"No, you don't need to go this far." I tell Farmer Sanoukou as he offers me some kind of meat sandwich he's just bought from a stall.
"Please, it's the least I can do for giving this old soldier someone to confide in." he insists as I take it up. Sniffing the steamy air, I glance out onto the wet streets as it all starts to get a bit busy again. That freak downpour had surprised quite a few of them and the unique peculiarities of the land made themselves known. Rain is something to be enjoyed back home, put on your boots and jump in the puddles.
Here, it can be lethal.
Despite the miserable nature of rain here, I still find myself smiling as I recall Einervaene's first nights at my home. She ran into a little bit of trouble with the water from what I remember. I've even been told stories by her about her initial journey to Jherikra on the many ships she swapped between. On and off aquaphobia that she's never been quite able to figure out.
I bite into the sandwich and cup my mouth under it as the thin, modestly hard bread cracks. It reminds me of blood loaves in a way, with all this iron in the dough giving it a distinctly metallic spice. The sauce is quite nice as well, the right amount of sweetness but not so runny as to soak the dry bread. It coats it nicely and I quickly finish the snack.
Farmer Sanoukou smiles as I nod to him on my final mouthful. Using some of my magic, I bring a bit of dripping rainwater over and wash my hands in it. Flicking them off just as a noble of a lesser distinction comes riding by on his equine-like creature. My impromptu guide huffs in what seems to be bewilderment.
"Not a sight you often see?" I ask him as I take my stare off the robe-dressed man.
"I don't see senators that often, no. Not since I left the army." he explains as I note the well-decorated guards accompanying the politician. Lots of royal markings, divine homage and testament to the power of the land.
"What sort of legal affairs do the senatorial lot handle?" I raise as I get back onto my feat with a heavy rattle. Glancing down at my thunder-gold-covered foot, it sparks on a puddle as I partially step out onto the road.
"As you mentioned them earlier, they handle the big stuff. Like what is going on with the Bosphamas." he answers as I place my gloved digits against the armoured nooks and crannies of my hips.
"I see, well, Farmer Sanoukou, it's been a pleasure for the moment. I hope you have no intention on going back on your earlier offer." I tell him and he raises a hand, shaking it with a smile on his lips. Sipping from his mug once again, a hand moves down to drum his belly.
"You windy lot and your insistence on calling my profession as if it is my name!" he chuckles as we wave each other off. Walking out into the streets properly, I trail behind the honour guard in the hopes I might be able to hear anything being spoken. Can't really use my magic too blatantly in this land, they might struggle to recognise it, but it's still blatant. My ageing ears will just have to do.
Turning into a gap between buildings, I follow along through there, amidst the bins and crates. The rattle of their sandaled armour keeps me on their trail and the drum of spear bases calls out for me. They seem to hit traffic and I linger on the corner with as much distracted casualness as I can manage. The sounds of vehicles, animals and people is quite obnoxious...
"I hope you lot have provisions for if it rains like that again. A senatorial meet-up was called for by Lord-Senator Burspharosa. Given both my allegiance to him as one of his vassal nobles and the favours I owe him on top of that, further delays shant be favoured upon."
"Of course, Senator. We've sent one of our number to acquire the appropriate supplies to counter the unexplained weather." someone amongst the honour guard explains, giving me potentially someone to corner should I be feeling cocky enough.
"And about that witch in the sky...?" the Senator asks and I cock a brow as I turn my eyes upwards. What's Einervaene been up to?
"Still waiting on any word about her, however, she's not been seen coming anywhere near us." the honour guard explains as I move somewhat into the open to observe the sky. Maybe I can lift off and speak to her directly in a minute, explain what the current plan is for dinner.
"She better stay that way, I doubt in your skills if she proves to be more than just a joy flyer." the Senator remarks as his beast shakes nervously.
"Your safety is in our hands, Senator." the honour guard insists before the politician groans his way onto the busy road.
"See to it then, I'd like to be rid of the Bosphama business already." the Senator complains as he brings all traffic to an abrupt halt. His escort groans openly and secures a tunnel for him to travel through and I scoff on my way out.
Should find Einervaene and make the situation clear to her. We have time, but how much is something I can barely fathom, let alone guess. For her sake, I hope she doesn't act rashly, she's under enough pressure as is. Maybe it is best that I keep quiet, that is always an option.
Our urgency is a well-known fact between us, there is not much good to gain by passing it on.
"Hmmmm..." I let out thoughtfully as I travel along the walkway after the small, but well-armed group. Sticking amongst the crowds, I blend in by showing some interest in what is on offer throughout the street. But, while my ears focus on the senator and what gossip I can pick up between him and his guards. My mind is near entirely focused on my friend's daughter.
The locals are clearly in support of what is currently happening to Eratheen and her by extension. She will not respond well if she is exposed to it, let alone if her name makes it out into the public discourse. Though, knowing the issue, some fame might help us. All of this over the suspicion that she is not of noble birth and right now, her magic is greater than all who live in this divinely-made world.
I may have dropped the killing blow onto that sea-dragon, but, it was Einervaene and that thing's power that killed it. Flashing, sky-birthed lances of pure, electrifying gold struck the beast down with slagging torment. She saved many lives that day and removing that dragon from the seas only cascades it to a far greater number. The golden-haired lady, that is how she will come to be known.
Possibly, there might be wisdom in having the senator go to his meeting with Einervaene's name on his mind. Golden lightning magic. Whatever Eratheen is being subjected to, the words of someone against her speaking of a golden-haired daughter... I nod to myself as I turn away from the road and head towards the nearest gate out of town.