Ad Astra - Chapter 3: Chapter 3

The following afternoon, I trek into the jungle for the third day in a row; however, this time, the entire family is here, Taika included. The journey has become so routine that I can practically spot every landmark that guides our way – the bright red flowers near the river's edge, the fallen tree likely knocked over by the last lightning storm, the mess of broken vines torn by Magnuvian soldiers who wandered too far into the dense jungle, and so on.
Today's journey is about logistics. My mother is bringing us into the jungle to share more information about the plan, including our departure date. While in the past forty-eight hours I have grown to accept my fate in Esterpool, lingering bits of envy still pop up every now and again when I see the excited grin on Kiana's face, as best as I try to shove my emotions downward. However, since my conversation with Mama, I have kept my mouth shut. I know I no longer have a say in what will become of my mother's assassination plan, and I should make peace with the role I will play in Esterpool.
When we finally arrive to the hut in the late afternoon, I am exhausted. I quickly find a comfortable resting position on a pillow and allow my eyes to gently droop.
"Fetia, now is no time to rest," my mother snaps. "Sit up like the rest of us."
I quickly do as I am told and face the others. As I glance around at each of them, I think sadly that this will be one of the last times we are all together for a while. My mother's plan is still so fresh in mind that I have not even had time to begin mourning my final moments in Landiani for the foreseeable future.
"I have discussed it with Taika," my mother begins, sharing a quick glance with him beside her. "And though we initially intended to buy a little more time, we are quickly realizing that this plan must begin now, or else it may never succeed, what with the likelihood of Stephan taking a bride in the next year or two and colonization continuing in the north. Taika and I have made the arrangements. You two will leave in a week's time."
My mouth nearly drops to the floor. I had suspected that it would not be long until Kiana and I were sent off to Magnuvia, but I had not expected her to make the decision so hastily. I realize that means I will only have seven days left in my home country; seven more days of ocean sunsets, fresh fruit, and tropical sun. I turn to look at Kiana, expecting the same shock on her face, but she seems unfazed, as if she expected this outcome all along.
"What do we need to do prepare?" Kiana asks.
"Kiana, you will train here each day before your departure," my mother says. Her gaze turns to me. "And Fetia, Taika will give you proper Magnuvian etiquette training."
It's hard to mask my look of displeasure at the different tasks Kiana and I have been given, though when I think of how I won't be beaten into the rocky cave floor for the next week by my younger sister, suddenly etiquette training doesn't seem as disagreeable.
"You two should have a strong grip on the plan as well," Taika adds. "Though you will each have different missions, it would be wise to memorize both."
My mother nods in agreement. "We'll correspond through letters with pseudonyms, of course. Hopefully Taika and myself will be able to occasionally visit as well, although it may be easier with you, Fetia, since you're closer to the border. Of course, you two will also need to take on an alternative identity. Taika and I will help work out the logistics."
"How are we even getting to Magnuvia?" I wonder.
"By train. Arihi and Kiana will meet another ally in Magnuvia who will help transport Kiana to Magewell," Taika explains. "I will be taking you myself, Fetia. I am well-acquainted with the princess's current head maid, Alba Kaur. When I was a servant in Magewell, she worked alongside me. I have been in correspondence with her and have been able to convince her that you'll be a perfect addition to the princess's entourage."
I smile weakly as I realize in only a short amount of time I will become a maid, whereas Kiana will at least have the honor of calling herself a soldier, even if it's for a country we currently oppose. Still, I thank Taika despite my displeasure. I realize how hard he must have worked to ensure me a spot in Esterpool as a maid to the princess of all people. My mother and Kiana's conversation begins to drown out anything else Taika wishes to tell me. I listen briefly; their plans sound much more convoluted than mine. As I sit in silence, not wanting to consider the plan any more for the time being, an urgent thought suddenly passes through my mind.
"What will the others think?" I interrupt.
Mama stares at me. "Pardon?"
"Lagi and Palila. The other villagers. How will you explain our absence?" I wonder.
"Oh. Taika and I have already thought of that," my mother assures me and Kiana. "You may share with the villagers that because of increasing military presence, it is no longer safe for you both in Tetoa, so you'll be relocating. Fetia, you'll be 'moving' to Otakoro in the north, near the Kilneu border. And Kiana, you'll be 'moving' to Satavau, the southernmost region of the country. If the soldiers are curious, you've both taken on new professions."
