One couldn’t have expected to have found a dark crowned human slumped on the forest floor, her breathing steady but unconscious. The near afternoon light filtered through the towering trees, casting dappled shadows across the young woman’s form. With the crashing sound of ocean waves not too terrible far away, it took one look around to have her questioning just where this one had come.
There’d been quite the influx of humans recently, so another was hardly unusual. Just most of them had walked into the port town with their own two feet. Not the sort that had come face down in the pine dirt.
“Oh, love, what happened to yah?” Nova murmured, crouching down beside her. Her bronze eyes flickered with concern as she brushed a strand of hair from human’s face. There was no blood, no sign of injury, just exhaustion clinging to her like a heavy fog.
With a sigh, Nova glanced around before tugging free the shawl she had wrapped around her shoulders. It wasn’t perfect, but it’d do. Working quickly, she spread the fabric out and carefully rolled human girl onto it, making sure her limbs weren’t bent awkwardly before taking hold of the ends.
“Alright, sweetheart, let’s get yah home.”
She dragged the girl along the soft forest floor, mindful of roots and uneven ground, her movements steady despite the effort it took. The woods of Tír Élas were quiet, save for the distant hum of the sea breeze rustling the trees and the occasional bird chirping overhead. The town itself wasn’t far, but Nova’s little home was nestled away from the livelier port, tucked among the trees where the scent of the ocean still lingered, but the noise didn’t reach as loudly. Just a private bit of beach was nearby that worked rather well for a good day of sunny one’s skin.
By the time she reached her cabin, Nova was huffing softly, brushing strands of silver-blue hair from her face before maneuvering human inside. The warm scent of herbs filled the air, the cozy little home lit softly by the morning light filtering through the window.
Nova made quick work of lifting the girl onto the cot, tucking a pillow beneath her head. “There we are, love. Safe and sound,” she murmured, giving her hand a quick pat before stepping back to get some tea brewing. She had a feeling the poor girl was going to need it when she woke.
As Nova busied herself with the tea, the soft patter of paws echoed through the cozy cabin. A large, fluffy cat emerged from a shadowed corner, its thick fur a mix of silvery-gray and cream, with a bushy tail that flicked lazily behind it.
The cat padded over to the cot, its tufted ears twitching as it eyed the new guest with quiet curiosity. With a graceful leap, it landed beside her, circling once before settling down against her side. A deep, rumbling purr filled the room as it nestled in, content to share its warmth.
Nova glanced over her shoulder, smiling at the sight of Lioren. “Ah, so yah’ve decided to keep her company, eh?” she mused, shaking her head fondly as she stirred the tea. “Well, suppose she’s in good paws, then.”
The cat merely flicked its tail in response, already dozing, its purr steady and soothing as steam curled from the kettle.
Her sleep was deep and restful, truly nothing serious beyond having used up a great deal of physical energy. Something that typically would be replenished through her natural magic without her even being aware. Calia might’ve been out for an hour or more, and would’ve gladly slept on if her stomach wasn’t demanding an edible sacrifice to rebuild energy lost. Practically growling like the purrs of a cat.
…or was that a real cat?
Arm and hand shifted to find a rotund wad of rumbling fur, drawing a soft mrphing sound out of the mountain princess and a curious peek. Yup, a cat. Not a problem at all, she gathered up the feline to resettle it on her chest and was ready to cozy back down to sleep.
Except- where in the greater hells was she?
“Little small for a kidnapper,” she murmured at the cat, finally actually coming to wakefulness to glance around, where it wasn’t the canopy of trees she was expecting to see, but wooden roof and walls. Wrapping arms around the furball so she could sit up properly without tipping it off to the ground.
With no Archimedes in sight, either. Likely somewhere cackling about her not so elegant arrival, unless he was waiting oh so patiently for her to summon him.
Probably shouldn’t do that here, as she was slowly drawing awareness to someone else nearby.
“…greetings?” she announced, a little unsure if that was even appropriate under the circumstances. One didn’t exactly wake up in a stranger’s house everyday. At least not once she hadn’t slept with first.
Nova moved gracefully around the small wooden table, her soft blue-silver hair catching the light as she set out a small, rustic tea set. She placed a delicate ceramic teapot, its surface decorated with intricate vine patterns, next to a small wooden tray filled with an assortment of cheeses and cured meats. The rich, earthy aroma of the cheeses filled the air, blending with the soft warmth of the freshly brewed tea. She placed a few small cups beside the teapot, her fingers brushing over the smooth, worn surface of the wood as she worked.
As she turned to her little nook by the window, her eyes caught the soft stirrings of movement across the room. It would seem that the girl had awoken, cradling a pleased Lioren in her arms. The feline’s golden eyes blinked lazily as it nestled in the stranger’s embrace. Unbothered by the means of being held at all. Then again Lioren didn’t have any trouble with deciding who she wanted to sit or lay with.
Nova smiled gently, her soft lilt carrying through the cozy space. “Ah, it seems yer awake, love,” she said with an affectionate tone, stepping closer with a tender gaze directed at both girl and the cat. “I hope yer feeling better. And hopefully Loiren isn’t causin’ yah any issues. There’s tea and some bits to nibble on if yer hungry.” Her voice was sweet, as if the whole world could melt away in her presence. She gave a soft, knowing glance at the cat in woman’s arms, understanding the bond they shared. “Nova, by the way. Found yah just outside a wee bit away havin’ what I think was a rather impromptu nap. Didn’t want yah to be discovered by one of the menfolk around here. They can get a bit handsy even when a miss is awake! I dare not let that happen to one havin’ a snooze.”
This elf looked like a little pretty moon goddess with an accent that sounded quite close to Arc’s, just in a more gentle sort of lit. The smell of the tea alone had Calia shifting to put her feet flat on the ground, though with her arms full of cat, she was hesitant to go reaching for anything even with as starving as she was.
“Loiren, is it?” she murmured soft, giving the creature a good amount of scritches before resting her on her lap with a few smooth strokes. “I over extended myself, I think. Embarrassing, but I’m alright. Thank you for dragging me off.”
Perhaps not even for her own sake, had Calia woken up with some handsy bastard, him and anyone else around wouldn’t have those hands anymore. Feet either, depending on how pissed off she was.
Waiting politely for offered tray of treats to be set down, as soon as it touched table, a piece of the cheese and cursed meat went right into her mouth. Having an immediate grateful sigh that she’d actually had some good fortune for once. Especially after the other unpleasant places Calia had passed out and woken up in before!
“I am Calia. Have I at least managed to get myself near Tír Élas? I was just told to go deep south. It gets a little tricky when the land is unfamiliar and you’re not quite sure where you’re going.”
“Aye, Loiren.” Confirming the fluffy cat was indeed called as such –as if to affirm that was in fact her name, the silver creature turned her face up. Slightly squinting golden eyes with the steady sound of purring emitting. Happy to be stealing warmth and unbothered about whose it was. At least the cat was friendly, she wouldn’t really know what to do with one that wasn’t. “Ah it happens.” Waving off the gratitude with a rosy pink smile, “Tis the least I could do. I know if it was myself, I’d hope that someone be kind enough to do the same.”
Granted, she likely wouldn’t want to overextend herself anyways. But one could never be too sure either.
With the plate down and smoothing hands under her own rump to sit at the table, Nova settled the bronze rings upon the sloe crowned dear. Her name spoken and ears flickered to express that this little miss may have heard the name already.
Word and gossip travelled fast after all. “Yah did. Any closer and yah’d ended up in the waters. To be fished out by the men on the docks whilst they called yah a mermaid and the other humans that have come, probably would say otherwise.” Giving information to the princess unknowingly that some of her refugees had made it this far.
Helping herself to a bit of the prepared items herself, Loiren of course made herself stand up. Stretching and mrowing low and crispy like to declare she also would like some of the meats in particular. Uncaring whom gave it, just that someone did. “The town is a just a hop, skip and jump away. It’s closer to the breach of afternoon now, so people are likely to be wanderin’ themselves out of taverns from lunch. Are yah here with the other refugees from Caeldalmor, love?”
Calia could swim just fine, but it was indeed a lucky turn that she hadn’t gone as far as the waters themselves and ended up passed out and drowned in the deep before even knowing what happened. hearing that other humans had made it to this town did give her a slow pause. Pulling a small piece of the cured meat free to set on her knee for the purring beast with all of the fur.
It was a mixed sort of feeling knowing that at least of the people of Caeldalmor had made it out safely. Relief first and foremost that now they were somewhere safe. Even with her hands on magic again, Calia was just a single person and it’s not as if she could go back and scoop up every single refugee and sweep them away to safety. Having to at least be satisfied that she’d made contact with Queen Ashera so they could settle in the elven lands without issue, until it was alright for them to return to their own ancestral homes.
Then, on the other side of her feelings, it was that creepy crawling nervousness of not knowing if it’d been enough. Being all too aware that the elven court surely had spread the news far and wide about Calia, Princess of Caeldalmor and the demon she now had on a leash. Would they think she ran off to another’s court to drink wine and make merry while they were displaced and trying to rebuild their lives? Would they think she betrayed them all by binding herself with a demon?
Did they even know or care at all, really? She was just a youngest daughter, someone of noble blood, sure, but to the average farmer and hunter, that title of hers didn’t really mean much. With Caeldalmor fallen, Calia wasn’t really worth much at all. She was making moves, mostly selfish ones, but in the end would it all be pointless?
“I um- hmn. I am not here with them but I am one of them,” she did admit, giving the cat another long stroke. “I’m here with a companion, that I’ll need to go look for once I get my wits about me again. I wanted to see the sea.”
Nova’s expression softened as she listened, her gaze lingering on Calia. She nodded gently, understanding the weight of her words. “Aye, I understand, love,” she replied, her soft Irish lilt wrapping around each word. “If yah never seen the sea before, its certainly quite the sight. A place where one’s heart can find peace, even when the mind is tangled up.”
She glanced at the cat, Loiren, who was happily nibbling on a piece of meat that Calia had given her. Nova’s smile grew warm at the sight. “Seems Loiren is already making herself at home,” she remarked with a soft chuckle. Her attention returned to Calia, her voice gentle and reassuring. “Take your time, darlin’. There’s no rush. Tea and a bit of rest might help clear your mind.”
