Anne found herself surrounded by an endless untamed ocean, its surface rolling in a slow, mesmerizing rhythm. The sunlight created golden patterns across the ocean waves as the salty breeze combed through her hair. It was beautiful, breathtaking even.
But also, sailing alone turned out to be an absolute nightmare to deal with.
Anne fought with the rigging while the wind worked against her. The situation would be simpler with crew members. Or a self-sailing ship. "Or if I were literally anyone else."
From his position on the railing the rat displayed an arrogant attitude with his flicking tail. "You could try harder."
"I could also try throwing you overboard."
After an absurd amount of effort and swearing, she managed to keep the ship moving in the right direction. Her passive ability was helpful. It always let her know where north was, and the balance boost was nice. But that didn't make sailing any less of a pain in the ass.
The light from the yellow moon became the sole illumination as night enveloped the ship. During nighttime the Rogue's Embrace took on an eerie ghostly appearance. Silent, dark, and utterly empty. No lanterns flickered on its ancient wooden surface. No footsteps echoed across the deck but her own.
Anne let out a breath before lying down on the planks with her arms spread wide to watch the stars. They were mesmerizing, spread like tiny fragments of glass across the boundless black sky.
"I forgot how much I loved this view." She murmured, half to herself. During her childhood she used to sneak onto the docks at night to watch the sky moving across the waves while dreaming about adventures where she wouldn't need to lift a finger.
Her eyes drifted shut. She was at peace.
[WARNING: YOU HAVE BEEN LAZING AROUND. YOU HAVE BEEN AFFLICTED WITH SEASICKNESS.]
Anne's peace shattered instantly.
"BY THE CURSED TIDES, YE GOTTA BE JESTIN!" She barely finished the thought before lurching over the side and emptying her guts into the sea. Her insides twisted violently, like they were personally offended by her laziness.
"This is a curse! A curse! Who the hell made these abilities?! I don't want it, take it back!"
[Storm-Chaser's Pulse]:When Captain is actively navigating, adjusting sails, or moving around the ship, she gradually builds up stamina, balance, and awareness. North is always with her. However, if she stays idle for too long, she becomes sluggish and violently seasick. The more she moves, the sharper she gets. Perfect for a captain who can't afford to slack off. (Passive)
The rat moved along the deck while showing excessive amusement which displeased Anne. "If I were you, I'd keep moving unless you want to hurl out your entire stomach."
Anne groaned, wiping her mouth. "I have been cursed."
She managed to stand up despite her dismay before continuing toward the rigging. She managed the sails while tightening the ropes and occupied herself with various tasks to prevent feeling sick. Anything to fight off the nausea.
It was going to be a very, very long night.
A distant coastline appeared on the horizon after dusk had started to show its colors. "Finally, the port city." A place with food, supplies, and, most importantly, cheap alcohol.
She eyed the Rogue's Embrace, frowning. "We don't have a crew. Is it fine to leave the ship by itself?" When she'd sailed with her parents, there had always been hands to stay behind, to watch over things. But now? It was just her.
"Don't worry, Slacker. The ship is bound to you, it will only work with you." The rat smugly said, jumping onto her right shoulder. "Well, I guess pirates can still destroy it, but nothing we could do against it anyways."
Anne sighed. Nothing they could do indeed.
So off she went to the port, rowing on the boat she got from her parents. Two barrels inside so she could at least fill it up with drinkable water.
The builders of Rivenhold port city seemed to construct their buildings while drunk to the bones because the architecture appeared disordered. The buildings supported each other by leaning against one another while narrow alleys twisted randomly and a mix of salt, spice and urine filled the air. The old wooden beams supported lanterns which danced flames against the advancing darkness. Fishermen yelled about their last fishes while merchants showed dubious merchandise and a musician performed an off-key melody.
Anne weaved through the chaos, her mind set on one destination: the tavern.
She found it tucked between two shops, its sign barely holding on to its hinges. The inside was dimly lit, warm, and buzzing with conversation. The scent of ale and unwashed sailors and drunkards filled the air. Perfect.
She dropped a single silver crest on the counter. "How much beer does this get me?"
