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Chapter Text

Tuesday 10th of May 1912

My time upon this great ocean liner is now shared with the other side of the family. Whilst I was grateful at Nemolis’ efforts to include me, I still cannot shake off that I am over stepping (I still cannot get Nemera’s icy look from out of my mind). I can only now hope the ship is as fast as it is rumoured to be. I really just want to get to my cousin’s wedding as fast as possible so I do not have to be suffocated in the presence of Elvish nobility. My mother and grandfather had always told me that they were a cold people and so their distance is simply natural but I am smart enough to know now in comparison to when I was still a michen that the distance my father puts between us is no cultural difference but true disdain, it could only be for an odious reason which I have speculated for some time. 

I will never truly know what drives us apart and to be honest I cannot be bothered to know anymore. Nemolis, however, has other ideas on what this ‘family’ should be like. I know he means no harm but as it is said, you can take the horse to water but you cannot make him drink. It’s not the first time I have been around my father and yet his walls are high and smooth, there’s simply no way for me to get through to him and thus I will not. I should not have to be the one to pester when quite frankly he brought me into this world in the first place, not the other way around. I am more than comfortable with my Barizhiese side, even if my mother is no longer with us. 

Perhaps if I had indeed taken my grandfather’s advice to instead invite someone to come with me on the journey I would have had an excuse to decline Nemolis’ invitation to dine with them that night. My grandfather is far too old to travel, especially for a distant cousins’ wedding, but family is family and I know Aunt Shalaen will be there too, with her wife. The look in Nemolis’ eyes was vivid with mischief when his eyes settled on me as I was shown to my cabin. I know for sure Nemera knows absolutely nothing of what Nemolis is up to. It will only end badly for my ego but it is nice to talk to my brothers. I always got a sense from my sisters that they may feel the same way about me as Nemera does but Ciris’ schemes and Nazhira’s easy-going attitude makes up for that awkwardness. Nemolis said that their cabin’s were only on the other side of the long narrow hallway. “Where is Idra?”, I asked. 

“He is already in the cabin, perhaps you could see us after you are settled?” 

 “I would like that.” 

From there I smiled and waved goodbye. Already feeling the swells of anxiety creeping. I couldn’t pretend not to exist for 5 days on this ship. It would be rude. I wish I could see my brothers and nephew without having to see literally everyone else but alas, Nemolis was too much of a social butterfly for quieter meetings. Out of all my brothers, Nemolis is definitely the most ostentatious. Nazhira couldn’t care less for anything other than his own unbothered-ness and Ciris was simply too self-involved and cliquey to care about the thoughts of others outside his own mechanisms. Nemolis, on the other hand, believes he is the oil that turns the cogs. 

Looking at the baggage porter as he came closer to lift my trunk onto the golden trolley, I would describe him as taller than myself by only a few inches. I do remember he had very sharp eyeliner that I could never achieve by myself. He told me his name was Avris and that he’s one of the servants on this floor. I thanked him and handed him a few notes, as is customary, and with a smile and after knowing I did not require his assistance with unpacking, he left to attend to others. To be honest, I just wanted to be alone for a little while before having to announce my presence. I really didn’t know they’d be on this ship at this time or I would have waited and took an airship for two-days instead. In my mind, by ship seemed easier because I didn’t really want to hear the constant hum of the airship engines and being that long in the air would have made me feel light headed. I was used to being on my Aunt’s ships so the rocking and the sound of those engines didn’t disturb me as much. I think it’s because the water is more stable, thicker, than the air. It comforts me. 

On the table in the living room was a vase of pink lilies. Apart from a table and two chairs there was a small fireplace and a mantle piece with a mirror on the wall above, two lights were fixed on either side. It would be hard to do any work without the light filtering in through the window but the Reading and Writing Room was there for a reason. In a way, it was pretty smart that the sole purpose of the room was to provide comfort by creating the excuses needed not to do anything work related. The light was too dim, the chairs were too comfy and the convenience of the bedroom being just a door away would have been tempting to most of my friends’ back in Barizhan. 

