Completed A Boring Birthday

[Karyk]

Spring 13, 517 Just as the first rays of sunshine began to glint through Karyk's window, the bearded man grunted and tossed in his bed, rolling one way, then the next, before he opened his eyes. He sighed, he was awake now, no point in fighting it. He stared at the rough hewn boards of his cottage, thankful that they were at least cedar so they didn't rot like the cheaper built homes. Yet again, he found himself wishing to build himself a new home. These walls were rough, poorly put together, just shoddy craftsmanship. The boards were all warping flatly, straining the nails. Karyk assumed that whoever built this home, one he bought cheaply, hadn't seasoned the wood properly. A rushed job to say the least. He tossed his blanket off of him, it thudding against the wall on the far side of his bed, and sat up, turning and placing his feet against the worn floorboards. After having stepped on many splinters, Karyk did eventually sand down those boards. But still, the entire home needed torn down and rebuilt. Especially for a woodworker such as himself. He put his elbows on his thighs, rubbing his forehead trying to wake up. Shaking the sleep out of his eyes, and habitually stroking his beard to straighten it mildly, he stood up. The air still had a mild chill in it from the Bonesnapper, but it was refreshing on his naked body. He looked over at his hearth, a boring stew from the night before left in the pot. He lumbered over and lifted the pot lid sniffing at the contents. It was a simple stew of potatoes, fish, and kelp, nothing especially fancy, but it got him by. He scooped a healthy helping into his bowl and sat down at his table. He slurped the first spoonful of the room temperature soup, enjoying the salty taste. He started thinking toward his upcoming day. He was on a build team starting a new ship. That meant he'd likely be helping carve the keel, under the guidance of his team's foreman. It was a new fishing boat being built, and there were six people assigned to it. They'd had the keel lumber picked for a while, letting it season in the lumber stockpile since fall. Once the soup was gone, and his morning hunger sated, he stood up and pulled on some clean underpants and his work trousers. He grabbed his bowl and stepped out into the crisp foggy air, taking in a deep breath of the sea. He stretched and moaned before walking barefoot down the road, and turning toward the bay. He nodded at the other early birds, for they all bumped into each other at this time of day. He reached the shore, slipping down past a private dock, feeling the mild jealousy that always cropped up. He really wanted to build his own dock too, for his own ship or ships. One day, hopefully soon. He stepped down into the course sand, then into the cold water of the bay. He moved a bit deeper so the water was at his waist. He dipped his bowl into the water, and scrubbed it clean with his course hands, feeling the rolling waves splash against him. He set the bowl behind him, knowing the tide would take it to the sand. He then began rubbing his hands over his body, cleaning some of the previous day's grime off with the sea water. He dunked his head under, running his hands through his hair and scrubbing his beard and scalp. He came back up and began heading for shore, grabbing his floating bowl as he did. He strolled back up the sand, and back up the road to his house, shaking his limbs and such to help dry. Once satisfied, he slipped back into his house, and grabbed his comb. He carefully slid it through his beard, untangling it and straightening it as best as he could. Once it felt like there were no tangles, he set it and the bowl back on his table. He grabbed a work shirt, and his backpack and work belt, slinging both over his shoulders. He stepped into his boots and laced them up and stepped out his door, finding himself face to face with his sister. She was holding her latest child, only two seasons old, as it stared at him. His newest niece was adorable, with a mop of fiery red hair and bright green eyes. "Well good morning Karyk" Karyk broke into a broad smile and stepped forward hugging them both snugly. "Heya Natya, what are you two doin out on the town so early?" He then placed his hand on his niece's head and ruffled her hair. "And how's my favorite strawberry?" in a voice that was very unmasculine and playful. Natya looked at him incredulously, smiling like he'd just said something terribly stupid. She then punched him in the chest, "Its your birthday you big dolt. Come by mom and dad's after work. We're making dinner." She turned and headed back down the street chuckling and shaking her head. Karyk was left smiling, having totally lost track of his days. He turned thirty today. Time seemed to crawl by still. At least now he had something to look forward to. His sister made an amazing kelp beer and cream cheese cake. His dad would probably make fish and chips. A delicious dinner. He turned back into his house and grabbed his pot with the leftover fish soup, and went over to his neighbors. A nice couple, a seamstress that made sails for the shipyard and a fisherman. They had recently just had a baby and times were hard. He knocked on the door, and the woman, a cute brunette with very tired eyes answered. Karyk held up the pot and smiled, "Want some leftover fish stew? I'm eating with the family tonight, can't have it go to waste." She beamed and nodded, "Thank you so much. Let me know if you need your pants patched up again or anything. And happy birthday Karyk, you old man." How did everyone but him remember that it was his birthday? "Enjoy the soup Missy, say hi to Korven for me." She grabbed the pot, "I'll do that, thanks again." He nodded, and turned down the road and began making his way to the yard, just as the sun began cutting away the morning fog, a slight more giddyup in his step. It would be a good day.

