Chapter Text
The old fisherman knew an opportunity for business when he saw one. A pair of young people were walking slowly towards his direction. Both of them had golden hair and were wearing exotic clothes. The girl was darting her gaze between her surroundings and the map-like thing in her hand, clearly unsure of their direction.
“Good day, comrades!” The fisherman called out. “Feeling your sore feet? Need something yummy in your belly? Look no further, best Snezh’ Fish here!”
The two smiled and stopped at his stall. “Signature barbecue salmon! Aromatic yet spicy, fatty yet juicy.“ he introduced. “Just caught them from Monoceros Caeli Gulf this morning. Actually, they were so fresh locals would even eat them raw!”
He was nonetheless surprised when the girl asked for a slice of raw fish meat. She held the fish in her hands, grabbed the salt and pepper bottle aside, sprinkled its contents and swallowed the cut without blinking.
“Wow my lady, you’re an insider of taste! And here I thought raw salmon’s smell might be repulsive to outlanders. You tried this before?”
“Why yes, sir.” It is the young man who answered, “It’s my first time visiting Snezhnaya, but my sister has been here before. Although, it’s been a long time, and memories do wear off a little. Anyways,“ He quickly added, “We are looking for a young man, a fearsome warrior. The map says we’re really close. Any clues?”
Seekers, aren’t they? “Well, the last skirmish we witnessed was back when I was a boy. Kinda hard for a warrior to become famous in a peaceful time, wouldn’t you say? My wild guess is that you mean…The Great Hero Ajax.”
“Is he still alive?” The girl suddenly cut in, barely finished her serve. The fisherman laughed loudly for her innocence. “Legend says he is! I don’t believe it, though. After all, he’d be over 300 years old if he lives till this day.”
He immediately felt sorry at her disappointed face. "How about a boat trip around Monoceros Caeli? If any story were to be told about The Great Ajax, it has to be here. And 40 years living by the gulf makes myself a pretty good tour guide.”
He noticed that the girl was looking at her brother, who smiled at her encouragingly. “I guess a trip wouldn’t hurt.” she mumbled.
So the fisherman put the “Be Back Soon” signboard at his stall, gestured the travelers to come aboard, and rowed the boat off the shore.