ACT VI

When the sun disappeared below the line of land at last, the dark sky was cast in the brilliance of stars, set high above their heads like sparkling gems strewn across deep violet hues. The commotion from the night's lively affairs of feasting and drinking had subsided, and although Tavra and Onica were quite ready to greet their new beds, Athyra ordered all of her crew above deck before they dispersed into the ship.

When they set foot on the splintered planks of the open deck once again, they were met with immediate stillness . It was not just the night air that was calm and breathless, but also the crew themselves. Stricken with silence, they ambled past in crossing patterns, and appeared to be preparing for some minor event in which the entire crew was to participate.

"Over here," Athyra said in a gruff whisper. "This way." She motioned Tavra and Onica toward a section of the outside railing that was molded into a small balcony which hung over the ocean. It was a tight fit, but all three managed to fit snugly. Tavra imagined this spot was normally reserved for only Athyra--a captain's perch. But now hosting special guests, she humbly made room for her new friends to remain at her side. A thoughtful gesture to be sure, and Tavra was sure to remember these moments well.

As Onica glanced around at the rest of the crew, she watched as every visible body gathered together, around the entire length of the deck. They stood shoulder to shoulder, casting distant eyes over the darkened sea, as some lit candles or passed flowers and bundled herbs. Onica was fascinated and curious. At any given moment, Athyra could surprise her with something completely unique and unseen. She had never imagined a Samaudren captain could teach a Fardreamer new things about her own people. And yet, the story was unfolding before her.

Careful not to raise her voice too high, Onica leaned toward Athyra to seek her answers. "Are you going to tell us what's going on? This is a bit unsettling."

Athyra smirked and pulled the hood of her cloak over her face, asserting a grim appearance which only caused Onica to become more uneasy. "Are you frightened already? On our first night at sea?"

Onica gestured at the crew around her. "Well, when my captain appears to be preparing for a funeral, you can imagine I might have some questions." She stated with as much humor as she could manage.

"You have quite an imagination," Athyra smiled at her, then looked out over the ocean again. "And yet, you are not completely wrong."

"Oh. Wonderful." Onica sighed, dreading her loss of ignorance.

"It must be a ceremony of some kind, correct?" Tavra interjected.

"Indeed," Athyra acknowledged. "It is the Ceremony of Milk and Honey."

"A tradition for your crew? I have never heard of it." Onica admitted.

Athyra nodded. "Yes, it is ours. A ceremony born to honor the past," she explained. "The holy milk of the Nebrie, and honey harvested from Pineflower, which grows only underneath the waves of small islands near the deepest section of the seas." She held up a clay jug filled with Nebrie milk and shook it before them. Then she placed it on the ground, and reached into her cloak to reveal a vile of gelatinous amber liquid. She held it out to the light of the 3 moons at an angle, summoning a stunning aura which grew around the vile, giving a vibrant glow to the honey.

Onica was captivated by this. "Pineflower honey! How magnificent. I have only seen it once when I was very young."

"Yes, it is very rare. And even harder to obtain," she slipped the vile into the sleeve of her cloak. "And it is precisely the reason we hold this ceremony. It is to honor the sea we sail on, and to honor those which she has taken from us." Athyra's black eyes quivered, her expression grew cold. "On our first night at sea, all of the Samaudren joins together to show our respect," she looked to Tavra and Onica. "And now, you will witness it. Feel privileged."

"I feel many things..." Onica admitted, crossing her arms.

Yet Tavra remained confused. Athyra had mentioned her Samaudren, but as she scanned the waters, she could not see any other ships. "But where are the other vessels? Do they not join you?"

"They are always with me." Athyra assured. "Now, be still and silent." She ordered.

With that, even the whispering among her crew abruptly ceased. It was time to begin. Under the shades of white and blue from the sister moons, and the gentle lapping of the shadowy waves against the ship, Athyra grabbed a small torch from the middle of the balcony. Utilizing one of her large matches, she struck the side of her belt and held the flame over the bundled leaves and grass inside the torch. Within moments, it was fully ablaze, sparkling and crackling as it burst to life. She held it up into the chilled air of the night sky, under a rope which was laced between the various masts and posts throughout the upper deck. The rope itself--covered in a flammable substance--suddenly exploded in flame. Tavra and Onica were startled at first, but then realized the rope was leading to many other torches strung around the borders of the ship. And as the flames reached them, they too became alive with color.

