Tara took note of the scenery more as they got closer to the village. Most of the towns looked the same, the main difference being size; it made sense, though. The weather more or less required houses to look similar, whereas Dakari was warmer so there was more variation. It actually became a little topic for Matteo and Hannah for a few minutes.

There were small things that seemed to be whatever culture the people from the first island could carry over to somewhere so different; houses and fences sometimes had fake flowers wrapped around them as decorations. It brought to mind one morning where that girl would wake up her parents early so they could pick flowers to carry across the spring festival.

The memory preoccupied her until the train stopped, one member of the train staff simply standing up from their spot in the car to announce it.

“We’ve made it to Byen Riyu. We’re only stalling ten minutes here, then we’ll continue around the track.” He repeated it in Sólstaður’s native language, to a mixed response of silence and some thanks.

Hannah stood up shortly after hearing the name of the place.

“That’s us,” she said.

The siblings nodded, checked their things as customary, then let Hannah lead the way. Tara kept her sketchbook hidden for now; she wouldn’t be able to have it out while at the memorial anyway.

Hannah left the train first, silently offering to take their bags for a minute so the other two could get off easier.

“It’s definitely colder here,” Matteo noted as he reclaimed his things. Tara was the last off, taking her bag from Hannah and holding it closer than she needed to.

“Two factors: the sea brings in warm air, and we’re further north,” Hannah explained. “Although I can barely tell the difference.”

She gestured them over so they weren’t in the way of anyone else who wanted to get on or off the train.

“Anyway, it’s about dinner time,” Hannah said. “Do you guys want to eat, then find the memorial? Or we could wait to go until tomorrow, rest away from people for the day.”

Matteo looked at Tara for an answer. Ultimately, they were supposedly there for her.

After a second, she decided, “This evening would be best.”

More likely than not, Itzun would want to talk with her after—give some applause for getting there or a comment on their dedication. She much preferred having those conversations at night; migraines couldn’t explain everything, and sleeping during the day would hinder their progress. They wouldn’t have to go out of their way to make sure she was somewhere safe and warm, either.

Matteo seemed to understand, returning his attention to Hannah.

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“That’ll be our plan, then,” he said. “You’ve been here before, right? Could you lead the way?”

“Sure. Just bear with me because it’s been a while.”

“You would still know better than me,” Matteo reasoned.

With that decided, Hannah led them out of the station.

…

Tara—purely by Matteo’s request—didn’t draw while they ate dinner. An inn was placed right next to the restaurant, so they stopped by to get rooms and drop off most of their things. From there, they headed out and wandered a little until Matteo and Hannah found locals to ask about the memorial.

During those conversations, the locals seemed to specifically glance at Tara. She couldn’t tell if she was really so clearly mixed—they might notice or care more this far north—or if they just wanted to be kind to a girl who likely looked ready to hide. Not helping her mood any was how Matteo just…walked up to strangers like they were in Dakari and Hannah did practically the same with only a bit more self-consciousness. Sometimes she wondered if he had any wariness with strangers.

Granted, thanks to those instructions they didn’t waste much time looking around. The memorial itself wasn’t anywhere special or anything grand; there were five stones, each with names written in the first island’s text. A normal person—anyone but a historian or scholar, really—wouldn’t be able to read it; even those that could wouldn’t have much interest.

Considering what Itzun has done so far, she wouldn’t put it past him to conspire with Sólstaður’s god just to create some ‘entertainment.’

Tara walked a bit closer to the stones just to examine them.

“This part’s on you,” Matteo said kindly.

She stayed silent as she bent down and looked over each one. At one point—in a former life, in a sense—she could have read these names. They were just lines to her now; nothing of particular interest, and nothing Itzun seemed to want her to take attention to. Matteo and Hannah just watched from a little distance away, entertaining somewhat quiet conversation.

Tara scanned every stone before she reached halfway through the fourth, freezing when she saw a name she actually understood.

“…Omane Chizuru.”

Matteo noticed the murmur, perking up somewhat.

“See something?”

Tara’s first reaction was to shake her head and look back at them.

“Nothing too exciting. Just…her name.” She glanced back to confirm before announcing, “That’s all. It’s the only thing I can read.”

It made sense; even a girl that age would recognize her own name. Tara herself just couldn’t recall it—she might remember that childhood somewhat better than the one she had with Adelinde and Rene, but it was still years ago. But a girl of the same age—Chizuru’s age—wouldn’t know her parents by name, at least not written out.

“Is she a family member?” Hannah asked curiously. “Must be important if someone made sure you could read it.”

Tara stood up and turned towards the other two.

“She’s…something of a family member, yes.” She couldn’t think of a good enough explanation to clarify, though. And while Itzun hasn’t directly reacted yet… “I think it’s safe to say it’s notable, at least. We can head back for the night.”

“We can come back tomorrow,” Matteo decided. “You’ll have more light to do a better look-through, anyway.”

Tara murmured some agreement and Hannah didn’t seem to mind. She trailed behind the older two while they went back to the inn.