[Karyk]

Karyk strolled into the massive Shipyard, seeing many other workers arriving as well. He cinched his tool belt around his waist and made his way over to his work site, nodding at each person whose eyes he caught. Getting to the site of the future The Dunkerton, he saw the several piles of seasoned lumber piled up, as well as the massive keel lumber, a single piece from a massive cedar tree found many days away. It was a rare find, and expensive for the buyer. But the man owned several fishing vessels, so he could afford it. Something was odd. While Karyk was usually early to work, he was almost never the first one here. There was no one. He walked over toward one of the lumber piles, setting down his pack. As he stood up, he was startled by a sudden movement, reaching clumsily for his carving axe, when he heard the words "Surprise!" The entire work site crew was there, foreman included, all holding large mugs of kelp beer, shouting various versions of 'Happy birthday you petcher!' There were many slaps on the back and handshakes, and someone forced a beer into his hands. They started chanting, "Drink drink drink drink!" Karyk tilted his head back, raising his wooden mug, draining the warmth of the kelp beer, chug after quick chug. Once drained, he tipped it over showing none was left. The foreman stepped over, "More where that came from this evening at the Kelp Bar. Karyk, you get a half day, leave at lunch. The rest of you petches will have to make up his work." Everyone groaned mildly, "Oh shut it ya slackers, I'll be filling in for him today, gods above." There were cheers all around. They all began milling about, getting ready to carve the keel. They each knew their jobs. They each had their own specialties and preferences. Karyk preferred to do most of his carving with some sort of axe. There was a time and play for things like saws, augers, files, and different types of knives, and most shipbuilders and woodworkers had specialties or preferences. His was the axe. He pulled out an adze and sat at the head of the large piece of lumber. The keel would be carved upside down, before being flipped and held in place by a large support saddle that the other half of their team was carving from low quality wood. It would hold the keel and ship without breaking it, then blocks and shims would keep it from tipping or slipping. Their foreman was hovering, watching their work, calling out adjustments as he saw fit. The man had earned his position by being incredibly skilled, but most importantly being able to see everything that was being done and how it would turn out. He coordinated all of their efforts. Karyk twirled the adze in his hand, a habit from his dad, judging the balance of the tool. Satisfied that it was still good, he tightened his grip and bent over, judging the wood in front of him. It was solid craftsmanship, cut with the grain, to keep its strength even and help prevent warping. He picked the spot for his first cuts, gently notching the wood, to begin cutting away the first side of this Y-style keel. Arm up, he brought it down swiftly, and it sunk into the wood with a shick as he shaved away the first bit. Hardest part is always the first cut in his mind. He started swinging a bit more fervently now, shaping the first foot or so toward the notch he'd made. Shavings and chips fell away, the foreman standing over him, making sure to not cast a shadow. "Easy there Karyk, you've had a few sloppy cuts. Slow down and do them right." Karyk nodded, picking his cuts more carefully. It did seem as if his work was smoothing out, carving away the rough edges he'd had from before. Seeing the improved results, Karyk kept at it, always keeping an ear open for the foreman. As the first foot of the keel began to take a rough shape, Karyk started on the other half, constantly eyeballing the other side, to keep them symmetrical. As his arm started to tire, he switched hands. His mom always encouraged him to try and use both, for you never know when you'll be carving in a tight space and can't use your best hand. Once the rough shape was done, he raised his adze. The foreman saw this and came over. He inspect a few spots, and pointed at a couple, instructing Karyk to shave them down, extend the cuts and such. He did so while under the supervision. Satisfied, the foreman walked off, making sure everyone's sections were the same as needed, except for the front and back tails, for those tapered off. Karyk continued his cuts, widening them as he moved away from the head. It was hard work, and bells ticked by, the sun rose high, and the sweat rolled all around. They moved as a well oiled machined until their foreman shouted, "Finish up, break time." Karyk finished shaving down his section, then once more, raised his adze. Nodding, the foreman said, "Get outta here Karyk, see you at the bar tonight." Karyk nodded and stood up, wiping the sweat from his brow. He inspected his tools, then put them away. He stood around, watching as the rest of the team finished up. Dorrin approached, slapping him on the back, "So where ya off to now mate? Got a lady to keep you warm today?" Karyk smiled, wishing he had a woman, but it was not the case. "Oh the only woman that will be keeping me warm will be Syna. I'm gonna go get my pole wet." They both laughed, knowing he'd be going fishing. Dorrin slapped him on the back, then went to go eat lunch. Karyk double checked to make sure he had everything, then took off. He took a detour and stopped by his favorite food vendor. He could smell it before he could even see it. Lady Kelsa's stall. It was a family run business, but she was the head of it. Her sons fished daily, but specialty things, not the tuna, and cod, and herring that many ships chased after. They went after things like shark, octopus and squid, eel, sea turtles. Her and her daughters cooked the fish and sold it at the stall. She smiled at Karyk as he approached, for he nearly always came here for lunch. She didn't even bother to ask what he wanted, he always ordered the catch of the day, which simply meant whatever was freshest. She handed him three sticks with meat on them, wrapped in crispy seaweed. "Grilled eel and seaweed." He passed the woman some coins, and took the food, nodding at her, before taking a bite as she looked on expectantly. The seaweed was so crispy and tasted of pepper and salt, and the eel melted in his mouth, so tender and juicy. His entire body relaxed and he groaned audibly and Lady Kelsa beamed. He nodded once more and turned away, heading home, enjoying his lunch immensely.

