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 Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2023 8:37 pm
The Misty Maiden was docked in Matori for some business, the crew having taken a few days to take off while Ephrym bartered with merchants for the goods that they had brought from Belrea. They had a low inventory of silk and spices from the region, their captain wanting to refill their stocks before returning back to the Belrean markets to cash in for earnings and a much needed vacation for the crew. First though they would be stopped in Matori and then probably to Yael for another quick trading visit in Pajore, the ship taking her normal route that allowed her the most opportunities to trade and to give the crew plenty of time on the ocean before getting stuck on land for a few weeks to visit family and take care of anything back in the Belrean cities. Since there wasn’t much need for a navigator while the ship was docked, Emiyn had decided to take the day to wander around the markets to get whatever supplies he could for himself and his own family before they took back to the ocean again. The silver hued ship was in the distance from where he could see along the docks, her wispy blue flags swaying gently in the breeze with their maiden’s figure at the front of the ship praying for their safety as usual with her hands clasped tightly before her. Emiyn found it a lovely sight to behold, especially with how the crew had taken time to clean her while she was at the docks, her figure shining with even the crystal beads draping across her hands shimmering in the sunlight. That would probably last until they encountered their first major storm on the way towards Yael, the winds and rains beating down at the ship until they could take the time to work on her again. As it was, Emiyn found himself shaking his head before turning away so that he could start walking towards the market. “It’s best to focus on the tasks at hand, not stare at something before your partner comes after you for lazing around.” He chastised himself, a small smile crossing his lips despite his words. It would have been nice to have Yokka with him today, if she wasn’t one of those watching over the crew doing repairs at the moment. Such was the life of the first mate though, that much Emiyn had simply accepted while biding his time for the next moment they could go off on some vacation together.
Then there was a merchant yelling about steamed dumplings and Emiyn immediately perked up. Ever since his time living on the streets, before joining the crew, the Matori had learned a new appreciation for fresh food and he wasted no time in approaching the stall. “I’ll take one.” He handed over a coin and eagerly accepted the stick with the fresh dumplings stacked together on it. Now to just turn around and figure out exactly where he wanted to begin his personal supply run....
[Emiyn 1]
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 6:06 pm
(1/10) Since leaving home, coin wasn't something that Tavihe had ample supply of, no matter what work they pursued. Working aboard the ... whatever the heck Xenia's ship was called was no different. Still, the very nature of being stuck on a ship most of the time meant that you wanted to splurge your coin the moment you were back on dry land again, and so it was Tavihe ran off to the market, eager for some real food. Gambling was fun too, but they had enough scars now to know it was a foolish idea to try their luck at a port town when they had nothing but their body and hands to pay their debts with, and so that wasn't an option. This time.
Tavihe was eager for something delicious, their mouth salivating at the smell of actual meats and fragrant spices, but the very nature of their eyes and the brightness of the day made it... difficult to figure out where to go next. They kept their head ducked down, not out of shyness or meekness but necessity, shimmying along the crowd of people.
It would've been fine, too - until finally catching sight of a stall sharing sticks of food that smelled good, and hastily hurried towards it -
Only to smash into a customer, chest to chest, and hard enough to likely send them spinning. "Hey-o! Sorry there bud!" Tavihe said, loudly, hands shooting out to catch the person by the elbows in an attempt to keep them from falling over.
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2024 7:45 pm
It was like watching a disaster in slow motion. Emiyn had taken a bite of the dumplings, enjoying the slow warmth of the spices blended together with the perfectly cooked meat within, but then the impact had the wooden stick slipping from his fingers and spinning through the air. His amber gaze widened in dismay as he watched it go straight to the ground, a little bounce as it landed sending it rolling further down the street and right into the mouth of a wild zanteer that scampered way with its prize. "N-no, problem." He managed quietly, the wobbling in his voice telling a completely different story as Emiyn regained his balance and took a step back from the stranger who had smacked into him.
