𝖘𝖆𝖈𝖗𝖎𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖎𝖆𝖑

𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒊 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒅𝒔

[lauraharricrs]

Including me.

The Haunting of Bly Manor episode 1: The Great Good Place

[seastolcn]

AVITEJ KUMARA

Arms folded, Avi listened as Finnia shared - confessed, really.  Her hydrokinesis was remarkable, and it was a small relief that she was at least aware that she had magic.  Just not to the extent as she’d demonstrated today.  And when Finnia mentioned the limitations of training on Kalama, Avi was hardly surprised.  Rajayer as a realm prided itself as a place of creativity, innovation.  Kalama was the hold out, so protective of remaining stagnant. Or what they called ‘traditional’.  Avi revered tradition, but balanced it with progress.  Rajayer tolerated Kalama’s reticent nature, due to their stringent take on religion.  

“What happened before? That didn’t bode well for your people.” Avi prompted her, leaning on the edge of his desk.  He peered at her intently, but his tone was calm, soft.  “Tell me, please.”

He smiled mirthlessly.  “I’m the Heir Apparent, destined to rule Rajayer.  I don’t lie to my subjects.  That sets a terrible precedent, little Finnia.  Rajayer is united - yes, even Kalama, even your Halani’s.  There may be in-fighting, but if and when Rajayans are called to arms, I expect them to do so without deception.    Your Halani’s may be…extreme, they may even resent us Kumaras.  But they are still honest.”

Avi quieted then, watching Finnia closely.  Her destiny at this moment hung in the balance, in this one decision.    That she gave it some thought was much more than Avi expected.  He thought she’d scoff and spit on the floor, swear some preference to joining Ivar’s underwater army rather than becoming a Kumara ward.

He may have even understood that, considering ‘ward’ would be synonymous with ‘prisoner’, to a certain extent.  She’d be a guest of the Kumara’s, taken in and treated like family.  But she’d still be their captive.  

Instead, Finnia surprised Avi by asking ‘if’.  By the gods, was she actually considering his proposal?

Avi crouched then, so he could look Finnia in the eye, on the same level.  “Would it make a difference to your decision?  Your rights to Kalama?  As…a rightful ruler, you mean?  I thought you didn’t…”  Want anything to do with Kalama.

     IT  WAS  THE  SOFT  PLEASE  THAT  STRUCK  FINNIA.  she  had  never  thought  that  she  would  hear  a  kumara  use  such  language.  finnia  thought  compassion  and  sincerity  were  foreign  concepts  to  them  ;  they  were  to  the  halanis.  her  parents  did  not  care  to  appear  weak  ,   it  was  why  they  loved  to  kick  their  own  children  to  the  sand.  for  if  they  could  do  that  then  they  would  never  truly  lose  their  value.  their  actions  said  ‘  not  even  the  rightful  heir  can  better  me  ,  do  not  forget  that.  ’  a  warning  to  their  people  and  heirs.  

     just  as  that  moment  on  the  kalaman  shore  had  been  when  her  mother  pulled  her  younger  sibling  off  of  her  —  they  would  not  kill  her  in  that  moment  ,  but  her  time  would  come.  

     perhaps  this  moment  between  her  and  avi  was  only  a  fleeting  respite  from  being  at  each  other’s  throats  thanks  to  generations  of  distrust  and  hatred  ,  but  finnia  was  still  going  to  take  it.  only  because  there  was  a  sliver  of  a  chance  that  her  honesty  could  change  things  (  was  that  naive  of  her?  ).  

     “  before  my  sibling  turned  twenty  -  one  ,  ”  finnia  began  ,  her  gaze  darting  to  the  floor  ,  “  they  attempted  to  start  and  finish  the  trials  early.  it  was  blasphemous  but  they  didn’t  care  ,  they  ambushed  me  on  the  beach.  i  don’t  remember  much  ,  only  that  my  panic  stirred  up  the  sea  so  much  that  massive  waves  started  crashing  onto  the  shore  —  they  destroyed  some  of  the  bungalows  and  fishing  boats.  ”  she  paused.  there  were  some  days  she  didn’t  believe  that  it  had  even  happened  .  .  .  until  she  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  scar  on  her  jawline.  “  my  mother  ,  of  all  people  ,  pulled  them  away  and  got  us  to  safety.  the  waves  did  not  stop  until  morning  .  .  .  my  people  still  hate  me  for  that.  ”  what  she  didn’t  say  turned  bitter  on  her  tongue  :  i  do  not  blame  them. 

     they  are  honest  ,  avi  said  ,  not  a  single  touch  of  doubt  to  be  found  in  his  words.  still  ,  finnia  was  not  so  sure  —  but  how  could  a  runaway  girl  prove  that?  it  was  not  in  her  fate  to  do  anything  but  run.  it  was  the  song  that  thrummed  in  her  blood  as  she  sailed  far  from  kalama’s  shores  in  the  dead  of  the  night  ,  only  the  wind  and  sea  on  her  side.  it  protected  her  when  she  boarded  avi’s  ship  so  boldly  as  if  she  had  no  consequences  to  fear.  it  was  what  guided  her  when  her  identity  was  exposed  and  she  was  forced  to  flee  yet  again.  finally  when  she  found  her  place  aboard  the  black  turtle.  the  song  finally  ceased  ringing  in  her  ears  .  .  but  was  that  all  the  gods  expected  of  her?  to  seek  safety  in  another’s  strength?  

     to  accept  avi’s  deal  was  just  another  way  to  leave  her  future  in  the  hands  of  others. 

     gaze  leveled  with  avi’s  ,  she  felt  like  a  child  ,  forced  to  play  a  game  by  another  person’s  rules  because  she  did  not  know  better.  finnia  shrugged  off  the  yearning  for  protection  and  security  before  she  took  back  her  doubts  and  agreed  to  a  lifetime  spent  loyal  to  the  kumaras.  

     “  i  —  i  don’t  know.  ”  it  was  an  honest  answer.  “  it  is  just  .  .  .  kalama  was  not  marred  by  violence  when  it  was  founded.  my  island  was  once  a  sanctuary  for  those  searching  for  religious  guidance  but  no  one  remembers  that  because  my  people  took  something  beautiful  and  destroyed  it.  ”

[10ksgirlfriends]

Courtney Eaton as Cheedo the Fragile in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

[flowerytale]

Jane Austen ― Mansfield Park

[seastolcn]

AVITEJ KUMARA   

“It was definitely her,”  Lieutenant Ghill confirmed, after speaking with the sailors.  The stout officer stood next to Avitej, as they looked out at the ocean.  It was crystal clear and sunny now, as if that storm had never happened.  

“The water mages said that even their collective powers couldn’t do what she did, Captain.”  Ghill eyed her Captain.  “She’s a special one.  Should we…”

“I would love to,” Avi replied, before Ghill even completed the question.  He looked at his second-in-command, who stood on the other side of him.  “But we can’t keep her, can we.  She must be returned, one way or another.”

Before anyone could reply, the guard hailed for the Captain.   Avi told his officers to stay on-deck, and he headed down to find the guard standing nervously to one side, sword half out of his sheathe.  And Finnia Halani, slumped in the doorway, looking unable to harm a sardine.

Avi was well aware of how innaccurate that assessment was.  Just how powerful was she?  

“You didn’t know, did you,” Avi said, arms folded. He ignored her begging for now.  “You didn’t know you could…do that.  That magic inside you, Finnia.  If you knew you had that in you…Ivar’s piss - you’d be ruling Kalama right now.”

