Ad Astra - Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Tears sting the corner of my eyes as I walk with Taika through the jungle. I make no effort to hide my sorrow. My feet drag behind me with each step I take away from the hut. The leather pack of belongings on my back weighs heavily on my shoulders. As much as I wanted to convince myself I was prepared for this mission, I mourn longingly for the country that will soon become foreign to me and the family and friends I may never see again. Taika clearly senses this; he remains quiet while leading me through a part of the jungle I am unfamiliar with.
"We'll hike for about two hours," he says at last.
I wipe tears from my cheeks and make a noise confirming I've heard him. I am too sorrowful to find my own voice.
"Once we cross the border, it will be a short walk to the nearest rest stop and train station," Taika explains. "The train will take us the rest of the way."
"Okay," I say quietly.
During our hike, I glance around at the lush tropical trees and blooming plants of the Landiani Jungle. A few songbirds fly overhead, their sweet melodies bidding me farewell. While the hike into the jungle was oftentimes strenuous and nervewracking, I realize I'll somehow miss this part of my country as well. I take a few deep breaths as the tears dry and try to compose myself enough to be able to take in the last few sights of Landiani for the foreseeable future.
"While we're still out here, we should review your information one last time," Taika suggests. He pauses in his footsteps to reach into his pack and retrieve the forged paperwork that my mother neatly organized in a brown envelope.
"Okay," I agree.
Unlike my mother, Taika doesn't take this opportunity to quiz me. He merely begins flipping through the pages and and begins reading off of them.
"You were born and raised in Otakoro, although your parents both died when you were a toddler," Taika begins. "Your grandmother helped raise you until you were a teenager, which was when you enlisted as a maid in Magewell and served the Holland family, who were comprised of an elderly husband and wife of high ranking within the royal courts."
"But they're deceased now, correct?" I ask.
"Yes. Unlike some of the other names we've thrown in here concerning your past, the Hollands were real, but they had no children and have since passed," Taika confirms. "Since their death two years prior, you briefly returned to Otakoro."
"And then one day when you were traveling through I ran into you," I say, filling in the details for him after hours of memorization. "We chatted about my experience, and you mentioned that you thought I'd be a great fit in Esterpool, where your old friend Alba Kaur works."
"Precisely," Taika says. "You've memorized these details well."
"I think Mama would have my head if I didn't," I reply nervously.
"That just about sums up your past, although be sure to review the paperwork again to remember certain names," Taika says, flipping through the pages once more. "I doubt the maids you encounter there will have much understanding of Landiani, but I wouldn't share any highly personal details that could contradict your backstory."
"Okay," I agree.
Taika lets out a sigh. "Your mother is still concerned with your name choice."
I shrink at his words.
"I wanted to keep some portion of my real identity without endangering myself," I say.
"Yes, but Kiana is going by an entirely new name – Haukea," Taika says.
"Kiana is in a different position than me. She's under much more surveillance. Fe is different enough of a name to assure me anonymity but also remind me of my past life," I say. They were the same words I repeated to my mother when she screamed at me about the choice. When our bickering got us nowhere, it was Taika who somehow managed to convince her into letting the name remain for now.
"What does it matter now though?" I ask. "The documents are forged. I cannot just change my name again last minute."
"I agree. Though you must be extra careful about your false identity in Esterpool as a result. If not for your own sake, then for your mother's," Taika says. "We both do not want to see you get hurt."
"Do you really think going by Fe will draw that much suspicion?" I ask.
Taika studies the paperwork for a moment. "No. I don't think so. Your mother did a good job to separate her identity from you and Kiana. Obviously if anyone asks if it's a nickname, you'll have to disagree, but knowing these maids, they've probably all come from Magnuvia. They most likely won't be interested in your history or culture."
I nod, then turn my gaze to Taika. "Thank you for all you've done, truly," I say. "I'm glad that you're the one taking me to Esterpool, and I'm thankful that you were able to use your connection with Alba to your advantage."
"Of course. I truly wish for you to succeed, Fetia. And Kiana as well," Taika says. "I know your mother and I have put a fair amount of pressure on you both, but I have no doubt you'll be able to succeed at your mission."
I smile warmly at him in response. It is moments like these that do not make me miss my deceased father, not when someone like Taika has already done more for me than any other parent would. I sadly wish my mother had shared similar sentiments with me earlier when we departed, but I imagine she is too stressed on launching the mission successfully to shower Kiana and myself in overflowing affection.
Taika packages the paperwork away, and we continue on our hike.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
"Do you know anything about the princess?" I curiously ask Taika a while later. The jungle is beginning to thin, signaling our approach into the country of Magnuvia.