The light of the fires illuminated the entire ship, as if they were imbued with the setting sun once again. This was a wonderous sight for both Tavra and Onica, who were busy examining the many pillars of fire around them. But Athyra, Tavra noticed, and the rest of her crew were still staring out over the ocean, unmoved. And when they finally returned their gaze to the still waters before them, they understood why.

As if new stars were birthed amidst the calm, they stared in amazement as the distant torch lights of Athyra's Samaudren sprang up in the darkness. One by one, each ship followed the lighting of the one before it, until the horizon was filled with glistening vessels. Although far from reach, the light united them. It connected them. It was truly stunning to behold, especially for Onica. In place of such certain doubt, she now found tears of appreciation.

Onica wiped a falling tear away from her lash quickly. "You are full of surprises, captain." She whispered softly.

Athyra smiled at her again, then grabbed the jug from beneath her feet and removed the vile from her sleeve. She handed them to her new friends; the jug of milk to Onica, and vile of honey to Tavra, much to their surprise.

"What...do we..." Tavra muttered, unsure of what to do next.

Athyra stepped back slowly, then pushed Tavra and Onica forward with a gentle touch. "Pour. Together." Was all she said. Tavra and Onica stood still for a moment of uncertainty, glancing around at the crew's ever watchful stare. And when their eyes met again, both felt a sense of calm and inspiration. They were truly a part of this story now, and this was their moment.

Pressing themselves up against the railing, both extended their arms, holding the items tight between their fingers over the mirror of stars. As Tavra gave a slight nod to indicate she was ready, they poured the contents in unison into the waters below. Two separate streams, uniting as one with the sea. The rest of the crew, including Athyra, watched with a sense of pride and satisfaction. On this night, they felt connected. Together, as a family.

When the last drops hit the ocean, Athyra stepped forward again, taking the vile and jug from them and carefully handing the items to a crewmate beside her. Without words, she placed her ruff hands on their shoulders and gave an affirmative grasp, as if to indicate she was pleased with them. They exchanged warm smiles and savored this powerful moment.

Just then, all around them was the distinct sound of small items hitting the water beside the ship. Tavra and Onica spun around to locate the sounds, and soon discovered that the crew appeared to throwing personal belongings over the railings and into the deep, lost forever. Most of the crew threw flowers strung together by heavy beads to weigh them down, or dried bundles of various herbs which were sacred to the Sifa. Others seemed to be tossing rings, compasses, chains and metals, heavy shells, and even dolls made from hair.

Noticing their bewildered expressions, Athyra stepped between them to settle their thoughts. "The final act of our ceremony," she explained. "They gift tokens to the spirits of the sea. A part of themselves, offered for a peaceful journey."

"Very noble." Tavra thought.

"Most offer flowers and herbs which are important and sacred to us," she continued. "Others part with old belongings, or make them special for this occasion. As long as the gift is meaningful."

"You speak of the sea as if it is a living entity." Tavra claimed. "Expecting these gifts you bestow."

Athyra's eyes grew sullen as she studied the wavy reflection of starlight. "Of course it is." She affirmed. Tavra and Onica listened cautiously. "These waves hold more secrets than you can possibly imagine. Unspeakable fear. New devilry. Vicious blackness. An ice cold heart..." she turned to look at them. "We shall remain slaves, or become victims to it. There is no grey on the Silver Sea, lest the ghostly fog takes us. And that is why we show our gratitude."

Onica's fear and excitement once again flooded her mind. This was an adventure she had never expected to witness, or to endure. And yet, it was now before her, surrounding like a storm. In that moment, she realized she had nothing to offer, nor Tavra. They had brought little with them aside from personal items and accessories. Now cursed with the luck and fate of Athyra's crew, she felt it more than necessary to participate in every aspect of their journey together.

"But we have nothing to give," Onica mentioned sheepishly. She was concerned that Athyra would not understand. To her, this may appear to be a foolish excuse to hide from parting with a beloved item.

But to her surprise, Athyra only smiled gently and lifted her hands to her vibrant red hair. She reached to a large braid centered on the back of her head, and untangled two bell-shaped purple flowers from the thin ropes tying them on. Remaining silent, she separated them and gave each to Tavra and Onica.

