𝕳𝖔𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖘𝖘 - (Ranboo)

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟖

The next thing Hertha knew, she was on a ship with Venus and travelling through the waters. The recollection of just changing then travelling to the docks blended into a single moment, all Hertha knew was that Venus was visiting Technoblade, she didn't know why she was involved, but being on a ship felt nice. Hertha's father was a sailor, so wasn't at home at all. At least he was with them through the ocean. Hertha hadn't heard from her old man in a very long time, it didn't affect her as much, it just became something she grew up with. She wasn't shunned from society because of his absence, as far as everyone knew, he was alive and out at sea, probably fishing. Hertha wasn't a child out of wedlock or abandoned, the only proof being that Orphi was apparently receiving letters from the sea-men. So oceans were odd for her, she hadn't been on a boat until then, and she didn't mind. Though she did feel sea sick.

She shuddered as the boat rocked, feeling her stomach churn at the movement. She had to excuse herself down into the ship where the smell of salt didn't sting her sinuses and the intense visible rocking didn't make her eyes spin. Hertha sat inside, feeling tired from the sickness alone and feeling the need to lie down. Yet she felt as though lying down would make it worse, so sat conflicted with what to do.

In the end, she fell asleep while sitting up. Venus checked in on her as she slept and laid her down.

When Hertha woke up, she was being shaken awake by Venus, who looked at her confused, "Hertha you slept for a whole 32 hours, are you okay?" Venus asked and frowned at the girl. Hertha sat up and scratched her head.

"I suppose so... maybe the ship... I feel sickly on ships, I've found." Hertha croaked with thirst. She turned out of the bed and pulled herself up until she stood next to Venus, who frowned at her, "I have been getting sleep. I promise." She swore and walked away, still tired but waking up. The boat wasn't rocking as violently anymore, and Hertha felt the harsh chill of a different climate hit her. It was quite a chill, enough to make the girl tremble as she made her way up and was blasted with the cooking air. It made sense when she felt the snow fall.

Snowing was quite rare for Olympa, Hertha was quite fond of the weather, it was very pretty. It's only inconvenience is that it ruins the plant life and kills a large majority of the flowers Hertha cared for wherever she went. Then, she saw land. Covered over in ivory white and decorated with dancing flakes of snow falling from the ominous cloud above. It looked like a to-scale snow globe. Venus joined her with crossed arms and looked at the island.

"Welcome to the Antarctic Empire's homeland." Venus introduced. The closer they got, the more awe painted itself across Hertha's face. The silhouette of a grand, fortified castle came into view. All polygons, it looked like a fort, with many square bases and some circular spires. If Hertha squinted, she was almost certain that she could see some red, or pink because of the weather, standing amongst that castle. She could only assume it was Technoblade waiting for Venus's arrival.

The ship slowed and halted by the dock, where not many people stood. It was unlike the busy and bustling dock of Olympa. Venus walked off, along with Hertha who followed after her and really shuddered at the cold of the polar south. A winged, blond man with greying hair and a bucket hat appeared in front of the pair, landing from above. He bowed happily for the women and led them to the castle with a smile on his face. He spoke to Venus on their way there.

When they entered the castle, Hertha was rushed with warm air. She looked around the grand throne room and her eyes landed on Technoblade, who was talking to a tall boy. He was lanky and shy looking, with a timid, quaint persona. It was Ranboo. Hertha's eyes lit up slightly at the sight of her friend and she waved. Ranboo waved back and appeared in front of her.

"Hertha! Hi! I've missed you!" Ranboo happily waved, though he was tense and so it looked awkward.

"Hello Ranboo! You look splendid!" Hertha took it to herself to hug him and rub her forehead against his diaphragm.