Kitsune repeated the workout regime for a week, her body complained more every day. At the end of the week Kistune awoke surprised to see the sun out and not hearing Mama D and her obnoxiously loud pot. Hearing her beginning to rustle Mama D called to Kitsune urging her to hurry into the sitting area. Kitsune tried to rise, but every joint and muscle complained at the recent overuse. She had to use the bed frame to lever herself to kneeling then to standing releasing groans every step of the way. She walked into the sitting area stilt legged, using every inch of wall or furnishing as crutches to make it.

  “Goodness sugah, looks like you been run over by a herd of cattle.” Mama D let out a chuckle.

  “It feels like it. Who do you think was driving them over me, repeatedly?” Kitsune glared at Mama D with all the fury she could manage between cringing from moving.

  Mama D helped Kitsune into the cushioned chair “I’ve been where you are Kitsune, every soldier has. Good news though, today is a rest day for your body. We are going to put your brain through its paces though.”

  “Sounds great so long as I can sit on this comfy chair today.” Kitsune made a dramatic show of sinking further into the chair.

  “You can for a bit, but we will need to stretch those muscles out and go for a little run. I want to show you something later.”

  “Oh joy, a lovely run.” Kitsune teased.

  Mama D served Kitsune a breakfast of oat porridge with fruit, eggs, and bacon. Then they began the study of this country’s map and the regions. I’m not current on the political situation beyond this here area, but we will learn it.”

  Mama D went into their room and came out with a map of the nearby areas. The map showed a fairly mountainous region, with dense forests and several lakes and rivers. Farms dotted throughout, and eight major cities, plus a large fortress that would be several days' trip off shore from the southern coast. “As you know we are in Siren’s Echo. Our major export is seafood and the farm to our north west has a large vineyard that we collect and ship for the farmers. The major ports are at the northwest part of the country North End and Squall. The capital is Twin’s City it’s two castles inside one large outer wall and a smaller inner wall separating them. The King, Lavalle Torrent lives in one and his council in the other. That way any invader doesn’t have a single target to get control of the city. The other cities throughout Torrent, this country are large holdings to oversee the farms or other places that gather resources from the land. Each has its own governor. Siren’s Echo governor is Puliver Alumnen, he is a short, slim fellow, he has always been fair to his people from my experience. How are you with numbers and letters?”

  “Letters and numbers I have down pat.”

  “Well that takes a good bit out of what I was planning to go over today. So how about a little walk about town and some fishing in the lake outside the walls?”

  “Sounds better than running.”

  “Great, now let’s stretch out those sore muscles.” Mama D replied enthusiastically.

  Kitsune slowly rose from the chair “I’m going to get dressed.”

  “No rush, we have to stretch first.”

  Kitsune looked terrified “Oh no. I think the walk will be just fine. Really.”

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  “Start stretching soldier!”

  “Sir yes sir” Kitsune answered pitifully.

  Twenty excruciating minutes later they had finished stretching. “I need a nap.” Kitsune exclaimed between deep breaths.

  “Not today girlie! Let’s go!” Mama D shouted as she headed for the door.

  On her previous runs through the small portion of the city Kitsune was too focused on keeping up with Mama D to take in much of her surroundings. This trip however she was able to take it all in despite every step being torture on her thighs and butt. In the market, now at midday the different accents of the people selling and buying wares, the smells of small coal grills cooking a variety of seafoods, vegetables and meats cause her mouth to water, dazzling lights reflecting off jewels and stained glass caused a prism of colors to shine from a stall to her left, she was lost in its swirling patterns. What drew her attention most was the clothing. Being keenly aware that she only possessed whatever clothing Mama D could alter for her, she decided then that she would figure out a way to make some money for herself. What do I know how to do? Play video games and study. Those don’t help here. I am learning to fight and ride horses, can I stack learning a trade on top of all I am learning now? I guess I will have to rely on Mama D more. I hate that, but what can I do?”

  Noticing that Kitsune had stopped, Mama D looked back “Are you well?”

