I spent the next hour roaming around the city, enjoying the breathtaking scenery. I entered a few shops just for fun and tried on all kinds of clothing and jewelry. I liked the exquisite dresses and gowns that were on display. The fighting gears and clothes they had looked super stylish, but I wasn't going to buy anything with Ferras' money. So I only looked and enjoyed the aesthetics. Kimba kept me company at first, flying next to me or sitting on my head. I also kept on getting a lot of stares and I wasn't sure if it was because of my hair or the fact that a Kimberian was casually sitting on my head, munching on a cracker. Maybe it was both. But soon after, Kimba fell asleep again in my hoodie, making some absolutely adorable squeaking noises while snoring.
The only eventful incident that occurred before we met up again, was when I nearly got killed by a flying spear.
I knew Alvira had a close relationship with the Corillians, Mariquus being their biggest trading post. And apparently, they did not like it if you mistakenly walked into their half of the lagoon I found further upstream. One moment I was peacefully capering over the sandy rocks, collecting some seashells and shiny stones, and the next moment a spear was suddenly sticking out of the ground a few centimeters in front of me.
I froze and then looked towards the source of the spear throw.
"Hey, you!" An angry female voice boomed at me from the water. At first, I couldn't locate where exactly, but turning my head to the right, it was hard to miss the sight of a furious mermaid-like creature, with pointy ears, baring her fangs at me. Her eyes were a brilliant green and her shoulder-length hair was crowned by a sea-green snake that was curling around her head and baring its fangs. She was wearing a deep green light armor set, covering her chest, shoulder and back. The rest of her visible body except for her arms was more or less covered by her sea-green scales. What I assumed to be a Corillian was holding a trident, ready to turn me into Swiss cheese if I even dared to move. "Who are you and what are you doing on Corillian territory?" It sounded more like a threat than a question.
I wonder how they breathe? Were those gills on her side? But then why did she have a nose? I was so curious.
"Hey! I am speaking to you!" She growled at me.
Slowly I put my hands up. Is this what you do here too? By the weird look I got from the Corillian I think not.
"Hands down where I can see them!" The Corillian stopped for a second, giving me time to think. Wait, what?? How can you see my hands better when they are down? Then it hit me. Maybe to make a spell, you need your hands up to cast it? Or maybe this is some special Corillian custom? Or- But the sounds of somebody laughing hysterically cut off my train of thoughts.
"Put your hands down where I can see them? Has your head turned to seaweed? That's the dumbest thing I've heard in a long time." Another Corillian emerged from behind the rocks. This one was a stunning garnet red with a shade of violet, giving him a beautiful sunset color. He was also wearing some light armor, but his was golden and his head ornament had a golden crest on it that I didn't recognize. He had long brown hair and, just like his companion, very pale skin.
"Cécile, you're an embarrassment to us. I know that you are nervous and it's your first patrol out here, but think before you speak." He gave Cécile a stern look. "If this isn't clear, I will have you dispatched to another station. Understood?" "Yes, Sir!" Cécile saluted him back. Now, they both turned back to me, awkwardly standing here the whole time with my hands half up half down. I could feel Kimba wiggle around in my hood. Shit, what if he wakes up now?
The Corillian whom I supposed to be Cécile's mentor swam up to me and smiled. "Greetings, young lady. And what brings you out here to this side of the lagoon?" He spoke charmingly.
Okay... And what on Earth am I supposed to answer to this now? Was he testing me? If so, I didn't want to fail. That trident looked very unwelcoming back there. Cécile was still aiming it at me, but no longer gave me a dirty look, but rather her partner. Unsure of what to say, I answered back with a question. The best strategy to dodge an answer. "Would you believe me if I were to say I was collecting rocks?" I held out my collection for him to see. Just as he was about to say something, Kimba sped past my face and straight towards the Corillian facing me.
Hands off of her! Or I will beat you up! You hear me?? I will bite your face off and hit you with my tail so hard I will-
Awkwardly I watched Kimba squeak at the Corillian with all of his might. I don't think he realized, that all he could hear was Kimba's squeak and not his actual words... I saw how the Corillian's face changed. Uh-oh. Kimba, what did you do? Fearing the Corillian might get pissed and decide to throw that trident at us anyway, I slowly grabbed the still furiously squeaking Kimba and pulled him back.
"Kimba, I think you can stop now," I whispered desperately. "Please!"
No, no I cannot! Did you see his face? I'm going to beat him up!
Kimba was squirming against my firm grip, paddling his paws towards his opponent's face.
Kimba was squirming against my firm grip, paddling his paws towards his opponent's face
"How about you do that next time, okay sweetie? Right now is really not the time." Fearfully I looked back towards the two Corillians. Now it was their turn to look confused. Cécile looked at her mentor for instructions, but his face was unreadable.
"I am so sorry. I- He didn't mean it. Really. He's just a bit overprotective." Cold sweat was collecting on my palms. Please don't kill us. Please don't kill us. I held Kimba protectively in my arms. If they were gonna shoot, at least Kimba was going to make it out of here. I could see Cécile eagerly clutching the weapon, ready to shoot at any second. And then, thank God, the male Corillian started to laugh. "Good one. Very good one." I sighed in relief, Cécile in disappointment. "Hahaha! I can hardly even breathe."
The male Corillian wiped his teary eyes. "Don't worry. We won't hurt you."
He signaled Cécile to lower her spear. "That was great! It's been a while since I've laughed so much. I owe you one."
Still gasping for breath he grinned at me. "I'm Kennai, it was a pleasure meeting you. If you ever run into trouble, do call for me. Also, stay away from this side of the lagoon from now on okay? Next time you might get shot before we ask questions. Farewell, young lady. May the tides be on your side." Cécile gave me one last stern look, and with a huge splash, they both disappeared into the depths of the water splashing me. I stood there a few seconds longer to make sure they really were gone. Next, I was sprinting back towards Mariquus.
"Are you insane?? You could have had both of us killed!" I scolded Kimba who was curled up and hiding in my hair.
I am sorry Nene. I- I didn't mean to. I just...Kimba sniffled. "Oh no, please don't cry!" I hugged the whimpering Kimba. "I know you meant well, just... Think twice next time, before you interfere okay?" Kimba nodded, still sniffling. "Aww Kimbu, come here." I held him all the way back to our inn.
"What on earth happened to you? Did you go swimming or what? It's so cold and windy here, you're going to get sick." I was completely soaked from head to toe and normally I'd agree with Ferras that I should be freezing my ass off. But for some reason, I was completely okay. I didn't feel cold at all.
Weird.