How cruel it will be for Kiana and I to leave Palila so shortly before Lagi leaves her as well. However, this was always the life Kiana and I were meant to lead. Our heritage would have never allowed us to live in Tetoa forever. We've both lied throughout our lives for our own protection, and this will simply just be another lie we must tell, though more convoluted than all the rest.
"We'll work out more logistics as the date grows closer," Taika promises. "You two will be plenty prepared for the move to Magnuvia."
I sure hope so, though I feel uneasy about how little detail Kiana and I have been given when we're expected to leave in a only a week.
"We'll stay here for the night," my mother decides as she looks out the window at the setting sun. "Fetia, prepare to leave with Taika in the morning. Kiana and I will return tomorrow afternoon."
I nod obediently.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
While Taika and I are normally talkative when alone together, the following morning, I walk quietly beside him through the jungle, already dreading this afternoon, when Taika will most likely be teaching me the correct way to fold a napkin or curtsy in the presence of royalty.
"Are you nervous, Fetia?" he asks.
"Of course, I am." I answer more bitterly than I intend to. "I'm expected to become a maid in only a week's time."
"I understand. Nerves are only natural," Taika responds. "But I want you to know that your mother and I will support you throughout this mission. You won't be as isolated as you think."
"How can you be sure?" I ask. "Esterpool is in the middle of nowhere, near nothing but some farms. The nearest city has to be a few hours away, at least."
Taika sighs. "I know this must be overwhelming for you and Kiana. It's a lot that your mother is asking of you, but I promise that we will work out solid letter correspondence, and with you being closer to the border, your mother or myself will be able to visit you."
"Have you ever been to Esterpool?" I wonder.
Taika shakes his head. "I've only passed through on train. Most of my time was spent in Magewell. But even then, as I said earlier, I'm well-acquainted with Alba. She'll take good care of you."
"But she's not an ally, right? She's not aware of what I'm sent there to do."
"No, and I can't guarantee your safety if you're discovered. That will be your own undertaking. However, Alba will make sure you're well acquainted with the other maids and fitting in," Taika promises me. He glances ahead at the thinning forest. "We should probably keep quiet now. We'll be coming out of the jungle soon."
I nod, falling in silence beside him. When we arrive back to Tetoa a short while later, I am happy to be greeted by salt air and the screeching seabirds. The jungle vanishes slowly in the distance behind me, leaving nothing ahead but Tetoa. I think how good it is to be back, despite only being gone for one evening. Though my heart sinks suddenly when I think of how I'll have to share the news of my departure with Lagi and Palila. I think of asking Taika's permission to see them right away, but he is already turning away from the main street in town, taking us back to our home. Telling my friends will have to wait another day.
When we arrive back home, training begins almost immediately. Taika uses lunch as an opportunity to treat me how to act appropriately during meals in the presence of royalty. I learn how to set a table, fold a tablecloth, and serve food politely. Though Taika has never trained me before, I learn he can be as strict as my mother. Frequently he asks me to repeat the same motions or enunciate my words better. We are still training even when my mother and Kiana arrive home later that afternoon, and slowly I am hit with the reality that this will be my own personal hell for the next week.
For the next few days, my household falls into a familiar routine. My mother and Kiana leave to go to the jungle each morning, while Taika and I stay behind as he teaches me the social expectations in Magnuvia. I am frustrated to learn that I will need to keep my long hair pinned at all times and that my limbs will be restricted by long dresses that cover my arms and fall down to my ankles. However, I have no chance of the plan succeeding without Taika's training, so I persist, hoping that at the very least this is something I can excel at more than combat training.
I finally have some free time to myself a few days later. I awake in the early morning when the sun has only just risen and go down to the shores of Tetoa Bay. There, I take a seat in the sand and listen to the waves curling up along the shore. I think sadly that this will be one of the last ocean sunrises I witness for the foreseeable future. I try to savor the moment, memorizing the feeling of the sand granules underneath my feet and the sound of the moving water. The tranquil moment is interrupted suddenly by the sound of drilling. I realize the Magnuvian soldiers have already entered the sea caves for the day, ready to harvest more magic. The jarring difference in sound between the tranquil ocean and violent crystal mining reminds me that despite my sadness in leaving Landiani behind, it is for a good cause.
I leave the beach, figuring I'll meander the village some until my training with Taika begins for the day. As I start to move toward the market, I quickly recognize my sister in the distance.
"Kiana!" I call.
Her short hair bobs as she spins around. She pauses in her footsteps, allowing me to catch up to her.
