Subject: Travel on the High Seas 378 views

[Weasel]

Already sitting on the edge of her bed, she stands and looks over her reflection in the mirror.

"One moment."

Her motionless sleep has left her looking the same as she did. She walks to the door, opens it, and gives the caption a friendly smile.

"Seems the Cormanthirian boar has gotten everyone's attention. We'd best hurry."

She walks with the captain towards the mess.

[Racer Xonclar]

The captain chuckles slightly, "Yes, the mid-day meal is ready. Seems the cook shouted a bit too loudly. Please," he says politely as he gestures for you to go first.

As you enter the mess, it sounds and looks much like a barracks would. Crew members laughing and jesting with each other, drinks being poured into tankards, and plates heaped high with food being carried to tables. It seems that this crew is certainly a jolly one.

As the captain shows you the food available, you see the roasted Cormanthirian boar sitting sliced upon on a bed of boiled potatoes, a large cauldron of soup containing some of the boar meat as well as some type of fowl meat and basic vegetables, and several loafs of bread which look to be mostly fresh cooked.

Ahead of you in line, you see an elderly man dressed in simple yet expensive clothing. His head is kept low, concentrating solely on getting food and he seems to be in a slight rush. Once his plate his piled on with food, he abruptly leaves line and heads back towards the guest quarters. As he turned, you noticed a large feathered quill tucked into one of his jacket pockets. You also notice the young man you met on deck sitting at one of the bolted down tables, quietly eating his hearty portion of food.

[Weasel]

Jade raises a curious brow as she watches the elderly man rush through both line and crowd to return to his work.

.oO("Writers..")

Refusing to make eye contact with the young man she'd met earlier, she grabs a plate and sets to gathering food. She takes a healthy portion of boar and potatoes with a chunk of bread, and also has some soup in a bowl. With both in hand she turns back to face the captain behind her.

"This looks splendid, Captain. Very impressive. Shall I save you a place?"

[Racer Xonclar]

Grinal chuckles a little, "Benefits of being one of the preferred trade ships on this route. I get to pick what I want. Sit wherever you want; I'm sure the boys will get out of my way if needed."

The table with the man from on deck has a couple seats open, one beside him and one across from him. A couple of the other tables have a seat open and a table closer to the wall has only one man sitting at it.

[Weasel]

She gives the captain a polite grin before turning to find a table. As she passes by the young mans table, she allows herself a quick glance.

.oO("Follow me to dinner too, I see. PAH! Yes, Lady Jade, have a seat... plan on following me to bed too? PAH!)

She continues to think her absurd thoughts as she passes by to sit at the table least occupied. She carefully starts to eat her food.

[Racer Xonclar]

The man from on deck simply nods once at you as you walk past; his attention turning back to his plate. As you walk up to the nearly vacant table, you notice the man is in his mid-30s and has two tankards with him. He looks up at you as you walk up and seems a bit taken back. Rising out of his chair a bit, he tips his hat in a nervous act of politeness.

Grinal's chuckle is heard again as he walks over to the table with a plate piled high. "Easy, lad...she don't bite," he says as he continues to chuckle. The man nods with a bit of an embarrassed grin and sits back down. As the captain takes a seat, he looks over at you, "We've made it past the Pirate Isles already. Wind's favoring us. Might even make it past the Isle of Prespur before midnight...certainly before the next morning."

Looking back to the man, Grinal adds, "Best make sure the riggings are secure. 'Red in the morning, Umberlee's warnin'' and all. Hopefully it doesn't slow us down too badly."

[Weasel]

Jade nods as the Captain speaks of making good time, but then looks at him curiously as he address the other man.

"I am not familiar with that saying, Captain." she says curiously.

[Racer Xonclar]

The other man nods, "I'll be sure to, captain."

"It's one of those old wive's tales," Grinal explains. "If the sky is red in the morning, you're gonna be in for a storm in the evening or night. If the sky is red in the evening, you'll have smooth sailin' the next day. Proves out true more often than not."

