Done by cleaning his katana. The red hair woman still have an issue about her cabin as he made a quick glance at them.

Nanashi stood up and cleaned his stuff then put it in his footlocker. He goes on the hammock and spend his time napping while covering his face with a straw hat. Hugging his katana with his single arm.

@Grade

"Oh, hello," the noblewoman gave a lukewarm smile and a wave. She seemed notably concerned when the small ship caught up to deliver aboard the new traveler, though she seemed a little calmer now. She listened to the man in the wheelchair seemingly stumble on his words, blinking with curious concern as he asked her about her combat capabilities. She glanced at her guard, who was attentively standing by, seemingly always vigilant.

"W-well, it's mostly my guard here who deals with matters of combat. We try to avoid it whenever possible, of course." She then quickly pursed her lips as if she'd already said too much, while glancing around briefly, perhaps for her other guard. "What brings you to ask such a question, good sir?" she queried, looking mildly concerned.

The black-haired man in a wheelchair sat there, his head turned towards Lady DeVespe while his body and chair faced the open sea. Fully unmoving.

"Woman, you look constantly worried. I wish I could know how grave your situation is but you don't seem to want to tell anybody."

A pause.

"Would you happen to have abilities that could be described as beyond the physical limits of man? What's your-- How's-- Do you do magic? That's how you pop the question, right? I don't often talk to the magically-inclined."

@spiral origin

@wierdw

"What--EUAGH!" Landon yowled as the hot tea spattered all over his royal blue garments, causing him to jump out of his seat. He looked to Lilly in total bewilderment before noticing the rabid rodent skittering towards him from the bench, causing him to shriek in a pitch that almost matched the disguised noblewoman's. Reeling in horror he tripped over his chair, stumbling to the ground and scurrying away for his life, eventually taking refuge underneath a table in the corner where two crewmates were having breakfast. The crewmates looked down at Landon before glancing around, unsure of what was happening, as others in the room turned towards the commotion as well.

"T-There's a monstrous vermin there! S-Somebody quickly, get rid of it!" the frightened nobleman pointed towards his table, his finger trembling. His page soon rushed to his attendance, searching the nearby floors for the said creature.

One of the crewmates sitting at the table shrugged after a quick scan of the room. "I don't see no monster anywhere... all I see is a sissy hidin' under a table," he grinned as the room broke into laughter. Landon, still bewildered, looked to his page, who shook his head after being unable to locate the rodent. Hesitantly, the nobleman emerged from the table, red-faced and shocked as the sailors around the room continued to laugh.

"There was a gigantic rat coming after me!" he contested, which only made the laughter more raucous. Finally he stomped towards Lilly, angry and humiliated, still checking the floors vigorously for the threat. "You saw it, didn't you!? The thing looked like it was diseased! Tell these fools to stop laughing and find it!" he demanded of Lilly, huffing as he looked around contemptuously at the crewmates amused at his expense.

With the embarrassment of the nobleman Landon going off swimmingly, Viviana took her moment in the chaos to slip away. It was incredibly amusing, more than worth the time away from her studies, but it was becoming just a tad overwhelming.

It took just a few moments to dispell Ember's illusion, although some makeup remained affixed, she was dreadfully low in experience dealing with such materials. She was stirred from her thoughts with a noticeable jolt when she got back to her cabin. The quartermaster seemed to be arguing with a young woman, a young woman with horns. Paralysis set in, there was no way there was a demon on the ship, no that was impossible. Not only was it impossible for a demon to be here, here, but she looked nothing like the other demon she had seen. No, there must be another explanation, she was likely just from a land she knew little about, she was a normal person. A normal person who seemed to be in some amount of distress.

"What is the problem here? Something to do with sleeping arrangements?" She asked openly, one ear twitching slightly as she was forced to deal with whatever this situation was before laying down on her bed. Horns and personal phobias aside, the woman seemed safe enough, almost the exact kind of person she thought she was willing to share her cabin with.

"What is the problem here? Something to do with sleeping arrangements?"

Sonia felt even more uncomfortable than before. She shifted aside in no time, clearing the elf's passage. The last thing she wanted was to be a nuisance to others, and for her personal matters to be open for everyone to hear. However, the elf's question was directed with a curious undertone, and she seemed to observe her... deeper than any stranger ever had. A scholar apparently, judging from general attire, and she seemed to have formal airs and graces about her.

Well, since it was her who asked;

"I am really sorry for disturbing you, miss. Not a bit of intention to create a scene," Sonia replied, almost like wanted to bow. "And yes, it seems there was a misunderstanding about my accommodation. I assure you it will be resolved quickly."

"This lady has a first-class ticket." the quartermaster intervened, not even sugarcoating anything, excellent customer service be damned. "But she was late, all rooms have been occupied. I told her she can have one of the cabins in the lower deck and she then acted all entitled!"

