Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 33: The Slums of Povari

As they approach a large boulder beside the road, long out of sight of the gatekeepers, Neterion momentarily stops them, pointing at Marlina. "Alright, here's the drill. From this point on, you're...?"

It takes Marlina a moment to grasp what he is asking. "Oh, I'm Marina Sandoval. Are you sure we use a name so similar to my own?"

"We can't risk you not responding to your alias. It's the only name from the Glades that resembles yours, so there won't be any confusion," Natalia states.

"C'mon, don't lose your focus. Where are you from?" Neterion pulls Marlina's attention back.

The farming town of Tores, situated in the Marishva Glades colony, boasts hundreds of acres of farmland that yield a diverse range of crops, including rice, artichokes, and olives. These crops supply numerous cities, including the capital, Levaeil.

"A little too much," Natalia says, lightly sucking in through her teeth.

"More like a lot; you need to reel it back. Keep it short," Neterion retorts.

"Yes, brief and to the point... "

"Just remember, the only people you'll be telling anything are those you will work for. If anyone else asks for your name or where you're from while we pass through to the Sullivan mansion, ignore them. They will likely try to con you, especially since we look like out-of-towners. As long as you don't stir up trouble or get law enforcement attention, no one will ask to see your mark to know where you're from," Neterion explains.

Natalia takes off her pack and pulls out some clothing. "The nicest Colonial clothes I have aren't the best, but should work for someone trying to apply as a servant. They'll probably give you some uniforms, so use those to get by."

Marlina wears a long-sleeved maroon blouse featuring a large black bow, with the white cuffs of her usual outfit visible at the ends of the sleeves. As she picks off the petals that adorn these areas, a small gap forms in her thigh to hold the petals. With the skirt-like accessory Marlina typically has not quite matching the ensemble, she removes those petals and the tops of her knee-high boots, ensuring her legs appear smooth and allowing the brown decorative slacks to fit well. With her usual appearance well covered, including the wig, she is almost unrecognizable. The twins take turns changing their desert clothes behind the boulder to blend in with the common folk, draping a cloak over Marlina to keep her outfit neat.   

Despite the nature of their travel, the walk felt somewhat easier compared to traversing the desert. At least the twins didn't seem worried about being ambushed by any creature. The only thing Marlina notes as strange is the twins picking up stones of certain sizes while following the road. 

After a while, passing a few pig farms along the way, they finally reach the outskirts of Povari. The cobblestone streets gradually slope upward, as if the city were built on a large hill and constructed outward from there. Buildings in Urush are typically block-shaped stone structures adorned with arches; here, they consist of wood with pointed tops and are painted in various muted colors, with just feet separating each one, where Colonials linger in the alleys. With that in mind, the twins keep Marlina between them and stay in the center of the street to mingle with other pedestrians.

Towering behind some buildings, steel chimneys belch dark smoke, casting a subtle haze in the air. The twins recognize that the smoke comes from factories built in recent years. As they pass, they notice several shops selling weapons, clothing, and simple magic tools, alongside small restaurant stalls with benches and tables where patrons can dine beneath awnings. There are also numerous taverns where men stagger and shout obscenities at scantily clad women on nearby balconies. Many people wear filthy overalls and undershirts, their hair matted and stuck to their heads from being forced under their caps. A closer inspection of the buildings reveals they need some attention, displaying various cracks in the windows, eroded paint, and rotting wood.