The bartender examined the silver crest before answering. "Enough to regret it tomorrow."
"Sold." She shoved the coin forward. "And bring me something to eat, too."
She found a free table by a darker corner and let herself plop down. She wasn't at the ship, so she could finally laze around! No curse passives.
Anne took a heavy sip. The cheap beer was gross, but she exhaled as the tension of the day melted away. That was when she noticed the woman sitting a few seats down, watching her with sharp amusement.
The stunning stranger possessed shadow-black skin with shifting dark patterns on her arms and her eyes moved like black liquid in water. A Vethari. Dangerous by reputation. But the smirk she wore suggested she was more interested in entertainment than assassination.
The darkness beauty got up and walked in her direction. "Rough day?" The woman spoke her words with the same smoothness that a dagger shows when it exits its sheath.
Anne sighed. "You have no idea."
The Vethari woman lifted her mug as if toasting in a playful manner. "To bad days and bad decisions. Nyx."
Anne tapped her mug against the Vethari's as she accepted the invitation to join her. "Anne." After finishing her drink she grinned at her new acquaintance and said "And if you're offering bad decisions, I might be hiring."
The woman lifted her brow while her completely dark eyes showed signs of amusement. "Oh? Isn't it a bit soon to try and buy my body?"
Anne snorted. "Oh, I definitely want your body. Just not the way you're hoping. Also, I'm broke."
Nyx laughed, low and rich. "So, an assassination job?"
"Nah. The only one I might want dead right now is this rat."
"Squeak!!"
Nyx tilted her head. Amazed by the woman and the rat. "Alright, then. What do you want my pretty body for?"
"Crew."
"Crew?"
"Yeah." Anne leaned back in her chair. "You see, I got kicked out of home by my retired pirate parents, inherited nothing but this dead rat and an old ship. So now I'm looking for bodies willing to brave the ocean and all that shit."
Nyx took a slow sip of her drink, studying Anne with an unreadable expression. "Piracy, then?"
Anne shrugged. "More like undetermined maritime activities. With occasional crimes."
Nyx chuckled. "Tempting. But I don't usually sign up for just any ship."
Anne raised a brow. "Picky for someone drinking piss-ass cheap beer in a dingy port town."
"I like to keep my standards low." Nyx moved closer as she stared at her with bright eyes. "So tell me, Captain Anne, what's in it for me?"
Anne thought for a moment. "Freedom? Adventure? A chance to be part of something legendary, if I don't completely screw it up."
Nyx hummed while tracing the rim of her mug. "Not bad. But not enough."
Anne sighed. "Aye, what do you want?"
Nyx's smirk sharpened. "There's something I'm looking for, something old, something that vanished long ago. I don't trust landbound idiots to help me find it, but a ship with a captain actually willing to go beyond the safe waters? That might just do."
Anne studied her. "Something old and lost, huh? What, a treasure? An artefact?"
Nyx only smiled. "Does it matter?"
Anne paused for half a second before holding out her hand. "Fine. You help me not sink like an idiot, and I'll help you find whatever mysterious thing you're after. But it will take time, I barely have a ship."
"I just need your promise that you go for it when you have the strength." Nyx said with conviction.
"That I can promise." Anne smiled, still holding out her hand.
Nyx eyed her hand before finally clasping it, her grip cool and firm. "Deal, Captain."
The rat let out a disgruntled squeak. "I don't trust her."
Anne grinned. "Good. I'd be worried if you did."
"Huh?" Nyx was perplexed, was she talking to her?
"Nothing, just talking to the rat." Anne dismissed, making the Vethari laugh hard.
Nyx shook her head. "Did I just accept an offer from a bitten-rat Captain?"
The rat squeaked. "Excuse you, I am a spirit."
Anne grinned, raising her mug again. "Too late. The deal's sealed."
The stunning Vethari smirked. "Beast deals are always sealed over drinks."
She took a long sip. Then, resting her elbow on the table, she leaned in. "So, Captain. Where are we going first?"
Anne tilted her head, tapping her fingers against her mug. "We need supplies, food…" She cleared out her mug in one sip. "We will go somewhere worth the trouble."
Somewhere worth starting something.
They needed money more than crew.