Sonia felt a sudden urgency to bash the quartermaster with the stock of her crossbow. However, the man still had more to say, and bashing people mid-sentence is impolite.

"Say, since you are here, why don't you two share the room?" he eyed the elf and checked her ledger real quick. "Yes, that will do. Since I can't just give this lady the space without your permission-"

"But you did give me the key then asked me to return it." Sonia groaned, to the quartermaster's dismay.

"It was a mistake. And really, lassie? I'm trying to solve this for everyone's benefit." then he turned again to the elf, lowering his gaze and voice, half pleading. "Look, you will be doing me and this lady here a favor, I know I said it's a private room, but she has a first-class ticket, and if she doesn't have any, I will be in trouble, with the captain and the company. I am not forcing you to share your room with a stranger, but I would be immensely grateful if you do. Remember, this is a voluntary request. I don't want two complaints on me."

The quartermaster was clearly getting frustrated with all the switch arounds happening so far, which was both amusing and concerning. Viv never liked upsetting authority figures much, although her short experience so far with Ember had taught her how fun distress could be.

"Honestly," She responded after a moment of contemplation. "If she wishes to take up the unoccupied bed, I would be willing to accommodate her," A smile streaming across her lips as she made eye contact with the peculiar woman.

Actually she had no way of knowing just how mature she was, at least compared to others of her kind. For an elf, she thought, she herself was practically a child, yet to humans she was already an adult. Perhaps to her people she was as old and as wise as they came, or perhaps no more than a babbling child. These questions may not be answered soon, but they intrigued her nonetheless.

"So what will it be...oh how rude of me, I didnt even get your name. I am Viviana, and you are?" A hint of blush graced her cheeks as she reached her complete hand for a hand shake.

"It settles then!" the quartermaster announced, probably the first jovial things he had said since this voyage began. Quickly he handed the key to Sonia, then left without looking back. "Enjoy your stay, ladies!"

"So what will it be...oh how rude of me, I didnt even get your name. I am Viviana, and you are?" A hint of blush graced her cheeks as she reached her complete hand for a hand shake.

Sonia instinctively welcomed her handshake. "Sonia Al-Hathya, a traveler, and a venerer by trade. Oh, you are really a live saver! Thank you!" she smiled, her hellish red irises looking back at Viviana's viridescent eyes, mentally measuring each other. The girl's grasp had a lack of confidence in it, and she could help but to notice a slight lisp in her voice. Being this close, their height difference was very apparent indeed.

"Looks like we will be in each other's care then," said Sonia, masking her retreat by picking up her backpack. "After you, miss Vivian."

A burst of air escaped her nose at the quartermaster's response, he truly seemed done with it all. The woman seemed chipper enough, somewhat down to earth and yet with an almost regal air. A venerer, she said? She had met a few, but not many, of the legendary elvish hunters in her time. Different circles and all that. The practice seemed a tad barbaric, but she appreciated its necessity, and particularly the grace and efficiency with which those she met were able to accomplish their task. If Sonia was anything like them then she had likely made a fine call inviting her in.

"So this is it, that bed is yours, this one is mine," She gestured around the room somewhat flippantly, ready beyond her will to simply lay down and read some books. "Im sure we both understand that our possessions are our own," finally reaching her own bed, she twirled around to meet the gaze of her new roommate, just now really taking in the difference in their size.

"If you have any questions or just want to talk let me know! If not, then feel free to get comfortable," While she had some experience living with non family members, Vivian took this as an opportunity granted by the ancestors to prepare for her life in communal dormitories.

Once again, Sonia entered the room with a slight cautiousness. Yeah, the same aroma, it hadn't been dispersed yet.

"So this is it, that bed is yours, this one is mine, I'm sure we both understand that our possessions are our own."

Half of the elf's instructions were vaporized in the mids of an urge to sneeze. Sonia walked toward the opening that was supposed to be the window, then after motioning a sign that she understood the general rules, she opened it and then sneezed to her heart's content. After all, she did say to feel free to get comfortable, right?"

"Sorry... but can we keep the window open for a while?" she sighed, sitting on her bed now and opening a vial of eucalyptus oil. Sonia made sure it was just a few drops on her palm so the scent wouldn't reach the neighboring bed. Such considerations were also to not offend her roommate. She would spare the detail until being asked.

A sudden awaken on his hammock. Nanashi felt unsual feeling. He fell from his hammock making a bang sound on the floor. He feel sweaty, his vision getting multiple images and feeling he's going to throw up.

People can see him kneeling the ground, panting, look weak and his katana keeping his half body rise up.

By the time Landon called for "Lilly", she had already vanished from her perch at the table, leaving the man alone with his wounded pride, vanishing the rat discretely after directing it to scurry over the table.