  Kitsune snaps out of her inner monologue “Yes, just lost in thought.”

  Mama D nods “A lot to take in, when we get to the docks those ships are a real sight to see.”

  Kitsune smiles “I cannot wait” she steps forward and grabs Mama D’s arm at the elbow “show me?”

  At the docks Kitsune gets her first sight of the large trading galley, while its size doesn’t compare to modern ships she has seen, the three masts, polished woods, and colored sails leave her awestruck. “Those are works of art! Can we ride on one?”

  Mama D stops walking and appears to be in deep thought “Well dear, I think we may. You need to complete your lessons first, but by the time I secure payment for the house, we can. These old bones are in need of an adventure.”

  As they stand there observing the ships being loaded and departing the long piers a tall, slim, tanned man with long pointed ears, hair tied back into a long ponytail, walks with a graceful sway towards the two ladies “Pardon cher” his voice is smooth as silk “But I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation” He points to his elongated ears.

  Kitsune gasps “An elf”

  “Yes cher” he smiles “I overheard that you may be looking into a voyage? I happen to be in possession of a ship setting out soon for the northern ports before the storms hit. If you are interested, I could use some extra hands.”

  Mama D stares at him hard “Where is your ship? Point it out.” she demands

  He smiles and points at a two masted ship over half way down the pier “Starfall is her name and mine is Captain FaeWind. Not original, but easy to remember.”

  Mama D smiles politely, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Thank you for the offer, but we won’t be ready to depart for a couple of months.” She looks to Kitsune “I’m hungry dear, l have to show you one of my favorite places. Good day sir.”

  “If you change your mind, I will be in port for a tenday. Good day cher.” he bows and saunters away.

  After Captain FaeWind has gotten out of what she assumes is his hearing range Kitsune blushing looks at Mama D “He sure was charming, his voice was just ahhh.”

  Mama D smirks and shakes her head “Now honey don’t be fallen for no sailor. They only have one true love and that is the sea.”

  They walked in silence until Mama D pointed out the restaurant “Duncan’s Dock” “Here it is, the best food in the city.”

  Kitsune can smell all the scents clearly from outside and her stomach voices its approval. Mama D smiles and leads the way in. Inside are several ship wheels turned into tables with cushioned barrels for chairs. There is seating all the way out to a covered patio that is over the ocean. Other than a few old, salty men seated near the bar, Duncans Dock is empty. Mama D guides them to a table on the patio looking out towards the busy port. Shortly after sitting a young woman with a tight bodice and long red hair approaches the table “What can I start you off with?”

  “I’ll have a light ale” Mama D orders

  “Do you have mint tea?” Kitsune asks.

  “One light ale and yes young lady we do, each are a silver.. For the meals we have Crab cakes with eggs, fresh caught fish topped with lemon, and the house chowder. The crab cakes and fish are three silver house chowder is two”

  “I’ll have the chowder and some dark bread. Tell Duncan that he knows how Deena likes it.”

  “What would you suggest for a first time customer?”

  The waitress replies without a moment's hesitation “I’d do the crab cakes and eggs. They are my favorite.”

  “Sounds perfect. I’ll take them. If that's okay with you Mama D?”

  “Order what you want dear.”

  “The drinks will be right out.”

  Mama D and Kitsune watched the ships departing and arriving with their loads being loaded or unloaded. Kitsune’s eyes sparkled at the sight of the majestic ships. A clunk and tink announced the arrival of the drinks bringing them out of their trance.

  Mama D places two silvers on the table. The waitress pushes them back towards Mama D. “Duncan said your order is on the house.”

  “Then keep them for yourself, serving aint easy.”

  The waitress smiles “Thank you. If you need anything just give a call. My name is Lilly.” Then she left to clean some tables before a midday rush started.

  “That was nice of Duncan. Is he a friend of yours?”

  “Yes he is, we served together for some time.”

  “You both were in the guard?”

  “No dear, we were in the military together. Wanna hear some stories?”

  “Absolutely!” Kitsune beamed.