Once I had put my things away, I could only silently pray that Nemolis had not already informed everyone of my presence on the ship so that I could speak with my nephew without the awkwardness of formality. The last time I had seen Idra, he had just turned 8 and Nemera seemed to have been trying to make sure we had as little interaction as possible much to my elvish grandfather’s displeasure. My father’s father saw amusement in my estranged relationship with his son for some reason but he definitely reminds me of Nemolis in the way his eyes twinkled before swirling the pot that was my father and I. From what I had gathered of Idra was that he was a sweet and rather out-going child, I have no idea of his character now though. 

Later  

I kept my promise to swing by Nemolis’ cabins to see Idra of course, although I tried to be cunning and catch them just after the Veranda Cafe closed as I had no intention of dining with them all tonight. I think Nemolis realised my plot upon seeing me in the corridor as his right a did an involuntary twitch that would have made me laugh if Idra wasn’t now towering over me. He’s at least five inches taller now. My remembrance of a weenie michen smited away. He did not recognise me at first, I did not think he would recognise me which is fine. But when Nemolis nudged him towards me with a ‘It’s Maia’, he beamed and said, ‘I am most happy to see thee again!’. 

I declined Nemolis’ invitation to invite me inside as I knew he’d only go and disturb everyone to come and see me and truly-I am too tired for dramatics however, I could not get out of having luncheon with them tomorrow as it really would have been rude to refuse. They are yet to know I am travelling alone. Idra did make some mention of who my travelling partners were and I managed to swerve by admitting to going to a distant cousin's wedding and that my aunts would be there, I think I may have misled them into thinking my aunts were on the ship…

Wednesday 11th May

When I awoke, I felt ravenous as with all the travelling, unpacking and family drama I hadn’t been hungry for lunch or dinner the previous day so I immediately dressed in something comfortable, making sure I did my hair pretty well that morning to make up for the more laid-back appearance of just a wide sleeved dress shirt and tan slacks and green jacket. My hair was an updo I learned from Esha that went well with most styles of dress, two braids plaited with two pieces at the front left out, you wind the plaits together and then around a tie and then tuck the ends in (usually then reinforce with a clip which I had a silver one moulded into vine leaves) and then dampen the two loose strands to form less frizzy curls, usually twisting to ensure there was just one curl per segment. It was the only hair style I could do by myself that was appropriate for my station as I knew any words from this ship would in no doubt go around quickly. 

Avris had actually come round with some fresh flowers for the vase and a newspaper for me. When he asked me if I would like any meals for the morning for my room I asked if any of the cafes were serving breakfast. I took his word that the Celaziese cafe had to be tried whilst I was onboard so I headed to the grand staircase. I had of course glimpsed the staircase yesterday but I couldn’t take a proper look. It was very grand but not as grand as the Barizhiese History Museum’s that was lined with statues of fierce warriors from the beginning of Barizhan as a unified nation to the last Avar, Maru’avar. This staircase lacked any historical grandeur but I could see it’s beauty in the design of the curved steps as if water was flowing, and the sheer size is not one I have seen on any other ship before. So my Aunt needs to step up her ship game with the interior design as well as the engine she has been obsessing over in all her letters. 

I took a peek in the paper after Avris had left to tend the other passengers and on the front page read ‘THE FASTEST OCEAN LINER TO GRACE THE WATERS’. I think Avris to be quite caring as he brought me a Barizhin newspaper as he heard my accent despite me speaking to him in Ethuverzhin. I think it more likely to be because of my accent over my skin colour in that decision anyways- even if that thought could have a chance of truth. 

The Celvaziese Cafe was lovely, the design somewhat calming although it didn’t seem very Celaziese to me since I remember from a few years ago the rather old looking buildings and the feeling of a million people being in the same space as me. Here, everything looked too new and shiny to be considered Celvaziese. I was able to get a table in the corner and was quite pleased that most people had decided to take breakfast elsewhere the morning after boarding. I didn’t see anyone related to me which was an added bonus.