"Nothing beyond anything you've been told, I'm sure," Taika states. "While I served in the castle in Magewell, I didn't have very close contact with the royal family. I'd see them on occasion passing through the halls, but I never directly served them."
"But you must have seen her when you served there, didn't you?"
Taika glances at the sky, recounting his thoughts. "Yes. She was a shy and timid child, always hiding behind her father's legs when I managed to catch glimpses of her. Queen Adriana's death must have taken quite the toll on her. Prince Stephan, on the other hand, walked confidently alongside his father, mimicking his every move. I worry for Kiana. Stephan has no doubt grown into a man as powerful and manipulative as his father," Taika explains.
I once again begin to feel like my role is serving no purpose. If Princess Asteria is as timid and weak as she's been described, what purpose is there in gaining her trust?
"You have no knowledge of what compelled King Ruben to move Asteria to Esterpool?" I ask.
"No. That occurred after I left," Taika says.
More sunlight is peeking through the remaining trees and bushes of the jungle. Though it felt endless at times, I realize we are about to finally leave the Landiani Jungle behind.
"Quiet now," Taika says. "We'll be at the Magnuvia border soon. Once that happens, you will be Fe, and I will be nothing more than a professional advisor, helping you begin your new role in Esterpool."
"Understood. Thank you, Taika," I say once more.
"You're welcome."
The dense foliage of the jungle gives way to rolling grassland. I glance around in confusion, having never seen such terrain. Landiani was only ever comprised of beaches, sea caves, and tropical forests. The land out here is vast and empty, allowing me to see miles ahead of me. In fact, I can already clearly make out a clump of buildings in the distance.
"Is that the train station ahead?" I ask.
"Yes. We are steps away from the Magnuvian border," Taika announces.
I turn my head, capturing one last glimpse at the jungle fading behind me. When I am satisfied in my last sight of it, I turn my gaze forward. There is no official landmark or sign to mark the border between Landiani and Magnuvia, but I feel the energy inside me shift as I take a step forward.
My mission begins now.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Taika and I arrive to the rest stop and train station a short half hour later. A dirt path leads us to our destination, which is not much of a sight to be hold. There are only a few square buildings that offer the essentials – food, a place to rest, and, of course, the long deck of the station. I am nervous by how many Magnuvian soldiers dominate the area, but Taika has assured me already that this station is used regularly by travelers from all over the Magnuvian Empire who are passing through. His comforting words are not enough for me to ignore the stares from the soldiers as we walk by. I would have thought they'd be used to seeing travelers from my country, though I realize not many from Landiani probably travel here unless forced.
Taika leads me to the ticket booth of the train station. It is now that I get a better view of the rail that runs through the rest stop and into the distance. I look anticipatingly in the distance. I have only ever seen pictures of trains as the treacherous terrain of Landiani does not make it ideal for rail travel. I wonder what it will be like to ride one.
"Some Landiani travelers, huh?" the man at the booth asks Taika and I as we approach. He is short and elderly in stature, wearing long fitted pants and a brown button down shirt. He does not try to hide his suspicious gaze. "What business brings you here?"
"I'm transferring this young woman, Fe, to Esterpool to serve as a maid under Alba Kaur," Taika explains. He reaches into his pack to pull out the appropriate paperwork. Slowly, he shoves a few pieces of paper toward the man. "In that note you'll see Ms. Kaur has signed off on Fe's transfer and has accepted her to serve as a royal maid in Esterpool. She also provided the necessary train fare too," Taika says, handing over some coins to the man.
The man squints and eyes the piece of paper up and down. I keep quiet, trying to calm my breathing. If we are already being suspected this early on into the mission, I worry what the next few months will have in store for me. He counts the coins slowly, then returns the paperwork to Taika, as well as two train tickets.
"The next train arrives in ten minutes," the man says.
I exhale in relief and step away with Taika to sit down at a nearby bench. We say nothing; rather, I sit with my hands clasped, feeling my heart rate accelerating. The sun hangs brightly in the sky over us, but even I can see it beginning its slow descent in the horizon. By sunset, I'll be in Esterpool.
My thoughts are interrupted by a loud whistle that makes me jump in my seat. Taika laughs beside me. I glare at his mockery, but he only smiles.
"Relax, Fe. It's just the train," he says.
I watch in awe as a large metal machine makes it way down the rail, eventually halting near where we sit. My hands go to cover my ears as the whistle blows loudly once more. I glance at the train in curiosity, wondering how fast it moves. If it can take us to Esterpool in a matter of a few hours, it must move rather quickly.
"Come along," Taika says, motioning me toward the front of the train. He hands the conductor our tickets, and we step inside, finding a comfortable seat near the back. Taika and I shove our belongings under our seat, and I glance out the window, watching additional passengers enter. My hand is gripped tightly onto the windowsill, suddenly nervous about how fast the train will go.
