“I’ll have you know that this is a silly superstition.” Alizeh quipped as she followed Ephrym along the docks. The older hybrid was well toned, years of working in the fields making her develop such a strong body, and her freckled mocha skin with scatterings of green crystals was reminiscent of Ephrym though she had baby blue eyes instead of brilliant teal ones with wild golden curls in place of his green ones. If not for their similar collarbone marking and gemstones one would scarcely believe them to be siblings because of how differently they acted. Despite that the siblings did have a bond and that was why she was out here following her younger brother along the docks to witness his new ship. “Papa is comin’ right?” Her drawl was more than Ephrym’s and she didn’t even bother trying to hide it like her brother sometimes did.

“He’s supposed to come later with Ma.” Replied Ephrym with a slight nod. “He’s the one that emphasized he should get us the most expensive bottle of wine to celebrate and another one to break against her hull for luck.” His gaze sparked with a mixture of emotions whenever he heard his sister’s laughter but Ephrym didn’t take the bait. Even if Alizeh and his mother thought that their belief in good fortune was silly it wouldn’t stop Ephrym from celebrating the first big voyage of the Misty Maiden. He had thought it was the best way to start the new year with his family on board the vessel that he had worked so hard to purchase. Alizeh had been the one to secretly support him, her extra coin purse passing beneath the table whenever their parents weren’t looking, but she had also argued the loudest which made Ephrym think that their father truly should have tried to scout her for acting instead of him. “Either way is it a problem to just enjoy spending time together as a family after so much time apart?” They rarely got to be together even when Ephrym was growing up and so any moment together was treasured. Ephrym would even be going to the countryside tomorrow to visit his family’s home and see his nieces a final time before setting sail to Kahikana. Honestly they were all so accustomed to doing their own thing and operating separately that he doubted they would actually miss him. The thought made his lips twitch slightly upwards in wry amusement before he showed his sibling onto the ship.

“I suppose you’re not wrong. We really should try to get together more often.” Alizeh admitted as she walked about the upper decks. “I guess I should give it to ya, brother. The ship really is beautiful.” She walked around swiftly, taking no time to explore every nook and cranny that she could find while Ephrym watched. They would have to set up soon for his parents to come with dinner. Ephrym figured it would be best to eat inside of his cabin just to keep any of the late evening chill from bothering his family members. Still, his heart swelled with pride whenever he watched his sister’s reaction to the actual captain’s quarters. Even though Ephrym had kept it smaller than others the area was nice and finely furnished with a grand view of the upper decks with the strong windows that covered the walls of his study. As he dragged the meeting table a bit closer towards the windows and set some candles, Ephrym found himself grinning almost like a fool. “You’re definitely proud of yourself, aren’t ya?” Teased Alizeh with a chuckle as she watched her brother’s excitement.

“I am!” Ephrym replied happily as he held out a chair for her. “Now ta just wait for Ma and Pops ta show so we can celebrate.” He was eager to see their reactions and hoped that they would be just as positive as Alizeh! This was his new beginning, his new year and when that bottle shattered against the hull of the Misty Maiden Ephrym knew that it would only strengthen his resolve to become the best captain that he could be starting with their first voyage. This was his year for change, this year he would truly step up as a leader of his own crew and conquer the ocean! Ephrym was determined and already he could see how much progress he had made from that boy who just looked wistfully at the ocean while dreaming all those years ago. To think that he had come so far and was so close to finally sailing on his very own ship.

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