Bringing in the Big Catch (Miria)

by **Valkyrie** on December 21st, 2012, 3:50 pm

Winter 65, 512

Miria stood on the docks, overlooking the icy sea. It was early morning and the glint of the rising sun on the ice was almost blinding. Clear days like this were more common in the winter season but even so still a rarity. Coolwater fisherman were out in force, eager to use the good weather to their advantage and bring in a big haul of fish. Even a few whalers were getting prepared to boat out to where they estimated the whales to be at this time of year.

“Pardon me? Miss?” a hoarse elderly voice interrupted whatever was running through Miria’s head and caused her to look around. The voice emanated from an old man standing near a small fishing boat tied up to the dock. The man’s once black hair was now a soft gray and his back was a little stooped from age.

“Could I ask a favor of you miss? You seem like a strong young lass and I could use a hand with bringing in the fish today. Usually my son goes out to sea with me but he’s awfully ill and laid up at the Whitevine Healing Center. All the other sailors have already committed to other boats.” The man gave Miria a half-smile and shrugged his shoulders.

The man appeared nice enough but one never knew these days. Strange enough things were happening in the city to make everyone doubt their neighbor, but then again the elders were well trusted. Beyond the issue of safety, the next question was whether or not Miria would want to be stuck in a boat all day with an elder who might drone on incessantly. Perhaps that was too harsh a judgment though, perhaps he really was a nice old man in need of another pair of hands.

The man looked expectantly at Miria and then sighed and gazed at his boat. It was a small thing but well maintained, nets were gathered and attached to the inner sides. Several fishing poles and hooks were securely nestled in a corner and neatly folded piles of furs were located at each end to keep the man and his fishing companions warm.

by **Miria** on January 15th, 2013, 5:24 pm

The sea and the sun joined hands this morning and the sight did not disappoint quiet Miria. It was a calming sight and it gave the Vantha hope somehow. No matter what this land will send her way the sun would always come out to inspire her in it's own quiet way. The archer probably would have sat down by the docks that morning appreciating the peaceful sight. Only a few moments after watching Miria instead had her thoughts were interrupted as someone called out for her attention.

Blinking twice the archer slowly swiveled her head to the right towards the voice. The man spoke to Miria asking her for assistance. The request surprised her, though she was a Coolwater by name she did not know anything relating to boats or fishing. Giving a nervous laugh Miria returned the half-smile with her own uncomfortable smile.

“I don't know. I'm probably the last person you should be asking to come fishing with you.”

To this the elder made a wide gesture with his hands looking left and right before making his point.

“You are the last person left on the docks.”

Her cheeks flushed hearing the elder's retort. Her excuse being torn to shreds Miria shifted uncomfortably, looking around desperately for someone else to deal with the stranger. The man had a point though, any and every sailor had already left the docks in search of their catches. This left this elder alone to fend for himself, which was odd. Where was the icewatch patrol assigned for this man? She recalled seeing elders and patrols going around the city together but this man was alone still! Miria sighed inwardly at this. It looked like it was up to her to right this wrong.

“Well alright. Just don't expect us to catch anything good.”

She was answered by a small cheer and wide smile before being patted heartily on the shoulders. Oww.

“Why thank you! Truly dear. Thank you! And don't worry. Just listen to me and we will do just fine.”

The elder took to his boat with much enthusiasm. Fastening, double checking supplies and eventually remembering to introduce himself to Miria. Taking Miria's hand he gripped it lightly to reaffirm his gratitude to the archer.

“I'm sorry. I didn't quite catch your name? What can I call you? You can call me Daveth. Daveth Coolwater or just Dave if you want. We can go right now if your ready. Just find something to hold that thing you have there."

Motioning to what Miria had in her hand she offered a better view of what she had. It was a book, another mystery book on people arcane and their exploits. This time it was her turn to shrug as she then answered back.

“You can call me Miria if you must. And... this I cannot part just simply leave behind. I borrowed this and I was planning to return it until you came along. I mean, I still plan on doing so. How long can you stay here?”

Daveth nodded slightly at her problem. Very well this Miria will go to the library, drop off her book and then go fishing. The thought of her simply running off came to mind but he hoped that would not be the case.

“Very well. I'll have everything ready by the time you come back. Thank you again. Not too many folk willing to help an old man like myself."

by **Miria** on January 30th, 2013, 7:35 pm

Bounding towards the library Miria met up with Jack Skyglow at the desk. She gave him a quick smile as she returned the Arsenal Mage part three - Hypnotism. Jack already knew the archer's habit of reading up on the arcane which gave him a bit of leverage in the relationship. However he did not seem to discriminate the Coolwater at all, which constantly impressed her.

