Children of the Gods : Trinity

Elesmyr

                      Magda had packed her things before retiring for the night.  She knew sleep would not come easy for her, but she lay on the bed, listening to the slap of the waves against the ships hull.  As the sun rose, she gave up her futile attempt, and readied herself to meet her fate.  She wandered into the galley, Cookie met her with a smile.  He produced a plate with fluffy eggs, and soft buttered biscuits, a jar of strawberry jam and a mug of cider, rounded out her wonderful meal.  Her mind swirled as she ate, Cookie leaving her to her thoughts.  What wonders awaited her in Elesmyr?  She couldn't help but wonder what the future had in store.  Her path set in motion by the Gods, she could only hope that it would be a happy life. The air had warmed considerably, with each passing day of her journey. Now, it was heavy with moisture, almost unbearable. She wiped the sweat from her brow once again.  Many days ago she had decided to forgo her heavy woolen petticoats as they added to her discomfort.  Soon, she would see just how different the world of the southern kingdoms were.            

                 Just after mid-day the cry went out "land- ho", Magda quickly made her way onto the deck of the large ship.  A large mountain range rising from the ocean floor, was the first thing that met her gaze.  She looked to the captain, "It runs in a great loop about the island.  It serves as a barrier against the summer storms and any who would seek to attack the kingdom." he told her.  That's when she saw a massive opening in the mountains that led to the harbor allowing ships in and out of the kingdom.  She was awe struck by what she saw as the ship turned into the harbor, her first look at the great kingdom of Elesmyr. 

              Palm trees could be seen everywhere she looked, their leaves swaying in the late afternoon sun.  Cottages, some made of wood, others of stone dotted the land.  Then she spied the castle of king Jorgen.  It was made of a pale stone, almost appearing to be white, in the sun.  Large doors and windows were open to allow the breeze to flow through the building, keeping it's occupants cool.  Balconies covered with large awnings of cloth in every color, dotted the outside of the building.  It was a truly beautiful sight.

             As the ship neared the dock, the colors of her new home, exploded in profusion.  Large flowers clinging to vines grew everywhere, even the roofs of the homes and shops in the village.  The people shocked her in their attire.  Men wearing thin linen pants, with chests bare, lined the dock awaiting the large ship.  The women though were, well scandalous, compared to those of her homeland.  Bands of cloth were fitted across their breasts, thin straps over their shoulders keeping them in place, leaving their mid - sections bare.  The skirts they wore were made of a thin cloth that fluttered in the breeze, like the wings of a butterfly.  A thicker cloth, that barely reached mid thigh, covered the important bits, but the outer skirts were sheer, showing their lower legs. Although she found it somewhat shocking, she couldn't help but envy them.  Their thin attire allowed the breeze to cool them as they worked.

            The Belle, bumped the dock softly, as they pulled along side.  Magda could see children, running and swimming in the gentle waves along the shore. Their smiles bright, laughter carried on the breeze reached her ears, prompting her own smile to grow.  The gangplank was lowered with a thump, Magda quickly realizing it was time to leave.  The captain and crew lined the deck, all waiting their turn to say their goodbyes, as they sent her on to her new life.  Her smiled faded as she made her way down the line,  soon she could no longer hold back her tears.  When she finally reached the gangplank, she said goodbye to the captain, Will waited with her bag, taking her arm, he led her onto the dock.  "I will expect our deal to remain. You can get toffees here as well, and so I will wait  on you each time I make port." he told her his own tears falling now.  "Why are we crying then" Magda asked with a laugh "This isn't goodbye then it's more, until I see you again." she told him her smile, beginning to return.  A smile cracked the old sailors face, and with a nod he agreed.