Aliza’s mind started scrambling for the right words but in truth, she still didn’t have plans for what to do in this country. For someone with no connections starting completely fresh on her own, the possibilities were overwhelming. Exciting, but so many unknowns to comb through. On top of the fact she came here unknowingly, but what would happen if she said that?
“Well… I, um… I don’t know how to answer Ms. Stroud.” Tera’s brows straighten as she looks down at her papers. Aliza glanced down at Tera’s writing pad and saw a gorgeous gold band diamond ring on her finger. Her embarrassment flushed her cheeks. “I mean Mrs. Stroud. I’m sorry.”
Tera’s head tilted and a brow raised. “It’s no big deal dear. No need for fear here. I assure you that you are safe with me.” Something in Aliza’s chest lightened, but she still wasn’t sure about this woman. She seemed nicer than Aliza had expected from women of her stature. But it was either make nice with this woman or be on the next boat too… who knows? Maybe inhabit one of the vacant islands around Sia or Nesta?
Aliza faintly nodded and clasped her hands, holding them awkwardly in her lap. “Well… umm, the reason I say that is… it’s because I was on the run when I was coming here.” One of Tera’s brows raised as she leaned back on her stool.
“Are you able to say from who?”
Aliza nodded but gestured her to lean in for a whisper, “From the Band of Jackals.” Pulling away, Tera’s eyes were wide with, fear? Intrigue?
“You are a very lucky woman. I’ve never stepped foot in Icurus, but my husband fought in the last conflict. From what was said, not many people have escaped the Jackal''s grasp. How did you escape, if you don’t mind my asking?”
Is any of this necessary for my citizenship? But also, why do I feel comfortable talking to her about this? Could I trust her with what happened?
Before she could speak, a vision of rain and a puddled cobblestone street flashed in her mind. Biting her lip and peering into those hazel eyes staring back at her, she relaxed her shoulders and spoke.
“I used to… work in the nobility district in Ardos. Helping with the ‘distribution’ of goods. On my way back home, I saw a woman being mugged. I thought it was just a couple of regular thieves so I intervened. I didn’t see the scarves they were wearing until they turned to me and… well… The woman called for help and the guards came and took them away. The next day, some other Jackals showed up at my home, expecting payment by sunset that day. What the payment was; the cost of my life if I didn’t pay. So I packed my stuff and went to the ports to see about an immigrant ship to dock. But I heard their voices close by, and I panicked. So I hid in one of the crates and was going to come out when I didn’t hear them anymore. Before I knew it, I was being hauled on the ship. And well, here I am.”
Tera seemed both surprised and puzzled, Aliza’s heart began to race at the sight.
“Interesting. And scary. I didn’t know the Jackals gave time limits to payment. I was under the impression that they were the ‘pay on the spot’ types of thieves.” Tera said crossing her legs and resting her head in her hand.
“Depends on their target. For a high-value target like that woman, I’m sure they wouldn’t have wasted any time if they weren’t caught. I’m guessing they told their leader and it was going to be a game of cat and mouse. Just lucky that the higher-skilled Jackals or even… The Fox wasn’t after me.”
A smile curved the sides of Tera’s mouth as she quickly jotted down something in her notes. “Oof! The Fox,” she shivered. “You are a very lucky woman Miss Menona.”
Aliza shrugged and curved a nervous smile. “I guess you can say that. I still wonder if they would find me here.”
“I doubt it. Neck tattoos of the god of death is a bit of a give away don’t you think?”
“True. Very true.” The two women shared a giggle that felt oddly natural to Aliza.
This should be alarming how comfortable I feel around her.
Tera cleared her throat and refocused the conversation. “Now back to the subject at hand. Now that you are here, are there any plans you had in mind while being here? Do you plan on living here permanently or is it a stopping place to go somewhere else?”
Aliza pondered for a moment but it was an easy answer now that her mind was clear.
“I do wish to stay here. It’s just what to do with my life now that I don’t know. I like the people here; this city alone is a welcome change from Ardos. I’ve been dependent on my father and brothers for so long that I need a fresh start. Hoping me gaining citizenship is a good start.”
“I see.” Tera wrote on her pad again. The wheels in her mind were turning, but she needed to make sure of a few things first. “Do you still have them or any family to call?”
A lump started to grow in Aliza’s throat thinking back to her smile. “No. My mother died when I was 10.” She fought back tears that wettened her eyes and the lump in her throat started to close. A somber look glazed over Tera’s eyes and she held a hand over her heart.
