[Yael] Winds of Change (Ozzrick, Rainier, Ko)

[Faithofthefallen]

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

 

[Miss Chief aka Uke]

The Tyrant did not get many Yaelian visitors.

Onlookers, yes. But generally from a safe distance. She was known for her crew, after all. Ozzrick himself was the only Talean on board, but the islanders didn’t make a great lot of distinction between him and the rest of the Oban crew. All foreigners. All strange, and best to be observed from further away if possible.

Personally, Oz considered himself a mildly amused fan of the locals. They were a quirky bunch, skittish, and almost endearing in an oddly demonic fashion. He didn’t have any problem with them, certainly, aside from their problems with him. And, the more he came to be a familiar face, the more some gradually came to be more inquisitive than completely standoffish. He even, occasionally, got thrill seekers—or hopeful laborers.

Thus, when one in particular approached beyond the unspoken and invisible line of periphery and avoidance cast by the rest of the dock and instead came directly to the gangplank, he was noticeable, if not entirely unheard of. Oz, who had just arrived back up deck himself and intended to head into port, paused instead at the rail to observe for a moment before giving an airy whistle.

“Some of your friends would warn staring too long could steal your glow,” he said. “Though, I can promise you I’ve never seen it happen myself.” After stepping up onto the rail he hopped, and swung, dropping down onto the dock to approach. He notched his head towards the ship. “Can I help you with anything?”