He looked at the guard, then pushed Finnia back into his cabin and shut the door for privacy.  Avi strode past her, staring out the windows at the sea and sky.  “Kata guide me.  What do you want me to do, then?  Return you to the Black Turtle?  To Captain Yue?  Pretend none of this ever happened, that I never found you in Jaqar?”

He looked at the girl.  “You…wouldn’t consider remaining on my ship, would you?  I could make you a ward of House Kumara.  I could protect you from your Halani rituals by declaring the right of my reign of Rajayer, Finnia.  If I - if the Archduke claimed you, then your parents would stop hunting you down, you know.  They’d stop demanding the Archduke delegate hunters, or send hunters of their own.  You wouldn’t have to run and hide and run anymore, for the rest of your life.  They would have relinquish you to me, if I decreed to keep you as my ward. They might not like it but…”  Hands clasped behind Avi’s back, one of them closed into a fist.  

“They’d have no choice.”

     A  LAUGH  THREATENED  TO  ESCAPE  HER.  even  if  she  knew  she  could  wield  that  power  ,  she  would  not  have  used  it  .  .  .  not  to  slay  her  siblings  ,  not  to  win  kalama’s  bloody  throne  ,  not  to  rule  a  righteous  people  —  not  that  way  at  least.  besides  ,  the  kalamans  would  not  have  stood  for  a  sacrificial  lamb  as  their  leader  ;  they  would  have  thought  it  their  own  trial  demanded  by  varis  ,  to  kill  the  pretender  and  start  the  cycle  all  over  again.  

     finnia  allowed  avi  to  push  her  into  his  quarters  ,  an  answer  prepared  long  before  this  conversation  perched  on  her  tongue  ,  “  i  knew  i  had  some  sway  over  the  sea  ,  but  nothing  more  than  crashing  waves  and  helping  the  boats  along  .  .  .  ”  she  hesitated.  there  had  been  one  other  time  and  she  turned  that  truth  over  in  her  mind.  “  my  people  do  not  believe  in  simple  mortals  having  such  power  ,  they  wish  to  leave  that  to  the  gods  so  there  is  no  proper  training  on  kalama  .  .  once  before  i  let  myself  get  swept  away  and  it  did  not  bode  well  for  my  people.  ”  

     another  tidal  wave  ,  having  crashed  onto  the  kalaman  shore  years  ago  ,  devastated  fishing  boats  and  the  beach  bungalows  many  of  the  kalamans  called  home.  and  all  because  of  finn  (  a  hot  blade  on  her  chin  ,  her  sibling  leering  over  her  promising  to  make  it  quick  ,  her  mother  —  of  all  people  —  ripping  them  away  :  “  this  is  not  how  you  win  your  island  ”  ).        

     “  why  do  you  refuse  to  lie  to  them?  you  hate  my  family.  ”  she  was  tempted  to  beg  again  ,  she  would  do  anything  to  fight  her  fate  —     

     and  then  avi  gave  her  a  way  out.  

     finnia  hated  the  way  her  throat  constricted  on  itself  ,  her  breath  labored  all  the  sudden.  and  tears  —  kata  forgive  her  for  her  weakness  —  they  blurred  her  vision  though  her  mind  was  clear  with  visions  of  returning  to  avi’s  ship  ,  accepting  his  offer  and  joining  the  very  people  her  family  spat  at.  could  she  shed  the  very  title  that  had  caused  her  so  much  pain?  be  like  kelani? 

     the  choice  should  have  been  easy.  but  then  she  thought  of  yue  and  aaliya  and  the  rest  of  the  crew  .  .  .  she  thought  of  the  secret  promise  she  made  to  herself  under  the  night  sky  as  the  rest  of  the  black  turtle  slept.  with  her  eyes  on  the  spot  where  her  island  lay  ,  finnia  promised  to  return  to  kalama  and  somehow  guide  it  back  to  the  gods’  gracious  light  ,  not  with  force  but  with  the  very  kindness  she  was  denied.  the  people  who  smiled  thinking  of  her  death  and  took  part  in  kalaman’s  bloody  traditions  did  not  deserve  it  ,  but  the  future  of  her  island  did  .  .  .  didn’t  it?  

     “  if  i  agree  to  that  ,  i  would  have  to  renounce  my  rights  i  have  to  kalama  ,  right?  they  could  not  force  you  to  hunt  me  because  i  would  not  be  theirs?  ”         

[seastolcn]

AVITEJ KUMARA                

Avi eyed Finnia, trying to decide whether he believed her or not.

On one hand, she left them.  Running away from your family wasn’t exactly uncommon in Loqoala, given how dramatic Loqoalans could sometimes be.  But it was different for people of Kalama.  They made themselves so isolated, so withdrawn from the rest of Loqoala, that Avi knew it wasn’t easy for them to escape.  The fear of the outside - of being judged, castigated, ostracized - was what kept the people on their island.  

But Finnia, like Kelani, had gotten over that fear, their need to escape was that powerful.  Avi had to respect that, but would Finnia still try to defend her family?

The look on her face, when Avi asked if Rajayer should just invade and eradicate the Halanis - it was such a brief look, and there were bigger problems at hand with the oncoming tidal wave.  

But that look, the consideration that crossed her face - Avi would reflect on it later.  And it would inform his decision to trust Finnia’s word.

Regardless, the wave was bearing down on them.  The ship was fleet but any experienced sailor knew not to underestimate the sheer speed of a tidal wave.  The smaller waves slapped against the ship, but eventually the force of the biggest wave would pull the ocean towards it, as well as the ship, making it harder to manoeuvre.  Even with Avi’s quick orders, he was preparing to take a hit.  If they could make contact with the edge of the wave, the softer side of it, perhaps the ship could breach the water in a clean sweep.  It would decimate the masts and take cargo overboard and likely fill the bilge, but it wouldn’t capsize the ship completely.  A capsized ship meant certain doom, and Ivar’s hungry maw.

The water mages on the ship, at Avi’s command, were doing their best.  They focused on the water around the Makara, bolstering the ship’s speed.  The rain was a blessing - a dry sky meant a hard sea, but rain kept it malleable.  Avi thanked Kata, as he shouted orders in the wind, Kelani’s whistle blowing signal after signal to the crew.

And then…something happened.

     UNFAMILIAR  SURROUNDINGS  GREETED  FINNIA  WHEN  HER  EYES  FINALLY  CRACKED  OPEN.  her  body  ached  even  as  she  merely  adjusted  herself  ,  her  legs  stiff  and  locked  where  they  lay.  though  ,  almost  immediately  ,  finnia  recognized  the  sway  of  a  ship  rocking  through  waves  —  that  would  always  be  familiar  to  the  young  halani  .  .  .  it  occurred  to  her  the  last  thing  she  remembered  was  the  ship  being  thrown  about  violently  by  the  sea.  there  had  been  no  kindness  there  ,  not  the  kindness  of  a  gentle  ocean  ,  providing  sustenance  and  goods  for  trade.  finnia  knew  both  sides  well  and  was  glad  that  she  had  escaped  the  danger  —  how  .  .  .   

     the  rest  of  her  memories  struck  her  so  suddenly  that  finnia  shot  up  ,  her  body  aching  in  protest  —  the  tidal  wave  looming  over  the  makara  ,  the  storm  catching  the  ship  in  its  merciless  grasp  ,  power  flooding  finnia’s  senses  as  the  wave  retreated  and  then  .  .  .  nothing.  

