A bit of the truth

His question has you reeling and you are worried that he might be right, that she just killed someone and gave you their body, but then you remember looking at yourself in the mirror when you woke up and reading the residual magic of your creation. “Sorry no, that isn’t me. She might be my cousin though, my uncle was quite the ladies man.” You add trying to ease his mind.

“Really?” He asks clearly not believing you, but you can also tell he has accepted that you aren’t her. “I guess you don’t exactly talk like her. The resemblance is uncanny. Can I buy you a drink? It is the least I could do after bothering you.”

“Oh no, I have had far to much to drink already, unless you want to get me something that isn’t ****.”

He raises his hand and catches the attention of the serving girl, “A glass of erk-soos for the lady.” She smiles, takes his copper, and returns with a black as coal drink in a tall glass.”

“Um, thanks?” You say staring at what looks a lot like tar.

He smiles and asks, “So what is your name then?”

“Mariah.” The name flows off your tongue before you even think about it, as if you had said it a thousand times before.

“The pleasure is mine Mariah. The name is Hardrid by the way.” He says with a bit of a nod and a smile.

The drink turns out to be a bit bitter, a little sweet, and is actually pretty good. “Oh this is good, thanks.” You say after a big drink.

“Yes it is more common to the south but the innkeeper here is from Kasari and makes quite a few specialties from his home, I have traveled a lot I guess. You must be from somewhere close to there yourself, right? I can’t quite place your ethnicity.”

“Most can’t, you see my ancestor was **** by a demon and a little bit of that taint still lingers inside, which in my case makes me a bit darker than I would normally look. I was born just north of here actually.” You say, which is pretty much true, you decide. “Boy I must be drunk, I don’t normally tell anyone that.” You say with a little cute laugh.

“Oh wow, so you really are related to my Nadzia.” He says with a laugh. “She told me a similar story once.” He then stands up, “Well as I am not one to take advantage of the drunk, I will bid you good night. Perhaps you will allow me to buy you breakfast?” He asks.