Shortly after, the group entered the room quietly under Igor's guidance. The heavy door closed with a resonant thud, accompanied by the cold clink of metal latching, sending a deep echo through the chamber.
Keuraber, who had been seated, rose from his chair and beckoned them lightly with a gesture. Igor raised his hand in signal, and the waiting Muwa servants approached, carefully taking the group's coats.
The servants used small brushes materialized in their hands to dust off the grime from the garments, then neatly hung them on the wall rack.
Gravel surveyed the room once before taking his seat. Benarr, seated across from Keuraber, slowly turned his gaze toward the new arrivals. A faint smile graced his lips.
"It's been a while, Mau and Dallen."
Benarr's low voice filled the room. Mau placed one hand on his chest, while Dallen slightly spread his wings in greeting.
"It's been a long time, Elder Benarr."
Mau spoke first.
"A pleasure to see you after so long."
Dallen added, smoothly folding his wings.
"I still remember the days when I worked at your shop to start my trade. Thanks to that, I was able to acquire a wagon, and I haven't forgotten the help you gave me back then."
Benarr nodded with satisfaction.
"It is heartening that you have not forgotten, after all these years, and have come to visit. I hear you're trading back and forth to Rathu—how fares your trade?"
"The roads are treacherous, but we're managing to avoid losses and build up profits bit by bit. It's still a long way to go, but I believe steady effort will lead to better days."
Dallen replied to Benarr's question with a soft fold of his wings and a gentle exhale.
Benarr smiled contentedly at the response and nodded.
"That's the way. Trade demands patience and time."
As their brief exchange concluded, Gravel stepped forward. He adjusted his posture carefully, gauging Benarr's reaction. Recalling the purpose that had brought him here, he bowed deeply.
"Elder Benarr, I am Gravel."
Gravel addressed Benarr with formal courtesy.
"While perusing records of artifacts discovered in Aquiln's Grand Labyrinth at the archives of Ves-Dinas, I came across a document about the 'Mirror of Nerodia'."
Benarr slowly set down the glass in his hand and regarded him. Narrowing his eyes to take in Gravel's form more closely, he leaned forward from where he had been reclining against the chair's backrest.
Gravel continued.
"According to the records, this mirror reveals the location of what the user desires most and points the way. I require its power without fail. If I could borrow the mirror's strength, I might find what is most vital to me.
Therefore, I beseech you, Elder Benarr. Might you grant me the opportunity to use it? This request stems not from mere curiosity. The Mirror of Nerodia is essential to me, and I am prepared to pay any price. If it can be valued in gold, pray tell me how much I must offer."
Hoping his desperation would reach Benarr, Gravel bowed his head in plea. As his words ended, a momentary silence enveloped the room.
Benarr gazed steadily at his face. A request to borrow his mirror, delivered so directly yet laced with earnest longing.
Yet Benarr soon shook his head with a sigh.
"I've heard your tale well. Regrettably, however, the Mirror of Nerodia you seek is no longer in my possession."
Gravel's eyes wavered.
"What... do you mean?"
Benarr idly traced the rim of his wine glass with his fingertip as he spoke.
"Several years ago, I sent it as a gift to the king of the elves in the far north of Damu. It must have been about six years ago... time has passed indeed."
Gravel swallowed hard. It was an unforeseen response.
He pondered whether to depart for the elven lands immediately, swiftly adapting his plans to this unexpected turn. Just then, Benarr continued with a more pragmatic detail.
"The elven lands lie north of Damu, reachable only by crossing the vast forest sea known as Di-Neah's arboreal expanse—a place so broad and perilous that one cannot arrive safely without a guide."
Benarr tapped the table with his fingers as he went on.
"Moreover, the lighthouse within Di-Neah's forest does not readily permit outsiders. Its keeper observes and records the ever-shifting paths of the woodland, providing safe routes. Without guidance from there, even with a guide, one risks losing the way amid changes or encountering unforeseen dangers. To reach the elven kingdom, one must invariably pass through the forest's lighthouse."
Gravel nearly spoke but closed his mouth. Time was scarce for him. But could he find the path by leaving now? Thoughts tangled in his mind. His plan had unraveled. What to do?
Then, Benarr's lips curved into a faint smile as he spoke again.
"Yet it's not entirely without means. If you wish, I can pen a letter to the elven king, arranging for you to use the mirror."
Gravel's expression brightened vividly at Benarr's words.