“Goddess, I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“It’s- it’s ok. I did have my father and two brothers. But they died of a plague 3 years ago.” Almost in an instant, the tears in her eyes dried and the tension surrounding her body relaxed as she mentioned her father and brothers. “Safe to say I’m an orphan.”
“I’m sorry Miss Menona.” But then, a smile slowly rounded her cheeks. “I don’t know where your faith lies but it seems that Tendia had led you to something here. What that is remains to be discovered. Exciting don’t you think?”
“Maybe… I guess we’ll have to wait and see.”
Tera’s soft glance made Aliza feel at peace. Was that wall she originally put up even up? It was as if Tera walked right through it and cleared some of the darkness that enshrouded her mind. Like a peace of her heart was filling. She may be her judge but talking with her was like a bit of closure to her old life she didn’t think she needed.
“The best part about this process is that you don’t need anything figured out right now. My job is to make sure Syris is the best fit for you and vice versa. And from what these reports say about you from Tohea, the guards, and even those at the docks speak highly of you. Only time will tell if you speak highly of us too.” Tera says patting the small stack of reports in front of her. Aliza smiled big enough to show her straight white teeth that both Tera and Rolim melted at.
“Now… we have to get to the grueling part. Do you have the documents I asked you to provide?” She asked.
Aliza’s face paled and her heart started to race again. “N-no… but I have an explanation for it.” Tera’s eyes shifted as she leaned back on her stool once more. “You see, my father was… excuse my language, an abusive asshole. He took guardianship of me when my mother died. But… my mother… was his mistress. So to ensure no one knew who I was, he hid the documents. I tried getting them back, but I have no idea where they are or if they are even in tacked if you get what I’m trying to say here.”
“So you are here essentially with no identity at all?” Tera asked bluntly.
“No ma’am,” Aliza replied timidly, waiting for an explosive response.
“Oh, thank the gods! That makes my job so much easier!” Tera exclaims. Aliza tilts her head confused as ever.
“You’re… happy that I don’t have an identity?”
“If I may be honest with you, usually we would have to get documents from Icurus to make your citizenship transition seamless. But they are slow when it comes to responding. One of my clients had to wait a year and a half to gain their citizenship. In your case, well just make you a new identity!” She gleefully goes on while searching for other documents in her bag.
Aliza''s heart drops to her stomach, wondering how legally making a new indemnity was even possible. “Wait, how is this legal?”
“Yes. It’s part of my job as well. We have plenty of people coming here looking for a fresh start for various reasons. Part of my job is seeing it through.” Tera excitement still stunned Aliza. Even more, she was prepared with paperwork to get started.
“But wouldn’t you be afraid that I’m a criminal of some sort?”
Her eyes flick up to Aliza’s. Her gleeful smile straightened pausing her search. “Are you Miss Menona? Any criminal activities I need to know about?” Aliza’s lips thinned as she nervously shook her head. “Then you are fine. Besides if you were one you would already be thrown in the dungeon.” She shuffles with a few papers in her bag, then takes out a thick folder as thick as half their tankards and slams it on the table. Aliza stilled, eyeing the folder like a she saw cat cough up a hairball for the first time.
“Umm… Mrs. Stroud… what is all of this?”
“To make your new identity official. You’ll need an identification stone, forms of residency, tax documents, medical records, and bank accounts, we are starting fresh. We would still need to run a background check on you but like I said, Icurus is SLOW when it comes to documents so until those get back to us, just don’t get into any trouble. The guards will continue to monitor you through this process.” Aliza was still too stunned to speak, she just nodded her head. “Good! Let''s start with the Identification Stone.”Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
Tera takes out a stone from her pocket with an eye on it. She waves her hand over it and it glows white. Handing it over to Aliza, she guides her hands to its level to her face.
“Now, speak your full name and date of birth.”
Identification stones? Hmmm… do I change my name or… no.
“Aliza Jazelle Menona. Date of birth: 18th of Moontide, 1175.” She spoke firmly to the stone.
Tera waves her hand over the stone again and the light dims to nothing. “Perfect. The best part of these is that we can go back and add any additional information on you. Which we will do before this goes to public records in Dhali. And don’t worry, you’ll have a copy for your records. Much more convenient and safe than papers right?” Aliza nodded and giggled. “Good! Now for tax documents.”
“Great…”
Going through the rest of the documents, a lot of it had to remain blank until Aliza had a permanent job and residence. Tera informed her that the inn was good but wouldn’t count for residency since it was only meant for temporary use. And for citizenship to have a chance at approval, she needs to find permanent work somewhere. When Aliza told her that she couldn’t find work outside of odd jobs, Tera asked if she checked the town''s job board.
