Before Julian knew it, they were at sea.
Julian had never been on a boat. It was a strange, new feeling. He could feel the moist humidity of the air. A faint smell of salt lingered. The shrill calls of seagulls reverberated.
Cacaw!
In the cockpit, Sodror placed his hands on the wheel. The water was stable, along with the winds. So there was not a lot of change to the sails that was needed. For some reason, he also felt the need to wear a tricorn hat.
"It's for authenticity!"
He said.
Rar leaned against the right side of the boat, staring into the ocean. Amazement in his eyes. He was fascinated by the movements of the water. There were times he sat on the shore watching Sodror build away at his boat, but he never thought he would get to see it like this.
"Beautiful..."
"Country bumpkin's first time seeing the shore?"
Lyrei walked forward, resting her forearm against the railing beside Rar. He didn't turn around yet, laughing lightly.
"You're the same as me."
"Am I?" she smiled.
"... Although this was meant for Julian, I think I'd definitely like to explore a bit of Anore. What about you?"
"I know what you mean. I'd like to learn from the saint, if I could ever get a chance. She's a really amazing person. My healing prowess is not as amazing."
In the cockpit, Julian and Silva stood near Sodror.
"Alright. So at the speed we're going, we'll probably be reaching the docks of Gonteno in three days. That's a pretty good pace," Silva looked at the magical instrument in her left hand that measured speed, and her compass on the right. She recited this in a monotone voice.
Julian held the map out with his hands spread out. His eyes fell on the magical instrument. It appeared to be a thick watch with a glass dome over the area where the time would be displayed.
A magical instrument is a device that utilizes mana stones to assist with a task at hand.
Julian recited the definition that he had learned a few days ago.
"Okay, okay. Sounds good, navigator."
Sodror kept his eyes forward. It was probably fine for him to take his hands off the wheel, but he didn't. He had taken this quite seriously.
Julian and Silva stood at the back of the cockpit, watching quietly. Finally, Silva decided to speak.
"What made you decide to come to the village?" She asked. Julian turned his head. But she kept facing forward.
"Just a stopping point. I grew up in a rural village, more rural than this one. I didn't even know what magic was. So, I wanted to explore the world and meet interesting new people."
If I tell her that I used to be a slave... maybe she would see me differently.
"I see."
"What about you? You've lived here your whole life?"
"... Yeah."
There's hesitation in her voice.
A lie. But I have lied as well. Perhaps she has a good reason.
"Must be nice. You and Lyrei seem like good people. I'm really thankful for the hospitality."
Hearing that, Silva's head was lowered a bit.
Haah... she probably feels bad. After hearing what Lyrei said about me. Is that guilt you're feeling? You're a good person, Silva.
Julian sighed.
"I really hope you're healed, Julian. I'm sorry you had to be so unlucky."
"It's fine."
.
The sun reached the top of the sky.
"W-Woah!"
Rar held a firm grip on the wooden fishing rod after casting the line. The bait was surprisingly effective. Within seconds, he felt a pull.
"It's a big one!" he yelled out.
Lyrei lay flat, allowing the sun to hit her on a wooden bench.
Sodror left his post, leaving Silva to have fun or do as she pleased in the cockpit. He and Julian sat together, reading one of the newspapers they had brought along with them.
Saldair stood nervously behind Rar, watching him.
"Come on, boy. It's a prize catch. Life on the line!" Saldair said.
"Get out of my ear, Saldair."
In a single movement, he reeled the fish in. The water splashed onto the deck, along with the fish, flopping.
"Whoa..."
"Goodness!"
Julian eyed the two boys, then looked at the fish. Based on his memory, it looked like a carp. However, it was much larger and grey in color.
"It's just a carp..." Rar sighed, a little disappointed. He puffed out air.
"Yeah. Not much of a prize catch. But it's pretty big, though. We can eat this, right? I know how to cut this up."
It's hard to pass the time without technology. How did people do it back then? Julian lampooned.
"Whoa. You caught this, Rar?" Lyrei walked up, staring the fish up and down. It was larger than her.
.
Night rolled in.
[Cast: Ignition]
A campfire was lit. The blazing fire was intense, sending stifling smoke into the night sky. After a few seconds, it calmed down. Saldair rotated the impaled fish over the fire, cooking it slowly. He repeated this act a few more times.
"For dinner, we have... skewered fish!" Saldair smiled.
"I would've preferred this with salt," Rar noted.
"Should we have boiled water?" Sodror joked.
Lyrei took a bite, pulling one fish out of the stick with her teeth. She chewed, a face of satisfaction on her face.
"Good!"
"This is pretty good," Silva agreed.
They all chatted and laughed, engaging in playful banter.
Their dynamic is so healthy.
"I'm glad I could have this trip with all you guys," Lyrei spoke softly.
"Me too," Silva added.
"Me three!" Rar spoke just a little bit louder.
"Me four," Sodror also said.
Julian felt that it was time for him to say 'me five'. But if he said it, he knew it would feel uncomfortable; those words tasted sour in his mouth. He imagined they would, at least.
But if I don't say anything, it'll be awkward, right?
"Let's reach our destination safely, guys."