     finnia  rose  on  shaky  legs  ,  ignoring  the  demands  of  her  body.  not  even  her  throbbing  head  could  stop  her  from  crossing  the  unfamiliar  quarters  to  the  door.  the  woman  needed  answers  :  where  were  they?  how  long  had  it  been?  did  avi  still  plan  on  taking  her  back  to  kalama?  the  argument  she  had  had  with  avitej  felt  like  ages  ago  ,  a  lifetime  had  passed  between  it  and  the  wave  ,  even  longer  between  it  and  finnia’s  awakening.  but  if  the  makara  was  still  sailing  to  the  island  ,  she  needed  to  know  if  only  to  plan  yet  another  escape  from  avitej’s  ship.      

     on  the  other  side  of  the  door  she  found  a  crew  member  standing  guard  ,  to  who  she  asked  ,  “  where  are  we?  ”  they  gave  her  no  answer  but  instead  started  down  the  hall  shouting  for  the  captain  —  no  ,  no  ,  no  ,  finnia  thought  ,  casting  her  gaze  about  the  room  first  for  a  way  to  escape  ,  then  back  about  the  corridor.  there  was  only  one  option  :  up.  and  in  her  weakened  state  ,  who  was  she  to  a  crew  of  skilled  sailors  and  fighters?  finnia  had  sailed  with  them  once  ,  knew  their  strengths  well  and  had  fought  to  learn  their  weaknesses  with  little  luck.  exhausted  still  ,  she  knew  she  did  not  stand  a  chance.  by  the  time  she  accepted  this  ,  footsteps  sounded  on  the  stairs  and  echoed  in  the  corridor.  

     “  for  the  love  of  all  things  good  and  holy  ,  i  beg  you  ,  please  do  not  take  me  back  to  kalama.  ”  finnia  propped  herself  against  the  doorframe  ,  the  fight  in  her  extinguishing  with  every  word.  for  despite  the  turn  of  events  ,  she  still  knew  that  her  family  had  made  it  difficult  to  refuse  their  demands.  “  they  will  slay  me  on  the  sand  as  soon  as  they  have  me.  and  -  and  i  helped  you.  ”  

     finnia  could  not  wholly  fathom  how  she  had  harnessed  her  magic  like  that  ,  but  she  had  done  it  nonetheless.              

[seastolcn]

AVITEJ KUMARA 

Avi could see Finn seething, and in a rather petty way it pleased him.  If he’d been a more thoughtful man, he would’ve recognized it as a behavioral reaction, taught to him by his parents.  Just as much as Finn’s own hostility towards him was taught to her.  But children raised in certain prejudices often never really recognized those prejudices in themselves, until they reached a breaking point.  And Avi simply wasn’t there.

Yet.

“That’s because that’s not Varis, bahani,”  Avi replied, smug in his own religious beliefs.  “Varis is strong and generous, his avatar is a phoenix.  Or a sunflower. He’s not all fire and brimstone like your people…like…”  Avi frowned, thinking about what the mysterious elf Gweneth mentioned, about the smell of copper and brimstone lingering around rebels.

He leaned in and sniffed at Finnia.  She only smelled salty and reminiscent of some incense or perfume.  He was satisfied (relieved), but he’d lost his train of theistic debate thought. So he switched gears instead.

“Do your parents support the rebels?” he asked her bluntly.  “Tell me the truth, and I may reconsider your trip back to Kalama.”

He rocked back on his heels in horror, as she described the youngest sibling who murdered the older.  “Preposterous,” he said. “Natia was killed what…two years ago?”  The same time Tazar drowned.  The same time Kirian betrayed them.  What had Rajayer done, two years ago, that enraged the gods?  “Your youngest would’ve been just a child then.  Ivar’s piss…”

For a moment he pitied Finnia, and he didn’t hesitate to show that pity in his large brown eyes.

“The people of Rajayer don’t pay anything beyond the prices that your family’s set for them,”  Avi replied, tone intractable.  “Do not put your indignant protests about your own family’s traditional practices on the backs of others.  I mean, what…what would you prefer?  That Rajayer takes the Halanis down?  End that tradition they fought so hard to retain?  We may not be friends, but we aren’t blasphemers.  Your family’s done nothing wrong. The…the will of the gods has proven this for, erm, for over a century since Kumara gave them Kalama…”

But here Avi faltered again, thinking back two years ago.  That was about the time Aaliya fled Misra as well.  Strange, he’d never made these connections before.

He frowned though, hearing a call up from the crow’s nest that made the hackles rise on the back of his neck.  “What’s so wrong with violence and fear,” he murmured, but his tone was distracted as he turned east.  More whistles and calls around the ship, and Avi hauled Finnia to her feet, bringing her with him.

He went to the starboard side, pulling out his telescope as his lieutenant joined him with a similar instrument.  But they hardly needed their telescopes.  It seemed to come out of nowhere.

A tidal wave, riding the crest of a lightning storm. Bearing straight towards the Makara.

Avi abandoned Finnia there, turning to shout orders of evasive action as his ship jumped to obey.  Rain immediately poured down like a moonsoon out of nowhere, the waves getting darker and choppier.  The first big wave pitched the ship, and Avi caught Finnia once more in his arms, before she capsized off the edge.  

“I got you,” he said.  She could hardly jump ship now; so Avi ordered the Marines captain to unlock her wrists.  Avi spoke to Finnia, firm and calm.  “I’m not putting you in the brig, I know you can sail.  If I need you, I’ll call on you, alright?  In the meantime - here -”  

A boatswain handed him a run of rope attached to the main mast, and Avi looped it around Finnia’s waist.  “Tie this securely.  I’m not losing you to…whatever monstrosity this is. This is not Ivar’s doing, Finnia.”

He looked at the tidal wave, bearing closer, over 20 ft high and growing.  “Gods help us.  This is something else.”

     FINNIA  WOULD  NOT  ADMIT  SHE  AGREED  WITH  HIM  ,  that  she  had  traveled  the  seas  and  seen  varis  in  his  true  form  ,  had  seen  him  celebrated  even.  especially  since  she  knew  deep  in  her  blood  that  she  would  never  see  the  god  without  the  fire  and  brimstone  avitej  spoke  of.  her  family  had  made  sure  of  that  —  but  before  she  could  grumble  a  retort  ,  the  man  was  leaning  in  and  sniffing  her.  finnia  immediately  recoiled  as  far  as  she  could.  it  was  too  late  anyway  ,  avitej  already  leaning  back  ,  thoughts  reeling  in  his  head  it  would  seem.         

     “  excuse  me.  ”  finn  started  ,  brow  arched  in  confusion  and  surprise.  the  man  had  already  flung  her  over  his  shoulder  ,  couldn’t  her  personal  space  be  spared?  “  what  does  sniffing  me  have  to  do  with  —  what  am  i  saying?  no.  my  family  is  far  too  busy  with  their  own  affairs  to  meddle  with  the  rebels.  ”  she  knew  it  was  not  the  answer  he  wanted  ,  having  heard  of  the  pain  the  rebels  caused  ,  but  she  could  offer  no  other  answer.  her  parents  had  never  spoken  of  rebels  in  front  of  her.  

