P'welro leaned upon the larboard gunwale, staring off across the open sea to the south. Vylbrand lay far across those waters, but she was gone from sight now. The Roehmerl had cleared the Merlthor a few hours before, and their course was set westward across the expanse of the Indigo Deep. The winds and waters were both cooling the further they traveled, the depths returning to a deep, dark blue. The waters looked clean enough to drink from, even though that was far from true.
P'welro sniffed the air and muttered something that sounded like, "I don't like these waters." Despite this unusual shift in her demeanor, P'welro straightened her back and put on a grin for Ryanti. The First Mate looked as if she had been awake all evening. "Iffin yer offerin', yeh can 'elp meh put up the light air sails. This gentle breeze ain't strong enough to lift the 'eavier sheets we 'ad to withstand the rougher winds las' night. But this, this is jus' a bit o' calm. The Deep always plagued by storms. Yeh see red risin' ye'll know its comin'. And if yeh ain't believin' in the Gods after seein' all this beauty wit yer eyes, ye'll believe in them when yer facin' their wrath, alright."
The blond Miqo'te went about her duties as the boatswain with Ryanti in tow, furling the sails and rigging up a set of lighter ones. These airy, cotton sheets felt nearly weightless in Ryanti's grasp, which was more or less their purpose. P'welro explained that these sheets were only used for light winds to keep the ship moving forwards and steady, and that stronger winds would shred them - or worse, damage the yards or rigging. Sailing was the most delicate of balancing acts. The winds on the open seas could change, die, or pick up at any moment and it took the combined efforts of the helmsmen and the riggers to keep the Roehmerl afloat, erect, and sailing in the right direction at all times.
"'Sides," P'welro finished, "Ye'll get a better sight o' Azeyma's risin' from the crow's nest. Susuroon won't mind yeh up there, he's busy cookin' fer the crew anyhow. Jus' be sure to 'old on tightly."
As they worked, the sky began to brighten in the east behind the Roehmerl, casting a soft red glow upon the ship's blood red sails. Sure enough, the clouds drifting over the Merlthor were emblazoned in red, long before the sun had even peaked the surface of the horizon. P'welro let Ryanti watch as Azeyma the Warden rose in her sanguine glory, igniting the skies and silhouetting the waters against Her flame. For a few moments, the sea had turned black, until the sun fully crested the horizon and faded from crimson to orange, softening Her rage.
"Red sky at mornin', sailors take warnin'," P'welro said calmly, "The Navigator is beautiful and terrible, Seventy-seven. Thas why we return to Her call. We wanna be like Her."
P'welro finished attaching the sails in silence and began climbing down to the main deck to tie off the loose ends of the rigging. By the time she had finished, the sun had broken free from the surface, and the sea became alight in Her shimmering essence, as if a fractured sun lay beneath the waves. Soon this light reflected all around the ship, dancing like sprites in the ever shifting waves below. It was magical, if one could see past the ill omen behind it all.
Sometime while the two were at work, Fhruhsunn had come out onto the deck to see the sunrise. For the crew of the Roehmerl, this was more than just a simple thing of beauty to admire once in a lifetime, it was part of their daily routine. Check the sky, check the winds, test the waters, wake the crew, maintenance the vessel, rest the crew. It was the constant cycle of readiness that prevailed upon the sea. An environment where anything could happen at any moment.
Marjanie relinquished the helm to Fhruhsunn, then began making marks upon the nautical map they were using to navigate. She showed the Roegadyn what progress she had made and her course and he nodded a few times in understanding. She said a few things more to Fhurhsunn then retreated down the steps, casting a brief glance up to Ryanti above, before moving over to the Captain's cabin and knocking softly upon the door. She opened the door softly and went inside, closing the door behind her as she went.
Inside the cabin was dark still. A soft orange glow of the angered Warden cast disfigured shadows about the room. Sounsyy was slumped in her armchair, half awake, cradling a finished bottle of wine against her breast. Her eyes sluggishly climbed Marjanie's figure, resting upon her blue eyes. The Elezen looked exceedingly young in the orange glow. Her face was without lines or wrinkles, no scars or imperfections. Her long, black hair was neatly braided.
"We've passed into Garlean patrolled waters," Marjanie said simply. The Captain roused fully and rubbed her eyes against her right forearm. "Put the crew on alert," she said quietly, "Though with any luck this storm will give us some measure of cover."