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she spoke again, her tone light with a touch of warmth. “Seems the human refugees have settled in quite nicely here. They’ve made themselves at home. It’s heartwarming to see, though I imagine it’ll take them a bit to fully feel the calm of this place.” She turned her attention back to Calia, a gentle laugh escaping her lips. “But perhaps, like Loiren there, they’re findin’ comfort in little things. A warm meal, some rest, and soon enough, they’ll be able to stand on their own once more.”
Nova’s voice softened as she added, “It’s a good reminder, isn’t it? That sometimes, we all need a little time to adjust—whether we’re human or cat.” She gestured toward Loiren, who was still happily munching away. “And in the meantime, we have each other’s company.”
“And when yer ready to search for your companion,” Nova said, stepping closer with a kind, steady voice, “I’ll help you. Yah just gotta tell me what they look like. As I’ll be wanderin’ over to work soon enough when the Driftwood Haven opens for its gamblin’ and drinkin’.”
Nova reminded her a little bit of her sister Araminta. She had this calm sort of way about her and gentle tone of speaking that gave one a sense of being somewhere safe. Although a lot of that heavy lifting was being done by the silvery furball. Cats were finicky things, but you knew you could trust someone when a cat liked them. They wouldn’t put up with anything less than someone who’d spoiled them rotten.
Calia reached for one of the cups of tea, a lifetime of practice in being smooth and graceful about it, despite her stomach wanting to shove just about anything she could get her hands on down her throat. This nice tray of snacks would have to tie her over until she could go get herself a real meal. Humming a pleased and grateful sound that it seemed like the human refugees were finding themselves well in their settling.
At least for those who came out into the elven kingdom, Calia would not have to worry. Soon enough she’d have to find out what happened to those that went deeper into the mountains.
As for the offer of help in finding Archimedes, Calia let out a little laugh.
“He’s a fine looking elf when he wants to be, I suppose…” was the safest reply. She couldn’t really give the real description, now could she? Without knowing if the man would want to disguise himself or not, Calia really couldn’t assume and didn’t want to out him. “You’re doing plenty enough for me now, so you really don’t have to go out of your way. I’m sure if I step out to the trees and start shrieking his name he’ll show up real quick.”
Effortlessly, a soft titter of a laugh bubbled from the elven woman. She brushed her fingers gingerly to her lips, as though stifling the laughter, her eyes gleaming with gentle amusement. The whole reference sounded more like Calia was calling her absent companion a bit of a mess rather than what had actually been stated—the sort that didn’t clean up the way they perhaps ought to more often.
“I suppose that’s one way of puttin’ it,” Nova said, the words lightly brushing past her lips, her smile warm and teasing. She hesitated for a brief moment, the shift in her expression subtle, before her eyes softened. “Though it does raise a bit of worry that I found yah alone, love.”
She glanced over Calia, seeing the solitude that clung to her, wondering where the companion had wandered off to. She had found Calia by herself, and now the lingering question of where they were remained unanswered. Surely they were somewhere in town, probably expecting to meet up at some point. But there was no sign of them, which made Nova’s concern flare, her thoughts momentarily darting between the possibilities.
Tír Élas was hardly known for its dangers, but it wasn’t a place without risks either. The occasional misstep could lead one down the wrong boardwalk or into an area better avoided by newcomers. Nova’s gaze wandered briefly, a frown tugging at the corner of her lips.
“It’s not really out of my way,” she said with a soft shrug, her voice soothing and friendly, though the slight concern still crept into her words. “Just an offer, really. I know these areas aptly. Hopefully yer companion isn’t too worried. There’s nothin’ quite so terrifyin’ when someone yer friends with just disappears without any knowledge, is there?”
Her fingers pressed gently to her chest as if feeling the weight of her words. “Makes one’s heart ache terribly,” she added softly, her tone a little more serious now. Her gaze returned to Calia with a look of empathy, her elven eyes reflecting a quiet understanding of that worry. “Is yer companion a local? Perhaps I know of him and could point yah in the right direction, Calia. Or, yer welcome to join me at the tavern, see if maybe someone else had heard of the missin’ fellow.”
She glanced at Calia, her smile returning, though this time it was warmer, more comforting—an offer of solidarity in a world that could sometimes be unpredictable. Nova moved to take the ear of her cup leaving the offer open with no demand or expectation that the girl had to take it.
“We didn’t come into town together, so there’s nothing to fear on that front,” Calia tried to reassure her. Hopefully before the woman started thinking Calia’s companion had just up and abandoned her to get lost in an unfamiliar place and town, when she was liable to be passing out in random places. It really was just an embarrassing fluke! One she couldn’t really explain to this stranger, even if she were being sweet and kind.
“I doubt he’s all that worried about me, at least not yet anyway. If it really isn’t a bother for you, chances are that tavern of yours may be one of the first places he thinks to come looking.”
Truthfully, he could probably find her with ease no matter where she was due to the binding. Though she vaguely remembered some grumbling about fae trees making that difficult. As far as she knew, no fae trees were out here. The fact that Archimedes wasn’t already giving her that half-cocked grin or wriggling up her arm as the golden beetle was a pretty telling hint that he really wasn’t looking for her.
“You know, I don’t really know if this is his home town or not. He does speak a bit like you, albeit a bit thicker sometimes. He’s probably off somewhere in his feelings so I don’t catch on that he has them.”
Brows furrowed, lips pressing together in both concern and sympathy for the young woman before her. Nova’s eyes softened as she listened, the weight of the situation sinking in with each word Calia spoke. The notion that her companion hadn’t even bothered to be concerned about her absence struck Nova deeply. To her, that didn’t sound like a companion at all. More like a terribly unreliable person—or worse, someone who was entirely indifferent to Calia’s well-being.
Nova’s heart clenched as she processed the pieces: Calia didn’t know if this person was from here, and they hadn’t traveled together. That only deepened the troubling picture forming in Nova’s mind.
“Sounds as if yah just got away from someone truly horrible then,” Nova said gently, her voice laced with sympathy. She paused, her expression shifting, a trace of concern deepening in her tone. “Is this companion someone that is dangerous?”
She took a slow sip from her cup, her thoughts churning in silence. What if Calia was in real trouble? What if she had been trying to escape from this person—trying to get away without drawing attention? The more she thought about it, the more Nova felt her suspicion grow. Calia’s reluctance to give details could be a sign that she was protecting herself, trying to keep her situation hidden so she wouldn’t be caught.
Her thoughts flickered, momentarily darker. Was there a slave ring operating in town? It wouldn’t be the first time, though Nova was sure they’d been largely abolished. Still, the possibility gnawed at her, and she couldn’t ignore it.
“If yah need help, and yah ain’t sure if he’s from here,” Nova continued softly, eyes intent on Calia, “then I can help yah make a cover story. To keep yerself safe—and keep him away too.”
Her words were careful, trying to offer assistance without pushing too hard. She could tell Calia was a good person—her bond with Loiren had shown that—but if Calia was hesitant to ask for help, then Nova knew offering it directly might be the way to go.
She leaned forward slightly, her voice growing more earnest. “If yah wait even, yah probably could sneak out of town to avoid anyone noticin’ yah too. I know things have been tough recently with Caeldalmor, and it’s been dreadful for the whole town. But if yer in trouble, love—just give me a sign, and I’ll be there to help.”
Nova’s words were sincere, the offer of protection more than just words. She would do whatever it took to make sure Calia stayed safe, even if that meant shielding her from what was lurking in the shadows.
Calia did indeed get away from someone horrible and almost nodded… until she realized that apparently this gentle miss was asking if Archimedes was dangerous! Making the princess pause mid sip of drink to quickly go over their conversation to see if somewhere she’d said something that could easily be taken in other directions. It was possible, it happened all the time!
She’d almost made it worse now by saying she herself was more dangerous than Archimedes. Calia learned her lesson on that one. She was never going to tell someone she herself was dangerous ever again.
Now the madam had ideas of cover stories and escaping the man and leaving town under the cover of what was surely going to turn out to be some sort of grand espionage level plan. Calia had to cover her mouth with her hand before she suddenly erupted into a fit of laugher, likely to insult this poor woman who really didn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of Calia’s wicked sense of humor.
Swallowing it, she set down her cup. Damn it all, is the curse on her to make everyone misunderstand everything she said? At least this time it was funny.
“I am so sorry if I made my situation sound ominous, but he’s no danger to me, I promise. We’re newly companions and partners, so we’re still learning how to work together. We know how to find each other, that’s why I’m not worried about him, and why I don’t believe he’s worried about me. If he is, I’m sure you’ll get to see it first hand when we find him.”
…him and that little leafy piglet, if he hadn’t incinerated it to bits! Just because she’d been unconscious didn’t mean her enchantment went down with her. By now the silly thing ought to be as brightly violet as his eyes, just to make it that much more obnoxious.
With a gentle press did that of brows connect. Observing and perhaps not really understanding just how any of this worked. Actually it seemed pretty messy if she was going to be privately honest to herself. Even as Calia took her sip down only to suggest that she wasn’t in danger. That the one who hadn’t been with her wasn’t a danger but they were also not present for when the girl had fainted.
Leaving her to blink at Calia in which probably exposed just how much all of that sounded very much like it wasn’t that enjoyable. Calia didn’t seem to know anything about the fellow at least from what was said and the fellow hadn’t been with her so he didn’t know what happened. Which in itself, what would have happened if she had been found by someone else. Someone dubious?
Suppose she was the only one to think about that. “I see.” Work together. It didn’t sound like they worked together.
Loiren had finished that of her offering to take to jumping down from the girl’s lap. Trotting over to slide through the open window so she might go and wander freely outdoors; it seemed like fair moment to express that it was likely that time to start preparing to walk down to the town. “Please have yer fill, love. I’ve just got to start gettin’ ready with my bag. Its soon to be the high tides festival for Isyn, so the place is guna be busy.” Smiling easily still, Nova moved to stand up. Smoothing hands over the front of her skirt as she picked up her cup to quickly drink the remains down.
It was really very sweet that the girl was worried about her at all, despite the fact that Calia herself looked like she’d crawled right out of the shadows and looked strapped ready for a war. She supposed disposition made such a huge difference, in that when she wasn’t brooding and upset about something to ooze out that intimidating aura, she looked… like a normal, albeit, tall woman.
Good. Good. What a breath of fresh air it would be to just exist and actually smile at people for a change!
Calia was sad to see the fluffy cat go, but it did make it easier to pluck up morsels of food now with a little more quickness to fill that ache in her guts. Not about to be insulting by refusing to eat what was freely and kindly given.
