INTO THE DEPTHS

was made from beautiful black slate, the ceiling a pattern of hardwood, small windows all over letting the setting -sunlight in, casting everything in an orange hue. Chairs were strewn about a bookcase in the corner. The Coanian took off his shoes and weapons—, he would not need them here—, and followed Vanya into the small, yet open, kitchen.

She flitted her head about, looking out the window before, with a wave of her hand, lighting the wood stove. She turned around and jumped, clutching her hand to her chest. “You scared me.”

“Apologies.” The Coanian flashed a smirk before stepping over to the counter. “How can I be of service?”

“I need some help preparing a dish. It’s a nice fish stew from the Mavi Coast.” Vanya set out an array of ingredients and seasonings on the counter before turning to work on the other counter. “I’ll be over here, baking a nice surprise for you.”

“Why, thank you.” The Coanian gave a nod before sliding the fish over and beginning to filet and trim them, being careful not to waste any meat. He gingerly sliced the onions, tomatoes, and capers, and delicately sprinkled garlic and couscous spices over the filets.

“Ah ha.” Vanya slammed her hand down on the counter, startling the Coanian. “I knew it.” She pointed her finger squarely at her guest. “There’s something off about you. I never told you how to prepare that stew. Only a native would use the right ingredients without being told. And you sure do know how to handle your produce, for a wanderer.”

The Coanian shook his head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t take me for a fool, Traveler.” Her tone went sharp, and the Coanian set down his knife, and relented.

“Do you really want to know?”

“I do.”

“Look into my eyes. And there you will find the answer.”

Vanya sighed and crossed her arms. When the Coanian gave no further words, she raised up to be even with his eyes. And she looked into them. Those orange eyes, they weren’t the eyes of a young man. They were the eyes of her grandmother as she told stories of Ages Past, the eyes of the Elders in the temple, the eyes of family she once had.

She stumbled back.

“Did you find the answer you were looking for?” His voice

Her eyes grew distant. “I don’t always like to think of my time as a mage. There are some rough memories.”

“You studied at Granak, didn’t you?”

“That I did, I’ll never forget that place.” Vanya shook her head. “Those halls, that blue lake, the people. When did you go there?”

The Coanian sighed. “That is not an easy question to answer.”

Vanya pursed her lips. “You’ve been dodging questions all day. Long story or not, my curiosity is piqued, my dear Traveler.”

“I want to give you answers, I just.” He looked down at the table.

“I don’t know all the answers myself.” He looked back at Vanya.

“All I can say is that I carry memories, memories of lives now past. Whether they are my memories or the memories of others, I, I can’t figure it out.”

“You are quite the strange man, Coanian.” Vanya paused. “You said you carry memories. Then, could I ask you to do something for me?”

The Coanian nodded. “Of course.”

“Just, listen, so I know that a part of my son lives on.”

So he sat, and he listened. Listened as the stew finished, and