"Why are you in town?" I ask, thinking that this is usually the time that she and Mama take off to leave for the jungle.
"I could ask you the same," she replies.
"I woke early to go down to the beach before I train with Taika today," I answer. "And you?"
"Mama wanted me to pick up some goods from the market before we leave," Kiana explains.
"Then I'll join you," I decide, hoping to prolong my training with Taika.
Walking alongside Kiana feels normal, as if we're merely running chores on any other day. However, I know that some of the goods she's collecting must be to prepare us for our journey. As we enter the market, I look around at familiar faces and think sadly how much I will miss the lively ambience of the market when I move to Esterpool. Though I will be in the company of other maids, I doubt that they will be this friendly, smiling at me as I pass by, and I doubt a market such as this will even exist in the small town.
"If you're going to join me, why don't we split the work?" Kiana asks.
"I'm happy to keep you company," I argue.
"Fetia," Kiana says seriously. "You shouldn't be lingering around. If Taika wants you back—"
"Fine. I'll help you grab what you need," I murmur. I reach for the small handwritten note in Kiana's basket to inspect it. I read through the items one-by-one, determining what will take the longest for me to collect. Before I can separate from Kiana, a hand catches my arm.
I stiffen, fearing for a second it is Vasa, but when I spin around, I notice Lagi with Palila by his side.
"Fetia! Kiana! It's been a few days!" Lagi exclaims.
I nod, thinking how differently our life was the last time we ran into both of them.
"Off shopping this morning?" Palila asks.
Kiana nods, too flustered to say anything in Lagi's presence.
"What's on your list? Any clams? We can stop by my parent's booth," Palila suggests.
Kiana starts to open her mouth to protest, but I nod, happy to find any excuse to stay in the market a few minutes longer than necessary. Palila leads us away from the most crowded portion of the market to her family's stall a few blocks down. I can smell the savory aroma of steamed clams, and my mouth waters in hunger. I took off this morning before Taika could fix me breakfast, afraid if I lingered any longer, we'd immediately begin our training.
"I suppose we can get some clams," Kiana murmurs to me. Judging by the way she licks her lips, it's clear she hasn't eaten either. Kiana quickly exchanges some coins for two bowls of warm steamed clams.
"You can't let it get cold. Come inside to eat," Palila offers, opening the front door of her home behind her family's market stall. Though Kiana and I have much more shopping to do, we nod silently at each other and enter. We naturally find our familiar places at Palila's dining room table. Growing up, this was a home we frequently visited. I can recall many times coming after school for an afternoon snack and even the occasional dinner. I do not think we have all gathered around her table like this since our school days. Suddenly, I wish we had spent more time seated around Palila's dining room table, delighting in each other's company. It is yet another experience I'll miss when I leave Landiani.
"Is it good?" Lagi asks as Kiana and I devour our clams.
I nod. Though I try to savor each bite, knowing this is the last time I'll surely consume any seafood for a while, I'm too hungry to eat slowly, and in a matter of minutes, my bowl is completely clean, save for the clam shells that I've left discarded in a separate bowl Palila has set aside. Kiana finishes just as quickly, and we both lean back, happy to have our stomachs filled.
Palila, meanwhile, is still slowly picking at her clams.
"I heard a rumor the other day," Palila says.
"About what?" I ask.
"Is it true you're leaving?" Palila asks. Her gaze turns to me, then Kiana. "To Otakoro? And Satavau?"
"Who did you hear that from?" I wonder. I had always intended to tell Palila and Lagi the next time I ran into them, but I am confused as to how the news reached them before I got the chance. I am only thankful that they heard the carefully crafted story of my mother and not any news about the true nature of Kiana's and my departure.
"I ran into Taika the other day. He looked like he was busily prepping for a trip," Lagi explained. "I assumed he might be taking a journey to Magnuvia to visit old acquaintances since he used to work there, but he told us that you two were leaving Tetoa."
"It's not how we'd like to leave," Kiana says sadly, playing the part well. "It's become too dangerous. We need to lay low for a while."
"I wish you had told me sooner," Palila says, tears filling in her eyes. My heart breaks at her mournful response.
"I had been meaning to, I promise," I say. "I've been so busy these past few days preparing that I haven't had the chance to find either of you."
"Is that what you were fighting about earlier?" Palila asks.
Kiana glances at me in confusion.
"Yes," I say quickly, trying to halt any other further conversation on the topic. "Believe me, I'd love to stay in Tetoa, but our mother thinks this is the best for us right now."
