It had been a long trip. In reality, it only lasted only two weeks, but two weeks in a vessel this crowded, was a long trip. Delia stood in the crowd, waiting to disembark, and looked for Elizabeth. There she was! Over on the edge of the crowd where she could, hopefully, keep track of her two children. Delia waved and worked her way over to them.
“Hey,” Delia waved.
Elizabeth looked up briefly and waved back before finishing a response to her daughter, Tiga, and grabbing her son, Bemen, before he could run off.
“Very exciting,” she grinned as she finally turned to her friend. “I’m ready to explore. How about you?”
“I want to see all the stores, and mountains, and trees, and what is walking on the ground like? I want to see everything! There are so many things …”
“And we can climb up the mountains, and eat all the good food, and see all the people.”
“Yes, we’re going to have so much fun aren’t we,” Delia interjected as the kids talked over each other. “I’m ready to go exploring too!”
“Are you going to come with us?” Bemen asked.
“Of course she is. She and Momma are friends!”
“Tiga!”
“Yes, I am. We are all going to have fun together,” Delia replied. Then she gave a, “I think you’re going to need my help,” look at Elizabeth’s excited and slightly harried face.
Since they were at the back of the crowd, they had a long wait until it was their turn to go ashore. They passed the time by excitedly talking about what they wanted to do and see. When it was their turn, the children excitedly pulled them along as fast as the crowd would allow. Upon reaching the end of the gangplank, Tiga stumbled, and Bemen actually fell over. Delia had to turn away to hide her laugh while Elizabeth ran down to comfort them.
“Are you ok?” She asked upon reaching them.
“I’m fine!” Bemen said petulantly. He had gotten back up and was taking cautious steps forward.
Tiga’s eyes were wide. “This is so weird. How do people walk on this all the time?”
Delia chuckled, “most people live like this. Only a few of us live in floating cities.”
Tiga doubled down in childish fashion. “It’s so weird!”
The local people greeted them warmly. Some spoke the standard trade language used on The City, but others did not. However, smiles and kindness are universal and transcend above linguistic differences.
Several of those who could speak the trade language offered to be guides, but Delia and Elizabeth politely refused. They wanted to explore this new land on their own first.
Eventually, they were able to get out of the docking area and emerged into an exotic new world. The scents of strange spices and herbs hung in the air and the local styles of dress and architecture caught the eye. The little group took all this in as they eagerly moved forward.
The first place they passed by was a pavilion full of tables surrounded by booths selling food and drinks. Charcoal wood smoke filled the air mixed with a dizzying array of spices, meats, fruits, and vegetables. Anyone who passed by would have their mouths water and feel a strong urge to stop.
Some of their fellow passengers had not made it past the wonderful aromas. The children begged to stop, but Elizabeth explained that it was not lunchtime yet and made them continue on with only a small amount of complaining.
They were rewarded with the site of a great marketplace. Open columns supported a roof under which sheltered merchants and craftsmen of all kinds. This was the principal trade city of Shema, and the main market, located just outside the docks, reflected its important status. Trade had given it a wealth and grandeur unmatched by any other city Delia had visited.
At first, they were overwhelmed at the size, noise, and splendor of the market, but people from The City were raised with a practicality which is equal to any difficult situation. Practically speaking, you start with the first thing and then move on to the second. Beyond that, what is the point of worrying?
The first booth they looked at held a number of exotic spices. Some, they had on The City, but others were foreign to them. Next to it were small carved figures which the vendor claimed were good luck charms. Then, sellers of clothing, food, tools, utensils, jewelry, etc. The kids felt shy and hung onto their mother’s hands, but Delia and Elizabeth quickly found their stride. They moved through the market making notes on what was offered, prices, and other information necessary for trading.
After some time the kids warmed up a little and began asking to look at things they were interested in. They watched various craftsmen work, stared at shiny things, asked for toys, and begged for sweets. Elizabeth eventually gave in to this last demand and sold a patterned piece of cloth, so she would have some money to buy a couple of small cakes.
However, the main attraction for the children was at the back of the market. There were pens of large furry animals with soft eyes. The kids were enamored, and one of the workers even let them pet the animals. Elizabeth then distracted them with a leatherworker before they realized these were livestock used for food.
Eventually, everyone was tired, and it was time to return to the ship. It had been a full day, and Delia and Elizabeth had plenty of notes to sort through before tomorrow.
Once back on board, they ate supper and put the “definitely not tired” kids to bed. Then Delia and Elizabeth sat down to begin the evening’s work. Tomorrow would be the beginning of trading, and they needed a plan. Despite their tiredness, the two women spoke of the upcoming week with excitement.