“What is your high tides festival all about?” she asked, as it was a decent enough safe topic and besides, she was curious. “I wanted us to spend some time here so we could rest and get our bearings again. Is it the drinking and partying sort of festival, or more of the family friendly cultural type?”
“Oh, the High Tides Festival? It’s the biggest celebration of the year here in Tír Élas!” she said, her accent lilting, carrying the joy of the story. “It’s all about honorin’ Isyn, the goddess of the seas and trade. The festival falls when the full moon’s at its highest when the waters are warm and the fish are abundant. The whole town—hell, even those from nearby villages—gather together for it. It’s all about givin’ thanks to Isyn for the bounty she gives us, and, well… maybe asking her to keep the tides steady for the year ahead.”
She paused, a smile tugging at her lips as she thought of the colorful, lively traditions. “It’s not just a prayer or a ritual—it’s a full-on celebration. There’s music, dancin’, all sorts of feasts on the beach—oh, and the lanterns! The lanterns are my favorite. We float them out to sea, like sendin’ little messages to Isyn herself. Some folks write their wishes on them or give thanks for the year that passed. There’s a sense of magic, yah know? The water reflects everythin’—like it’s alive and listenin’.”
Nova’s smile widened as she added, her voice a little more playful now, “Oh, and I nearly forgot—there’s one more thin’ about the festival that makes it extra special. It’s where a lot of people meet their partners.”
She leaned in slightly, her eyes glinting with mischief. “It’s tradition, really. The High Tides Festival is all about connection—both with the sea and with each other. The dances, the lanterns… they’re all part of a kind of, well, magical atmosphere, I suppose. A lot of young folk come to the festival hopin’ to find someone—whether it’s a partner for the whole festival or someone more permanent, dependin’ on how the stars align.”
Nova’s gaze softened as she looked out through the window. “The festival goes on all night, for five days. Bonfires, songs, dances—sometimes, if the mood strikes, we’ll even make offerin’s to Isyn. Little statues, trinkets—anythin’ to keep her blessings comin’. I’ve done it every year since I was a child.”
She turned back to Calia, her smile wide. “I suppose it’s just one of those thin’s that ties us all together—makes Tír Élas feel like more than just a place. It’s like… a promise between us and the sea. We keep her close, and she keeps us safe. It’s how we survive.”
Nova’s eyes glinted with an affectionate pride as she finished, clearly proud of her home and the culture that surrounded the festival. “It’s quite the fun festival! It shall be startin’ in two days, so people are gettin’ ready and settled.” Having collected her back to sling over her shoulder, hands moved to adjust her hair into a high tail. Looking at Calia, “Well if yah wanna tag along, love, we can get yah somethin’ more to eat at the tavern. Brux ought to be preppin’ stuff anyways.”
A lively festival in honor of a sea goddess! Well, couldn’t get much better than that for simple entertainment and a good atmosphere, Calia thought. New experiences mixed with a sense of normalcy for those refugees. A place for Calia to find a new normal for herself too, washing away more layers of sorrow so she might find something new to be inspired by.
Soon to be laughing when the pretty elf went on about finding partners and connections. That sounded about right, didn’t it! Young people using just about anything as an excuse for being romantic or simply just charming someone into bed. Interesting, but Calia was absolutely going to avoid tempting fate on that one. Last thing she needed was to be influenced by festival magic. There would be no fooling around during this stay. In fact, she was about ready to swear herself celibate from men altogether.
With Nova’s beckonings, Calia drank up the last of her tea quickly. Disappeared a few more bites of cheese and she was rising up to her feet to join the girl. Already feeling words better now that she’d gotten a little food in her and for certain looking forward to a more substantial meal, and perhaps even a little drinking.
“I guess I ought to be finding myself a room quick before there aren’t any more available. Not that I mind camping out in the trees, or maybe even the beach. I’ve never camped at a beachside before, it might be nice.”
“Aye, would be a good idea. It get’s right busy the day before as people scramble for places to say that are nearby. Likely for the fact they will drink so heavily and no one wants to wander about with a belly full of beer and a hangover strong enough to kill an ox.” Watching the woman rise up to her full height –making her personally look like a little munchkin beside at her oh so imposing five foot five – Nova beamed easily. Adjusting the strap of her bag onto shoulder before hurrying themselves out the door. Into the salty pine air, as eyes floated out towards the private little estate of sandy white beach that was busy having the high midday tide washing in.
“I don’t think yah wanna sleep on the beachside. Sand tends to get everywhere and I don’t have a feelin’ yah would like pickin’ it out of yer unmentionable areas. Even if yah don’t know how, it will get everywhere.” The girl smirked a knowing smile. Having lived here her entire life, sand was probably the worst offender and pest of them all. Just when you thought you had it all off you, more was present. One might practically become a teapot of sand. Just a tip over and all it would come pouring out an ear.
With the door closed and locked with a old key that quickly disappeared into that of her bag –with a complimentary pat- Nova motioned for the towering pillar of a human to follow along. Where even a few steps against the woods would show the sprawling port. Tír Élas stood where the vast ocean kissed the roots of the ancient redwoods, a city woven between towering trees and the endless blue. The elven port was a place of breathtaking contrasts—colossal trunks rising like pillars of an eternal temple, their canopies stretching so high they seemed to cradle the sky, while below, the waves whispered against smooth gray stone and polished wooden docks.
Nova took a deep breath, letting the salt-laced air fill her lungs, mingling with the scent of evergreen and the faint, sweet aroma of night-blooming flora that clung to the tree-lined terraces. The city was a harmony of nature and craft—bridges of living wood curved over winding canals, elven ships with sails like spun silver drifted in and out of the harbor, and delicate lanterns, glowing with soft magic, hung from moss-draped boughs above the streets.
The heart of Tír Élas was not just the port, though the sight of the endless horizon always stirred something deep in Nova’s soul. Putting a spring into her step to practically skip the known footpath down from her nestled little lodging to the more worn flagstone path that led into the port itself. With bodies aplenty and the sound of distant voices all raised with the banners embroidered with swirling elven script declaring who they were. “There.” Nova pointed to a short but wide structure that made up almost the entrance of the port town. “Driftwood Haven is the largest tavern and inn within the whole of the town. There’s other ones, but its been in Brux’s family for decades.”
The girl hopped a moment with a gleeful clap, “Ah I think yah love it. Just be mindful of those fellows who sit in dark corners. Gamblin’ ain’t illegal here but there are sorts who would take anyone for a ride. Card sharks as it were.” A finger flipped up, “And there’s magical devices in the tavern that Brux uses to make sure no one is cheatin’ with that. Not that many have magic left but yah know, just in case. Too many people get a bit aggressive when it comes to cheatin’, and blood is not somethin’ I wanna clean up.” She smiled easily. Unaware of the fact that Calia herself was practically magic itself reincarnated. “We’ll see if anyone has seen yer companion. If not, then well, I think my previous concern is goin’ to be well validated.”
Calia followed the girl out and as always was not the most chattery of souls. Though this time she had a very good reason, for there was so much for her to see that had never been seen before! While Nova explained the problems with sand, Calia found herself enchanted with the stark contrast of the giant redwood trees and the sandy ground. The fishy, salty smell in the air did take some getting used to, but it wasn’t entirely unpleasant. It had a natural charm all of it’s own and lended itself well to this place of wooden docks of natural redwood root combined with carpentry and ingenuity.
Keeping a close step with the woman as they walked into this village – more like a port city with how active it was! There were so many boats out on the water and it was truly a surprise to see just how large they actually were. Bigger than most family homes, for certain.
And the water itself was dark, deep and in the breaks where she could see it well, it stretched all the way out to the horizon and into the very sky. What an absolutely terrifying, impressive body of nature. Leaving Calia with this itch to go diving into it while at the same time being a little horrified at the idea. People actually lived their lives out on that water and it was such a strange thing to a mountain-locked princess that’d only ever seen huge lakes and rushing rivers.
“I am not so great with cards, so I’ll surely be stating out of any gambling troubles,” she told Nova with an appreciative laugh. Cards never had been her games, liking the chance and unknowns of dice instead. Or a little cheating when she was getting up to mischief. None of which she needed to be doing here today, especially if the place was magically warded to help prevent it!
“He may already be there chasing girls, if he’s not too exhausted himself,” she surmised, as it certainly would be aligned with Arc’s interests. He wanted to be free to do as he willed, and Calia wasn’t about to get in his way with ladies now that they’d finally laid out the truth of intentions.
“Better that way.” Nova agreed, “The menfolk and some womenfolk around here take their games seriously. Too seriously.” Brows lifted in such a way that probably implied that Nova had seen things that she had not been a fan of. And cleaned up messes from them. “With the festival approachin’, there’s far better thin’s to do anyways. Lots of drinks. Lots of food. Everythin’ in-between. It’s quite the show and for a new person, if yer stayin’ that long well,” The elven girl grinned brightly whilst the sound of her heels clattered upon the flagstone. Assisting the way of leading into the sprawling water and wooden area. “Yah’ll have oodles of fun.”
Having pointed out where they were headed too, she gave Calia a lifted look. Curious a bit but not so much that she wanted to start asking questions.
Knowing when to mind her own business. Otherwise she might have gotten herself into trouble long before.
The boardwalks of Tír Élas were alive with the rhythm of the tide and the quiet hum of elven voices, their melodies weaving through the salty breeze like wind through the redwoods.
The streets—if they could even be called that—flowed like the roots of the great trees themselves, twisting and curving organically through the city. Some were wide, smooth paths of pale gray stone, gently glowing with embedded waystones that pulsed faintly as they passed. Others were suspended walkways of woven branches and thick, polished planks, arching over gentle streams and pools carved by the tides. Lanterns hung from the towering redwoods, their enchanted glow casting shifting patterns of light and shadow over the passersby.
Nova’s fingers brushed the carved railing as she stepped onto a slightly raised stretch of the boardwalk, giving her a clear view of the harbor. Elven ships bobbed in the water, their sails furled, their hulls sleek and dark with inlays of silver and gold that caught the last light of the sun. Further out, a lone vessel skimmed the waves, its enchanted figurehead shimmering like a mirage in the early afternoon.
The Driftwood Haven sat near the entrance of the town, where the boardwalk widened into a gathering space lined with low wooden tables and fire pits that crackled with blue-tinted flames. The tavern itself was built from the bar of one of the great redwoods, its structure seamlessly blending with the ancient details, as if the tree had simply decided to grow a tavern into itself over the centuries. The sign above the door, carved from a massive driftwood plank, bore the name in elegant Elvish script, its edges smoothed by time and tide. “Come along love.” Nova beckoned.
