Yo ho ho, exploring we will go. (Closed)

[Sable Baggywrinkle]

12 Winter, 511 AV Anchorage Flotilla Reviewing the items spread on the deck between her splayed legs with consternation, Sable prodded at the materials. The sleeve of her simple, but quality, linen shirt had detached. Though the holes left behind seemed worrisome, the woman picked out the broken threads that had attached the sleeve to the shirt. A small pile of creamy white bits grew next to the needle and thread she was planning on operating with. Fumbling with the material, there suddenly seemed to be too much shirt, Sable struggled to hold the two pieces together so that the stitches would properly align them. The red thread, chosen because she’d already started using it, contrasted nicely with the whitish material…even if the stitches were messy, uneven, and left weird bunches. The two edges did not meet perfectly, and when she tried the repaired shirt on, it tugged and tightened around her shoulder blade. Grumbling, the sea-farer snapped the sewing case shut and stuffed it between a set of crates nearby. Swinging her arms back and forth, testing the new fit of her left sleeve, Sable plodded to the gangway that attached her Sparkle to the Anchorage Flotilla. News spread faster than palm fronds in a hurricane amongst the Svefra, so, even though she’d only put feelers out this morning, the six bells since then seemed to be weeks. She just wanted a companion to visit Black Beach Cavern with. All they had to do was show up at her Casinor. And smile, preferably.

[Alexis Whitewave]

Alexis stood at the wheel of her ship, carefully guiding it towards the Anchorage Flotilla. The Anchorage Flotilla was one of her favourite places to go whenever she could. She enjoyed meeting other svefra and talking to other people, as well as the trade that goes on down there. Alexis carefully manoeuvred her small casinor beside another and tied it to the Flotilla, tugging it a couple times to make sure the rope stayed secure. Lynn, who previously had been sleeping in Lexi’s cabin, was now padding up onto the deck. She had obviously been awoken by the stopping of the ship and the hum of many voices that added to the welcoming atmosphere of the Anchorage Flotilla.

Alexis walked to the side of her casinor and took in a breath as a mild sea breeze swept through her hair. Today Lexi’s sandy blonde hair was done in two small braids at the front, which were the pulled back and tied at the back with the rest of her hair falling down over her back and shoulders. Her eyes were a deep aqua-blue and look around the array of boats and ships inquisitively. It was then that she saw another svefra on the casinor beside her. Alexis smiled and walked across her ship, nearer to the other svefra. She hopped up onto the boat railings and sat down. She shot the other svefra-girl a smile. ”Hey” she said with a wave and an almost mischievous grin.

[Aluria]

Aluria heard. She wanted to go. But it took her five bells to muster up the courage to show up at the person's Casinor. I think I can, I think I can. She wondered if the person would be mean. She knew she would go anyway, but she would still have a hard time dealing with a rude captain. I think I can, I think I can. She also attempted to block of the thought that kept stinging her for a while now. Maybe it wasn't a problem of her liking the person, but the person liking her. She might come clean and admit she had no useful qualities, but that might not work well. She could lay it thick, and say she had some experience, but then the peron would witness her fail, and then the humiliation would strike like the heat of the desert. However, her determination was great. I think I can, I think I can. Her mind was telling her she wouldn't be able to take it, but her body said she could. She could almost hear their bickering, or maybe that was the sound of her beating heart, or her heavy breathing. I think I can, I think I can.

She had arrived. A warm breeze washed over her pale face, and it calmed her. Somewhat. She couldn't accurately described as timid, she would think of herself as more of an insecure loner. Her supposed beauty seemed to have the opposite effect on her, and now, she almost felt isolated. Of course, the people of her pod wouldn't treat her unkindly, or unfairly, but it was almost as if she wasn't needed. She would attempt to help out, but when she did something wrong, they would give her a gentle, but scolding glare. If that makes any sense. But she knew they thought she wasn't needed. Maybe this captain could teach her a few things, if he or she was nice enough. She soon arrived at the door, and she opened it.

"...Hello?"

