What Lies Beyond the Ocean

Chapter 27

The sounds of living reverberated throughout the air. The sizzling of food, clanks of hooves, and voices boomed together. As we approached the city gates, a guard eyes up and down.

"Mister, miss," he murmured. "Please declare your business here."

After we escaped Geafra, security must have been ramped up. I just hope that no one would recognize us, as Alyard and I went into this without fully thinking.

"We're with materials for the inn," Alyard interjected, titling his head over at the pouch that drooped over Elfin's side. The guard walked closer to us, reeking slightly of onion. I attempted to hide my gag as we slid by me to search Elfin.

"Just some old vegetables," he groaned, stroking his matted ginger beard. "I guess y'all can go in... just know I have my eyes on you." He clapped his hand at the other guard, who was much shorter than me and had an extremely stocky build. 

"G'head, Lou!" 

"Did you fully inspect them, Albert?"

"Yes, hooligan! Let them in before I tattle on you to General!"

Lou groaned and unlocked the ginormous lock, the chains falling down on each side of the vast door. Lou and Albert pushed the doors open, beading their eyes until we ventured into the plaza.

Soon enough, Elfin began tensing up as we progressed through the surprisingly bombarded plaza. There were mules, other ponies, and horses all around- perfectly masking us into the crowd. Last time we were in Geafra, everything was grey, bleak, scarce, nothing but wasted grannies and impaired nobles. 

I grasped Alyard by the arm and gingerly dragged him towards a tree, near the neighbourhood. 

"Erline," he said, an eyebrow rocketing up. "What's going on?"

"We haven't thoroughly thought through this," I nodded at Elfin, who decided to slurp up some water from a nearby puddle. 

"We might be much more cleaned up than last time, but what happens if that bastard and his fellow bastards are out strolling about?"

Alyard sighed and gazed above my head, scanning the scenery if there were answers in it. "You do have a point, but there's a lot more bustle and hustle. We won't be as easily detected if that was the case. The main thing that's on my mind, however."

I nodded, letting him resume. "Since we've met Feralo in the castle's dungeons, how are we able to find his family without looking suspicious to both the civilians and security?"

"I suppose the only way is to ask the inhabitants here," I sighed. "Most commoners would be in the market district, I suggest we start there."

"You lead the way, milady."

~

I was immediately transferred back to Mileno- the lively chatter, the scents of fresh produce, clanking of steel- Geafra went through its own renaissance. Perhaps his Highness got his head together and properly took his rule seriously. 

Scanning the crowd, my eyes instantly locked onto a little girl, who was around 5 or 6. She had unruly blond hair, gaunt build, and piercing blue eyes. She was nibbling her nails until a middle-aged lady gently pushed her hand down from her mouth. The little girl scowled as her mother whispered something. The woman was strikingly beautiful- with thick strawberry blonde locks and honey brown eyes- that locked on mine when she realised I was observing. She provided a small, timid small and returned her attention to the baker, possibly negotiating for a loaf of bread. 

"Hey," I nudged Alyard's side, he turned to me. "That mother and daughter... they might know a thing or two."

"What makes you think that?"

In truth, I did not fully know what drew my attention to those two instantaneously.  However, the resemblance between the little girl, lady, and Feralo could indicate a potential sort of relation. 

"They seem to be impoverished," I remarked, as Feralo was imprisoned for supposedly stealing bread. 

"Alyard, how about you stay here with Elfin whilst I confront them?" I suggested.

"Okay, confront? Erl, you're really sounding like Scott."

I chuckled and pushed wisps of hair back. "Very funny, Al. Stay here and try not to get kidnapped."

He rolled his eyes and winked. "Aye, aye, captain."

~

My heart quickened as I pushed through the boisterous crowd. Merchants tried drawing me over to their stalls, which I was tempted to take a look at some jewellry, but I had to get the girls before they left, as they might have been my only chance.

"Please, Oakley," I heard the woman begged the heavyset baker, who took let out a sigh. 

"Listen here Mari," he slurred his speech. "It was not my goal to have your son arrested. That foolish guard happened to be around and went through the arrest, despite my protests. I just can't keep handing over free bread or goods... that was the final straw. I don't want to be put of business."

"Oakley," she closed her eyes, raising her shoulders. "I have not heard from my son in months. I've tried getting updates about him, but all I keep getting is that he escaped. I know he would never do that as he is loyal to his family. But please, I need food for my children." She held the little girl's hand.

Before the baker could respond, I fiddled in my purse and found a few coins. This has to be Feralo's mother and sister, based off of their conversation. My heart began to pound against my chest as I emerged the stall, heart about to leap out onto the freshly baked goods. 

"Hello, Miss," he smiled, averting his attention from Mari and his daughter, who looked at me with bug eyes. 

"U-uh, hello," I stammered, picking my own nails. "I would actually like to pay for their bread or whatever else they wanted."

Oakley nodded slowly. "Uh, yeah, okay. Sure thing."

"W-what would you like?" I stepped away from the selection of goods, allowing room for them to select what they desired. 

Mari and her daughter hesitantly moved closer, but once they fully looked me up and down, they both seemed to ease. 

"Thank you..." Mari shyly smiled.

"Erline," I replied as I dropped the coins into Oakley's calloused palms. 

"My name is Mari and this is my daughter, Faustina." she played with Faustina's icy blond hair. 

Oakley handed me the change and the bag containing the loaf of bread and a single pastry. Though it isn't much, I'm glad I was able to provide them some comfort. 

As they thanked me once again and began walking back towards the housing, I tapped Mari's shoulder. She swirled around, eyes widened in surprise. 

"I actually would like to inquire you about your son," I quietly said, as a guard walked by us. 

"Wait," Mari froze. "Y-you, how could you possibly know Feralo?"

 Before I could respond, she lightly took ahold of my hand. "Please, it's not much to make up for you generosity, but please accompany my family and I for dinner. Meet me near Deaila's Inn." She smiled, and turnt away before I could say anything more.