The scent of honeyed mead and seared scallops drifted through the open-air entrance, inviting and warm. Nova smiled to herself as she stepped up to the threshold, the hum of conversation and the strum of a lute greeting her like an old friend. And behind the bar was the man himself, “Afternoon, Brux.”
“Well, well, if it ain’t the little star of Tír Élas,” Brux greeted, his rough baritone carrying easily over the noise. His tusked grin was wide, genuine, as he wiped a sturdy mug dry with one massive hand. “You gone and gotten taller since last time, or is it just that damned hair of yours catching more light?”
Nova laughed, shaking her head as she strode toward the bar. “I think it’s just the glow of yer lanterns making me look grander than I am,” she teased, resting her arms on the counter. “Good to see yah, Brux.”
Brux snorted, setting an empty mug down with a heavy thunk. “Hmph. Always good to see you too, girl. You bringin’ trouble with you this time, or just stories?”
Brux was a mountain of a man, his broad frame taking up most of the space behind the bar at The Driftwood Haven. His dusky gray skin was thick with old scars, a roadmap of past battles and hard-earned wisdom. His features bore the unmistakable sharpness of drow ancestry—high cheekbones, long pointed ears—but softened by the brute strength of orcish blood. His nose was broad and slightly crooked, as if it had been broken one too many times, and his lower canines jutted just enough to be noticeable when he spoke. His eyes, a deep ember-red, glowed faintly in the dim tavern light, giving him a watchful, almost predatory air.
Before Nova could answer, the drow-orc’s ember-red eyes flicked past her, landing on Calia with a slow, deliberate look-over. He didn’t bother to be subtle about it—his gaze swept from the rounded tips of her ears to the way she carried herself, weighing, measuring. He wasn’t suspicious per se, but he was curious, and Brux had never been one to hide it.
“Haven’t seen this one before.” He leaned forward slightly, resting a forearm on the bar. “And I don’t forget faces.”
Brux ran the place like a captain at sea—no nonsense, no free rides, and if you started trouble, you’d find yourself flying out the door before you even realized he’d moved. His massive arms, still thick with muscle despite his age, made quick work of lifting kegs, wiping down the bar, or—when needed—tossing an unruly patron into the street.
The corner of Nova’s mouth twitched, recognizing the way Brux was already sizing Calia up. “She’s with me,” she assured, tilting her head toward her companion. “Don’t worry, Brux, she’s got manners.”
Brux arched a thick brow, clearly unconvinced but amused nonetheless. “That so?” He grunted, reaching for another mug. “Well, let’s hope so. I don’t like cleanin’ up messes before I’ve had my supper.” He slid the a rag across the counter before glancing at Calia again. “So? You got a name, or you lettin’ your friend do all the talkin’ for you?”
Calia definitely loved the idea of all the food and drink she could partake in. Less so the crowds of people, since she had mentally declared she didn’t want to be invisible anymore. This was as good of a place as any to learn how to be seen and interact with others as her actual self. It’s not as if she couldn’t talk to people and be charming, she’d done in a dozen of taverns before. There was just this mental block she had to get past. And well, watching her mouth a little better. Less blunt, less aggressive.
Or learn how to not care at all, but that one was turning out to be the most difficult skill.
A town like this so integrated closely with nature was such a beautiful sight to see! An aesthetic that pulled and tugged on her, made her itch in wanting to create something like it herself. A little village with tree business, and root houses. Easy access to water canals and just all around being filled with so much life. It’s not as if Caeldalmor had been a terrible ugly place! But the buildings were practical, the castle practical… there was no art and flair to it. Just a necessity to have rooves and walls that were sturdy and strong. Put together as fast as human hands could do in between long frozen winters.
At this tavern of Driftwood Haven, it was just a perfect example of how lovely an open building could be. She watched curiously of the interaction between this tiny pixie of a woman and the huge half drow, half orc?? man who made his business behind the bar. He cut a handsome impressive figure in his own right! Free of the delicate features of most elves, having that strong broadness that appealed so much to Calia’s own personal tastes.
Giving her that look she recognized, up and down trying to sus her out on what sort of person she was. Returning that look with a harmless, innocent blink of her own. Aware that she had to look at least a little bit suspicious in these dark travel clothes and her weapons. People tended to trust women more than men in general, but she was also tall and had that resting face that enough people had told her was unfriendly.
“I do have manners and I am aiming to avoid trouble instead of starting it,” she affirmed with a smile that might’ve been too toothy for anyone’s tastes. “I am Calia.”
Brux let out a low, considering grunt, his keen ember-red eyes flicking over Calia one more time before settling on her face. He wasn’t one to be easily swayed by words alone—especially not when they came wrapped in a smile that showed just a little too much teeth.
“Hmph.” He wiped a thick hand down his apron, truly giving her the in-depth consideration that most likely didn’t have time for or were too scared too. He was thrice her senior easily and had not a single interest in anything outside owner and patron. “That’s what they all say, before the chairs start flyin’.”
His gaze slid sideways as Nova breezed behind the bar, moving like she belonged there—because, in a way, she did. She was already reaching for an apron, tying it around her waist with that easy familiarity that told him she wasn’t just here to drink and chatter. Brux huffed, pleasantly pleased that she was working this day but wasn’t going to outwardly say it too heavily. Deciding on the means of jest over anything else.
“You plannin’ on workin’ or just stealin’ my good linens, lass?” he rumbled, giving Nova an amused side-eye before turning his attention back to Calia. He slid the drink across the counter toward her, leaning on the bar with one heavy arm. Perhaps a show of open faith but not too open either that he wouldn’t toss her out on her bum either.
Nova giggled, the sound light and sweet as she finished tying the apron around her waist. She flicked a playful hand toward Brux, shooing him off like an old hen bothering her. “Oh, hush, yah great bear,” she teased, rolling her bronze eyes with a grin. “Yah know I work harder than half yer lot when I’m here.”
Brux snorted, unimpressed but clearly entertained. “I know you drink more than half my lot, that’s for damn sure,” he grumbled, though the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth gave away his amusement.
Nova only giggled again, waving him off once more before reaching for an empty tray. “Go on now, let me work before yah start grumblin’ about me slacking off too. Be nice to Calia, she’s a new person here to town. Perhaps if she is well behaved, yah might be inclined to give her a room for a pretty penny or three?”
“Well, Calia,” he said, her name rolling off his tongue like he was testing how it fit. “You don’t look like trouble, but you also don’t look like you got lost on the way to the temple choir, either.” He nodded toward her weapons. “You any good with those, or they just for decoration?” Despite the scrutiny in his words, there was no malice behind them—just the careful measuring of a man who’d seen enough fights break out to know it was better to know what kind of steel someone carried before they had reason to use it.
Calia really couldn’t help the sort of mischief expression that came at the revelation of flying chairs. She wasn’t the sort, of course, but there was this wicked part of her that always delighted in the idea of doing the thing she was told not to do. Going from that to smiling easily as the pair teased each other back and forth with a friendly familiarity.
She herself sliding onto a bar stool to make herself comfortable, brightening immediately upon being passed a drink to take a hefty swallow. Highly doubting that tiny woman could drink more than anyone in the place, she looked like a breeze could knock her over. But she kept those thoughts to herself.
Apparently she was needing to behave if she wanted a good cheap room. It was hard not to laugh at that and the man declaring she didn’t look like trouble, yet not something pious either.
“I’m well trained and practiced. Made many a teacher go grey and bald for their efforts,” she told Brux, making sure to NOT mention she was a savant with blades, and even more dangerous without them. Just a well trained traveler was she, nothing to see or be afraid of here.
“She is right though, I do need a room, for a few nights at least. I have no problem paying and even if I did, I’m good for work too. Would rather not, though, I had in mind of being a spoiled tourist and lounging my days away eating good food and seeing the sights.”
Brux barked out a laugh, deep and rough like rolling thunder. He wiped a sturdy hand down the bar, shaking his head. “Ain’t often someone admits they’d rather be lazy. Usually, they talk big about ‘hard work’ before runnin’ off the moment dishes start pilin’ up.”
He leaned one elbow on the counter, sizing Calia up again—but this time, with less scrutiny and more dry amusement. “Far as your teachers go, can’t say I envy ’em. Sounds like they earned their grey hairs dealin’ with you. You’ve got the look about you that doesn’t scream she knows when to hush and has a ego to boot. Probably too big for one so young.” He grabbed a clean rag, methodically wiping down the counter as he spoke.
When she mentioned needing a room, he set the rag aside with a heavy thunk and folded his arms
“Well, lucky for you, I got rooms. Ain’t free, though, and I sure as hell don’t run a charity.” He tilted his chin toward Nova, who was sweeping near the far tables, lost in her own little rhythm. “That one’s a good worker—means she drinks for free. Would get a free room too but has her own little place. Put together she is. You?” He gave Calia a pointed look. “You’re lookin’ to lounge, which means you get to pay.”
Despite the gruff tone, there was no real bite to it. Just the matter-of-fact way of a man who’d dealt with more than his share of drifters trying to weasel their way into a deal.
Before Calia could answer, Nova’s voice piped up from across the room, her sweeping slowing slightly. “Oh! And she’s missing someone, apparently,” she said, brushing stray silver-blue strands from her face. “A companion of some sort—though she hasn’t said much about them, outside a elf man.”
Brux turned his attention back to Calia, his gaze sharpening with quiet interest. He rested both hands on the bar, his fingers drumming against the wood. “That so?” he rumbled, giving her a measured look. “You lose ’em, or they wander off on their own?” His tone wasn’t accusing, but it carried the weight of someone who had seen enough trouble to know when something didn’t sit right.
He tilted his head slightly. “What do they look like? If they came through here, I’d remember.”
“I was always a problem and never had sense enough to know better,” she affirmed with a wide grin. Perhaps even now still, Calia was difficult to deal with even when she wasn’t trying to be. Just a natural state of pain in the ass.
Smiling even wider at the fact she was here to lounge and was gonna have to pay for it. That was fine. There was enough in her pockets for bare basics and if it turned out there wasn’t, she’d put herself to work one way or another. Here in the tavern at his discretion or she’d go find herself a job somewhere. She ought to thank the gods she wasn’t one of the delicate handed sort and didn’t shy away from physical work, else she’d have dropped dead from the start.
