[i]'Your journey is doomed.[/i]' The words echoed in Eve's head as constant as the waves against the ships hull. She sat alone in her cabin, her knees folded to her chest as she sat on the bed. So the captain had his doubts. So what? Eve had her own. How could she expect that a journey such as this would go well? The party consisted of misfit volunteers. A drunk, a horseman, an alchemist, a man-woman, and a blind fool and her servant. None of them were professionals. None of them were prepared for what was out there. 

Their group spelled disaster no matter what task one placed them before. But Evelyn had to pretend not to care. Her only other option in life was so remain hidden away like a folk's tale of mystery. The blind woman with the odd collection of knowledge, who only appears at the mention of relics. No. This was better. This way, at least her name will go down in the history books as something more than a pariah. This way, she could, at the very least, be an explorer. If they succeeded, great. There would be honor to the Rutherford name again. If not, well, at least Eve could meet her family in the next realm with her head held high.

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Rory inhaled deeply to soak in the smell of the port. He let out an excited gasp, his eyes bright as he looked around at all the merchants and vendors. He could run around here for days and probably still see only a portion of it all. How exciting!

As if sensing the boy's mood, Eve cleared her throat softly, which drew Rory a step closer to her. “I will give you coin to shop later for items we'll need. And only items we'll need.” She said more sternly. As it was, she'd been correct with her assumption of the soft spoken male. He really was a she. Confirmed when the lass came to Eve's room to bashfully ask about supplies for her monthly bleeding. Eve had said nothing, offering the items out of courtesy, but strained her ears to listen in on more conversations. The girl was referred to as a male, by others and herself, so Eve decided to play along. Now, Eve had to add such supplies to the list of requirements. “No dallying. Behave yourself and I'll offer you a bit to spend on yourself for a good meal.”

Her ears caught the sound of approaching footsteps, and from where she stood, her hood hiding her face, she heard the introductions of the two strangers, offering themselves up for the journey. Both had an obvious tone of education in their voices, but in different ways. One, Viktor, spoke like a high born, the way he formed his words and sentences told of his richer background. The second, a Jorrick Anderson, spoke like someone who had clawed his way up into the higher tiers of learning. Upon over hearing that he, too, was an artificer, Eve frowned. That put her position in danger. If they took on a second artificer, surely they would see no need for the blind one and let her go. It was the only reason she was being dragged along. She was simply too much of a risk, having no ability to see. This fool could displace her.

"Oh!" Rory exclaimed with excitement. "My mistress is an artificer, as well!"
Eve cleared her throat again, and Rory shuffled his foot on the ground. “Yes mistress?” 
"No need to bother the man." She scolded softly. Deciding to see about the matter later, Eve put on what she hoped looked like a smile. “I am long over due for a bath, my lad. Which of these inns looks the nicest? We might have to walk a bit. I need to get my legs back, anyway.”