The Land In Between

C H A P T E R 2 0

Once everyone had dried off, courtesy of both Amihan and Hiwaga's wind sigils, they began to settle themselves for the night. From what Amihan could guess, they were probably nearing Kumintang.

Everyone was on a boat driven by a ferryman, traveling down one of the night markets. After Amihan had traded off some of his weapons, he finally bought enough food that could last everyone a few days before he needed to go out and buy some more. He also purchased some extra clothes for Ligid and Likha, seeing as they both seem to wear the same dirty robes everyday. They were dropped off by a dock as Hiwaga paid the ferryman.

This time, it was Amihan in charge of Likha. "Hold on tight, okay? We don't want you getting lost." Nevermind the fact that Likha was being carried everywhere as her tiny hands held on Amihan's clothes. She nods, "I won't! I'm good! I'm staying here." Amihan pats her head kindly before the stroll through the night market.

It's honestly quite like the lodge in Ma-i but outdoors. There are torches by the side as every seller tries out-yell competitors for their surplus of goods. Every street corner seemed abuzz with movement and the lights from distants fires made it feel more alive. Amihan sees Likha's eyes sparkle at a particular toy stand. Amihan immediately walks over and shakes their little star, "Likha", he asks gently, "Do you want anything?" Likha hums and points at a particular set of toys that Amihan laughs at. Likha puffs her cheeks in defiance as Amihan immediately waves his hands to calm her down. "No, no, it's alright, really!" He apologizes sincerely, "I'm sorry for laughing. If you want, I can get it for you."

The old lady selling the toys sees what Likha was looking at, "Ahh, the archery set! Just 10 coins." Amihan immediately buys it and gifts it to Likha, "Here you go. I'm sorry again." Likha nods, "It's okay! Thank you!" Amihan softens at her visible excitement. He lifts her up once more, "Come on, let's look for everyone else."

He eyes the toy archery set before saying "You know, I've had a friend who was interested in learning archery." Likha looks up in surprise, "Really?" Amihan continues the story for a bit, "Yes, but she was often sickly and couldn't leave her home. So during her birthday, me and my friend Banawag came over to celebrate. I brought an archery set for her to use for the day." The girl's mouth form an impressed "Oohhhh." She then asked, "Was she good?" Amihan tries to hide his wince, "Uh, well... She definitely tried her best!" Which meant that Adhika was definitely really bad at it. Due to her slowly losing her sight, her aim was not the best. Amihan does not dissuade Likha however, "If you want to learn, I can teach you." Likha nods and tries to move down from Amihan's grip, "Yay! Let's learn now!" Amihan readjusts his grip, "Okay, okay! Later, I'll teach you later!"

A memory plays in his head, of an older Likha but a younger Adhika. She hugs the bow and the quiver of arrows, "Are you really going to teach me?" A smaller Amihan nods, "Definitely! We can use Banawag as a target." The then First Prince hears this and rejects loudly, "Why me?! I've done nothing wrong!" Those days were far behind them but at the same time, they never felt so near. Amihan hopes this is enough.

Meanwhile, Ligid stood by Banawag as the older man was pointing to random supplies and telling them of their uses. Ligid spots some pretty women by the side, trying to catch the attention of his quite-frankly, handsome elder. Ligid, feeling shy, tugs at Banawag's arm. Banawag looks down and asks, "What's wrong?" Ligid feels oddly embarrassed, "I, uh...well, I've... I've seen those women over there trying to get your attention." Banawag leans over to look at where Ligid was pointing, and sure enough, good-looking maidens all titter along and give small, flirty waves at him. He gives a charming smile back as well as a little wink and Ligid hears one of the maidens swoon.

Banawag claps his shoulder, "Why, do you wish to court one of them?" Ligid feels the blush cover his entire body, "I- what!? NO!" Banawag chuckles heartily, "Ah, not to worry. I am a loyal man, and my eyes are only set for someone else. Sorry to disappoint those pretty ladies over there." Ligid nods though his eyebrows knit in concentration. He bravely asks, "Well... who is this someone?" Banawag gives a surprised stare at the younger boy's bold question and can't help but ruffle Ligid's hair. "Figure it out yourself, young man! Now come, let me show you how to buy proper fruits!"