Then the well meaning minx had to throw in that Calia was missing someone, and now Calia wasn’t quite sure what sort of description to go with. Archimedes could disguise himself in any manner he pleased, which would be wise both in not wanting to get recognized as a demon or as himself. So would he even show up into this town with his usual looks? Glamoured looks? Something else entirely?
“He’s not missing or lost. We’ve agree to meet each other here in this town and I am sure we’ll run into each other soon…” Clearing that up quickly, or Nova was going to start worrying on behalf of a man that didn’t need it. “…I didn’t think to ask him how long it’d take him to get here. So it might just be I am here first and will need to wait.”
That was truth, if a little bending of it. For all Calia knew his little warping magic took a trick and some time. Mostly, though, Calia was pretty sure Arc just wanted time on his own. He had things to unpack after their visit to the tower and maybe that was better done without her around. Or he was sick of her and wanted personal space. Whatever it was, she had to allow him his freedom, else risk becoming a prison warden yanking on his leash.
“His name is Arc and he’s a bit taller than I am, broad shoulders and has the sort of smirk like he’ll charm your britches off.” That was about as safe and accurate of a description she could give without running the risk of being wrong and getting side-eye later.
Brux gave a low grunt, wiping down the counter with slow, deliberate strokes as he listened. His keen eyes flicked from Calia to Nova, who had paused her sweeping just enough to hum in interest at the vague description. “Hmph. So he ain’t lost, just takin’ his sweet time,” Brux muttered, setting down his rag and folding his thick arms across his chest. “Well, that’s one way to make an entrance.” His brow furrowed slightly, his expression unreadable.
But behind that measured look, his thoughts turned. Arc. Not exactly a common name and was typically short for a longer name. And paired with Calia—a traveler who carried herself with just enough restraint to suggest she’d been trained better than the average sellsword—there was a chance he’d heard whispers of her before. If the rumors floating around the place were true, she was more than just some wandering swordswoman. Most people in these parts wouldn’t have put a lot together but being a tavern owner on the edge of town, one heard an awful lot.
“The kind that thinks he can charm the britches off someone, huh?” He huffed, shaking his head. “Sounds like half the poor sods that come through here thinkin’ they’re the gods’ gift to the world.” But there was no true derision in his tone—just the seasoned weariness of a man who had seen plenty of smooth talkers try their luck in his tavern.
Nova let out a soft giggle as she swept, her bronze eyes glinting with playful mischief. “Oh, now I’m curious,” she mused, tapping the broom handle against her chin. “If he’s really got a smirk that can charm the britches off someone, I’d like to see him try.”
She shot Calia a teasing grin before going back to her work, humming as she swept around the tables. “Not that I’d make it easy, mind yah,” she added with a wink.
Brux snorted, shaking his head. “Aye, well, don’t go gettin’ your hopes up just yet, girl. Smooth talk’s easy—keepin’ up with it, now that’s the hard part.”
His gaze lingered on Calia a little longer than necessary, as if weighing whether to say something more. But instead, he just scratched his jaw. “You sure he’s not the type to get sidetracked? Pretty city, plenty of distractions.” A pointed glance toward the bustling streets beyond the tavern doors. “Or do I need to start askin’ around, see if anyone’s crossed paths with this Arc of yours?”
The offer was casual, but there was an edge to it—something in his tone that suggested he was feeling out more than just a missing companion. Still, he cast another glance at Calia, his thoughts lingering on the uncommon name she’d dropped. If they were the ones he had heard about in passing, then things in Tír Élas might be about to get a lot more interesting.
“Don’t tell him, but he’s even almost had me dazzled once or twice and I think myself far too serious and smart for such things,” she did admit. Just as she had told Arc himself, it was so hard to take that sort of thing seriously without laughing herself to tears. Even harder finding someone that could lay on the charm naturally where it actually felt sincere.
The way they kept asking though, was he lost, was he missing, was she sure wasn’t actually this or that, was he dangerous! With her hands wrapped around her mug she glanced between them with a soft sort of concerned frown.
“Is this a dangerous sort of town to be in, to have all this concern about a man not showing up on time? He’s capable of taking care of himself, so I didn’t feel any reason to be worried about him. But if this place is that sort of trouble that even grown men have to worry, I might go searching.”
And by searching, she’d of course just step outside somewhere unseen and summon him up. Calia just couldn’t tell them how simple it would be to find the man if she truly needed to. By summoning or following the tethered bond. If they kept talking this way, though, they were going to make her nervous. Between him being a demon and a fabled villain, she wouldn’t be surprised if he did get himself in trouble somewhere.
The elven miss was smirking brightly, pausing in her sweeping just long enough to shake her head with clear amusement. “Oh, I’d be happy to take on someone dazzlin,” she mused, her voice light with laughter. “Might be a nice change of pace.”
She glanced toward Calia, her bronze eyes twinkling. “Not that I don’t enjoy a good, serious conversation, but there’s something to be said for a bit of charm.” She gave a little shrug, resuming her sweeping with an easy grace. “Most men try too hard. If this Arc of yers is as smooth as yah say, maybe I should be worried for my britches.”
She giggled again, clearly entertained by the thought, before flashing Calia a wink. Brux rolled his eyes, mostly at Nova’s antics as she smirked to herself, clearly enjoying the playful back-and-forth. Shaking his head, he went back to wiping down the counter with a slow, methodical rhythm.
“Tír Élas ain’t safer than anywhere else,” he muttered, not bothering to sugarcoat it. “It’s a port city. Plenty of people pull in, plenty of people pull out. Some are decent folk. Some ain’t. That’s just the way of things.”
He shot Calia a knowing look, his tone dry. “A grown man not showin’ up on time don’t mean he’s in trouble. Could be takin’ his sweet time, got caught up, or—hell—maybe he found a warm bed and good company.” He smirked slightly at that before setting the rag down. “Doesn’t mean you gotta go kickin’ over rocks just yet.”
Then, with a grunt, he leaned his weight onto the counter. “That said, if you do go pokin’ around and find somethin’ worth knowin’, well…” His ember-red eyes flicked toward her, unreadable but sharp. “I wouldn’t mind hearin’ about it.”
Nova scoffed, pausing mid-sweep to give Brux a knowing look, her bronze eyes dancing with amusement. “Oh, sure, yah wouldn’t mind hearin’ about it,” she teased, her voice honey-sweet. “Just like yah don’t mind knowin’ everyone else’s business the moment they step through that door.”
She flashed him a grin, tilting her head innocently. “Yer just a kindly ol’ tavernkeep lookin’ out for folk, right?” The way she said it dripped with playful sarcasm, but there was no real bite to it—just the usual back-and-forth between them.
Brux snorted, rolling his eyes again as he leaned heavier on the counter. “Aye, somethin’ like that,” he muttered, shaking his head before looking back to Calia. “Point stands. This place ain’t safer than anywhere else, but this fellow’s probably just takin’ his time. No need to go stirrin’ a pot that don’t need stirrin’.”
Nova hummed, giving Calia a thoughtful look before smirking again. “Well, if yah do go lookin’, yah be sure to send him over. I wanna see this dazzlin’ sort.”
Calia doubted she’d even have to send Arc Nova’s way! The tiny little lady was the exact opposite of Calia in every single way, sweet and musical and bright and pretty. Gentle of temperament and whimsically social. Perfectly Archimedes’ type. With that added bonus that she absolute seemed to be into that kind of nonsense and free for a tumble.
Blech! She didn’t want to think about that. They could have at it!
At least Brux confirmed the town wasn’t any more dangerous than another, even for a widely visited port town. Leaving Calia to surmise that all this worry must’ve simply been for her own sake. A woman traveling alone sure wasn’t common in Caeldalmor, add on that she was a round ear girl and one of the refugees from the mountains, the were probably just looking out for her. At least in Nova’s case, she could tell it was a sincere worried kindness.
She still didn’t quite have a thumb on Brux yet, but his sly little ask of having Calia pass him useful knowledge tidbits should she go poking around gave her a better idea! Setting the princess into a loud laugh.
“Alright then, maybe I’ll just keep my eyes open and if something of an interesting sort might cross my path, it’ll make for some good dinner conversation. I’ll be exploring, regardless.”
Brux snorted, giving her a look that was equal parts unimpressed and amused. “Dinner’s on the house—if you’ve got something worth sharin’,” he said flatly, reaching for another glass to clean. “But don’t get any ideas. I ain’t in the habit of handin’ out meals for nothin’, and I sure as hell ain’t lookin’ for company.”
His hands worked on autopilot, polishing the glass with the kind of efficiency that only came from years behind a bar. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy a good meal—he just had a business to run, and he’d rather be pouring drinks and keeping an eye on the room than sitting down to eat with idle hands. Nor was he interested in playing flirts and tails with anyone.
Brux’s ember-red eyes flicked up to meet hers, narrowing slightly. “And don’t think I don’t see it—tossin’ around talk of charm and smirks like it’s all one-sided. You’re just as much the type to make people’s britches disappear as this Arc of yours.” He smirked, shaking his head. “Difference is, I bet you don’t even have to try.”
Brux straightened his back then, rolling his neck some. “You got real news? Then maybe I’ll make sure you don’t go hungry. Otherwise, you can pay like everyone else.”
Brux let out a low exhale, setting the cleaned glass aside before giving Calia a measured look. “Right. What kind of room you want?” His tone was purely business—no teasing, no warmth, just the practical question of a man running a tavern. His body language made it even clearer. No lingering glances, no unnecessary attention. Just a man behind a bar, arms resting against the counter, waiting for an answer like he’d asked the same thing a hundred times before.
“Cheap and small, or somethin’ more comfortable?” he asked, already reaching under the counter for the key rack. “I don’t much care so long as you pay up front.”
Without waiting for an immediate answer, he glanced toward Nova, who was still sweeping with a smirk on her lips. “And don’t you start,” he added dryly, clearly expecting some kind of remark from her. Prompting Nova to look every bit angelic and sweet as one could ever be. Batting lashes and offering a cherub grin. Earning a low huff from Brux in reply. Not for a moment convinced by it.
Accused out right of being a charmer herself, all Calia could do was bloom into an easy smile, resting elbow on the bar top and chin in her hand.
“What a shame, I like them brawny and a good bit older than me. Could teach me a thing or two, I bet.”
