Effie breathed in the morning air with gusto. It was free of the pollutants that she had grown up with in the NQSC, and the lake surrounding Bastion's castle gave the air a wonderful, sweet smell.
"So what is the first part of this date, exactly?"
"You'll see," Not Stuart smiled coyly, which Effie found equal parts endearing and infuriating. "For now, just enjoy the stroll. We will be there soon enough."
As the couple walked along the wharf hand in hand, people began to notice and recognize the steward and her husband.
"Isn't that Saint Athena?"
"I should hope so. That's her husband who I bought meat from for our restaurant last week! What was his name again?"
Effie squeezed the man's hand beside her. Fortunately, he didn't seem bothered by the offhanded remark.
"Don't they look well together? They look so happy!"
"Sh! Not so loud! Can't you see they are on a date? Don't disturb them."
"A date! I haven't been on a date in ages. Why don't you take me out anymore?"
"I've been busy. I mean, uh, how about we go out tomorrow….or tonight?"
The comments went on as the pair ambled lazily along. There was no urgency in their steps, and those who saw them could feel the warmth of their affection. For today, there were no emergencies or duties for Effie. This was the time to relax and enjoy the fruit of her hard work.
And she quickly realized what the first part of her adventure would entail.
Bobbing lazily at the end of a dock was one of the barges that often took people from one point in the circular lake to another. In contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of the thriving transportation hub, this particular watercraft was empty. The crew was waiting on the dock with bright smiles.
"Welcome, Saint Athena," the captain greeted her with a bow. "We have been expecting you. Welcome also, uh…"
The captain furrowed his brow as he removed his cap.
"Joseph," Effie filled in the blank.
"Awakened Joseph," the captain nodded.
Not Joseph smiled. "Thank you. Is everything prepared?"
Returning his cap to his head, the captain nodded. "All is exactly as you requested."
Effie was escorted up to the top deck of the barge where the VIP area was decorated especially for the occasion. Red fabric hung from the railings in a festive display, and enough food to feed a dozen Awakened was arranged on a low table between luxurious couches.
"What's all this, James?" Effie's mouth hung open slightly.
Not James clicked his tongue. "What? Did you think I was going to starve you? I know that single bun you ate earlier would not be enough."
"No, I mean all this. Are you taking me to the palace?" Effie glanced at the white stone on the other side of the lake. Was he trying to be her knight in shining armor?
"Oh," her husband chuckled as he took his place on one of the couches, inviting her to join him. "No, this is what you would call a 'pleasure cruise.' I read about them from before the dark times. You ride around the lake for fun and then come back to where you started."
"Really?" Effie had spent a considerable amount of time in water in her last Nightmare and a lot of time on a ship. It had been out of necessity, and in monster-infested water. Her smile widened. "A pleasure cruise, you say?"
"You never stop to enjoy the view. Whether that view is me or the city is up to you."
The woman pressed her lips together, determined not to let the joke escape her lips. Instead, she found a comfortable spot next to her husband and leaned on his shoulder. "I choose both."
Digging into the feast, Effie could barely remember the last time she had done something like this just for the fun of it. Sure, she was carefree, but her actions always had a purpose, especially since the war.
This was…nice.
With the palace on one side and the city on the other, the whole of Bastion was there for the couple to view. Soft music wafted from below. It was a familiar tune, and Effie swayed to the melody.
"Aren't you going to eat, Herbert?"
Not Herbert looked down at the tables. Most of the food was gone, and they were not even halfway around their tour. "I am fine. I brought all this for you."
The man barely finished his sentence before a piece of fruit was shoved in his hand. "Join me."
Together they finished the food and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the trip. Many people from the shore recognized the steward and her husband, waving wildly and cheering as they passed. One enthusiastic onlooker nearly tumbled from the shore and into the water, caught only by his mother at the final moment.
"People fall for you wherever they go, my love. Not that I can blame them."
Effie kissed her husband. "Very clever, Henry. But how do you know they aren't fans of the beast farm? After all, we provide meat to many of these people."
Not Henry smiled. "I fear you have underestimated your charm. Meat might fill the belly, but beauty nourishes the soul."
Effie flushed, finding a dozen comments that she could not make. So she leaned against her husband's shoulder and decided to listen to the music instead.
By the time the pair made it back to the shore, the sun was high in the sky, and a parade of enthusiastic citizens was ready to welcome her to shore. Leaning lightly on her husband's arm, Effie waved to the adoring crowd.
She smiled brightly as the crew of the ship helped them push their way through the crowd.
"Do you have an exit strategy, Albert?"
Not Albert nodded. A moment later, the people parted to reveal a vacant spot in the street. The man smiled. "Your carriage awaits."
"That…that's not a carriage!"