A Fresh Start

With Nuren defeated and the steam boat crew disabled, we were free to steer the ship back the way it came, paddling up the riverway that leads away from Zedia. Gunther and Siabahn joined us soon after, having dispatched the last two of Nuren’s men.

Our victory was tempered by the injuries we had sustained. Luach and I suffered numerous fractures, Gunther and Siabahn had numerous new cuts and stab wounds to take care of. Even Rosa, who should have avoided the fighting, was left with some nasty bruises around her neck.

But despite the injuries we suffered and how exhausted we all were, we allowed ourselves, finally, a sigh of relief, a smile of victory, to take a deep breath beyond the claustrophobic tunnels of the penal-mine city. We had done it. We had escaped.

I slept until noon. The ache of breathing woke me up far sooner than I wished, but I felt too restless to try again. So I limped my way to the highest deck of the ship, taking my time as I was fully wrapped in bandages, and sat at the edge, simply watching the river and shore go by in peace.

Well, some semblance of peace. The baby salamander plays on my lap, fighting a fierce battle against my evil hand as I try to abduct him to my evil realm or something. I don’t know. After everything that happened, it feels nice to go back to idle, silly thoughts.

Below me, Siabahn and Gunther sit by the rudder, watching the river and talking as they share bottles of something we found stashed in the cargo hold. I can’t quite make out what they’re saying from up here, but that’s okay, there’s no need. Sometime soon I’d like to sit with them as well, share a bottle myself, maybe. But right now, just seeing them enjoying themselves like a pair of retired veterans for once is more than enough for me.

Someone sits on the spot right next to me. “Are you here to reprimand me for walking around?” I ask her.

Rosa sighs, looking across the river with a can of dried meat in her hand. “Later,” she says as she distracts the baby with a piece of said meat. “I don’t feel like it at the moment.”

“Mhm,” I hum, staring off into space.

We share a long moment like that, no meddling words to spoil the pleasant, lingering silence, broken only by the munches and happy hisses of a small, baby salamander.

…

“How do you feel?”

“...surprisingly alright.”

Rosa looks sadly over the water, probably weighted by lots of things she’d like to say. But she settles for a simple, “I’m sorry.”

I already know what it’s for. “Rosa? Last night, while we were at the depot, you asked me if I missed home.”

“Mhm,” she murmurs.

“And now that I’m getting more than a moment to think about it, I do, I really do. I miss my parents, I miss my friends, I really miss my bed. Even the boring job that I hated, suddenly going back to it doesn’t feel so bad.”

“I miss it,” I say sadly. “I miss the life I had. I wish I hadn’t taken it for granted.”

Rosa’s gaze drops. “...I’m sorr-”

“But I don’t regret being here.”

Finally, Rosa looks at me with some surprise. “I don’t regret coming to this world,” I continue. “I don’t regret meeting you, or the Bewitched, even Cethlenn.” I observe my hand intently for a minute. “I’m not proud of what I’ve done or how I’ve… changed, but I definitely do not regret any of it.”

Rosa mulls over my words for a moment. “Still, if I hadn’t summoned you…”

“Rosa,” I interrupt her, “You saved me.” I smile and point at the injured eye she’s thoroughly bandaged. “Many times, and in more ways than one.”

I extend my hand to her. “May we call it even?”

She looks at my hand, hesitant, pressing her lips shut. For a moment I fear she won’t take it.

But she finally does, grabbing it softly yet firmly so we can share a small handshake. “I’d like that.”

We share a knowing smile, then look over the river again as the peaceful day marches on.

Then Luach arrives, sitting at my other side. She’s as thoroughly bandaged as me and grimaces in pain just from sitting down, but she’s soon enjoying the view alongside us.

“Hey Luach, all good?”

“Shh,” she hushes, looking on in silence.

I chuckle. Guess she’s just fine.

And so the three of us sit together, watching the unknown horizon that for the first time since coming to this strange world, seems ours to chase.