Before we left the ship, I looked for Nelys. No one had seen them since morning. Much of the crew no longer flinched when I looked at them! Progress which would sadly be lost after Seyari and I departed. Despite my lack of social prowess, I’d come to realize I’d miss much of the Lady of Liseu’s crew. Seyari and I would have to write or something.
For now, I managed to convince Captain Torrez to lend me a piece of scrap parchment on which I penned a letter to Nelys in Turquoiser. I hoped they were doing well mentally, but they clearly didn’t want to be found. Saying goodbye might be harder on them than I thought it would.
I wrote a simple goodbye, described the electrum collar that Seyari gave me, and expressed my intent to find the crew someday to visit. After I was finished, I gave the letter to Captain Torrez. He seemed to smile lightly as he kicked me out of his office and slammed the door.
Seyari had waited for me outside and handed me my suitcase. “I don’t care if it’s sentimental attachment, but you’re ditching this old thing for a solid pack in town.”
“Fine by me. Oh, would it be best if I carried both our things?” I wanted to add a ‘Mistress’ in there, but I’d learned the hard way not to joke with Seyari about my situation.
It was absolutely not because I thought of the implications and had to cover a blush by turning to look out over the cityscape.
“Ugh. You should, yes. I assume the weight won’t bother you?”
“Unless you’ve an extensive rock collection, no it won’t.” My head stayed turned toward the city as I took in the unfamiliar sight.
Navanaean architecture made heavy use of curves and colors. Domes, arches, and spires dotted the landscape. The buildings were painted a stunning array of colors; primarily blues, golds, purples, and reds. Though I did catch defiant streaks of green contrasting the borderline garish display. Something about the confidence and consistency of the color scheme lent the whole vista a genuine air.
Surrounding the rather large city was a sunbaked jungle unlike what I’d grown familiar with. Sparser, but equally green, the foliage ringed the white beach and tan sandstone piers of the harbor itself. Blue sky above mirrored the harbor below and the whole image pressed against a backdrop of green-topped lumpy mountains.
“The food here tastes like the city looks, if that makes any sense.” Seyari handed me her pack.
I struggled to fit the loops around my four arms. Letting out all the slack, I managed to wrestle my way into the bag in front of an amused looking Seyari.
“I’m looking forward to dinner then.” I smiled at her.
“You all ready?”
“Ready enough. I couldn’t find Nelys to say goodbye, but I wrote a letter for Captain Torrez to give them.”
“It’ll be good enough. I wasn’t really asking.” Seyari moved toward the ramp leading to the pier. “You’ll need to keep quiet unless spoken to. It shouldn’t matter if you speak Ordian or not, but I’d stick to Turquoiser if you can just to be safe.”
“Sounds good. So, bath, dinner, then bed?”
“Tired of carrying everything already?” Seyari smirked.
“I thought you weren’t going to enjoy this?” I teased.
“I, ugh, you’re right,” she paused a moment. “I shouldn’t.”
“You can though. Really, you should. I think it’ll be better for both of us, and you know I can just cancel everything any time, so it’s really like I’m not even bound.”
Seyari turned and walked down to the pier without replying. Progress?
***
The humans of Navanaea shared many traits with those of Cavenze; dark hair and darker skin, although general facial shapes seemed different in a way I couldn’t place. Additionally, many people had very slightly pointed ears to the point where I wondered if they were a unified trait unrelated to a shared elven bloodline. I knew so little about the world’s peoples, but now more than ever I determined to learn what I could.
I didn’t see many people of different species, but a few Kazzels stuck out in a crowd of vibrant colors. Clothing in a large port such as Ivlaet was bound to be diverse, but the prevailing style seemed to be loose and vibrant, with bright takes on earth tones rimmed occasionally by gold and silver.
Curiously, I saw only one other bound demon while we walked. He was dressed in simple gray clothing in the Navanaean style. Unlike other humanoid demons I’d seen, his skin tone was a milky off-white, and he mixed wolf-like traits similar to the few Lupael I had seen in with human features and small straight horns.
