Chapter 16

Efascht

"There!"

"Wooow!"

Nameless turned into a spectacle in front of the bored children.

It's been an hour since they left the Sentry Ship and the kids cried nonstop after being separate with such great people, so to pass the time Ayu offered to make braids of everyone's hair.

Everyone had long hair except Nameless who offered her hair to the goddess just because it tickled Eliron's snout, but the kids seemed more interested seeing her with short hair.

"Little Miss, you're good at this. And you look good to Miss Nameless..."

Dynil Walker complimented Ayu, though his words were met with disdain by Nameless. Was this the backhanded compliment I was taught about?

The chief shrugged, "I meant what I said. You have short hair but she's able to pull off a clean French braid." He watched the work, it looked like art.

However the truth was, with the goddess' abilities Ayu made some strands of Nameless' hair longer, but Dynil could've never imagined such an ability existed… at least among these children.

Nameless noticed this and sighed.

The wind began to pick up as the ship crested a hill of waves, and she glanced out toward the endless horizon.

"Ayu…" she began, quiet enough that the wind almost swallowed her voice, "this isn't what these powers are meant for, you know."

Around them, laughter echoed as children admired their new hairstyles. The harsh winter sky stretched above, an open dome of blue, with clouds pulling like silver ribbons through the wind.

"Let me braid your hair too." She said quietly and sat behind Ayu.

"Where did you learn braiding?"

"Don't you already know the answer to that?"

Ayu smiled gently, she understood that Nameless didn't mean to speak in a harsh tone. "I can't live my life like that though?"

Seeing her sister act clueless, Nameless grumbled. "Second taught me…"

Ayu nodded, her blue eyes taking in the scenery, the children, the adults and the feeling of having her hair braided. "Nameless. I learned that the elvish priestess likes planting. In fact, she loved planting so much, she incorporate it to everything about her."

"…Is that so? I never knew that." Nameless' voice came as a whisper.

The child looked up to the wide blue sky, "She plants to eat and eat what grows. She plants to make shelter and make a foundation with the wood. She plant trees and skins the bark to make paper, use dead plants or dirt to make ink, and she uses plants to make medicine. Really, she's amazing… To dedicate yourself to one aspect of life and yet find every path that shows all aspects of life… It's simply amazing."

"Do you want to be like her?"

"Want… Whether I want to, I cannot be like her. It's just not the path meant for me." Ayu's face became solemn. "What about you, Nameless? Are you sure about the path you've chosen?"

Her hand reached upwards, caressing a few strands of Nameless' fake blonde hair. "Gold just doesn't suit you."

Nameless frowned and tugged at her hair.

"Ouch!"

"Don't insult me."

"You know it wasn't an insult, sister!" Ayu pouted, "I'm just saying there are other paths for you. You also have something you want, no?"

"I don–"

"You saved the dragon," Ayu grinned.

Nameless' hands paused.

Above the ship, tackling the harsh winter winds from the northern continent of Winshen, was a still-dull looking brown dragon.

"Even when you were reluctant, you saved him. That was the worst decision you could have made for yourself."

"…He looked dirty…" Nameless lowered her head, "I just thought… that the goddess can help him shine again…"

Ayu smiled and closed her eyes, pressing her hands together.

"Don't lie, Nameless."

As the Sentry Ship cut through the deep blue waters, the landscape began to shift; the familiar icy wind told them they were drawing closer to Efascht, the icy port city.

Here, the air grew colder, and the children began to wrap themselves tighter in their cloaks, laughing and shivering as they did so.

"Do you understand, children?" Aria asked, her voice carrying in the crisp air as she gathered them close.

After hearing the repetitive affirmations, she looked out over the bow. Her breath clouded in the cold, forming little puffs of mist as she listened.

The bright lights of Efascht gleamed in the distance, a welcoming beacon in the evening.

Currently they put the ships next to each other so that the explanation can be mentioned in one go. "Really? No questions?"

"Ah, actually I do… but it's not about geography, it's their market…" Keith asked, walking over with Emman on his side.

As the soldiers became busy and the children was surrounded with things to eat and play with, night settled, the Sentry Ship approached the docks of Efascht, with only a few meters remaining.

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The children crowded at the bow, their breaths visible in the crisp winter air, faces lit by the soft glow of lights that twinkled in the distance.