 I walked around the deck for a bit after, getting some fresh air. Even now as I sit, the rocking of the boat lulls me into boredom. I now regret my decision to take no companion with me but at least I’d be meeting Nemer when I got off. He’d be nearly finished with his cosmetology degree, having a year to go. I remember when he came about 14 wanting to have some part-time weekend work whilst he was still at school. We don’t tend to hire teenagers or children of any kind at all since they can’t do full-time hours and, of course, anyone employed, no matter the type of work or contract, under the age of 13 is a crime in Barizhan but I didn’t have a lot of personal servants at the time and had just moved out on my own. I was always going to replace him but even when I did find someone else full-time I kept him on since he was good at his job and Esha agreed to train him properly. I have missed him since he’s been away and now I’m starting to miss Esha.

Later -To be Continued

Chapter Text

The problem with the ticket was, of course, it didn’t have HIS name on and Csevet knew they would check his I.D. His lie was that his maternal uncle had booked the ticket and so had used his name. He was there as soon as the boarding began for those in working class, careful he would not be seen, praying that the man would not have noticed his forged ticket in time to report Csevet and be promptly escorted off the grand ship. A new life awaited in Celvaz, a bountiful prospector’s life would be in his grasp rather than the sordid back streets of Cetho’s red light district. He was young enough to take this chance to strike gold. 

He had only brushed his hair back into a low ponytail, he didn’t bother taking his winter clothes as Celvaz was hot and Csevet had to pack light. Literally, only a bindle without the stick that carried only one change of clothes and whatever valuables he had was in his handmade inner pockets. 

Csevet walked up to the checkpoint. Another man grabbed his sack and poked through his belongings. “To the lice checkpoint”, he didn’t even really have a proper look, simply prodded the top of Csevet’s tunic as if something would jump out and claw at his face.

Csevet hurriedly moved on. A man with beautifully braided hair and a face covering on, told him to sit on a wooden box as he undid Csevet’s ribbon and took a comb through his hair. “Clean!”, the man motioned over to one of his colleagues and then said, “station to the left”. 

Csevet was eager to get through the ticket checkpoint but he had at least another two checkpoints for this or that disease to get through. When he did make it to the ticket checkpoint, Csevet’s nerves stood on spikes. He didn’t want to be seen glancing around like a CRIMINAL so he lowered his eyes to the floor and tried to breath deep breaths. This way, Csevet thought, the man may not recognise me. 

“Ticket please”, the man took Csevet’s ticket in almost a snatch. “I.D, boy.” 

Csevet handed him his birth certificate of course. He kept it pretty neat as he had only purchased it last year. A tiresome process but thankfully, he knew what hospital he had been born in and his correct birthdate as well- it also helped that it was noted on the midwife’s records that the mother had said there was no father and he was the only baby born on that day that had no father written.

The ticket inspector flipped his birth certificate open and then promptly folded it back and returned it. “On you go, mind the gap.” 

Csevet had been worried for nothing. Both I.D and ticket had been secured with no questions. Csevet immediately went to check what the living situation was like in steerage. Two bunk beds were separated by a small table and shelves below a circular window. He was the first person there it seemed. Csevet pondered whether or not it would be worth laying his claim to a bed in case the other roomies got hostile. Perhaps it was better to wait until they departed before feeling out the living arrangements. It was only a week anyways and Csevet would rather be in the good graces of these people who may potentially have personally known the lout he stole from and wondered why Csevet was here instead. He hadn’t thought up a convincing lie yet, thank the goddess he was early to board or it would have been troublesome to deal with. Csevet made his way onto the main deck. He leaned over the railings, more preoccupied with watching the upper class board in their lavish carriages and fine clothes. He couldn’t see a lot from so high up but Csevet fantasised about maybe being able to shack up in one of their cabins instead. Csevet didn’t banish the thought from his mind but he knew damn well that trying to sugar up one of them was harder than it seemed and came with a promise Csevet was trying to leave behind. Of course, he could just finesse them but on this ship it would not be so easy to ‘disappear’. 

Csevet’s attention was brought back to some shouting that was going on below him, with the ticket checkpoint. Csevet couldn’t quite hear what was going on but instinctively backed away from the side to become camouflaged in the gawking passengers. Away from potentially being caught, Csevet realised he hadn’t eaten since last night. He found a board with information on the times to eat and the zones where each ticket holder could go. Lunch would be served from 1p.m but it was only quarter to ten. The ship wouldn’t be leaving until 11a.m so Csevet went off to explore. 

