Can this really be the last… is it almost over for our sailing ways? With such a vibrantly glowing shoreline soon in our sights, I know this is the last night I need to remain near in such a steady vessel of the sea. Might we have received the blessings of mellow waters for these past few days? I can only think of what might have been if we’d been dealt with the roughest of waves. Even so… what awaits our arrival may not be of the same benevolent kind. This is such a mischievous little world we live in, unparalleled by any measure. For this uncertainty alone, I will continue to fulfill my promised role as guardian, not out of repayment, but that of a strong belief in my soul. It is also because of this dear soul of mine that this fantastical life can remain in existence.
Lingering upon the wooden deck of a recently docked merchant ship, Deanna continued to relish the warming air of the morning sun and gazed upon those crafty white clouds above as they showed off their all too familiar shapes to her imaginative mind. The gentle wind followed suit, teasing with its ways, tickling the blackened fur upon the tips of her ears as it motioned to the east. Amongst the crashing waves below and the jovial congregations of the common folk abound, her mind finally found a welcomed solace.
As the fox woman let her conscious drift away from reality, a young, silver haired man stepped forth from the cabin below and approached her from behind, seeking to locate the once elusive Deanna. “Well now, what do you think you’re doing out here without me?” Interested words were softly spoken.
With a single twitch of the tail, her deepening daydream quickly dissipated. “Just admiring the view… and those three moogles in front of me… that’s all,” Deanna replied with a sense of relief. “What makes the view even better is that I don’t have to deal with those tall, obtrusive buildings like in Dun Loireag that always happened to get in the way.”
And to believe that this was the
only reason for her rushing out of their cramped living quarters. “I take it you don’t like being confined in any one place for very long, do you?” His voice empathized with her, having endured his own time stuck between fortified walls. “I think we both can agree to that, don’t you think.” A reassuring hand was placed gently upon her shoulder.
Deanna turned around and looked upon the concerned young man, her lingering amber eyes refusing to show a single flicker of weakness. “I think we should try and see what we can find out while we are here, sooner rather than later.” Her cautious words encouraged for further action.
“I suppose you may be right. After we get off of this pier we can follow along that cobblestone trail. From there we can go to the east or to the west. I will leave that choice to better judgment.” A shift of his backpack denoted his readiness to move onward.
“Alright, I will lead us.” Deanna stepped ahead, off the ship and then along the lengthy wooden pier. Eager eyes were set on the nearest sign denoting the pair’s arrival to Mac Anu, The Vibrant Seaport. Footsteps were soon to pause at the next sight of two metallic road signs atop a single pole. “Looks like we have a decision to go either to the Serpentine Allure which is to the east or to the Maritime Station which is to the west.” Knowing full well that Eli would simply agree with whatever she deemed appropriate, Deanna wasted no time, already choosing to walk ahead in the eastward direction.
Eli, a bit delayed in his own reactions, sped up his pace, not desiring to be left behind for a second time this morning. “Didn’t want to tell me where we were going, huh?” His words were nothing more than a playful jab at her animalistic senses, which proved far more reliable than his own. “I don’t mind being uninformed, but don’t you think you should put that sphere away.” Who knew who was watching them at this very moment?
While fiddling fingers toyed with the sphere, studious eyes remained focused upon every vendor stationed along this narrow, commercial piece of real estate. “So, what you are trying to tell me is that this little orb in the palm of my hand is far more absurd than my very own appearance.” Deanna giggled at her self-absorbed presumption and concealed the sphere back in her pocket. Part of her wished that Eli would lighten up just a bit more for his sake. Maybe in due time, but the lingering effects were clearly present in everything he did since his freedom was granted.
Eli kept his words quiet while distracted eyes sought after a magnificent creation to his side, floating in the lapping waters of the bay; this massive warship, crafted beautifully from countless dedicated hearts, their souls resilient in its solid construction. So,
this was the Serpentine that had defied the Empress’ will. With cerulean eyes aglow in fascination, Eli leaned up against the rail that guarded the vulnerable townsfolk from the perils of the sea.
Deanna followed from behind and found her own spot up against the railing, hands holding on tightly. “By your sudden reaction to this warship, I am assuming you know what part of history this played a part in. If history remains truthful with its facts then this ship alone took out one of the most destructive flying beasts that the mainland has ever encountered. Nothing seems worse than those devastating, mechanical Sky Devils.” Her words softened as a feeling of remorse seeped into her sympathetic heart.
“Tell me… do you happen to have any relatives?” His eyes turned to the side, wishing to take another look at the fox woman’s form. “I mean… out of all the races I have encountered so far, I have yet to see anyone else that closely resembles you, Deanna.”
“Well… you see…” Her words stuttered, her startled mind unable to comprehend the unexpected topic of conversation. Not once had Eli ever requested such a deep and involved response to a most forgettable question. It couldn’t possibly be that hard to say something, could it? “You see… I can’t really say if there are or not.” Longing eyes stared even more furiously into the horizon ahead. “Honestly, I don’t think I am the one you should be asking those questions to.”
Whether or not she was simply refusing or clearly didn’t know, Eli retracted all of his further thoughts regarding her history. “I apologize for my uncomfortable questions. Based on what you have told me so far and how you reacted to those three moogles on the cargo ship, I wondered what kind of home you belonged to.”
“You are most forgiven.” Deanna snuck out a smile before turning her back to the intimidating warship. “You know, this ship does sail every now and then. A couple of places that come to mind are the Sunken Ruins of Neminte and Carmelina Gadelica, the Celebration Island. Both are considered major attractions for many sight seers, but the only problem with such a famous vessel like this one is it hardly ever sets sail anymore.”
“If what you are saying is true, then we do have a chance in the future to take an adventurous voyage on the high seas.” Outside of a few positive moments during their shortened stay in Dun Loireag, there was little for Eli to get enthusiastic about.
“As much as I hate to spoil this entertaining moment for the both of us, I think maybe we should go check out what’s inside the Serpentine Allure. Taverns are always full of amusing rumors. Not only that, I don’t think anyone else is going to walk up and provide us something useful if we continue to stand here and daydream any longer.”
Eli let out a heavy breath as he lingered by a little while more, his most pleasant moment crushed by an inevitable agenda. “Even if I hate to admit it, I think you may be right.”