Some of the men that ate their food in a more "military" style start shuffling around, taking their plates back to the cook and making their way on deck, joking with each other. As you glance over your shoulder at the noise, you notice the man from on deck is following suit with the others and then simply goes to one of the two room opposite of yours.

[Weasel]

"Ah. I see." she says almost excitedly. "I've never been through a storm at sea before. I hope it's not too bad." she adds only half meaning it.

During the dinner she responds when necessary, but keeps the silence through most of her meal. Using the last of her bread to soak up the remaining soup, she finishes her food and places her silverware on her empty plate.

"That was a most delicious meal, Captain. I could not eat another bite..." she says as she stands and takes her plate in hand. "I believe I will get some air, and try to walk this off." she adds with a grin. "Let us hope for smooth waters."

After her farewells she walks up the stairs to the main deck, and walks towards the bow. She leans out over the rail, and patiently watches the approaching horizon.

[Racer Xonclar]

The men shuffle around on deck, making sure sails are ready to be tied if necessary and the crew prepared for a blow. As the day progresses, dark clouds rise above the edges of the water, but never seem to come overhead. You hear one of the crew shout out with a laugh, "Looks like Umberlee fergot ta follow threw on 'er warnin'!"

Indeed, no rain has fallen on the ship. The setting sun shines a vibrant display of colors, silhouetted by the black clouds in the distance. The first mate walks up to you as you lean against the railing, "Excuse me, ma'am. The captain wished to send his regards. Since it seems we're clear of bad weather, he decided to turn in early so he could take over early in the morning once we've passed the Isle of Prespur...which should be...that way presently." He says as he takes a quick glances up and then points off the front left side of the boat.

[Weasel]

"Very well. Thank you." she comments as she turns to look in the direction the sailor had indicated. She admires the view of the sky for long moments before finally tearing herself away. She decides against returning to her room just yet and instead looks for a good spot to sit and work on her breathing exercises.

Finding a suitable spot she sits, moves her haversack around to her back, and closes her eyes. She concentrates on her steady breathing all the while aware of her surroundings. She stays like this for long moments listening to the sailors busy at their work, the ropes and sails creaking and wafting in the wind, and the waves breaking against the mast.

[Racer Xonclar]

As the sun falls beneath the horizon and Selune's light takes over, the steady splash of waves, the creak of wood, the flopping of sails against the wind, and the footsteps against wood fill your ears. The occasional seagull breaks the ambiance, but even the men have quieted themselves.

A small hooded lantern has been lit next to the helm, but apart from that, the ship is lightless this night. The escort ships are similarly dark, as from this distance, barely any light can be seen.

As the sail continues on, the faint lights of the Isle of Prespur glow along the horizon to the south and a couple of smaller boats seem to be sailing away from it.

[Weasel]

Completing her internal exercise, she stands and stretches. In silence she walks the now dark deck and soon is standing again at the rail. A yawn escapes her lips as she watches the nearing Prespur Isle.

.oO(Should get some sleep... and will do just that after we pass the island.

She waits patiently for the ship to reach the Isle of Prespur.

[Racer Xonclar]

Within time, the isle itself comes into view. Large, tropical trees can be made out in the moonlight amidst the the only city in sight. Clearly built as a port city, the dock seems to be the most noticeable part, though a selection of tall buildings and towers can be seen further back.

It looks like the docks have a few people still walking around at this hour, but beyond that, it is just too far away to make out more details. And as the night winds continue to carry the Oyster, the Isle of Prespur once against slips from view.

Selune's light hangs slightly past high-midnight and a large section of the crew has already retired to their quarters, leaving the ship on a skeleton crew for the remainder of the night.

[Weasel]

Enjoying the silence of the now slumbering ship, Jade walks gracefully towards her room. Before opening the door to her chamber, she pauses and listens to her surroundings. Mostly habitual, she tries to sense any hidden dangers before opening her door and entering.

She soon lies upon her bed, and attempts to fall asleep for the night.