That moment of teasing lasted only a second though, making it clear that she wasn’t actually intending to try and lure him into any sort of cheap deals, or even in bed with her. Laughing softly when she shifted again to open up the pouch on her belt to extract a few coins and slide them across the bar.
“I’m not picky. One good bed, a basin or a tub to wash with, and a window if you got one. I’ll pay for meals as I get them, in fact, I’d love something now just as soon as it’s hot and ready. Nova was quite sweet to give me snacks and tea, but I could eat a horse by now, and I’m thinking I might need that energy to go snooping through town for the kind of gossip a savvy tavern owner might not yet know.”
Doubting she’d turn up anything at all, and Calia wasn’t apt to actually try too hard. Just the thought was amusing enough, and if she was going to be wandering around town being a lazy, spoiled tourist, there was no reason why she couldn’t take up the challenge. Mostly she just wanted to see what a seaside port town was like and if by chance she found something that earned her a free dinner, why not?
Brux’s unimpressed look was immediate, his eyebrows raising slightly as he gave Calia a flat, disapproving stare. He didn’t say anything for a moment, clearly processing what she’d said, before he visibly grimaced, wiping the counter with exaggerated care as if trying to rid himself of something unpleasant. He took a step back, his posture stiffening in a way that said everything about his lack of interest. “I don’t need to hear about you wantin’ someone to ‘teach you things.’ It’s a bit… gross, don’t you think?” He was old enough to be her grandfather. Crossing his arms a moment and shooting her a look that made it clear he didn’t appreciate the conversation.
Brux set a key down on the counter with a soft clink, his gaze still cool and unamused as he glanced up at Calia.
“Here’s a room for you,” he said, his voice a little more clipped now. “Key’s for the east wing. Room four.” He gestured to a narrow hallway at the back of the tavern. “It’s got a decent view—window looks right out to the ocean, though it gets loud early morning when the dock workers are hard at it..”
His expression softened just slightly, but only in the way of someone offering something functional. No warm welcome, no extra attention. Just a room, just a key. Brux’s eyes flicked to the key, then back to Calia, his expression still unreadable but the tone of his voice sharpening with a little more businesslike edge. Apparently not his first time being bothered about an early meal.
“Dinner’s gonna be served at the usual time,” he explained, his hands working on polishing another mug. “We’ve only got prep started right now, so don’t go expecting anything early. You’re welcome to wait, but if you want more, you’ll have to find it yourself for now. No early feeders around here—if I start feeding you early, the whole damn town will want to get in on it before the actual dinner service.”
He leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice to a more casual level. “So, unless you want to start a riot, I suggest you sit tight until the kitchen opens up.” With that, he gave her a pointed slightly amused look, signaling that the conversation on meals was wrapped up—unless she wanted to make a point of pushing further. Nova chimed in from where she was finishing up her sweeping, her voice light and playful.
“Yah know, Calia, yah might want to go take a look around while it’s still quiet,” she suggested with a teasing grin. “Tír Élas is a big place, and it won’t be too long before it gets crowded. Might as well get yer bearin’ before the dinner rush.”
She gave a little shrug, her smile brightening. “Could be somethin’ interestin’ waitin’ to be found, and this is the perfect time to see it without everyone underfoot. Might even find somethin’ you like for dinner—if you don’t mind pokin’ around a bit.”
With a wink, Nova went back to her work, clearly enjoying the lighthearted push for Calia to explore while things were still calm.
There was a quite hushed Sorry! that came out of her when she got the grimace and the setup of her statement being a bit gross. Flushing a bit from the embarrassment of it, though mostly just surprised to hear a man say such a thing. Even if they weren’t interested, they tended to still be flattered by the attention. Brux clearly was not. Thankfully he also didn’t seem so offended that he intended to oust her, quick to be amused again in a few moments later, after making sure she knew what he would and wouldn’t allow when it came to meals.
Calia took the key and tucked it away in her belt, tilting head at Nova’s suggestion that she have a chance of looking around before the town grew packed and active with the evening crowd. With the suggestion too that she was liable to find some vendors out there, if she was too hungry to wait for the dinner service.
It was a swift nod then of acceptance, with Calia picking up her mug to quickly swallow down the contents before she slid out of her stool.
“I’ll go have myself a nice long walkabout, then. Find a treat, dip a toe in the ocean. If you do see my friend before I do, you can tell him which room is mine.”
Nova paused in her sweeping and leaned against the counter that she had made her way back too, with a thoughtful look, her eyes gleaming with ideas as she glanced at Calia.
“Well, if yer lookin’ for somethin’ to do, there’s always the market,” she began, her voice light and eager. “Yah’ll find all kinds of trinkets, fabrics, and spices there. Lots of little stalls with fresh produce, herbs, and even a few travelin’ merchants. Could be a good spot if you want to sample somethin’ new, or just get lost in the chaos for a bit.”
She leaned in a little, lowering her voice to sound more conspiratorial. Never mind how Brux was eyeing the whole conversation with a soundless interest. “If you’re looking for somethin’ a little less crowded, there’s the old lighthouse at the edge of the port. It’s peaceful out there, and yah can see the entire coastline from the top. I think it’s closed off to the public for the most part, but if yer clever about it, yah could probably sneak in and enjoy the view.”
Brux shot Nova a quick, disapproving look, his eyebrow twitching with annoyance as she mentioned the lighthouse. “Nova, you shouldn’t be encouraging trouble,” he grumbled, his tone a mix of mild exasperation and concern. “That lighthouse is off-limits for a reason. It’s dangerous up there, and last thing we need is someone causing trouble by sneaking into places they shouldn’t be.”
He shook his head, clearly not impressed by her playful suggestion. “If you’re going to suggest something, at least point her toward something less likely to get her into a mess. It’s bad enough I have to keep the place in one piece without worrying about anyone sneaking off to god knows where.”
Nova, however, just gave him a teasing smile and a shrug, clearly unfazed by his scolding. Brux sighed, rolling his eyes, but couldn’t hide the small, resigned smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth.
The spritely elf offered a mischievous wink before straightening up. “Or,” she added with a soft laugh, “if yah want somethin’ more relaxin’, the garden near the temple is always quiet. Perfect for some peace and quiet, especially if yah need to think. A lot of folks go there for some clarity—whether for prayer or just a nice break.”
She gestured toward the door with a playful smile. “Yah’ve got plenty of options to kill time before dinner. If yer feelin’ bold, yah can always go explore a bit of the town. Yah never know what you might stumble across.” Giving both hands a eager wave to express that she had done more than her due diligence for ideas. Of course she didn’t resist leaning over to Brux, “Didn’t she say the companion didn’t dazzle her, why they sharin’ a room.”
Brux gave Nova an exasperated look, his expression softening just enough to show a little fatherly concern as he leaned against the bar. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully before responding, his tone laced with a mix of patience and mild scolding. “Ah, Nova, you know better than to make assumptions like that. Just because someone doesn’t dazzle someone else doesn’t mean they aren’t sharing a room for other reasons.”
She gave her a friendly wink and a little wave as she turned back to her work. “Have fun out there, and don’t cause too much trouble. But, yah know, if yah do… I’ll just pretend I didn’t see anythin’.” Her grin widened just a little, clearly enjoying the idea of Calia going off to explore while keeping a playful eye on her from the corner of the room.
Searching through a market for a meal was a good first choice, but this mention of a lighthouse immediately caught Calia’s interest. First being something she’d never seen before, so it would be curious enough to explore on that alone. The perfect view of the ocean made it all the more appealing. What really sent it over the top was Brux fussing about the place being off-limits and potentially dangerous.
If that didn’t sound like the perfect place for her to explore, Calia didn’t know what did. Hoping such mischief didn’t come across her features, trying her best to look as impassive about it as possible. Especially when Nova went on to describe a temple’s garden, which might’ve had some interested since Calia did love a beautiful garden. Just well… she wasn’t so sure if she should be stepping near any temples. Demon marked, demon bound, probably demon cursed… sounded like a bad idea.
Leaving Nova to give that whisper to Brux as if Calia weren’t right there able to hear here.
“Or, you know, that I might expect him to pay for his own room,” she suggested with another laugh. This girl really did have a habit of jumping to all sorts of leaps and conclusions, when simple answers were already there readily available. Calia was no runaway from an abusive man, her companion was not lost and missing, and they most certainly weren’t rooming together as lovers or otherwise.
Not that she’d have a problem sharing a room, just Calia was fairly certain he’d be sleeping with someone else if given the chance.
Bidding the pair a friendly goodbye, Calia went on her way through this seaside town. Food of course being the first agenda, so off to the market street she went. More of a boardwalk over canals it was with colorful buntings and open air stalls. What caught her more by surprise was seeing a few humans, with no telling for sure if they were from Caeldalmor itself or simply in and out because of this being a port town and the access coming from the sea. Unless they had fled from the capitol, it wasn’t likely any would recognize her as Princess Calia. Grateful that she had such common looks and a name too just as common.
There was no lack of food items to try either, most being fried and roasted right out on the street and offered up in wrapped paper or on little wooden sticks. Not shy to try new things, she asked the vendors a few questions before making her picks. Trying out scallops first and foremost for they seemed to be a local favorite. There were shrimps with legs and squids with tentacles. Whole fish and roasted vegetables too. Plenty enough she was more than satisfied when she left the market and wandered herself off towards the docks and the shipyard.
On the docks she watched the workers unload crates from one of the ships, and another loading barrels on it. A fishing ship pulling into one of the docks with a giant net full of fish and baskets full of crabs, and that was a slimy sort of scent if she’d ever smelled it.
By the time she got down to the beach itself, she tip toed as close as the tide and that was as brave as she got. Looking out over the open ocean, with it’s unfathomable depths and the way it reached out into forever, something about it was deeply unnerving. Intimidating. Calia was a confident swimmer but something about the ocean scared her to death. Like there was something in the world still too big for even herself to deal with. A healthy respect for something naturally powerful.
Somehow even with her entire day wandering around and just enjoying being in her own company, by the time it looked like the sun was waning, there was still no Archimedes popping up with his nonchalant smile and asking of what she wanted to do next. Tempting her to want to call him forth, only to stop herself. In that moment it wasn’t worry niggling at that need to call him, she was just… missing the company. Calia couldn’t just conjure him up when she was lonely, he didn’t exist for her entertainment! Arc was likely finding his own entertainment now that they were no longer under the shadow of the elven palace.