“Wait, there’s one around here? Where?”
Tera smiled, packed the rest of her documents and supplies, and hopped out of her stool. “Follow me Miss Menona.” Hopping out of her stool, she was pleasantly surprised to see Tera was the same height as her. However, how she carried herself made it seem like she was six feet or more. Aliza straightened herself to walk with the same grace and confidence as Tera.
As they walked, people both smiled and stiffened as they walked by.
“If you don’t mind me asking,” Aliza spoke.
Tera glanced at her, “Hm?”
“Are you a noble of some kind?”
“What makes you think that?” Tera asked curiously with a smirk and eyes that seemed mischievous to Aliza.
“Well, how you dress for one. I’ve only seen that much gold on one''s ear from a Viscountess or someone of the sort. But also, the people seem to look at you with admiration or fear.”
Tera let out a little giggle. “Technically speaking, no. I am highly respected amongst the King''s Council but I hold no title.”
“The King’s Council? How is that possible?” Aliza exclaimed.
Tera’s smirk curved into a proud smile as she looked down the road to the citizens ahead. “I can cause a stir when needed when it comes to immigration. I share the same sentiments with King Juku when it comes to equal opportunity. Several nobles wanted to put in place the same regulations and restrictions on Icarians as Nesta. Halfway housing, limited budgets, before sunset curfews. Maybe a few I could agree with. But they are also expected to know the entire history of Nesta and are forced to worship their gods. And they have to go through… ‘tests’, to prove you''re not they are not like Queen Simona. Questioning their knowledge of magic makes them fight amongst each other to earn their citizenship in a ring. It’s disgustingly barbaric.”
The growling and furious passion in her voice would be intimidating to those around her. Several people froze in place and fearful eyes followed the ladies as she became more aggravated. But for Aliza, her eyes were locked on her. Stunned at the conditions for immigration for Nesta, Good thing I wasn’t on one of their ships. She was equally amazed to see someone who was openly disgusted at the people who both put these things in place and the people of her own country considering replicating those regulations. How have you not been beaten for speaking so radically?
“I made my objections clear and was never going to back down from them. You can’t go from one oppressive hell hole to another one. Will there be outliers? Sure. The King has set those laws in place to have anyone from any country deported for harming or extorting those here. But for people to thrive, they need to be looked at as equals. That’s why I’m here. The King respected my passion so much that I became an honorary member of his court.”
“That’s impressive Mrs. Stroud. But that still doesn’t explain the fear in some of the people''s eyes.” Aliza points out that the mix of admiration and fearful faces still tracking them.
“Something that we''re still working on. A few newcomers to the court the last couple of years try to… how they say? ‘Put the commoners in their place.’ Idiota. Some of the nobility took their word as their north star. And now because of the loud minority, it makes the majority look bad. I just ignore the fear-mongering and continue with my job. No one will brainwash me to instill fear in the hearts of our people.”
Aliza nodded plainly.
“But it could be that I''m the Sergent of the Royal Guard''s wife. I never really thought about it before.” Tera casually added.
The sudden realization made Aliza go a bit pale. “Wait… Sergeant Kalan… is your husband?”
“None other! My honey bear is so sweet and passionate. People think he’s just a scary brute but they don’t see him like I do. We’ll be celebrating 15 years next summer! I haven’t seen my sweetheart in a week and it’s killing me.” She blushed and gushed over her husband.
Who would think someone so serious and scary would be married to someone this bubbly? Unless he’s like this off-duty. Though it’s refreshing seeing someone so in love after all these years.
“I can only imagine,” Aliza spoke warmly.
“How about you? Is there a special someone for you?”
Aliza’s smile straightens as she stares off to the street ahead of them.
“One day, I hope. I… never been in a serious relationship before.”
Tera balked, “Respectfully Miss Menona, how has no one scooped you up yet? You have to be one of the prettiest women I’ve ever seen! People are missing out.” Tera compliments while gazing at Aliza. She continued to look down but she couldn’t hide the blush from her face.
“Th-thank you. I’m hoping the men here are better than those in Icurus. So far it seems promising with only one exception.”
Tera let out a laugh that had Aliza flick her head. “Yes. I heard about that one from the guards. Don’t worry, he’s spending two years in a dungeon for that and other stalking charges. But yes, I assure you you’ll find the men here delightful.”
