Post by Vio on Apr 12, 2015 7:04:09 GMT -5
Greying sails whipped and whistled a solemn song as the small fisherman's vessel, the Salina, rolled across the waves of the North Blue and towards its next destination. An island that its current passengers very much hoped would allow them to get some much needed rest after their previous ordeal. At sea for the best part of three days now, their supplies dwindling severely, the de facto leader of this fugitive formation was quite glad to see dry land before him and - more importantly - no other ships behind. Aside from the biting winds of the ocean that were typical of this area of the northern seas, the climate itself seemed rather dreary and yet surprisingly placid. Above, the grey-blue of the sky was dressed with a thin, dull cloud cover that seemed to spit and roll like the waves as the winds dragged them about. The sun peeked out from behind this dirty blanket every once in a while, its warm rays caressing the face of the former Marine Captain for brief instances before the clouds ripped the warmth from him.
Well, at least this place is better than the Frost Kingdom, or Ice Nine... Reminding himself constantly of the trouble he had caused less than seventy two hours prior, Marlus Caine raised a hand and brushed two fingers through the violet strands of hair that fell across his face, exposing the pale green eyes beneath and the darkness that lingered about them. As much as he had tried, sleep had not been much of an option for him, never willing to let the vessel rest upon the waves for fear that one of his greatest foes would catch up to him. He could live with the consequences he would have to suffer, that much was plain, but it was his current companion that had set the unease in his soul. Merle Tali, a young Fishwoman whom he had met recently, had unwittingly become the catalyst for a bizarre series of events that had completely turned the archer's life upside-down. Seeking refuge from the pursuing forces of B-1, the North Blue's own Marine headquarters, the two had constantly been fighting against the waves. But it was the man's conscience that would not allow him to sleep for more than an hour or two at a time.
"Hey, Merle? We're here now. It's an island called Sedna, if I remember right," the fatigued fugitive explained to his fellow runaway, guiding the vessel's wheel about with his hands as they closed in upon the small port to the south side of the island. Grey rocks protruded from the waters, their bodies flecked with dull red veins and patches of white that quickly identified themselves as gatherings of gulls. These rocks seemed to form oppressive gates, making his spine tremble slightly, but refuge was a necessity. His company's wound was almost completely healed, but his own few battle scars had healed little. A small selection of cuts upon his arms and legs remained pink and raw, many of them he had not realised he had actually sustained during the struggle on Jreum, but aside from exhaustion from lack of sleep he was right as rain. Physically, at least. His mind wore more scars than his body ever could bare, but he did his best to stifle the turmoil of thoughts and focused upon the present rather than the past or future. Did he even have a future?
"I've never actually been here before, apart from a couple of supply runs years back, but there's no real Marine presence here from what I know. We can hide out here for a while, I guess..." His voice trailing as the Salina eased towards the docks, Mister Caine looked down at himself for a moment to take in the changes he had forced himself to make. He still wore the black boots, trousers and shirt of his personal uniform, but he had discarded the sleeveless white tunic; the garment bore the seagull insignia and justice brand that denoted his status as an officer of the law, but no longer did he hold that position. Just a day ago he had torn the tunic from himself in a fit of rage, tossing it overboard and watching it gradually vanish beneath the waves, sinking into blackness like most of his own hopes and ideals. Now all he wore was black, mourning the loss of his trust in the World Navy.
"How's your leg?" Doing what he could to keep his mind from darker and depressing thoughts, Marlus asked a simple question that he - in all honesty - already knew the answer to. Still, it helped him take his mind out of the shadows and think of those little glimmers of hope that shone like stars in the inky blackness of the night sky. Gently guiding the ship towards the far end of the small harbour, the bowman gestured to his acquaintance to close the sails so as not to interrupt her response. Finally they had made landfall, but the marksman was hesitant to step onto the island itself at first, slightly fearful of the consequences of his actions. If the Marines had branded him a traitor, it was very likely a bounty had been, or was about to be, placed upon his head. Perhaps they would even label Merle as wanted? That minor thought made him shudder, or perhaps that was just the cold wind crawling from the island?
Walking over to the side of the ship, he gave the dock area a quick sweep with hawkish green hues, checking for signs of activity. There was little to none. It seemed so eerily silent, save for the incessant cawing of gulls and the bubbling of the waves, the gentle groan of the timbers and the laboured softness of his own breathing. Beyond the port he could see the town, the only true settlement on the entire island, and its dreary grey mixed with splashes of dull red. From what he knew, Sedna was renowned for three particular trades. Whaling, building materials and weapons manufacturing. Indeed, B-1 received a good percentage of its own cannon and ammunition from this place when times called for it, but never enough to warrant a Marine base being constructed here. That did mean one thing, though. They could not risk staying here for too long.
"Anyway, we should get going," Marlus finished, letting the small anchor fall into the shallows and secure the ship. Off the boat he climbed, bow and quiver upon his back, taking a mooring line and fastening it to the dock. Then he looked to the salmon figurehead, patiently waiting for Miss Tali's own departure before heading off towards the town, following the cobblestones of First Street...Marlus Caine (3b003b)