A Kahi?
From despair to confusion, Emiyn had not been expecting to see a Kahi as the culprit behind his loss. Then again it would only make sense considering how many ships had surely been back and forth from the islands to Matori by now, including his own that had taken a few voyages over the last several years since the islands were discovered. "Are you alright though? You seem to be in a rush." He managed, still recovering from everything and trying to piece together the whole situation. A charge was in the air, the elementalist making certain that there wasn't any immediate danger to have caused such a rush from the Kahi. "You're not being chased are you?" He knew the docks could be dangerous, especially with foreigners, and Emiyn had to look around them one final time even as he whispered the question. If he had to fight then he would, as much as he disliked the idea of it.
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Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2024 3:23 pm
(2/10)
Any other day, Tavihe would've scurried away. Knocking someone's food down usually meant fights, or having to pony up to pay for a replacement. But they had their little purse of coins, and those dumplings smelled really good, and if they left now they'd have to hope there was something equally delicious. Nah... nah, the stress of handling a person was preferable. So, they plastered the biggest, fakest grin they could on their face, ready for the shouting.
Only uh... that didn't happen. The matori they'd smashed into was a pretty one, and instead of expressing anger at losing their treat - they... uh. Were being nice? Tavihe stared at them, blinking, certain they'd just stumbled on an extinct species of some sort. This was a port town wasn't it? How many earnest fools were there, in places like this?
There was that impulse of course. The one that suggested they put on the waterworks and cling to the earthling, wailing out something about being chased. Would they be hurried along to their ship? Would they be treated to some food until they calmed down?
The impulse came and went, because it was still recent, the whole event with Jakob... and Tavihe knew it was for the best they lay low, and not draw any attention to themselves. "Nah! Nah, nothing like that--" Tavihe pat their hands over the earthling's shoulders then stepped back from where they'd still been standing a little close. "Sorry, love - few too many days of hard tack made me too excited for real food. Let me get you a replacement, eh?"
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2024 10:08 am
Emiyn recognized the confused expression, understanding it was a reaction he once would have had before. It seemed he had gotten a bit kinder again since joining the crew, the Matori no longer having to fight for his meals and life in the streets like he once did after getting into trouble. It made him wonder about the Kahi and how they had even arrived all the way in Matori. Were they on the run from someone, dragged from their homelands or chasing after another or maybe just an adventurer who was taking a break here? It was hard not to spin stories, especially for the imaginative Matori and he had to focus again when the Kahi finally spoke. “Oh?” He frowned, finding himself disappointed that there didn’t seem to be something exciting happening and once more reflecting upon his own loss of food. The few scenarios he had quickly imagined disappeared like a shattered cloud, Emiyn losing his interest in them and going back to mourning his loss of dumplings.
“Hard tack? Been out to sea long then?” He asked finally, his gaze brightening at the prospect of a replacement. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t coin for more dumplings himself, but the loss had taken him a moment to process. Why hadn’t he just thought of getting more? Probably because he was caught in the moment, daydreaming as usual instead of focusing. Emiyn simply nodded after a moment, a small smile crossing his lips at the offer. “Sure, I’ll take any variety. They’re all good.” Emiyn gestured towards the stall so that the Kahi could go and order.
[Emiyn 3]
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Posted: Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:53 am
(3/10) They could have just ... left. Saluted and disappeared into the crowd, leaving the matori behind, mourning his food. But Tavi really did enjoy people, enjoyed talking and socializing, and as they'd thought before... this WAS a port town, and unless they were willing to pay some coin for a companion, most of the people here would be focused on their own enjoyment, and wouldn't be quite as friendly. "Yep - not my longest trip, but just long enough to miss good food."
So, they bobbed their head in a nod and spun around to peruse the stalls, opting for one that smelled full of spice and heat, the air burning their nostrils as they stepped close.
