Uncharted Waters
Shoukoku no Altair
Original Character
Summary: Life is like the ocean. You navigate your way using everything in your disposal. When challenges are thrown your way, you must keep going. But the ocean is endless. Eventually, you will come upon wholly unfamiliar territory. One have no choice but to brave through it. L'isolani sailors are the best seafarers out there. But their womenfolk are not to be underestimated either.
Disclaimer: I do not own Shoukoku no Altair. All OCs in this story belong to me
Warnings: OCs, typos, grammar errors
IF YOU DON'T LIKE CANON CHARACTER X ORIGINAL CHARACTER PAIRING, TURN BACK NOW
CHAPTER 7
Humo is a city with coal mining as its main income. The mines are located outside of the city of course. Humo's territory is rich with mineral resources. Its second largest source of income is the ore industry. There are hundreds, if not thousands, smelting furnaces built to extract metals such as iron, silver and copper. Pillars of smoke can be seen from miles away. All day everyday. Hence why the city is named Humo, which means 'smoke' in native tongue. The metals are then exported throughout South Rumeliana and Cuore. Blacksmith is the third largest industry here. They mainly prepared equipments such as pickaxe or shovels but they do make weapons. It's not an exaggeration if the golds and silvers Canella family purchased came from Humo at one point. These metals then turned to threads in the skillful hands of their workers.
Dressed in their lightest dress, Orelia and Elenora followed the supervisor as he takes them to see the smelting process. Brigitta and a Canella guard followed them from behind. He gave them a weird look when Elenora asked if she could go to the furnace and watch the workers. Then he shrugged and told them to come with him. About an hour later, the group come out from the furnace all sweaty. Elenora's curiosity is sated. Orelia found it to be quite educational. They returned to the inn, cleaned up and have dinner. Orelia and Brigitta sparred for a bit before they call it a day. They departed to Restos the next day.
Restos' name is self explanatory. The city and its surroundings are filled with ruins dating back from Ancient Phoenician rule and even before that. There are amphitheaters, theaters, temples, bridges, forts and so on. They are quite the sight to behold. Numerous scholars gathered from all over the continent to come here and study these ruins. There are also visitors like her who come to do a bit of sightseeing. Orelia purchased a book for Odilon there. Her twin would surely like it.
Their next destination after Restos is Pozo. This is Orelia's first time going there. It's a small country neighbouring to Tauro. Brigitta has reservations of going near Tauro. The city is governed by Lince's main competitor, El Toro. Tauro is probably the only city in the continent to be run by mercenaries. Two years ago, they passed through the city. It was quite a memorable trip. Orelia and Brigitta both agreed to never speak of it. What happened there will forever be known as the Incident. It was that disastrous. Everything that could go wrong, happened that day. Not even Odilon knows the full detail.
So when they told her that they won't go to Tauro, Brigitta is visibly relieved.
The next day, the group make their way to Pozo. Pozo means 'well'. The first settlement in Pozo territory was built around a well. That's where they got the name. The land is also famous for its number of springs, streams and other freshwater bodies. Maybe she could take a swim? It's no ocean but still better than nothing. Orelia opted to ride on her own again this time. If she stayed in the wheel, her minds would wander… And she will think of the things she don't want to think about. Riding is nice. It keep her mind from wandering. A distraction, you could say.
The countryside of South Rumeliana is beautiful… If only it's not winter. Spring is right around the corner, but the trees have yet to grow back its leaves. There are wild strawberries but not much else. Back home, the mimosa flowers must have bloomed. The lavenders too. The lemon and orange trees would blossom soon. 'I wonder how is everyone back home,' Orelia thought. Hopefully Uncle Catalano didn't caught a chill. Grandfather Giovanni is getting on age, he shouldn't push himself so much. Luckily he has Grandmother Pomellina to keep an eye on him. Everyone better keep up their training or Orelia will be very cross with them. It's not even a month yet but Orelia already longed for home. She miss everything. Her family, the ocean, the the lemon and oranges trees, a certain blue haired boy-
'Nononono. Get yourself together, girl,' Orelia scolded herself mentally. She must bury these feelings. She must! That boy is trouble!
But she still has to write him a letter…
She promised.
The city of Pozo is peaceful, a stark contrast to the bustling city of L'Isolani. Near the entrance of the city is a public square. Right in the middle of the square is where Pozo's very first well is located. Even though it's at least a milennium old, it have yet to dried up. Otherwise, it's a normal well. Elenora and Orelia peered into the well. Yep, nothing special down there. Just dark pool of water. Totally normal. No naked female fae dwelling there. She usually come out to beat naughty children with a broom. Or so the local legend goes. Brigitta told her about it on their way. Once Elenora is satisfied, the group make their way to the inn. Once there, Orelia excused herself to her room. She cleans up, get changed, before making her way downstairs for dinner.
