007. "New Beginnings."
Cyril and I were standing at the edge of the ships deck, being the first ones ready to descend onto the surface.
Even with my new outfit and old cloak from the Kingdom, I was freezing from the frigid air.
"Is it always this cold here?" I asked.
"We are farther North than the Kingdom." Cyril rubbed his hands, breathing into them. "It's nothing but cold weather here. You'll be seeing a lot of snow before we get to our destination."
The ship crew extended a walkway from the deck down onto the dock. Cyril gave a slight nod to the crew as we both descended.
The dock below was bustling with activity as crews worked to get cargo off the ship and ready to load new wares for the next voyage.
I looked back at the ship as I went down the walkway. It took some time, but I had grown used to riding along the sea, and now...
My feet touched the surface.
I was now in the Empire. An outcast from the outside.
I looked ahead of me to see a tall woman staring at me. She was hidden under her cloak, covered head-to-toe. Her red eyes staring at me.
"Ahh, my love. Lily!" Cyril said joyfully, walking up to the woman.
She looked away from me, giving small smile to Cyril, exchanging a tight hug and kisses.
Her red eyes shortly after focused back on me again.
"Cyril... Who is this woman?" She asked with a unique accent, her voice a tone deeper.
"Ahh, yes..." Cyril turned me. "Vivian, this is my love and second-in-command. Lily." He then turned back to Lily. "Dear... this little one may look like your usual dark elf, but Vivian is... special."
"N-nice to meet you." I said, extending my hand to Lily.
She looked down at my hand, then back to Cyril.
"Special? How?" She asked.
I quickly retracted my hand, I could already feel my fingertips freezing from the cold air.
"Best not to explain in public." Cyril wrapped his arm around Lily's waist. "Maybe once we all settle together at the bathhouse? You did reserve us the deluxe room like usual, yes?"
Lily crossed her arms, looking annoyed.
"Yes, for us dear." She glared at me again. "I'm sorry, is she coming along?"
Cyril scratched the back of his head.
"...I may of promised her. We've been out at sea for weeks."
Lily sighed.
"Fine, if it's what you ask for." She gripped his arm. "I was hoping it would only be the two of us Cyril, it's been months."
Cyril smiled, placing his hand under Lily's chin and pulling her in for another kiss.
"Don't worry dear, we will have plenty more time together alone." Cyril said, reassuringly.
Lily gave a small smile.
"Alright... You better not be lying to me about Vivian here being special."
Cyril looked back at me.
"She is special, she'll show us her abilities once we get back to our headquarters."
I never did show Cyril any magic while we were on board the ship, it was a huge risk with all the passengers and crew on board. He had put immense trust in me when I said what I could practice dark magic.
I couldn't disappoint him.
"Sorry about my girlfriend, Vivian." Cyril said, interlocking his arm with hers. "She is very protective and..."
"And what?" Lily interjected.
Cyril remained quiet.
"Best keep my mouth shut regarding that, huh?" He laughed to himself as both Lily and I stared at him blankly.
"Anyways, we won't be enjoying the bathhouse from here. Shall we ladies?" Cyril said, leading ahead as Lily still had kept herself close to him. Walking side-by-side alongside him while I stuck behind.
While the dock was crowded with many people surrounding us, most that saw Cyril and Lily coming in their direction moved out of the way. Some giving small nods to Cyril as he returned them respectfully.
"So... This is The Empire?" I asked.
"Hah!" Lily laughed. "This town is a shithole, though I could say the same for any of the towns and cities under the Empire's control."
"Careful what you say dear." Cyril said, looking at Lily. "You know there are always people listening, same goes for you as well Vivian. Keep that in mind."
Lily sighed.
"Right..." She said.
I nodded.
"Understood." I replied, keeping quiet.
We continued walking through the port town, I caught a glimpse of a market we passed walked past. Traders had booths set up, selling various goods.
Food, clothing, materials, books, weapons—
BANG!
A loud shot rang near us, echoing across the market. Various people were yelling as others ran away from where the loud sound came from.
“W-what was that?” I said, nervous from the people running past us.
“Trouble, I don't think it relates to us however.” Cyril said, casually. “Lily, love... Do we have our protection in place?”
She nodded.
“Of course, I have two men stationed ahead of us and two behind. I sense nothing wrong from them other than that shot going off, probably just a fight or a deal gone wrong.”
“Good.” He nodded. “We can never be too careful in this town.”
“E-excuse me, but what was that noise?” I asked.
Lily looked at me, her eyebrow raised.
“Someone's firearm going off, first time here?” She asked.
I nodded.
Lily smirked.
“You have a lot to learn if that was enough to shake you up, little elf."
— Written by Froey. —