All those weeks of bland food made them want to overcompensate with something juicy, delicious, and hot. They returned with their prize, one for themselves and one for the Matori, and passed it over without argument. "You been here before? If ya know it's all good, you must be familiar, hmm?" They asked, conversationally, as they blew on the steaming bun, knowing better than to take a bite so fast.
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 12:10 pm
"I see." Emiyn gave a soft chuckle. "I suppose I'm a bit spoiled on my ship, only time we break into that is for the longer voyages all the way to Kahi or so when the supplies aren't planned well." And that was when they didn't plan well, at least the galley kept them going for several weeks as long as they could stop along the way at other ports or even visit remote islands to gather fresh fruits. Though he knew that their ship was an exception, their captain was too spoiled and refused to let his crew suffer a voyage without decent food and rest. At least when it was possible to do so that was. His other ship experience though? The very thought made Emiyn almost grimace, he was lucky enough to have a bite of hard tack here and there along the way.
Emiyn watched as the Kahi went and brought back food, his own mouth nearly watering at the sight. One would think he had never been fed, but it was simply instinct at that point to enjoy a meal after his past experiences. Being well fed now didn't mean he had lost his appreciation and he definitely savored the first bite of the spiced bun. "Hmm? Yeah." Emiyn swallowed another bite and looked over the Kahi. "Is this your first time at this port? We've been here several times to pass through and trade with local merchants. My captain enjoys swapping foreign goods at each port, keeps the business flowing for our ship and makes it easier to feed the crew. Though there's nothing quite like stall food, they do wonders when it comes to flavor." He added playfully, his manner relaxing a bit more since he felt like the Kahi wasn't dangerous to him and there didn't seem to be anyone chasing him down at the moment like Emiyn had worried before.
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Posted: Sat Apr 27, 2024 11:00 am
(4/10) Tavihe gave a tight smile, but gave no comment or explanation. On their ship, it wasn't so much lack of food that was the problem as it was a matter of rank, punishment, or reward. After breaking a shelf of expensive loot, they'd been in trouble for the past week, that was all - but if any rumors of them complaining made it back, the first mate might tan their hide quite literally.
For a moment, the two strangers were united in their impatience for their food, but eventually the man spoke again and Tavihe looked up, jaw still working at their own bite. "First time on this ship. The last few ships I've been on, I was night crew so - kinda gets me stuck with taverns or ale houses, instead of these nice little stalls." They waved their hand towards their eyes, in explanation for why they would be night crew. Their kind's ability to see in darker places made them useful as night watch, but their current ship didn't quite trust Tavihe enough yet for it.
"I guess the trade and stuff is why the cap'n is the cap'n, and I'm just a deck hand." They joked with a wink, impressed at the stories about the other man's captain. Tavi liked their own captain Xenia enough, but most of the time it was the first mate running the show for her. At least from what Tavihe'd seen.
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun May 12, 2024 9:51 am
"Ah, so you've had a few different experiences then. Never worked on any night crew myself." Mused Emiyn as he took another bite of his food, making certain to savor it after losing his last one. Perhaps it was a bit dramatic, but he also wasn't in a rush for once to get going and was interested in hearing more from the Kahi. It was still rare to see any kawena in a Matori port, after all, and so there was some interest in seeing what story was there if he could hear more.
"Just a deck hand, eh?" Emiyn twisted the bun in his hands, peeking over towards the Kahi with a small grin. "That all? Or are there aspirations for the future and some hidden skills?" The Matori casually shrugged as if he hadn't asked a huge question before taking another bite of his food. "As for me, I do some navigating so I get to have some fun with maps at least." The other tidbit he kept to himself, Emiyn fully well realizing how important a wind caller could be to some ships and knowing to down play his own full profile while in a port full of strangers. Though he wasn't the same as he was a decade ago, the Matori fully confident that he could fight back fairly well at this point instead of being dragged away by others. It made him appear more relaxed as he shared a meal with this particular stranger, his curiosity keeping him around while the rest of the Misty Maiden's crew were taking care of business in port. Some of the crew including Belreans from the ship had slowed down as they passed, trying to keep a discreet eye on the pair before Emiyn subtly nodded to let them know he was fine as they continued along their way.