Efascht was a city blanketed in snow, but as they moved closer, they could see the warmth emanating from every corner of the settlement.

The port called Efascht Central was built in a square layout, its streets lined with yellow lights hanging from sturdy poles that stretched out in front of small, inviting stalls. The lights cast a golden glow onto the snow-dusted pathways, creating an enchanting, almost magical effect.

Upon docking, the group was greeted by the smell of something rich and inviting—a combination of roasted chestnuts, sizzling meats, and fragrant pastries. The children stepped off their respective ships, their eyes wide with wonder as they took in the busy night market, lively and vibrant despite the cold.

At the heart of the plaza was a large, ancient-looking pot with a small tree growing in it.

The tree's leaves glistened softly, as though touched by frost, and from it came a pleasant, slightly sweet fragrance.

"That's a Felic plant," Aria explained with a smile, drawing everyone's attention to the tree. "It's said that Felic plants naturally cause mild hallucinations, but this one was blessed and modified by Priestess Ayaleigha long ago. Now it only gives off its warm scent."

Ayu took a deep breath, feeling the warmth from the tree spreading through her, easing the chill from the winter air. Nameless stood behind her with Lemon and Lime, looking slightly dazed.

The glow of the plant, infused with faintly sparkling mana, added to the cozy ambiance, making the entire square feel like a hidden haven against the icy winds.

Around them, the architecture of Efascht was unique, with bricks that seemed to trap the snow, forming natural blocks of ice within the brick walls of the buildings. Light from within the buildings glowed through the icy blocks, giving the impression of cozy fires burning just beyond each wall, illuminating the plaza in soft, calming light.

The night market bustled with life, each stall offering a variety of goods.

Some sold fresh raw fish, displayed neatly on beds of ice, glistening in the evening glow. Others showcased trinkets crafted from colorful stones and metals, while yet more stalls offered warm foods, from savory dumplings to sweet pastries glazed with syrup.

"Is there some kind of festival tonight?" Emman asked, glancing around at the lively market scene.

Aria chuckled and shook her head. "No, this is just how it always is. The night market opens every evening here. It's like a small celebration of its own, welcoming travelers and traders from all over." She gazed around, her eyes shining. "Efascht is known for this port; it's part of its charm."

"Well rather than charm, it's their only and best selling point." Dynil sighed, staring at the sweets on the side.

"Sir..." Karson sighed, looking away and guiding the children away from him. There are civilians glaring at the chief already. "H-how about we head over to our accommodations, children?"

Ynez obliged and led the children with Loyd.

The main core of the group however had different plans.

Keith went with Lemon, and Emman went with Lime. The two pairs were on the hunt of places to sell jewelry, cloth or other trinkets to.

"Sister, can I go closer to the tree?" Ayu asked excitedly.

Nameless frowned when her fake orange eyes reached it, looking away she called for Royce. "Go with her."

Royce was hesitant, not because he didn't want to, but rather he doesn't know what to talk about with Ayu. "O-okay..."

Nonetheless, he followed the girl.

Nameless let out a long sigh and took in short breaths. Following this cycle, she strayed far away from the port and entered a dark alley. Weirdly so, even outside the reach of the sparkling square, there was a stall there.

A small store with pink tarpaulin concealing the inside. If it wasn't for the single light coming from the inside, she would've thought it was empty.

This should be the place, right?

In this area, she took a deep breath and calmed down.

Nameless clenched her fists and closed her eyes.

The children, captivated by the bustling scene and the enchanting cityscape, lingered, each lost in a sense of wonder and excitement. The warm, inviting lights, the familiar scents of delicious foods, and the laughter of strangers blended together, creating a welcoming first impression of this wintery port city that glowed warmly against the snow-covered landscape.

Every small detail: sound, vision, and touch, it seems every sense flowed through Nameless.

But she didn't care about the others. Only a select few was needed to mind.

I have to meet one of his retainers to stay safe...

In this dark alley hid from the golden light as if it was an entirely different place... The golden glow seeped off of her body as if stripping every light from her bare.

She opened her eyes.

"...?!"

Reflected on her pink jewel-like irises was a familiar figure.

"Oho~ It feels good to see you surprised, Little Miss." Dynil Walker smirked and crossed his arms, "This isn't an act this time, no?"