Stormy eyes swarmed over the busy, ruckus waterfront. A hand on hip eased the strain of the loaded pack resting over one shoulder left bare by strap's pull. In the light mugginess of the docks, laces left loose to allow for catching the light salt washed breeze. That same shoulder lifted to shrug the heavy pack for more comfort. A step, then another marked by the rolling grace one acquired aboard deck. Those would be the first step in a new adventure, or so she convinced herself. These last few months aboard had been clouded by mechanically preformed duties and a yen for something new. So, here she was, attire marking her from head to toe. Sun kissed flesh wrapped in comfortably broken in leather boots and breeches, a flowing blouse cinched by a brightly contrasting sash. The sheathed blade peeking over her shoulder didn't seem all that odd, though surely, like most of the salt, smaller blades would be found somewhere. A hand lifted to tousle wind-blown ebony locks, a faint grimace at the thought she'd not restrained them. Already ship life and habits were being shed.
A few questions, hastily answered by a dock worker burdened with a large crate, brought the intelligence that there was an Inn just down the way. In truth, it had been farther than that. A cant of head studying the large building as she ascended the steps. Rope roughened hand splayed to push the door open. Though a sharp gaze took in most of the occupants, the keeper was soon spotted behind the bar. A smile awaited there and hearty welcome. A few more words and exchange of silver secured a room, a meal and ale. Comforting her growling stomach took the utmost attention at first, but before the platter of bread, meat and cheese was half gone, the keep was back. Immediate need cared for, a brief conversation ensued. Soon she was enlightened about the various highlights of this new land.
The most welcome was that there were places where she could keep in shape and hone the skills that had been valued by her late captain. Three places in particular struck favorable chord. That evening she arrived on the sands of Twilight Island in time to observe a tournament to find the latest worthy to challenge the ArchMage for his position. Fascinated, she stayed until fatigue won out and drove her back to the Inn. The peace of the Island reached a place she'd not known was seeking. Admiration marked the skill of the combatants. Wonder gave way to understanding as she realized the spells were confined and could not escape the appointed rings. Resolve grew to seek out the other avenues.
A couple of nights later found her in the Outback. Careful observation of those brawling hand-to-hand gave a delighted smile that lightened features. A place dedicated to physical combat found favor and further sparked interest in the third venue. She'd refrained from entering a ring herself in order to not only read the posted rules, but watch them in action. Several combatants were marked for later possibilities.
Her next trip was to watch the swordplay in the Arena. A comfortable seat with a good view while she studied the rules. And she was set for another delightful evening. Silently reflecting that it seemed she'd made decision to take her leave of her crew-mates at a good time and place, she took in all the activity. Later that evening, thumb stroking the third scroll of regulations, she wondered back to her hopefully temporary residence. While gaining her scrolls she'd left a notice of hire at the dueling rings. With luck she'd soon have a job and somewhere a little more personal to settle. Not that the rooms at the Inn were less than well kept, but it was all the same an Inn, not a home. And Jal was at least feminine enough to want something of her own to settle into after years of sharing a small cabin aboard.
Reaching her destination, the third scroll completing her collection on a small table brought a broad grin. It seemed almost as though she'd found the last clue to a great treasure. One that would fulfill the dark, empty places, the need for excitement and the thrill of combat with others that took similar joy. Moving to the window, the just above petite form silhouetted by moonlight, an almost silly grin stealing over as those storm cloud eyes roamed over the visible parts of Rhy'Din. The faintest of whispers soon followed, " Looks like home port and a new voyage all wrapped up in one, Jal, m'lass."
A few questions, hastily answered by a dock worker burdened with a large crate, brought the intelligence that there was an Inn just down the way. In truth, it had been farther than that. A cant of head studying the large building as she ascended the steps. Rope roughened hand splayed to push the door open. Though a sharp gaze took in most of the occupants, the keeper was soon spotted behind the bar. A smile awaited there and hearty welcome. A few more words and exchange of silver secured a room, a meal and ale. Comforting her growling stomach took the utmost attention at first, but before the platter of bread, meat and cheese was half gone, the keep was back. Immediate need cared for, a brief conversation ensued. Soon she was enlightened about the various highlights of this new land.
The most welcome was that there were places where she could keep in shape and hone the skills that had been valued by her late captain. Three places in particular struck favorable chord. That evening she arrived on the sands of Twilight Island in time to observe a tournament to find the latest worthy to challenge the ArchMage for his position. Fascinated, she stayed until fatigue won out and drove her back to the Inn. The peace of the Island reached a place she'd not known was seeking. Admiration marked the skill of the combatants. Wonder gave way to understanding as she realized the spells were confined and could not escape the appointed rings. Resolve grew to seek out the other avenues.
A couple of nights later found her in the Outback. Careful observation of those brawling hand-to-hand gave a delighted smile that lightened features. A place dedicated to physical combat found favor and further sparked interest in the third venue. She'd refrained from entering a ring herself in order to not only read the posted rules, but watch them in action. Several combatants were marked for later possibilities.
Her next trip was to watch the swordplay in the Arena. A comfortable seat with a good view while she studied the rules. And she was set for another delightful evening. Silently reflecting that it seemed she'd made decision to take her leave of her crew-mates at a good time and place, she took in all the activity. Later that evening, thumb stroking the third scroll of regulations, she wondered back to her hopefully temporary residence. While gaining her scrolls she'd left a notice of hire at the dueling rings. With luck she'd soon have a job and somewhere a little more personal to settle. Not that the rooms at the Inn were less than well kept, but it was all the same an Inn, not a home. And Jal was at least feminine enough to want something of her own to settle into after years of sharing a small cabin aboard.
Reaching her destination, the third scroll completing her collection on a small table brought a broad grin. It seemed almost as though she'd found the last clue to a great treasure. One that would fulfill the dark, empty places, the need for excitement and the thrill of combat with others that took similar joy. Moving to the window, the just above petite form silhouetted by moonlight, an almost silly grin stealing over as those storm cloud eyes roamed over the visible parts of Rhy'Din. The faintest of whispers soon followed, " Looks like home port and a new voyage all wrapped up in one, Jal, m'lass."