"Especially in the Entertainment District at this hour. There must've been commotion after the auction. They're out for blood tonight, for persecution." Darius continued. said.
Usually, the presence of Enforcers wouldn't cause too much alarm. However, in the Entertainment District at this late hour, after the auction, their appearance spoke volumes. Their nocturnal presence signified an underlying commotion, perhaps a fallout from the auction, triggering a fervent pursuit. That was to be expected after how the event ended.
Each of us sat in silence within the carriage, the rhythmic drumming of the rain creating an eerie backdrop to our thoughts. Fleur's words resonated in the confined space, a foreboding reminder of the dangers lurking in the night.
As the carriage trudged along, a cluster of luminous lights approached, the handles of lanterns carried by the advancing Enforcers casting intermittent flashes of illumination. The pale glow accentuated their determined strides through the downpour.
Amongst the Enforcers stood a face I recognized through the rain-splattered window—a familiar figure named Samb. Our previous acquaintance had been brief but enough to recognize him amidst the blurred silhouettes.
Moving past the cluster of lights, a sudden bang reverberated through the night, a sharp, jarring sound accompanied by an illuminating flash. Dread settled within me like a heavyweight as realization struck—the Enforcers were executing their duty, hunting down illegal Arcanists with ruthless efficiency.
This grim reminder of the laws in this world brought forth a sobering realization. I had become complacent, allowing a sense of security to permeate my existence as an arcanist. Yet, this display of authority served as a stark reminder of the harsh consequences awaiting those who faltered within the confines of this society.
The scene faded into the night as the carriage trudged forward, leaving behind the grim spectacle. The rain persisted, a symphony of sorrow playing out in the darkness, punctuated by the realization that caution and vigilance were ever so necessary companions in this world.
As the Leode Pier loomed into view, the bustling activity of boats docking and departing intensified, despite the late hour and the unruly weather. The persistent rain, dancing in the lights, painted the scene with a watery sheen, the quaysides bustling with carriages and figures wielding poles adorned with luminous lanterns.
"The Pier's always this lively," Fleur murmured, peering through the misted window, her gaze fixated on the myriad activities unfolding amidst the downpour. "No matter the hour or the weather."
Indeed, the Leode Pier stood as a vital artery of trade, facilitating the constant flow of goods and travellers between continents. Even under the cloak of night, its vibrancy and purpose never waned.
Darius ushered us to stay put within the carriage as he ventured out into the relentless rain. His figure soon disappeared into the shroud of the storm, leaving us in a state of suspended anticipation, the rhythmic drumming of the rain punctuating the silence that enveloped us.
Caius broke the tense silence that enveloped us, his voice laden with apprehension. "What if we can't even leave the pier? What if there are more Enforcers guarding the boats?"
Fleur's voice, laced with a seasoned calmness, cut through the rising unease. "I've been in situations like this plenty of times. With Darius beside us, things usually go smoothly. Even if there are Enforcers, we'll make it. Don't worry."
Caius seemed to relax a bit at Fleur's assurance but kept a watchful eye on the surroundings.
Suddenly, a figure approached the carriage, causing a stir among us. A sharp knock on the window startled everyone.
"It's Darius," Fleur stated with certainty, swiftly donning her rain jacket. "We're heading out into the storm. Everyone put on your jackets."
As the rain lashed against the windows, we geared up, donning our rain jackets to shield ourselves from the relentless storm. The door creaked open, and the wind howled, almost knocking me off balance as I stepped onto the saturated ground.
"Follow me!" Darius's voice barely carried over the cacophony of rain and wind.
We struggled against the gusts of wind as we trailed behind Darius, his silhouette barely visible in the dimly lit night. The rain blurred my vision, making it nearly impossible to discern our surroundings. The downpour was so intense that each step felt like wading through a turbulent river.
Darius led us toward a small building, barely discernible amidst the turbulent weather and darkness. The building's features were obscured, only snippets of its form visible through the pelting rain.
The building loomed before us. Its wooden structure appeared weathered as if it had stood for generations. The thrumming rain intensified, casting an eerie veil over the scene as we advanced toward the structure.
Inside, the atmosphere was hushed, a subtle air of anticipation hanging amidst the lantern-lit interior. The room housed a crowd of people, their diverse silhouettes converging toward a booth nestled at the far end, likely the ticket office for the awaiting steamboats.
Darius removed his hood upon entering. However, Fleur's whispered insistence kept Caius and the rest of us hidden beneath the sanctuary of our jacket hoods, preserving our anonymity.
"We haven't managed to secure a private boat, it was too short notice," Darius explained in a low voice, gesturing us closer. "We'll have to take the public steamboat. I've already bought the tickets for us all. Keep your hoods on until we're aboard."
Unfortunately, this made our trip more unexpected. Surrounded by other people throughout the night-long boat ride to Araway. Would we need to be extra careful with strangers on board?
Soon, our ticket numbers were called out, prompting us to make our way to our designated boat, a welcome respite from the relentless rain outside. The team made their way out, back into the pelting rain and toward our boat at the dock, sheltered from the storm's ferocity.
As we hurriedly boarded the boat, the rain-drenched pier faded into the background, replaced by the comforting shelter of the vessel's interior. The familiar sound of the rain against the boat's exterior merged with the low hum of the engine, a subtle reminder of the stormy night we left behind.