Making her second guess her swearing off men. If she wanted company, there was no lack of folk who’d shared the sentiment, even just for a temporary arrangement. Regardless, once she had her fill of being out and about, Calia decided to head back to the tavern for her room. Alone for the evening, avoidant of getting into trouble. Deciding she could always take a peep at that lighthouse tomorrow when it wasn’t fresh on the bartender’s mind and she was less likely to get called out. And if she didn’t see Archimedes by then, she’d summon him up and ask him why he thought it was okay to abandon her.
The Driftwood Haven was a cacophony of warmth and noise, the evening dinner crowd spilling into the tavern with an energy that seemed to fill every corner of the room. The heavy scent of roasting meat and freshly baked bread mingled with the salty air that wafted in from the port. Elves, and refugees alike filled the space, their voices rising in laughter and conversation, the clinking of dishes and glasses creating a constant hum. It felt like the heart of Tír Élas, the pulse of the town beating strong amidst the chaotic rhythm of a busy evening.
At the bar, Brux moved with the ease of someone who had seen it all before. He served drinks with practiced hands, pulling on the kegs and taps behind the counter with expert precision. The mugs and tankards filled quickly with golden amber ale, a frothy head rising to the top before he slid them down the bar to waiting patrons, the liquid sloshing slightly with each well-placed pass. He was calm and efficient, sliding another drink down the counter to a sailor with a wink, then quickly turning to pour the next without missing a beat. The smell of the ale lingered in the air, adding a rich, earthy depth to the tavern’s atmosphere. Brux’s brow furrowed slightly in concentration, but it was all second nature to him—his movements smooth, automatic, and without pause.
Beside him, his daughter—a young woman around Calia’s age who looked strikingly like him—was just as busy, serving plates of steaming food to the tables and tending to the customers in between her duties. Her steps were quick and sure, passing out dishes of roasted meats, hearty stews, and freshly baked loaves of bread, her face a mask of focus. She moved with grace and efficiency, just like her father, and there was no mistaking the quiet strength in her presence.
Meanwhile, Nova worked the floor, her bright energy a stark contrast to the more serious atmosphere behind the bar. She flitted between tables with trays of drinks and food, chatting and laughing with customers, her carefree spirit infectious. Every so often, she’d glance toward the bar, offering a playful wink to whomever, as she helped clear the tables and organize things for the growing dinner crowd. She moved with ease, offering a small moment of respite as the tavern filled, ready to serve but also keeping the atmosphere light.
In the center of it all, the music added a lively backdrop to the evening. A busty woman with a rich, melodic voice belted out a tune, her presence commanding attention as she swayed with the rhythm. Beside her, a piano player expertly played a jaunty melody, his fingers moving quickly across the keys, adding depth to the sound that filled the room. The music tied the evening together, a harmonious blend of sound that made the tavern feel even more alive.
Around the tables, cards were being shuffled and dealt. Several patrons were deep into games, the occasional burst of laughter or frustrated grumble breaking through the hum of conversation. Elves, humans, and travelers alike leaned over cards, exchanging bets and jests, the tension of the game lightening the heavy air of the day’s journey.
The tavern was no longer just a place to rest—it was a gathering spot, a haven –as its name might suggest- in the midst of a bustling port town, alive with the movement of travelers, the clink of glass, the beat of the music, and the shared stories of all who entered. The energy was palpable, the warmth of the tavern spreading out to every corner, filling the room with a sense of home even for those who had nowhere else to go.
It was such a strange thing to be surrounded by people and still find yourself feeling alone. It was enough to drive a girl into making some very poor decisions, Calia for certain not being immune to such a thing.
She did love this kind of atmosphere, though! The roar of people talking and laughing, with the melodic sounds of live music playing. Savory scents of meals with fresh bread, and the hoppy beers. In her former life, she’d sought out these places just to see how other people lived outside of the castle. In many ways not so different at all from her boisterous large family and the loosey goosey casualness of the Caeldalmor royal line. In others, it was a freedom to live as they pleased without the weight of so much responsibility.
Or maybe it was simply different responsibilities that Calia never really had a chance to explore and understand. Of business and families of their own. Homes and land and their own troubles. All of which they’d put away to come to a place like this to dance, eat, and make merry until it was time to rest and start all over again.
Calia wrestled with the feeling of wanting to go hide in her room, to avoid people altogether simply because it would be easier. At the same time, wishing to be a part of it all. To meet someone nice, to dance… to live.
In the end, she decided to be brave. Take the chance of exiting out in the open instead of scurrying off into the shadows. Waiting until there was an open stool at the bar before she had herself a seat and signaled with a crook of her finger for a drink.
A drink or two would do her fine, she’d enjoy the busty lady’s singing and soak in the energy of such a wonderfully lively place. Then she would head herself off to bed. Alone. Maybe. Not being able to resist at least a cursory scan of the crowd to see if there was even anyone worth her interest. Having quite a long list now of sorts to avoid!
Brux, still busy but taking a rare moment to step away from the bar, slid a frosty beer across to Calia with a knowing smile. The deep green liquid had a slight shimmer to it, a signature brew of Tír Élas, with a crisp, slightly citrusy aftertaste that was a favorite of locals. He leaned against the bar, his gaze drifting toward the room as he took a breath, before focusing back on her.
“A little something special,” he said with a soft grin, “Try that—very local.”
He let his eyes wander briefly over the tavern, scanning the room to see where Nova had gone off to amidst the busy crowd. Ever the social butterfly, flitted from table to table, her cheerful laughter cutting through the air like a bright ray of sunshine. She greeted patrons with a wide grin, her playful energy contagious. A group of local sailors chuckled as she teased one of them about his “questionable” singing voice, all while expertly balancing trays of drinks and plates of food. Her hands moved swiftly, but her face was always full of smiles, her bright personality lighting up every corner of the room.
His gaze finally settled on Renata, his daughter, working her way through the tables, effortlessly sliding dishes onto trays and clearing them with practiced precision. There was a noticeable resemblance between the two of them: the same sharp eyes, the same quiet confidence in their movements, and the same quiet, protective air that seemed to surround them.
“That’s Renata,” Brux said, nodding toward her. “My daughter. You’ll get to know her if you stick around long enough. Hard worker, just like her old man.” He chuckled to himself, a rare moment of fondness showing through his usual gruffness. “She’s got the same knack for keeping this place running. Doesn’t hurt that she knows how to keep up with a crowd.”
He took a moment to give Calia a more careful look, his eyes narrowing slightly as though evaluating her. There was something about her that intrigued him—something he hadn’t quite figured out yet but guessed that it had likely to do with the lingering idea that he knew just who she was. But for now, he chose to focus on the conversation.
“So, how’s the exploration treating you? Find anything interesting out there? Still gnawing on a empty belly?” His voice was casual, but there was a glint in his eyes, a quiet curiosity hidden beneath the surface. As always, Brux seemed more interested in the story behind the traveler than just the surface details, even if he kept most of his thoughts to himself.
Always happy to try a local staple, Calia took a big swallow of the brew, a soft contemplative look on her face as she tried to sus out the flavors. Quick to follow Brux’s line of sight to the other woman serving as a waitress in the place. By the name of Renata and the man’s daughter as it turned out. Prompting Calia into a wide smile, understanding now why he’d had no interest in any sort of flirty patron, especially one appearing about her age. She knew now that elves tended to make their married partners for life, though she wasn’t sure if that was true for drows or for orcs. But he was certainly off the table even for casual flirting, simply out of respect.
“Nothing better than a family run business,” she declared turning back in her seat with another drink. Truthful too, as being of noble blood was in a way it’s own family business. You did what you could together.
“Nova had the right of it, I tried many new things in the market,” she revealed with a grin. “Not sure if like eating things with tentacles on them, but there were lots of food faire. Plenty enough to sustain me, though I can smell the fresh bread here. Smells too good not to try.” Plus all that bread would help keep her from drinking too much and ending up with a toxic hangover in the morning! If she was wise about it, anyway.
with another quick glance around the place she inevitably rest her arms up on the bar with a gentle shrug of her shoulders.
“I didn’t get up to much snoop and prowling yet, unfortunately. I got distracted watching the workers on the docks loading and unloading the ships. Then I walked the beach and watched the sun start to dip. It was nice for a little while to just do a bunch of nothing.”
Giving a small grunt of acknowledgment as Calia praised the merits of a family-run business, though there was the faintest hint of amusement in his eyes. He wasn’t one to boast, but there was pride in keeping the Driftwood Haven standing and thriving, especially with Renata helping at his side. The place had weathered storms—both literal and figurative—and still stood strong, much like its owner.
“Mmh, ’bout as much work as any other business, just means if something goes wrong, there’s no one else to blame but yourself.” He wiped down the counter with a practiced hand, watching as she took another drink of the elven beer before smirking slightly. “Least you’ve got a proper appreciation for good bread. We make ours fresh every day—keeps the tavern smelling better than half the sailors that walk in here.” He gave a motion to catch one of the girl’s eyes. To indicate another loaf was to be brought out.
His tone was dry, but there was humor in it, the corners of his mouth twitching like he was holding back a full grin.
At the mention of trying tentacled food, he let out a low chuckle. “Ah, so you ran into the market’s more… adventurous fare. Can’t say I blame you for being wary of it—some of that stuff takes a strong stomach. Though, if you ever figure out how to cook it right, it’s worth the effort. Otherwise you risk having it grappling onto your throat and that well… is quite the sort of problem.”
As Calia shrugged and leaned forward on the bar, talking about dock workers and beach walks, Brux studied her for a long moment, noting the way she spoke about it all—not just as a passing traveler, but as someone who had actually taken the time to sit and take in the life of the city. Most people, especially the types who carried weapons like hers, were either running to something or running from something. It was rare to hear someone admit they had enjoyed doing nothing.
“Can’t say I blame you for that, either,” he finally said, crossing his arms. “Ain’t enough people who take the time to just sit and watch things move.” He nodded toward the open window behind the bar, where the scent of salt and brine drifted in from the harbor. “Tír Élas might be busy, but it’s a good place for that—watchin’ the tide roll in, listening to the ships creak. City’s got a rhythm of its own. Easy to miss it if you’re always moving.”
His eyes flicked back over the room, ever the watchful soul. As if waiting for someone to try their luck and see whether or not he was lying about throwing people out like they were old rugs needing a beating. The girls here were fine for looking at but hands? Well, anyone who did would be considering themselves lucky if they had any when they were made to leave. Nova herself was too sweet to actually harm someone but Renata? Well she had her mother’s fiery temper.