     “  they  did  it  as  soon  as  they  turned  twenty  -  one  ,  the  trials  had  begun  officially.  ”  her  voice  was  dry  ,  years  of  training  herself  to  feel  nothing  when  she  spoke  of  the  very  way  she  would  meet  her  end.  finnia  would  exhaust  herself  with  passionate  tirades  of  the  gods’  goodness  and  her  family’s  wrongs  ,  but  the  trial  would  always  leave  her  empty.      

     the  request  that  finnia  had  been  debating  to  make  for  months  now  sat  on  her  tongue  —  yes  ,  take  them  down.  they  are  the  blasphemers.  but  avi  was  already  moving  on  ,  taking  her  with  him  as  his  crew  members  shouted  out  warnings.  her  eyes  on  the  water  ,  finnia’s  let  out  a  ragged  breath.  the  wave  that  roared  towards  them  was  a  beast  ,  large  and  terrifying  —  finnia  had  never  seen  a  tidal  wave  quite  that  massive  before.   

     the  rain  quickly  followed  ,  the  heavy  drops  hitting  her  head.  for  a  moment  finnia  panicked.  she  would  meet  her  death  shackled  aboard  the  ship  of  her  enemy  ,  utterly  helpless  as  the  tidal  wave  reared  its  ugly  head.  as  the  ocean  turned  violent  around  the  makara  ,  finn  attempted  to  brace  herself  for  impact  ,  only  to  find  her  body  tipping  over  —  luckily  into  avi.  his  words  somehow  calmed  her  ,  to  think  a  kumara  would  save  her  and  comfort  her  especially  after  their  bickering  .  .  .  finnia  couldn’t  wrap  her  head  around  it.  she  merely  nodded  along  to  his  words  ,  accepting  the  rope  wordlessly.  

     another  wave  rocked  the  boat  as  finnia  peeled  off  from  avi  ,  making  quick  work  of  the  rope  around  her  waist.  the  shock  of  the  storm  and  wave  were  wearing  off  ,  though  her  fear  thrummed  under  the  loud  beating  of  her  heart.  there  was  a  rhythm  to  the  waves  beating  against  the  makara  ,  finnia  felt  it  in  her  blood.  she  had  not  experienced  a  storm  of  this  size  ,  but  no  halani  escaped  their  childhood  without  having  to  fight  their  way  through  a  storm.  

     and  the  ocean  ,  it  was  angry  but  finnia  knew  it  well.  these  waters  had  listened  to  her  before  ,  there  was  a  chance  she  could  do  it  again.  

     bracing  herself  as  much  as  she  could  ,  finnia  shut  her  eyes  tightly  ,  feeling  for  the  wave  approaching  them.  it  was  pure  power  released  onto  the  likes  of  mortals  ,  at  the  very  edge  of  her  circle  of  control.  her  heart  sank  when  her  own  ability  met  a  wall  of  force  beyond  her  imagination.  anxiety  grabbed  at  her  throat  ,  pulling  her  under  her  own  ocean  of  defeat  and  fear.  her  hands  trembled  .  .  .  and  for  a  moment  she  swore  she  felt  the  wave  tremble  too.  she  cracked  her  eyes  open  to  confirm  it  ,  the  tidal  wave  shook  in  time  with  her  hands.  for  a  split  moment  ,  finn’s  troubled  gaze  found  avi  and  then  she  looked  back  ,  focusing  all  her  fear  and  anxiety  on  the  wave  ,  on  making  it  feel  like  she  did.  

     the  rain  pounded  the  deck  ,  lightning  crackling  in  the  air  with  thunder  as  its  echo  ,  but  finnia  did  not  let  the  wave  escape  her  clutch.  she  poured  her  power  and  herself  into  it  ,  letting  her  fear  run  rampant.  her  arms  now  raised  towards  the  wave  ,  as  if  that  would  help  her  connection  ,  she  let  out  labored  breaths  and  pushed  —  pushed  it  away  from  the  ship  ,  away  from  her  and  the  crew.  it  began  to  die  out  the  farther  away  it  moved  ,  not  that  finnia  saw  ,  having  collapsed  onto  the  deck  at  the  extreme  exertion  of  her  powers.                          

[seastolcn]

CASSANDRA CHEN

“Kol and Vidya held hands, as they stood atop a cliff. There was nothing, but the bright sun in their eyes and Moruk’s will in their souls. And so, they jumped!” The audible gasps of the children echoed through the walls of the terrace. The tale of Kol and Vidya was, in Cassandra’s opinion, a favorite among the young. It was a tale of adventure and bravery, but above all else, faith. “But what awaited was not pain, but peace. They waded through the shimmering seas, finally free from those that would harm them.” She seals the tattered book of parables, her eyes flickering up at a most surprising sight.

“Alright, it is time to say goodnight.” The energetic children whined in protest, yet followed the Masters as they toted today’s dinner. It was a simple buffet of three day old bread, raw vegetables, and a clear broth. But it was more than those children knew, and all the Masters could afford. “Hello,” Cassandra responds, waiting until the last of them disappeared.

“There is no gold or jewelry here.” Cassandra declares immediately, warily maintaining her distance from the well-known pirate. 

     INSTINCTS  WARRED  WITH  HER  INTENTIONS  AT  THE  SIGHT  OF  THE  WOMAN  ,  to  flee  or  stand  her  ground.  finnia  let  the  heaviness  of  her  coin  purse  weigh  her  down  ,  pretended  that  her  mission  to  deliver  the  donation  was  shackling  her  to  the  spot  like  metal  chains.  the  idea  of  it  churning  in  her  mind  was  the  only  thing  stopping  her  from  startling  at  the  woman’s  words.  

     “  no  ,  no  ,  that  is  not  why  i’m  here.  ”  finnia  fumbled  ,  embarrassment  warming  her  cheeks  and  ears.  not  even  cleaning  up  could  transform  her  from  pirate  to  woman  it  seemed.  “  i  wish  to  make  a  donation.  ”  she  continued  ,  extending  the  coin  purse  to  the  other  ,  “  i  admire  all  the  work  that  your  organization  has  done  and  hoped  that  the  coin  may  aid  you.  ”  

     the  woman  before  her  was  not  completely  a  stranger  to  her  eyes.  a  job  had  taken  finnia  to  these  shores  before  and  just  as  she  and  other  crew  members  secured  a  sack  of  valuables  ,  this  woman  had  spotted  them.  finnia  hated  that  a  person  involved  with  such  an  admirable  cause  had  witnessed  her  committing  such  a  deed  —  she  wished  to  be  good  and  kind  and  helpful  but  yue  had  offered  her  a  refuge  aboard  the  black  turtle  ,  a  new  home.  finnia  would  do  what  she  must  to  repay  yue’s  kindness.                   

[seastolcn]

AVITEJ KUMARA

It wasn’t as if Avi had anything personal against Finnia Halani.  She was just a child; and if all the tales and rumours of her family were true, she was brought up rather brutally.  But that was the price that family played, for their autonomy on their island.  So long as they no longer plotted to usurp rule of Rajayer from the Kumaras, the deal was then that they could do whatever they liked.  Kalama was not exactly sovereign, but it remained far more standoffish than any of the other island duchies of Rajayer. 

The only times Avi had seen Finnia, really was around religious festivals, trade purposes, that sort of thing.  And maybe it wasn’t even Finnia who Avi had seen; maybe it was a handmaiden dressed up as the young Lady.  The Halanis were known for their paranoia and suspicion, even moreso than the rest of Rajayer.

