Chapter 8: Respite by the Sea

After having time to decompress over tea, the group shifts gears, the room still simmering with leftover tension. Warren breaks the ice.

“First of all, thank you Asa for agreeing to be our escort up the mountain. I understand that your people have specific traditions and remain mostly isolated from the rest of the Midlands, but I can guarantee whatever you share and whatever Hoen and his aides see of Ba’atan will be kept in utmost confidentiality amongst the people in this room. I promise that as the Administrator of the Aristocratic Coalition of Sehchoh. Of course, I will also prepare a fitting reward for you–”

Asa shakes her head, her hand held up in front of her in polite refusal. “A reward is not necessary. I am repaying kindness with kindness, that is all.”

“Hm?” Warren hums curiously and Hoen clears his throat before clarifying, “We are assisting her in some personal investigations regarding Naiténoza’s encroachment on the mountains.”

“Yes…I’d also like to know what happened the day Inei died, so I am seeking out some Naiténozan aristocrats. I do not need a reward.”

“Ah, I see, our goals are in alignment then! Once again, I am glad to have you as an ally, Asa.”

Asa nods to him. “Thank you.”

Warren answers her nod with a smile before continuing, “I won’t force any information out of you, but as much as you can regarding the travel is needed so Jaemi can prepare.”

“I understand,” Asa replies, thinking back on how Chui described his trip to Sehchoh. “...It will be at least a three day trip to the foot of the mountains by horse taking into account rest, but the journey up the mountain has to be made without the horses. There is a village near the foot of the mountains belonging to Sehchoh, I believe, so that should not be a problem. The trip on foot will be about a day.”

Jaemi hums, “Hmm…got it. I can make preparations today so we can head out tomorrow. Though, Warren, do we need to get to Ba’atan as soon as possible?”

Warren looks at Jaemi curiously. “Why do you ask?”

“I think we should stop in Rita as the midpoint between Sehchoh and the mountains–collect more supplies and intel. Two birds with one stone.”

Hoen speaks up softly. “I agree. While investigating the fires on the mountains is certainly high on our list of priorities, looking around Rita may be able to provide some important information on multiple fronts–including that one.”

Shou nods, adding, “And Rita is supposed to be mainly working class, so we aren't likely to be recognized as affiliated with the Coalition of Sehchoh. It’s a good opportunity.”

Jaemi leans over the table, looking around the group with a mischievous smirk. “How about you all pose as my assistants? It won’t be strange for me to be asking around as a merchant–especially as one affiliated with the Mercators.”

Warren nods thoughtfully, his hand stroking his beard. “True, your family does hold a lot of influence in the Midlands, even in Naiténozan territory.”

“Though, is it wise for you to flaunt your affiliation with the Mercators? It isn’t exactly a secret that you’re their son. What if someone recognizes you?” Wen asks concernedly.

“It wouldn't make sense for a merchant to be traveling with such a large entourage of skilled help unless they were of high status anyway,” Hoen adds, “I think it will be a fine cover. We’d only have to be careful not to run into anyone from Sehchoh, but I doubt we would consider the tension between Naiténoza and Sehchoh lately and the fact that we’ll be in Naiténoza’s largest city.”

Toge nods. “True. Really, only a merchant with high influence like a Mercator would be able to go into Rita right now and have any power at all. I say we use his name to our advantage.”

“Wait, really? You guys will be my assistants?” Jaemi asks incredulously, sitting back in his chair again as he looks around the group, taking in their serious consideration of his joking proposal.

Warren laughs at his wide-eyed disbelief, his hand slapping onto the table. “I say we do it! You surprised, Young Master? Or were you really only trying to pull our legs?”

Jaemi clears his throat, his arms crossing over his chest in a show of defiance. “Of course not! I’m just not usually one to plan these sorts of things–I’m a logistician, not a strategist.”

Hoen smiles at Jaemi. “Well thank you, logistician, for the brilliant plan.”

Jaemi narrows his eyes at Hoen. “...I’ll let that slide this one time, but only this once!” Jaemi huffs, “The nerve of him to tease me…”

Toge chuckles gruffly, ruffling Jaemi’s hair. “You embarrassed or what, kid?”