[Sable Baggywrinkle]

As she heard a ship docking to hers, Sable turned away from the empty gangway with a sinking heart and went to meet the newcomer. There was no actual structure here to tie off to; it was a city of ships attached to one another. Her neighbors, and now the newcomer’s neighbors, were a gutsy bunch of Svefra from the Droplet pod, a group that specialized in whale fishing. It was from the Lia of this bunch that she’d learned the full story of Black Beach Cavern, as well as what she expected to be highly imaginative extrapolation regarding the supposed non-corporeal resident. The Sea Sparkle berthed in the shadow of one of their large Palivars. But just a few ships down rocked a few small merchant vessels. Just as she came around her cabin, nimbly avoiding a young otter sunbathing on her deck, the captain of her new neighbor moved to the railing. As the girl situated herself on the thin band of weathered wood, Sable leaned her open palms on her own railing and, squinting against the glare of the sun, and returned that mischievous smile with a kindred smirk. The woman, her curly blond locks toppling out of a red handkerchief, moved with the physical assurance of one with complete comfort and confidence in themselves. “You’re a Whitewave,” the lanky Svefra, clad in a pair of loose trousers hanging low on her hips and a strip of material wound ‘round her chest, called with certainty. “I just ran into your pod about five days ago, you’ve got the same nose as a chap named Evan, and the eyes of a girl named Iliana. They know how to throw a hell of a party. Have you seen them recently? Come aboard, I’ll tell you how they’re doing.” It wasn’t the standard greeting she’d give, but the lack of interest in her public notice had her feeling a bit down and out of sorts. A tell-tale creak caught her attention and her head whipped around, crystalline blue eyes catching the tail end of someone peeking into her cabin. Turning back to her first visitor, those features had lightened perceptively and a smile of pure joy lit that timeless face. “It appears I’ve got a visitor. Are you coming?” Leaving the invitation hanging, Sable turned smartly on a sandal-clad heel and sauntered up behind a girl whose body language screamed timidity. And whose body, on second glance, screamed youth. Popping her head over the lass’s shoulder, easily done with Sable’s 6’1 height, she peered into the cabin as well. Without missing a beat, that melodious voice rang out softly. “I don’t think anyone’s home, maybe you should go look for them?” OOC : The thread will be open pending one more arrival or their departure from the Flotilla. Hope you guys, especially you Alexis, don't mind the liberties I took.

[Alexis Whitewave]

Alexis’ features lit up at the mention of her pod and of her brother and sister. It had been some time since she had seen her pod, ever since she broke off from them at Riverfall. It had left her feeling rather lonely, which resulted in her trying to find company wherever she went. Alexis did not deal with being isolated very well and often reached out to total strangers. This resulted in her making many friends and acquaintances all over Mizahar which has served her well. Without missing a beat she hopped off of her railings on onto this other svefra’s casinor. It was then that she saw the young svefra, maybe only preteens or a little older. The child was extremely nervous, quite obviously.

While she felt for the young girl, Alexis was also quite impatient. She wanted to find out how her pod was and, maybe more importantly, how her siblings were. Alexis hadn’t realized how much she’d missed her family up until now. She tried her best not to show it though, and did a pretty good job. She fiddled with the bangles that hung low on her arm and they made little clinks as metal tipped against metal. She was wearing nothing extremely extravagant, but the way she wore it made one think they were more than they were. She was wearing a simple pink shirt which was loose and frilled a little at the neck with a pair of black trousers. She would normally have her longsword tied around her waist with a thin strip of leather but it was currently resting in her cabin, as she had no need for it here.

She looked up once again at the two svefra on the boat and gave the newer one a welcoming smile. She looked around but couldn’t see the girls parents. Though Alexis was not much older than this girl when she got her casinor it was much later until she went off on her own. In fact Alexis had only been leaving her pod since she was sixteen, and even then she much preferred the company of her family. She looked once again at the first svefra, who she had yet to learn the name of. ”Like you said earlier, I am a Whitewave. I’m Alexis.” she said, looking back at the newcomer as well. Are you both travelling with your pods?” she asked.

[Aluria]

“I don’t think anyone’s home, maybe you should go look for them?”

Aluria was utterly startled, but she did her best to not show it. Judging by the voice, the speaker was female, and she would guess she was around her mid-twenties. She slowly turned to see a woman standing at about six feet, with sun bleached hair, and eyes filled with both wisdom, and a childlike curiosity. The woman could have been bored, or she was the owner of the cabin. There was another one behind her, a teenage girl with pretty, wave-like blonde hair. She still had her hand on the door, and when she noticed, she quickly put it behind her back. She tried to give them a bright smile, but all she could muster was lifting the corner of her left lip. "Are you the owner of this cabin?"

