Rainier sat on the end of the bed, taking deep, cleansing breaths. Counting in for 6, holding for 7, and breathing out for 8. Letting his body relax bit by bit and letting his mind float unimpeded by worries, or even thoughts, as he felt his chest expand and constrict. Focusing on each beat of his heart.
After quite some time, he opened his eyes and pushed his hair out of his face, feeling peaceful. Standing, he walked casually to the window and pushed aside the curtains, peering up at the sun. It was almost time. He shook his hands against the thrill of nerves, holding tightly to the stillness gained through his meditation and prayers that morning. He would have to leave soon to be on time to meet with the mainlander captain. He had been appraised of the best time of day to run into Captain Ozzrick, so he would head down to the docks. Theoretically, the man shouldn't be hard to find. The seas around Yael were harsh and inhospitable, very few dared to brave their fury. Especially when the Yaeli were notoriously wary of outsiders. Rainier had to wonder that the man had made the trip more than once, but he supposed that was the sort of captain he was looking for.
He cleaned up quickly and straightened his clothes before heading out the door, offering a warm smile to the inkeeper as he passed by. The man seemed baffled by him. Rainier couldn't say he blamed him. A harsh and stormy young man had ran out the door one morning and a Healer had returned. While Rainier battled the storm within constantly, he no longer feared himself as he once did and he made an effort to keep his internal battles from affecting his dealings with others.
As Rain walked to the docks he found himself worrying how he would pay for this journey, he had lost all of his savings when he missed that ship a few weeks ago. Had found himself desperate enough to seriously contemplate approaching the mainlander captain that Father Zekiel had told him of. But he had decided to have faith and seek Captain Ozzrick out despite his lack of funds. With his powers now under control, if still untried, he had been able to make some of his savings back by selling his modest skills, but he couldn't bring himself to charge much for something that was so innate. He likely wouldn't charge a thing if he wasn't so desperate to make up for his lost savings. Perhaps Captain Ozzrick would appreciate the convenience of having a healer on board?
Rain could only hope.
As Rain reached the docks, he sighed with relief. It was clear which vessel he was seeking and the Yaeli were giving the mainlanders a wide berth, clearing a path for him. His steps slowed as he approached, his skin crawling with nerves. Rain's eyes were as wide as dinner plates as he stopped near the gangplank, wringing his hands. He felt frozen, like a deer in headlights.
The Only Black Uke