"Agreed, I've informed Fhruhsunn of our route, and Jada is already preparing the armory for your orders to quarter. Maelstrom Command's last vessel in the region reported all clear, but that could change at a moment's notice out here."
Sounsyy nodded, replacing the wine bottle on her desk and moving to her armoire to change into fresh clothing. She pulled a clean shirt over her wounded torso and slid into a clean pair of leggings. "Good, go get some rest, lass. Ye've earned it."
"You as well Captain," Marjanie wore a look of concern, though her voice was even toned, "Have your nightmares gotten worse?" Sounsyy said nothing for a while, as she laced up her boots, one strap held between her teeth. By the time her mouth was free, she could think of no words so she merely nodded. Marjanie gave her Captain a comforting smile as she was very comfortable with non-verbal communication after spending so many months with Fhruhsunn.
"You and Seventy-seven may have that in common," she observed in response, "He has gotten up exceptionally early this sun with Sixteen. He's been helping P'welro with the sails. She looks as if she could use the hand today. Navigator knows this storm will not be easy for her."
Sounsyy regarded her reflection in her vanity as she finished dressing. She made a few adjustments to her forager's vest before pulling her mess of hair into a short ponytail. Marjanie couldn't help but smile at the attempt. Sounsyy turned to her, laughed softly in spite of herself, and shook her head some, returning to the topic at hand. "I'll tell her to get some rest and take over fer her fer the time being. I must needs speak with the young Miqo'te anyroad."
What seemed like half a bell had passed since Marjanie had entered the Captain's cabin. By this time P'welro had finished most of her duties, and had allowed Ryanti to sight-see for the most part while she replaced the jibs on the bowsprit. The sun still hung low in the sky, its soft morning rays just starting to warm the cool sea breeze. When Sounsyy finally emerged from her cabin with Marjanie at her heel, she made for her First Mate and the two moved in close to one another, exchanging some whispered orders. P'welro nodded, gave a short wave to Ryanti and moved with Marjanie below decks.
A few moments passed as Sounsyy moved to the base of the mainmast and began tying a rope around her waist. She climbed swiftly to the the masthead where Ryanti was allowed to linger and sat herself beside him. She followed his gaze out across the boundless sea and sighed softly as a cool wind brushed against their cheeks. Her eyes slid towards Ryanti soon after though, not taking the time to admire the view.
"Tell me about the dreams," she said rather suddenly and bluntly.
P'welro sniffed the air and muttered something that sounded like, "I don't like these waters." Despite this unusual shift in her demeanor, P'welro straightened her back and put on a grin for Ryanti. The First Mate looked as if she had been awake all evening. "Iffin yer offerin', yeh can 'elp meh put up the light air sails. This gentle breeze ain't strong enough to lift the 'eavier sheets we 'ad to withstand the rougher winds las' night. But this, this is jus' a bit o' calm. The Deep always plagued by storms. Yeh see red risin' ye'll know its comin'. And if yeh ain't believin' in the Gods after seein' all this beauty wit yer eyes, ye'll believe in them when yer facin' their wrath, alright."
The blond Miqo'te went about her duties as the boatswain with Ryanti in tow, furling the sails and rigging up a set of lighter ones. These airy, cotton sheets felt nearly weightless in Ryanti's grasp, which was more or less their purpose. P'welro explained that these sheets were only used for light winds to keep the ship moving forwards and steady, and that stronger winds would shred them - or worse, damage the yards or rigging. Sailing was the most delicate of balancing acts. The winds on the open seas could change, die, or pick up at any moment and it took the combined efforts of the helmsmen and the riggers to keep the Roehmerl afloat, erect, and sailing in the right direction at all times.
"'Sides," P'welro finished, "Ye'll get a better sight o' Azeyma's risin' from the crow's nest. Susuroon won't mind yeh up there, he's busy cookin' fer the crew anyhow. Jus' be sure to 'old on tightly."
As they worked, the sky began to brighten in the east behind the Roehmerl, casting a soft red glow upon the ship's blood red sails. Sure enough, the clouds drifting over the Merlthor were emblazoned in red, long before the sun had even peaked the surface of the horizon. P'welro let Ryanti watch as Azeyma the Warden rose in her sanguine glory, igniting the skies and silhouetting the waters against Her flame. For a few moments, the sea had turned black, until the sun fully crested the horizon and faded from crimson to orange, softening Her rage.