So he didn’t know her well enough to personally dislike her.  Even when she’d disguised herself to stow away on his ship - a ballsy move, really - then fled to the Black Turtle, Avi found her as irritating as a troublesome cousin, but nothing more.  It was her family.  The pressure they put on Rajayer, to both keep out of Halani business, but fulfill obligations as the Archduchy to Halani at the same time.  The Halanis had irritated Avi’s parents, they had irritated Tazar and his wife; and now, they irritated Avi. 

Finnia Rasha was an irritant.

 Avi could’ve sent her to the brig, but instead he kept her where she was.  Slumped in some pouty defeat against a mast. Avi crouched down, taking her chin and pulling her face so she couldn’t avoid his gaze.

“I could arrange your meeting Varis myself, you know.  A quick slice along your throat…”  Avi tilted her head, his finger tracing along a wicked looking white scar along her slim jawline.  He had no doubt her body was littered with scars; the Halani way.  “…throw you right into a volcano myself.  Straight into Varis’ arms.”

Avi grinned then, wolfish and without mirth.  “Why so averse to the Trials?  You killed the older one already, didn’t you?”  He’d heard rumours, but they were just rumours.  When it came to the Halani’s the gossip could run wild.  “Easier to murder the older one than the baby, is it? Barbaric.”

Any yet, necessary.  The irony, that the religious artefacts that Rajayer depended on, came from such barbarism.  But, some Rajayers justified - including Avi’s parents - wasn’t that how it should be?  That the most zealously religious were driven to such extremes because of their closeness with the gods?  That they would then know the best brass bell, the best incense, the best shokraz bracelets and dhalien cloth used for the best prayers for Varis’ mercy, Moruk’s love, Kata’s guidance, even Ivar’s protection?

He hummed, as she named her parents so carelessly.  Despite his conflicted feelings about his father, he could never disrespect the man like Finnia did hers.  But then, perhaps that was just the Halani way.  

“If it were any other time, I would’ve released you back to Yue.  Kata knows I do not relish her displeasure.  But unfortunately the world is at a crosswords, bahbiji. If I let you go, and Ruus and Siona find out, they will cease trade.  And even if we threaten them with embargo, Rajayer will not withstand being cutoff from their gods.  It would incite riot, and my father cannot afford riot across all the islands.  All because of you.  I can risk Yue’s wrath against my own people’s anger.”

He stood up then, looking down at her with disdain.  “Go home, fight your sibling, kill them and become heir apparent.  It’s been your family’s grotesque tradition for decades. Why do you feel the need to be different?  Why resist?”

     HE  KNEW  NOTHING  OF  THE  HALANI  WAY.  finnia  had  been  raised  in  the  fire  ,  had  memorized  the  feeling  of  her  mother’s  palm  against  her  skin  ,  had  grown  accustomed  to  her  own  family  wishing  for  her  death.  what  avi  spoke  of  were  rumors  ,  some  kalamans  themselves  spread  to  ward  off  curious  adventurers.  the  secretive  people  would  rather  die  than  see  strangers  on  their  sand.  finnia  had  felt  that  way  once.  she  remembered  hatred  burning  under  her  skin  when  a  merchant  had  accidentally  stumbled  onto  the  island.  still  the  sacrificial  lamb  to  the  kalamans  and  herself  ,  finnia  had  relished  the  fear  she  saw  in  the  merchant’s  eyes  ,  desired  to  see  them  run  off  into  the  merciless  sea.  

      but  finnia  had  given  up  that  part  of  herself  years  ago.  she  had  repented  for  her  crimes  at  a  secret  altar  she  dedicated  to  the  ignored  gods  all  while  pretending  she  still  believed  her  life  was  a  gift  to  be  given  to  varis.  avi’s  twisted  threat  ,  his  fingers  on  her  chin  —  it  all  reminded  her  of  what  she  had  once  been.  his  touch  burned  her  with  the  memories  it  unknowingly  brought  back.   

     “  my  life  will  not  be  given  to  varis.  the  kalamans  have  ruined  him  for  me.  their  varis  demands  blood  and  sacrifice  ,  that  is  not  a  god  i  will  give  up  anything  for.  ”  finn  pulled  away  from  his  touch  ,  if  only  to  hide  the  shameful  scar  that  marred  her.  

     but  in  a  flash  ,  she  faced  him  again  —  people  thought  she  was  the  one  who  slew  natia?  her  sister  had  been  cold  and  cruel  ,  just  like  her  mother  ,  but  finn  would  have  never  taken  a  life.  “  you  don’t  know  what  you’re  talking  about.  my  baby  sibling  snuck  onto  natia’s  ship  and  killed  her  in  cold  blood.  my  sister  didn’t  even  have  a  CHANCE  to  put  up  a  fight.  ”  barbaric  ,  he  said.  the  word  chilled  her.  perhaps  her  people  were  barbaric  but  she  had  seen  others  in  high  places  do  the  gods  shame  too  ;  no  one  dared  to  call  them  such  a  word.  still  ,  there  was  no  more  fight  in  her.  finnia  did  not  want  to  appear  as  if  she  was  defending  them  ,  anyway  —  the  kalamans  had  no  honor  to  defend.  

     as  he  explained  the  conflict  between  the  kumaras  and  her  own  family  ,  finnia  wished  she  was  clever  or  at  least  had  some  eloquence  to  spare  ;  she  could  have  persuaded  him  to  see  things  her  way  ,  to  take  her  away  from  kalama  rather  than  to  it.  if  her  family  did  not  have  her  then  perhaps  they  would  find  another  way  to  settle  the  issue  of  heir  .  .  .  all  for  her  sibling  to  resume  the  violent  practice  when  they  had  children  of  their  own.  

     “  i  meant  what  i  said  :  i  will  not  willingly  give  my  life  to  varis.  if  there  is  upset  in  the  other  islands  ,  then  perhaps  they  will  realize  the  price  people  like  me  pay  all  to  appease  their  gods.  you  keep  giving  kalama  more  and  more  agency  ,  the  looser  their  lead  ,  the  braver  they  will  become.  how  long  will  it  take  for  my  family  to  grow  bored  with  the  lives  they  take  on  their  island?  they  may  decide  the  gods  demand  more  and  they  will  look  to  the  rest  of  rajayer  for  blood.  ”  finnia  surprised  herself  with  her  words  ,  rarely  speaking  for  so  long  at  once.  she  stumbled  over  her  own  tongue  but  she  said  what  she  needed  to  say.  “  i  RESIST  because  no  one  else  will.  i  want  my  life  to  be  dedicated  to  the  gods  ,  not  my  death.  do  you  truly  want  rajayer  to  stick  to  traditions?  because  all  tradition  demands  is  violence  and  fear.  ”          

[newgirldaily]

[seastolcn]

@avitejkumara @kelanikahale

[seastolcn]

AVITEJ KUMARA    

“Filthy, mm-hm yeah. This coming from you lot who smear yourselves in volcanic ash and fermented starfish paste? Acha,”  Avi sniped back.  He couldn’t help it; sniping at Halanis came as naturally to him and sniping at Kumaras came to Finnia, so Avi tried not to regret it.

He gave her another shake as he dragged her past the stalls of curious shoppers.  “S’alright, s’alright.  She’s one of mine,”  Avi assured the roving city guards.  Thank Kata he was in his naval uniform, so no one questioned this.  And Avi had to move fast - if Finnia was here then she wouldn’t be alone, and Avi had no desire to run into any more of Yue’s crew.  

“I’ll involve Ivar in what I like - you stick to your Yaris,”  Avi hauled her up the gangplank, his waiting lieutenant gawping at the sight of the Halani girl.  Avi announced, “I caught a fish, put her in – “  

But he was cut short, as a wave hit the dock and the boat, and the gangplank wobbled.  He and Finnia could’ve easily toppled into the sea, but they both had sea-legs, and held fast. 