"Sit up straight," Taika whispers. "You've ridden a train before, Fe."
He's right. I sit up straight. Though I feel uneasy and my stomach churns as we begin our journey down the track, I do my best to maintain composure. Thankfully, the train chugs along quite slowly, allowing me to feel more at ease. My gaze turns toward outside the window, where I see rolling hills for miles and a few homes in the distance. I am reminded of my old school textbooks, which taught us that Magnuvia used to be a country full of dense woodland forest. Looking out the window now, I see barely any trees in sight, besides an occasional sapling or some stumps. I am suddenly grateful for the dense Landiani Jungle. It is much more of a natural beauty than the empty and barren land I've witnessed in Magnuvia so far. I do my best to keep my breathing slow and steady as we continue on our journey. Taika reassures me by giving me the slightest shoulder rub every so often. I am thankful that he is following me all of the way to Esterpool, whereas my mother was only accompanying Kiana to the city of Okchester before departing.
As the sky begins to turn a shade of orange, Taika taps my shoulder.
"We're coming up on Esterpool," he says, pointing out the window.
I look out once more. The hills have grown more green and luscious since the last time I gazed upon them. There are more trees than before, and tall green grass is visible on either side of the tracks. Small townhouses pop up in the distance, and as we travel up a hill, I finally gaze at what will be my home for the next few months; a series of pale brick buildings all clumped together. They are not as ornate or tall as I was expecting, but I suppose this is Esterpool, not Magewell Castle. An iron fence surrounds the entirety of the buildings, most likely a defense to keep out any unwelcome visitors.
The train slowly pulls into the station, and my stomach twists into a knot of nerves. I retrieve my belongings and walk with Taika out onto the station platform. I get a glimpse again of the estate in the distance, wondering what my life will look like while I reside there for the next several months. Distracted, I barely notice Taika having a conversation with two Magnuvian soldiers nearby.
"Fe, come here," Taika says.
I walk closer, realizing these are not, in fact, soldiers he is talking to, but members of the royal guard. They stand tall and large. One has dark hair and a bushy mustache that covers his upper lip. The other is thinner and younger, with blond hair that curls at the tip. Their uniforms are black, embroidered with red thread that cannot symbolize anything else but royalty. I immediately curtsy towards them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," I say to the two men.
"These guards will be accompanying us the rest of the way," Taika explains.
"We have a motorcar parked nearby," the dark-haired one explains. "It will be a short drive."
I gulp as I accompany them. Today was my first day riding a train, and now I will be riding in a motorcar for the first time as well? I remember what Taika told me before, that the Fe on my papers would be used to this type of travel, so I maintain my composure as we exit the station. The blond guard points toward a shiny, black motorcar and gestures for us to get in.
I crawl in slowly and sit beside Taika. The engine roars with life, and I sit still as the tires begin to roll forward. I like this travel less than the train. It is much more bumpy, and if I do not keep still, my body threatens to fly all over the place. Thankfully though, the drive is short, and in a matter of minutes, we reach the estate on the hilltop. I have finally arrived to the princess's special dwelling in Esterpool.
The iron gates open upon our arrival, and the motorcar stops in what appears to be the main square of the residence. Taika steps out first and offers his arm to me. I grab onto it firmly and slowly descend from the car. My eyes wander, taking in the sights of the brick buildings that surround me and the spewing water fountain directly behind me. While this may not be Magewell Castle, it is certainly the property of a royal.
I look ahead, noticing a woman walking toward us. She is older than my mother and Taika by about a decade, judging by her graying brown hair that is pinned tightly into a bun. She walks straight with her arms behind her back. Her long, dark dress trails down by her ankles, and her heels clack loudly against the cobblestone of the square. I am immediately frightened by her intimidating persona, but then her lips curl into a smile as she sees me and Taika.
"Taika! Good to see you," she exclaims.
This is Alba Kaur, I realize, the woman who will have full authority over me while I reside here. While her facial features soften as she and Taika embrace, I can already tell from her perfect posture and clean-cut uniform that she is going to be strict. I gulp, hoping the etiquette lessons Taika drilled into my head over the past week will come in handy.
"Alba. It's so good to see you," Taika says. "This is Fe, the young woman I have been telling you about."
Alba's gaze suddenly falls to me. She says nothing, only purses her lips and eyes me up and down. I curtsy towards her, suddenly feeling underdressed as I am still in the long pants I wore when traveling through the jungle this morning. I hope my manners make up for it.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," I say.
Alba dips her head toward me. "Likewise. Taika has told me much about you, Miss Fe. I hope you will find it comfortable here in Esterpool and serve the princess dutifully."