“Already done with it? AND your our not checking out another one?” Jack commented as he put the book in the returns stack. “ What is going on Miria? I know you want to learn about the flux mage. That is obviously one of the more dangerous magic use regarding one's own health.”

A pair of happy golden eyes greeted the younger man as Miria cheerfully responded back. “Nope, got myself a hot date by boat today. It's horrible, I'm stuck with an elder whose son got sick. So naturally I was recruited to help him.”

Shaking his head with a smirk Jack chuckled slightly before sending Miria on her way. “You'd better hurry he might find someone to replace you if your not quick.” “Ugh I wish.” Miria replied back. It was nice to be able to talk to someone without hiding her preferences. People are always concerned she might practice magic since she reads about it in plain sight. “I'll be back to check out that book later today. Hold it for me until then.” Miria called out before she headed back to the docks. “No problem it will be here when you get back.” Jack replied back watching her slowly disappear.

A very happy elder got up from his seat as he greeted Miria once more. “I really appreciate this dear I really do. Not too many people nowadays stop to help their elders.” Miria nodded meekly in return as she eased her way into the ship. It seemed sturdy enough, the stack of furs she had her back to were warm and everything seemed to be in good order. Perhaps this won't be as horrible as I made it out to be she thought as they made their way out of Avanthal.

“Where are we going?” Miria asked hiding behind a small layer of furs. It was childish but a sense of adventure surged through the younger Vantha as she watched the waves pass beside her. Seeing this Daveth simply let Miria have her fun until they came to a slow nearing some glaciers.

Miria looked around to see only water and frozen ice all around her. How could Daveth tell the difference from one place or another? “This ice makes fishing somewhat trickier. We have to navigate through the this area to get to where we want.” Passing a few small icebergs the archer regarded the structure critically before nudging the boat away from the ice. It was cold obviously but that wasn't why Daveth warned Miria to stay clear of them. “You don't want to deal with this ice here. If your not on steady footing you could fall off your boat trying to push off of them. Also seen them do nasty work on the hulls of ships because a part of it was sticking out.”

Miri quietly listened to Daveth closely. Though she doubt she would ever own her own ship the stories the Coolwater had seemed interesting enough. However that was the end of the stories that the elder had it seems and as the frequency of the icebergs started to dwindle so did Miria's patience. Why was this trip taking so long? Miria was about to complain as Daveth made his move. In one sweeping movement he grabbed the net before throwing it over to the Vantha. A surprised cry came from Miria as it landed on her before struggling to squirm free.

“What are you doing?”

Opening her eyes the archer saw the net landed short as it rested on her wrists. Looking up she saw Daveth already has his half of the net in the water waiting patiently for the other Coolwater to do the same. Slightly embarrassed once again by the strange elder Miria followed his lead, watching the net drop into the sea floor. Then together they both pulled the finely thin net up to bring in their catch. Peering over Miria's eyes opened slightly at the sight of small shrimp being brought up. Oh neat! It looked like they were there!

They moved around a few times and casted the net over where the fish food seemed to be densest. The net seemed to do all the work as scared fish and other marine life were lifted up. Finally they brought up a modest enough haul to call it a day. As the sun above them started to set the crew of Helena found themselves fishing the conventional way as they use rods near a river bank that emptied into the ocean.

“And that's how this ship was named after my first fling” Daveth ended as Miria waited patiently for a bite. They were at the stage where he would try to pass the time telling stories. The younger Vantha did not really mind them it was just sometimes he would skip over some parts acting as if she knew what he was talking about. Finally she felt a strong tug on her pole before heaving the whole thing up. She nearly jumped out of the boat with the movement but she somehow managed to make the fish land in the boat. “Hah got one!”

However Daveth had other plans as he unhooked the fish. Taking it in both hands he eased the fish back into the water with Miria gaping slightly at the action. “Those fish taste bad dear. Take my word for it those are just junk fish nobody likes to have.” The archer found himself glowering at the older man before sitting in an aggravated heap next to him. Once again she waited for another pull from her pole. I mean how often does a fish land in your boat after one pull?

Daveth was explaining to her the different fish in the area. What tasted good, what tasted bad, which ones that could be kept as pets. All of this leading up to him talking about his family. “How are they?” Miria found herself asking. Being stuck in the boat with him the archer would have to eventually forgive him. He was the only company to be had. “Oh they are fine now. Even though junior is held up in Whitevine Hold, me and the missums are living nicely out here.”