He found some men playing penny up the wall but Csevet had no coin, instead with many others he found his entertainment in watching the game. The gambling didn’t turn nasty and a little boy ended up winning the takings one round. He ran to the arms of his father with a triumphant giggle at Csevet guessed was about ten zashan. Csevet became bored of watching after someone put down a more hefty sum. Before he could be dragged into an ugly brawl, Csevet slipped off to find out where the music was coming from. 

To the side, goblins were playing the steel drums. Csevet had only just become aware from stepping into this part of the deck but there was clearly an abrupt divide as more goblins had situated themselves on the side facing the sea rather than the land and at the back of the ship. They had the sense to bring food with them as little baskets were being shared amongst them. Csevet leaned up with men roughly his age, being careful not to overstep. He was surprisingly offered a basket of fried dumplings. He thanked the man who passed him the basket and passed it along. The dumpling had a salty fish filling when Csevet bit into it. Csevet devoured it. Thank the goddess for folk like this! 

The man asked, “You like?” 

“Yes, what is it?” The man looked roughly his age, wavy black hair and silver skin. His eyes like fire. 

“Saltfish dumpling”, he replied. 

He had a Barizhiese accent so Csevet asked, “You heading to Barizhan?” 

The man shook his head, “Celvaz, and you?” 

“Same”

“You came for the gold as well?” 

“I wouldn’t be sailing far and wide otherwise”, Csevet grinned at him. Perhaps he made a friend. 

“Me and mine are also dabbling in prospecting”, the man’s genuine amusement and kindness put Csevet at ease. Selfishly, he thought that worse comes to worse with his cabin, he could always ask this man for a place to sleep. “You got any connections out there?” 

“Nope, just going with the flow. I hear they are pretty much hiring anyone to go out into the wilderness to find gold.”

“The key is in finding the mine yourself and getting together the miners”, he said. Csevet hadn’t realised it but they had somewhat isolated themselves from the performance and onlookers to a somewhat more private space. 

“Ay, that you Onolu?”, this man had a lazy eye and little scars on his hands. He regarded Csevet a bit coolly, unlike his mate who was beaming up at them from where he was carving some fruit. The friendlier face spoke something to ‘Onolu’ and Onolu replied. It sounded like Barizhiese but Csevet thought it might be rather patois. 

“What are you called?”, the friendly one spoke in a laid-back manner. From his voice, Csevet suspected he may be a bit younger than he wanted to be believed. 

“Csevet”, he replied, “And you are?” 

“Adnesa”, he said, “And him is Maru.” Adnesa pointed to lazy-eye who grunted in response. 

Onolu passed Csevet a pipe which he took a shallow puff of knowing very well what was in it, he did not want to seem untrusting to what he hoped was friendly inclusion. He handed the pipe back to him. “Seevet is going to Celvaz too”, Onolu said, not quite getting his tongue around the name. 

“I’m heading to Jevna, apparently the prospecting is good around that region”, Csevet didn’t mind telling them his plans. He of course would not be too specific for his own personal safety rather than to ‘protect his prospects of prospecting’. He knew nothing apart from what he read and he knew it may not be a fruitful mission he has laid before himself but Csevet was determined nonetheless and unfortunately had been dealt the hand of having nothing to lose. 

“Hmmm, we weren’t all too sure of where to go yet, mainly thinking of seeing what people were saying once we get there. Y’know? Listening for bits and pieces”, Adnesa said to him. 

“We did plan on going to Jevna if nothing turned up though”, Maru’s coolness did not subside but he seemed more animated in the conversation. 

“Yeah, yeah”, Olonu agreed, “We need to find some tools though, all we got is a compass.” Olonu laughed. 

“I was going to see what work to find. I figured prospecting was going to be harder than just finding some gold so I figured to join the miners or prospectors that were already set up to learn and be able to afford materials”, Csevet piped in. 

Maru said, “We thought it would be smart to put some savings together and start as a group.” 

Now Csevet wasn’t stupid. That little savings scheme is a known con strategy if someone, the ‘keeper’, decides to run with it. Csevet seemed to be unable to mask his emotions as Onolu said, “We plan to save separately, no thief run joke on me”, Onolu said. 

