Chapter 1
Collei and Tighnari walked along the pavement of the beautiful Port Ormos, passing many merchants carrying shipment around. The whole port was bustling with people, sellers and sailors alike. Collei went around every stall with curious eyes, seeing what was there for sale.
“Collei!” Tighnari called out to his apprentice, “Let’s go, Lesser Lord Kusanali is waiting for us.”
Sure enough, as they passed the corner to the edge of the wharf, there stood Nahida waving at them. Surprisingly, Cyno and a few other people were standing there with her.
“General Cyno!” Collei said, shocked. “Did you get an invitation from Lesser Lord Kusanali too?”
Cyno nodded, “Yes. As the General Mahamatra, it is my duty to protect the Dendro Archon.”
Nahida giggled, “Everyone gather ‘round. We’re going onto the Crux now, and I want you all to introduce yourselves! As everyone knows, I am Lesser Lord Kusanali, but for the sake of convenience, please call me Nahida.”
“Me next!” Collei raised her hand. “My name is Collei, and I am a trainee forest ranger in Avidya Forest!”
“Hi there. I am Tighnari, Forest Watcher of the Avidya Forest.” Tighnari followed.
“I am Cyno, General Mahamatra of the Akademiya.” Cyno said.
“I am Kaedehara Kazuha, a wanderer who roams the land. I am part of the crew on the Crux with Captain Beidou, pleased to make your acquaintance .” A samurai with a red streak on his forehead spoke up, smiling kindly at everyone.
Everybody looked at a boy standing next to Nahida with an enormous hat, the last person who hadn't spoken till then. Nahida shot him a warning glare at which he rolled his eyes at.
“Call me Kuni.” He dipped his head reluctantly. His voice made Collei shiver, something about him seems familiar, but she doesn’t know why. Collei stepped behind Tighnari to comfort herself.
“Good morning, crew! Call me Captain Beidou, I’m the captain of the Crux! It is my honour to finally meet the Dendro Archon,” A tall woman bowed to Nahida as she gracefully stalked down the plank.
“The pleasure is all mine!” Nahida smiled. “Let’s head up onto the ship then!”
With Nahida and Beidou in lead, everyone followed them up onto the Crux and settled in.
—
“Um, I’m sorry to bother you Mr Kaedehara, but do you know where Captain Beidou is?” Collei walked up to Kazuha and asked politely. The person in question turned around to face the little girl and smiled.
“Oh hello, dear. Please, just Kazuha would be fine. Now you mentioned you are looking for Captain Beidou, yes? Please follow me,” Kazuha smiled kindly at Collei.
The samurai walked along the deck with the little girl trailing after him. “Can I ask why you are finding the captain?”
“Oh, Master Tighnari wanted to ask her something, so he sent me to fetch her!” Collei answered.
“You two seem really close,” Kazuha chuckled.
“He’s my mentor, and he took care of me when my Eleazar wasn’t cured yet. He’s like a parental figure to me,” Collei added, feeling warm inside as she recalls the fond memories.
Kazuha smiled warmly. “That’s really sweet. Captain Beidou always takes great care of me, so I understand what it’s like to be taken care of.” He paused and looked at Collei. “It’s nice to have a family, isn’t it?”
Collei nodded, feeling truly happy and content. “It sure is.”
Kazuha smiled back. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s go find Captain Beidou.” He started walking again, with Collei following close behind.
—
“So, you’re the General Mahamatra, huh,” Kuni walked up to Cyno with his usual smirk.
“What do you want,” Cyno narrowed his eyes.
“Nothing!” Kuni held his hands up, blinking innocently. “I was simply marvelling at your regality.”
Cyno summoned his weapon as he walked closer to Kuni, “Please, do continue,”
“Cyno, Kuni! Stop fighting,” Nahida strode across the deck and situated herself between the two. “I would imagine you know better than to let others provoke you, Cyno. Kuni, what did I say about getting along with everyone else?”
“Imagine getting scolded by the Dendro Archon herself,” Tighnari sniggered.
“I apologise for my actions, Lesser Lord Kusanali,” Kuni sighed.
Cyno put his polearm away and apologised, “I will keep an eye on my actions from now on, sorry for causing everyone inconveniences.”
Nahida took a step back and smiled, “Now that everything is settled, let’s go take some rest. We have a long journey ahead of us.”:
Everybody clamoured back to their cabins and settled in for the night.