“The fuck was that?  A sea-bull? I don’t have time for this,”  Avi growled, finally reaching the deck as he flung Finnia down onto the wooden planks.  Immediately two sailors nabbed her, securing iron cuffs around her hands.

“Try to swim with those on and you’ll drown.  You’re going to answer to Kalama’s gods when I return you to your parents.”  Avi yelled orders to set sail, then quarrel-muttered at Finn.  

“It’s been non-stop harassment from them . As if it’s my fault you’re gone.  My fault!  I didn’t even know you was aboard my ship!”  Which, technically was Avi’s fault; it was his ship, and he would be a bad Captain if he didn’t even know his own roster. This was partially why he seethed at Finnia so much.  

“They threatened religious embargo, because of you…Ivar’s piss…”  Avi snorted derisively, gripping the railing as his ship set sail.  “They’d rather starve their own people than give in to us.  You must be special, hm?  And I must be lucky.”  

Mocking Finnia, he added, “Let’s thank Ivar for that.”

     FINNIA  WAS  OVERWHELMED  —  by  her  anger  ,  her  guilt  ,  her  fear.  the  emotions  crashed  over  her  ,  relentless  waves  that  did  not  care  if  they  took  her  under.  she  would  not  be  swept  away  by  them.  no  ,  finnia  was  used  to  fighting  to  stay  afloat.  her  parents  had  tried  to  drown  her  ,  her  siblings  too.  avitej  kumara  would  not  be  the  death  of  her  ,  not  when  so  many  people  had  already  failed  killing  her.  

     she  absorbed  his  blows  and  his  sacrilegious  words  ,  only  bristling  when  he  hit  a  sensitive  mark.  volcanic  ash  and  fermented  starfish  paste  —  finnia  wanted  to  spit.  the  runaway  had  abandoned  the  kalaman  practices  ,  finding  solace  in  learning  about  her  gods’  good  wills  rather  than  the  narrative  her  people  wished  to  spread  :  merciless  beings  who  could  only  be  appeased  by  blood.  her  people  committed  those  atrocities  in  the  name  of  varis  as  they  dipped  their  bodies  into  the  sea  and  coated  themselves  in  kalaman  sand.  finnia  had  no  room  for  such  theatrics  and  hated  that  avi  thought  otherwise.  

     finnia  had  just  about  reached  her  blasphemy  threshold  when  her  body  was  flung  aboard  the  makara  ,  her  wrists  quickly  cuffed  with  iron  —  of  course.  finnia  summoned  the  last  of  her  courage  to  growl  ,  “  i  would  rather  meet  my  gods  than  be  brought  back  to  them.  ”    

     the  guilt  washed  over  her  again  then  as  avitej  continued  to  chatter  ,  colliding  with  the  fear  coiled  in  her  as  the  ship  came  to  life  —  sailors  yelling  orders  ,  adjusting  the  ropes  ,  setting  course.  her  parents  had  released  unholy  after  on  rajayer  and  it  was  her  fault  .  .  .  and  then  a  quiet  voice  ,  the  one  that  had  just  been  screaming  and  fighting  for  her  survival  :  perhaps  avitej  kumara  would  be  the  death  of  her.  the  pieces  settling  into  place  seemed  final  ,  unmovable.   

     finnia  resigned  herself  to  a  sitting  position  ,  her  back  against  one  of  the  towering  columns  that  proudly  displayed  a  sail.  as  fast  as  her  spirit  had  reared  its  head  ,  it  quieted  ,  leaving  her  only  with  that  unwavering  fear.  she  wrenched  her  gaze  away  from  the  wooden  planks  to  peer  up  at  avi  ,  the  defeat  obvious  in  her  hazel  eyes.  “  they  want  me  to  face  my  sibling  in  the  sand.  that  is  varis’s  justice  ,  not  ivar’s.  ”  

     shackled  on  an  enemy’s  ship  .  .  .  finnia  knew  there  would  not  be  a  chance  to  free  herself  ,  not  unless  they  passed  another  crew  out  in  the  waves.  but  the  makara  cut  an  impressive  figure  through  the  blue  ,  no  one  would  dare  near  the  kumara  vessel.  it  occurred  to  finnia  as  she  shuffled  through  possible  escape  plans  that  perhaps  she  was  only  destined  to  escape  avitej’s  ship  once. 

     “  ruus  and  siona  promised  to  play  nice  once  you’ve  returned  me?  how  thoughtful  of  them.  they’ve  shown  you  more  kindness  than  they  have  to  their  own  children.  ”  

[seastolcn]

𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍  :  masters  of  moruk  shelter  in  illasqa  ,  loqoala 

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐒  :  for  CASSANDRA  CHEN  /  @cassthecharitable​ 

     FINNIA’S  TREMBLING  HANDS  HELD  A  COIN  PURSE  HEAVY  WITH  COIN.  it  was  not  a  purchase  she  had  in  mind  for  the  gleaming  gold  ,  but  a  donation.  the  young  pirate  had  heard  of  the  masters  of  moruk  even  when  she  was  waiting  for  her  death  on  kalama  island.  the  organization’s  leader  had  all  of  finnia’s  respect  and  admiration  ;  a  group  dedicated  to  bestowing  the  gods’  blessings  and  good  will  on  everyone.  she  felt  their  mission  statement  in  her  bones  ,  finnia  wished  to  help  like  them.  

     nerves  still  struck  her  willowy  frame.  she  stood  in  front  of  the  shelter  ,  hoping  and  pleading  that  she  had  pulled  herself  together  enough  so  she  did  not  scream  pirate.  finnia  had  even  left  her  sword  in  the  schooner  ;  it  waited  in  a  pile  of  concealed  boxes  and  goods  ,  nothing  important  to  inspire  theft  —  finnia  was  unarmed  ,  body  and  soul. 

     courage  came  for  but  a  moment  and  finnia  grabbed  for  it  ,  opening  the  doors  to  the  shelter  and  taking  in  the  surroundings.  

     “  hello?  ”  she  called  out  in  search  of  any  person  who  could  lighten  her  pockets.      

[seastolcn]

AVITEJ KUMARA             

Avi always liked Jaqar’s markets.  They were eccentric even by Loqoalan standards, and Avi assumed it was due to their proximity to Vailar.  Avi was finalizing negotiations with House Khagan’s Ship Master, regarding more ships for the Rajayan fleet.  But that was over, and it was a short saunter back to his Makara.

Pausing at a stall to contemplate a pretty piece of jewelry for Catlina,  Avi resisted temptation and stepped away - only to collide into someone else.

“Oh, I - “ Avi started, but his eyes widened, immediately recognizing the girl in front of him.  “You!!” he exclaimed in surprise (should he be surprised?  Yes possibly; perhaps Captain Yue was getting cocky with her crew’s whereabouts), gawping as little Finnia Halani threw a quip his way.  

She pivoted to flee, and Avi regained his quick reactions.  

“Oh no you don’t–”  Avi said, lurching forward and scruffing Finnia by her collar, like one might a kitten.  One sharp tug and he pulled her backwards, into his arms.  

“I might just throw you into the water.  It’ll be a fine swim here, innit? ” he said, giving her a little shake. He spun her forwards, frogmarching her towards the Makara.  Down one slip, that was surrounded by the soapy, dirty runoff water of the Jaqar waterside industry.  “Of all the people for Ivar to provide - Finnia fucking Halani.”