"Truly?!"
"But there is one condition."
Benarr added, tilting his glass.
"You must partake in the upcoming Dook-Dook Pioran-o festival here in Damu. And remain until the 'blue moon' rises."
Gravel could not conceal his bewilderment.
"...The blue moon—do you mean the third moon?"
"Indeed. The festival continues until the two moons reach fullness. And before the third moon ascends, I shall procure the necessary carriage and guide for your journey to the elven city."
Gravel sank into deep contemplation. At minimum, departure in a month? Yet according to the celestial observer's records he had seen in the library, the two moons reaching fullness could take up to seventy days. Wouldn't that delay him too greatly?
Soon, however, Benarr added quietly.
"Of course, if you choose to disregard my proposal and depart recklessly, I shan't stop you. But is venturing into the sea of trees without preparation, without a guide or letter to the elves, truly wise? It would be foolhardy."
Gravel fell into dilemma. Leave now, or accept Benarr's terms and invest time in preparation? He wondered at Benarr's intent in offering this condition. Merely to have him enjoy the festival? Or was there another motive? This wholly unanticipated situation and Benarr's unexpected proposal tangled Gravel's thoughts.
After much hesitation, Gravel spoke slowly.
"...I need time to consider."
Benarr nodded leisurely and raised his glass.
"Then ponder it fully. That time will not be in vain."
Benarr set down his glass and leaned back in his chair. He raised his hand slowly, and Igor approached quietly. With a concise gesture, he issued instructions to Igor before turning back to Gravel.
"Well then, a single glass of wine seems insufficient for our guest—why not dine while you continue your deliberations?"
A brief interval passed, and Nia sniffed the air with a twitch of the nose.
"Yum! Something smells delicious!"
No sooner had the words left Nia's mouth than Igor and the other servants began bringing dishes and bread to the long table. The Muwa servants arranged the food with deft precision, and soon a fragrant aroma filled the room.
Igor stepped forward, gathered his wings, and spoke with deference.
"I shall describe the dishes prepared for our guests."
He first indicated a plate bearing a rich brown hue.
"This is venison stir-fried with mushrooms and garlic. Thick slices of fresh deer meat are sautéed with wild-foraged mushrooms and aromatic garlic, enhancing the savory depth. The meat's juices mingle with the mushrooms' essence, offering a profound flavor profile."
The oil pooling subtly beneath the dish added a glossy sheen, while a gentle garlic scent wafted over the table.
Igor next pointed to the second dish: a flat dough topped with meat and vegetables, its edges crisped to a golden brown, crowned with a softly poached egg.
"This features thinly rolled flour dough topped with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, peppers, and onions, then finished with a fresh egg cracked atop and baked crisp in the oven. Each bite harmonizes the nutty dough with robust seasonings, enriched by the egg's velvety smoothness, filling the mouth with layered tastes."
Gravel glanced at it unwittingly. The golden-crisp dough and the smoothly melded egg stirred his appetite.
Finally, Igor gestured to a wheeled trolley. Atop it sat a large platter holding golden-fried delicacies, temptingly arrayed. The crisply fried fish fillets concealed moist flesh within a firm shell, accompanied by red freshwater shrimp.
Igor lightly rotated the platter as he explained.
"This is a whole Starvas carp—the largest from our local fishery—deep-fried to perfection. The exterior is crunchy from the savory oil, yet the interior remains tender and juicy. Paired with freshwater shrimp and dipped in sauce, the flavors truly come alive."
Nia's eyes widened.
"Whoa! It looks so tasty!"
Nia leaned slightly over the table, gazing at the dishes with sparkling eyes. Gravel, still lost in thought, smiled at Nia's reaction.
Yet he remained ensnared in his quandary. Accept Benarr's proposal? Invest time in preparation? Or depart immediately?
'It could take up to seventy days... Can I afford to squander that time?'
He absently lifted his glass, moistening his lips with wine as he sought to organize his thoughts. At that moment, Nia looked up at him.
"Karka, come on and try some. Worrying is important, but filling the belly is too."
Gravel chuckled softly at Nia's words, exhaling a sigh. He reached out and took a portion of the venison dish. The tender meat, intertwined with fragrant mushrooms and garlic, enveloped his tongue.
The dilemma was far from resolved. But for now, at least, savoring this meal seemed permissible.
And he spoke.
"Alright, let's eat first. We can talk after—that won't be too late."