traveler nodded again. "I agree. It is unfortunate. She was shunned simply for being alive." He asked with a hint of regret in his voice.
Malon's gaze became curious again. "Do you go around telling many people this story?" She asked, wanting to know more about the mysterious Traveler.
"Aye. That I do. I tell all I meet about Sesuma's story and the foolishness of the man who loved her," he paused a moment thoughtfully, then added with sadness in his voice, "in hopes that no one will ever turn out like Sesuma did." He finished.
Malon nodded with a smile. "A very noble cause." She assured him. He thanked her but his words were only spoken half-heartedly; there was a distant sorrow in the way the spoke about the demon girl.
Above, thunder boomed off in the distance as storm clouds began rolling in and a strong wind began to pick up. It promised a long and treacherous storm to soon be upon the small ranch's inhabitants.
Malon had noticed this and while The Traveler had told his tale, she had returned the horses to the stable and tended to them; as he spoke, she had brushed they long manes and tails and fed them. She had even tended to the cows that had become scared of the coming storm.
Now Malon and The Traveler stood just outside her house, her father waiting just inside tending to the chickens. A heavy rain began to fall, chilling Malon to the bones, and both she and The Traveler looked up to the rapidly darkening sky. It looked like a terrible storm indeed, even worse than she had first suspected earlier on that day. She didn't know of anyone living that would want to ever be caught up in a storm like this.
"Looks bad." The Traveler remarked, speaking both their thoughts. "No one would want to stay out in this." He added with a slight chuckle to himself.
"Certainly not." Malon agreed. The Traveler looked at her, noticing the concern that had crept into her voice. "You should come inside and wait out this storm. I'll have some nice hot food ready quickly if you'd like." She suggested.
But The Traveler shook his head and politely declined her offer. "No thank you. I really must be on my way now." He nodded to her and turned on his heels to leave.
"But with such a terrible storm brewing?" She exclaimed in surprise. "No one in their right mind would want to walk anywhere in this weather." She thought he must be clearly out of his mind.
The Traveler simply laughed and turned to look at her again. "I appreciate your concern, but I will not be out long. I have someone expecting me and I shouldn't delay my meeting with them any longer I'm afraid." He explained then added with a courteous bow, "I thank you for your time to listen to my tale. It means more to me than you realize." With that, The Traveler turned and left.
"I shall return someday with another tale for you, my dear Malon." He called over his shoulder to her kindly with a nod. He was almost out of sight now through the curtain of heavy rain and she could barely make out his figure in the distance.
"Wait! Sir, tell me your name!" She called after him. Though it was not possible he could have heard her through that downpour and he did not answer her, a voice whispered to her on the wind. Hiro.