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Posted: Sun Oct 13, 2024 11:36 am
(5/10) Heh. Maybe it was a good thing Tavihe hadn't given in to their baser instincts to manipulate. Not that they recognized the surveillance of Emiyn's crew, they were too intent on their food, defenses lowered (perhaps foolishly) the minute the delicious meat hit their tongue. It was difficult to focus on the conversation in front of them, when so much of them was focused on the food. Of course - the older sailor flashed them an almost conspiratorial grin, and Tavihe wouldn't deny it - they were curious, even if they almost snorted at the suggestion of 'hidden skills'. They weren't ambitious; a life of hedonistic bliss was, ideally, the goal, but their current assignment wasn't doing much in the way of making it to that goal. So, Tavihe flashed their own crooked grin and arched a brow, intrigued by the possibility of an offer. The guy had already pointed out that his crew ate well - came through ports like this often... " Ohhh a navigator? Now that would be a good skill to learn. Uh - not trying to steal your job though!" They laughed heartily and waved a hand dismissively. " Me? I just want to see more of the world and enjoy myself while I do."
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Tue May 06, 2025 6:32 pm
"I hope not." Emiyn replied with a chuckle. "Like I said - I'm a bit spoiled so I'm not gonna give that job up easily." He teased back as he took a moment to simply enjoy more of the food. It gave him time to think about the Kahi's words and eventually the Matori nodded. "Exploring the world is nice, so that's not a bad goal. Helps though havin' the right people to enjoy it with especially when you're truly far from home." It was the only reason he had lingered on a ship instead of running back to Matori when given the chance. The bonds that one could make on a crew....well, it definitely made the bitterness of the past a worthwhile experience at the end of it all.
"Though I suppose I could give a few tips on navigating, if you promise to not steal my job. If you really did want to learn a few things that you might not know." Emiyn added after another moment. "As thanks for sharing a meal, that is."
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Posted: Thu May 08, 2025 2:51 pm
(I'm good with Tavi's post-pregnant plots and stuff so no pressure on where this rp goes! We can scrap it, or continue it for Emiyn points, whatever is good for you sweet lady! :3) The truth was, even if Tavihe was to somehow have a knack for the whole 'navigating' thing, they doubted they'd ever be trusted on their current ship with a task like that. Nah... life in the crows nest, scraping barnacles off the belly of the ship, or doing hard labor in the hold was probably the most they could hope for as long as they worked on the Whispering Witch. " Wouldn't dream of it." Tavihe lied, smiling sweetly. Getting on a ship like the one he bragged about sounded like a dream - but actual, honest merchant ships weren't likely to take kindly to their work history. " Is it true that you people use the stars for that kind of thing? Sounds like witch-work, if you ask me." They shrugged, quite clearly not spooked or actually alarmed by the possibility, but for someone whose people lived underground, the logic of the stars had never really been something their parents were very interested in learning.
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu May 22, 2025 9:32 am
scarlett arbuckle We can finish this up - if you don't mind. If not no worries! Gonna leave this one up to you, haha.
"Witch-work?" Emiyn chuckled at the very idea. "Perhaps, but it's still useful. You never know if you'll get lost at sea." The Matori plopped the rest of the food in his mouth to quickly finish so that he could dig through his belongings. "I can write some notes, if you have time." He took out a journal and flipped to a blank page so that he could sketch on it with charcoal. "There's a series of stars that look like this. Obans and Matori call it the belt of On'os. If you can learn to recognize it then it can help direct you, just find the bright star in the middle there and draw a line towards the horizon to find north."
[Emiyn 7]
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