>>6125493>special Earthican insightI liked this suggestion and I'm going to further explore it in the future updates. it also allows me to better work the narrative angle I'm looking for. thanks anon.
>>6125807After the horrible experience in the ship’s bowel, the air of the open ocean feels like a blessing. You take in deep breaths, together with the other three, while Sandora walks behind you, silent and pensive. Now that you know what kind of fate awaits even Asterites who faithfully serve the Throne, you can understand a bit more her extravagance.
You still do not approve of such lavishness. Comfort leads to corruption. And yet — she’s no merchant, that’s sure. The steel in her eyes when she spoke of her duty made you understand she understands there is more in this world than money. So, not a Frigéian, in the end, even if her methods are unbecoming.
“That was fucked up,” Willow whispers, coming up behind you and reaching out for your hand. You let her fingers brush against yours. She clearly needs comfort — she’s been antsy and worried since she entered the cabin and the sight of the horror down in the water has left her much worse, her face pale and her eyes sunken.
“At least it was not bees,” you attempt to lighten her up. She clicks her tongue.
“At least— yes. I suppose that I should be grateful.” You two lean over the deck’s parapet, while the Asterite picks up a plush chair with an open book set upon it and sits, closing her eyes. Her breathing changes immediately.
Rubida quirks an eyebrow.
“Is she…”
“Out like a light,” Willow nods. “I can feel it from here.”
“If she’s a teacher, she can teach me that trick, can’t she?” Rubida sighs. “I’d certainly need a good night of sleep. After this.”
Willow nods in agreement and looks towards the water, rushing against the bow. The wind has changed, but the ship’s direction has not. The mariners are busy wrapping up the sails. At this point, with the Holy Land’s shore far behind you and not visible anymore, you wonder how much of that was for show. To offer you a welcoming, familiar face, while the ship held such a terrifying secret.
[cont.]
