Ist of Cylus, Arc 718
"As promised, she's all yours."
The old man's Scalvorian accent is evident through the gruff slur that seeps into the Common he speaks.
It's a calm afternoon at Port Diablo with snow fluttering down at a disturbingly steady pace. At this rate, people will soon have to struggle through the less traversed streets, fighting to make their path in the new snow. It's quite dark as well. With the sun blocked and the heavy snow clouds overhead, Rynata is grateful for the lantern the grizzled man beside her holds. The two of them enter one of the makeshift buildings lining the port; one of the workshops in the shipyard, tasked with fixing and building new crafts. Following the man in as he busies himself in lighting the darkened space, Rynata is left facing a pristine sloop. Newly comissioned from the looks of it. With the door securely shut to keep out the weather, it is strangely quiet. The noise coming from the few people going about their day outside is stifled. The snow does its part to muffle lively noise, but the calm is mostly because those who can have taken their business indoors to escape the bitter cold setting in.
In the pause that follows, Rynata can't help the eager smile that spills across her lips at the sight of her new ship. Her ship. It's a simple enough sloop but to her, the lucky new owner, it's an elegant craft. In the lanternlight, the edges of the wood gleam golden and the darkened shadows accentuate the precise cut of each piece. Her brothers weren't kidding when they told her they knew just the man for the job.
"Thank you! Not that I doubted...but it's more than I hoped for."
Rynata turned to the old shipwright in gratitude, her voice lilting with a strong foreign cadence. She fleetingly thought that he looked tired. Perhaps it was the cold and the dark that was unkind to old bones. Nonetheless, he looked more or less pleased with himself what with the successful business interaction.
"Does that mean you'll be payin' me some extra?" He said wryly, raising a brow in her direction.
"No, but it does mean I know who to look for in this business," Rynata laughed easily. "Why, I could even send people your way."
Groaning in annoyance, the old man stretched his back before grumbling, "If I'm still alive and kickin' by the time you be wanting a new ship, Missy. That is, if you yourself manage to stay out old Vri's way."
The last part, the man said with something akin to a look of pity towards her. Rynata didn't know whether the man thought her naive or knew something she didn't, but she chose to take it as an expression of concern from a bitter old man. It was probably the greatest amount of personal concern he had to offer this day.
"Any advice from the wise old shipwright?"
He frowned at her and the lines in his weathered face deepened, adding to the effect of the surly scowl. "I don't ask questions, but seems to me you're new round these parts. And I ain't about to give sailing tips to a Biqaj, but on land stick to the busy places. The businesses and the docks round these parts. Keep your head down and don't go looking for trouble." The old man nodded to himself, as if satisfied with the basic run-down he had given.
"She doesn't have a name yet, does she?" Rynata said, gesturing to the sloop.
"That's not my problem, is it now," the other sighed even as he halted, raising the lantern higher to give them better light.
"Still, as the creator, wouldn't you like to be present for it? I was thinking The Siren. The Gilded Siren."
"Rather fancy name for a small one dontcha think?"
"You don't like it? I thought it was fitting."
"Like I said. Doesn't concern me. You get what you paid for. Still... I figure it's good enough for a ship of mine."
"The Gilded Siren it is then!" Rynata declared, pleased with the ring the name held even in the brittle air. "It was a pleasure doing business," she added, nodding to the man who grunted in what she hoped was affirmation.
"In that case. I have some last touches to add. Swing by later and we'll get you sorted."
Shooed out into the dusky light spilling from a few points along the dock, Rynata was left to watch the man disappear back into the warmly lit structure. Left to her own devises, she let out a heavy sigh both dreamy and filled with trepidation. Her own ship, small but capable of carrying her wherever she pleased. A symbol of freedom and also, a heavy blow to her wallet. She would need to work hard to repay her family. If she wasn't well off in a years' time, they would probably demand that she return to them. Not out of any spite, of course, but concern for her. It may not be the worst of fates, but Rynata knows that her ego will never let her live down that failure.
Still, if she's to be kept busy throughout the unforgivingly cold season, she might as well celebrate first. Despite everything, her ship is well in order and things look to be going her way. If she's lucky, there must be somewhere lively enough for a special evening. Setting out along the frigid dock, Rynata drew her cloak more firmly to her sides as she spotted a bright flickering light, stark against the dark sea. The wind carried cheery music and raucus laughter. Setting her course for the apparent party, Rynata hurried along to where she hoped she could spend a celebratory evening.