[Karyk]

Karyk slipped into his home, grabbed his fishing rod from the corner where it leaned. He swapped out his tool kits for his fishing kit. Locking up and heading down the street, Karyk once more found himself whistling a tune from his childhood, something his dad always did. He meandered his way through the road of the Ancient Quarter, heading eastward until road became sand. At this point, Karyk untied his boots, and removed them, tying them together and hanging them over his shoulder. Squeezing the dry sand through his toes, he started looking for the telltale signs of the bait he needed to gather. He preferred to use fresh bait, it felt as if by doing that, gathering his own, he earned his fish more too. He scanned the beach, noting the little piles of sand further on, where the tide rolled out. The piles stood out, seeming to be out of place. Karyk started toward them, loving the squish of the wet sand. Arriving at the first one, he pulled out a small bait container and spade. He knelt down by the pile, seeing the little hole he'd expected to find right next to the tiny pile of used sand. The worms burrowed into the wet sand, leaving these little piles behind signalling their location. He stabbed the spade into the sand near the hole, far enough away that he was fairly sure he wouldn't slice the worm. He dug the sand up and out and tossed some into the bait bowl. He dug and dug until he finally found the redbrown flesh of the worm. He plucked it out of the sand, and set it in the bait bowl, where it wriggled about until it burrowed down. Karyk repeated the process until his bait bowl was full. Standing up, Karyk continued eastward heading to his favorite spot, one he'd always used since he was a kid. Eventually it came into sight, a half buried boulder that was sitting in the tide. He stepped up on it, and sat down in his favorite depression, smoothed out by weather and use. He set his pack and boots down next to him, and slipped his feet into the tide. He loved this spot, it gave a great view of the water, and the minnows would occasionally nibble on his toes. He didn't care if it was a spot that was good for catching fish, it relaxed him, and in his mind, that was all that mattered. He grabbed a handful of sand from the bowl, and spread it all over his hands and worked it into the skin. He'd heard that fish can smell the human scent, so it was best to mask it. He grabbed a large worm, and speared it in on the hook at one end. He then slid the worm up the length of the hook so as to disguise it. He made sure to leave enough tail off the end so that it still wriggled realistically. He was using a smaller weight because the bay was nice and calm today. Rigging ready, Karyk prepared to cast. He held the rod in his right hand, enjoying the feel of the smooth wood, a springy birch. Karyk stood up, and held the rod in front of him. He held two fingers in front of the reel stem, and two behind. Then he lifted the line with his index finger to tighten it a bit, then moved hand and line down one finger length, so his three fingers are behind the stem. He then curled his index finger around the line and touched it to the stem, just to give a bit of tension. He put his left foot forward, pointing out to the bay. His feet were shoulder width apart and his right facing a bit off to the right. He bent at the