A simple meal in Al'uru

 I was passing through a small Alian city called Valhezakan today on my way to Qoriga. During high noon, my stomach started to grumble, and having glimpsed stands selling fresh fruits and vegetables from a distance, I soon found myself drawn there, peeking around for something to eat. I nearly missed it and had to double back after noticing the little inn's sign, a woman, with half-moons for eyes and the words "Aseera's Lounge, come and eat", written in small letters underneath. The sign was succeeded by a long alleyway, at the end of it was a door. It was a tight squeeze. The door frame only reached my chin, but I was relieved to find the ceiling was higher (though not by much) inside. The place was rather spacious, sets of circular tables with little stools were spread out across its dirt floor. On the other side of the room, archways led out to a dusty courtyard where a fountain trickled weakly, its mosaic faded and chipped. At the bar, a man with a cloth wrapped over his eyes stood, absent-mindedly scrubbing the counter, but though his vision seemed obscured, he noticed when I walked in and pointed to a large stool where I could sit, though his nose was still pointed down at his work. I sat where he directed and didn't wait too long before I was served a steaming plate of flat, dry bread on a tray for which I paid only two rose pieces. He brought out a dish with a thick, whitish sauce where a pile of red chili paste and bean curd lay as well as a plate of seared asparagus. Despite the simplicity of the meal, I was pleasantly surprised to find it quite satisfying. The sauce, which I mixed the curd and paste into, tasted like garlic and olives. It complimented the asparagus oddly, but the taste wasn't unpleasant. Though it was not much food, I felt well-fed and thanked him for his hospitality. He said nothing in return, and with a start, I realized where there should have been a mouth, there was only the indentation of a line and lips, but the skin there was completely fused together. I wanted to make note of this specifically because the only time I ever saw something like this was 12 years ago during my time as an officer in the city of Dianda, and the man with the false mouth there had electrocuted me. Needless to say, I left the place in a hurry, but now I wonder if I should have looked around some more. But since I don't have privileges of search and seizure anymore, perhaps it is better I refused to let my curiosity get the best of me.

Some Introductions!

   My name is Julia Schäfer. If that sounds familiar, you've probably picked up my book Peoples of the Endless Street, Travels with the N'ra, or any other of my works. I am an author with Pathways Publishing ltd. and specialize in the analysis of the various cultures of the six realms. I grew up in a little village in northern Tabka'ali and, as you can probably tell, am of mixed Anjótsen/Human heritage. Growing up, I tended to run off to neighboring villages to meet the different creatures and peoples that lived in my area, and when I turned 15, I moved by myself to the capital city of Isikarr to get closer to some of the vibrant culture that clusters in metropolitan areas. Due to my size, it was easy for me to find work and the first year I lived in Isikarr saw me working in construction, metalwork, and as junior assistant to the Consulate Guard. Eventually, I was picked up by the Intercontinental Defense Leauge and served on the force for 11 years before I decided to dedicate my life to the study of language, culture, and people. In the past 8 years, I have written around 150 works including multiple textbooks and research papers for colleges throughout the 6th Realm, and am an honorary professor of polyanthropology, cultural studies, and Endalan history in over 50 colleges. Though I cannot disclose my location for reasons of privacy, I now live in an apartment with a view of the sea, my only companion being my cat, Yogan.