"Red sky at mornin', sailors take warnin'," P'welro said calmly, "The Navigator is beautiful and terrible, Seventy-seven. Thas why we return to Her call. We wanna be like Her."
P'welro finished attaching the sails in silence and began climbing down to the main deck to tie off the loose ends of the rigging. By the time she had finished, the sun had broken free from the surface, and the sea became alight in Her shimmering essence, as if a fractured sun lay beneath the waves. Soon this light reflected all around the ship, dancing like sprites in the ever shifting waves below. It was magical, if one could see past the ill omen behind it all.
Sometime while the two were at work, Fhruhsunn had come out onto the deck to see the sunrise. For the crew of the Roehmerl, this was more than just a simple thing of beauty to admire once in a lifetime, it was part of their daily routine. Check the sky, check the winds, test the waters, wake the crew, maintenance the vessel, rest the crew. It was the constant cycle of readiness that prevailed upon the sea. An environment where anything could happen at any moment.
Marjanie relinquished the helm to Fhruhsunn, then began making marks upon the nautical map they were using to navigate. She showed the Roegadyn what progress she had made and her course and he nodded a few times in understanding. She said a few things more to Fhurhsunn then retreated down the steps, casting a brief glance up to Ryanti above, before moving over to the Captain's cabin and knocking softly upon the door. She opened the door softly and went inside, closing the door behind her as she went.
Inside the cabin was dark still. A soft orange glow of the angered Warden cast disfigured shadows about the room. Sounsyy was slumped in her armchair, half awake, cradling a finished bottle of wine against her breast. Her eyes sluggishly climbed Marjanie's figure, resting upon her blue eyes. The Elezen looked exceedingly young in the orange glow. Her face was without lines or wrinkles, no scars or imperfections. Her long, black hair was neatly braided.
"We've passed into Garlean patrolled waters," Marjanie said simply. The Captain roused fully and rubbed her eyes against her right forearm. "Put the crew on alert," she said quietly, "Though with any luck this storm will give us some measure of cover."
"Agreed, I've informed Fhruhsunn of our route, and Jada is already preparing the armory for your orders to quarter. Maelstrom Command's last vessel in the region reported all clear, but that could change at a moment's notice out here."
Sounsyy nodded, replacing the wine bottle on her desk and moving to her armoire to change into fresh clothing. She pulled a clean shirt over her wounded torso and slid into a clean pair of leggings. "Good, go get some rest, lass. Ye've earned it."
"You as well Captain," Marjanie wore a look of concern, though her voice was even toned, "Have your nightmares gotten worse?" Sounsyy said nothing for a while, as she laced up her boots, one strap held between her teeth. By the time her mouth was free, she could think of no words so she merely nodded. Marjanie gave her Captain a comforting smile as she was very comfortable with non-verbal communication after spending so many months with Fhruhsunn.
"You and Seventy-seven may have that in common," she observed in response, "He has gotten up exceptionally early this sun with Sixteen. He's been helping P'welro with the sails. She looks as if she could use the hand today. Navigator knows this storm will not be easy for her."
Sounsyy regarded her reflection in her vanity as she finished dressing. She made a few adjustments to her forager's vest before pulling her mess of hair into a short ponytail. Marjanie couldn't help but smile at the attempt. Sounsyy turned to her, laughed softly in spite of herself, and shook her head some, returning to the topic at hand. "I'll tell her to get some rest and take over fer her fer the time being. I must needs speak with the young Miqo'te anyroad."
What seemed like half a bell had passed since Marjanie had entered the Captain's cabin. By this time P'welro had finished most of her duties, and had allowed Ryanti to sight-see for the most part while she replaced the jibs on the bowsprit. The sun still hung low in the sky, its soft morning rays just starting to warm the cool sea breeze. When Sounsyy finally emerged from her cabin with Marjanie at her heel, she made for her First Mate and the two moved in close to one another, exchanging some whispered orders. P'welro nodded, gave a short wave to Ryanti and moved with Marjanie below decks.
A few moments passed as Sounsyy moved to the base of the mainmast and began tying a rope around her waist. She climbed swiftly to the the masthead where Ryanti was allowed to linger and sat herself beside him. She followed his gaze out across the boundless sea and sighed softly as a cool wind brushed against their cheeks. Her eyes slid towards Ryanti soon after though, not taking the time to admire the view.
"Tell me about the dreams," she said rather suddenly and bluntly.