Ahead of me, Seyari walked with purpose. People looked at me, standing a head above the crowd, and moved aside. The looks I received were unpleasant. Fear and anxiety toward myself were obvious from furtive glances and rigid postures. Toward Seyari, the gazes ran through a mix of emotions, although it was easy to see some as being of envy.
Of course, not everyone treated us in such an antagonistic way. Most people saw us and simply carried on with whatever they happened to be doing; walking, mostly. The other demon and his binder, however, had given us a wide berth. We’d not even made eye contact. I’d need to ask Seyari about that.
In the meantime, I was more concerned with my stiff and unwashed state of dress. Ivlaet would certainly have no shortage of options for someone with my skin tone, but I was mostly concerned with presenting myself in a way I could be proud of.
Despite the reception, my mood was high as the both of us walked quickly along. I wasn’t pretending to be human, and could walk around relatively unmolested.
Past the dense crowd of the harbor, Seyari stopped us in front of a food stall on a street crowded with them. The dense array of unfamiliar spices from all around us stuck in the front of my face; not unpleasant, but difficult to sort through.
Seyari ordered for us in Turquoiser. She handed me a sort of fried pancake with a dollop of a sweet-smelling chutney on top. I folded it to keep the topping in and took a bite. The pancake was rich and savory, while the topping was sweet and creamy with just a hint of heat from a chili I couldn’t hope to identify.
“It’s delicious!” I exclaimed, looking toward the cook and smiling brightly. “Thank you!”
My demeanor seemed to catch the man off-guard, but he smiled good naturedly after a moment. “Glad you like it!”
After his reply, however, the stall owner looked toward Seyari, slightly confused.
She replied to his stare and shrugged, “If I’m to be around my contracted demon, I don’t want her to be unresponsive and dour.”
“Right. Yes, of course miss!” The stall owner stopped himself from giving a bow. “Thank you for your patronage.”
By this time, I’d finished my snack.
“Could I have another, please?” I made sure to direct my question at Seyari.
The act of asking for permission like a child felt demeaning. Outweighing that feeling was the desire for absolutely only one more.
“One more dosa, then.” Seyari paid the man.
I made sure to savor my second dosa as we resumed our walk through Ivlaet. We passed around market full to bursting with people. Even as we skirted the edge, I could see somewhat over the crowd and sighted a stall selling durians. I’d need to come back here before we left the city for sure.
A few more blocks of walking and Seyari took us into a hotel with a rather long façade. The reason for which became immediately obvious once we passed inside. The center was taken up by a large courtyard. Carefully tended plants alternated with open space dotted with tables, chairs, and benches. Many of these spaces were taken and the sound of conversation filled the air. Around this center, doors to rooms were visible. A second floor with an open walkway and identical doors was capped by a tiled roof rimmed with robust gutters. I tried to remain as impassive as possible, but the pleasant space brightened my expression.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
Seyari paid for a room and I followed her up a single flight of stairs and around to back of the courtyard where our room was.
Inside were two beds covered in pale orange sheets. Four arched windows at the back looked out at the brightly-painted building across a small side street. We had a wash basin and a chamber pot along with a small open-faced wardrobe.
I set our belongings inside and turned to Seyari.
“Do you know where the bath is?” I asked her, poking at my stiff blouse. “I really, really need it.”
“Were you not paying attention to the clerk?”
“I was looking at the courtyard!”
“Ugh. The bath’s down the hall to the left at the corner. Don’t talk to anyone when I’m not around.”
“Why’s that?”
“You’re supposed to be a bound demon. Like I told you, most contracts only allow the bound demon to speak when spoken to.”
“I didn’t think they’d be that strict. That’s stupid.”
“You can’t possibly be dense enough to not understand why.”
“Of course. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
Seyari forced a smile and plopped in the bed closer to the window. “Well, I’m glad you’re in a good mood at least. I want to take a minute to relax, but we’re going to dinner soon. I’ve only been to the place once before, but if it’s still here I’m not passing up the opportunity.”
“I like this side of you. You don’t need to act so stoic all the time, you know.” My smile froze in place as my brain came to a screeching halt when it realized what I’d just said.
Seyari looked down and didn’t immediately respond. I wanted to say something, but no words came to mind.