They held out their hands and allowed Athyra to place the flowers in their palms. After examining the unique color and shape, both came to the edge of the balcony again, and tossed them peacefully into the dark sea. The purple hue remained visible on the surface for a long while, giving color to the blackness below. And as the pedals finally succumbed to the motion of the ever changing currents, they too fell beneath, into the stars of the ocean.

As the last of the decorative bouquets disappeared, Athyra turned to Onica with an unexpected grave expression. "Onica, will you follow me for a moment before you retire for the evening?" she asked quietly.

Onica looked to her with a bit of uncertainty. "Only me?"

"If you don't mind," Athyra smiled and looked to Tavra. "I'd like a moment of privacy. Sifa to Sifa."

Tavra nodded and stepped away from them. "Of course, take as much time as you need."

"I will have Dohg escort you to your room." Athyra glanced around the deck, but could not locate him. "Well, where has he gone?" she wondered.

"He's in deep slumber on the deck behind you." Onica held out her finger and pointed toward the center of the ship, where the hulking mass of Dohg--who had become completely inebriated--was slouched over a pile of ropes as though he had become one of them.

Athyra sighed and motioned toward another member of her crew. "Loe! Come." She called.

Onica and Tavra watched as a tall, lanky male jumped down from one of the rope ladders and came beside them. He was dressed in a brightly stripped poncho which appeared to be handmade, and wore a black bandana, held tight to his head with a large knot and two long tails that draped down his back. "Yes, Captain?" He said in a youthful, yet shy voice.

"Please escort Tavra to our guest chambers." She instructed.

"Right away." Loe stepped to the side and allowed Tavra to pass, then followed behind her as they made their way back inside the ship.

"I will join you soon!" Onica called out. Tavra looked to her with a comforting expression, and then disappeared behind the walls. She turned to Athyra again, awaiting the next move. "Shall we?"

"This way," Athyra said. "Time to test your skills for the first time on this journey." With an air of mystery, she pivoted her feet and started down the stairs, her cape billowing like broken waves. Onica watched her cautiously for a moment, and then followed. She felt equally confused and excited. And it was the excitement that directed her far more often than she expected.

Once back inside the ship, Athyra led Onica into her private quarters, which perfectly resembled the interior of her private room at the pub. With many darkly colored hanging tapestries, torn flags, old maps and books--all sectioned by half melted candles and wooden incense trays with piles of ash falling onto the floor. It smelled oddly sweet, with hints of flower and pungent spices. In the very center of the room was a square table, low to the floor, with plump cushions in the place of chairs.

As Onica and Athyra quietly took a seat, Onica noticed the entire surface of the old wooden table was covered in intricate designs. Some appeared to be burnt in with heated metals, or drawn with oily paint. And all the symbols were foreign to her. They were not Sifan, nor Vapran, or even the ancient texts belonging to the Skeksis lords. They were abstract, artistic, and very intriguing. Questions immediately began to burn on her lips, but before she cold speak, Athyra halted her thoughts.

"Are you ready to foresee?" She asked abruptly, seated with her legs crossed, and hands placed firmly on her knees. Her black eyes were frozen and piercing.

Onica tilted her head. "Fortunes already? Is that what you've taken me for?"

"For what other purpose could I use you?" She wondered.

"Friendship would be a good start." Onica utilized her wit to gain advantage. "I thought you may have something warm for me drink, or an interesting story you wished to tell." She folded her arms.

Athyra smiled at her. "Only the stories we are about to create."

Onica huffed and placed her hands on the table. "Enough with your riddles."

"You're right," Athyra held up her hand as if to stop herself. "We have enough riddles to decipher as is."

"Indeed. Your own mystery is enough for me."

Athyra chuckled. "Well, my lady, in time all mysteries eventually come unraveled. So shall we attempt to solve one now?"

"What do you mean?"

Athyra leaned back into a relaxed position, as though she were gathering her thoughts. Then, she placed her thumb and finger into a small pouch on her belt. When she removed them, Onica noticed they were dirty with some kind of silver ash. She placed them on the burnt tip of a candle in the center of the table, and rubbed them together. With astonishment, Onica observed as the candle sparked to life, with no assistance of flame.

"Yow!" Onica gasped.

Athyra smiled brightly, wiping the residue on her legs. "It's called firesoot," she proclaimed. "Just a small amount and a bit of heat between your fingers is all you need."

"But how?" Onica inquired with growing excitement, inching herself closer to the table.

