Bargains
Deep blue ocean stretched for as far as the eyes could see. Sea birds screeched their call and answered in fever to each other, besides the creatures that claimed the sky and the sea as home there were other living beings in the area. Two ships actually, one looked dwarfed compared to the immensity of the ship next to it. They looked like they were cut of the same wood, and if they were truly alive those ships would be brothers, older and younger.
The smaller of the two was a rich looking Darter, high rigged for lengthy sailing and trimmed back in order to stay connected to the Larger ship. The identification markings name him Sea-Wraith.
The big brother is known to the Atha’an Miere as a Raker. The fastest, largest and most prized ship in built by anyone in the world. He is dark pecan wood, treated and cleaned and cared for by the men and women that live, and will eventually die on him. The Raker is identified by the markings near the bow with the Seafolk scrawl, Morning Mist.
The two vessels are tied off together and bare chested men and women exchange cargo and stories of upheaval and discord around the world. The talk is lively as is the mood, at least on the surface. There are questions whispered in the underline of the surface good favor. Questions like, what is a Darter doing this far out from the shore? Why are two vessels from different clans tied off and the Sailmistresses and Windfinders in talks down below? Why is the crew of the Raker so aloof about where they had last sailed? Many questions, but no answers were surfacing.`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Below Deck
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Dark wood and rich tones carried a feeling of serenity in this, the Sailmistressses quarters. Set at the back of the Raker, the huge room had three bay type windows. The first and largest was the lapsis bay window adjusted for storms and etched with care, it span nearly the width of the back wall. The many latches on the window opened small sections allowing fresh sea air to enter. On east and west walls were smaller yet no less elaborate windows. The storm precautions held moisture out and let the sun come in to heat the room to almost balmy conditions. But in times like this, it was beautiful, on three sides of this huge cabin was the ocean scene, blue water inviting all to jump in and refresh.
On the floor laid a full size Tearian rug, tacked down to prevent it from rolling. The dark mood of the carpet reflected and transferred well in the pecan room. Around the room were various shelves and holding racks for porcelain and other works of art from all over the world. The pieces were held back with ingenious slides that did not detract from the art, and kept the work secure all. This was a grand room. Constructed that way, for the Sailmistress had to show her power and rank when entertaining, after all it was the Seafolk way.
Sitting on bolted chairs and small couches the women sat and discussed the meaning of this meeting. The aroma of gray tea filled the room while four women sat in the resplendent quarters of Lehua din ThirdWave Sailmistress of the Morning Mist. The nose ring was connected to one of many earrings on her ear by a silver chain. On the chain were medallions, that marked her clan sept and rank. She sat sipping, what shorebounders would call bitter tea. She listened to the tales from her counter part from the Darter, of the destruction the Coramoor brought onto the shorebound. His poisonous touch, however, was not reserved for those bound to the dry land. No, his way had bound the Seafolk into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the Seanchan, a game that had claimed many among the Atha’an Miere.
“If it pleases the Light, all will be well. All will be well, and all manner of things will be well, if it pleases the Light” was spoke by Hinahina din Waterlilly Windfinder for the Sea-Wraith. The other three ladies intoned back the ancient saying.
“Is he prepared?” There was no question as to whom Kaunaoa din Strongcurrent WindFinder of the SeaSpray spoke of. The reason they were docked together in such a remote area.
A look passed between Hinahina and Ilima din Lostcove Sailmistress of the Sea-Wraith. Ilima looked up to the two ladies across from her. “If it pleases the Light, he is ready. I do not like it though, he is our family and does not deserve to be uprooted and displaced.” Her eyes showed her emotion of the moment, albeit the two on the other side of her were formidable, and powerful among their clan. The Chain of Command said that the Sailmistress of the Raker has higher rank than a Sailmistress of a Darter. Plus the Ilima was on Lehua’s ship, which closed the book on Rank, Lehua was the highest rank of the group. However, the crew of either ship was in the hands of the Sailmistress. Not even the Mistress of Ships would tell a Sailmistress how and where her crew goes. Only the Swordsman of the Clan or the Master of Blades for the Atha’an Miere could make such a bold move.
“The wave that has passed cannot be called back, Ilima.” The voice of Lehua was strong and compassionate at the same time.
