Chapter 1
The sun rise decorated the small beach with the weak sea breeze, but strong enough to shake the leaves of the coconut trees by the beach shore. The ocean waves where calm, being possible to see the fisherman’s boats filling the horizon, their work starting at dawn when the city still sleeps.
A lonely figure was present on the small beach by the sun rise, the lady belongings were scattered in the fluffy sand close by the stairs that connected the beach and the shore in the harbor city. Even though the city was big and known for the highest point for commerce in the world, the beach was still untouched because of her distance to the city.
The lady’s long black curls waved because of the weak sea breeze, her fair skin being a contrast against her hair and she didn’t care about her curls being messier because of the winds. She walked in the beach with soft steps liking the feeling of the sand in her bare foot, she moved herself like she was in a lonely and lovely dance, and if someone was close by it would be noticeable her weak humming in the rhythm of festive songs know to her city.
Her eyes were green just like emeralds and the shone seen the sun being more present by the time, smiling softly seeing the sunlight being reflected in the ocean.
- It’s time to go – She mumbled with a sweet voice, walking calmly to her belongings and swiftly putting her high heels, her cloth bag secured in her shoulders.
She walked calmly in the stoned sidewalks being able to see her city by the distance, but the vegetation scenery with big palm trees and flowers with the weak squeak of the seagulls by the distance made the walk worth it. Taking the opportunity to braid her hair in a ungainly way, the wind definitely didn’t help to make her hair messier than normal.
Turning around to be able to see the sun while still waking, she placed her hand in front of her eyes, protecting it from the luminosity of the morning sun.
- I have to hurry… Don’t want to be late again – She grumbled while pouting, starting to walk faster.
The city could be quiet since it was in the beginning of the morning, but the commercial area was huge in the harbor and the movement is always present. The harbor doesn’t have time to begin or end its work hours, but it was expected considering the huge boats from afar that anchored in the city, bringing sailors, explores, adventurers or in some cases pirates, and for that reason the harbor didn’t stop.
The lady walked in the busy streets while dodging people who run to make their amends and the people who worked on the harbor that unloaded the ships. Even though her expression has calm and serene, her quick steps showed that she was in a hurry.
- Good morning Ágatha, I was already starting to guess if you would come – The owner of the shop said, an old lady with a sweet smile looked to the young lady with happiness. The shop of the old lady is a trustworthy place if you wanted to buy the freshest fish you can find, and everyday Ágatha would come by to grab a huge box with fish in it.
- Good morning to you too Alva! – Ágatha responded with a shy smile, quickly checking her cloth bag to grab a bunch of coins.
- I imagine you were in the beach again young lady, you have to take care of yourself or one of these days your brothers will not stop talkingabout it – The old lady spoke with a soft and hoarse voice while trying to bent down to pick up the box full of fish.
Ágatha realizing the intensions of the old lady quickly stepped in to grab the box.
- I already told ya to be careful Alva, you can get hurt if you carry heavy things – She mumbled with a grouchy and worried voice. – And I will not disturb my brothers, they already know about my adventures.
The old lady with white hair looked to the young one with suspicion in her eyes, crossing her arms while signaling to the dark haired woman to approach.
- So they should be more attentive with your health, have you looked these dark circles under your eyes? You need to rest more! – Alva talked while pinching the young lady cheeks.
The dark haired lady grimaced because of the pain.
- Oh please Alva, it’s nothing – She groaned with a tearful expression in an attempt to make the old lady release her cheeks. But in vain since the old lady still watched her with suspicion.
- It’s nothing? If you really rest then maybe I can think about it!
- Alright alright… But please, I really need to go, I don’t want to be late again – Ágatha was biting her lips, looking to the white haired woman with tearful eyes.
Alva rolled her eyes to the sight, she just can’t believe in the scene in front of her. Letting go of Ágatha cheeks, Alva just turned around to seat in her little stool.
- Thank you Alva! I will see you tomorrow again – The dark haired lady smiled brightly, her mood taking a complete turn comparing to seconds ago.
And just like that, the young lady started to run in the busy streets again while carrying the huge box, and even though sometimes it seemed difficult to her, that didn’t stop her running.
Alva looked to Ágatha trough the distance and clicked her tongue – This girl… She never really learns.
Ágatha ran in the streets with dexterity to avoid bumping into people, already used to the path she took every day, she knew the way by heart and the shortcuts that needed to make if she ended being late.
But she swore with certainty that it would never happen.
She smiled relaxed on finally seeing the huge establishment, the main entrance to the building took way to a big tavern with several lights that highlighted a sign written “ Children of the Ocean : Tavern and Inn”. The building stretched out to make space to the inn, of course it wasn’t the biggest inn in town, but Ágatha took proud of fifty rooms.
- I’m here my guys! The streets were really busy today – The green eyes lady announced when she opened the doors of the establishment with her leg since she was holding the box.
She had a huge smile in her face seeing the typical movement of the tavern that was preparing to receive the people.
- I here I was thinking I was going to be able to see the kitchen staff freaking out because of you – A familiar voice spoke, Ágatha looking in the direction of the voice with a knowing smile on her face.
- What would be of me without you, Dylan – She responded quickly rolling her eyes and putting the huge box in the counter she used to work making drinks, putting her hand in her head dramatically.
