The subsequent few moon cycles passed in a whirlwind. Cordelia and Gabrielle were busy preparing for the Épiphanie Festival, attending daily customers, and now, preparing for Gabrielle and Damas's wedding. Wedding preparations had forced Gabrielle to cut back slightly on work at the apothecary. She occasionally took a day off to run around town with Mauve, her future mother-in-law, to make necessary plans.
Cordelia finished her daily chores in the apothecary. A broom swept silently, pushing dust out the back door. The chickens in the rear garden clucked. Benoni found a sunny spot to lay in the front bay window. The store felt clean and ready for the next few days. Cordelia sighed relief and contentment. There was something so grounding about maintaining a simple life devoted to the care and well-being of fellow neighbors.
The sky was still bright as the sun started its journey back towards the horizon. It had been a relatively slow day. Cordelia decided to close up early and take a walk around the docks. There was always something new to discover by the water, and it had been a while since she took a moment to herself. She gathered her wicker basket and placed a large black-rimmed hat atop her black hair. Her soft locks were fastened into a neat bun at the base of her neck.
"Benoni, I'm taking a walk. Would you like to join me?" She gently scratched the soft fur between his ears. A giant yawn left his mouth as he stretched and rolled over in the window's sunlight. He rolled over and looked sleepily at her with one eye.
"I'm good… Enjoy your walk. Don't get into any trouble."
Benoni had expressed his frustration with Cordelia after eavesdropping on the rumors circulating about her around town. Not all talk had been positive, and Benoni was concerned any commotion would draw unwanted attention.
The church was quick to try and vilify any of her actions. Their outcry to her presence had fallen on deaf ears for the most part, but some grew wary of Cordelia and became slightly hostile towards her.
In Cordelia's situation, being different and having power granted her respect and high status within the community. But her differences from the humans around her could easily be considered dangerous and threatening. All it would take was for fear to grab hold. That fear would warp and poison minds until Cordelia was considered a dangerous threat that needed removing.
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Beni." And with that, she walked out into the street, closing the apothecary with a wave of her hand.
…
The dock was bustling this time of year. Trade was picking up again as the weather grew warmer and ocean conditions grew favorable.
With the Épiphanie Festival less than a few moon cycles away, people and goods were pouring into the city. Ships of all shapes and sizes from around the world lined the docks. Boxes and crates moved back and forth, and nets full of fish and crustaceans hung from rafters. People were busily moving about, their shouts and chatter mixed with the dinging of buoys and water splashing on the hulls of the ships. Familiar rivermen, sailors, and dockhands greeted her as she walked by. They offered her friendly smiles and bows, sometimes offering goods they were busy unloading.
"Good evening, Madame VonElise." A tall young man bowed to her as she walked by. She recognized him as a local. He had grown up on the docks with his father. They had crossed paths many times - though they hadn't had the opportunity to meet officially. "I have not had the opportunity yet, but I wanted to introduce myself to you, Madame. My name is Jacques."
She offered him a polite smile, "Pleasure to meet you, Jacques."
The young man blushed fiercely. He averted his gaze and rubbed the back of his sun-kissed neck gingerly. "Ah… well, I've wanted to ask. But it is true you are not available for courtship? A lovely woman like yourself surely needs a man…."
His eyes met hers, and they glistened deeply into her eyes before inadvertently traveling down the length of her dress. He gulped hard. She had seen this look before in other men. Outward beauty often managed to sway the hearts of weak men relatively easily. He was young and most likely inexperienced in the ways of courtship.
Occasionally, a young buck or stranger from out of town would approach her. Their eyes hungry for her body, power, and physical attention. It made her feel disgusting and lonely.
He stepped towards her but stopped in his tracks as she raised a hand.
"That is very kind of you, and I am flattered. But yes, that is true. I am not currently seeking companionship. Plus, I may be a bit too old for you. If you don't mind, I will be on my way. Have a good day." Cordelia bowed her head slightly and turned to walk away, but before she could take another step, she felt a firm grasp on her upper arm. It wasn't painful, but it was far more aggressive than warranted. Her body was filled with a violent feeling of icy hot waves. She froze in place, the sudden unwanted touch triggering a bud of anxiety to float around her stomach like a fly.