Ember had wanted to torture the man further, but he picked up on Vivian's exit, and departed shortly after, returning to his cabin in as quick a pace as was effectively tasteful. He motioned at Luca, who was ever attentive with those wide eyes of his. He put on a display of complete and utter disgust and horror as he trundled away from the dining area in vivianna's wake, diverting from her course only to head to his own cabin.

Once inside his room, he locked the door, and commenced cleanup, then coughed hard to expel the magic he had inhaled before the little stunt, breathing several full deep breaths in afterward, savoring the feeling of unmodified air once more.

Before long, the wardrobe was once more modified: Long shimmery black pants, a white satin undershirt with long sleeves, with a black vest top, and a conjured large floppy hat with a foofy brown ostritch feather.

Yes, a suitably complete dispelling of the "Lilly" performance. That fool Landon would never suspect a thing.

He smiled, then teased his hair into bouncy long curls, before leaving the room and heading back toward Vivianna's.

Hammock seems to be uncomfortable, Nanashi unattached it and wrapped it on the pillar. The bedroll bag do the role of his pillow and his lower legs are over the foot locker. His face is covering by his straw hat and the mino cape is covering his body as a blanket.

@Grade

Lady DeVespe exchanged a look with her guard as the man addressed his concerns about her situation.

After a moment of consideration about his question regarding magic, the noblewoman lightly shook her head. "No I don't--I don't do that sort of thing..."

She glanced around warily as if there were spies listening to the conversation, before stepping towards Wheelo, speaking in a hushed voice.

"Okay, look... there may be some dangerous people after me, because I am a rather... controversial public figure, especially where I am headed. Yet I must do what my duty demands," she sighed.

"It is a very sensitive issue and I don't want to get anyone else involved in it, especially someone of your... physical situation. And so, I appreciate your concern, good sir, but please know that it is not something that I can discuss publicly." She gave him a conflicted smile.

drap-drap-drap

Someone was knocking, and indiscernibly called with a rather meek voice. Being thoughtful to her roommate, Sonia reached the door and, for a brief second, was hesitant to open it. Surely no one called for room service just yet.

"Yes?" she peaked. In front of her was a man? Woman? She was wearing heavy make-up and dressed in unmistakably frivolous clothing that did nothing to conceal his tall and lithe figure. And that red and flowing silky hair must be a wig!

"Can I help you, err... madam?"

Sonia was still leaning against the door, keeping it half opened, blocking the way. She hoped no other fuss would be coming straight into her hard-earned cabin, not this time, not in this lifetime!

@wierdw@Zim0cron

@wierdw @Zim0cron @Pakde @A5G @Remuri

A loud and invasive knocking could be heard in the common area below deck, surely disturbing to any who were trying to sleep. "I DEMAND to speak to the captain, RIGHT this instant!" Sir Landon's hostile voice rose above all else, as the banging on the door of the captain's quarters continued.

Finally the door opened and the captain stood there, ever-tolerant with a courteous smile. "Sir Landon. Is something the matter?"

Sucking in a hiss through his teeth, the nobleman grabbed the captain by the collar, his eyes bulging with anger. "YES, something is the MATTER! The conditions on this ship are BEYOND HORRENDOUS! I have NEVER in my life been subjected to such inhospitable FARCE!" He continued without even a slight pause, the captain helpless but to endure his words. "Did you know the ship has diseased rats running about the dining area!? One attacked me and nearly gnawed off my hand if it wasn't for my agile reflexes. And your crew dared to mock me and assert that I imagined the whole thing! Absolutely outrageous! I will speak to Lilly and she will attest to my statements! Tell me what cabin she is in, right now!"

The captain's hands were raised as he tried to patiently calm down the nobleman. "Okay, just slow down a bit my lord, now who is it that you're looking for? Lilly?... I'm not sure if we have someone by that name on board--"

"Lilly de Rochechouart de Mortemart!" he yelled, shakily tugging on the captain's collars. "The blonde woman in the yellow dress! Yolande's cousin! She had a dark-haired servant girl with her!" Sir Landon looked more desperate by the moment, meanwhile the captain could only give him an earnestly confused look.

"I-I'm sorry sir, but I don't know if we have any such characters on board... are you perhaps... feeling alright?..." the captain looked at Landon with genuine concern, as the nobleman let out a frustrated growl.

"Don't you DARE look at me like that! I SPOKE with the woman MINUTES AGO! We were having TEA! I did NOT imagine her, OR that huge rabid RAT!"

Shoving the captain aside, he stomped towards the cabins, banging on them loudly one by one. "LILLY! WHERE ARE YOU!? COME OUT RIGHT NOW!"

The nearby crewmates and passengers had to glance his way and watch with concerned amusement as 'Lilly' was nowhere to be found.

@Pakde
"oh-- Hello there-- You're not vivian..." mused ember confusedly for a moment.