Maru pursed his bottom lip and said, “What if one of us lies about how much we got?” 

“High risk, high reward”, Adnesa spoke as if what he said was akin to a sage’s wisdom. 

Maru made a tut sound and shook his head. Maru did have a point though. If one decided to use their money on other things, pretend they saved and then had nothing to show when they went to buy, it would be overestimating their ‘investment’ and basically end up not being able to afford the equipment. Not to mention depending on the terrain they would face, horse and cart would also be needed and just one horse would be expensive to buy let alone maintain. 

Csevet was still unsure of Onolu and his little friends. Onolu seemed somewhat reasonable with his planning but his group was clearly not bound quite yet. It may be worth staying around them to see how they acted once they reached Celvaz. It would be better if Onolu would at least split from Maru, Csevet thought. Csevet quickly reminded himself that Onolu may be the one not to be trusted, he wasn’t sure about Adnesa but clearly Onolu had some intelligence to fuck him over. 

There was an eruption of shouting, screaming and whistling coming from the otherside of the boat. Csevet almost forgot what could possibly be happening when the ship jolted. Finally moving away from land, Csevet realised he needed to check who his bunkmates were. “I have to go”, Csevet turned to Onolu. 

“Ah, you’ll see us around, we staying in Cabin E40”, Onolu said with an intimate grasp of his hand. 

“B34, I’ll see yous around”, Csevet squeezed his hand before letting go. 

Weaving in and out of the still banshee-like crowd, he eventually made it back to his cabin. He was full of nerves and he still had no lie. He might just say that he was given the ticket, or won the ticket but it was a rather obvious cover-up. He prayed they were not waiting on the dickhead. 

He opened the door, it did not have a lock. He opened it fully to see two men, both older than him but one clearly decades older than himself. “Ah, Hello”, Csevet bowed his head a bit. He couldn’t walk in the room as there was not enough space. “You the other passenger then?”, The younger of the two asked. He looked more formal than Csevet, his clothes more well-looked after but not exactly expensive. “Yes.” 

“Oh well then, there’s supposed to be another guy but I haven’t seen him around yet. Anyways, I’m Dazhis and this is Peia”, Dazhis climbed onto the top bunk whilst Peia settled on the bottom. They clearly knew each other enough to have no qualms about sharing a bunk so Csevet put himself on the bottom of the other bunk. So, it was just based on whether or not the real ‘other’ passenger showed up? Maybe Csevet has had a lucky break. -All he would need to do is hide his actual ticket which wouldn’t be hard as they would have no need to see Csevet’s ticket unless the ‘other’ was just taking his sweet time before making Csevet’s life hell. Please, Csevet prayed, Let it be that I have stolen their friend’s place and the real ‘other’ passenger has somehow not been able to get on the ship. 

“Don’t mind me prying but how old are you?”, Dazhis cocked his head as he asked. 

“Only 21, heading to Celvaz”, Csevet amicably replied. 

“Ah, a prospector?”, he said with a smile that Csevet easily read as somewhat condescending. 

“Only if I find anything”, Csevet faked laughed. Hah hah harr. 

“We are heading to Celvaz too, but as tradesmen”, Peia spoke up. His hair was short for a man his age, Csevet wondered if he sold it but hair isn’t really worth all that much. The only other reason was that Peia here was ex-convict.  

“Trading what?” 

“A little this, a little that”, Dazhis cut in, “Mainly imported goods though.” 

“Such a demand for imported good in Celvaz?”, Csevet questioned. Celvaz was entirely self-dependent much like the Ethuveraz. Importing what exactly?

“All this gold means people have more coin to spend, to spend on luxury”, Peia made himself a pipe as he spoke. It looked tarnished and was made from metal unlike Olonu’s polished wooden one. 

Csevet nodded, “Ah, I see. Do either of you have the time?” 

“Nearly 12”, Peia pulled a small watch from his pocket. 

“Thanks”, Csevet laid down and stared up at the ceiling. Trying not to think about what would happen if the ‘other’ arrived. But why wouldn’t he? Dazhis and Peia would have at least seen him check out the room surely unless he came before them and wandered off like Csevet. 

