Nansich decided to push aside the strange feeling twisting in his chest. Whatever just happened with that glowing pendant and the weirdly dressed man—it could wait. He had chores to finish, and if he didn't pull his weight, he wouldn't get fed.
He dusted the hay off his pants and stood up, glancing once more at the unconscious man lying nearby. His chest rose and fell steadily, the crystal around his neck now transparent, almost as if nothing had happened.
With a shake of his head, Nansich turned and headed out.
First, the cows. He made his way to the small enclosure behind the barn where the animals stood, lazily swatting their tails. They mooed in greeting, and he gave them a small smile. "Yeah, yeah, I'm late. You'll survive." He poured feed into the trough, checked their water, and scratched behind the ear of the oldest one, who licked his sleeve in return.