"Unless you're trying out new looks already!?" chortled ember in a near squeal, waving his wand around in eager curiosity, before putting it away again with a disappointed pout.

"No... My apologies madam, I was looking for the young girl assigned to this cabin--"

"I'm here!" came a soft voice from inside the room.

"Oh! SPLENDID!" cooed Ember. "I'm SO GLAD you're making friends! May I come in?"

Upon hearing the assent, Ember sauntered into the room with an almost seductive sway of his hips, removed the (completely illusionary) large hat, and laid it over the baulister of the first bed in the room, then closed the door.

"So? Who's your friend then? We haven't been introduced!"

Sonia was glad there was no more unfortunate misunderstanding, she could finally let her guard down and welcomed their guest... perhaps.

The madame took no time to immediately make himself feel at home; he walked past Sonia with hips swayed, hat doffed toward Vivian's bed and he even closed the door for her.

"So? Who's your friend then? We haven't been introduced!" he asked, turning to Sonia. Despite the flamboyant fashion, his general clothing, mannerism, and general air signified a rather grandeur background.

And it was only proper for Sonia to recall her old etiquette lesson and make practical use of it. Remember, hands on the skirt, right leg behind, lean forward a bit, lest she looked like a complete boar.

"Sonia Al-Hathya. Delighted to make your acquaintance." she answered with a moderate curtsy.

"Smashing-- You can call me Ember, Dahling." he said in his lilting coo. "So, what do you do for a living, and how do you know young Vivian here?"

"She's a venerer-- and there was a mixup with her boarding pass. I let her have the spare bed; I'm not using it, after all." chimed Vivian, with her books beside her on the bed.

"Oh, is that so?" asked ember politely, while seating himself on the nearby chair. "As I said, I am Ember, and I do fashion."
He made a dramatic sweep of his hands to take in his outfit with his head turned toward one side while he made the statement.

"I have a few business contacts with venerers-- Exotic materials are sometimes required in my line of work, and I have an eye for quality. I'm always looking to increase the size of my list of contacts, so, If you happen to be hunting in the southern provinces, and have quality furs to sell, please-- consider my establishment."

Ember once again drew his wand, and made the studiously fixated and struggling expression as he gripped it tightly, as he generated another card for Sonia with a hiss and a pop, before handing it to her.

"So, you're sharing a cabin with Miss Vivian? I only recently just met miss Vivian this morning myself-- It turns out, we're both magicians. I have a bit of soft spot for aspiring h... practitioners of the art-- Do you practice any magic, Miss Sonia?"

"I have a few business contacts with venerers-- Exotic materials are sometimes required in my line of work, and I have an eye for quality. I'm always looking to increase the size of my list of contacts, so, If you happen to be hunting in the southern provinces, and have quality furs to sell, please-- consider my establishment."

Maybe magic, maybe an illusion. Despite the tingly sensation in her Fingers, Sonia received the card as any upstanding professional would and gestured the beginning of a beneficial partnership by opening the folded white card and taking a brief glance at the extravagant introductory written inside:

Smouldering Ember
Fashion, Finery, and Frivolity

Let this tiny ember ignite your passions!
Fashion, Finery, and Frivolity at your whim and fancy!
Garments and styles to suit every need, occasion or pleasure.
Male and Female fashion and accessories, with 'while you wait' alterations.

"It is our pleasure to attend to your every need. Discretion guaranteed."

--EMBER, Proprietor.

"I will certainly consider that, madam. Although, deepest apologies, the purpose of my travel this time is for... personal matter. But I will be in touch with you as soon as it has been resolved."

Despite her seemingly genuine attentiveness, any keen eye would notice Sonia was spacing out for a brief moment. And indeed she was thinking about home and the purpose of her journey. She had great pride in her job, and expanding her clientele was surely a sound plan, but today she somehow felt strained talking about it.

"So, you're sharing a cabin with Miss Vivian? I only recently just met miss Vivian this morning myself-- It turns out, we're both magicians. I have a bit of soft spot for aspiring h... practitioners of the art-- Do you practice any magic, Miss Sonia?"

"No, not really except for a few studies about defensive magic and dispelling illusion. A hard requirement if you are hunting certain magical games. Nothing too advanced since they are, well...beast." Sonia paused for a moment, There she was, talking about work again. no fancy phrases this time. Now trying to recompose and reassess herself, surely occasional armor-piercing enchantment on her bolts was too trivial to be considered magic, right?

"I don't think I have the talent to learn any more than that."

Trying to steel herself from sighing, she exchanged a glance with Vivian to address the other question. "I just met Miss Vivian a while ago, and as she said, there is a lot to say about the room arrangement and general customer service of this shipping company, but all is well now, thanks to her understanding!"

"So are you two from the same university?"