Chapter 484
That night, after I had met and greeted the people of Rijaiera, there was a feast. It was a celebration to welcome me as a guest and as Ellen’s friend.
They prepared the meat they had hunted, roasting the animals whole, and the villagers all gathered for a feast. It wasn’t overly extravagant, but the people of Rijaiera were self-sufficient, and there seemed to be no problem with that.
They welcomed me simply because I was Ellen’s friend.
The adults were aware that the world was in great turmoil, but they did not mention it. It felt as though Rijaiera was isolated from the rest of the world in some way, and it seemed that many of the residents, including the children, were unaware of other matters as well, like the family of Sunday and Monday.
The world was in chaos. Everyone was worried about Ellen, but it was clear they believed nothing serious would happen to her.
Were the people of Rijaiera born here and destined to live here until they died? Did outsiders ever drift into the village?
“Is it really that chaotic outside? Nothing happens here because we’re so deep in the mountains, and the adults don’t tell us anything. They just say not to go too far from the village.”
It was Lena, who had introduced herself as Ellen’s childhood friend, who quietly asked me this.
I could see Arta sitting on the other side. He was focused on me as well. It seemed these two did not know the details either. They didn’t seem to realize how strange it was that nothing was happening in Rijaiera at all.
It was clear that unless one reached a certain age, the adults didn’t reveal the true nature of Rijaiera to them.
“It’s dangerous. Very much so,” I said.