“Was? You guys live up here?” Miria replied back. Miria looked forward as she saw and felt her bobber sink. Once again she gave a hard tug as a fish came flying out of the water into view. “That's the one! That there is the fish you want to catch while out here!” Daveth exclaimed as he nearly got up from his seat. Though it fell on deaf ears. Miria could hardly hear herself think as the fish tugged back, she could feel her grip slipping slowly as the two waged war.

It was too much for her, looking at Daveth for support she paused seeing a passive face from her companion. She was not going to get help Miria realized, pulling with renewed fervor. What she did get was helpful chanting and instruction to help her reel in the big one. “That's it! Don't let up! This is what we have been waiting for all day!” That last part really spurred her on. Tug after furious tug her catch finally relented as Daveth grabbed the fish with a net as it neared. “Thank you.” Miria wheezed as she laid exhausted on the furs. Now this trip was worth the trouble. No Coolwater can question her being part of their hold now! She caught a ...something. “No need to thank me you did all the work.” Daveth replied as he brought the fish closer to her.

Words could not express the joy she felt at that moment. Having brought something into this boat was a feeling like no other. Bringing the fish into view she held it in her hands. It was still so strong and full of energy weighing a few pounds as far as she can tell. The archer could hear Daveth in the background saying it was a trout or something. “I think I'm going to name you fishy.” Miria said deliriously, beyond exhausted. Perhaps they should stop now for the day.

by **Miria** on February 1st, 2013, 2:21 pm

“Miria are you okay?” Daveth asked, waving his hands over the other's head. “I'm okay.” Miria finally murmured as she tossed the fish aside. Fishing was definitely not one of her strong suits. “Think we should call it a day” she said weakly, laying on the stack of furs. To this the elder agreed as they packed up and moved on. “Sounds fair but before we go back to Avanthal I would like to show you to the miss fisherman.”

Shrugging slightly Miria watched from the side of the boat as they docked near a small shack. Getting out of the boat Miria followed Daveth to the shack, taking in her surroundings. “Honey I'm home!” She heard Daveth call out as she entered the shack. It seemed nice enough for being in the middle of nowhere. It was made out of wood and there weren't any decorations but it seemed homely- “OHMYGOSH!” Miria took a full two steps back into the wall as she saw something that was not suppose to be there.

Turning to see the rest of the house Miria could see the elder was standing next to a chair. In that chair his wife sat. His dead wife. Even from here the archer's eyes could make out the lifelessness from her body but it didn't deter Daveth at all. “Don't be shy dear we have a guest.” he scolded the corpse before looking back at Miria. “Sorry she was not always like this. Happened last spring I think. Somehow we ended up stranded near this area and had to fend for ourselves. I remember making this house all by myself while we waited for help to arrive. Only it didn't came and me and honey had to make out own life.”

Swallowing hard Miria regarded the elder cautiously as her hand went to her...wait. Where was it? A bead of sweat started to form as Miria remembered she didn't bother bringing her usual equipment with her. Not even her sword of all things! Miria's lack of her bow made her feel almost naked as she backed away slowly from the two. “I'm sorry Daveth but I just remembered I have to meet with someone. In the library?" Miria offered weakly. "I had fun but I have to go. Don't worry you don't have to take me back on your boat. Just make sure you go to Whitevine hold when your done here.”

“I can't do that. Junior is in the hospital already. His treatment comes first and when he's better he can come back to us.” "Okay. Okay. Or not whatever you want" Miria merely nodded before bolting out the door. “We do gambling and cards on wednesdays Miria! Make sure you come by when you can!” Daveth shouted behind her. It didn't matter to her! She was already tearing a path down the coast to Avanthal. The lights from the city were far but they did not falter as she ran towards them.

Running for what felt like forever the archer hunched over gasping for breathe as her sides burned fiercely. Avanthal was still a few miles away and she doubted that Daveth would just let her go. Her clothes felt heavy as she sweat more and more weight into them but she had to keep going. The thoughts of seeing a small boat gliding up behind her spurred Miria to almost desperate measures. It was dark outside as she made it to the gates and in her condition she almost did not get in until the guard remembered a missing persons announcement not too long ago. “Are you Miria Coolwater?” Jack remembered! Morwen bless his soul! Nodding weakly the Coolwater was escorted to her artvinta after a quick stop at Whitevine hold. During their check up on her she asked about the elder she met at the docks. The name Daveth Coolwater and his relatives Miria found, were dashed out of the hospital's listings after the djed storm last spring.

oocCan you have the date be the 65th?

by **Valkyrie** on February 7th, 2013, 4:27 pm

Miria :

You Will Be Collected if Worthy

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, please send me a PM and we can figure it out.