One More Step

Pygmyism or in other word dwarfism. The not an easy thing to see. Or talk about it. But thinking bout it, it is possible that humans of certain hight could be born. Luckily, as it seems on her continent they are not looked down upon. She can't afford to offend someone only because they looked different, so her seriousness actually stunned everyone.

''I made myself to joke as it seems. When Elder told me that there are schools I completely forgot to ask what age group is joining in. But looking like you all are going to school, You must have shown quite skils. Who am I to look down on anyone? I promise I will work harder to catch on to you and join you later on. Please take care of me.'' She bowed one more time.

The young man in the child form sighed. ''My name is Kolo Sal. I was born like this and most people always make the mistake. You probably laughed as you thought a small child joined in?''

She could feel the heat in her cheeks as she felt deeply ashamed for her actions. ''I am sorry. I thought you are Elder Kei's grandson that was eager, but when I came closer I realized my mistake. Please forgive me.''

He blinked ta her then shook his head. ''That is fine. Could you tell me how did you know?''

She winked at him making all the soldiers chuckle. ''You are cuter...''

It was silence for a moment and all kids turned their heads towards Elder Kei that had a dark expression as he stared at Kyra. Ao Theo started laughing and Bathuk joined in.

He suddenly came closer and made a silly face that made even children start laughing. ''What do you mean I am not cute. Look...''

Kyra stared at him and understood. This old man probably felt offended but at the same time tried to ease the situation as well. ''Yes, yes, Elder Kei is the cutest old man...'' Her statement made the two guards chuckle even more and laugh louder, making Anna that just got ready astonished. Since she met these people she never heard anyone laugh this much.

Her eyes turned to Kyra that had a huge smile on her face as she stood in font bunch of children that are just slightly over her age. But when she saw small persons standing in front of her and smiling brightly she became serious suddenly. This person...

When Kyra saw Anna's expression her eyes became darker but no one except Ao Theo could see it, not even Anna. Soon her eyes became clear again and she pointed ta Anna.

''This is Anna. My roommate, my friend and my sister. She is cute, isn't she|?'' She could see his eyes looking at Anna with astonishment. A small smile curved on the corner of her lips but soon it disappeared and only calmness appeared on her face.

Everyone stared at Anna and in unison greeted her. ''Good morning, miss Anna!''

Anna could literally feel coldness rising on her back as Guard Bathuk made almost hole staring at her. She smiled and gracefully bowed. ''Good morning.'' She didn't comment anything else and just stepped beside Kyra that relaxed visibly.

Elder Kei just coughed and turned his eyes towards the kids. ''You all know your duties. Go.''

Under astonished eyes from Anna and Kyra the children started jumping in different directions and just a couple of moments later only four of them stood on the porch in front of the empty yard. Kyra looked at the floor and smiled as she realized that those kids must have had quite a training. Not even one sign of them was seen there.

She turned her head towards Elder Kai. ''Elder, I can see that they are quite able. How old were they when they started going to school?''

Elder Kai turned this head. With a mysterious voice, he asked a question. ''What do you think, how old are they?''

Kyra completely forgot about their ages. They gave her vague answers but real numbers she never got. ''You said after specified children reach a certain age they start slowing down in the aging process. So how old are they now? 15-16?''

Guard Ao Theo pinched her cheek and turned her head towards himself. ''No. They are much, much , muuuuch older. But we will talk about the age of some other time. Now we have things to get done. How is your shield?'' With that, he broke off again her questioning but Kyra was just partially curious.

She knew that early or later she will know. There is no need to rush into anything.

Anna was actually really curious and turned her eyes towards Guard Bathuk but he just turned her body and with soft pushing guided her towards the door.

In front main gate stood huge carriage with the official signet of an official from their own Continent.

Kyra hated to be in mid of attention, but after she chose to make changes in her life, she couldn't avoid it anymore. She inhaled deeply and sat down.

Elder Kai looked at her with a smile. ''And... How do you like it?''

Kyra adjusted her body into comfortable pillows and smiled brightly. ''At least it's comfortable. And the car is ... grandiose.''

Yes, that is what you could call that carriage. Four black shiny horses pulled amazingly carved carriage that had so much of a fairytale style that he almost laughed out loud. It seems those from Kazi's clan seem to have made many adjustments. Going deeper into pillows she had an honest smile as this was something she loved. Comfort and... comfort.

She was not a lazy person, but whenever she was done with her work she would lay down on her lounge chair and would just relax or read or just talk with Anna. These soft cushions made her feel as comfortable her chair is.

As she was thinking about the coziness of the chair she realized that they literally were almost at the city and didn't even feel any shaking or street bumps. Her big eyes became stary as she stared at Elder Kai.

He felt strange and blinked at her. ''What? Something you want to ask or you want me to buy you something?''

Her face became flat as he said those words. ''Elder Kai, I do have quite a lot of respect towards most people, but please do not look down on me. I earn my own money, no need for anyone to give me anything.''

He turned his head to say something when Ao Theo flicked his forefinger onto her head. He looked at a slightly red spot with mixed feelings but on his face, nothing could be seen. ''Fool. You are done with the training officially. Now if someone wants to gift you something, accept it. You never know when you will need it.''

Her face suddenly shone and she naughtily looked at Elder Kai. ''Does that mean I can accept all presents?''

He nodded as bad premonition rose in his heart so he quickly added. ''Presents are fine, but you can't go out and ask people to give you something. It is quite a rude thing to do.''

Kyra became serious after his words and stared at him coldly. ''Do you have such a low opinion about me?''

He suddenly felt his head hurting badly. Why does this child always turn his words as she pleases? ''I didn't say that! You little... fox.'' He could see her lips that rose on corners and knew hse was making fun of him. He sighed deeply and just gave up arguing. ''I offer you officially anything you want, as long I can afford.''

She chuckled and shook her head. ''No need Elder. But I will come back onto that offer if I ever need it. Please gather more money for the future. I am quite a wasteful person.''

Ao Theo and Bathuk started chuckling as their eyes darted into surrounding area.

The danger is still there, but who is the person lurking around?