11-10: Familiar Land

Weeks at sea had passed in the blink of an eye, though the time flashed by thanks to Rena and the rest of the crew, ensuring that there was plenty for Veronica to do. But, they finally docked at the port city of Livan.

"Well lass, we're finally back at civilization. How did you enjoy your... trip on these waters?"

"I... never want to do it again?"

"They all say that, then they become permanent crewmates."

"I don't think I'll be able to do that anyway..."

"True, your duties as consort would keep you wrapped up, not to mention your growing harem."

"Yeah, they'll do that. So, now I need to find a carriage."

"Don't bother. The next carriage leaving towards the capital is in five days. You're stuck here for a while."

"Oh... oh fun... What do I do now?"

"Well, there is a tavern that might have some spare rooms, as well as the hottest bard I've seen. There a few shops that might sell something to pass the time. Of course, you're always welcome aboard until you leave."

"Hm... I think I'll check out that tavern. Get used to being on land again."

"Good idea. It by the fountain in the center of the city, big sign in front of it, can't miss the thing."

"Thank you, and farewell."

"Good ventures."

With their goodbyes said, Veronica went on a little adventure. Restaurants seemed to be extremely common in this city, most of them being for seafood. The shops that weren't selling food didn't seem to be much more than pawn shops and gift stores. Though, the few clothing stores sold some rather cute outfits.

"Hm... would they like this underwear? It's cute and- OH! Why are they so expensive!?" Veronica sighed. While she did have the money for several pairs, she did learn to be stingy with her money.

Instead, she found a pawn shop that sold some older books. Most of them were new to Veronica, so she picked one at random and left with the book costing less than a fork.

"Now then, the tavern... right, center of town is... that way!"

It wasn't difficult to find the fountain Rena told Veronica about. The tavern itself was indeed... obvious. A large sign that showed a large busted women sitting on the lap of a very happy sailor, properly named "The Jolly Sailor".

The tavern itself was packed, with only a few empty seats up at the front. Taking a seat, someone had already come up to Veronica. An older man, probably in his sixties.

"Welcome to The Jolly Sailor. What can I get you?"

"How much is a room?"

"We have two rooms available, a standard room and the 'Noble's suite'. The standard is two silver a night, the suite is one gold a night."

"What are the differences?"

"The suite has a larger and more comfortable bed, as well as a bath."

"I'll take the suite for four nights. Oh, and what do you have on the menu?"

"Mainly seafood. Ever had it before?"

"No, I'm from the capital. Seafood is rather rare."

"Indeed, requires specialized magic for transportation. However, here you'll get the freshest catches. Let me whip you up some lobster, on the house for your first meal."

"Oh, uh, thank you!"

As Veronica waited for her food, she noticed the already rowdy visitors become even more rowdy as a woman walked upon a small stage. The woman was beautiful, with skin that faded into dark red scales and glimmering golden eyes.

And then, she began to sing.

"Hey! Ho! Stamp the boards and shake the sails! Hey! Ho! Raise your mugs and flood the rails! Lantern light and salted air! Tar and rum in tangled hair! Coins that jingle, dice that roll! Every rogue with a hungry soul!" The beat was quick and energetic, exciting. She was getting everyone in the tavern moving and clapping or stomping with the beat of the song.

Her singing reminded Veronica of something, but she was having trouble on what exactly it was. Though, her mind was quickly taken off from the thought as the old man came back with her food.

"Here you go, miss. One fresh lobster, on the house."

"Thank you. Ah, who is she?"

"The bard? I never learned her real name, but she's been performing here since was a youngin. But the customers like her, and she pulls in plenty of money for the both of us. I've always wondered where she came from."

"Huh..." Veronica mindlessly listened to both him and the bard, taking a bite of her food.

Whether it was the food, the atmosphere or the song, Veronica was entranced. She couldn't even remember when she finished eating and laid down in bed. Time had completely escaped her by hours.

"Very interesting city." Veronica said to herself as she chuckled.