- Your life would be boring that’s for sure, you love me – Dylan teased with a proud smile in his face while trying to tune his lute.
Ágatha just shook her head in denial with a weak laugh, but at the same time couldn’t deny her brother’s words.
Even though they were brother, twins above it all, they always proved that they didn’t need to be identical in every aspect of their lives. Dylan looked the complete opposite of Ágatha, having a shiny blond hair that looked like gold in the sunlight and his amber eyes always shone with mischief, being different from the warm, sweet and slanted green eyes of the young lady.
The only thing they had in common is their height, they weren’t lucky in this aspect of their life. Dylan would make sure that Ágatha never forgets that he is the taller sibling with his 5’3 tall, just a shame Ágatha was 4’11, but still reason enough for the blond to celebrate.
- I think my life would be more peaceful without a pain in the ass like you by my side, you know? – Ágatha remarked while walking behind the counter to start cleaning the cup of glasses.
Dylan shrugged while clicking his tongue.
- I disagree with you sis’ – He said with certainty with a proud expression in his face, but then started to laugh because of the absurdity of the situation with Ágatha laughing together.
In the middle of the conversation an employee appeared to grab the box full of fish, looking at Ágatha with a scolding look since, again, she delayed the kitchen work.
- If you continue to be late with the delivery, one day they’re going to quit – Dylan said watching the employee expression, laughing in a relaxed way at his sister’s expression while he went back to playing his lute.
-I don’t even get late… It’s just five minutes – She mumbled while looking at the pile of cups to clean that she left to clean at the last minute.
And the last minutes were now.
- Well, to be fair, five minutes are essential to them, airhead – Dylan remarked trough laugh, and Ágatha rolled her eyes because of the nickname. – By the way, Chris wanted to talk to us when you arrived.
Ágatha looked to Dylan, seeing his relaxed expression like nothing mattered.
- And why didn’t you warn me sooner before I started to clean my station? And how can you be careless sitting in there? – Ágatha had a blank expression, her eyebrows twitching with anger when he shrugged.
A lot of people who worked on the establishment thought that just because they were twins, they could understand and see behind the others actions, or that they have a big connection or something like that. Ágatha and Dylan were really close, but they always would sometimes be surprised by the actions the other took. And because of that, they would always bring their differences to those who said that they looked slightly similar to each other.
Ágatha forgot her work and pinched the bridge of her nose, taking a big breath. How Dylan being so sloppy always could got on her nerves.
- Let’s see what he wants – She spoke with a firm voice, grabbing Dylan by the collar of his shirt.
Dylan flinched in his seat when she grabbed him, almost dropping his lute.
- Wait a second! I still didn’t finish this! Let go of me – Dylan complained while struggling in Ágatha grip, making her letting go of his collar.
He clicked his tongue again seeing his shirt being wrinkled because of it.
- It’s going to take some time to open the tavern, you can see your lute later – She grumbled with an exasperated look, grabbing him by his arms to go with her again.
The way to Chris office wasn’t hard; one thing they took proud in their establishment was the simplicity on the building, being difficult to get lost inside of it. The inn was divided in two segments, the biggest area was for the fifty rooms to the guests, and the other segment was for the employees that counted with an office, kitchen and rooms for those who had nowhere to go after the end of the shift.
In opening the office door, they saw the typical am simplistic vision that they were used to. The office had big windows for the natural sunlight be able to illuminate the room, having a cozy and charming felling to the room, next to the windows it had a big desk centered in the middle with a lot of details carved in its wood.
Two green armchairs were rested in the front of the desk that complemented in the charming scene together with the large carpet and the shelves full of books.
Chris was sitting in a big leather chair with a lot of paperwork scattered around the desk, it seemed messy but to the man, it has logic behind the mess. The man with long blond hair smiled warmly in seen Ágatha and Dylan in his office, his intense green eyes looked fondly at his younger brothers.
Christoffer enjoyed the seclusion that the office could provide, and for that reason he ended up managing the huge establishment that they had, letting his younger brothers be free to do what they wanted and the spotlight, mostly Dylan with his big shows at the tavern. But even being secluded, Chris didn’t take measure to show his affection to his only family, a family he considered especial.
- What did you wanted to talk to us, brother? – Dylan asked relaxed, sitting in one of the chairs in a sloppy manner.
Ágatha in other way seated carefully in the other chair next to Dylan.
- Do I need a reason to be able to talk to you guys? – Chris asked with surprise in his face.
- Brother, it pains me to have to agree with the bore right next to me, but if you wanted to just talk you always find an excuse to see us in the tavern – Ágatha spoke gently.
Ágatha laughed softly hearing the small ‘hey!’ that Dylan spoke in indignation for the nickname he received.
Chris scratched his head slightly embarrassed and sighed – You guys are right… I wanted to share a good news with you – He had a lopsided smile with embarrassment and happiness.
His brothers always read him so easily.
Ágatha and Dylan looked to their older brother with expectations, but still letting him recompose in his embarrassment.
- I did it! I registered the “Children of the Ocean” for the festival of the northern winds – Chris said with a big and excited smiles, because this was the biggest festival that this harbor city had.
