|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:34 pm
Adenah sat atop a low crate amidst the bustling harbor and wished for a stillness that wouldn’t come. Compared to everything she’d lived through over the past couple of days the relative normalcy of an active Yaeli port just made life feel so strange. Her hair was loosely plaited and hung limp over a shoulder that was just as bandaged as her skull. There were parts of the hybrid that were bruised beyond all compare though not as visible thanks to her darkened skin. Still, the bandages and swelling were enough to draw eyes toward her. Most gave her a wide berth as they past, but honestly? She didn’t much care. She’d only been waiting here this long for news of a ride back home.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:35 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
Thankfully business in Yael went smoothly for Ephrym. After departing from Matori the Misty Maiden had set sail for the strange country with its superstitious people and glowing eyes for some rare materials that Ephrym figured would be good for trading in Kahikina. Since they had arrived in Matori a bit earlier than expected it would not harm their voyage to take an extra few days to linger in Yael. Plus, he had offered passage to that foreigner who he actually was looking for now that he was around the docks. While the rest of his crew secured the cargo, Ephrym found himself waltzing along and winking at some of the more skittish Yaeli who made signs and backed away from the strange foreigner.
"Ah, there you are." Ephrym recognized that dark skin and brilliant red hair almost immediately. However, his grin faded as he noticed Uula's overall appearance which included the bandages and darker bruises that he almost missed. "I didn't think the Yaeli were so rough." He managed after a moment, concern in his gaze despite his jest.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:36 pm
[2/10]
If she were being completely honest with herself Adenah hadn’t expected to see Ephrym again. The best she’d hoped for were a few murmurs of ships going back to Oba or even Matori. To hear his voice again was almost so odd in it’s good fortune that Adenah nearly laughed.
“Oh, they’re just fine. Lovely lot, the yaeli.” She sat back a little on the crate and started to stretch her legs out, but pulled up short with a hiss. “Business just went south is all. Took care of a few loose ends and now I walk like an old woman.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:41 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
"Oof. I'm almost afraid to ask what type of business you had here." Ephrym replied as he plopped on a crate next to Uula without hesitation. "Need any ointments grandma or should we settle for you hobbling back to my ship?" The man smiled towards her as he settled down and watched a few Yaeli skitter away to avoid the pair of foreigners. "I'm just glad I could keep on my promise. Would hate to steal money from someone like that." It was fortunate that he had managed to find her considering they were ready to depart by this evening. If they hadn't crossed paths...well Uula would be beat up and alone instead of having a companion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:47 pm
[3/10]
Adenah’s face quirked into a tired grin as he sat down, and she allowed her eyes to drift close for a moment. “Believe it or not I’ve had a few rounds of healing already. If you’ve never had a Yaeli stand over you with a handful of crystals and some moss you’re missing out.” As utterly exhausted as she was the relief that came from it all left her feeling light. When she opened her eyes once more the hybrid felt almost content.
“I could use a hand getting up and going, if you’re one to give it. Also, how do you feel about a second passenger? I’ll pay, of course, but she’s been working with me here-“ She motioned across the way to an equally bandaged figure whose cloak covered what bits weren’t wrapped in thick gauze. The figure was haggling for a few bits of food. “-and I’d like to see her home.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:50 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
A chuckle left Ephrym's lips. "I knew I had missed on something by relying on my ship's medic instead. I'll remember that for the next brawl, definitely not something I can get in Belrea." Well perhaps some would do that but he could only imagine the reactions of those he knew from the main cities, the medical researchers especially. Still, it was not in his nature to trample on another's ways so he simply left it alone and stood at the request.
"It's yours to take." He held out his hand as he spoke before the introduction of another caught his attention. "As long as you can vouch for her." Ephrym replied quietly his gaze going back towards Uula. "We are a simple merchant ship and I'd prefer not to get involved with a chase on the ocean." Despite his light words from earlier there was a seriousness suddenly about him. Injuries like that did not occur from simple shuffles especially not if someone came all of the way to Yael from Matori in such haste like Uula had. It was why he hadn't brought her over in the first place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:57 pm
Adenah blew a raspberry that lifted a few limp, crimson strands off her forehead. “Potions and salves? Paltry compared to a superstitious wise woman and chicken blood.” Honestly, the healer in question had been a little more modernized than that, but Adenah wouldn’t say that. She liked her version of thinks so much more.
With a grumble, Adenah slid toward the edge of the crate and took her time standing. Even with Ephrym’s help it took a while to really get going. It was almost as if the moment she sat down her bones locked into place. “Trust me; no one will follow you. Anything untoward was taken care of yesterday and I trust that one with my life.” Said other party had noticed them, and though she wasn’t getting closer she’d decided to follow behind them at a distance. “How has your trading gone? Find anything worth the trip?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:58 pm
[Sabra via discord]
Ephrym could only shake his head at the teasing. "I'll remember that next time. Chicken blood it is." He replied as he made certain that Uula was steady on her feet. The reassurance gave him pause but Ephrym understood he wasn't on her radar so all should be well. "We'll just say there was a rampant beast in town if anyone asks then. Should I assume Uula is still your name and your companion?" He asked as he glanced over his shoulder before focusing back on Uula.
"I found you so definitely worth." He stated with a small grin. "But we stocked up on what we needed. I can drop you back in between Oba and Matori unless you have a need to go to the new islands. My ship will be going there to bring in some of the first real trades from Kahi. Hopefully we don't get as banged up and can make some real profit upon our return."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 2:06 pm
[5/10]
“Adenah.” She answered with a pained sigh and stretched to pop her back. It helped to relieve some of the tension, but there was still so much that would need weeks of rest to work out. “And her name is Dris’rynne. She doesn’t talk much, but she’ll respond if you ask her something.” Or rather, she couldn’t speak much right now. One look at the shifter’s own bandages would make that much clear.