Jaemi swats his hand away indignantly, gaping at him. “Hey! Only Emily can do that!”

Shou sighs, “Let’s not get into what you and your fiancée do right now and focus back on the meeting.”

Warren chuckles, “Alright, Shou is right. So you’ll stop in Rita for a day or two before continuing to Ba’atan. Is there anything we should know about the mountains, Asa?”

Asa nods, ‘First, I will only escort Hoen and his aides. No more than them may follow. I’m afraid I will have to enforce this rather strictly.”

Warren nods with a kind smile. “Of course, I will not send anyone else after you. You have my word.”

“Good, I do not want to hurt anyone but I will if I deem I must. Secondly, I ask that we do not bring anything onto the mountain that is not necessary for our survival. I do not want waste left behind in the wilderness or such. And third, as I am not escorting merchants I ask that you also do not leave with anything not necessary for our survival. Much more than we come with is not necessary and I will make sure everything we find stays mostly as it was.

The group all nod in agreement, Hoen saying, “I swear that we will follow your customs with the utmost care and attention. It would be our pleasure to respect them as you are helping us greatly.”

“Thank you,” she replies.

As the group figures out the logistics of their trip, the tension in the room lowers little by little, though Asa does not forgive nor forget Toge’s transgression, eyeing him throughout the meeting. They finish around lunch time and Hoen asks her, “What would you like to do, Asa? Would you like to join us for lunch back at the Imperia Estate?”

Asa takes time to consider this, but when her thoughts drift to Chui and his stories of Sehchoh, Asa makes up her mind. “I’d like to see the ocean.”

Hoen’s eyes widen at the sudden request, but after a beat he nods. “Alright. I think I’ll join you, if that’s alright. We can have lunch outside.”

Asa hesitates at his proposal. “...are you sure? I am more than fine alone.”

Hoen smiles at her softly. “I do not mind escorting you, this is a foreign place to you after all. Think of it as a cultural exchange–you will escort us to Ba’atan and I will escort you through Sehchoh. Do not think you are overstepping by asking for a guide.”

At his insistence, Asa nods slowly. “...I accept. Thank you.” Hoen grins and looks to Toge.

Sensing Hoen’s intentions, Toge huffs and says, “I get it. Let’s go back to the estate and I’ll get her a weapon.” He stands up from the table.

“Thank you, Toge,” Hoen says, following Toge’s lead.

Everyone stands up after them to leave the meeting room. The group travel back to the estate via carriage and Toge leads Hoen and Asa to a small hut by his home on the property. Asa studies the workshop, recognizing the smithing tools and weapons hanging on the walls.

“You made these?” Asa asks Toge.

Toge raises an eyebrow at her cordiality after their confrontation in the meeting room earlier. “...yes. My father was a better smith than me, but these are functional at the very least.” Toge picks up a shortsword in its scabbard and hands it to Asa. She takes it and unsheaths the blade, studying it carefully.

“...dislike you as I may, you make good weapons. There is no need to put on a humble facade about it.”

“Tch, there's no facade. I ain’t the bragging type,” Toge scoffs with a frown as he looks away, his arms crossing over his chest defensively.

Asa watches him. “Sorry. I simply meant you should be more proud of your craft. I will accept what you’ve offered.”

Toge observes her and sighs, handing her a waist belt almost as if it were a peace offering. “S’arlight. Here.”

Asa accepts the waist belt and attaches her scabbard to it at her hip.

Toge then speaks up again, saying, “He’s escorting you around Sehchoh, but you’ll be his guard in my stead…please, take it seriously.”

Asa nods. “Of course. I will not let him come to harm.”

With a satisfied and stern nod, Toge sends them off and Asa and Hoen board a carriage that takes them to the town center where many shops and street stalls are.

“I figured you’d like this better than a more formal dining setting since you avoided lunch at the estate,” Hoen explains, “We can walk to the eastern gate leading to the beach from here after getting something to eat.”

At that, Asa simply nods, staying silent for the time being as she formulates her thoughts.

