Kaimana was enjoying his time in Belrea. The Matori had been to the new continent when it first appeared (well rather when its occupants first came to their continent to reveal that they actually existed) and so this was actually his second visit. He was somewhat more familiar with the cities as a result and more accustomed to the city’s layouts and its habitants than some of the others traveling in their party. Because Kaimana was more familiar the Oban and Matori crewmembers would often ask him to run errands and recommend places to eat and go. They were only stationed in the city for a week before the ships would arrive to take them to Kahikana but Kaimana was enjoying every moment that he could. Even now when it was early morning and most were still sleeping with a select few already running about to gather supplies for their trip he found himself stretching his legs to the local bakery to get breakfast for everyone. It would be a nice surprise and he thought specifically of another Matori who had joined them with a small smile. She had joined the expedition at his request and Kaimana found himself checking on her daily to make certain that she was holding up well. In a way he felt responsible for her since he was the one who had offered and convinced her to take the job in the first place. He was just thankful that his employer was a kind man who could always find work for a pair of hands. Kahikana was a strange place with new races that could breathe underwater and gods only knew what else they were capable of. Kaimana knew that Kieran was more wary of the potential creatures that they could find in the new islands and that was why the extra defense was perfect for their journey. Even Kaimana was wary which was unusual for the lancer as he normally was pretty much ‘ happy go lucky’ with these situations. Perhaps it was because his sister was also tagging along on this trip and Kaimana was even more protective than usual because he refused to let anything happen to her. She was finally willing to travel over the ocean, something which she had always deeply feared, and Kaimana was on high alert to keep the trip pleasant for her. “Let’s get her something super sweet as a present.” He chuckled at the thought before turning the corner to the little bakery that he had found during his first visit to the Belrean city. There had already been a faint smell of spices and fresh bread in the air but the true impact only hit him once he opened the door of the bakery. Immediately Kaimana was overwhelmed by the different and very delicious aromas coming in from the kitchens hidden behind the front room of the bakery. Rows upon rows of breads, cakes and little sweets decorated the shelves and the glass display by the little desk where the workers waited on customers. It was cute inside and Kaimana always appreciated the colorful mural of flowers and Belrean creatures that danced along the walls.

“May I help you?” Kaimana blinked as a lightning girl waved towards him, her orange hair tied in adorable braids and hanging over her shoulders. “If you need any help deciding on things I don’t mind explaining them to you if you’ve never seen them before.” A slight flush decorated her cheeks as she gestured towards the display. “We have a special on some tarts, the blackberries are sweeter cause they add a honey glaze which I love.”

“That sounds delicious, thank you.” Kaimana grinned happily. “I’ve been here before but it was about four years ago or so. I was happy to see the bakery still doing well.” He paused and walked towards the display to think about which treats Devika and the others would like to enjoy. “I’ll take some of those tarts and the little cookies there.” While she wrapped up his order, Kaimana continued on with some light conversation with both of them exchanging information about their home countries and other favorite sweets. The blackberries were similar to the wildberries they had growing near his childhood home and he was hoping that Devika would enjoy them because of it. I guess we’ll just see when I get back to the inn. He thought happily as he waved once more towards the cafe worker before heading on his way back so that he could share the sweets with everyone.

[761]