It’s starting to get dark by the time I see the road again.

  The green pastures have already changed in favor of barren stone lands.

  Nevertheless, I can see some farms around.

  There are some very resilient crops that still can grow even in this area, and the price for food in Akaras is quite high, as the supply has to come from outside.

  This makes even a small yield rather profitable, since there's always a demand and the army pays well.

  But if I remember the way right, there's still some distance to cover till I make it back to the town.

  Well, at least I don't tire out, nor have I gotten hungry or thirsty.

  But mentally, I'm exhausted and want to rest a bit.

  Good god, rest in peace has gotten a completely new sense by now.

  I could maybe just lie down on the ground, but the thought of occasional critters and the exposure does not sit well with me.

  Instead, I head to one of the farms, so I may ask if I could maybe use their barn.

  The sun is nearly gone, but there is still some light.

  It should be okay to approach a house and just ask.

  I approach the next farmhouse I can find.

  "Whoff, whoff, whoff!"

  Oh no, they got a dog!

  And it’s running straight towards me!

  I wish I had someone with me, as with my stature, I’m not very imposing.

  It may think it can directly attack!

  "Whoff, whoff, whoff!!!"

  Luckily, it seems content to bark.

  But why is it so damn aggressive?

  It’s kinda freaking out at me.

  Even though I'm not all that much to freak out at.

  Do they have so few visitors?

  It's not even dark yet.

  Still, now I probably riled them up, so I can't stop here, or I'll totally look like some bandit trying to sneak up at their farm.

  No, I have to approach them openly.

  "Knock, knock"

  I can hear some steps; they sound rather hurried.

  I stare down while waiting, as I'm a little embarrassed about this whole situation, never having had to beg a stranger for a night’s lodging before.

  Soon, an old man with a white beard and grey hair opens.

  "What is it?" (old man)

  "Whoff, whoff, whoff!!"

  "Rosco, calm down! I'm dealing with this." (old man)

  "Grrrrrr" (apparently Rosco)

  The man sounds a little agitated, but most would be if they were disturbed this late.

  "G-good evening, Sir. I’m heading to the town, but it’s already late, and I have no place to rest. Would it be possible for me to use your barn or even just stay close to the building? I will be gone tomorrow before you notice!" (Y)

  "You, you don't look very well, and your clothes are completely in tatters." (old man)

  Oh, right.

  My clothes survived Nuvia, but during the fight with the orcs they became quite tattered.

  "My carriage was attacked around a day or so away from here. I managed to run away, but now I am out here with nothing." (Y)

  This isn't quite a lie, but telling him that a crazy mage turned me into some kind of living corpse may lead this talk astray and not quite support my point.

  "Oh... I'm, I'm sorry to hear this." (old man)

  His voice softens a bit.

  "But the barn is not the right place! Here, you can come in. The fur on the ground should make a better resting place for a guest." (old man)

  At his invitation, I look up to give my thanks.

  "Thank you, Mister!" (Y)

  "Whoaah!" (old man)

  That startled me.

  "Wh-what is it?" (Y)

  "Well, you know..." (old man)

  Not really, that's why I'm asking.

  But he doesn't need to know that.

  At this moment, an elderly woman joins him from inside the building.

  "Honey, is something the matter? What’s taking you so long?" (elderly woman)

  She sees me, but also gasps as soon as our eyes meet.

  "Do they look that strange?" (Y)

  I cannot really hide my anxiety regarding the answer I will receive.

  "Strange? You... They are so cold. Blue flowing within a bright, icy grey, it's like I'm freezing just from looking at them." (elder woman)

  "Oh! I'm sorry. If it makes you uneasy, I can try not to look." (Y)

  "Oh no. It's not like you can do something about the eyes you're born with." (elderly woman)

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Born with, huh?

  "Ummh, Dear, this is..." (old man)

  Oh, this is my turn.

  "Yomi, my name is Yomi. I'm the daughter of the leatherworkers in Akaras." (Y)

  It can't hurt to press that I'm a local.

  This should put them more at ease if I'm no longer a complete stranger to them.

  "It seems that Yomi's carriage was attacked, and she now has no place to sleep. Is it okay with you if we provide her shelter for the night?" (old man)

  "Oh my, you poor thing. Come in then!" (elder woman)

  "Really? Thank you very much, Ma’am. I’ll try not to bother you." (Y)

  "It's Marsha. And my husband's name is Wulfan. Now come in, child, it's getting a little fresh out there. You could get cold." (M)

  You wouldn't know just how much.