Hoen smiles softly at her. “Shall we?” he says as he gestures down the main road, “there’s a side street this way leading eastward. I’ve heard that Wen and Shou travel down these streets often on their days off.”

She replies with an affirmative hum, walking at Hoen’s side as he leads.

They walk for a moment in silence as Asa takes inventory of the shops and stalls around them. Once catches her eye and she stops for a moment. He notices her distractedness and stops as well. She looks up at him, a silent question in her eyes. Hoen chuckles and nods. “You can look.”

Asa approaches the old woman running the stall. The woman smiles as if seeing an old friend and speaks to her in a tongue she doesn't understand. Asa freezes in place, frowning in confusion. The woman cocks her head at her silence and Asa shakes her head.

“I’m sorry, ma’am,” she apologizes, “I’m from the Midlands.”

“Ah– okay,” the woman says, “It’s okay. You are interested?” The woman gestures to the display of necklaces. Most of them are made with resin and plants or polished rocks and common gems, but some are woven designs that are familiar to Asa.

She points to them. “What are these?”

“Tribe symbols. For good luck,” the woman replies.

Hoen leans down to examine the woman’s wares before turning to Asa. “Would you like one?”

“...no, but can you give her something anyways?” she responds.

He nods and takes out a gold coin from his pouch and sets it with care in the woman’s basket. Asa steps back with a bow to the woman and the woman bows her head in gratitude, taking the coin and stowing it away in a pouch hidden by her robes. “Thank you, sir, miss.”

Hoen nods to the woman and he and Asa continue their path eastward down the main street. After some silence, he speaks up.

“It seems the woven necklaces caught your eye. Ba’atan is known for its fine jewelry and expert craftsmanship, but perhaps you’ve never seen designs like that before?” Hoen asks.

Asa shakes her head. “I have. Though not from Ba’atan.”

Hoen’s head tilts to the side curiously at that as he waits for her to elaborate. Asa, instead, looks up at Hoen, studying him closely. She notices for the first time the bags underneath his eyes and the slight haggardness to his complexion. Hoen simply blinks at her. “What is it?”

She averts her gaze and looks around the street instead. “I’m hungry now. We can talk in a less crowded place.”

Hoen watches her, trying to decipher her behavior, but eventually just nods and agrees, “Alright. We’ll find something to eat for now. Though, I must admit, I’ve never had food from this street before so I can’t make any recommendations.”

She looks at him curiously. “Why not?”

“I have chefs at the estate and I usually stay around the north district during my free time,” he explains.

“Hm…” Asa thinks for a moment, looking around the street and sees a small store where people are walking out with bread. She points to it. “Can we go there?”

Hoen looks to where she’s pointing and nods with a small smile. “Yes, that seems like a charming shop.”

They enter the bakery and browse the assortment of breads and baked goods.

“Choose as many as you’d like,” Hoen offers.

Asa thinks back to the buns she saw the last customers walk out of the shop with, remembering the stuffed buns from her home she used to share with Chui in the town center. She looks around the display until she sees them–slightly different than what she’s used to, but she figures they can’t be so much different. She turns to the baker behind the counter. “Excuse me, what is in these?”

“These are stuffed with meat and cheese. We also have sweet buns filled with cream and fruits.”

Asa blinks in surprise, astounded and slightly hesitant at the amount of dairy. She’d heard from Chui that they have many different foods in Sehchoh but figured they were more of a delicacy than a common treat considering Ba’atan only gets dairy imported to the mountains on special occasions. Asa looks at Hoen.

He smiles at her before turning to the baker and saying, “Two of each, please.”

As the baker wraps the bread for them, Hoen turns back to Asa. “You’ve never had these, either, I assume?”

Asa shakes her head. “We don’t use milk products much in Ba’atan. They have to be requested before the merchant descends the mountain.”

Hoen hums in acknowledgment, paying the baker with a gold coin and handing Asa her bread, ignoring the way the baker frets at the amount she’s received. “Shall we go to the beach?”

Asa nods and they exit the shop. She sniffs each bun before taking a bite of the savory one, her brow slightly furrowed in concentration as she judges the taste. “Mh,” she hums, her face relaxing as she takes another bite, deeming the bun worth eating.