The next day, mother and daughter went out to explore the city. It was nice, to see new places. Orelia and Brigitta split up from the group around midday. They went outside the city walls. She wanted to see the famous springs and brooks. She wanted to dip her ankles into the water. She wanted to play. She wanted to swim. They eventually found a spring not far from the road. Orelia take one look at it and nodded. This place would do. They tied their horses first.
"Won't you join me, Brigitta?" Orelia asked her friend as she take off her boots.
"No, I'm good," Brigitta already pull out her dagger and start picking on her nail.
"You're such a cat," Orelia shakes her head fondly. "Feel free to join me whenever you want," She said. Orelia lifted her skirt, high enough so it won't touch the surface. She dip her right toe first to test the water. It is reasonably cool. Orelia submerge her right foot first, followed by her left. It felt nice. It will be much better if she could take a dip, but they don't have time for that. Orelia tend to lost track of time whenever she's in the water. Also, she tend to be naked during those times.
No need to repeat what transpired weeks ago with Boccanegra.
And there it is. He's back. In her mind. Why is it so hard not to think about him? They said distance make the heart grow fonder. But the opposite is also holds true. Absence makes the heart go yonder. Orelia want the latter to happen, not the former. It would make things so much easier. She looked down at the water again. At her reflection, to be exact.
I never thought I would meet a sea nymph.
Never thought I would find a sea nymph this far inland
Sea nymph, huh? Orelia like that. She wonder if she call out for them, nymphs would come out and help her. Like how Thetis' sisters appeared to comfort her when she expressed sympathy for Achilles' loss. Or when the sea nymphs aid the Argonauts in their quest. Aristaeus consulted to the Naiads, freshwater nymphs, when his bees died. Nymphs can be helpful… But is it okay to consult them about relationships?
(Orelia is careful not to think about the L word.)
Perhaps not. Nymphs don't exactly have a flawless track record when it comes to relationships. They tend to get dramatic at the slightest hint of rejection. Sometimes they just straight up kidnap males that interest them. Salmacia forced herself on Hermaphroditus.
Orelia prayed that her life won't be like that.
If she's a sea nymph, then what does that make Boccanegra?
He is a Child of Triton.
Or at least the closest thing to be a Child of Triton in her lifetime. L'Isolani have many legends of demigods sired by Triton. The most famous ones are Ialebion and Derkyonos, co-kings of L'Isolani. Eventually they bestow the title to sailors who have proven their worth. These days, it meant someone who could read the water currents and wind direction. Boccanegra fits the requirements. Though it's probably not a good sign if she compared herself and others to those of mythical figures.
She is, first and most of all, human. She has no magic or reality altering powers. She is good with swords and blades. She knows how to utilise her feminine wiles to get what she wants. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Orelia like to think that she is a simple person. She loves her family very much. She loves her home and country. She loves the ocean. Her wants are simple really. Make sure her family is safe and happy, not losing their home, settle down with someone, have a family of her own. All those are within her reach. If she work hard, they will come true. Orelia is content. What else could she possibly wish for?
Where do Boccanegra fits in all these?
It's probably best if she stop there. She might get ideas. Ideas that won't do her any good. It made her wistful. There is no use in being wistful. She have better things to do. Orelia step out from the water and turn to her companion.
"Let's go back, Brigitta."
It didn't take long for Amadeo to piece the clues together.
His crew had been spying on him.
Had. It only happened once. Just once. Nevertheless, they still done it.
They spied on him and Orelia.
It was Alberto's screech that gave it away. Amadeo was asking Uncle Roni if he know Odilon's routes. His uncle asked why. He told him that he want to write to Orelia, but since they will be constantly moving, it's best to give the letters to Odilon. He will pass it on to his twin. In turn, Odilon will hand to Amadeo letters from Orelia.
At the mention of Orelia, that's when Alberto let out a shriek.
Amadeo recognised that sound almost immediately.
He interrogated them. He found out that all of them have spied on him.
How the fuck did he not notice 50 or so men following him around?
How?
Either he was too absorbed with Orelia, or his men are seriously good at being stealthy.
Amadeo made them scrub Oro from top to bottom as punishment.
As he watch his men work, Amadeo's mind start to wander.
He had let his guard down. He was too lax. Amadeo won't use the word 'weak'. He has not weakened. He is still a first rate, thank you very much. It still didn't change the fact that he made a mistake. It's only luck that it were his crew following him around. What if it was an enemy? It would cost him his life. And Uncle Roni's. And Orelia's. Politicians always have to look out for assassins. Amadeo can handle himself. Same goes to Orelia. Two against fifty? That's tricky. Orelia must have not noticed as well. She would clue him in otherwise.