"Dousan shamans, of course," she answered as though it were obvious. "Although I would imagine you know not of the shamans who live on the Claw Mountain coasts."

Onica shook her head slightly. "I do not."

"Brilliant alchemists and inventors." She stated with pride. "Our Samaudren has been aligned with them for many trine. Dating far back, well before my time. A secured friendship, created by a our last captain..." her voice became distant as deep memories hindered her mind.

"Your last captain?" Onica wondered.

Athyra realized the thoughts were clouding her vision, and with a shake of her head, she fixed herself in the present again. "Stories for another time, perhaps." She answered, lifting her face to Onica's gaze. "But now," she continued, "I require that same brilliance from you." Slanting her body forward again, her fingers grasped onto something hanging from one of the red chains around her neck. Without seeing the item, Onica already knew it was related to a memory of sadness, as Sifan charms hung low from red chains always represented a type of pain from the past.

As she removed a long chain from her breast, she strung the metal through her fingers, allowing the charm at the end to dangle in front of her. It appeared to be some type of small stone, with a mix of white, pink and orange colors, melted into a vibrant pebble by the core of the Thra herself. "Have you ever laid eyes one of these, Onica?" She asked.

"A Pearl stone!" Onica replied in a sharp whisper. Athyra nodded. "I have not seen one in many, many trine."

"Nor I," Athyra concurred. "This is the only one I have ever seen in all of my years. They say the stones are almost impossible to find, except under the light of the Pearl moon." Onica listened, fixing her eyes on the beautiful work of Thra's art. "It can only be fashioned by the core of Thra. Melted and fused together by the heat over thousands of trine, and eventually pushed naturally to the surface. Yet they only appear randomly, as small rocks along the coastline."

"And only glints under the light of the Pearl moon, when the other two moons are full." Onica finished Athyra's thought. "You know your history well." She remarked, impressed with her captain's expansive knowledge.

"I know my treasure even better." Athyra corrected.

Onica was shocked by this. "You would sell the item so easily?"

"Hardly," Athyra hid the stone between her fingers. "This is the only gift I have left from my mother." Onica perked up and continued to listen eagerly. "She arrived on the Sifan coasts just a few years after my birth."

"Who was she?" Onica asked quietly.

Athyra rubbed her dirty nail across the stone, letting it slip between the fractures. Her eyes grew distant as she recalled her former life. "She was a Vapran jewelry maker. The most gifted in Ha'rar." She inhaled sharply as if stifling a horrid emotion. "But one day storm clouds gathered, and the rain which followed washed us away. To Cera-Na." In that moment, Onica wished with all of her heart to hear every detail. But she knew Athyra would only reveal what enigmas she felt comfortable with, and she respected that. "And on our very first day," she continued, "as soon as we set foot on the rocky coastlines, my mother found this stone."

Onica's mouth unintentionally fell open. If the tale was true, it was one of the most definitive signs of unimaginably good luck she had heard of. A divine message. "Is this the truth?" She asked firmly and directly.

"By my soul." Athyra vowed.

Onica relaxed her tense posture and took a long moment to ponder the situation. With each passing wave of wind, this adventure became more precarious, yet twice as intriguing. She found herself becoming unnaturally lenient with doubt. Now overshadowed by a sense of freeing energy. "I..." she began. But breath was taken from the room after only one word, as the candle in the middle of the table suddenly vanished, blown out by some invisible gust that shot through the cabin like a blade.

Both sat for a brief moment of surprise and stillness, with absolute quiet cutting through the air. A deafening silence.

BOOOM!--- A massive noise abruptly erupted around them, shaking the ship violently. The sounds of glass breaking, wood splintering, and distant cries for help rang out without warning.

Athyra sprang to her feet and unsheathed her sword with such speed and vigor it sent Onica toppling backwards. She rolled to her side and crouched timidly.

"Stay down!" Athyra ordered her.

"I was planning on it!" Even now, she could not help but use humor to ease the situation.

Another loud noise blasted through the deck above them, this time tearing a wide hole straight through the center of the ceiling. Athyra jumped in front of Onica to shield her from the bits of falling wood and shards of glass. As Athyra glanced upward again, shaking splinters and fractured pieces of metal from her cape, one of her crew, who Onica immediately recognized as Loe, knelt down and called out to them.

"Captain!" he shouted in a panic. "Night raid, night raid!"

"Who is it?" Athyra yelled back.

"The Wave Xeric!"