knees, and bent his casting arm's elbow slightly. Then he rotated his arm back without adjusting the angle on his elbow, while also rotating his hips and shoulders as well. Opposite arm pointed left of target, rod holding hand resting by his ear, holding the position. He shifted his weight to his back foot, then pushed upward with his rod hand, while his other pushed downward, rotating his body with the cast. His arm rotated forward, and when it was nearly all the way around, he broke both of his wrists and released the line, and watched the rig fly out into the water. A decent cast as it plopped into the water. Not his furthest cast, but still a respectable distance. He let the line settle, and then he sat down, and propped his rod upright. Now came the best part, the relaxation of waiting. He peeled off his shirt with one hand, never letting his rod not be held, and tossed it aside, enjoying the feel of Syna caressing his body. Every so often, he'd reel it back in, twice it had been nibbled away, once it was fine, and twice it was completely missing. Bells ticked by and not a single fish had been caught. He was on his last worm when he sent out his final cast. Syna was dropping lower, and he still had dinner to get to. His sister would give him a thumping if he was late to his own birthday dinner. Just as he was about to call it a day, he saw the tip of his rod dip, then the rod bent. Excited, he gripped the rod more firmly, feeling the line bounce. Small bounce, small bounce, big bounce, and that's when Karyk struck. The rod snapped up as he lodged the hook and knew it had stuck as the fish immediately began fighting and running. Karyk let it run, keeping an eye on his line, making sure to not give too many, providing just enough tension to make the fish work for it. When there wasn't much line left, Karyk pulled hard to the left and began to reel in, slowly, letting it pull, then he'd pull back. He continued leading it left, slowly reeling in just a bit more than he'd let off. Then when it started trying to break to the right, Karyk let it, following it with the rod, using the fish's change in momentum to let him reel in even more under the guise that the fish was escaping. Karyk kept this method, forcing the fish one direction until it changed, and then reeled it in closer and closer until he could see it splashing in the shallows near his rock. It was tiring, Karyk's arms burning from the fighting, until finally, he pulled his rod up and back, and the odd looking brown fish broke from the surface. The fight was over, and Karyk had won. He held it up for a bit, examining it. It's eyes were on just one side of its body, and it was sort of flat in shape. Very weird looking. He snipped the line a couple feet above the fish, then grabbed a pair of fishing pliers. Holding the fish over his bucket of seawater, he stuck the pliers in the fish's mouth and gripped the hook. The fish was using the last of its strength to thrash while he pulled the hook free. The fish dropped into the water, stunned from being out of water, moving very little. Karyk packed up his things, and left his rock as high tide started to come in. One fish wasn't much, but it was still a good fight and a good day. And with that, Karyk began heading back into town, stopping to put his boots on first, looking forward to his dad's fish and chips.

