CHAPTER 4: CONFUSION

The day started with a warm breakfast prepared by Antigone's parents. The newcomer, who seems to be shy, sat with them at the dining table.

His eyes darted from each person to another, seemingly seeping in their appearances. When he met Antigone's eyes, he looked down.

"Uhm excuse me, who are you, and where am I?" he inquisitively asked.

"You are in the residence of Damasto, the head steward of water and we are his family. I am Lorisa, his wife and the head steward of air. This is my daughter Antigone, the heiress of the Supreme Steward," Lorisa replied to him with a warm smile emanating from her small face.

Theodore nodded and said, "But how did I land here? We didn't see any forest in our radar."

Damasto, Lorisa and Antigone exchanged glances. "We do not know what a radar is, but I think that is what your people use to navigate, am I right?" asked Antigone as she twirled a strand of her hair.

"Yes, indeed. We did not sense the storm nor any forest within a distance," he replied.

"Oh, that was made by the Gods! So you came from another realm and you made it here!" Antigone joyously inferred, making her parents giggle. Teddy was shocked by her high-pitched voice, but laughed about its silly sound.

"Ah yes, let's say that's the reason. But why am I here? Why here of all places?" Teddy moved his palm across his face to show his frustration.

"We do not know why you were brought here. I think the Gods will let us know in the right time," Damasto finally spoke, "Meanwhile, let us welcome you to our humble community. May you find peace and merriment in the middle of our abundant forest."

"So, what is your name and what is your job there in your realm?" inquired Damasto.

"I am Theodore Lin, Teddy for short. I am a businessman sir. We are into the construction business. We make modern infrastructures that serve the need of our clients," he replied.

"Oh that's great, Teddy. Even though we cannot comprehend fully what you mean by that, I think your job is similar to our tree-builders. They collect twigs and construct a shelter for every family," Lorisa said excitedly while scooping in Teddy's plate a spoonful of vegetables.

"Ah, yes I guess," Teddy beamed at her.

They finished their breakfast while having a conversation.

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After breakfast, Antigone was tasked by her parents to take Teddy to a tour. She was reminded not to engage in strenuous tasks because of Teddy's still-healing injuries.

They walked side-by-side into the different villages. All eyes were on them for it was a small community and not everyone gets the chance to see somebody of a totally different origin.

They whispered as the pair passed by them. They went to the nursery first. This is the place where the villagers nurture their young. They feed them, play with them and teach them the basic values of respect and tolerance. These values are important for them because of the differences that they have in their elementals.

"You know, I am starting to think that I'm handsome because they kept on gossiping wherever I go," Teddy said jokingly.

"Ha, you're right," replied Antigone without thinking. When she realized the issue about her answer, she blushed.

"Oh, am I, Antigone? Haha," Teddy teasingly remarked.

"I mean, your face is an unusual sight to us, especially your skin color," she blushed while talking.

"Oh, is racism present in here too? I am Chinese yet I am tan," Teddy remarked.

"What is racism?" Antigone asked. "Well for starters, it is when you discriminate against someone who is of different skin color in contrast to the color of the majority," Teddy replied.

"That's awful! Here in our forest, we are first taught about tolerance above anything else. It is important in order for us to earn mutual respect from one another," she said.

"So how do I earn their respect, my lady?" Teddy bent his head to be in level in Antigone's gray eyes. His warm brown eyes made her heart skip a beat.

"I-I… I have to see about that," she coyly responded as she looked away.

Teddy followed her lead as she chuckled to himself. Oh what an adorable mess I've made, he thought.