Finding herself accepted openly for the first time in her life, Ayla basked in the partners she acquired for her little ballet. She held hands with the children and spun the girls with their hands aloft, promenaded around the little boys who tried to lead a waltz with her, and laughed among their small-voiced giggles. 

In the brief lull between celebratory song and reviewing the rules, Ayla watched the slowly passing coast with enamored eyes. The dance had warmed her limbs, and the sun was minimizing any amount of chill the early morning had introduced to the day. In the respite of time between events, the elf stepped aside from the crowd and adjusted her attire. 

Her hands disappeared into the depths of her hood where deft fingers pulled the braid at the sides, causing the hair around the nape of her neck to loosen and sag. She worked by feel, tucking her ears into the tumbles of hair that draped now around her shoulders before catching in the plait. She shifted her scarf from her throat and wrapped it round her head, tucked under the collection of tresses and crossing over her crown like a bandana. With a quick knot, she bound the material into a snug headband that covered the place where her ears were wont to sneak from beneath her hair. Without knowing her ears were what she aimed to conceal, she effectively created a style that kept her locks were confined from whipping about her face on the windswept deck. 

Feeling that she had adjusted her disguise appropriately and without presenting herself in a manner that would raise suspicion, she joined the crowd in listening to the expanded expectations from the First Mate and Quartermaster. There was that mention of the Blood Agreement again. Her stomach flipped over itself and she pursed her lips anxiously. When was that going to turn against her? 

Intrigued by the prospect of learning about manning such a vessel, Ayla considered the offer of learning from the crew. For the time being, she presumed her utter ignorance of travel on the waters would be more hindrance than help to anyone and she decided she was better off remaining out of the way and tending to the materials she had for remedies if and when her services were required. 

The idea of hearing stories from other passengers thrilled the elf in a manner that surprised even her. She knew of a life, yes, but her view had been very sheltered and singularly focused. It occurred to her that she truly had no knowledge of the way an average human family conducted its affairs. 

Wrapt in the reverie of learning more about the race which had taught her she was little better than a beast, Ayla was shocked to hear her alias called from the bridge by a familiar voice. She cast her attention immediately up and presented an abashed sincerity towards the captain. 

“If there is interest, I would be happy to take part in the exchange of personal histories and entertainment.” She realized she needed to work on her presumed identity a little further. Did she know songs in the common tongue? At least now she knew what could occupy her time in the immediate future.