Destination Unknown

Welcome to Verno

Mara P.O.V.

"Let me guess, that's part of the spell too?" Cleo laughs.

"You can say that. It was something added on later by the warriors themselves. We're not even seeing the real island right now, this is the front put on for protection. It's made to look deserted so if by chance someone did get past all of the spells, they would think it's abandoned and empty." I make a small 'hmpf' sound, impressed by all of the measures they've taken to protect this island. It must really be something special. I walk over to the side of the ship, peering down at the couple of planks passing as a dock. If I squint a bit I can see the shimmer of whatever magic is protecting it. 

"Look! There's Lorcan and his father!" Morgayne is pointing to a spot in the trees, where I suddenly see two people emerge. "Let's go!" Morgayne grabs one of my hands and drags me in the direction of the ramp that is unfurling from the side of the ship. I trip over my strappy sandals, and curse at Cleo in my head. I turn and look at her with an annoyed look, and she just smiles back infuriatingly. She follows behind Morgayne and I at a small distance. 

"Morgayne!" The younger looking of the two men runs towards us, Lorcan I'm assuming. He looks very close to Morgayne's age, give or take a few years. Morgayne drops my hand and begins to run towards Lorcan.

"Lorcan!" I step off of the ramp, and the magic fades and I can see the actual dock. It's much larger and sturdier than the magic made it look. I fall into step beside Cleo, letting her lead. As we get closer to Morgayne and Lorcan, I can hear them talking to each other like they haven't been together in years. The other man has walked closer, and he side-steps Morgayne and Lorcan to greet Cleo and I. 

"Cleosana, how have you been?" The man bows his head slightly, showing respect for the goddess of ships. 

"Bhaltair, good to see you again." She dips her head in response. Bhaltair turns towards me. 

"And who might this vision be?" I feel a light blush cover my cheeks. I bow my head a bit and force out some words. 

"Marzena, but please call me Mara. Pleased to meet you." He smiles and dips his head to me. His dazzling smile catches me off guard, and I feel the blush on my cheeks burn. 

"Bhaltair, pleased to meet you my lady." He's dangerous, and I can tell by the look on Cleo's face that she is also surprised by the flirtatiousness of the Warrior Clan Leader. "Now ladies, why don't we go to the town? I'm sure the warriors will be glad to see you again." Bhaltair speaks a bit louder, getting the attention of Lorcan and Morgayne. They stop their conversation, and join with the rest o us, their hands clasped tightly together. Cleo nudges me and I notice that Bhaltair has extended his arm to me. I smile shyly and loop my hand around his bicep. Bhaltair leads the group back to the spot in the trees where he and Lorcan first appeared. 

"Lady Mara, have you ever been to Verno?" I feel a weird sensation when he refers to me as 'Lady Mara'.

"No, I can't say that I've had the pleasure." He smiles and my brain stops working for a second as I marvel at his attractive features. 

"Wonderful! Would you grant me the pleasure of showing you around after you're settled in?" I stumble attempting to find words that are as eloquent as his.   

"It would be my pleasure." I hear Cleo let out a chuckle and I attempt to ignore her. 

"Wonderful. I'll send for you later. But for now, welcome to the capital of Verno." I look up, no longer having to watch my step. The soft dirt has turned into a paved path. I look around in awe at the modern city street in front of me. The buildings are modern, but they don't quite look like anything I've seen on Earth. I see no indication of cars or super modern technology, but the sight still shocks me.