[Karyk]

Karyk immediately made way toward his parents home, which was the same path as his own house. They lived five doors down from him, with his sister and her kids living across the street. He had family all over East Street and Old Quarter, mostly in the form of uncles, aunts, and cousins. They wouldn't come to his dinner though, they weren't that close. Every few years someone would organize a large family get together and that's when people caught up. He passed by his own home, and was soon in front of his parents' door. He let himself in without knocking, for they often told him he was always welcome and to just stop by. He didn't stop by as much as maybe he should, but still tried to visit a few times a season. There was a squeal followed by a thud against his legs as his oldest niece tackled into him, hugging him. "Uncle Karyk! Happy Birthday! Can I have some cake now?" He looked down at the mop of fiery curls, which he ruffled. "You know what your mom would say." Little Sharay was the oldest of his sister's kids at twelve years old. She huffed, looking up at him, where he could see that passionate temper smoldering, albeit briefly, a sign that she was truly her mother's child. All of the women in the family were red headed and known for being very outspoken and hot tempered. The men on the other hand tended to be quiet, passive, with dark hair and eyes. Sharay let go of him, grabbed him by the hand and pulled him inside. She led him to the family room, where the twin boys, Becker and Decker. They were seven, and they were quite the handful. They were still quiet, but were very sneaky and mischievous. They were busy drawing in their books, being very artistically minded. They both looked up at him and smiled deviously, before turning back to his books. He knew those looks. It meant there was a prank waiting for him somewhere. He could hear his mom and dad talking in the kitchen, likely working on the food. Natya was sitting on the couch asleep, her youngest, Laury asleep in her arms, and her four year old, Anora, napping against her. He moved quietly past them, still holding onto Sharay's hand. She led him into the kitchen and dining room, the smell of fish and potatoes filling his nostrils. His mom saw him and lit up brightly, her face already red from the cheap bottle of wine she was holding. She got up from her seat at the table, limping lightly from an old injury while working on a masthead, her crimson hair streaked with silvers. She reached up and grabbed Karyk by the neck and pulled him down to her height, kissing him on the cheek, then hugging him tightly. "My baby boy comes home again." Sharay went and sat at the table next to the dark green cake, a kelp beer cake filled with cream cheese. Without even having to turn her head to look, his mother spoke with just a hint of venom, "Touch that cake Sharay, and I'll tan your hide." The little girls hand was immediately snapped back to her side and she was huffing once more. His father was working over the stove, taking constant drinks from his kelp beer. Karyk walked over, and his father tossed him a hot chunk of potato. Karyk caught it, juggling it until it cooled enough to pop into his mouth. Perfect as always. His father then handed him a rough wooden hewn mug, the first mug that Karyk had carved as a kid. He always drank from it when he was back in his parents home. "Fresh cask in the corner." Karyk went over and turned the wooden tap, pouring some of that delicious green ale. He took a large draught, savoring the taste that separates true Zeltivans from the foreigners. His mom started fussing with him, ushering him into a chair, "Food is almost ready love. Just enjoy, and keep an eye on that one while I wake your sister," she said shifting her eyes toward Sharay. When she left the room, Sharay wandered over, looking in the bucket at his catch. "What sorta fish is that Uncle? It's ugly." "I don't know, but it put up a helluva fight. Hopefully it's tasty." His dad stepped over and looked into it, "Looks like a fluke. Bottom feeder. Eyes on the side of its head because it lays flat on the floor. Decent to eat." His sister and her small herd of children came in. She was carrying, Laury, and their mother was carrying a very sleepy Anora. The twins came in giggling. Everyone sat at their respective chairs around the table while his dad passed out plates. His mom said a quick prayer to Laviku thanking him for the bounty he provides them and asking for him to keep the family safe. As everyone dug into the fish and chips, served with vinegar, the family was quiet. Meal times were so relaxing for them, the talking and such would come at dessert. Once everyone was done, little Laury stirred, started whining. Natya started feeding her there, not bothering to cover because everyone was family. Sharay stared, "Will I have boobs as big as yours and gramma's?" The silence was broken by everyone bursting into laughter. Her mom, through hearty chuckles, said, "Yes, most likely you will." Sharay looked so pleased with that answer. His mom stood up, "Who's ready for cake?" Everyone piped up smiling, though the twins stared intently at the cake, being suspiciously quiet. His mom sliced the cake and went to pick it up to hand out servings, to find the plate not moving from the table's surface. That's when the twins broke down laughing, both of them falling from their chairs. Gramma Katya glared at them, realizing they'd probably used some of her wood glue to pull their prank. "You two will pay for that, this table needed sanded and polished again anyways." The boys faces dropped into frowns realizing they would have to work now. Their faces made Karyk and his father start laughing loudly. The cake was passed out, and it was sweet, and salty, and savory, and creamy. It was the best part about birthday's in the family. Karyk often joked that his sister had so many kids just to have this cake more often. A few bells passed of laughing, catching up, and one by one, the kids started falling asleep in the family room chairs and couches. Karyk's father asked, "You heading to the bar soon?" Karyk nodded, "Best get goin, those work mates of yours will drink the place dry." Karyk nodded, passed out hugs to his parents and sister, thanking them for the meal. He left the fluke, and walked home, dropping off his gear, before heading toward the Kelp Bar, as the night took over the sky.

