Tidal Florette - A Painted Soul I

Favian - 6

I swear if we make it to Irusu and I still have not met this supposed "Saphaberea" I will be entirely convinced I've been banished with the most tactful subtlety the kingdom has ever seen. It's already been a day and a half since boarding the humble working vessel. The crew has been polite enough, although focused on their work. The Captain, a boisterous fellow called Ren, has a little more energy than Favian can handle for the duration of the trip. Meanwhile, in one of the ship's quarters his partner for the journey supposedly locked herself in demanding not to be disturbed. I should have stopped in at a library so I'd have something to do, but I expected these three days would be spent planning how to deal with the dojo. At least if she never comes out to help I'll be free to my actual research. No clue how to bring back those killers, tomorrow's problem I suppose. He resolves to inquire with the captain about his partner and with any luck the man will have some sort of books around.

The captain is contentedly at the helm, proudly steering as if prepared for a storm to hit any moment. Favian clears his throat and tries to speak up over the rumbles of the ship. "Captain Ren, do you think my colleague is alright? She hasn't emerged once since boarding?"

The captain laughs, "If she did then it was cunningly unseen! Don't worry, she'll likely get hungry enough to join us for a meal this evening."

Unless she did sneak out to swipe enough food, "Our mission is potentially dangerous. I hope I do get the chance to meet her so we can have some level of trust."

Ren eyes Favian up, "You about to tell me you have plans of surviving a brawl?"

Favian sighs, "That's why I brought her along, clearly I can't make that part of my plans."

"You are right to be wary, my friend, the isle can be a treacherous place indeed. Steer clear of Ukiyo if you know what's good for you."

"Unfortunately, that's our destination, had that not been mentioned when my partner handed you the empress' notice?"

Ren shrugs, "The girl slapped the notice on my chest, stepped on board, went below deck, locked herself up. Can't say I can complain when so many passengers just get in the way."

Favian scratches at his hair nervously, "I apologize if I've been a nuisance, sir."

"Hm? Oh no, not you boy. I mean those that treat us like some luxurious pampering vacation where my crew should spend more time tending to their needs than keeping this hunk of junk afloat."

Favian nods, relieved to not be in the way, "Can you tell me anything about Ukiyo? Do you have experience there?"

The captain huffs as he holds the helm tightly against the current, "Never been myself, just know that many have ridden this ship with their eyes set on that village. None of them have boarded for the journey back."

"I'd imagine they were interested in attending the rituals at Ukiyo then? The Sakuhin Wakare?"

"That's a prim way to say they went seeking their own butchery."

Favian frowns, "What sort of people are they?"

"All sorts! Men of all sizes and strengths, woman in all shapes... and far more children than you'd ever want to think."

That starts a bout of nausea in Favian's stomach, "Children? You've ferried children across to their death?"

The captain sighs, barking out an order to a crew member before answering. "I ferry those that pay, my friend, this is not an age to shirk your wages. It haunts my nights far more than yours, I assure you."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything against you, sir. It's just a shocking reality. Do the children tell you why?"

"Children don't speak at all, simply hand off the money and climb aboard, much like your partner did now that I think about it."