He could truly just not be here as well which is why Csevet had to calm down and get some rest. Being up so early made him sleepy but he would not sleep until he ate. 

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Wednesday 11th May

Later- 

Luncheon was a rather stifling affair. The ship was a prisoner ship rather than the glamorous Anmura Ocean Liner. I felt trapped between Nazhira and Ciris. They are in no way bad dining partners but there was a certain bond they all lacked, and the string of that bond led back to me. Surely, our age difference is one of the main causes but also I am not exactly a cherished member of that side of the family. My siblings are probably the most supporting side but it was always so awkward and I guess there was always pressure. I am constantly put between a rock and a hard place when it came to matters between myself and Nemera. Nemolis, although I know he is trying to patch the bond, is fanning the fires for me to be constantly ridiculed by that man. I had broken as much contact with him when I was 16 for a reason and I wish Nemolis would respect my choice. I am not the child who seeked Nemera’s approval anymore, I just want my own life rather than be constantly compared and forced side by side with theirs. 

Nemolis spent most of the time talking about inviting me to Winternight and whatever other family gatherings. I just sipped on my tea to remain polite. I had at least six teas in the space of two hours. Did he not think I had plans for my birthday? I don’t but still, I am a man grown and do not need Nemolis to babysit my schedule. Honestly, I try to understand him. Maybe it’s a older sibling/older brother mentality he has going on but I need him to just be my big brother if that’s what he wants to do. We could go and watch the races, on trips, to this event or that party without him having to involve our sire all the time. I try to tell him, I really do. “Nemolis, maybe you and I should…” 

“Perhaps us brothers could…”

But no, like an airship it just continues to fly over his head. 

Nazhira was surprisingly helpful in lowering Nemolis’ antics. He said, “I’m sure Maia has better things to do than toddle around daddy at his age.” 

-Although I am beginning to understand that I might irk Nazhira for some reason, probably because Nemolis will not let up his conniving schemes but also maybe it is because I am not a brother like Nemolis or Ciris, more like a cousin. A distant one. Nazhira kind of understands me. No, I do not want to toddle around Nemera. No, I do not want Ciris to babysit me. Yes, I would love to bond with my nephew. 

After luncheon, I took a turn about the deck. I was too nervous to go to the other mixed decks as I was alone but I heard a steel drum playing along with the orchestra practising for tonight. 

But so much for being without a companion on this vessel. Csethiro Ceredin, my much loved university friend, was leaning over the edge of the rail. She looked rather dressed up than what she normally wore. When I approached she was more than happy to see me and we talked on the lounge chairs until dinner. They had a two-person table in the saloon, a rather romantic location with a view of the sea which made us chuckle. Unfortunately, Csethiro’s ‘lady-friend’ had not accompanied her, instead she was with her sister’s family. She was on her way to Barizhan to give in her findings of her latest project on the Barizhiese occupation some centuries ago. She had managed to glue together a vase from the time that her team had dug up from what they believed was an Ancient Barizhiese city, possibly Temath but she said it was still under investigation. To think Temath may be found! A city built of warriors of course hid treasure but also some ‘magical’ objects that were even described in books on Maz. 

After dining, we went on a long walk, even down to the third deck. Csethiro joined in rather scandalously in a few petty gambles. She played Bokh in university as well and was very skilled. She knew better than to put down more than a few coins but she became bored quickly. She then told me that they were cheating as they were changing the game pieces when she wasn’t looking, knowing better than to call them out, she left the game on a loss which cost her only 2 zashans. Away from the gamblers, I felt more at ease. I always felt rather protective of Csethiro even in university. She was without fear in those types of situations. Brazen, even. It was a line between stupidity and luck, I always warn her. She would always laugh lightly and say “It’s all in the name of fun.” 

We eventually came to where quite a few goblins were socialising. Some drunk, others sober. Women were dancing, sometimes the men joined in. Csethiro had a drink and a dance. I refrained from alcohol but I joined her in dancing. She has not changed since university, thank the goddess. 

I will be seeing Csethiro for a ‘brunch’ as we both wish to escape our family’s clutches on this relatively short trip. 

