The Afternoon sun bathed the streets of faroe island in a warm golden glow as Elliot Belmont walked down the winding pathway from freedman's house towards the bustling market square his goal was to meet an old friend of his with his hand resting on his casually by his sides, Elliot strolled through the city taking in the site with the same quiet astonishment that had accompanied him since his arrival on the island even after everything he had experienced the city never ceased to amaze him ,high above the rooftop witches soared through the sky on enchanted broomsticks, their cloaks fluttering in the wind, majestic dragons glided between the towering buildings, their enormous wings casting fleeting shadows over the streets while luminous spirits drifted through the air like living stars some played among the clouds leaving trails of magical dust behind them, while others descended to greet familiar faces below. Elliot tilted his head upward.'' just how many extraordinary things can one city possibly contain?'' Elliot said as he continued to walking his eyes wandering around the crowded streets humans chatted with elves and dwarves, goblins operated small shops beside human merchant while pixies darted between market stalls, occasionally stopping to examine colorful trinkets. Beast folk walked alongside demi humans greeting and sharing jokes as though the difference between their races were the most ordinary things in the world and everywhere Elliot looked they were a couple of different species. A human woman walked hand in hand with an elven man nearby a wolf beast man carried a basket for his beast folk partner who was selecting fruit from a merchants stall a dwarf woman playfully tugged at the sleeve of her tall demi human companion scolding him for purchasing more sweets than they could possibly eat. there was no visible hostility between them.no fearful glance or suspicious stares. Only the simple everyday warmth of people living together. Elliot couldn't help but smile.so this is what a world racial hatred looks like. His gaze soon wandered toward the magnificent waterway running alongside the city. the water shimmered beneath the waterway running alongside the city. The water shimmered beneath the afternoon sun reflecting the colorful buildings and countless boats that travelled along its surface, mermaid swarm graceful beneath the clear water, their shimmering tails catching the light whenever they surfaced some rested against the stone docks, chatting with fisherman while other helped guide boats through the busier part of the waterway ,several boats pulled by magnificent sea horses with flowing manes and pearlescent scales, transported passengers between the docks and neighboring district. The drivers carried called out cheerfully greeting people across the waterfront.at one of the docks a group of children leaned over the railing eagerly showing a mermaid their newly purchased toys. The mermaid laughed before presenting them with tiny seashells as gift .Elliot slowed his pace, watching the scene with fascination ''even the waterways are partially another world of their own ''he murmured as he was about to to continue toward the market square where something peculiar caught his attention. A man stood at the edge of the dock leaning against a wooden post with the confidence of someone who believed himself irresistibly charming .He wore a fashion coat, polished boots and a rather conspicuous smile in front of him floated a beautiful mermaid with long turquoise hair and shimmering aquamarine scales .She rested her arms on the stone edge of dock, watching with an expression that seemed to alternate between amusement and mid disbelief.'' And I'm telling you.''the man declared placing one hand over his chest.'' that meeting you today must be the greatest fortune of my entire life.'' the man said as the mermaid raised an eye brow.'' is that so?'' she said. ''Absolutely? I have met countless of beautiful women in my travel but no one have possess your radiance. Your eyes shine brightly that the ocean beneath the moonlight and your voice, ah your voice could even make the most stubborn sailor abandon his ship ''he said with a cute face on his with a cute smile on his face.'' you're certainly a talkative human' 'the mermaid said. ''Only because you inspire me!'' he said.'' do you say that to every mermaid you meet?' 'The mermaid said as the as the man's smile flattered for the briefest moment. ''Of course not! I reserve such heartfelt words for truly exceptional ladies ''he said.' 