Solo Land Ahoy!

[Darya Backrush]

1st of Fall, 515AV

{Suvan Sea}

The sun was wonderfully warm as she shone high above the Suvan Sea, casting her gentle light over the lazy waves and creating beautiful shimmers on the water’s surface. There was ne’er a cloud to be had and seagulls cried out their delight for all to hear. However there was a different sound mixed in with the calls of seagulls. Bare feet pads to and fro along the length of a simple casinor as a young woman worked the sails and maintained her floating home. She sang uproariously without care of tune to the point that even the gulls steered away from her.

Sweat slicked the bare flesh of her torso as she pulled thick ropes with strong, rough hands. She no longer felt the stinging burn that was sometimes left by the rope; years of calluses had made sure of that. Her rusty colored dreadlocks were pulled back by a tattered bandanna to keep the thick stands from her eyes as she sailed her ship. With each movement, the clicking of the beads woven into her hair added to the Svefra’s singing.

Dayra was a spirited young woman, her enthusiasm was evident in every movement she made and every word she spoke. Many of her Pod mates compared her to a young dolphin due to her mannerisms and playful nature. Even as she worked, she still danced about in a way that it did not seem as though she was working at all.

How long had Darya been alone on the Suvan Sea? She was not exactly sure anymore, though it felt as though that little more than a week had passed since she left her Pod. Already she could feel the desire to go back, or at least find a new one. But she fought against those urges in favor of adventure.

The Lia of her Pod had plead and bargained with her in an effort to have her stay. Worry had been etched into the old woman’s wrinkles the moment Darya had asked to leave without any destination in mind. The Lia had even pointed out where other pods might be if Darya was sure she must leave. None of which had dissuaded the young Svefra. She wanted to see how the land people dwelled even though she knew that many held disdain for their kind. Not that she cared because they knew not the beauty she and her people saw in life and in death, all of which starts and ends with the oceans that Laviku watched over.

[Darya Backrush]

So as a result, she had been given a ship of her own by a coupled pair who needed a larger one for their blooming family since the woman was heavy with child. It had been a joyous moment for Darya to have one of her own. It was yet another important milestone for her, only seconded by when she received her Pod Tattoo at the age of fifteen.

It was her first Casinor and the first thing she ever really considered truly hers, she named it The Shorelark. It was a simple craft with a single mast that was set further back rather than in a sloop, two headsails, a bowsprit, and was fore-and-aft rigged. The paint that was left had once been red but hard seas and salt water had scrapped most of it off. It was something she wanted to have fixed but had not had the opportunity or the mizas to do so. The sails themselves were a dingy grey and well worn, something she was also going to need to fix soon.

Though to be fully honest, she had gotten lost quite a few times and her supplies were running frighteningly low. Had it not been for Lemosi, her Tavan, she might have run out of food by now. Thankfully, the Sea Father had blessed her several years ago with his mark which allowed her to be able to drink sea water as well as other gifts. However, she still needed to find another Pod or land soon lest she return to the sea sooner than she would like. Many long hours had been spent in prayer to her beloved Laviku, asking for his guidance and protection. She had complete and total faith in her people’s God, even if he intended to have her die. However, that did not mean she wanted to die.

Every day from sun up to sun down, she drifted where the wind and sea pushed her. Loneliness had also started to set in, causing her to rethink her decision to leave the safety and companionship of her people. Had Lemosi not been following her and keeping her company, she would have attempted to turn back long ago.

The sun was high in the sky when she took a moment to stop in her singing and work. The stark silence that had once been filled by her tone-deaf bleating was jarring…Until she heard something in the distance. Relief washed over her as she lifted a hand to shield her eyes from the sun to gaze up at the source of the sound. It was a small flock of white birds, crying out as they weaved their way through the air above. Seagulls never strayed too far from land which meant that she was quite possibly near shore!

“Kyaaaa! Thank yah, great Laviku! Yah ‘ave guided meh over yer wa’ers without fail! Ye absolutely amazing!” She praised aloud as she danced in what little space her casinor offered for a few chimes before she hastily went back to work setting the sails and following the Seagulls, because surely they would guide her to land.

[Darya Backrush]

The wind had really picked up and filled her sails as Darya did her best to follow after the birds. The sudden burst of air managed to push her faster and faster through the deep blue waters, which left a long frothy trail in her wake. For the young Svefra, it was exhilarating. It was almost as though she was flying over the shimmering surface like the seagulls that served as her guides. Perhaps it was foolish to blindly follow a bunch of birds to Gods know where, but if there was one thing that Darya did not lack, it was faith.