I cannot get out my mind the man who almost fell in the ocean backwards. His hair splayed everywhere, he had a pipe in his mouth. His companions were more interested in their little spit than seeing what their friend was doing. He teetered, his back against the railing. Clearly higher than what the Goddess would allow. I held him up before he could topple over. His eyes, when he looked up, were like a blue lagoon. He didn’t seem goblin of any degree to me but yet he was here. I shrugged him back over to his friends who sat him down.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No one claimed the leftover ticket. The room was still awkward as three grown men spent their time shuffling past each other. It was only a week…one week and hopefully the shuffling would end but Csevet knew he might not be so lucky in Celvaz. Csevet ate lunch with his roommates and found his other friends after dinner. Csevet was pulled in by Adnesa. They were talking at their own table with a few other goblins. Primarily they talked in Barizhiese unless they were talking to Csevet. It was small talk at best but Csevet had a sense that they were all purposely not talking about the gold. Whether it was Csevet’s presence or because there were others at the table that could not be trusted was yet unseen. Olonu didn’t say much, taking sips from his cup. Csevet realised he was observing, not simply relaxing. Maru did the same but instead with a much unkinder expression. They talked for a few hours but eventually Csevet said his goodbyes and went off to sleep.

The next morning Csevet and Onolu were out on the deck. “When we reaching Barizhan tomorrow morning, more of them heading to the same place for the same thing”, Onolu leaned against the railing, it was just ocean and sky. Csevet didn’t think he could see this much sea in his lifetime, restricted to the brutal landscape of Cetho’s buildings. 

“Maybe more of them may know more about the gold out there though”, Csevet said, “Better to go prepared. We need to know where everyone else is going once they get to Celvaz.” 

“Most of them have the same ideas as you”, Onolu looked at him with a smile. 

“That came from the newspapers though, by the time we get to that region, the gold might as well be spoken for”, Csevet knew failure was a possibility, “That’s why I was thinking of looking at some other options.” 

“We will know more knowing what everyone else knows.”

“Exactly. Once we get to Celvaz, the locals will know even more.”

Most people didn’t hang about in their rooms. Complaining was normal, a few fights had broke out on Csevet’s floor over this or that. One was so bad that one of them had to see the doctor to stitch him up. Csevet was part of the lot that was all too happy to stay away from his room. Dazhis and Peia seemed suspicious of him, obviously sharing secrets with each other. Csevet had thought they may have known about the ticket but Csevet was careful enough to keep all his belongings on his person. Sometimes Peia would eye his bag, Csevet wanted to tell him there was nothing worth stealing out of it. Csevet’s most expensive item was the ticket he stole. 

Csevet and Onolu made their way to the cafeteria only to realise there was already a line for food. It was still an hour until they would serve anything. They had no choice but to join the already forming line.

Csevet didn’t see Adnesa or Maru until the hall was rammed. There was clearly more people than yesterday squeezed in this hall. This time though, Dazhis had spotted Csevet and sat beside him. Csevet couldn’t really tell him to fuck off so he made polite conversation. Onolu asked what Csevet had asked, “What are you trading?” 

He was given the same vague answer, Csevet wondered if he was lying about what he was trading or lying about not going to Celvaz for the gold. Maybe he knew something about the gold? No, thought Csevet, He was probably just pretending to know more than he actually does. 

Dazhis left them after about an hour of talking everyone’s ear off. He was rather extroverted but it was all too clear he was on a high horse only himself could see. It was another night of revelry onboard. There was dancing and singing, card games and bokh. Csevet had been led into a dance with a southern Barizhiese woman a few years younger than himself who clung to him for much of the night. Her name was Teih, she was part of a travelling dancing group. They had been commissioned by a gold tycoon. She was very pretty, with flowing black curls and eyes that reminded Csevet of sunset. Csevet’s interest with her was only amiable though as his attentions were primarily invested in a different flavour. A thought struck him.

I could one day be rich enough to commission a troupe of dancers to wherever I pleased. -The thought made him smile to himself but he looked at Teih. 

