039. Shopping

In Arüniylath, society was structured around rigid castes. These castes were not only inherited through lineage but also established through the results of the Innarín ceremony. Each year, during this pivotal event, individuals fought to secure or enhance their social standing. Losers were relegated to servitude, bound to serve the victors until the next Innarín, where they had the opportunity to reclaim their status through combat.
Liriénka's surprise at Jalu shortening her name arose from her assumption that he grasped the cultural weight behind the act. As a descendant of the esteemed Elthié family, part of the Ornkhå caste renowned for their unmatched battle prowess, she had grown up steeped in a legacy of invincibility. The Elthié family’s unblemished record in combat had endured since the early days of the Arüniylath kingdom, making Jalu's seemingly casual gesture feel both unexpected and unsettling.
Among the six castes in their social hierarchy, Olthgu was the lowest, stripped of all rights within niylath society. This caste was reserved for traitors, cowards, criminals, and those who lost battles, even outside the official Innarín ceremonies. Being cast into Olthgu was a mark of ultimate disgrace, condemning individuals to a life of servitude and scorn, their names erased from any chance of comfort or respect.
Defeated by Jalu, Liriénka grasped the weight of her failure—she had become the first Elthié descendant to jeopardize her family's legacy, threatening their descent into the Olthgu caste, bringing unimaginable shame. The thought of being the cause of her family's humiliation consumed her. Thus, when Jalu expressed his desire to forget their fight at Situ Cukul, she felt immense relief. In Arüniylath's culture, only the victor held the power to annul the outcome of a duel, offering her a glimmer of hope for redemption.
"Are you okay?" Jalu’s question jolted Liriénka from her thoughts, her wide eyes meeting his. "Don’t worry! No one will bother you," he reassured her before stepping out of the car.
Jalu rounded the vehicle, opening the door for her. Liriénka stepped out hesitantly, her movements slow and uncertain, as if sickly and weakened. Observing her discomfort, a thought struck him—an idea that might simplify his task.
"I’ll talk to one of the humans inside," Jalu said, a smirk playing at his lips. "They’ll pick out clothes for you. Just try them on and follow whatever they say. Do you understand?"
Liriénka nodded silently, trailing behind Jalu as they passed through the glass doors of the shop. Inside, the air felt different—almost thick with the scent of polished wood and fabric softener. Jalu led her straight to a woman in uniform, speaking in a rapid language unfamiliar to Liriénka. She watched as the shop assistant smiled, nodding enthusiastically in response.
Moments later, the woman gestured for Liriénka to follow her, guiding her towards a small fitting room at the back of the store. The assistant's friendly demeanor eased some of her tension, but the strangeness of the place still weighed on her as she stepped inside.
Unbeknownst to Liriénka, Jalu had woven a simple lie to the shop assistant, explaining that she was his sister who had only recently awakened from a years-long coma. He added that the ordeal had left her struggling with speech, hence her quiet demeanor.
That story ensured that the assistant would be extra accommodating, taking the lead in helping Liriénka select clothes appropriate for her. It also gave Jalu the freedom to step outside, lighting a cigarette while he waited, leaving the niylath in the capable hands of someone who understood modern fashion far better than he ever could.
As Jalu stood at the cashier's desk, handing over his card to pay for the stack of clothes, sandals, and shoes, his attention was caught by movement near the fitting rooms. He froze, momentarily stunned as Liriénka stepped out wearing a white summer dress adorned with large pastel blue floral patterns.
The dress draped elegantly over her lithe, well-proportioned figure, and the white sneakers completed the look effortlessly. Even without a trace of makeup, her flawless light-brown skin and ethereal beauty made her appear like a model stepping straight out of a fashion magazine. Jalu couldn't help but stare, momentarily forgetting the task at hand.
"I need water," she whispered, her eyes betraying her anxiety.
Jalu's heart sank as he realized he'd left the bottled water in the car. His gaze darted around, desperately seeking a water source. Just then, the cashier handed back his card and the payment receipt, while a young shop assistant carried their purchases to the vehicle. Left with no choice, Jalu followed him. As he approached the SUV, he noticed Liriénka standing silently beside it.
"Why didn't you get in first, Liri?" he asked, holding the door open.
"It wouldn't be polite for me to enter before the owner," she replied, leaving Jalu momentarily speechless.
"This isn’t—" Jalu started, but his words faltered as he saw the color drain from Liriénka's face. He gently touched Liriénka's arm, signaling her to enter the car promptly, then swiftly followed into the driver's cabin. The man quickly opened a bottle of mineral water and handed it to the niylath. As it turned out, just a sip was enough for Liriénka to regain color on her face.
"What would happen if you didn't find water?" Jalu asked as he pulled the car out of the parking lot.
"Air would replace the fluids in my body. And for a day and a night, I would embarrass myself before stiffening like a piece of wood," Liriénka explained.
Jalu’s curiosity still yearned for a more detailed explanation, but seeing Liriénka’s discomfort, he decided to stay silent. He reluctantly accepted that prolonged dehydration could be fatal for a niylath.
"Next time, keep a bottle of water with you at all times," Jalu advised, his tone firm but caring. "If it runs out, you can refill it at home or buy more from any store."
Liriénka nodded, a grateful smile touching her lips. Despite being in a world so foreign and overwhelming, Jalu's kindness had quickly made her feel at ease.
“Tell me about your people,” Jalu continued, his tone warm. "While driving, I'm sure your melodious voice won't make me fall asleep like it did this morning."