"Madame… please. I… I was wondering… Would you be willing to give me a chan…." before he could finish and she could turn around, she heard a loud thump and a yelp from the boy. He released her arm, and a loud splash was heard in the water behind her.
She turned around to see an elderly man had tossed the boy in the water. His wrinkled face was bright red with anger. The young man was coughing and treading in the water of the bay.
"BOY! Who do you think you are?! Laying a hand on the great Madame?! I ought to wring your neck! Know your place!" He shook a strong closed fist at the boy who stared up at them from the dock. Shock flashed in his young eyes.
"Apologies, Madame." The man removed a tattered cap from his head and bowed to her deeply, "I shall teach this boy some manners…."
Cordelia laughed quietly, the anxiety in her gut still swirling. "Please do not be hard on him. He is simply young and easily swayed…." She sent an indifferent glance in the young man's direction, a silent threat glazed over her grey-green eyes at him. "Though it would do him well to learn to keep his hands to himself."
The elderly man nodded and backed a few steps from her, offering respect and space. She turned on her heels and walked away. She could continue to hear the man chastising the boy still swimming in the water.
"What stupid thought crawled into that tiny brain of yours! How disrespectful! Placing your grubby hands on her! Do you think she wants you ogling at her like some lovesick puppy?! She is an ancient and powerful witch! Older than I! I can't believe you would be so…." His voice trailed off as she walked farther away.
The action, while well-intentioned, deepened the feeling that had suddenly washed over her. It was true that she did not appreciate being grabbed suddenly, and she did not enjoy being stared at like she was a delicious meal, but this wasn't what was bothering her.
Cordelia felt… lonely. Her entire life, she had never felt true closeness and connection to anyone. Her body was something that had been used as a tool for survival - a toy for others' pleasure or profit. She had experienced brutality and the disgusting intentions of hungry men from a young age. She had the emotional and physical scars to prove it. As a result, she had difficulty opening up to or feeling comfortable in front of anyone.
Even her mother hadn't been affectionate. When she was 5, her mother sold her off into slavery like a piece of meat hanging from the butcher's window. It wasn't until Gabrielle had entered her life that someone hugged her or even touched her with innocent, platonic, and friendly intentions.
For the most part, Cordelia had given up on experiencing love and intimacy. She placed those feelings and wishes on a high shelf long ago. Even when surrounded by her own kind, there was always a sense of hostility between them. Their bodies had not been their own, and affection between witches was not only discouraged but fiercely punished.
The pit in her stomach grew as memories from her past flashed in her mind - chains, whips, torture, bitter cold. Even when her position grew within the ranks of the so-called knighthood she was forced to join, she hadn't stepped out of harm's way. Even when she clawed her way out of one snake pit, she was tossed into another. She shook her head, forcing the thoughts from her mind.
The past was in the past. Where it belonged.
There was no use in thinking about those things and reopening old wounds. Despite not knowing if she would ever love or be loved in return, it did not matter. Cordelia's life had only improved since arriving at Ville Marais. She was surrounded by a community that cherished and appreciated her, not only for her skills but also for her company and friendship. She felt she should be grateful even to have this much.
Cordelia stepped down the cobblestone streets towards the market. She figured some shopping might help her feel better. The large open-air market was the central hub of the city. Rows and rows of vendors selling goods under canvas tents from all over the world could be found here. It was loud, the sound of people bartering and yelling out their sales pitches mixed with the banging of ironworkers and blacksmiths. Horses clomped along the cobblestone steps, pulling carriages filled with boxes and crates.
After a while, Cordelia's wicker basket was filled with bushels of dried herbs, mushrooms, a beautiful bouquet, a bottle of wine, and a lovely blue-green sapphire necklace she bought as a wedding present for Gabrielle. Soon, the uncomfortable feelings subsided in her gut and were replaced with the grumblings of hunger. Mouthwatering smells surrounded her, and soon, she found a vendor who sold stuffed pastries.