Brux exhaled sharply, shaking his head with an amused huff. “So, no snooping yet, huh? I’m almost surprised. Figured you were the type to poke at things just to see if they bite back.” His gaze flicked back to Calia, sharp but not unkind. “You planning to keep bein’ good, or just waiting for the right excuse? I half expected to hear about someone having gone into the lighthouse already.”
Calia did not want to find out how to kill and cook anything with tentacles, that was for sure. Just because she could fight didn’t mean she wanted to! Giving a soft giggle at the thought of chefs in the back having to slay the things before throwing them in pots.
Compared to the elven palace, there was a distinct difference in her countenance, having a comfort here amongst others that didn’t carry the weight of noble blood. None of the hoity toity manners, or the expectations on her to behave with the upmost of grace and elegance. Calia had it, she just didn’t like being forced into it! With familiar raucous sounds and pleasant casual conversation, it was so much easier to forget about being nervous and trying to put on a social mask.
“I am a creature of contradictions,” she told him with a fresh laugh. “I’ll work hard when I need to and it’s good for getting me thinking to have my hands busy. But there’s something so vital for the soul in that nothing time. To actually look around and appreciate what the world has to offer, to connect with it and all that.”
It was an simple grin there, taking another drink and following his watchful gaze around the tavern. Looking out for trouble, clearly, it was easy to tell. A busy place like this would need extra hands, she bet, to keep patrons in line. In small villages you just got what you got. The owner of the place, maybe their daughters and sons, if they were lucky. One would have to learn how to grapple and manage the town drunk at best. Here, with a constant flow of people coming in and out of the port, Calia could bet things got rowdy and would get out of hand quirk if the wrong person got loud.
He asked about the lighthouse and it was a cheshire cat smile he got in response.
“Can’t say I’m not thinking about it. Nova did sell it as a beautiful view and I’ve never seen a lighthouse before since there’s no need for them in the mountains. But I am legitimately trying to stay out of trouble. Breaking into to places I shouldn’t be isn’t staying out of trouble.”
Brux let out a low chuckle, the kind that barely carried over the hum of the tavern’s evening rush, but surely enough for the human girl to catch. His hands hovered near the bar, ready to swoop in with a rag to mitigate any wily spills; thoughtful eyes scanning the room like muscle memory rather than true concern. The way she spoke, all contradiction and honesty wrapped in that easy tone, made him shake his head with the faintest smirk.
“Vital for the soul, huh?” he mused, glancing her way. “Guess I can see the merit in that. But I figure it depends on the soul in question. Some don’t take well to too much quiet—gives ’em too much time to think.” His gaze flickered over the patrons, the steady hum of conversation, the occasional burst of laughter or the scrape of a chair. “Others? They’d lose their damn minds without it.”
His smirk deepened at her grin, catching the way her eyes danced with mischief at the mention of the lighthouse. He huffed a quiet laugh. “So that means you thought about breaking in, at least a little.” He tilted his head, considering her. “Can’t fault the curiosity. But I gotta say, for someone trying to stay out of trouble, you sure do talk like someone who finds their way into it easy enough.”
Another sip, another slow sweep of the tavern. His shoulders rolled, casual, but his gaze sharpened just a fraction as a table near the back swayed too far into rowdy. Nothing yet—just something to keep an eye on. Waiting to catch one of the girl’s eyes so they might wander over and potentially lessen the potential.
Huffing a quiet chuckle at her grin, “That so? Well, you might have to hold off on that curiosity for now,” he said. “Lighthouse is off-limits. They’re setting it up for the High Tide Festival—decorations, safety checks, all that fuss. Whole thing’s got more guards than a noble’s vault at the moment.”
Before he could say more, the quiet presence of his daughter caught his attention. Renata had stepped closer, careful but steady, cradling a fresh loaf of warm bread in her hands. The scent of it cut through the tavern’s usual mix of ale and salt air, rich and inviting. Without a word, she set it down in front of Calia, her gaze flicking between her and Brux.
Brux met his daughter’s eyes briefly before she turned her attention back to Calia, offering a tight-lipped, polite smile—not unfriendly, but reserved. She didn’t linger, nor did she seem eager to join the conversation.
“So unless you’ve got some grand plan to talk your way past ’em, you might have to wait until the festival itself to get that view Nova sold you on.” His gaze drifted back over the tavern, watchful, before adding with a wry tilt of his head, “And if you are thinking of a grand plan, this time, I don’t wanna know about it.”
Calia was laughing again, enough to tilt back in her seat with mirth.
“Is that all! Just preparations and the like? Well, that does take all the interest out of snooping there, doesn’t it. There’s no fun in poking around if it’s not something mysterious.”
Well now Calia knew for certain that Nova had a penchant for making things sound a lot more dramatic and intriguing than they actually were. She should’ve gotten then hint when she thought Calia was on the run from an abusive partner, and then her thinking the man was missing. From now on she’d have to take everything the woman said with a certain amount of dubious suspicion.
There was a quick easy grin at her being presented with the fresh bread from he man’s daughter, even if she was back off just as quick doing her work. Tearing off a piece to pop in her mouth was immediate, along with the appreciative hum. Fresh, soft and yeasty, it really did make a good companion to a cold drink. Giggling with a shrug of her shoulders that she’d have to wait until after the festival to get that view from the lighthouse.
“That’s alright, sounds like I will have plenty to do with this festival to keep me from getting into much. I might get someone to take me out on the water for a little bit. See what sailing is like.”
So effortlessly he shrugged at the not so secret reveal of what was inside the lighthouse. Of course Nova did made it sound far more interesting but that was her personality. She was a spritely little thing that could weave some outrageous tales about the most mundane things. It was quite a talent and had she the desire to turn into a full blown story teller, he’d be one of the first to ask her to hold a session here. Though he would miss her ability to breeze through the crowd, talking to one and all! To keep people in their seats and a grin on her face.
“The reason to keep out is there’s also the sort of important offering’s to that of the great sea lady. Damage those and well, the temple itself is liable to make it rain hellfire. So all the more reason not to go snooping.” His brows lifted as if to give her a further reason why it was best not to follow Nova’s tall tales.
With Renata making a brief appearance to smile, deliver and scurry off; he was no sooner looking at the young woman appreciating the meal. Brux paused in wiping down the bar, brows lifting slightly. “You’ve never sailed before?” The surprise in his voice was genuine, though it faded just as quickly as it came.
He let out a quiet huff, shaking his head as he set the rag aside. “Right. Mountains. Not exactly brimming with ships up there, are they?” He leaned a forearm against the bar, glancing toward the tavern windows where the last light of evening stretched over the docks. “Still—hard to imagine never feeling the deck shift under your feet or watching the sun rise over open water.”
His gaze flicked back to her, an amused tilt to his head. “Might not be for everyone, though. First time out, you’ll want to mind your stomach. Nothing humbles a person faster than realizing the sea’s got no patience for land legs.” He smirked slightly before shifting his attention to the next set of customers waiting down the bar. “Then again, I figure you’d say the same about standing on a mountain peak, looking down on the world from above. Different heights, same lesson.”
Effigies and offerings for the gods was another good reason for Calia to avoid snooping where she didn’t belong. Born under an unlucky star and cursed on top of it, the last thing Calia needed was to piss off some gods. She was barely holding her head above water with people and demons and fae.
Calia grinned when Brux seemed surprised she hadn’t sailed before, needing not to tell him why as he quickly realized the foley in his own statement. There were a couple of nice sized lakes in Caeldalmor, but certainly none of a size to have a sail boat on it. Even with that she’d never actually went boating, being far too wrapped up in her own interests and adventures to bother attempting something that felt… well. Not so exciting?
This was a different world and a different life now, though. Why not take opportunities to do things she’d never have done before?
Her conversation with Brux remained short and friendly, he was a busy tavern owner and bartender with a job to do and couldn’t put all his focus on one single not-quit-human girl when there was an entire boisterous place to tend to. Crowded enough that even if Calia wanted to be reclusive and keep to herself, there wasn’t much of a chance to do so! A pretty girl alone at a bar was always something irresistible, and adding in a bunch of round ears like herself looking for familiar features and any news they could get their hands on.
From a few exchanged conversations she’d learned that the demons had spread through the whole of Caeldalmor. Not as bloody and brutal as the attack on the capitol had been, where they’d been concentrated all within the single city with a task of murder and mayhem. Now they were simply spreading out and making themselves at home where they pleased. Finding villages, forests, caves… anywhere that felt like a nice little home for a demon to set down roots.
Many had decided to stay behind to defend their own homes, refusing to be chased out. People who where stalwart and stubborn, and every bit of the warrior clans of old. Others had taken to migrating away with large groups of other refugees for whatever mountain pass was closest to travel. Some landing in different parts of the elven kingdom, Edelguard, while others had taken to the north of Caeldalmor seeking refugee deeper into the mountains.
That was not new information, however. What had her choking on her drink was the gossip about herself.
A surviving princess of Caeldalmor had come to bequeath the queen for assistance. With a small argument of exactly which princess and which queen, as there seemed to be some confusion due to whispers and mixed details. Tall one or short one, the glaring one or the sweet one. Was it the Elven Queen, one of the mountain clan queens, or the imperial queen?
Then someone chimed in about the wee baby prince’s celebration ball and there was never a more enraptured audience, Calia included. Because apparently that wasn’t just a big amount of gossip for the Edelguard nobles, but of all it’s people too. That after coming to the elven queen to seek sanctuary for the refugees of Caeldalmor, it was Princess Calia who shook the very foundation of their beloved master mages. Who advocated for a traitor to the kingdom and then bound and stole that very demon. Spinning such a show of power and magic at the royal event, that the noble houses didn’t know if they should be fearful of the woman or making her an ally.
….she was going to have to get out of this kingdom fast. And stop telling people her name!
Thankfully gossip was quick to switch onto other topics, about the elven lands themselves, the islands out beyond the coast. Drinking tales and fish stories and joyful dancing. Calia avoiding too many interactions with the round eared humans for fear someone might put two and two together to realize who she was. Instead keeping to elvish company to entertain herself.
Taking one back to her room, because of course she would. A few drinks in and surrounded by so many people, thought of going to be alone and trapped within her own thoughts was a nightmare. At least she’d made her choice with wisdom, settling on an enthusiastic sailor who was due back on his ship in he morning for heading out. Sending him on his way sometime in the middle of the night when both were well exhausted and content. …content enough, anyway.