As the hour grew later. Teih was still dancing but this time with other woman as someone played the steel drums. Csevet had been blowing diligently from Olonu’s pipe. The conversation had turned into the gold but Csevet had listened to some things said that he could understand, and he understood that they were anticipating the Barizhiese passengers. Csevet was pretty much seeing things in almost slow motion, he leaned against the railing. He could feel himself sway with both the waves and his own deliriousness. Someone grabbed beneath his arms, leading him away from the edge. He had eyes like shining silver, skin dark grey. The man walked off when Csevet was passed to someone else who sat him down on the underside of a lifeboat. 

Onolu took the pipe off him to use himself, settling himself beside Csevet whose eyes were looking for the shiny eyed stranger. “He’s gone”, Maru said as he chewed on a brown substance. 

“My stuff is quality, gets you higher than clouds”, Onolu said.

Csevet had unintentionally slummed it in Onolu’s room. He shared with Adnesa and Maru but also another young man. He was Elvish and seemed uncomfortable to be sharing with another stranger but Csevet sensed he would not voice his discomfort. They didn’t seem to interact with him all that much. 

At breakfast the next morning, he saw the man Onolu had introduced at Deret sitting with another group of Elves, one particularly tall with rounded glasses stood out. Breakfast did not satisfy Csevet in the slightest. A watery porridge in a small bowl, his bread was stale at the edges but he wolfed it down. Csevet did not complain though, they were to be docking at Barizhan today. There was excitement when the land started to be seen. 

Some boys kicked about a football on the deck only to be told off by a passing crew member. “We are coming into port so put that away!” 

Csevet and co. had claimed a lifeboat to sit and wait on. Csevet had never so much as glimpsed at Barizhan so he was eager to at least say he’d seen Barizhan. There was a mountain with a building on top in the far end of the city. Further behind was more mountains which Maru said would lead to a desert. The buildings were mostly round, some looked newer than others. Csevet looked down to see the familiar checkpoints. He gawked as the upper class began to climb aboard. Their traditional clothing rich in pattern and colour. An older woman had a train to her dress which had the people behind her walking some metres away from her. A little girl was holding a lead with a startling white puppy who happily tried to get ahead of her. Csevet saw a few people with actual crowns climb aboard. “They probably are royalty of some kind, but that don’t matter too much in Barizhan these days y’know”, Onolu replied to Csevet’s question. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday 12th of May 

We docked in Arheic-on-sea. I had never been to this part of Barizhan and was upset we couldn’t dock there for longer. For a smooth process, no one was allowed to get off unless Barizhan was their stop. Arheic-on-sea is not as big a port as Danai which is situated further up river but the ship was too big to be able to dock there. There was some outrage when it was officially decided because to get to Arheic-on-sea, you would have to travel through the desert roads as it was surrounded by mountains from the seaside. I can’t help but agree that perhaps delaying the trip by a day to dock in Syeistema would have been a better option than the picturesque, isolated Arheic-on-sea. 

Whilst greeting some people I had the pleasure of knowing in one way or another, I saw the same man with milkweed hair, this time in a half-up half-down style, leaning once again on the railings. I recognised some of his companions from that night. He was obviously a steerage passenger so I was surprised to see him again but I guess a ship is small no matter the size. It’s a shame I do not know his name. He has all the aesthetics of a wondertale, he lacked grace last night but it was a quality he had. I haven’t seen him again since this morning. 

Idra had also been looking at those boarding. We talked for a bit, thankfully without any of our other family. He wanted to travel the world when he was done with university. He was currently planning out what he would do. I told him about my research in Borat and the Barizhiese islands when I finished university. More importantly I told him that he was free to travel in his undergraduate year if he so chose. It was not like Nemolis would be against him taking a year of study at a foreign university for extra credit. It did surprise me though that Nemolis was apparently against Idra taking a gap year at all. Idra said that he said that it would distract him. I know that Nemolis was taking a dig at Nazhira as he had dropped out after only two years when he took a ‘gap year’. I wasn’t the disappointment of the family in Nemera’s eyes that year. To be honest, if anyone was going to be the ‘disappointment’ it was most definitely Ciris who was using his studies only to delay having to work. He was just picking up degrees and he never studied above a master’s level. I guess that when Nemera puts pressure on him to find work, he’d go to get a P.H.D then.  

~Later~ 

(to be continued)