'really'' she asked tilting her head.'' because I believe I saw you telling a sea elf that she was the most beautiful woman in the world yesterday'' she said as the man froze a nearby fisherman suddenly became interested in arranging his fishing net as Elliot stopped walking .For a moment, he simply watched the unfolding spectacle.'' Oh, now this is interesting.'' Elliot said as the man quickly recovered waving his hand dismissively.'' Ah, that was a terrible misunderstanding! The sea elf and I were discussing poetry I was merely appreciating her literary qualities ''he said.'' her literary qualities!'' the mermaid repeated. ''Precisely the'' man replied ''and what literary qualities do I possess?'' she said as the man opened his mouth nothing came out the mermaid leaned closer, her smile growing mischievous. ''I'm waiting'' she said as Elliot pressed his lips together struggling to keep from laughing.'' he's fighting for his life out there.'' Elliot said in his head as the man straightened his coat and cleared his throat.'' Your qualities are far more profound than mere words can express'' he said.'' how convenient'' she said with a blush.'' then perhaps you can express them by buying me lunch ''she said, the man immediately brightened.'' with pleasure'' he said. ''At the coral pearl restaurant'' she added. ''Their seafood platters are rather expensive ''she said as his expression stiffened.'' the corral pearl'' he said.'' unless your heartfelt admiration has suddenly become less profound'' she said as Elliot finally tuned his face away a quiet chuckle escaping him.'' she's the one hunting him know'' Elliot said to himself. But the mermaid wasn't finished.'' and after lunch you can tell me all about the other exceptional ladies you have met'' she said as the man's face went pale. '' Ahh…perhaps another day'' he said as the mermaid gave him an innocent smile.'' I thought you said meeting me was the greatest fortune of your life ''the mermaid said blushing.' 'It is!'' he said reassuring her.'' Then surely you would be delighted to spend the afternoon with me.'' The mermaid said. The man looked desperately across the streets as though he was hoping the dragons might provide him a means of escape. Unfortunately for him, the dragon overhead continued on its way without slightest interest in the predicament. Elliot shook his head in amusement and resumed walking.'' that poor fellow'' he muttered he had barely taken three steps then the mermaid called out.'' hey you the young man with blonde hair ''she said as Elliot stopped and glanced over his shoulder. The mermaid was looking directly at him.'' Yes, you come here for a moment'' she said as Elliot pointed himself.'' me?'' Elliot said. ''Unless there's another young man standing there pretending not to hear me'' she said. The man turned to Elliot with the expression of someone who have found a lifeboat in a middle of the storm. Elliot sighed softly.'' I was supposed to be going to the dinner, nevertheless curiosity won'' he said to himself as he approached the dock. His expression calm and faintly amused.'' Can I help you with something?'' Elliot said as the mermaid smiled brightly.''Ofcourse I need an impartial opinion'' the mermaid said the man immediately seized the opportunity. ''Excellent a fellow gentleman I'm certain you will understand my predicament ''the mermaid said as Elliot looked between the two of them then looked at the men again. ''what's the predicament' 'Elliot said, the mermaid folder her hands on the stone edge of the dock.'' these gentleman has been trying to court me for the past twenty minutes he claim I'm the most beautiful he has ever seen, but he can't name a single thing beyond my appearance ''the mermaid said as she leaned forward.'' so I asked him to tell me what he finds interesting about me'' she said as Elliot nodded slowly.'' reasonable question'' Elliot aid as the man stared at him in disbelief.'' wait a minute your supposed to be helping me'' the man said.'' I am helping'' Elliot said replied with an innocent look.'' I'm listening'' Elliot said as the mermaid giggled, ''see I like this one already' 'the man looked as though the world betrayed him. Elliot rested his hand against his chin, considering the situation with exaggerated seriousness.'' well. I suppose they are two possibilities ''Elliot said as the both of them looked at him expectantly. '' either your generally interested in her and should take the time to know her'' he paused ''or your simply trying to impress her with rehearsed compliment the mermaid nod approvingly while the man swallowed his spit.'' and which possibility do you believe is more likely'' the mermaid asked. Elliot glanced at the man's immaculate coat his nervous expression and the way he kept glancing at the nearest escape route then he smile. ''I think that is something you should ask him ''Elliot said as the mermaid burst into laughter once more the man covered his face with one hand.'' by the heavens'' Elliot chuckled, for all the extraordinary things that filled this city some things remained universal. flirting was one of them and getting caught doing it badly was another thing with a friendly wave too the mermaid, Elliot finally tuned back at the market square leaving the unfortunate gentleman to face the consequences of his own eloquence .he still had to meet someone and if the rest of the day proved as half as entertaining as the walk there he suspected he wouldn't be running out of stories soon.