"Of course. It is an honor to serve here," I respond.
"Fe," Taika says, his face dropping into a frown, "I'm afraid this is where we part."
My limbs begin to shake, and I desperately try to hide the fear reflecting in my eyes. I have only been able to come so far today because he has been beside me, but I must realize that there will be many days in the future where I will be alone. I remain composed and hold my hand out to him, even if I would much rather embrace him.
"Thank you for your accompaniment on the journey," I say.
Taika takes my hand in his and shakes it firmly. "I have no doubt you will serve well here. See you later."
I nod and watch as he begins to climb back into the motorcar. I stand, frozen in place, as one of the guards drives the carriage around, back out the gates that we entered what felt like just moments before. I sadly watch the car disappear into the distance, trying to hold back tears arising in my throat as best as I can.
Behind me, Alba clears her throat.
"Miss Fe?"
I spin around quickly. "Yes!"
"Are you ready to follow me?" she asks. I nod, keeping a short distance behind her as we leave the courtyard and head into the larger, main building of the estate. "I imagine you must be tired from a long day's travel," Alba says.
"Very," I agree. While I have not yet had dinner, I would be content climbing into bed and falling asleep at this very moment.
"I will introduce you to the other maids tomorrow, then," Alba states. "Their quarters are on the other side of this building, in a smaller dwelling. For tonight, I'll have you sleep in one of the guest rooms."
"Oh, that is quite kind. Thank you," I say.
I walk quietly behind Alba through the halls of the estate. Already, it is more ornate than anything else I have ever seen. Maroon carpets line the halls, complemented by finely decorated wallpaper and exquisite paintings. The paintings are mainly of blooming flowers and other natural beauties that must be native to this area. The green hills of Esterpool depicted already so strongly match the sight I have witnessed today. As I continue walking, my eyes fall onto a portrait of Princess Asteria. I have seen it before from a textbook in my school days, but seeing the actual image in the flesh is quite different. If the portrait is truly akin to the princess, I realize her hair must actually be as light as starlight, as it has often been described.
"No time to linger, Fe," Alba says, noticing my hesitation.
"My apologies," I say, quickly catching up to her.
"I'll give you a full tour tomorrow," Alba explains, noticing my curiosity. "This is the main building of the estate. The princess's quarters are upstairs, to the west of us. I'll be placing you in the guest room on the first floor, near where the cooks sleep. Have you had anything to eat?"
"Not since this morning, no," I answer.
"I'll have one of them deliver a meal to you, then," Alba decides.
"Only if it's not an inconvenience," I state.
"Don't be silly. The maids are just as entitled to a fresh meal here as the princess. Of course, the menu options are more limited," Alba explains. She turns the corner, coming to a door closed shut. I watch her turn the golden doorknob to reveal a comfortable-looking guest bedroom. A full size bed with clean-looking white sheets sits in the center of the room. Red velvet curtains cover the windows, and a wooden dresser with a square mirror hanging over it sits to the right. The room is cast in an orange glow by the lamp on the nightstand.
"These will be your quarters for the night," Alba explains. "Don't get too comfortable in here. The maid chambers are not quite as luxurious."
"Thank you very much," I say.
"I've left your uniform on the dresser," Alba says, pointing to a stack of neatly-folded clothes. "In the room to your right, you'll find a bathtub to bathe tomorrow morning. Afterwards, we'll begin our tour."
"Thank you," I say again. Suddenly, I am not as envious of Kiana serving as a soldier in Magewell. Her conditions must be far less luxurious compared to being a member of the princess's personal entourage of maids.
"I'll alert one of the chefs to prepare you a dinner plate. Get settled and comfortable for the evening. I'll chat with you tomorrow," Alba says.
When the door shuts to my bedroom, I finally feel the weight of the solitude. It lingers in every corner of my body as the voice pounds in my head that I am now alone. To distract my thoughts, I decide to be proactive and ready myself for bed. I fish into my pack of belongings to retrieve the simple blue nightgown I brought with me from Landiani. I am relieved to leave behind my outfit from the day and admire the gown's softness.
I wait impatiently on my bed until a plate of food arrives, hand-delivered by one of the chefs. I thank him kindly and wolf down my meal, my appetite suddenly returning in full-force compared to earlier this morning. With a stomach full of food, my eyes grow droopy from tiredness, even if it cannot be very late. I climb into bed and lie on my back, letting out a sigh of content. My thoughts suddenly scold me for it; Alba told me not to get too comfortable, and how can I relax in Magnuvia of all places?
My body has a mind of its own though. I turn off the lamp beside my bed and sink into the mattress deeply, feeling more comfortable than I would like to admit. Slowly, I fall into a dreamless slumber.