The sky was starting to turn shades of pink and orange when the first sight of land came into view for the Svefra. She could also spy a few ships here and there in the distance. Was there a port nearby? It was hard to tell since she never had to depend on her own wit to determine such things. The Lia of her pod had always tended to that responsibility which left Darya and the other youngsters to play or cause mischief elsewhere. She no longer had her pod or the Lia to do those things for her so… She might as well learn as quickly as possible. She could only assume that she was somewhere near the eastern part of the Northern Suvan Sea though she was not completely familiar with the area. She knew there was a city or two but she was uncertain of what city that could be.

If she did make it to a city, she couldn’t help but ponder how it would be to live among complete strangers on land without her Pod near her. If she was completely honest with herself, it was intimidating and she was a little more than frightened. However, she was more excited and curious than anything else. She murmured a soft prayer, asking for protection from Laviku as her small ship continued to rush towards land. After a few more Bells, the lands came more into view and there was a slight shine of light from further up the shoreline. She had to readjust her sails so that she could continue to sail along the coastline, though she nearly ran it aground twice in an effort to turn them.

Eventually, she finally made it to a rather large city. Was this Syliras? She had only been there once or twice as a young child so she did not remember much of the city aside from there being a lot of people of all crests and creeds. In the fading light of the day, it was difficult to truly see where exactly the docks were or where the best birth between the ships docked therein were. She didn’t want to damage her ship or the docks… or another person’s ship by crashing into it all out of carelessness. She had not considered the issue of docking by herself before and it had proved to be a daunting prospect.

[Darya Backrush]

{Suvan Sea --> The Great Harbor, Syliras}

To start off with, she moved to the side of her boat and dipped her fingers into the cool saltwater. Instantly it was as though her mind opened up to completely new sensations; it was as though in that brief moment she was a part of the sea and knew just where the currents were flowing. Currently, the tides were moving away from the land which would slow her speedy vessel. She frowned slightly and pondered how she could manage to get in there properly. The out-going tides could prove to be useful in slowing her casinor, but it might also make it difficult easing into a proper birth among the ships already docked for the evening.

It was then that she perked up with an idea. She could use the wind to give her power while the current slowed her down enough so that she could ease in. It was going to be difficult but she felt at least a little more confident. She cupped her hand and captured some of the water in her hand and lifted it to her mouth to drink. The water was clean and almost sweet on her tongue as she got her fill. Another gift from the Sea Father granted through her ever flowing gnosis mark on the whole of her right arm.

The sky was rather dark by the time she eased into the Harbor with her main sail furled and the two smaller head sails proving just enough power to push the casinor closer to the docks. Darya was in constant movement as she worked to keep her ship on track so not to run into of the other ships. Even though the sun had set and the air was much cooler, she was sweating profusely from the strain of trying to dock the small ship by herself.

She had to rush to make sure that the fenders were tied in place on the lifelines. Then the bow dock line had to be secured forward on the anchor cleat and the stern line attached at an aft cleat. By the time she eased into a modest birth, she was panting from the exertion. Despite her struggles, the docking had been a relative success. She did it the dock itself a tad bit, but not hard enough to cause any real damage.

Of course, many of the dockhands gave her wary or bashful glances in passing as they moved about their evening duties. It was not difficult to tell that she was Svefra from her odd hair, clothes, and eyes. She had expected some sort of wariness from land people since her Pod had told her how the people seem to dislike them. Perhaps the reason too might be that she was lacking a top to cover her breasts. One of her Aunts had once told her that Sylirans thought that a woman being bare chested was ‘indecent’. ”Funny land people.” She mused to herself as she climbed out of the Shorelark with both dock lines in hand so that she could properly secure her ship for the evening.

[Darya Backrush]

Walking on solid ground proved to be difficult to say the least. Twice she nearly fell back into the sea as she carefully tied the lines to the cleat. Once she was finally done, she sat down onto the damp dock and let out a long, relieved breath. She had made it! A giggle bubbled from her lips as she looked up at the stars above. They were dimmer somehow than when she would gaze up at them when she was at sea. She then turned her azure gaze out to the sea. “Thank ya once mer, Sea Father fer grantin’ meh safe passage. I shall ‘turn teh yah an’ yah domain soon.” She spoke out loud so that the sea breeze could carry her gratitude to the Sea God.

