Her New Life

Chapter 5: Arriving in Noire

Months had gone by, and life on the road had become rather normal for Maxi. She never imagined in her 19 years that she would enjoy eating bland food cooked over an open fire, surrounded by strangers singing epic tales. After the troupe left Wedon, they entered the borders of Dristan.

Once acquiring money from anywhere they could, they briefly traveled through Osirya and finally reached Livadon. Maximillian reminisced how just a few months ago, she had never left her father's castle. Now she had traveled around the continent.

"Ah, how I've missed Livadon!" Henry, one of the older members exclaimed.

Maxi realized over the time she spent with the troupe that most of the founding members were defectors of Livadon.

Once they arrived, they found an inn to rest and eat before moving on to their future endeavors. It was not long before Orion announced his retirement to the group. Though most of the older members knew, they were still upset to see him go. Maximillian had seen how loyal and gracious they were to this strange man. It was starkly different from the attitude of her father's people. He never used his wealth or power to help the peasants from what she had heard. Yet this man had barely anything, and these people showed him more sincerity.

"Well, that settles that." Orion sighed in relief. He then turned to Maxi. "Now for your matter."

Maxi's eyes widened as she gulped.

"What will you do? Will you continue with the troupe? You are more than welcome to. Or..."He turned to look at Penelope, then settled his stern gaze on Maxi. "If you wish to join us, you are also welcome to." Maxi swiveled between Orion and Penelope. Once again, she had a life-changing choice. Truly, she had grown to like the people, but she had no intention of being a permanent member. Not to mention, despite only knowing these two for a short time, they had treated her like she was part of their family. Both waited patiently for her answer. After giving it some thought, Maxi nodded her head.

"I...I wish t-to join t-the two of you. I-if that is al-alright."

Orion nodded and Penelope smiled brightly, clasping her hands around Maxi's hands.

"I was hoping you would say yes, Marian! Oh, it'll be so much fun. Like we're a big family! We can share a room, exchange secrets, braid our hair..." Penelope began to prattle on and on about how she always wanted a sister and was excited to live together. However, it occurred to both Maxi and Orion that she had forgotten that this was more than likely a temporary arrangement. Not wanting to squash the girl's excitement, Maxi simply nodded along. While Orion continued to nurse his drink.

..................................

The goodbyes were short as The Wandering Winds parted ways and headed to Louivell Castle. Orion, Penelope, and Maxi procured a small carriage to take them to Noire. According to Orion, Noire was a small fishing village in the southern region of Livadon, close to Levan. Its secluded location meant it rarely entertained too many visitors. Her anxieties were slightly quelled at that. Despite its proximity to the sea, many traders often overlooked the tiny town, which led it to use its ports for fishing boats instead.

After about five days of traveling, Maxi, and Penelope both poked their heads out of the carriage, and immediately the salty air hit Maxi's nostrils. Just as they passed through a giant brick archway, she took in the beautiful sight. Despite Orion describing it as a small town, it looked quite large from the inside. There were buildings close together, almost like they were stacked on top of each other. The buildings, although older, were still ornately decorated, and the cobblestone roads barely showed any wear or tear. The streets were not as busy as the ones in Croyso however, merchants selling fish, vegetables, and assorted jewelry lined the streets. After passing through the town, they came to a heavenly view of the ocean.