“The Light knows that I understand.” She looked away as if to compose herself. She then looked back her eyes misty. “He is family, he is my crew. He helped to build Sea-Wraith, he cares for him and loves him.(Him meaning the ship) I feel terrible.” She finally conceded the loss.
It was a loss for all in the room, for there were no eyes that did not have mist in them now…
Goodbyes
Tall nearly a head above the other men of his Darter, Moku’ula Kai steps from below decks. His given name is Moku’ula but his crewmates call him Slider, for the way he slides up and down the rigging faster than anyone else. His body containing skin markings that speak of who he is and where he belongs. The first on the back of his hand was of a six pointed star, naming his clan. Next to that was a wave set in blue and white ink, which denoted his sept. Up his arms and across his bare back were the markings of his ship and the dry docks his sept controls. In his ear dangled two rings, which denoted his rank.
Slider looked up at the huge Morning Mist, it is a Raker. The bitter sweet thought races across his mind. Since he was a boy, he dreamt of serving a Raker, for the most part it was the dream of most small boys. The Raker was the sign and spirit of the Atha’an Miere, Strength, speed and mystery. At least he had heard that the way of the Seafolk were mysterious to the shorebound. For the life of him he could not figure out why that would be, the Atha’an Miere are the least complicated culture he knew of.
“Moku’ula”, the voice of his sister brought his attention back the Darter. The baggy breeches and thick sash around her hips looked strange on her small body. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she jumped up and held onto her older brother as if she were not going to let go. “Please don’t go”, her young voice of thirteen squeaked.
Slider held her tight for a long moment then he released her and let he down to the deck lightly. He crouched down to look her in the eyes. “Do not cry Kaieki. I will visit often, you will see. You will get tired of seeing me all the time.” He said as he brought his large hand up and wiped the tears from her cheeks. He then brought the tips of his fingers to his lips and then pressed them to her forehead. “It will be good, this I know.” His powerful eyes stared at her until she nodded her understanding. “Now, you do as your told, and learn well. That will keep you out of the bilge’s, unless you allow you temper to talk for you.” He feigned a punch to her and she giggled.
“I will work my hardest, you will see.” She said as she hugged him a last time and then stepped back and placed her hand over her heart and bowed slightly. Slider made the same deckboy salute. Then looked up to his da that held a wrapped item.
“This is for you, my son.” He was shorter but not by much. His strong dark eyes and graying hair was the same style as his son’s. Thick Black, long and wavy, it was set back with a leather cord. The few rings in his ear named him Senior supply master of the Sea-Wraith. “May the tides carry you back to us, safely.”
Slider took the item it was heavy and almost larger than his open hand. He smiled to his father, “Not even the Father of Storms can keep me away, father.”
His da nodded then gestured to the Raker, “He is big, you might need a compass to keep from getting lost while walking through him.”
“I will always stay above deck and navigate by stars.” Slider always had a sharp wit, he and his father would spend a lot of the day in the supply area exchanging witty thoughts and laughing at the best insult. “I will miss you both.” He said finally, as his eyes engulfed both his father and his little sister. His Mother had passed into the evermore shortly after Kaieki was born.
Turning he picked his belongings from the deck and thrust his gift from his da into the sack. Living up to his name, Slider, he then glided over the mooring lines that anchored the two ships together. He neared the rail of the SeaSpray and then halted. “Moku’ula Kai requests permission to board.” He yelled the age old request.
“Request is given”, the voice of a woman greeted his ears. He climbed the rest of the way up and over the rail and there stood the two Windfinders and the two Sailmistresses. His old and new, next to each other and weighing him with various looks. The new Windfinder and Sailmistress had harder looks than his previous Sailmistress.
As the thought passed, Ilima din Lostcove Sailmistress of the Sea-Wraith stepped forward. “I present Moku’ula Kai, apprentice supply master of the Sea-Wraith. In the light I stand for him, and pledge that he has always been fit for duty.” The Sailmistress said, with a hint of steel in her voice, as if to say that she dared any to imply that she did not know her own crew.
“I Lehua din ThirdWave Sailmistress of the Morning Mist, call to charge. Will you Moku’ula Kai serve this ship and work with this crew as you have done for with Ilima din Lostcove Sailmistress of the Sea-Wraith?” She asked in an almost dismissive way.