“No. I—I’m not. I can’t.” Seyari looked up at me. “Please just let it drop for now, okay?”
“Okay,” I nodded. “And I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry!” Seyari shook her head. “Look, just go take a bath already!”
I fought back the urge to apologize again and quickly excused myself, closing the door as I left.
The bath turned out to be several private stalls with overhead showers and pumps. The place was empty, likely because it was the middle of the day. The water came out lukewarm from the heat of the day. Much colder than I would have liked. I washed my clothes out as well, scrubbing the salt from them as best I could with what little soap was present.
I’d left in a hurry and forgotten to bring a change, so I struggled back into the wet clothes. The loaner shoes I’d gotten, large enough to fit my feet and just barely the talons on them, had gouges inside I could feel when I put them back on. Inspecting them, the claw on my big toe had actually pierced all the way through on both. Hopefully they’d hold up a bit longer, but I should get something open-toed. My feet would certainly be fine walking around barefoot, but for all my vanity, I’d like to keep them clean if at all possible.
Raising my body temperature until steam poured off the garments, I got my clothes and myself mostly dry. The shower wasn’t the relaxing experience I’d hoped for, and I was still somewhat tired from the bindings, but feeling clean refreshed me all the same.
I walked back to our shared room and knocked in the door. Seyari answered and I walked inside. The atmosphere was still awkward.
“What’s this place you want to go to like?” I asked, hoping to break the tension.
“It serves Navanaean food with a Turquoiser twist. I found it the last time the Lady of Liseu was in port here since the sign was in Turquoiser.”
“What kind of food do the dishes end up as, exactly?”
“Something that both sides would probably call a bastardization, but it’s so good I don’t care. Most of what I want are seafood dishes that use Navanean spicing with Turquoiser pastas.”
“That does sound good! I think. Why would both sides dislike it?”
“Besides how the regions don’t get along terribly well, it has to do with preparing components differently than they should be prepared.”
“Do Navanaea and the Turquoise Coast take their food that seriously?”
“Yes.”
“Huh. Neat, I guess.”
“How would you feel if someone used an aged Edathan cheese with sausage in a soup?”
“That sounds good too actually.”
Seyari threw her hands up. “You’re fuckin’ impossible, you know that?”
“I do. You keep reminding me that I am.” I couldn’t resist smiling at her.
“I—you—ugh!” Seyari huffed. “Get up. We’re going now and I’m ordering you the hottest thing I can find. You’re bound to me, so you can’t say no.”
“Sure!” I tried not to think of this like a date and failed. “Hey, can I change into something else first?”
“Do you even have something else?”
“Yep! Give me just a minute or two.”
I grabbed my suitcase and walked toward the folded privacy screen leaning next to the wardrobe. Setting it between us, I carefully unfolded my dress from inside and held it up. Somehow, the garment had survived unscathed. I wanted to wear it.
Excitedly, I put it on. My lower arms felt free and my tail swished through the fabric behind me. I still didn’t have proper shoes for the garment, but this was enough.
I looked myself over and paused. Was this too much? I wanted to wear it for me, but what if I came off like I was trying to force something between us? Seyari clearly had reservations. So did I, actually. I should save this for later and just go in my normal clothing. I was just a bound demon right now, anyway.
“You about done?” Seyari called out.
“Uh, you know what, never mind,” I replied. “I’ll just wear what I normally do.”
I looked over the screen that only came up to my chin back at Seyari who smiled at me.
“Come on!” She said. “It can’t be that bad, right?”
I made my decision and stepped out. “I, well, I don’t know that it’s appropriate.”
Seyari’s jaw dropped and her cheeks flushed. “Yeah, uh, well. It’s really nice, but the place isn’t fancy and—”
“I’ll change back then,” I said with finality. “Some other time.”
“Yeah.” Seyari let out a deep breath and her shoulders relaxed. “Can we just go now?”
“Sure.”
I quickly put my normal clothes back on; a black blouse over a pair of altered and worn brown trousers. Not bad, and definitely better suited for a dinner with a friend than my very fancy dress.
When did I start to think of Seyari as a friend? Sometime on the Lady of Liseu I was sure. Nelys probably had something to do with it. I couldn’t deny we acted like friends. Perhaps we were. If I saw Nelys again, I’d have to thank them.
