The Chronicler

I floated in the mists, not really sure what to do. The scent in the room was meant to be soothing, but nothing was really calming me. It had been over half an hour, but I still felt... wrong. Giving up, I got out of the mist chamber, wrapped a robe around myself, and went back to the desk that was littered with books, pens, and paper.

How long I sat staring at the books and paper, I didn't know. It was only when Cloud-Scraper came in that I realized it was nearing sunset. They were carrying a tray of food, which they carefully set down on the low dining table in my chambers. They examined me for a long time, then said, "You are not well, Word-Singer."

Of course they would see, I thought. "I'm fine," I lied.

Cloud-Scraper came over and wrapped their arms around me, then their wings. "You are a horrible liar."

I sighed and let my head fall back onto their chest. "It's not a physical illness."

"The human histories trouble you?" they asked.

"I've been translating for the archive all morning, and..." I shook my head. "It is full of contradictions, contrary tellings of events, even when there's ample video evidence! I just... It's... I don't know, Cloud-Scraper! I don't understand them and I'm surprised that they managed to survive as a species long enough to travel into space! And to make matters worse, so much of their discourse is barely translatable! They have so many concepts that seem so..." I sighed. "They seem so cruel and abusive. Their species has done things that we wouldn't even think of doing, even historically!"

Cloud-Scraper squeezed me a little, then gently pulled away to sit down on the chair next to my desk that was built for winged-ones. "Hmmm. The humans that I've met so far have been cautious, but friendly. Maybe a bit too pragmatic for their own good."

"I know, that's why doing this translation of their history for the archives is so confusing!"

They thought for a long moment, then said, "Why don't you talk to one of the humans? Or several of them. If I remember correctly, they have their own Chronicler, and even a priest! I'm sure they could help you make some sense of it all."

I sighed. "I know, but... reading about the horrors humanity has done to itself... it hurts my soul, Cloud-Scraper." I put my head in my hands over the books and tablets.

There was a quiet shuffling next to me, and I jumped as Cloud-Scraper's hands began to knead the tight muscles of my shoulders. "Come to the chamber with me, karia," they purred. "Let me chase these horrors away for you, hm?"

I closed my eyes. I could never resist their touch. "Fine." I tilted my head back again to look into their eyes. "Can't promise I'll enjoy it, though," I teased.

They laughed, bright and joyful. "Liar," they said, taking my hand and drawing me away from the desk.