The other woman came up to her, and gave her a refreshing smile. This immediately reminded her of her big brother. She missed him, but she was also doing this for his sake. She was going to become a great pirate. She clenched her fist, and gritted her teeth. Her determination took over, and she forced herself to stay calm. The woman was still looking at her, and she asked both of them, "Are you both travelling with your pods?" Aluria could only purse her lips and avoid her soft eyes. No, she wasn't, but she didn't know how to tell them. But she remembered why she was here, so she confidently looked up into her eyes.

"No, I'm not. What of it?"

[Sable Baggywrinkle]

The cabin they’d peered into was exceptionally tidy, just like the deck of the ship, and evinced an owner that took meticulous care of the vessel. There were the usual signs of repairs, but they’d obviously been executed an expert hand. Access to the finest shipwrights was a perk of hailing from the Tempest Pod. Not a secret, either; above the door to the cabin, in finely scrawled letters, read Sea Sparkle with a dumbo octopus bordering one side, while the Pardisa of the Tempest’s the other. At their feet, about a body length away, Sib, an adolescent otter, eyed the three women in bored contemplation. Just which one of them was going to feed her? Sable, as physically imposing as she was exuded no matching attitude even as she towered above the timid girl intruding upon her cabin. Her face still bore a mask of concerned intrigue, playing the role of someone that didn’t know what was going on but gamely followed Aluria’s lead. Instead of answering the question, for the quip that leapt to mind didn’t seem to be the proper way to interact with this little lady, she instead clapped a long, bony and calloused hand over her shoulder and spun her about to fully face their other companion. Smoothly, she reached back, shut the door and turned toward the other two. “Name’s Sable, Lia of the Baggywrinkle Pod and Captain of the Sea Sparkle.” Although the last bit of the title contained an edge of pride, the announcement of her status as Lia subtly laced resignation within that robust and chipper voice. Alexis’ introduction followed right on the heels of her own, and a brow quirked over a faintly lopsided smile when Aluria deigned to answer the question but not give a name. And she was so feisty! Blue eyes sparkling, Sable shared an inquiring glance with Alexis before companionably slinging a long, smoothly muscled arm over Aluria’s shoulder. She had a feeling that Alexis could get into a bit of mischief and might pick up on what she did next. She’d been able to contain her tomfoolery the first time, but an expression of dire sobriety replaced the previous inquisitive friendliness when Aluria asked her final question. “Haven’t you ever heard of the Whitewaves? They prey on singular vessels or crewmen, whisking them away to sacrifice to the spirit of the Lia’Tavanka in supplication for justice for her death,” she whispered conspiratorially, suspicious hues never leaving Alexis’ face as her words breathed over Aluria’s ear. When finally her gaze shifted to the wisp of a girl, Sable’s sobriety broke, a brow cocked back in amusement and a lopsided smile tugging at her lips. How else could she respond to such a defensive demand? Why would these two Svefra care that the teeny-bopper was roaming about by herself? Beyond a possible interest in maintaining her safety, anyway. Features smoothing out, standing rooted to the deck with hands on hips and a clear zest for life exuding from her, Sable continued. “I’m by myself as well, but I’ve been trying to get a few people to go with me to the Black Beach Cavern over on the Black Cliffs. There’s rumors of mysterious going-ons,” the woman announced with a return to the dramatic, as well as a healthy dose of genuine excitement and intrigue. For a split second, the attitude seemed a bit forced, as though some tragic thought had interrupted and been viciously squelched.

[Alexis Whitewave]

Alexis frowned at Sable, though she did not deny the claims towards her pod. ”I’m on my own as well, though I plan to return to my pod soon.” she said indignantly, not making any mention of Sable’s statement. Alexis’ brow quirked as the Lia mentioned the Black Beach Cavern. She had heard many stories of the place and it had always intrigued her, though she never wanted to investigate it alone. ”You mind if I tag along? I’ve been meaning to go up there for a while.” Alexis said as casually as she could manage. The prospect of snooping around a supposedly haunted cavern that was hidden from the unknowing eye brought a mischievous smile to her face.

Then Alexis’ gaze shifted from Sable to the young girl, who had not given Alexis her name. She wondered what the girl had been doing on this ship, and why she was looking for Sable. Maybe she was looking to join as well or maybe she had some other reason. Either way, Alexis wasn’t curious or ignorant enough to ask. The girl obviously had not taken a shine to Alexis, or had somehow been offended by her offhand question. She vaguely tried to remember what she had been like at that age, but couldn’t remember. Alexis never had the best memory, which could make her somewhat unreliable when making plans or promises. That’s probably the main reason she prefers improvisation.

