3. Welcome to Hakida Village
It is mid-afternoon when I finally wake up. I go to a nearby stream to clean myself up, gather my few belongings, and make my way towards town.
Once again, I pass that same, last tree. But this time, I don't turn back. I keep moving forward.
As the hour continues, just as I'm thinking that I might be going the wrong way, I see a couple of broad figures in the distance. They must be buildings. Buildings mean a town.
A sense of joy rushes over me. This will be my first encounter with anyone outside of the air temple.
As I draw closer to the town, I start to smell food. I had forgotten how hungry I was. I can hear music and singing, too. This should be interesting…
When I finally reach the town, a small man wearing an oversized clown costume pops in front of me. Where did he come from?
"Welcome to Hakida Village!" he greets me with a wide grin. His whole outfit is so comical that I can't keep myself from laughing. The long green and purple striped sleeves hide his hands; and his yellow and orange polka dotted pants cover his feet, so I have to wonder how he could possibly walk in them without tripping. "I am Kippo. I am the overseer to all outsiders. I can help you find your way around."
"Hello there," I respond, still laughing. "I am Myra. I'm a nomad, just passing through."
A gust of wind brings an even stronger scent of the delicious smelling food.
"Could you please tell me where I could find some food?" I ask the still smiling Kippo.
"Of course, right this way."
I follow Kippo through the streets of the large town. I've never been to any place like this before. I can't believe my eyes. I see laughing children playing in the streets, a young couple holding hands, sweating man hard at work…
At that moment, I realize that I don't have any money. I never had to buy anything at the air temple, everything was always provided as long as I did my share.
"Kippo," I interrupt his telling of the history of Hakida Village, "where can I find work around here?"
He thinks about it for a moment. "Well, it all depends on what you can do."
I think about that for a second. What could I possibly do in a large town like this that I did at the air temple?
"Tea," I finally reply. "Is there a tea shop around here?"
"Why, of course there is! Actually, there's one not too far from here. It's called the Red Rose. Old Lara owns the place. She told me just the other day that she's been looking for a helping hand. I'm sure she'll be happy to have ya."
Thus, we made our way towards the Red Rose…
****
We enter the Red Rose. It's a quaint little tea shop in the center of the town. I adore its location. It's in the middle of all the entertainment. Just outside of the shop is a huge stage, according to Kippo, where plays and many other types of performances occur every night.
"Hi, Lara!" Kippo greets the shop owner as we walk in.
"Hello, Kippo," the wrinkle-faced lady says in an irritated manner. Then she smiles when her eyes meet mine, "And who might this be?"
"Oh, yes!" Kippo exclaims. "Lara, this is Myra. She's looking for work. She specializes in tea, so I brought her here."
"Hello," I speak up and walk towards the large woman. We shake hands.
"Hello." She smiles.
"It's nice to meet you. And as Kippo said, I am looking for work. I love tea. Jasmine is my favorite." Her face brightens when I mentioned jasmine tea.
"That's my favorite, too!"
This is good. We're starting off on good terms. I just have to prove my worth.
She continues, "Myra, I like you already. Let's see what you can do!"
I look back at Kippo. He smiles. I smile back and nod. "Thank you," I mouth.
"My pleasure," he mouths back and leaves.
After he's gone, Lara leads me into the kitchen. I prepare a cup of jasmine tea for her. I don't feel nervous at all. I make tea all the time and everyone always enjoys it.
As I am preparing the tea, I make small talk with Lara. She asks general questions about me. I let her know that I'm new here and that I don't have a place to stay.
When I finish, I courteously hand her a cup of tea and she sips it delightfully.
"This is marvelous!'" she exclaims.
A satisfactory grin sweeps across my face. "I'm glad you enjoy it so."
"Myra, the job is yours!"
I'm so happy that all I can do is thank her repeatedly. She tells me that she lives in the shop and that there is a spare room that I can stay in until I find a place of my own. I gladly accept the offer.
After I grab a bite to eat, she shows me to my room. It's small, but nice. It's perfect for me.
"It's not much," she says.
"It's perfect! I can't thank you enough."
"Don't mention it, child. You just rest now. Be ready for work
tomorrow. Shop opens early."
"Of course. Thanks again."
She leaves quietly, closing the door behind her. I unpack my things, wash up, and rest on the bed.
So this is my new life? Well, it is for now.
To be continued...
Author's Note: Thank you all for your encouraging reviews. I really do appreciate it. :)