Chapter 23: My night out.
The sun set and the ship began to slow as the already large river joined into an enormous lake. Dozens of ships bigger and larger than ours filled the harbour and although the sky had darkened the water was lit by a sea of lights.
"Welcome to Citlia," the Captain announced and gestured his arms wide. "The jewel of all demon kind."
"It's… it's amazing," Lara's mouth gaped open.
I had to agree. It truly was a city and comparable to the Kingdom's capital. Even from where we were we could see the expanse of buildings spread across the shore and spill on top the water. Despite it being the end of the day, the city showed no sign of quieting down.
"We'll be docked in an hour or so. I hope you've enjoyed your stay," the Captain doffed his hat to Ronalt, two arms on the wheel and two arms on his hat.
"That we did good sir," Ronalt nodded.
We crowded on top the deck as the trading vessel was guided to the dock and tied down. As usual for a demon town the variety of people was truly astounding and here more than any other. While the crew members worked, I stepped aside and talked to the Captain.
"Do you mind if I ask what kind of place is Citlia?"
He grinned and folded his four arms, "Citlia is the never sleeping city. It's existed for over a century and has been the main trade centre for all demonkind. The four great rivers that stretch through our lands all gather here. Before the Lord came to power we considered this place our Capital."
"Anyplace you'd recommend?" I asked.
He looked at me slyly, "You're a young man aren't you? Though I know the horned tribe can be quite modest in nature, you should really consider taking some time to 'enjoy' the more exotic districts." He patted my shoulder with one hand, "I know those two young lassies have been on your mind but trust me, it'll give you some relief and it's always nice to try a race other than your own."
"…." I didn't know how to respond to that. I was thinking of a tavern or gambling house, maybe a theatre.
He laughed and slapped me on the back, "Well it's time to part ways."
I tripped forwards as he left.
We said our final thanks and after the Captain recommended an inn we boarded the carriage and headed through the streets. There was no lack of light at all and hundreds of demons in different shapes and sizes walked together. Because of its nature as a trading city the flow of commerce never ended and all throughout the night ships would come and go. The stores and markets were always open, if I needed anything it really was just a matter of popping down the corner. As for the denizens of night, there were enough people here that they'd never come anywhere close.
I parked the carriage at the inn and laid out some fresh food for Pina. Together with the others we enjoyed a pleasant dinner and I savoured the different cuisine. Although the others found the taste new, to me it reminded me of home. The spices and flavours coming from the herbs we'd trade with Servius' family. The entire time and since this afternoon however I had been avoiding Lara. The others hadn't noticed as I used my excuse of work and secluded myself.
We ate dinner together quite late and split ways to sleep the night. Instead I stayed awake. It was nice having a private room again and it was large enough that I could stretch my legs. For a while I did nothing but think. I needed to find out just what was wrong with me if I wanted to keep my sanity. With how I felt when I talked to Lara sometimes it really did feel like another person existed inside me. The problem was I couldn't tell how long it had been there. Lara's memories had certainly caused it to react more lately but even before then, there were times with Lara that seemed odd.
"Haaa," I sighed and walked to the door leaving the room. There was no way I was getting to sleep and I decided to take a walk around the city. The lobby of the inn was just as lively as it had been when we arrived and I left without anyone's notice. The streets of Citlia were surprisingly regulated. Like a grid of squares, blocks of buildings were placed between the paths. As the city spread to the water it became more free form and rested on large structures built under the surface.
I enjoyed the sight and perused the goods in the markets, taking note of which ones I'd buy in the morning. Thinking about it, it had been a long time since I was alone. I quickly checked my surroundings for Taylor. I even called out her name but there was no reaction. As if being freed I stretched my body relaxed. Eventually I found myself on top the water in a particularly busy district of Citlia. The lights here were more numerous but dimmed to a softer orange and red. Men and women with flushed smiling faces walked the area clinging closely and a thick atmosphere of immoral activity filled the air. It was the red light district.
The Captain's words rung inside my head and honestly I was curious myself, whether that was because of my interest as a scholar or my youthful male mind I couldn't tell. On one hand there would be a plethora of unique demons here under full display, it was a chance not many would have to see and Ardent would have a field day. On the other hand… my heart thumped with an awkward excitement. When I travelled with my parents one of my fathers had tried to bring me to a place like this in the Kingdom Capital but my mothers had caught on and yelled at him. In the end I had never experienced anything like it. I was an adult now… but at the same time the image of Lara entered my mind guiltily. She definitely would not approve. Strangely so did Taylor's.
"Young man of the horned tribe," a smooth voice called out and I looked around. "Yes you with the black horns." A lady sat behind a small booth just at the edge of the district. Her hand waved me over eagerly.
"Umm yes?" I approached her warily. She was wearing suggestively revealing clothing, a tight dress opened quite low at the chest and a scarf. Her eyes were slits like a snakes and glowed orange. Two branch like horns protruded from her head.
"What's a cutie like you doing all the way out here? I can tell it's your first time," she spoke seductively and puffed out her chest, the curves of her body becoming quite evident. Unfortunately for her I was quite used to this now and compared to Taylor, while she was a beautiful demon, she couldn't stack against her. Taylor's seduction was softer and less pronounced suggesting a hint of innocence as men had to sharpen their gaze to fully take her in. The demon in front of me however was leaving it all bare.
"Ah sorry, I'm not here for any service," I said bluntly and began to leave.
"Wait, that's not what I do," she smiled. "I'm a trader of a finer sort of delight." On the table in front of her various coloured cloth bags were aligned. I narrowed my eyes. I had heard about and even knew how to make certain drugs that could alter the mind or even affect the body in exciting ways. Though the chance of learning something from demonkind did intrigue me.
"What do you have?" I came closer again.
She held up a single bag and opened it, "Oh a special thing indeed. Made by grinding and mixing the moon flower, a specialty in our parts this powder can reawaken and relive an old memory. For those too poor to afford a night inside, many of them choose to taste it again in their minds. Or perhaps you are homesick, the drug can do many things."
I didn't know of any apothecary in the human territories that could make such a thing. I was tempted to buy some just to analyse it but another part of me wanted to try it. If it could reawaken an old memory… could I see Jane once more?
"How does it work?" I folded my arms.
The women's eyes shined having taken my interest, "Hold the memory clear in your mind and then breathe in the powder. A slight shock pertaining to the memory is all it takes for it to start. If it's a sexual one you want, I can supply that shock." She winked.
"No, that'll be fine." I pulled out my wallet, "I'll take three."
"Of course," she handed the bags over as I pushed some coins towards her.
"Here goes," I opened the bag and thought about the face of Jane and Lara beside him. The powder swirled into my nostrils as I took a deep breath.
"Ah!" the women gasped, "Dear customer wait, you shouldn't use it without first-…." Her words faded away. My vision began to blur and my legs stumble backwards. Hmm I should probably have asked her what it did to me first. I had been too determined to think about it properly.
My legs twisted in and I tripped back. The snake eyed women tried to grab me but failed and like that I fell backwards into the water of the lake.