Somewhere in The Southern Seas was a tiny little unnamed island. Not many knew its location. It was one of those places you had to know where to look to find it. This island was home to no one, completely uninhabited save for a few lizards and maybe one opo-opo who'd mysteriously ended up there. There were hardly even any resources. A tiny freshwater spring only large enough to drink from and one sad looking tree that bore an oddly sour fruit. The area of ocean this island was located in was often subjected to hurricanes and strong tropical storms. There wasn't a single stretch of land for hundreds of miles in any direction. There was quite literally nothing appealing about this island and yet, one single soul regularly sought it out.ย
Stretched out on the ground beneath the fruit tree was a petite framed Miqo'te. Despite the warm weather and high noon sun, she was fully clothed. Knee high black leather boots, fitted gray cotton trousers, black belt cinched snugly, and a form fitting white cotton shirt with loose sleeves tucked into her pants. One arm was tucked beneath her head and the other draped lazily across her brow, blocking out the rays that seeped through the trees' fronds above. She crossed one leg over the other, her foot wiggling to some tune she'd been humming. Waves crashed against the shore. A breeze rustled the flora around her. It was shaping up to be another peaceful day.ย
A golden pocket watch hung from her hand as she twirled the chain around her fingers. She tucked it into her palm, her thumb rubbing across the gilded case. A knowing smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth. She could still picture the expression on the dimwits face that she'd won the trinket from. His eyes looked ready to pop out of his too-red face. She hadn't expected to win either. There had been a chocobo race happening the night before she'd left the bustling coastal town. Figuring a quick bet couldn't hurt, she'd tossed some money into a bird. One win turned into another and suddenly she was the proud owner of a shiny new (to her) watch. She wasn't a gambler. Lady Luck didn't like her that much. But she loved shiny things. And when people ran out of money, they bartered with shiny things. When they didn't, she usually helped herself when they weren't looking.
There was a rustle of movement above. The Miqo'te lowered her arm and one sea green eye peeled open to glance up. She didn't have time to react as one of the thick shelled fruits fell and collided with her forehead. The yowl that tore from her throat sent a nearby pair of lizards scurrying for cover. She sat up with a huff, rubbing the pain from her head.
"You littleโฆ See if I ever bring you another tart again you ungratefulโฆ. Ugh!" Words failed her as she grabbed the fallen fruit and threw it up at the furred demon. The primate chittered in anger as it scampered off to fetch the fruit.
"Yeah, to you too buddy." She muttered, bringing her knees up and resting her forearms on them. The resident opo-opo had a love-hate relationship with her. She brought primate goodies every time she came by, which wasnโt really that often. Given how far south this slice of Thalโs Halls was, she made an appearance once or twice a year. Every time, without fail, the little cretin pulled some prank or other. This stay was longer than her usual and she began to wonder if sheโd overstayed her welcome.ย ย
Her gaze was drawn out to the horizon, where crystal blue sky met midnight blue waters. It was a rare cloudless day in these parts. Her brow furrowed as she squinted her eyes, spotting an anomaly in this picture perfect scene. There was a ship in the distance. The only vessels that came this far south were smugglers but this ship had gone even farther. She sifted through her mental notes of the not-so-local smuggler dens and realized none were close. What was this crewsโ objective? Her tail twitched curiously and the itch for chaos made her restless. She tucked the watch she was still holding into her shirt pocket and stood.ย
As her eyes followed the distant ship, she clicked her tongue in thought. Maybe I should find a crew to join again. Her ears flattened as a memory long past surfaced, a time that had almost cost her her life. Of a pirate crew that promised her a family and a place among them. Ironic, thinking the two could coexist. She'd seen it though. Crews that, while they might smuggle and plunder, looked after one another. They didn't try toโฆ a low growl rumbled in her chest and she shoved the memory away.ย
She'd decided she was meant to be on her own. A "free lance pirate" she liked to call herself. She held herself a little straighter, her shoulders pushed back. Life might get a little rough every now and then but she was getting by. One of these days she'd get her hands on something big. She had no plans of settling down anywhere any time soon but who didn't like some extra cushioning.ย
She scooped up her bag and plopped her hat back on her head, wincing as it rubbed against the knot that'd formed on her brow. She rummaged through a pocket and pulled out a simple fruit tart she hoped was still good and set it on a nearby rock.
"Here's your snack you menace!" She called out to the island's only inhabitant. A small chuckle escaped her as she made her way to the dinghy she'd tied to a tree. Her sloop was small and plain, anchored just off shore. It was given to her years ago by the one person in this world she called a friend. As she rowed back to it, she eyed the fading name on the starboard side. The Promise. Another memory tried to surface but she let it slip by with a shake of her head. The only reason she continued to sail without a crew was because of this island; the one place she could let the world in without fear. There was no desire to lead a crew and the only reason sheโd joined one before, aside from empty promises, was the treasure. Her skill lay mostly in the ability to piss people off, picking pockets, and lying. She was good with a dagger and some other small blades, but couldn't handle a gun even if it'd save her life.ย
Finally on the ship and everything tied and strapped in place, she set sail in the direction of that ominous vessel she'd spotted earlier. The wind was with her and the familiar buzz of excitement made her fingertips tingle. It would be a long time before she'd be able to come back here but spending the past week on that tiny island was enough of a recharge. Her golden hair whipped in the wind as ocean spray misted her face. She grinned as The Promise sped towards the north western horizon. The ship's name was meant to be positive and uplifting. In her hands, though, it was trouble. A promise to live her life how she wanted, even if she was likely to make a few enemies.ย
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