If someone told Amadeo that one day he won't stop thinking about a girl, he would scoff at them. It happened anyway. That girl is Orelia. It's not like she dominate his thoughts. She's just… There. He couldn't shake her off. He tried. It was downright annoying the first week. It gets easier after the banquet.
(She is not a mirage. She is real. And she is within his reach.)
Now she is constantly on his mind. It's not as distracting as he initially thought. Sadly, that means he dream of her too.
Now that is a problem.
A few nights after Oro left Barcino, Amadeo woke up in the middle of the night… Restless. That was his first time dreaming about her. They were dancing in his dream, and things get… Heated. A wide eyed, bewildered Amadeo had looked under the blanket and cursed. He thought he has gone past that particular phase of puberty. Apparently not. Since then he would have similar dreams. The scenarios varies but two things remained consistent. One, Orelia was in it. Second, they were...
Amadeo coughed. He turned his back on his crew and look up to the sky. The teen counted the passing ventis to distract himself until his body calmed down. The very last thing he needed is the others taking notice.
Orelia is thousands of miles away and she still able to affect him like this.
It doesn't surprise him that she would. Amadeo has little experience with opposite gender. He spend a lot of time on his ship with with men twice or thrice his age. The Canella girl is the first female Amadeo have proper interaction with in a long while. He saw her naked for Triton's sake. And then they had a date and a dance and almost kisses… Amadeo recalled the evening of the banquet. He told her that he wanted her. It was just to tease her at the time. Now he wants her for real. Funny how the world works.
Is it really any wonder that Amadeo can't stop thinking about her? Amadeo wonder if she also think of him constantly. She would. She felt the pull with equal amount of intensity. Too bad that Orelia is afraid of it. Amadeo need to push her to accept it. But he needs to do this correctly. He need to figure out what the right push would be, similar to which venti or Hippocampo should he capture in order to move his ship. Writing to her is a good start. Amadeo can gather intel and endear himself towards her in one stroke.
And family. Can't forget about family.
Amadeo is aware that family play a major part in her hesitation. They can pose as a major obstacle in his way or the opposite. If Amadeo could get closer to her family members, Orelia will be more inclined to accept him. Catalano is a no go. Amadeo had called him a weakling within his earshot in the past. Any sudden change of attitude will alert the older man. His brother is easier. Bartolomeo is generally outgoing. His wife, Elenora, would be a great help too. The way Orelia just fold around her mother, Amadeo will definitely use that to his advantage. Giovanni and Pommelina, if Amadeo can sway them to his side, Orelia won't be able to say no. Odilon is a bit of a wild card. Amadeo don't know how much Orelia have told him but it's safe to say that the male twin know the gist of the situation. He is definitely on Orelia's side. Depending on his future moves, Odilon could be his greatest ally or opponent. Next to Orelia of course. Amadeo would find out Odilon's stance with this whole thing the next time they meet.
Amadeo have some planning to do. His plans have to be effective. It had to. It will be months until they see each other again. Orelia will definitely meet other guys on her travels, eligible ones. Amadeo frowned at the mental image of the sea nymph being surrounded by peons. They are not worth her time and attention. He wonder how is she doing right now, being so far in land. That can't be good for the sea nymph. Like him, Orelia need to be near the sea. Amadeo promised to himself that he will take her out with Oro, once they return her home. Orelia will surely like that.
Oro. Orelia. Heh. Amadeo will definitely tease her with it.
It would be amusing if Amadeo use the chance to get Orelia away from the family. The women of the Canella family rarely leave the Rocca. Too bad. If they live in the city, it will make life so much easier. He can't help but imagine the look on everyone's faces if he spirited Orelia away. Her family would throw a fit. That sounded like romance stories girls love so much. If Orelia is willing to be taken away that is. Does he like her in a romantic way? She intrigued him. Amadeo respects her. Perhaps the word 'affection' is the one most fit in this current situation. Does Orelia view him as a romantic interest? If romance means you get to hug and kiss your partner, then yes, Amadeo want that.
So many questions. With answers that only Orelia can provide. Amadeo have to see her again and have a talk so everything become clear.
He spent years planning to defeat the Doria family once and for all, and now he is planning to win a girl's heart. Funny that.
Amadeo turn to face his crew again. "Pick up the speed!"
"YES, CAPITAN!"
More worldbuilding in this chapter.
Our protagonists have the chance to think after they went separate ways.
Oro Crew means well, Amadeo. Don't be too hard on them
Thank you for reading
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