Where? (Sinbad)

13. Lights and Festivals

"Welcome to Imuchuk!" Pipirika chirped happily as she began running up towards the archway. Eve's eyes trailed up to where she was headed and landed on a man taller than Hina, which said something, and had the same striking blue hair and clothing design as Hina and Pipirika. Eve also noticed that the man was covered in scars. She wondered what could've caused such a strong looking man to look that way. 

She didn't have much time to dwell on it at Pipirika jumped up and hugged the taller man. "Father!" She cheered.

"Welcome home, my children," the man greeted. 

"We have completed our journey, father," Hina stepped forward, speaking clearly but with an undertone of nervousness lining his voice. 

The taller man hummed in response before his eyes trailed down to Sinbad, who had decided to walk forwards. Eve stepped up after him because why not. "And who are these people with you?" He questioned, eyeing the pair skeptically.

"My name is Sinbad," Sinbad began, holding his fist over his chest as a sign of respect. "I'm venturing to all parts of the world to-"

Despite his attempt to show respect to the village chief, it clearly wasn't appreciated as a long, frayed, scarlet harpoon aimed itself at Sinbad's chest. "You ventured into Imuchuk. Outsiders are not welcome in our domain." The chief spoke firmly. His eyes trailed to Eve. "And who are you?"

"I'm traveling with him," Eve replied, sticking her thumb out to gesture to the purple haired idiot that stood beside her.

The tall man hummed in response. Eve wasn't sure if it was an approving hum or not, but she decided that it didn't really matter. The chief's gaze wandered to Hina. "Dearest son, you've finally become one of us; a warrior. You have a responsibility to protect our people from all threats... Never forget that."

The chief quickly turned and walked back into the village. Hina bowed respectively, his bangs hiding his eyes. "Yes, sir," he muttered.

Eve and Sinbad followed Hina and everyone else into the village. The houses were unique and clearly adapted to better fit the climate and weather of the area. The clothes, although not too covering, seemed to be made out of a thick fabric that helped to keep in heat. 

Eve and Sinbad walked into the center of the area and looked around. Pipirika was right, the place was completely white and covered in snow. Eve wondered how everyone here dealt with the snow, though they had been living in the area their whole lives, so it might've not been that bad for them. 

Out of the corner of her eyes, Eve noticed Pipirika running towards her excitedly. Eve wasn't exactly sure what had gotten her so worked up, but clearly, it was something she was very enthusiastic about.

Pipirika finally reached her, stopping for a moment and placing her hands on her knees for support while she caught her breath. Sinbad had turned and noticed what was going on. 

Eve placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Hey, are you okay?"

Pipirika swiftly snatched Eve's hand, looking up at the now worried Eve. Pipirika's eyes shimmered with enthusiasm. "We have to go shopping!" 

"W-what?" Eve asked, trying to calm Pipirika down enough to get more information out of her.

"Tonight's the Mahrajan! We need to get you new clothes! Plus you'll probably be cold in those clothes," Pipirika gestured to the clothes Eve had on. 

Eve glanced down. Her clothes weren't exactly made for winter weather, but she didn't think it would be necessary to get a new outfit.

"What's going on?" Sinbad asked.