She settled on a small golden pastry filled with sweet potato, leeks, peas, and cheese. The buttery softness of the flakey dough and savory saltiness of the filling melted in her mouth.
The sun was beginning to set over the city. Patrons were lighting the lamps along the street and inside their homes. It gave everything a comforting orange glow. Despite the waning of the day, people were still bustling around. Ville Marais was a place that rarely slept, especially as the festival drew near.
Along the dock, giant vessels from countries outside the empire lined the edge of the cobblestone embankment. Each ship was meticulously crafted, unique to the demographic they hailed. Cordelia enjoyed how different each vessel was - the color of the hulls and the flags and sails that hung from tall posts told a silent story. When she arrived in Ville Marais, she hadn't known a single thing about the culture. Her years in Ville Marais exposed her to a wide range of vessels hailing from distant lands.
She had felt lost in a new world. Damas's grandfather, Édouard Lavigne, had taught her all about the different ships. For years, Cordelia would sit in the cafe's courtyard with Édouard, listening to him ramble on about boats, the nations they came from, and the goods they sold. He had been a wealth of knowledge. He and his wife, Babette, had provided Cordelia with companionship she had never known. She had watched them raise Mauve and run the cafe diligently for years.
Before she realized it, they had both changed and grown older, eventually passing away peacefully. Cordelia remembered watching them place Édouard's urn in the family crypt. Babette had joined him to sleep forever, not even a few months later. Nostalgia flooded over her as she looked out into the water. She made a mental note to visit their graves soon. She wanted to tell them about Damas and Gabrielle.
She was lost in thought when something caught her attention at the far end of the cobblestone dock. A massive ship, unlike one she had ever seen, was tied to the pier. Most ships were built deeply, having multiple levels, their deck and hulls towering high over the water. This one seemed impossibly long and narrow in comparison. Its deck fell only slightly above the cobblestone embankment. The broad wooden platforms often used to move cargo from the ship onto the dock were usually precariously balanced at harsh angles- making unloading difficult. But the platforms from this ship were almost flush with the dock, and the sailors who were busy unloading moved back and forth quickly.
The front of the boat rose at a harsh curve. An intimidating and impressive statue was carved into the bow. Its wooden hull was built with ruby redwood, making it look like a bloody gash in the water. The front half of a lion was carved into the wood, appearing as it was leaping out of the water, its paws clawing the air in front of it, its jaws open, exposing a row of sharp teeth. The ship's rear was carved to look like the tail of a giant serpent - it rose high above the back of the vessel.
From Cordelia's limited point of view, it looked like the back of the boat housed living quarters and an elevated command station. A single large mast shot towards the sky in the ship's middle. The main sail was carefully folded at the top of a wide beam, making a large "T" in the sky. Ropes were tied strategically from the top of the mast and anchored at wide angles across the span of the deck.
It was a beautiful, exotic, and wild-looking vessel. It commanded presence and respect. Even from her distance, Cordelia could tell it was well cared for and masterfully built. Pride seemed to ooze from the sailors aboard. As she walked closer, she noticed, to her surprise, that not only men but strongly built women worked alongside each other to unload goods.
They shouted to one another in a language Cordelia had never heard before. They laughed and poked fun at one another. Most sailors had dark brown or black curly hair braided carefully out of their faces. Their tan, olive skin seemed to sparkle against their exotic and colorful clothing. Cordelia was transfixed by the energy that poured from the boat. It was lively and bright - different from any other boat along the docks.
As she walked closer, she noticed a tall man conversing with a government official. They were looking over paperwork and chatting. Even from a distance, she could tell he was a man built differently from others. He was taller and broader in stature, and his confident demeanor was kind but also commanded respect.
His sculpted muscles looked like they were carved from marble. They stretched against his cream and gold-colored tunic. His olive skin was slightly darker than the companions around him, and his wavy dark brown hair was cut shoulder length and floated around his face in the breeze.