For his answer Slider knelt to the deck and kissed the plank, “Light illuminate this ship and all that care for him. I Moku’ula Kai pledge my heart and soul to this ship and will give no less than my life to defend and care for him.” Those words got raised eyebrows from all in the area. Normally a crewman that changed ship and asked to be a part of the crew of another ship was asked the question of loyalty. The answer was always a simple yes, but Moku’ula recited the ancient acceptance of the duties of the ship. He sat there until a hand touched his head and he recovered stiff as a Cargo Master called to the carpet.
The weighing eyes were more so than ever, but Slider refused to pay attention to them. Instead the rush of something hit him, “The island of Power, a melding of two ideals. It stands, it waits, but will it be enough to control the uneasy hearts. The Dragon’s rage, Shining Walls crack and the Shadow grows from deep within, the world is balanced of the edge. Will the unspoken alliance stand?” His eyes were distant for a moment then he was back to normal, a bit staggered but still standing.
“Kaupo, come quickly.” The shrill voice of his new Sailmistress could be heard but for some reason Slider could not focus on her, or anyone else. He suddenly felt weak and unhinged. Then blackness came after his head bounced off the deck. Strange, he never remembered falling …
New Mentors and Friends
Swaying in the night the Raker looks like a vessel on a sheet of ice. That is how still the ocean was, like the world had just inhaled and was now holding its breath before something huge happens. The Windfinders could hear it in the wind, it was eerie at best, but for now all one could do was enjoy the quiet time.
His eyes fluttered open, he looked up at the ceiling the dark wood stared back at him. Rolling his head to the side he spotted the port window, and out over the ocean was the moon, like a beacon of hope. His ship was long gone by now, his friends and family safely on their way to dry dock. Sitting up Slider let his feet touch the floor below. He was not used to being in a room all by himself, normally he and his da and sister slept with the crew near the center of the hull. It was nice a living and all were happy, only the highest ranks of the ship personnel got their own rooms. He looked around in the dark and could see a few trinkets here and there, but nothing to tell him whose room he was in. Then in the far wall was his answer, the wall was covered with different weapons, from all over the world.
“Do not worry boy, you are safe.” The baritone voice came from the darkest corner away from him. A figure stood in the night and walked over into the window and allowed the moon to give light to the formless voice. “I am Kaupo ThirdWave, Cargo Master of the Morning Mist. This is my room, although I am not accustomed to sleeping on a pallet in my own room.” He said with a smirk, and Slider jumped out of the man’s bed so fast it could have been on fire. Standing up Slider was a head and a half taller than the man, but Kaupo had volume on his side. Kaupo had a huge chest and nearly tree trunk size arms. What he gave to Slider in stature, he made up in size.
“The Sailmistress has asked that I take you as an apprentice.” Kaupo said as he turned the lantern up and light filled the room. “If that is alright with you?” That was a ridiculous question.
“That would be an honor Cargo Master Kaupo.” Slider said and bowed to the older man.
“Good”, Kaupo said as he walked around Slider. “Lets get a good look at you. I always want to know whom I will be teaching.” What Kaupo saw was a young man, nearly twenty three seasons. Tall with long raven black hair that was naturally wavy. Dark brown eyes almost black to those that truly cared, and mocha colored skin. His body was strong and lithe with no hint of any injuries his shoulder, large and strengthened by hard work and years of climbing. All in all Moku’ula ‘Slider’ Kai was a handsome man.
Kaupo walked over to the rack on the wall and un-strapped two lathes. He tossed one to Slider, “What can you do with one of these?” The elder man asked as he prepared himself for the dance.
Slider grabbed the practice lathe from the air and went though a couple of quick warm-up forms before he readied himself. In a split moment the two were perpetual motion, the lathes whirred in the air and the forms flowed from one to the other. Slider did well, and albeit he came away with a welt infested body, he also came away with Kaupo’s respect.