"What will you do while you're there?" Lagi asks. "Do you have someone to stay with?"
"Of course," Kiana and I both say simultaneously.
I clear my throat, carefully rehearsing the answer my mother has prepared for me. "My mother has an old friend from Otakoro. She owns a natural medicine business. I'll be aiding her for the time being."
"And I have a cousin in Satavau," Kiana adds. "He works in the sea caves. I'll probably join him if I can't align my skills anywhere else."
"You have to do what you can to appease the Magnuvians these days," Lagi murmurs.
"When do you leave?" Palila asks quietly.
"In a few days," I answer.
Her facial expression turns sick with grief.
"And I leave at the end of the month," Lagi realizes.
I keep my gaze down, unable to bring myself to meet Palila's eyes. I am sure they are filled with hurt. Soon, she will be all alone. At the very least, her family will still be here, and the clam business will remain strong so long as the Magnuvians do not deplete our resources completely. I will rest well knowing that she will be safe and comfortable in our absence.
"Perhaps we can visit," I say, trying to cheer Palila up, although I am highly aware from my side vision of the death glare that Kiana is shooting me. I know better than anyone that the only way I will return to Landiani is if our plan is successful.
"Fetia, maybe I'll be able to visit you in Otakoro," Lagi says, to my surprise. "It's close to the Kilneu border after all, although I expect I'll spend most of my time in the mountains."
"We'll have to work out logistics later," I tell Lagi, hoping that answer will satisfy him for now.
"Perhaps I can visit, too," Palila says.
Thankfully, Lagi shuts her down. "It's too dangerous," he warns her. "The best thing you can do is stay here with your parents."
Pain shines in Palila's eyes. I would be distraught too if everyone I knew was leaving, but Lagi's words hold truth, and I can't risk Palila discovering Kiana's and my actual whereabouts. If either of them were to learn an inkling of the plan, I'm afraid of the consequences they would possibly face.
"We'll have to hold a farewell party," Palila suggests. "Nothing big, don't worry. But I'd like to be able to see you off."
"Of course," I promise.
We part shortly afterwards. The sun has continued to rise, and Kiana and I both fear Taika and our mother will hunt us down if we don't return soon with the goods we were instructed to purchase. I give Palila and Lagi tight hugs, already mourning our final embrace that will come in the next few days.
Kiana and I return to the market, and this time, I stick true to my word and split up to help Kiana finish her shopping list. I've finished gathering some freshly caught fish and a few leather bags that will help us on our travels when I am stopped by an all-too-familiar individual at the fruit stand again. This time, however, Vasa doesn't beat around the bush.
"Fetia!" he exclaims, nearly as distraught as Palila was earlier in the day. "Is it true you're leaving?" His tear-filled eyes, however, do not pull at my heartstrings like those of my best friend.
I finish my transaction with the shopkeeper before I turn to answer his question.
"Yes, it's true. I'm moving to Otakoro," I state. "And my sister will be moving to Satavau. We leave in a few days' time." I gently place the fruit in my basket and begin walking back toward where I promised to meet Kiana, hoping at the very least she can end my conversation with Vasa if I cannot find a way to end it sooner.
Vasa begins walking alongside me. "You leave so soon?" he asks.
"Yes," I answer.
"I'll visit you," Vasa suggests.
I narrow my eyes in annoyance. "I don't think that would be appropriate," I respond.
"Will you come back and visit?" Vasa asks. "Your mother will still be here."
"Probably not," I respond. I finally turn to face Vasa after avoiding his gaze all this time. I suppose he does have a handsome face the more I look at it, but it's never attracted me.
"I'm flattered that you've taken an interest in me, but there are much more beautiful women in this village who would prefer your attention. It's been a pleasure being one of your neighbors, but that's all I'll ever be. I wish you and your family the best," I state.
"But—" He falters, not being able to find the words. Thankfully, I am able to escape into the crowd before he is able to think of a response. When I find Kiana by the market's edge, I can tell by her annoyed stance that she has been waiting longer than she expected to.
"Sorry. I ran into a pest," I add as an excuse.
"Mama will be upset we've been out so long," Kiana thinks.
"And Taika too. But I think we deserved to have a morning like this. After all, it'll be one of our last," I state as we begin walking home.
"I suppose so," Kiana says. I watch her turn her head as we leave, getting one last glimpse of the market. I'm comforted to know that she will most likely miss Landiani as much as me.