     FINNIA  SHUDDERED  WITH  FEAR  —  was  this  how  she  would  be  returned  to  her  family  ,  in  the  grip  of  their  enemy?  she  struggled  ,  not  only  because  of  her  desperation  to  have  free  reign  of  herself  ,  but  to  survive.  avitej  kumara  would  surely  be  the  end  of  her  freedom.  

     “  get  your  filthy  kumara  hands  OFF  of  me.  ”  finn  snapped  ,  the  rough  words  sounding  foreign  in  her  mouth.  but  she  would  not  hide  her  disgust  for  avi  ,  perhaps  it  was  the  one  thing  her  and  her  family  could  agree  upon.  house  kumara  had  seized  power  from  the  halanis  ,  had  stolen  the  rajayer  islands  from  them.  a  part  of  finnia  believed  if  her  family  still  oversaw  the  region  ,  they  would  not  have  gotten  sucked  up  in  their  desperation  to  please  the  gods.  there  could  have  been  some  good  left  in  her  family  .  .  .  or  perhaps  finn  was  simply  naive.  

     nonetheless  ,  the  last  place  she  wanted  to  be  was  a  prisoner  in  avitej  kumara’s  hands.  

     “  do  it.  ”  finn  goaded  him  ,  a  sliver  of  fearlessness  shining  in  her  eyes.  the  young  woman  typically  dealt  in  careful  words  and  good  intentions  ,  but  not  when  the  only  thing  standing  between  her  and  her  freedom  was  a  kumara.  avitej  gave  her  reason  to  hiss  out  ,  “  do  not  involve  ivar  with  your  cursing  and  kidnapping.  ”    

     finn  did  not  cease  her  struggling  ,  in  fact  as  they  neared  the  ship  that  finn  had  spent  months  aboard  she  doubled  her  efforts.  she  flung  her  sharp  elbows  around  ,  hoping  that  they  would  find  a  mark  vulnerable  enough  to  make  the  man  loosen  his  grip.      

     “  you  will  regret  this  ,  avitej  kumara.  ”  at  the  sound  of  her  angered  tone  ,  water  crashed  against  the  dock  —  easily  misplaced  as  a  shift  in  the  wind  or  a  strong  current  ,  but  the  source  was  the  struggling  girl.         

[seastolcn]

𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍  :  a  loqoalan  port  somewhere 

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐒  :  for  AVITEJ  KUMARA  /  @avitejkumara​

     FINNIA’S  GAZE  HAD  BEEN  CAUGHT  IN  THE  ENDLESS  BLUE  OF  THE  SEA.  as  the  merchant  babbled  and  held  out  their  hand  for  finn’s  coins  ,  as  the  laborers  helped  her  bring  her  newly  bought  supplies  to  the  dock  ,  as  finn  grumbled  and  returned  to  one  of  the  stalls  for  one  last  item  —  the  sea  captivated  her.  she  loathed  the  time  she  spent  on  solid  ground  ,  craving  the  sway  of  a  ship  beneath  her  ,  but  ,  alas  ,  she  had  been  sent  out  for  supplies  and  supplies  she  would  get.  

     the  port  town  was  busy  as  to  be  expected  of  any  civilization  off  the  sea.  sailors  and  pirates  alike  were  in  need  of  restock  at  some  point  or  another  and  it  kept  the  gold  flowing  .  .  .  straight  into  merchants’  pockets.  finn  was  mentally  counting  her  own  coins  when  she  rounded  a  corner  straight  into  another  warm  body.  the  young  woman  bounced  back  ,  an  apology  already  on  her  tongue  until  her  dark  eyes  found  none  other  than  the  enemy  of  house  halani  staring  back  at  her.  

     “  twisted  flippers.  ”  she  breathed  ,  her  wide  eyes  staring  avi  in  disbelief  as  she  stumbled  back.  “  let  me  save  you  the  trouble  of  throwing  me  off  this  dock  —  ”  and  then  finn  made  an  attempt  to  run.                   

[seastolcn]

JIANG YING YUE

…

“Nothing does.”

Time wouldn’t allow it. It would take and take, the way a river took down the mountain, the way the wind would turn all to dust. All that is was nothing that would be. Yue hopped on the railing, balancing nonchalantly as the ship swayed.

Yue was not worried about that. This being taken from her. It would be, eventually. Another leader would be elected, her fleet would suffer a chain of disastrous losses, or perhaps even the world would grow into such a world where piracy simply no longer existed. Perhaps she’d grow bored with it and throw in the towel.

“If they are on their way,” Yue said, testing the edge of her balance by leaning back right before she would fall, her hands behind her head. “I sure hope they bring fireworks. And some wine.”

Yue shrugged, feather light, tilting her hand to reflect the sunlight off her large gemstone rings.

“I was offered a harbor,” she said, just as bright and casual and anything else, although she couldn’t quite look down from the clouds, “in Vailien. A permanent port, for us. Very official.”

♙.‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ 

     QUIET  FELL  OVER  FINNIA.  she  put  her  faith  in  her  captain  time  and  time  again  ,  though  yue  still  remained  an  enigma  to  her.  finn  knew  she  was  older  than  she  appeared  ,  the  sharpened  ends  of  her  ears  were  the  only  things  she  needed  to  confirm  her  thoughts.  still  there  was  an  air  of  playfulness  and  abandon  that  surrounded  yue  ,  it  brought  a  grin  to  finn’s  often  downturned  lips.  but  this  time  ,  finn  could  only  muster  a  small  smile  ,  her  thoughts  and  theories  about  yue  turning.  finn  could  not  imagine  a  life  as  long  as  hers  being  terribly  kind.  life  was  not  merciful  to  those  who  lived  only  decades  ,  how  could  it  be  better  to  those  who  saw  centuries?  

     she  almost  spoke  of  her  own  concern  and  even  curiosity  that  burned  in  all  of  its  unknowing  but  stopped  short  —  a  harbor.  

     finn  had  hidden  herself  in  the  sea  for  months  jumping  from  ship  to  ship  ,  even  managed  to  sneak  aboard  avitej  kumara’s  ship  without  his  realizing  (  until  kel  ).  she  was  no  stranger  to  concealing  herself  and  her  feelings.  but  the  thought  of  a  permanent  place  for  the  black  turtle  to  dock  ,  to  rest  at  ,  made  anxiety  creep  up  her  throat.  she  attempted  to  swallow  it  down  with  little  luck.  permanence  made  it  all  too  easy  to  be  discovered.  the  same  faces  seeing  her  ,  even  if  they  only  docked  once  a  month.  someone  would  recognize  her  and  put  the  pieces  together  :  the  missing  halani  daughter  ,  the  sacrificial  lamb  that  escaped  her  fate.     

     “  that  is  ,  ”  finn  paused  ,  searching  for  the  right  words  ,  “  big  news.  ”  she  was  staring  at  yue  ,  eyebrows  knitted  together  ,  even  though  the  captain  did  not  look  at  her.  “  who  offered  you  such  a  thing?  and  for  what?  ”

[seastolcn]

XI’MIA SOLOTHRACE

…

“That’s astute of you to notice.” Xi’mia nodded, taking on a more somber tone. She’d become accustomed to the horribleness as of late, having arrived when the camp was first set up. The elf could partly see it through the newcomers eyes, and it was a heart-breaking scene. “I suppose that’s because the attack occurred during festivities. The targets were hardly prepared sailors or–is it pirates? Do you prefer that term?”

