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“So, where are you from Siffrin?” Mirabelle asks him suddenly. The three people Siffrin has found himself joining had finished regaling him with the tale of their journey so far. It was riveting and now Siffrin doesn’t know how he’s going to follow it up. He can barely remember where he was a week ago let alone where he’s from.
“Oh, here and there. I’ve mostly spent my time traveling around.” It’s an awkward non-answer, but Siffrin has nothing better to offer them. His terrible memory has left him wondering the very same. Who doesn’t know where they’re from?
A traveler, Siffrin thinks to himself. That’s what he is. For all intents and purposes, it’s true. He can’t remember ever being more than a wanderer without a place to call home.
But who doesn’t have a home? No one. Everyone has somewhere to return to.
Except Siffrin.
They snap themselves out of that line of thought quickly.
The older woman, Odile, as she had introduced herself, raises a brow, while
Isabeau beams at him.
“That’s so cool!” He says. “Have you enjoyed your time in Vaugarde?”
Siffrin smiles. This is an easier question to answer. “I’ve enjoyed being here. Everyone here is so welcoming and kind.”
“Have you been to other countries besides Vaugarde? Your accent isn’t one I recognize.” Odile now asks.
Ah, yes. The accent question. They shrug light-heartedly. “I’ve been all over the place. Even to Ka Bue, though that was some time ago. I think the accent is just some combination of all the different languages I’ve picked up bits and pieces of over time.” Siffrin rubs the back of their neck. “I’ve been traveling for as long as I can remember…” They finish weakly.
“I see. How did you enjoy your time in Ka Bue?” Odile’s expression has softened somewhat, more interested in what he thinks of her home country.
“It was good. I liked the variety of new foods to try and the architecture was unlike anything I’ve ever seen.” Siffrin is glad to talk about anything other than himself. Experiences are much easier to talk about, even if he can barely remember them.
“Wow! That’s really cool.” Mirabelle clasps her hands together with eyes that shine. “I’ve never really gotten to travel much outside of this. It’d be cool to go to more places someday.”
“I can’t say I have either.” Isabeau chimes in. “I’ve been around the south of Vaugarde, but that’s about it.”
Siffrin nods along as they speak. It’s nice to be able to take a backseat to the conversation. As long as they aren’t going to press them about their past Siffrin thinks they could like traveling with them.