[Karyk]

Karyk plodded along, footsteps heavy and thudding, an off key whistling escaping his lips, as the last of Syna's rays disappeared, and Leth started his climb across the sky. Finally the dilapidated beauty of the Kelp Bar came into view, and he could already hear the noise from within. It sounded jovial and lively, and Karyk pushed his way through the doors, a smile already growing on his face. People looked up and there was a resounding "Ey!" as his friends and workmates cheered, and others joined in just for the fun of it. Dorrin came over and put a mug of the good green stuff into Karyk's hand, wrapped an arm around his shoulders, "Oy, quiet down ya petches! This 'ere is my friend Karyk and today is his birth day. So as tradition goes..," he raised the volume on this next shout, "The next round is on him!" The bar cheered, and Dorrin pulled him over to the bar. Karyk tried to do a headcount, thankful that there weren't too many people here. Looked like sixteen people. He didn't have any nilos on him, but he had mizas. A kelp beer was a half nilo. A half nilo was five golds. He shook his head, feeling his anxiety and frustration rising. Five silvers. So five silvers with sixteen people came to... Karyk paused as he thought. He could do the math, he was just slow, but was interrupted when the barkeep said, "Eight golds." Relief and annoyance mingled in Karyk, as he pulled out the coins and passed them to the keep. A barmaid started loading up a tray as Dorrin steered Karyk over to the table that was filled by their work team. They all raised their glasses as he arrived and sat down. There was their foreman, Raegher, their smith, Stefio, and the other builders, Mynnie and Lecard bringing their group to six strong. [b]"Want to start us off Karyk?"[/b] Karyk smiled and raised his glass, everyone followed suit. "May the winds of fortune sail you, May you sail a gentle sea. May it always be the other guy who says, 'this drink's on me.'" The toast elicited many cheers and agreements around the bar, and Karyk and his table drained their beers, savoring the salty goodness and strong alcohol. The barmaid came by and replaced all their mugs, her bust sticking out prominently as with all good barmaids. Karyk slipped her a silver as a tip, and she kissed him on the cheek, "Thanks birthday boy." Their group chitchatted a bit, reminiscing about how they'd met Karyk or their favorite stories with him, usually embarrassing to him. As Karyk's second beer was about halfway empty, Dorrin slammed a golden miza in the middle of the table, "Gulp 'em down and get another, time for the Spins!" Karyk upturned his mug and drained the warm liquid quickly, already feeling the heat in his face and the goofy smile creeping onto his face. The barmaid came by and Karyk gave her six more silvers for another. His eyes moved up and down her thick body. She was about his age, ample in her hips and bust, with a bit extra in the middle that he enjoyed. She caught him staring and blew him a kiss and a wink, before walking off, Karyk watching her ample rump sway. "Birthday boy is up first!" Karyk picked up the coin and began to play the simple drinking game called the Syliran Spins. Holding the coin between both hands, between his index finger and thumb on each hand, on opposite sides of the coin, he flicked his hands, causing it to start spinning on the table. He immediately grabbed his mug, and raised it to his lips and began chugging, keeping an eye on the coin. It spun around the table before finding a single spot, staying there while spinning. He chugged and chugged, and the coin began to wobble. Karyk forced the rest of the drink down and upturned his mug showing it was empty, just as the coin dropped flat. His table cheered, "Now that's how ya do it!" Everyone else at the table took their turn, Raegher taking one attempt, Stefio taking two, Mynnie taking one, Dorrin taking one, and much to everyone's enjoyment, Lecard taking four attempts. Karyk was fairly drunk now. The night continued with many more songs, games, and toasts. When the bartender said last call, Karyk grabbed a beer