His strong jawline was softened by his friendly expression and warm golden auburn eyes. He waved to the government official as the smaller man walked away down the dock. He placed his hands on his hips as he turned back to face the ship watching his crew cheerfully unload.
Cordelia couldn't help but want to get closer to the mysterious ship and its lively crew. Her feet carried her absentmindedly down along the sidewalk across the street that ran adjacent to the dock. Her eyes were unmoving from the unique red ship and the tall man.
…
Lyonis Tualon waved to the dock official as the small older man walked away. It was his first time in Ville Marais, and after being at sea for more than 12 months, the city was a welcome sight. He and his crew rejoiced when they spotted the land from the horizon.
They had worked their way across the ocean and along the unknown coastline in search of viable trade routes for their country of Gresas. Ville Marais was a highly recommended stop to the other port cities, especially since there was a rumored famous festival only a few weeks away.
His crew had worked the past year diligently, not stopping for more than a week in each city they arrived. This was an excellent time to give them the break they desperately deserved. He called out to his first mate standing on the deck, supervising the unloading process.
"Agis! We are all cleared with the city! They have signed off on the documents. We are to move the Chimera into the ship holding bay as soon as we unload."
The severe man above him simply nodded in response, a permanent scowl plastered to his face. "Agis! You're so serious! Relax a little! We have made it safely. Let us hurry unloading so we can enjoy ourselves!"
The crewmates yelled out in agreeance, and everyone suddenly worked twice as fast as before. The smells emanating from the marketplace just a few blocks away reached their noses, making their stomachs growl in need. They were all ready for a break.
"Perhaps, if you weren't so chatty and helped us, we could finish more quickly…." Agis, still not bothering to face him, lifted a bag filled with dried beans over his shoulder. He turned around and quickly tossed the heavy bag at Lyonis, who easily caught it. A deep laugh reverberated from his chest, and he nodded at Agis before placing the bag atop the others in one of the many carriages assigned to them.
"Don't mind Agis, Commander," A woman's deep voice could be heard from under the ship's deck. She was busy tossing bags stored underneath.
"He hasn't had any action in almost a year. Seeing all the pretty women walking around has him on edge." She laughed as Agis growled at her from above.
"Don't tease him, Andronika. Agis is a sensitive soul. Maybe a woman's touch would ease his tender, aching heart." Another taunting male voice was heard from under the ship.
"Both of you can take the Chimera to port and have first watch…" Agis scolded them. His mood was not improving. Groans from inside the hull of the ship were heard, and the pair inside the ship said nothing more.
"I'm going to take first watch Agis. The crew has worked hard enough. They deserve a break." Lyonis walked up the deck and grabbed two large wooden crates, balancing them in his arms, obstructing his vision ever so slightly. He turned to step down the platform and onto the dock.
He stepped onto the cobblestone street and walked over to one of the platform carriages when he heard commotion directly behind him. A loud crash and the whinny from a scared horse rang out across the dock. A man yelled, and a thunderous noise seemed to barrel up behind him.
"Commander! Look out!" A member of his crew yelled out to him from the Chimera. Lyonis turned around to see a mountain of crates and heavy bags in the carriage behind him, tilting toward him fast at an aggressive angle. The spooked horse had pulled a carriage that hadn't been properly tethered to her, causing her to drag the wooden platform sideways, spilling boxes onto the street. This spooked the unsteady horse further, and as she ran to get away, the unfastened side of the carriage platform caught the side of another, causing a domino effect of damage. The horse's carriage had clipped the fully stocked platform right behind Lyonis, and it thrust forward towards him.
Lyonis was quick to react. He dropped the boxes in his arms and leaped onto the carriage in front of him before the one behind could slam into him. But he wasn't quick enough, and his ankle was smashed between the colliding platforms.
Heavy wooded boxes and bags teetered towards him and came tumbling down. There was hardly any time to react. His ankle was pinned, trapping him. Lyonis threw his arms over his head to brace for the inevitable impact. But to his surprise, nothing happened.
