Would be more dangerous to lie

When I sat down onto the stump I finally managed to get a good view at the old man across from me. Though the crystal between us blocked my view a good deal I was still able to make out the majority of his features. His dark blue eyes, his caramel and black speckled skin. The way that his long grey hair flowed behind him. How his beard matched in both size and length. His clothing was also different from those I'd seen before. Though just as simple, compared to my time, the grey fabric that made up the majority of his robe seemed to glimmer with a violet light. Different from the guards where it seemed to pulsate. His robes appeared to actually glow. A steady and persistent glow, similar to that of a glow stick. In the bright room I couldn't see much of it but I knew that should the light go out this man would look like a black light.

"So, human, tell me. Who are you?" He asked clasping his hands together as he watched me. At the same time the crystal in the center of the desk began to hum quietly. Similar to a mechanical whirring.

"I... My name is Leo. I'm from a clan to the east, I..." As if to cut me off the crystal flashes brightly. I could feel the man's stare intensify as I trail off. His gaze almost goading me to try again. "My name is Leo. I'm... not from here. I grew up in a distant city that you wouldn't know. I... I don't know what I'm doing here. The story that the guard heard is honest. I came from the forest, I did fall into the river and I did come upon the farmer on chance. He simply saw a young man hurt and lost. He gave me a ride out of the goodness of his heart." Unsurprisingly the crystal didn't react this time. A sort of lie detector.

"I see. I can't say as to which part of your tale I truly believe but I can also see that you haven't lied." Opening his hands he rested back against his seat as he continued. "My name is Rhyas. I am the Hux of this land. As such it is my task to watch over and document those who come to and leave my district. Most have identification in the form of papers but those who remain are entered into the simulacrum, the crystal before you. Their likeness is entered into the memories so that they may be found and managed in a timely manner. I'm able to connect with other simulacrums in order to cross reference those who come to my district. You... however, have no such identity. Nothing to cross reference or track. You, Leo, are an oddity. Come, place your hands upon the crystal. It will tell me the rest of your tale, should the gods see fit."

I listened closely to the man's explanation. Though I felt a little uneasy about being tracked. Hesitantly I raised my hands and placed them on either side of the large crystal. Nearly a foot and a half tall and half the width my hands did little to hide the mere size of the rock. As my palms came to a rest the crystal began to glow once more. It felt warm, as if hot water was rushing just under the surface. After a few moments it started to vibrate against my hands. Slowly it began to rise into the air, taking my hands with it. All the while Rhyas seemed to care little to the spectacle before him. After a few moments the crystal slowly descended back down. Only after it came to rest back in it's pedestal was I able to finally pull my hands away.

"What was all that?" I ask rubbing my hands together. My nerves still felt a little odd. As if they were asleep. "Why did it do that?"

"It was simply going through the process of examining you. It..." His words trialed off only a moment after starting. He stared into the crystal for an uncomfortable amount of time. "That... tell me, Leo. What was the world like, in your time?"

In response I simply gawk at the man. I didn't know how to react. What to say. Even the stump below my rear suddenly felt uncomfortable. It took some time but eventually I manage to respond. "It was... different. I... how did you know?"

"Forerunner. The namesake given to those who have been graced by the divine. I told you that the crystal would tell me the whole truth and it has given much. Such as your age. Such a large number that it appears impossible. Something we haven't seen in centuries." Before I get that chance to respond. To let out the confusion that his words brought he raised is hand. Cutting me short before I got the chance to speak. "You're not the first. Though you are a rare sort. I cannot speak of which god or goddess has given you life anew but I can tell you this. Your... kind, is a rare breed. Something most would do anything to control. I can say this being that I am a purely neutral party. I care little for what happens outside this space. So heed my warning, Forerunner, and heed it well. There are many powers in this age. Many dangers that would do horrific things to you simply to harvest your mana. They covet your gifts, whatever they may be. Keep your true nature quiet. Keep your gifts secret. To expose yourself is to court ****, or worse."

"Now," he said seemingly past the ominous warnings. "your name and state has been entered into the simulacrum. As such I and other Hux will be able to follow your movements and relay that information to those who require it. Do not worry, we won't sell you to the highest bidder. We also know what party is worth giving counsel. We cannot interfere since that is the way of things. Now that you have been entered, please, give me your hand." As I reached out he took me by the wrist before placing a stone into the center of my palm. Almost immediately the rock begins to burn and sear into my skin. Instinctively I scream out and the pain persists. That is until the finally pulled the rock away. My palm was red, irritated, and despite my efforts I found it difficult to close my fist. After a few seconds an orange symbol appeared just under my skin.

"This will act as your badge in this district. It will also tell other districts where you are from. You'll still need papers but if a guardsman asks you can show them this mark and they should be able to investigate as needed. Don't worry, your true nature has been replaced by a much more simplistic story. Similar to that which you told the guards and attempted to tell me. Only the other Hux will be able to see your true state, with my permission. I have also taken the liberty in transferring a small sum of funds into your mark. Consider it a welcoming gift." He let go of my hand finally and I was able to retract back into my stump. Opening and closing my hand for a few seconds before the pain and irritation dissipated. "Go no, Leo Forerunner. Do your business knowing you are welcome in Lumar."