to go, making that his fifth and final, paying a full gold for the last one for the mug too. Many people at the bar were passed out at their tables, including his foreman and Stefio. Mynnie was pulling a very drunk Lecard behind her, planning on using him for her drunken desires as she always did. This gave Karyk the idea he'd been toying with all night. Standing up a bit wobbly, he wandered over to the bar, leaning against it, smiling at Celia, the buxom barmaid he'd been watching all night. She smiled at him, a knowing twinkle in her eye from years in the profession, but still waited for him to speak. Slurring his words, trying to keep his eyes on hers and not at her breasts, "Ya know... I've been watchin ya all night.." She giggled and nodded, waiting for a line she assumed was coming. "And of all ya beautiful curvesh, know whish ish my favorite?" Her smile was just a hair's breath away from faltering, hoping he didn't say something awful to kill the mood. "Your shmile." She beamed at this, turned to the bartender, "I should make sure birthday boy gets home safely, its late and dangerous out there." The old woman behind the bar smiled knowingly and laughed, "Yeah, you do that." Karyk stood up, and Celia grabbed her cloak, and slipped in under his arm, wrapping it around her shoulders, "Lead the way birthday boy." The walk home was uneventful, Karyk mostly just quietly singing some of the songs from earlier in the night, until they arrived at his door. He fumbled with the key, but managed, and stepped inside. Thankfully the night air wasn't too cold. With her help, they got a fire going in his hearth, and she led him over to his bed, his empty mug clattering against his wooden floor. She sat him down, the firelight growing warmth spreading over them. She stood in front of him, letting her cloak fall from her shoulders, her pale blue dress hanging sensually over her curves. She placed her hands on his shoulders, and climbed into his lap, straddling him, before pulling his face to hers, kissing him hungrily. Their lips mingled, one hand of his cupping one of her heaving breasts through her dress, the other gripping her rump, pulling her closer to him. Their breaths were hot and heavy as he started kissing down her neck, eliciting moans from the woman. He kissed down her shoulders, pressing his face into her deep cleavage, while her hands roamed over his muscled back and arms. She then pushed him away and stood up. Her hands moved to the lace of her dress in front as she untied it. Her breasts sagged a bit as she did, but Karyk didn't care. She was beautiful. She slid her dress from her shoulders, letting it fall to the floor with a thud, standing in front of him in just her underpants. Her large breasts sagged as one might expect, and her stomach had the lines from a woman who'd had a child. She slipped off her underpants, standing before him in all of her curvy beauty, and he drank it up with his eyes. He yanked off his shirt, flinging it away, and kicked off his trousers and underpants, his excitement very evident. He pulled her to him, before twisting her into bed, laying atop her as he began kissing her fervently. He pulled his blanket over them, as the firelight danced, and they slipped into the throes of passion. The last thing Karyk remember was laying next to her, holding her in front of him, as they both slipped into sleep, sated and comfortable. (receipt, 10gm, 7sm)

[Karyk]

 

Karyk

Skills
Socialization: 2
Carving: 1
Shipbuilding: 1
Observation: 2
Foraging: 1
Fishing: 1
Seduction: 1
Lores
Zeltivan Shipyard Tradition: Birthday means a half day of work
Fishing Bait: Sand piles on the beach hide sand worms
Fishing: Rub sand into hands to cover your scent
Fishing: Identifying a Fluke, a bottom feeder
Drinking Toast: Winds of Fortune
Drinking Game: The Syliran Spins
Celia the Barmaid has a weakness for birthday boys
Miscellaneous
-10 GM, 7 SM for miscellaneous purchases

 

Notes and Comments

CS Checkmarked: ✓
CS Reviewed by Me: ✓
Previous Season Expenses Paid (Spring 517): ✓

Edit: Changed Woodworking to Carving after discussion on skills in Chat