The Svefra then got to unsteady feet and moved back to her ship’s cabin to grab a simple, bright green blouse and her cutlass that she would secure to her belt. Once she felt as though she was sure she would not offend the land lovers’ delicate sensibilities, she exited her floating home.

“You there!” A voice called out from further up the docks. Darya paused and turned to see two armored men heading in her direction. One appeared to be younger and was wearing light armor with a tabard over it. The other was an older man with graying hair and heavier armor than the younger. Both of which had long swords at their hips. “State your name and business?” The older Knight commanded in a very official tone. Of course, she looked around to see if there was anyone else the squire could be talking to but there happened to be none close by. So, it would appear that he was addressing her.

“Ay? M’ name is Darya o’ tha’ Backrush pod.” She answered with a smile and her hands on her hips. “I’m jus’ passin’ through. Mi’ be dockin’ ‘ere fer awhile, if its all teh same teh yeh.” She answered with a causal chuckle.

The Knight raised a brow at her and then looked over at her casinor, only to look back at her. “Very well. Be sure to go to the front gate to register with the guards there. Stay out of trouble.” was all he said before moving on with his living shadow in tow. The seriousness of the knight made Darya giggle once he was out of ear shot. Were they all like that? And stay out of trouble? Where was the fun in that?!

[Darya Backrush]

There were still a decent amount of people moving about and there was a dull roar of many voices speaking across the city as Darya made her way from the docks and along the thick main road leading from there. Shops were closing up for the night and pubs were bustling with merry makers. More Knights and some squires were also patrolling the streets, ensuring safety and security among the denizens. It was quaint if not a bit crowded, though the well-lit streets were a bit of a comfort. Once more, many of the shop keepers she passed eyed her with hidden trepidation which caused the Svefra with grin mischievously at them and waved in greeting. The looks on their faces had the young woman laughing half way through the city.

A Bell later, she had finally made it to the front gates of the city. Along the way, she had to stop several Knights to ask for directions. They hesitated but answered all the same, though always with a farewell “Stay out of trouble”. Honestly, did these people know not how to cut loose and have fun or was it just a cultural norm? It was something she would have to be mindful of as she approached a bored-looking guard.

“Ahoy, mate! I was told teh come ‘ere an’ reg’ster since I jus’ docked t’nite.” She greeted loudly enough to make the poor man jump nearly out of his skin. Though she could not understand why he glared at her in such a way while she laughed at his reaction.

Once he regained his composure, he cleared his throat as he eyed her over. “What is your name, where are you from, and what is your business in Syliras?” He recited, sounding as though he had said that very same phrase for hours that day. Which he probably had, poor bloke. Darya of course gave her name and the rest of the information he asked for, seemingly bored of the telling since she disliked repeating herself too many times

“Very well, Darya Backrush. If you do not wish to reside on your vessel, there are different places you can rent rooms from. There is the Rearing Stallion near Stormhold, if you seek companionship with your lodging the Herald’s Arms would suit your needs. Lastly, if you are of a deep pocket, the White Swan Inn is the best Inn in Syliras.”

“Ay, thank ye Mate. Me thinks I’ll jus’ stay teh me ship. Though I’ll be sure teh visit teh pub on the ‘morrow.” She then grinned and winked playfully as she turned and headed back the way she came.

“A-ah… Welcome to Syliras and stay out of mischief!” The guard called out to her retreating form. She did not stop in her swaggering steps, but did lift a hand in both farewell and acknowledgement of what he said. It was a shame that it was already dark or she would go exploring of the place she would be calling home for a short while. Plus, she didn’t exactly have much Mizas to spend in a tavern. She could always celebrate tomorrow, of course! She gradually made her way back to the ShoreLark and settled down in her cabin for the night. Sleep found her quickly as the sea gently rocked her ship, the new location filling her dreams with possible adventure and excitement.

[Devi]

Your Grades have arrived! Darya Skills: Sailing: 2 Navigation (Sea): 2 Singing: 1 Endurance: 2 Body-Building: 1 Observation: 4 Dancing: 1 Organization: 1 Socialization: 1 Lores: Location: Syliras Docks Sylirans: Expect women to cover their breasts Sylirans: Syliran knights have serious dispositions Sylirans: Syliran knights have serious dispositions Navigation (Sea): Seagulls an indicator of nearby land Comments: Welcome to Mizahar! I hope you enjoy your first set of grades. Do let me know if you have any questions. Let me know if you have any questions or feedback. Don't forget to edit your post in the Grade Request Thread to say it's graded and leave a link in there for the Storytellers. Happy Writing!