“I’m glad to meet you Finn,”  She smiled, bowing her head with respect for meeting the new woman properly. The lack of a last name went unremarked upon. Xi’mia would have expected few names of note among the pirate crew, she thought Finn’s hesitation simply trying to remember or make a last name up; prying after that would have felt next to useless to her. “ If you’ll just follow me it’s a short distance.” Xi’mia walked forward, careful not to get too far ahead as they pulled out of the trees to the clearing where the make-shift healing tents were set. 

“I hope that the black turtle is not too accustomed to injury.” A bit of worry creeping into her face to think of it, that and the ship’s defeat. Even as the groans of the injured and ill grew louder around them, a stench of sick to the air. Healers did what they could, even Phelix had dropped by once, but people still passed. People still needed these supplies badly. 

“Hmm?” Xi’mia turned to face Finn, reflecting on the question. “Word on the rebels? No, not really. The most I’ve heard of rebel actions were that there are small parties around the woods. I supposed they are just hoping to pick off any stragglers or those too eager to get back to their own lands. Are you worried they’ll strike again?”

‎‏‏‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ 

(  mention  of  abuse  tw  .  )

     “  PIRATE.  ”  finn  confirmed  with  a  nod.  she  felt  no  shame  in  her  new  occupation.  the  few  months  she  had  spent  aboard  the  black  turtle  had  already  proven  more  honorable  than  the  life  she  led  on  kalama  island.  it  was  good  honest  work  and  finn  felt  pride  with  every  job  she  finished  —  though  she  was  sure  not  everyone  shared  the  same  warm  feelings  towards  piracy.  the  thought  alone  warmed  her  cheeks  and  summoned  a  sheepish  smile  ,  “  though  i  suppose  i  shouldn’t  say  that  too  loud  around  these  parts.  ”  

     “  you  as  well  ,  xi’mia.  ”  her  smile  stretched  from  sheepish  to  genuine  ,  happy  to  have  found  someone  in  the  camp  who  could  guide  her  in  the  right  direction.  in  the  labyrinth  of  tents  and  woodland  ,  finn  would  not  have  found  the  healing  tents  on  her  own.  while  some  lost  their  bearings  on  the  rocky  waves  ,  finn  only  felt  that  unease  when  she  was  on  solid  ground.  beyond  the  lack  of  swaying  beneath  her  feet  ,  elysi  was  unlike  anything  finn  had  ever  known.  her  home  bore  no  similarities  to  the  forests  she  found  herself  in  ;  kalama  an  image  of  sandy  beaches  and  humid  jungles.  and  so  she  kept  close  to  xi’mia  ,  fearing  she  would  get  lost  in  the  camp  again.  

     surprise  flickered  across  finn’s  face  at  her  companion’s  concern  ,  not  many  expressed  worry  for  a  crew  of  no  good  pirates.  she  opened  her  mouth  to  respond  only  to  slam  into  the  scent  of  the  sick.  kata  must  have  blessed  her  when  finn  had  reached  out  in  prayer  because  she  managed  to  keep  her  breath  even.  she  had  not  lied  when  she  told  xi’mia  that  she  was  accustomed  to  the  goriness  of  battle  ,  but  the  first  sign  of  illness  and  injury  always  took  it  out  of  her.  finn  steeled  herself  as  they  continued.   

     finn  fought  the  instinct  to  lower  her  gaze  when  xi’mia  turned  to  her  face  her.  she  managed  to  meet  the  other’s  eye  but  was  not  comforted  by  her  words.  “  in  my  experience  ,  those  who  choose  to  attack  during  moments  of  joy  do  not  mind  kicking  someone  when  they’re  down.  ”  it  was  finn’s  life  in  fact.  her  mother  had  loved  to  spar  with  her  ,  never  shying  from  blows  that  would  yield  blood  ,  until  finn  was  panting  on  her  knees.  even  then  ,  her  mother  had  taken  one  last  shot  ,  leaving  finn  bleeding  and  near  unconsciousness  in  the  sand.  

     “  is  this  it?  ”  she  asked  when  they  reached  a  couple  of  tents  situated  together  where  the  groans  and  cries  for  help  were  the  loudest  —  if  only  to  break  herself  away  from  the  memories  of  home.  

[seastolcn]

XI’MIA SOLOTHRACE

…

“Is it worse?” Xi’mia posed the question, like a prompt. Gentle smile on her lips so the woman might divulge more. She didn’t want to pry but she was curious. The Governess had never been on a true pirate ship, she wondered what the people on it were like. She wondered at the company Yue kept now. But she didn’t want to look desperate for information.

“Oh, forgive me for being rude. My name’s Xi’mia Solothrace, Governess of Asfahal and current refugee of the Glasswater attacks.” Xi’mia moved to help with what she could. “By the sun and moon you have a lot here. This will be greatly appreciated, and well used. Here let me ease a bit of your burden.” She extended her own hands so her companion would not be so burdened.

“Oh good. I will send my regards as well.” Xi’mia knew they were general regards. She’d put enough distance between her and her old friend that Jiang Ying Yue was not kept current on the Governess’ whereabouts. “There is a cluster of tents where people are being treated. I can show you the way but fair warning there are some gruesome injuries…” Xi’mia sized up the woman, trying to get some read on her. “Although I suppose living the life you do you might be used to such things.”

‎‏‏‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ 

     FINN  GAZED  AROUND  THE  CAMP  ,  finding  empty  gazes  among  those  who  took  refuge  there  —  did  any  of  them  have  anything  return  to?  or  did  only  rubble  wait  for  them  in  glasswater?  or  a  home  empty  of  the  ones  people  loved?  finn  wrung  one  of  the  bandages  in  her  hands  ,  overwhelmed  with  the  loss  that  plagued  the  camp.  she  simply  nodded  at  the  woman’s  question  ,  “  yes.  the  black  turtle  has  had  plenty  of  battles  itself  ,  but  none  of  have  left  it  so  .  .  .  defeated.  ”         

     finn  gladly  handed  over  some  of  the  bandages.  “  a  pleasure  ,  xi’mia.  i’m  finn  —  ”  she  stopped  herself  before  she  divulged  her  full  name.  “  one  of  the  navigators  aboard  the  black  turtle.  ”  it  was  good  to  hear  that  the  load  she  carried  would  serve  some  purpose.  finn  had  felt  useless  upon  hearing  of  the  attack  at  glasswater.  she  was  no  natural  healer  ,  limited  by  never  having  proper  instruction  ,  but  she  could  serve  as  a  delivery  girl  —  in  fact  ,  she  had  insisted  on  going.  

     part  of  her  wished  to  snort  and  share  some  of  her  earliest  memories  ;  hazy  thoughts  of  the  roar  of  a  fire  and  agonizing  screams  all  dulled  by  monotonous  chanting  haunted  her  whenever  she  closed  her  eyes.  those  kalaman  rituals  she  had  attended  prepared  her  for  instances  such  as  these.  

     “  i’m  no  stranger  to  the  sick  and  injured.  ”  finn  answered  truthfully  and  ,  as  well  as  she  could  with  the  bandages  in  her  arms  ,  gestured  for  xi’mia  to  lead  the  way.  she  let  a  moment  of  silence  pass  between  them  before  she  dared  to  ask  the  question  on  her  mind  ,  “  forgive  me  for  prying  ,  but  has  there  been  any  word  from  the  rebels  since?  ”