The Trials of Ruin and Longing

Ilea of Thalassa

Ilea watched the sun set on the ocean as it descended like a ball of fire. It made her soul sing and want to dive in and swim in the colors. She ignored the urge as she watched the color seep into the water, the ocean devouring it and twilight finally beginning.

     Ilea still watched the ocean, the waves rocking her ship with a gentle sway. Large, shuffling footsteps reached her ears, and Ilea turned to the person approaching. 

     "Hello Malo," She said to the hulking creature she called first mate. The skin-walker easily reached ten feet tall, their skin stretched and contorted from the layers of past skins. Their current skin was alabaster white, with whiter hair that had large clumps falling out. The dark pits of their eyes seemed endless, their mouth a looming maw. Certainly unconventional, but Malo had saved her life. She could care less if they looked like they might devour her crew. As long as they were loyal and true, Ilea would continue to have them be part of her crew. No matter who grumbled or whined.

     "Captain Ilea, we should hit Skoal's port soon. Tomorrow morning at the latest." Malo informed her, their odd voice sending dread down her spine. Ilea merely ignored it as she nodded.

     "Good. We can restock supply and everyone can enjoy a night or two on land. I know Ink will be excited." The young Fae male loved the land. Loved the light. The joy. The women and men that fell for him. Ilea was pretty sure that the last one was the biggest reason, but she didn't care much. She didn't control who shared her crew's beds.  Not her life, not her business. 

     "Everyone will be. It'll be a good break from life at sea." Malo says, turning those dark pits to the horizon. "We've all been cooped up on a boat for a few months. Some of the crew is starting to grumble."

     "Exactly why I planned this supply pickup in Skoal. Unhappy sailors make for a shitty crew. It'll be the refresher they need."

     "Will it be a restart for you as well, Captain?" Ilea looked up at Malo. She was tall, don't get her wrong, but she still had to look up to skin-walker.

     "I'm happier on the boat, you know that." Ilea gestured to the sea. "This is my home." 

     Malo nodded before shuffling off below deck. Ilea watched as the patchy white hair disappeared down the stairs, turning back to the rail as the skin-walker vanished below decks. Her dirty blonde hair shifted slightly in the salty breeze. Ilea closed her eyes, letting the cool air drift over her sun-kissed skin. 

     She didn't know how long she stood at the deck railing, eyes closed. When she finally opened them again, night had fully hit. The stars glimmered, cold and distant. Ilea turned slowly away from the railing before walking across the mostly polished deck. She opened the door to below decks, making her way down. The plush blue carpet she walked on made her feet sink into it. She made her way through the ship's hall, counting the doors. She reached her quarters door, pulling a key out of her pocket before opening the door. She walked into her little apartment, locking the door behind her. Putting the key on the table, she surveyed the small space.

     Her quarters were small but practical. A desk sat by the door, covered in maps and charts of all size. Her small dining table was also covered in maps and charts, the chairs serving as coat hangers. A wardrobe sat at the end of a single person bed, with a window right above the bed. Ilea had spent many nights staring out that window. There was also a door by her table that led to a bathroom with a toilet, a sink, and a bathtub. That was what Ilea aimed for. She opened the door to an almost cramped bathroom. She stripped off her tunic and trousers as she turned on the water to her bath. When it was about half full, she got in, the hot water seeping into her bones. She sighed, leaning her head against the rim of the bathtub, relaxing as she prepared for their first night on land.

     Ilea had no love for land. It was beautiful, she agreed with that, but that was on the surface. It was the things that walked the land she had no care for. She could spend her immortal years on the sea and be happy. She only went on land when her crew invited her to join their evening shenanigans. She grabbed her soap, and began to lather her hair. 

     That's when she heard the whispering in her head, like streams burbling. She pushed into the whisper, and the more she pushed, the louder the whisper became till it was the roar of waterfalls and waves crashing into rocks. 

    Ilea, Ilea. Let me in, Ilea.

    Ilea dropped her mental shields, letting that voice in as she continued washing her hair. The sensation of water wrapped around her mind, giving a quick squeeze of affection before backing off. 

    Ilea, my child, you are as beautiful as the day you left. The voice purred. 

    Hello Thalassa. How do my sisters fare? Ilea asked as she dunked her head under the water to rinse it. She held her breath, not wanting to breathe in soapy water.

    Missing you every day. They all say hello.

    Tell them I say hello as well. What do you need, Thalassa? I haven't sensed you recently. Thalassa usually stayed in contact fairly well, calling out at least once a year month. These last two months there had been nothing but silence from Thalassa. Which wasn't worrisome. Thalassa couldn't be killed, but she stayed in contact fairly well.

     Well, I've been busy. A warm chuckle. You have a new sister.

     Ilea pulled her head out of the water, surprised. A new sister? The surprise turned into love as it bloomed in her chest. How is she adjusting. Ilea smiled and felt as Thalassa smiled too. 

     She can't wait to meet you. The one who left for more. You're like a legend to her. Ilea, Orca of the Seas. Thalassa winked. The others have told her some of your accomplishments.

     Of course they did. Ilea laughed as she ran a finger on the tub rim. What's her name?

    I thought maybe you could decide, since you are her hero, after all. Thalassa smiled warmly. I have one picked out in case you don't want to though.

    What's your pick? Ilea asked.

     I was thinking Cordelia. I thought if fit her.

    Let me see her. Upon her request, Thalassa projected an image to her mind. The woman was stunningly beautiful. Golden skin with glossy chestnut hair, blue-grey eyes that flashed like steel. The woman was smiling in the memory, showing an easy, beautiful smile. Her body graceful and lithe, same as Ilea's. 

    She's beautiful. Cordelia would suit her. Thalassa laughed. 

     You sure? Ilea nodded. 

     I trust you. A knock came from the cabin door. 

     "Ilea! We've reached Skoal! We're docking and then we hit the bars!" An excited voice says from the other side. "So get your ass up and move!" Ilea felt a bite of annoyance as the footsteps rushed down the hall.

     I have to go. My crew is about to go on shore. Ilea felt Thalassa's sadness. 

     Alright. Be safe though. Humans are dangerous. You've been captured before. Anger rushed through Ilea's bones like molten rock. 

     I will, Thalassa. Tell the others I love them and tell Cordelia I can't wait to meet my new little sister. A mental nod from Thalassa, and the water rushed out of her mind. Ilea slid her mental shields back up as began she began to get ready for the night that would ensue.