As expected, Théadan took the offered hand, but he paired it with sweet words and Navia beamed at him. She turned back to make her way down the plank, eyes briefly studying the pretty blue waters below. There the ocean seemed so calm, so innocent, yet they had learned on their trip how incredibly volatile the sea could be. Now that they had returned to Khlurios, Navia looked forward to the day she swam in it again and taught Théadan to do the same. They would do it together, just as he had said to her only moments earlier. Arriving in Khlurios not only meant she was back on her home soil, but they were in a land where they could be together as they wished. They had much to do, much to see, and Navia knew the first step was to gather what supplies they needed to begin the next—<br/><br/>Navia came to a stop where the plank ended and stared. She had reached a point that for a long time, she had thought would never happen. There was much to consider, to reflect on, before taking that last step, but a shrill whinny from behind her followed by Wyndagar urging them forward so he could leap from the plank kept Navia from further consideration of the magnitude of the moment. Instead of pondering, she was laughing, loving how pleased Wyndagar was to finally be off the ship. With it came a small pang of guilt however; they had clearly asked much of the horse in the past couple months but at least his burdens were now to be considerably less. While Théadan went to try to calm Wyndagar, Navia stood by and looked on with a smirk, watching the bags tied to Wyn’s saddle bounce about and the two swords attached glinting in the bright Khluri sun. He was always so good with Wyn though, and Théadan was soon regaining control of the exuberant horse to lead the way back to her.<br/><br/>Hands finding each other as they had learned to do after a testing night in a Mes’Mo’Tanian, Navia followed Théadan into facing Risho. He had nothing but gratitude for their captain, sentiments Navia fully agreed with. Risho had been the perfect host to them and had become a friend. While she could tell Risho had trouble understanding with ‘hospitality’ meant, she did not doubt he understood the tone of Théadan’s words. In fact, he grinned widely at Théadan and reached out to shake his hand before the grin was offered to Navia as well.<br/><br/>“You are very welcome, Théadan,” Risho said to them before he met Navia’s gaze, voice lowering, “<i>Aham patram alikham, Sitvati.</i>”<br/><br/>Nodding, Navia reached out and gave the captain’s arm a companionable squeeze in gratitude for his admission. A little plan she had thought of while on the ship would be put in motion, “<i>Dhanyu, </i>Risho.”<br/><br/>“<i>Akha yatra Mandira!</i>” Risho finished before sweeping his arm out toward the mouth of the city, where Balaja waited to be explored, and translating for Théadan, “Safe travels to Mandira!’<br/><br/>Knowing Risho would need to return to his men who were likely waiting for them to leave as patiently as possible, Navia gave Théadan’s hand a small squeeze to lead him toward the road that would take them into the city. The market would be easy enough to find. As they headed out, sailors from the<i>Uttarana</i>called out their goodbyes to them, all in Khluri but simple calls for well wishes to Théadan and their Duchess. Navia paused to wave back at the men before she grinned up at Théadan, “This is surreal. I can’t believe we’re actually here.” She could kiss him, she was so thrilled, but the port city was busy with life. People were going to and from the docks, many with good in tow. All walks of life were apparent, reminding Navia of Terlingua and how no one had paid them any mind. She hoped that would be the case.<br/><br/>Sand and dirt mixed as they walked into Balaja, the road wide and hosting many shops and inns for people fresh off boats. The buildings were white with curved roofs, but due to their proximity to the ocean did not have open windows like many Khlurios buildings. They were sturdier, better to weather the angry seas, and also lined with balconies to view the ocean nearby. Many had colorful flags to catch the eye of travelers, as well as people standing in doorways calling out what goods they had in both Khluri and the native tongue. It was not far into the city that the road opened up to a central square, where dozens of carts and booths were set up in the distance. Navia could hear music, could see more flags and banners above booths, reminding her of the festivity Khluri markets possessed. “What should we look for first?” She asked, giving their hands a swing between them while they walked, unable to contain her excitement that she was going to get to go shopping in a Khluri market once more, "We should probably buy some food to take with us too."