Hoen chuckles at her internal assessment, tasting the bun himself with a satisfied hum. She looks at him, noting how she has to crane her neck upward to see his face. Asa looks around the crowd, seeing how far Hoen stands above most of them. “You’re quite tall for a Midlander,” she says.

Hoen smiles, a hint of satisfaction in the curve of his lips, and innocently asks, “Am I?”

Looking up at him casually, either not noticing or caring about his tone, she replies “Yes. You could be mistaken for someone from the north, could you not? Your features also stand out.”

He blinks at her candor. After a quiet moment, his smile replaces itself on his face and he says, “You’re right to compare me to a northerner. My mother was from the north and she was every bit the warrior you are. However, you’re a bit too short to be a northerner.”

Asa nods. “I think so too.”

Hoen chuckles at her lack of reaction before asking her, “You must be mistaken for a southerner often, though, I assume. Your features stand out amongst Midlanders as much as mine do.”

“It’s only really mattered since I left Ba’atan,” she replies, “Everyone at home knows my past.”

He tilts his head at that. “Your past?”

Asa nods and shakes out the linen once she finishes the first bun, wrapping the cloth around her waist belt before sniffing the other bun cautiously. She takes a tentative bite and her face screws up into a grimace.

Hoen lets out a chuckle before he laughs, the sound clear and resonant. “What is it? You don’t like it? Give it here.”

She shakes her head and takes another, smaller nibble. “...it’s very sweet.”

“Ah, so you don’t like sweets,” he concludes.

“It isn’t…” Asa frowns softly, almost more like a pout if not for the fierce, competitive glint in her eyes. “I’m just not used to it, is all. We don’t eat things like this in Ba’atan.” She finishes by taking a bigger bite of the bun, scowling through the sweetness.

Hoen looks down at her with a fond smile at her determination. They make their way to the eastern gate and onto the beach within the hour and Asa looks out at the water completely captivated by the new sight. She walks right up to the water’s edge and hesitates, stepping back a bit when the waves lap a bit further up the shore than before. Hoen says, “You should take your shoes off. The water is refreshing.”

Asa glances back at Hoen before following his suggestion and taking her shoes off, letting the water lap at her feet. She stands at the shore staring at the horizon in silence for a long moment before Hoen joins her. They stand side by side in a peaceful quiet, listening to the waves and the birds and the murmurs of conversation far away and occasionally passing behind them–the overcast sky not attracting many visitors to the beach besides them. After a long while, Hoen speaks up. “What is your past, Asa?”

Asa looks up at him, observing the way his expression is not pulled into that polite smile she’s already grown familiar with, but instead replaced with a sort of somber reflection as he keeps his gaze trained onto the horizon. She looks back out at the sea herself, thinking for a moment before she answers, “I was left in Ba’atan.” The words feel foreign on her tongue, the truth always an unspoken yet understood reality back home.

He doesn’t act surprised or sad in her stead– he simply nods. “The wars in the south have brought many refugees to Sehchoh, as well. Do you know what became of your parents?”

“No,” she replies matter-of-factly, “There are no refugees in Ba’atan. They likely escaped to the north through the mountains or died trying.”

“...did they leave you a necklace? Is that why you were drawn to that woman’s stall?”

Asa takes a breath and nods. “Yes. It was taken from me–and though I understand why, I was supposed to get it back. That is why I am looking for Kuiyang.”

“I see.” Hoen replies.

A breeze from the water blows to the west, softly filling the lulls in their conversation. This time, Asa breaks the silence. “Why do you grieve Inei?”

Hoen glances at Asa, her gaze trained on the sea, before returning his gaze to the water, as well. He is silent as he reflects on his thoughts and on the intense emotion that threatens to take over when he isn’t careful.

“...I admit, we were not close. We were hardly acquaintances, especially coming from two places at odds with one another. Yet, I will admit that I’ve never taken a life before, and so his death at my hand causes me more grief than I probably should feel for a stranger…”

Asa turns to Hoen, observing him closely as he speaks. Hoen continues, “If someone else were to ask me, I’d likely respond that I’m grieving the life of another human lost…though, since you are the one asking, I will be honest…I’m not entirely sure. All I know is that this discomfort is more than guilt.”