It was only then that she noticed small otter lying the three svefras’ feet. ”Is he your tavan?” she asked. She had been missing her own tavan, a little seal named Airen, who had disappeared a little while ago. Having Lynn around helped but it was not really the same.

[Aluria]

“Haven’t you ever heard of the Whitewaves? They prey on singular vessels or crewmen, whisking them away to sacrifice to the spirit of the Lia’Tavanka in supplication for justice for her death.”

Careful to not make eye contact, she secretly rolled her eyes. It was a far-fetched story, and although it could have been true, she knew that she was only mocking her, judging by the tone of her voice. However, this didn't stop her overly-cautious body to strain a little wariness towards the girl. Aluria was trying not to be gullible, but she couldn't help her own youth. She narrowed her eyes in frustration, at both her herself and the six foot tall woman, for mocking her and herself for starting to believe her. If there had been a sledge hammer present, she would have been more than eager to hit herself on the head, but she also had the urge to punch the woman in the belly. However, that wouldn't do her much good, only getting her booted off the Casinor, and losing her chance to gain sailing experience that she so needed to have. She convinced herself that if she remained respectful and polite, she would be able to go. However, she couldn't lie very convincingly, so her ego shrank. She looked over at the Whitewave. Her forlorn expression hinted that she thought that she thought of her badly. Which wasn't true. But she said nothing, and turned to the Lia, looking at her straight in the eye. Somehow, looking at the Whitewave who reminded her so much of her brother, she gained a strange, passionate confidence.

"I haven't properly introduced myself. My name is Aluria, and I would like to join you on your expedition."

[Sable Baggywrinkle]

Well, she saw that her sense of humor was wasted on these two. Maybe they would liven up a bit. Aluria had some serious self doubt standing in the way of her wit, and Sable suspected Alexis might just need to sharpen hers. Putting the observations out of mind, Sable glanced between the girls, as though weighing them. Alexis she was inclined to accept immediately. Aluria…a kid was an awful lot of responsibility to take on. Especially one that didn’t even believe in herself. There was no hint that the immature girl would be able to learn or perform with any satisfaction. She already showed signs of all those complex teenage emotional mood swings. Brows knit in thought, Sable turned away and motioned toward the gangway attaching the Sparkle’s neighbors. “Let’s go talk to Lia Trochkie of the Droplet Pod, she knows a lot abo—“ “Sable!” a thin, reedy voice called out, snapping with command. Sly anticipation crossed her timeless features, a glance shared with her two new friends clearly gave a warning of some kind. Apparently they wouldn’t need to visit the other vessel. “Sable! I see you’re aptly named, it appears as though cleaning is all you’re good at.” Shoulders relaxed, hands clasped behind her back, Sable arched a brow at the comment which originated from behind her. Apparently someone had been in her cabin after all. She took a lazy step to the side, stifling an indulgent smile. The small woman emerging from the cabin shuffled forth, sandals skittering over the planks with a counterpoint provided by an elegant cane. Gray hair tightly bound down with a leather lash, she had a dapper sense of complex dress and exuded extensive authority. “To answer your question, Whitewave, yes. Her name is Sibilance. I also knew her parents,” Sable informed Alexis conversationally. The matriarch shuffled into their circle and sniffed primly at the subtle rebuke. “I’d planned on asking you to fix a sail in return for the information on Black Beach Cavern, but…” she trailed off, holding up a pitifully hemmed red handkerchief that she’d found in the cabin. Sable’s eyebrow twitched. She was just starting to learn how to sew. And then the elder Lia leaned over to rub her gnarled fingers over Sable’s repaired sleeve. “I think I’ll save my sails the pain and just tell you all you want to know without ‘payment’,” Trochkie deadpanned, turning that clear, predatory gaze on Alexis and Aluria. “You’ve agreed to accompany Lia Sable? Have you got your rum yet?” The old lady waved a hand, and Sable produced a crate for her to sit on. She gingerly lowered herself, making a little grunt as her thin bones settled. “Gather ‘round, I’ve got a story to tell.” And that she did, with many obvious embellishments and personal opinions. As soon as she was finished, Sable bundled her off the ship with remarkable tolerance to her cranky needling. Sable ran a hand through her curly locks, shaking her head as she returned to the other girls. “That woman… Well, are you both up for the trip still?” OOC : It would take forever to write out the dialogue sharing all that info, so I figured short cutting it like this would be sufficient without affecting our ability to claim the proper lores about the cavern.