-Age 11-
"I....I'm afraid, sir." Melodia's voice trembled as did her body, as the sea air filled her lungs.
"Don't let fear control you, girl. The moment you do, you've already lost." Taurin's voice was loud enough so she could hear as he was standing back on the deck, a few others curiously watching her. She was on the ship's bowsprit, extending out over the waters, her feet balancing a bit wobblyas she kept her face up looking forward, breathing quickly as she was terrified.
"Just keep yours forward. Observe the scene in front of you. Nothing good will ever come of you staring at your own damned feet. Remember that. Now girl....take another step forward." It was not a sharp command like the Captain's usually were. This was a caring one, akin to a father encouraging his child.
Melodia lifted her foot and then put the trembling limb back down."An' wha' if I fall off?"
Taurin replied gruffly, "You want the honest answer or the one you want me to give you?"
With a shaky voice, "Th' honest one."
"You'll fall. Hit the water hard. Likely injure yourself or become fodder for the fish. Either way it won't end well, so don't fall."Â His words were crisp and clear, no sign of sarcasm, just facts. She sighed and then responded meekly, "Th' answ'r I wanna hear then."
He smiled though she couldn't see it. "You'll be fine."
She took a deep breath and walked one step forward, catching her balanceand calming before taking another step. Taurin, as per usual, didn't say a word and merely observed. She was used to his slient mentoring at this point. she knew the lesson had purpose but hadn't yet figured out the meaning just yet.
And every day, the lessons were getting harder.
"I....I'm afraid, sir." Melodia's voice trembled as did her body, as the sea air filled her lungs.
"Don't let fear control you, girl. The moment you do, you've already lost." Taurin's voice was loud enough so she could hear as he was standing back on the deck, a few others curiously watching her. She was on the ship's bowsprit, extending out over the waters, her feet balancing a bit wobblyas she kept her face up looking forward, breathing quickly as she was terrified.
"Just keep yours forward. Observe the scene in front of you. Nothing good will ever come of you staring at your own damned feet. Remember that. Now girl....take another step forward." It was not a sharp command like the Captain's usually were. This was a caring one, akin to a father encouraging his child.
Melodia lifted her foot and then put the trembling limb back down."An' wha' if I fall off?"
Taurin replied gruffly, "You want the honest answer or the one you want me to give you?"
With a shaky voice, "Th' honest one."
"You'll fall. Hit the water hard. Likely injure yourself or become fodder for the fish. Either way it won't end well, so don't fall."Â His words were crisp and clear, no sign of sarcasm, just facts. She sighed and then responded meekly, "Th' answ'r I wanna hear then."
He smiled though she couldn't see it. "You'll be fine."
She took a deep breath and walked one step forward, catching her balanceand calming before taking another step. Taurin, as per usual, didn't say a word and merely observed. She was used to his slient mentoring at this point. she knew the lesson had purpose but hadn't yet figured out the meaning just yet.
And every day, the lessons were getting harder.