“You mentioned that before; about the Kahi. Seems like a risk to go all the way there if you aren’t sure what sort of goods they would have, but if you can be the first to nab that route, well, all the better for your purse.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 2:23 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
"Ah, proper greetings." Ephrym commented with a wry grin. "It seems your troubles are hopefully over then. I'll make certain to get you both safely back. We have a good medic on board to keep an eye on those injuries though unfortunately we're lacking in moss and chicken blood." He wanted to move along quickly, to get off of the docks and back onto the ship now that he had found his passengers, but Ephrym kept a casual pace in consideration of their injuries. "That's the exciting part. There's some interesting patrons with plenty of money that enjoy the gamble, a community that always need to be the first." It was why he was taking such a risk. "It pays off though to take risks on occasion even accepting some strangers on board can be worthwhile." As they moved the Misty Maiden appeared before them, the gleaming silver ship full of crew moving about to secure cargo and the like. The figurehead greeted them like a worried lover, her hands clasped before her chest with a serene look on her face as if to calm the raging ocean. "The spare cabin for you had only one bed but I can have them set up a second one. Something secured on the ground or a swinging hammock? What works best for your injuries?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 2:24 pm
[6/10]
Using her actual name in public seemed almost as odd as it had been when she started using the alias. It was also strange that he wasn’t asking more questions, but really, Adenah was grateful for it. Talking about the guild, even if it was in pieces now, would still bring trouble. The less he knew the better for both himself and his crew, as well as for her piece of mind.
“A hammock would probably be better for her-“ Looking back over her shoulder, Adenah watched as Dris’rynne’s hooded figure kept pace with them, albeit with an obvious limp. “-but I’m fine with the bed. Honestly, we can both share if that’s easier.” It wasn’t like they’d had luxuries coming here. As she spoke her eyes were taking in the bright ship and it’s figurehead. Looking into her eyes felt conflicting; as if she were extending her protection to Adenah, but with conditions.
Let me offer a place to rest so long as you bring no harm.
“I can’t imagine having the kind of coin that can fund an expedition like that. Even if I did I’d want to be on board to see it.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 2:25 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
"Ah, but you would be risking yourself. These people only have wealth at the expense of others." Quipped Ephrym as he waved towards some of the crew and gestured towards the loading ramp. It would be easy enough to walk up directly onto the ship so that he could lead them to the cabin that way. "I would find it tedious to sit still though and I honestly prefer not to put others at risk for my profit." Well, perhaps indirectly since he needed a crew and he was pulling a few tricks with some patrons to get his funding but Ephrym did not consider any of those patrons innocent enough to worry over. If anything he was helping karma to catch up with them for their selfish games.
"A spare bed won't do us harm. If anything it'll give me something to do other than bothering my crew." He joked with a chuckle. "They tend to tire of my presence after the fourth bad joke or so."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 2:30 pm
[7/10]
Maybe their lines of work weren’t too dissimilar after all. They were both employed by the wealthy who weren’t likely to go out on their own, even if his was more exploration than assassinations. Still, she could empathize when dealing with people like that. “I’m the same; If it’s something that can be done I want to get to it with my own hands.” For the first time since coming to Yael they were surrounded by others who didn’t look their way. Occasionally an eye would turn, though she suspected it was mostly to see what Ephrym was doing more so than who he was with. It felt nice to “blend” again.
“Oh please grace us with your bad jokes.” She was legitimately excited for that aspect of the trip, especially since she knew her mother would hate it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 3:24 pm
[Sabra via Discord]
"Don't do it!" Cried one of the crew as he passed, a young geian named Niel that ran away before Ephrym could retaliate. "The captain has been unleashed, mates!" He warned the others as he darted about the top deck, his laughter echoing as he prepared crates and secured the ropes with others.
"First lesson of sailing - never bring along someone from your hometown." Commented Ephrym with a slight eyeroll as he helped Adenah and her companion up onto the actual ship. The upper decks gleamed from hours of waxing, something the crew had set to doing in between setting up the cargo and recently acquired supplies for their journey. "See that man? You may want to remember him, thankfully he's got that noticeable beard. Vance over there at first didn't like beards, but then it grew on him." Ephrym joked as he walked past an older lightning man with dark orange hair and vivid blue eyes who continued working while Ephrym led the way around the cargo, the tall masts marking the path with cream sails swaying in the gentle ocean breeze. The lower decks would be nearby with more crew shuffling back and forth as the storerooms below decks were being filled up, mostly food and medical supplies with a few other precious more delicate cargo as well. "There's about fifteen of us and most are fairly nice though I would recommend Vance since he's one of the most reliable should you need anything. There's food in the galley though it can also be brought to your cabin if you prefer. Are you hungry or should we go ahead to the room?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2022 3:30 pm
[8/10]
Adenah couldn't help the laugh that slipped out. The whole thing was so unexpected and wholesome that she just let the chuckles fly. "Should I be worried, Captain?"
As they ascended she offered her hand to Dris'rynne who stayed a cautious distance from everyone else, Ephrym included. She'd known to expect it from the older shifter, especially after everything they'd been through and tried not to outwardly react. Instead of focusing on it, she listened to Ephrym instead and took a mental note of those he pointed out. At first she thought it was an earnest observation then the joke came and she slapped his arm a second before grabbing onto it with a bark of laughter. "Oh my Gods! That was horrible." It hurt to move, but man, it felt good to laugh. She didn't even mind the way her chest pulled and ached.
"I could go for a bite," Looking over her shoulder, Adenah furrowed her brow before adding, "Though maybe you could tell us where we're staying first? That way if we decide to rest up we can."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