  Yet it got a little better since this recent incident, and I think I'm slowly growing used to it.

  I accept the invitation and enter their place.

  The house has one main hall where the dining table lies and two doors.

  In that case, one should be a rather small bedroom and the other a storage room.

  There is a fireside, with a pot hanging above it, which provides some light in this rather dim room.

  I head directly there, yet sadly, it doesn't really make me feel warm.

  Only a shallow feeling that won't quite reach this chill inside.

  "Gasp!" (M)

  Huh?

  What is it now?

  I turn to them and see a rather complicated expression on both of their faces.

  "Umm, is something wrong?" (Y)

  "N-no, it's just... I just now noticed. Are you alright? Your skin it... This doesn't look healthy. And then the hair." (M)

  Oh, I forgot.

  My skin is grey like a corpse's.

  In the light of the fire, it's quite obvious.

  "I-I'm fine, r-really. J-just a little spent from walking all this way, and I-I’m still shocked how my carriage was attacked. But this, this complexion is normal, for me." (Y)

  At least, I suppose I will have to get used to it.

  "If you say so. But you should really talk to a healer." (W)

  "Maybe. I will as soon as I can. But first, I have to contact my family in Akaras." (Y)

  "Uhh." (M)

  "What is it?" (Y)

  Just recently, the Orcs grew more aggressive. They are attacking many places around the town. The attacks seem controlled, and the security was raised. It might become a little difficult to enter. They are particularly cautious at the moment." (M)

  So Dad was really right.

  "Why are they raising the security for people entering if the enemies are orcs?" (Y)

  "I believe it is about the supply. People need to have a reason to enter in case of a siege, or there may be too many mouths to feed. Also, they might fear chaos in case the army has to move out and the wrong people are disturbing the public order." (W)

  "Aren't you scared? What if you get targeted?" (Y)

  "We won't move from here! We have been living here for nigh sixty years and this isn't going to change because of a little trouble!" (W)

  "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound impolite." (Y)

  "No, no child. Your concerns are absolutely valid." (M)

  They motion me to the table and offer me a seat that I gladly accept.

  Then we come a little into talking.

  "Say, about your appearance..." (W)

  Again, my looks.

  For sure, I’ll have to get used to questions like this.

  "What about it?" (Y)

  "It just occurred to me. I have heard once that mages sometimes have uncommon appearances. Is this maybe the reason?" (W)

  There is no reason to withhold this, and it might help to sell to them that I'm not deadly sick.

  Even if, in truth, I'm kinda past that point.

  "You could say so. I have an affinity for ice, but I lack experience and don't have any proficiency." (Y)

  "Oh, would you show us something?" (M)

  I grow uneasy at this.

  If I recall the frozen orc statue, it seems I have a little problem knowing how it might turn out.

  But there is one trick I practiced, and if I purposely try to restrain myself, it should work.

  I move a bit away from my hosts.

  Trying to keep it low, I slowly start to will a little bit of my energy to my hand and then bring it out.

  However, it feels kind of weird.

  Before, I had to watch for and gather every speck from all over my body, but now there is a dense cloud around the place where my heart would be, expanding everywhere from there.

  As soon as I feel the controlled energy reach my hand, I notice how abundant it is.

  Instantly, the room temperature drops, and a huge chunk of ice forms in my hand, causing me to cancel everything instantly.

  Like this, a big block of ice falls from my hand to the table, while the fireside works on restoring the temperature.

  The two look a little flabbergasted.

  "Uh, sorry. As I said, I lack practice." (Y)

  "This was certainly impressive! But I suppose you have to be careful not to freeze anyone around you." (M)

  "Yes, of course!" (Y)

  "On the other side, we now have some ice, honey. This is rare to come by in these parts. Let's try storing it and maybe use it to cool some drinks." (M)

  "Hah, always so positive! I know why I married you." (W)

  Uhh, they share a kiss.

  It's kinda awkward, as it had to be one of the sloppy ones.

  Best not to comment on this.

  Just feigning ignorance should be for the best.

  "We should return this kindness. We have prepared broth for dinner, why don’t you join us?" (M)

  I don't feel particularly hungry, but I also haven't gotten anything for around a day.

  In addition, Marsha decided for me and brought an additional portion.

  The smell is pleasant when she lays the food in front of me, and it appears so warm.

  I take the spoon and bring a full serving to my mouth.