The restaurant in question was a rather short walk from our inn. I was certain this was no coincidence. The place was busy but not overcrowded; a modest-sized establishment with a mix of outside and inside dining.
I received some looks I expected by now. I tried to remain as impassive as possible. Just act like a bodyguard. I doubted Seyari needed one, but it would only help both of us if I could play the part.
We were seated inside, along the side wall next to a window with an overgrown planter in full purple bloom. The single menu we shared had a variety of dishes I could hardly begin to decipher the contents of, due at least in part to my limited literacy when it came to Turquoiser.
Seyari made good on her promise and didn’t leave me an opportunity to figure anything out. She ordered for both of us right away. I didn’t miss the judging glare sent at me. What it was for, I could guess at, but I wasn’t certain.
“Where did you get that dress?” Seyari asked, sipping water.
“From a tailor’s shop in Port Princely. The owner said she was inspired by me and altered the dress right then while I waited.”
“Hmm.” I received no further reply.
“So, what’s the plan from here?” I took a drink myself.
“We hitch up with someone going to Liseu. We’ll probably have to pass near the capital, but I’m really not sure.”
“Doesn’t the river here go to the capital? Would a ship not be faster?”
“Yes, and probably, but then we’d need to find another group and I’d rather be stuck here where I can understand most everyone.”
Totally not because this restaurant is here, I thought to myself.
“Who would take us? I haven’t been getting any friendly looks.”
“That’s because you look strong and don’t act submissive. People are going to fear you for what you are, even if you’re bound by a contract and less dangerous to them than anyone else in the crowd.” Seyari paused and looked around the room. “I was hoping to get us hired as protection. A ship’s not going to want mercs and it makes sense as a cover.”
I nodded. Perhaps she’d thought this through a bit more than I figured.
Or not. The food arrived with a strong smell of spices I couldn’t identify, and with the way Seyari’s face lit up, I was certain this place had something to do with why she wanted to stay here longer.
Both dishes were a thick-noodled pasta with some kind of fish tossed in a heavily spiced sauce and served with slices of fresh fruit.
My sauce was notably darker than Seyari’s. The smell of first bite burned the inside of my nose. I hoped my immunity to excessive heat would protect me.
It didn’t. Back in Edath, the only heat from spice in food came from certain mustards (and radishes if you wanted to punch very low). This was an altogether different sort of experience.
Everything was cooked well, but any nuances of the dish were buried under the all-consuming pain. Toned down and experienced by someone used to the sensation, I’m certain it would have been a pleasant warmth that built over time. In my case, it was a painful heat that ascended into an unholy inferno. The irony of my thoughts was lost on me.
The sweet fruit helped me to endure but was quickly depleted. Determined to finish just to spite Seyari who looked to be greatly enjoying hers, I pushed through the pain, eyes watering.
“Not immune to this kind of heat, eh?” Seyari smirked at me.
I didn’t reply. Sucking air into my mouth would not have been worth any comeback I had the capacity to muster. With a grimace, I quickly downed the last of my meal and very, very carefully wiped my claws and face with the cloth napkin.
“It w-was…lovely,” I stammered.
So much for being an intimidating bodyguard. At least my suffering seemed to have eased some of the tension in the room from the other diners.
“You didn’t have to eat all of it, you know.” Seyari’s mirth faded at my sad state.
“I wanted to prove I could.” I tried to smile.
Seyari sighed, “Watching your reaction wasn’t as much fun as I thought it’d be.”
“Eh, I deserved it.”
Seyari gave me a strange look. “Don’t think like that.”
“Same to you.”
She gave a thin smile.
Seyari paid for us. I wanted to offer to split it, but I supposed not doing so was one perk of my current situation. The walk back was uneventful, and sleep took me quickly, another person in the room hardly registering.
In the morning, we entered the central courtyard to find a well-dressed Navanaean man waiting for us. He was flanked by guards and wore an obviously fake smile with his very real silk.
“Hello!” He spoke to Seyari in clipped Turquoiser. “I would like to negotiate for the purchase of your bound demon.”