This was the way of it for the next couple of weeks. Slider stayed in Kaupo’s room, he went to the store area and began to master the cargo with the elder man. In those two weeks Slider learned more than he did the last two years on the Sea-Wraith. It was the kind of education he had dreamed about, it was fast and constantly changing. There was so much to understand and a short time, it seemed. In the eve, after supper he and Kaupo would practice the blade together. That was the one part of the day he dreaded, and although he was getting better at it, he still was decorated each night with black and blue welts. Kaupo never slept in his quarters, perferring the company of his wife the Sailmistress. Which left the late eve to Slider to roam and discover.
He would walk the crew area’s talking with whom ever was on watch. He liked the late eve, the smell of the ocean as it peacefully overwhelmed his palette. He was still having trouble with utter size of the Raker. He would tend to stop and get his bearings once in a while, but he never did so in the company of others. The last was difficult, it seems he had become quite a celebrity among his new crewmates. They were amazed at his climbing skills, and for a man that was just granted crew duties, he found himself apprenticing to the Cargo Master. That was almost unheard of, at least Slider had never heard of such a thing. Yet here he was, still missing his family and friends, but liking his new identity and celebrity each passing day.
The small shade closed as Kaupo and Lehua ThirdWave stood and watched the new member of the crew walk the outside air from their cabin. “I thought it was a joke.” He said finally as he put his arm around his wife.
“What is that, my love?” She asked as she seemed to get in closer to her husband that she already was.
“Slider”, he said directly, and Lehua stepped sharply away from her husband. “You grant a crew member, you order me to take him as an apprentice Cargo Master. I mean, a new man, no experience, no time served on ship.” He said as he dismissed the hunted looks his beloved was casting him. “You were right though”, he said with a small bow and a smile on his lips. His wife still looked darkly at him, so he continued to elaborate in order to stave off the anger he had incurred. “He learns fast, I mean real fast. I show him once and he knows it. He never makes the same mistake twice, and he is a natural with the blade.” A roughish grin touched his features, “In a year I will be the one decorated in welts.”
“Do not get too attached to him my husband.” Lehua said and now it was her turn to explain, as the thunderclouds spread across the Cargo Masters face. “He is not for us, my beloved.” She said and tried to end the conversation at that, but he just stood and willed the rest out of her. “He is meant to be shorebound, with those of the Coramoor and the White Tower.” She swallowed hard at the pale look that came to her husbands face.
“Oh merciful light, what have you done my love?” his voice was barely a whisper as he looked at his wife in a new light. Men that were assigned to shore duty for a month usually wept all through the night before they were to start. Lehua was suggesting worse though, to leave a man without a ship or ocean for maybe life. It was unimaginable.
“Please, do not judge harshly. It is for the salvation of us all. I can say no more than that, for I know no more than that. I can say that the Pattern watchers have foretold that young Moku’ula must leave the water and go to the Coramoor and White Tower, he is important to us all. The way it was explained is that he is not directly the important one, but if he is not at a certain place at a certain time, the Pattern will unravel.” The last came out as a croak.
“That is what the Mistress of Ships told you.” That was not a question rather a statement of fact from the man who now held his shivering wife. She nodded as she tried to find warmth in the embrace of her husband.
“I thought I could do this, for the Atha’an Miere, for the world. But I can’t, I like the boy. He is young and strong and has a great spirit and wonderful way with the family. Each day my heart goes heavier and heavier.” She was sobbing now.
“There is one way to end the suffering you feel and the guilt of decision.” He said as he pushed her to where he could see her eyes. “Tell him, allow him to make that decision himself. We are not Aes Sedai, we do not meddle with the lives of others, no matter what the end is.” His eyes were strength.
“If he chooses not to go?” She said looking lost and disparaged.
“Then he does not go. But he is a good man and he has good sense, if told the truth he will choose the correct path.” That was said as he wrapped his wife in those large arms again. But pain marred his features, he hurt for his wife …
The Grey Grounds
Months later a dark complexion man, with long wavy black hair. Clothes that looked like they had seen better days. A sword that laid on his hip in deadly ease, and a hard look in his eyes. He was not as tall as most men that he had net, but in the Seafolk, he was very tall. This man stepped to the Tower that had been named Will, he asked for admittance.
Earth 95%
Fire 75%
Spirit 50%
Air 35%
Water 25%
Foretelling
Earth Weaves ~ Delving, Spinning EarthFire, Mineral/Ore Sensing, Mineral/Ore Calling, Matrix Manipulation ~