  The taste is as I remember it should taste, although maybe a bit dulled, but while having it in my mouth, something feels off.

  There is some sense that tells me that I shouldn’t swallow this mass of vegetables, fat, and maybe even a bit of meat.

  However, I couldn't possibly spit it out now in front of them.

  So I gobble it down.

  Seems fine, I guess.

  I suppose I can try some more.

  However, quite quickly, I notice that something is wrong.

  My stomach feels off.

  Every bite I take makes this clearer.

  Like there's a weight inside of me that shouldn't be there, but gives off a bad kind of pressure.

  I, I don't like this feeling.

  Why is this happening?

  I’ve never felt quite like this before.

  I’m already dead, am I about to be sick too?

  "Urgh, urgh"

  At that thought, I start retching; however, my stomach won't quite help me out here, despite that feeling.

  "Yomi, is something wrong?!" (M)

  Both of them are alarmed, but I can’t focus on them now.

  I need to do something about this disgusting feeling!

  So, while seated, I bend myself along the side of the table as far as I can, in an attempt to make it flow down from my mouth.

  "Bluarghh" (Y)

  It works!

  Yet not really.

  Only a bit comes flowing, but it still helps at least a little.

  Yet the feeling is still there.

  I don’t like it!

  I want it gone!!

  Suddenly, my stomach finally clenches, and I fall from my place, clawing at my throat, as I spew everything up until my body has thrown everything out.

  But that feeling has mercifully ceased.

  Though, this really doesn't look great.

  Oh no!

  What did I just do!?

  I puked something really vile on these poor people's floor!

  But one thing is clear.

  I cannot eat this!

  I absolutely cannot swallow this stuff.

  The two look totally bewildered.

  Which matches my own state.

  Just what is wrong with me!?

  "Yomi! What's gotten into you?!" (M)

  Tearfully, I apologize.

  "Sorry! I'm sorry! I just can't. Sorry." (Y)

  "No, no. You look like you're in pain. But the food was surely fine, we just had some as well!" (M)

  "I don't know. I just can't eat. Please, no more questions." (Y)

  "Are you really alright?" (W)

  "No idea. Can, can I please sleep a bit?" (Y)

  They look worried, but eventually, I get a nod.

  However, as they go a bit away, I can hear them talking.

  "She's obviously sick. She can't stay here." (W)

  "What are you suggesting? We can't just throw a young girl like her out into the night, especially not in that state." (M)

  "But what if she infects us with her plague?! If either of us gets that, we surely won't survive." (W)

  "Bah! Are we so afraid of death that we can’t even aid a child in need? We'll keep our distance and avoid contact. Just make sure to clean up carefully." (M)

  I guess I can't get out of this notion.

  Well, one could even say that I got something really deadly.

  'Death', that is.

  Haha...

  Urgh, I need to stop with this.

  At least, things calm down after this.

  For the night, they'll let me lie down in a corner, which they kindly arranged for me with some padding.

  This is very trusting of them.

  While I cannot see anything worth stealing here, and the storage is supposedly locked, already letting me into the house is a huge concession.

  Yet I can't help but think about how terrible what just happened was.

  My body was suggesting very clearly that food isn't for me.

  But if I can't eat, how am I supposed to sustain myself?

  ...

  Don't tell me!

  The green smoke!

  If it's this...

  This isn't good!

  How will I survive if I have to drain living beings?

  I don't even know how long I will last with what I've got.

  If my stomach won’t let me know, how can I tell when I need nourishment?

  How warm I feel could be an indicator.

  But, is being cold good, or not?

  I think I didn't feel as cold after I drained the orcs, so warmer ought to be better, meaning that I still am pretty well off for now compared to how I first began.

  Maybe this much is enough to last me for months.

  But maybe it isn’t.

  What will I do if I eventually run out of this... lifeforce?

  I certainly can't stay in the city and suck everyone dry.

  This just isn't me.

  I'm not a monster!

  But what would be an alternative?

  Could I maybe become a hunter?

  If I already have to kill them for the meat, the rest should be fair game, right?

  Maybe even as a butcher, as that would be an especially comfy way to arrange myself with such a gruesome task.

  I know well enough that someone has to kill the animals we process for the leather beforehand.

  Let us hope this will somehow work out.

  After all I've been through, I really need some rest.

  Troubled like this, I cuddle myself into the blanket.

  Tonight, I'm definitely gonna rest like a corpse!