He saw the crates, boxes, and bags floating back onto their respective platforms behind him. In the street next to him, a tall, beautiful woman had grabbed onto the spooked mare, stroking the horse's soft muzzle, whispering to her, calming the mare in an instant. She flicked her wrist quickly, and the rest of the goods, carriages and broken rope swiftly and silently repaired and sorted themselves.
"Madame VonElise! Madame! Oh, my gods, are you ok?!" A young dock hand ran over to her. Fear and panic rushed over his face. "I'm so sorry. This mare is new to the docks. She's still young, and I thought she'd be ready. Oh, my gods…." The young boy noticed a wicker basket tossed to the side in the middle of the street, its contents scattered across the stones. "I'm so sorry, Madame. You dropped your stuff because of me…." His rambling was cut short by the woman's laughter. She reached out and rustled the boy's hair.
"It's only stuff, dear. Do not worry." She waved her arm, and the basket contents sorted themselves out. She seemed sad as it looked like the bottle had been carrying had broken open. The flowers she carried had been slightly smashed. "It's a good thing I was here. Otherwise, this lady would've made a mess of the place."
She turned to look around. The dock had returned precisely as it was before just moments ago - somehow seeming cleaner than before. She pulled a single flower from the bouquet and blew on it. The flower sparkled and glowed for a split second. She fed it to the mare, who became visibly more relaxed.
More men around the docks rushed over to her, bowing their heads in respect and showering her thanks and praise. Not one touched her. Instead, they surrounded her in a circle. She smiled and waved at them dismissively.
Lyonis's eyes were fixed on the woman, unable to believe what he had just seen. She was tall and beautiful. Her confident presence demanded respect. The large black-rimmed hat that sat atop her head shadowed her face.
Lyonis squinted, wanting to see more of her, but she turned around before he could get a better look. A few strands of shiny black hair had escaped from her perfectly coifed bun - which she gracefully tucked behind her ears. He could tell, even beneath the dress that was buttoned right up under her chin, that she had subtle, inviting curves.
The gentle way she moved gave her an air of nobility. She was not masculine like some of his female crewmembers - but she wasn't a pitiful meek woman like most he had met in his travels. So many women in this country looked like they would break like glass at the slightest touch.
The way the townspeople flocked to her, he assumed she was the lady of the city. Perhaps a duchess or noblewoman. Not only that, but she had displayed such beautiful magic. The dock somehow seemed lighter and neater after her delicate touch.
He continued to stare at her, only being pulled from his trance when his crew rushed to his side and tugged on his shirt.
"Commander! Commander! Are you ok?! Are you hurt?! Holy shit! Commander, your ankle!"
The adrenaline that had pumped through Lyonis's body was starting to dispel, and his ankle started throbbing. He looked down at the leg that had been trapped. It was already beginning to swell and ache in his boot. He didn't think he broke it, but it wasn't going to be a pretty recovery.
Agis was crouched down and staring at his commander's foot. "I think it's broken, sir."
"Nonsense, Agis. This is nothing." And with that, Lyonis stood up quickly. But the pain in his ankle shot through his leg like a bullet. He winced in pain and sat back down on the edge of the carriage platform. He laughed. "Ahh… I guess it might be."
Agis was fuming at the mouth. Lyonis could tell anger was starting to swell in his friend's body. The man's hands clenched in fists, and he ground his teeth together. Two other crew members grabbed him by the shoulders to keep him from sprinting to the crowd.
"Commander! How dare these insolent people put you in danger!" Agis was yelling at this point, trying to shove the other men away from him, "Let go of me! Do you not care about our Commander's honor!"
"Agis…" Lyonis's voice was curt, causing his men to stop moving instantly, "My honor is fine. It is my ankle that's broken. Control yourself. We are guests here. Or do you want them to kick us out before we've even had time to relax a bit?"
Agis scoffed at him, tearing away from the other men before storming back up onto the deck of the Chimera.