Aliza paused their walk with shock on her face. She wasn’t about to let Tera graze past that key detail. “Wait a minute. Stalking?!”
“Yes. A few women around town. The bastard didn’t know the difference between a friendly conversation and a formal courting. In his case, informally. His slip-up with you finally got him caught.”
Aliza cringed and her thoughts started racing with the possibilities that could have happened that night. If she had given him that dance. Even stayed a little longer for another drink. Probably would have taken it as an invitation for something. She already was paranoid about one person from her past, she didn’t need a new person to fill in those shoes.
“At least he got what he deserved. Twice.” Aliza said plainly.
“Hm.” Tera nodded. It grew uncomfortably quiet between them for a few minutes. So Tera tried to think of something else to distract from Aliza’s thoughts that made a stern and mean expression on her face. “So Miss Menona, have any hobbies or anything?” She said awkwardly.
It managed to do the trick as her brows unfurled and she looked to the sky pondering.
“Well, I do enjoy reading. I’ve gotten over a dozen books in my collection already.”
“Oh? Like what?”
“History books. I had so much to catch up on about the world. My head is still spinning. So I’m giving those a rest for now.” They giggled, and the tension softened. “I do love a good fairytale or mythology.”
“Anything specific?”
“Cinderella. My mother always read that book to me. I liked to…” Her words trailed off. Biting her lip trying to fight the fluttering in her heart.
“Liked to…” Tera urged for her to continue.
Aliza sighed and her face became a deep cherry, “...I like to hope that something like her ending could happen to me.”
Tera’s face grew sympathetic, and she walked a bit closer to Aliza. “It’s possible. Impossible things happen every day. You’ll see soon.”
An intrusive thought quickly entered Aliza’s mind. Before she could stop it, she quietly tuned, “Impossible.”
Tera raised her eyebrows and smiled widely.
“Impossible.” She sang back. Aliza’s heart skipped and she flicked to Tera’s gaze. As if sharing the same brain cell, they continued until they finished the verse.
“Impossible.”
“Impossible.”
“Impooooooossible!” They belted. As they laughed, a few onlookers directed their attention to the duo. Aliza clasped her hands again and looked ahead to the job board closing in. But, a part of her seems to heal after that exchange. Maybe she found her kindred soul. But it can’t be with her immigration judge, could it?
Tera shook her head and giggled. “With a spirit such as yours, I’m sure you’ll find your happily ever after. I did hear that one of the King’s sons is single…” She sings giving Aliza a mischievous brow and smirk.
Aliza laughs and clasps her hands behind her. “Then maybe this is exactly the place I need to be.” She cheekily replies making both of them laugh.
They approached the job board that was standing between the general store and the bookshop, and they both quickly looked over the postings.
Carpenter… yeah no. Seamstress assistant. I think I pricked my fingers enough from the sails. Snow plower, lumber mill bookkeeper, sales representative…
“Any of these stick out to you?” Tera asked.
“Not really. Makes me wish I worked up more skills than just passing out resources. If the docks were hiring I would go for that. As long as I’m not sailing again.” The very thought of sailing the Nesta Seas again made that queasy feeling make a brief return.
“There has to be something. Think. Are there any skills you have that could help you? It doesn’t necessarily mean past job history.”
Aliza looked back at the job board and dug deeper into her mind.
I could go with the seamstress. I only know how to mend my clothes but maybe they can teach me. The bookkeeper isn’t a bad idea. I’ve done inventory checks before for Father. Hmm…
Then, her eye flicked to the bottom right corner of the board to see a Tavern posting that grabbed her intrigue. “The Gleaming Dragon Tavern. Immediate hire! Waitress/Prep Cook Needed.”
“Maybe this one. I’ve never waited tables but I’ve been cooking almost my entire life.”
“Perfect!” Tera exclaimed as she took down the posting and handed it to Aliza. The air became colder and crisp as they grasped their coats and shrugged their shoulders for the fur to cover their ears. “The Tavern is about 15 minutes from here. Here, we’ll take a carriage there. I hate the cold.”
“But how would we-”
Tera’s loud whistle interrupts her followed by the clacking of a horse''s hooves and wheels on the packing snow. A black carriage with a bundled-up coachman steps down from his seat and opens the door for the ladies as Tera hands him a handful of gold coins. Tera looks back with a smirk.
“Come! Unless you want to freeze out here.” She jests.
Aliza laughs as she hurries to the carriage. “Right away Mrs. Stroud!”
This day just keeps getting better.