The boat's interior, a reflection of Victorian design adapted for practicality rather than luxury, greeted us with an array of burgundy wooden fixtures and dimly lit lanterns suspended from the ceiling. The air held a subtle scent of aged wood, mingling with the persistent aroma of dampness lingering from the rain-soaked attire of the passengers.
The seating arrangement consisted of rows of wooden benches, their surfaces bearing the marks of time. The boat, designed for efficiency, could house around 500 people at its maximum capacity, but tonight, likely a mere 150 for the journey across the gap.
With the passengers dispersed across the limited space, the atmosphere within the boat retained an air of shared purpose. Strangers sat side by side, their collective intent evident in the collective pursuit of reaching Araway amidst the stormy night.
As we navigated through the narrow aisles, a crew member guided us toward our cabins. The cabins, though compact, offered a reprieve from the communal setting. A brief exchange of glances between Darius and the crew member led us to three adjacent rooms, uniting Lucas, Caius, and myself in the same cabin.
"It's just for the night," I mused, a silent reassurance to quell the brewing discomfort. I could manage this shared space for the duration of the boat journey.
The door creaked open, revealing a modest cabin with bunk beds neatly arranged along the walls. The lantern hanging from the ceiling cast a warm glow, illuminating the room's simplicity.
Caius, ever the embodiment of unrestrained enthusiasm, wasted no time. Without a moment's hesitation, he bounded towards the nearest bunk, his energy undeterred by the day's events.
"I've got the top bunk!" Caius shouted out of nowhere.
With a grace that contradicted his size, he leapt onto the top bunk, settling into a state of near-immediate slumber still in his Huntsmen uniform he'd been wearing the entire way here through the rain and on the carriage ride. At least he was civil enough to take off his rain jacket first.
Lucas and I exchanged a glance. As the door closed, sealing us within the compact space, a sigh escaped my lips.
"I suppose it's futile to resist," Lucas remarked, his voice laced with an undertone of amusement. He gracefully took the single extra bed, leaving the one beneath Caius for me.
Without hesitation I replied, "I'll make sure to rest soon."
"Ok, suit yourself," Lucas remarked as he pulled the covers of his bed up.
Taking my things with me along with my jacket, I left the cabin and closed the door slowly as to not wake the already unconscious Caius.
The boat gently rocked with the rhythmic cadence of the waves. As I stepped into the narrow corridor, the muted sounds of the vessel's steam engine reverberated through the walls.
I wanted to have a rest, though I could hardly bear a room with Lucas let alone Caius of all people. Though I wasn't too tired yet. Even though the day had been long and exhausting, I still had the energy to get up and move about. Could just be the anticipation of the next mission.
The main area of the boat was deserted, save for a couple of individuals scattered across the plush seats. Pulling out my pocket watch it read midnight. It was only expected for it to be this deserted. Thankfully the rain had ceased, leaving me able to go outside once more.
Stepping out into the crisp night air, I marvelled at the full moon and the shimmering stars that adorned the inky canvas of the sky. The boat's wake glistened as it sliced through the finally tranquil waters, a mesmerizing dance of moonlit ripples.
Leaning against the cool metal railing, I gazed up at the vast expanse of the night sky. The constellations seemed to weave patterns in the canvas of space, a spectacle that transcended the concerns of meagre arcanists, machinations and even those who had transmigrated from another world.
My mind wandered, reflecting on the revelations of the day. The arcanist world, with its layers of intrigue, unfolded like a complex tapestry. The events of the day lingered in my thoughts, each piece of information adding weight to the burden I carried.
A gentle breeze whispered through the air, carrying the scent of the sea's brine and the remnants of rain. The boat glided smoothly across the water, leaving ripples in its wake. I found solace in the rhythmic sounds, a respite from the chaos that seemed to follow me.
Lost in contemplation, I failed to notice Fleur silently joining me at the railing. And for a while, we leaned side by side on the railing, sharing the quietude of the night watching the stars.
After a moment, Fleur turned around, her back now leaning against the railing. From a white card box, she extracted a cigarette, its slender form catching a glint of moonlight. She extended the box towards me, a nonchalant offer that I declined with a subtle shake of my head.
"You smoke?" I asked, a curiosity glinting in my eyes.
Fleur placed the cigarette between her lips and produced a small matchstick. With deft movements, she struck it, the flame casting ephemeral shadows on her face as she lit the cigarette. After a gentle shake extinguished the match, she took a small drag, the ember glowing brightly for a brief moment.
"What does it look like I'm doing? Yeah, I smoke," she replied, exhaling a plume of smoke that mingled with the night air. Her gaze briefly wandered away before returning, and she shot me a mischievous grin. "Are you sure you don't want one?"
I waved my hand dismissively, the sweet scent of tobacco lingering in the air. Fleur chuckled, taking another drag before exhaling a puff of smoke into the night.
The boat continued its unhurried journey across the tranquil waters, the soft lull of the waves providing a soothing backdrop to our conversation. Fleur's demeanour, usually guarded, seemed to soften under the moonlight.
"I don't usually," she admitted after a moment of pause, her voice carrying a touch of nostalgia. "Just at times like this, when the world needs a bit of slowing down."