“Do you pity him?” Asa asks.

“No,” Hoen replies without hesitation, “Despite what vague impression I may have had about him before, when faced with him in the flesh he was not pitiable in the slightest. He did not show sorrow or despair– he was quite daunting, to be frank…” Hoen’s expression sours as he speaks, his brows knitting together until he’s grimacing at the memory of their duel. “...it made me realize things about myself…and about life. ‘How easily one just slips away,’ I thought. I’ve always been one for diplomacy, but the memory makes me only more eager to keep my sword stowed. I sometimes wish to toss the thing away and never pick one up again.”

His hand clenches tight around the scabbard of his sword. Asa witnesses this and extends her hand to his, lightly grazing the back of his hand with her fingertips. “...I do not blame you, taking a life is never easy–but you did not choose wrong to save yourself…I see now that Inei’s decision was wiser than it seemed.”

Hoen finally returns Asa’s gaze, his expression pained. Asa continues, “You have a capacity for good that Inei did not see in himself. He was…complicated. Troubled. But he knew more than he let on–surely more than he told me. If Inei chose to let you live over himself, he must’ve known you’d be someone I could trust…”

Asa’s fingers drum anxiously at the pouch with Inei’s journal. She continues, “I often asked him why he never took action–why he never did better than let the nobles run rampant around him. I never did get a clear answer out of him, but he always told me that a day would come where things changed. I just never expected things would change like this…”

Asa bows to Hoen. “There is much I still do not know about Naiténoza, but I swear I will help you fix the harm they have done to the best of my ability. Thank you for grieving Inei.”

Hoen quickly bows back. “No, I deserve no thanks. This feeling is likely less pure than your own–you were close with him.”

“And I believe you could’ve been,” Asa stands once more, correcting him,” You do deserve my thanks. You are more sensitive than you seem at first glance.”

Hoen hesitates, still bent over in a deep bow. “...what if my kindness to you is only out of guilt?”

Asa raises an eyebrow at that. “Then it is kindness nonetheless. Toge feels guilt and has not shown me the same kindness you have.”

Hoen stands suddenly, his gaze sharp and his eyes lined with tears as his chest heaves with the effort of keeping himself still somewhat composed. “Has he not helped you just as I have? Has he not apologized? Why do I receive such grace from you when the ultimate responsibility lies on my shoulders?”

Asa thinks for a moment before she responds, “I cannot explain it eloquently, but you have a sorrow that he does not have. Or at least have chosen to show me sorrow he has not shown me. That alone is more than just guilt or pity. I trust my gut regarding matters of the heart such as this.”

After a tense silence, Hoen sighs, letting the tears fall freely without concealing them. He looks out at the sea. “...you trust far too easily…it's the same with that woman Bam.”

Despite his scolding words, there is no bite of blame in his tone–only resignation.

Still, Asa flinches at his chiding, her hand clutching at the strap of her bag as she averts her gaze. “It isn’t easy to simply distrust your family.”

Hoen nods and dabs at his eyes and cheeks with the sleeves of his robe. “I am aware. I meant no offense.”

They stand in silence after that, both of their gazes eventually coming back to the waves, the sea, and the horizon as the sky starts to glow behind the clouds with the coming sunset. Hoen breaks the silence once again, saying, “My mother died when I was young of an incurable affliction she received fighting in the north…I miss her dearly.”

Asa looks at Hoen and he returns her gaze once more.

“Tell me about your family,” he says before grabbing his shoes and beginning to stroll down the shore, “Your friends. Your home.”

Asa grabs her shoes and follows behind him, silent for a moment as she thinks. “...before Inei, the closest thing to family I knew was my sister and brother Saishu, Bam and Chui. We trained, hunted, ate, and slept together as warriors. That was most of my childhood in Ba’atan.”

They walk down the beach sharing stories of their pasts, soldiers eventually coming out to light the lanterns by the city walls as the clouds clear and the sun dips below the sea. They return to Hoen’s carriage at the gate and retire that night at the estate with a peaceful sense of understanding, resting well to leave early the next day.