The serenity of the evening bathed Ayla in calming caresses. She began to sway ever so gently along with the breeze that battered her abundance of linens, humming a faint tune she had learned from her own mother as a small child. For a moment, a leeching dread pried at the corners of her mind, reminding her that her family would pay a price for her abduction whenever her absence became clear. The melody from her infant lullabies chased away the darkness; her family had blessed her flight and they had arranged an explanation that would buy her some days reprieve before the house could label her awol. 

Ayla smiled as she heard a heavy footfall behind her. It was considerate of the approaching individual to make their advance known, even though she would have sensed the tremor in the floorboards without the added effort on his part. Though she had heard the announcement of the Captain’s arrival on deck, it had registered to her as nothing more than the call of a gull or the crash of a wave, all part of the song of the ocean. 

Taking in one last swig of air, she turned, expecting to resume discourse with the Quartermaster. Even Ayla couldn’t entirely confide the momentary surprise of meeting Captain Church’s gaze instead of his man. She blinked rapidly to conceal the slight shock and keyed into the questions coming forth.

“I am most appreciative for any small corner of your vessel.”

“Hazel Brooks,” she gave as her name. She knew her given name would wind up flagged in days to come, and this alias had been chosen for this venture specifically. 

“One way, please.” She made sure to reply with the utmost politeness and respect for the position this man held. She did think it was strange that the captain would trouble himself with passenger lists on such a direct level.

With regards to her effects, she chuckled slightly and tilted her head to the bundle at her feet. She nudged it with the toe of her sandled foot. “I travel light,” she admitted. “A few garments and supplies for my trade.”

“I have experience with medicines and healing. Should anyone fall ill, I would happily do my part in providing care.”

As her replies were received and noted, Ayla observed that the final inquiries did not seem to be recorded in the same way. Nevertheless, she held fast to her respect and continued the tête-à-tête serenely. 

“I suppose I am a little nervous. I have never been on a ship before. This will be my first time on the waters. It is both exciting and terrifying.” The truth in her lies bubbled to the surface and she found the exuberance roiling forth in a sudden torrent. “I cannot wait to see the sun rise over an endless sea. Oh! And to feel the winds where no trees nor buildings stand, that really must be an experience. I hope they do not grow angry, though.”

She caught herself rambling and pressed the tips of her fingers against her lips. Clearing her throat, she utilized a brief shake of the head to recenter herself in the conversation with a man of far too much status to bother with her childlike wonder of open waters. 

“I look to resettle and build a new life. This land, I find, offers little for me.”

Having abashedly focused to the ground after her unexpected outburst, Ayla found the strength to raise her eyes. Given her heritage, she found little difficulty with her sight at this distance to the gentleman, even in the ever darkening ambiance. She realized he was not having the same ease.

“Oh dear, I did not realize how quickly the light diminished. Please, let us venture toward a light for your notes. It can be terribly detrimental for you to be reading and writing under such poor conditions. My deepest apologies, Captain.”

She turned to head closer to a more lighted part of the deck after obtaining her belongings from the ground. By way of small talk, she ventured, “I would think a man of your position far too busy to concern himself with adding to the passenger manifest.” Sheepishly, she held her parcel like a priceless artifact swaddled in protective canvas. “I was sure your Quartermaster would take my information when he was available. Perhaps I should have sought him out to save you the trouble. My apologies to you both.”