Wanderlust (mxm)

Chapter Five

It was about an hour later when they finally left the temple. Tanden led the way through the twisting streets, trying to recall the map he'd studied earlier. Getting lost wasn't really a worry, but he had a hard time ignoring all the interesting shops they passed by. Not for the first time, Tanden wished he didn't so clearly look like a Teltan. With darker skin he would have been able to slip into the crowds and really get a feel for the local traditions. Speaking the language helped, of course, but he couldn't help but want more.

It was quite obvious when they'd reached the right bridge. It was very wide, reaching across the Muss River to connect Valmuss and Falmuss. Translated into Teltish, the cities would be called West Muss and East Muss respectively, but Tanden didn't care much for translating place names.

Tanden strolled onto the bridge, and came to a stop once he'd reached the centre. Soren stepped up beside him. Tanden was actually pretty impressed with the Crelan's willingness to follow him around.

"Now what?" Soren asked.

"We get a token for the Wanderlust," Tanden explained. He glanced around and made eye contact with an older lady holding a basket. He put on a friendly smile and walked over to her. In Deoran, he said, "Good morning. I've come to bless my ship for our trip north."

The woman smiled. "You speak Deoran very well."

"Thank you," Tanden said, watching curiously as the woman reached into her basket. She pulled out a length of rope which had been braided with shells and wooden beads. She stood on the tips of her toes to drape the rope around Tanden's neck, then tugged on it lightly. Tanden understood what she wanted and leaned down so the woman could kiss his cheek.

"You've been blessed," the woman said. "May Deor guide you. You know what to do with this?"

Tanden nodded. "I believe I'm meant to tie it to my ship's helm."

The woman nodded sagely. "Good." She waved at the city on the other side of the bridge. "You are welcome to walk into Falmuss. Your ship may cross the border."

"Thank you." Tanden reached into his pocket to pull out a handful of siyas. He didn't bother counting, but he knew it would add up to much more than the usual donation. He handed the coins over and grinned when the woman's face lit up. "My Deor bless you, as well."

The woman smiled, gave his cheek a maternal pat, and walked away to greet another captain. Tanden took a moment to inspect the rope around his neck, then glanced up when Soren cleared his throat.

"It's for the helm," Tanden explained before he could ask.

"So you get blessed for the ship and the crew? We're all blessed?" Soren asked.

"Aye, mate. You're all blessed. Care to get some food before we head back to the Wanderlust?"

Soren tilted his head quizzically. "As you pointed out earlier, Captain, I don't have any money. So are you offering to buy me food?"

"I am." Tanden started walking towards the Falmuss half of the bridge, assuming Soren would follow him.

"How often do you buy food for your sailors?" Soren persisted in questioning him.

Tanden shrugged and pretended to misunderstand. "Often enough. We'll go out to a tavern, I'll buy a round of drinks for whoever's on shore leave."

"How often do you buy food for a single sailor?"

"Oh. Never." Tanden turned to walk a few steps backwards while still speaking. "And before you ask, no, it isn't because of that night. I'm offering because you have absolutely no money and I more or less own you."