Ferland Legends - Rise of the Tides - Tides of Genesis

Chapter V: Hotel's Navigator

"Hm. Interesting place to put a hotel," Zurley said as they walked toward the hotel. The hotel seemed to be a big blue wooden square just like any other building, however on the bottom of a cliff.

"Uhm, Zurley, I don't think this is a building..."

"Wait, I think you're right. It's a boat hotel!" Zurley exclaimed as he took a closer look at the bottom. At the bottom, he saw the ark shape of a boat, which was where the workers who wore yellow hats and short-sleeved button-shirts on top of their white shirts with white pants worked, hauling heavy crates to and from the deck of the ship.

"So they travel across islands offering rooms for travelers to spend the night... amazing," Joldewin said as he looked at the entrance of the hotel which was a large wooden draw drawbridge that led to the cozy interior of the hotel.

"Well, what are we waiting for? We need a good night's rest if we're going to win that tournament!" Zurley exclaimed as he headed to the receptionist.

"When you say we you mean you, right?" Joldewin nervously chuckled.

"Hi there! We'd like one... or two rooms please," Zurley said with a big smile to the blonde lady who worked at the front desk.

"Alrighty, that will come to forty Denus for two rooms and one night."

"I can afford that," Zurley chuckled as he pulled forty Denus out of his bag and placed it on the counter.

"And who might you be?" she asked whilst playing with her long hair, looking toward Joldewin.

"I'm Zur-" Zurley was about to speak before he was interrupted.

"Not you. Him, the handsome fellow in many colors," she grinned at Joldewin.

"My name is Joldewin," he awkwardly smiled.

"He's going to become a journalist!" Zurley exclaimed, not bothered at being ignored, but wanting to promote his friend.

"A journalist, hm? Sounds like fun. Hey, if you want, Joldewin, I can tell you a bunch of stories of my travels."

"Really?! That would be great help for me, thank you!" Joldewin said.

"Alrighty, let me show you two to your rooms," she said, handing them both a key as she walked down a hallway.

"So here are your rooms. If you need any help, do not ask for my assistance because even though I'm doing the job right now, I am not a receptionist."

"Wait, if you're not a receptionist, are you even working here?" Zurley asked in suspicion.

"Oh, I'm definitely working here. I'm their navigator and the best one at it," she proudly exclaimed.

"You're a navigator?" Zurley asked, his face lighting up.

"Mhm, the best on the island. Anyway, I've gotta get back before I get fired. Meet me after breakfast if you want to hear my tales, Joldewin, alright?" She winked at him.

"Yeah, for sure!" He agreed as she walked away.

"Oooooh! Someone's got a girlfriend," Zurley chuckled.

"No, I don't! Besides, she would be perfect for your crew... not with someone like me," his smile faded.

"Hey! Don't say that stuff! You need to think more highly of yourself. Now, I'm going to bed. Goodnight." Zurley encouraged him as he entered his room. The next morning when Zurley got up, he finished fixing his bed, and went out of his room, looking for Joldewin. After knocking on his door for a bit, he decided that he might be in the lobby of the hotel. And so, Zurley walked down the hallways of the hotel, passing by windows that showed a great view of the ocean, and seagulls that flew above it. He finally made it to the lobby where he saw Joldewin taking notes as the lady who they met yesterday spoke to him.

"Ah, good morning Zurley!" Joldewin exclaimed, seeing Zurley sit down next to him.

"Good morning everyone!" Zurley replied.

"I don't think I introduced myself properly yesterday. My name is Marina," she said.

"That's a pretty name," Joldewin commented.

"Reminds me of the Marines," Zurley chuckled, but then remembered he was a pirate. "You aren't with the Marines are you?"

"I would never join those corrupted bunch. Even though they protect us from pirates and thieves, they still are crooks themselves! Stealing from the poor just so they can live off of vacations as much as possible," Marina remarked.

"Speaking of the Marines, Marina was telling me all about her adventures here in South Ferland. She's even encountered a Squidoptos!"

"What's a Squidoptos?" Zurley asked.

"You've never heard of a Squidoptos? They are one of the many thousands of beasts in the sea. The Squidoptos is a squid-octopus-like creature that resides under the waters, waiting to snatch onto any weak prey."

"Whoah! Sounds cool! I should get one as a pet!"

"You're crazy if you think you can have one as a pet, let alone defeat it. It took all my crew to land a single shot at it," she laughed.

"Zurley, here, actually is on a mission to become the King of the Pirates!" Joldewin exclaimed, however, Marina was speechless.

"So you're pirates?" She became mad.

"NO! I am a pirate! Joldewin is just a journalist. I'm helping him get a camera, that's all," Zurley explained.

"So give me one reason why I shouldn't call the authorities on you then," she stood up.

"He's not a bad pirate! He's a good one! He helps people out and has been ever since we left our home island," Joldewin said, giving Zurley a smile.

"Good pirate? The only good pirate that ever existed was the one from the legend. I bet you already stole money from us!"

"What? I don't steal! I'm a man of my word. In fact, I was just about to head to the Boxing Tournament to win the grand prize for Joldewin."

"The Boxing Tournament?!"

"Yes! And after I win, I'll be leaving with my crew."

"If you are who you say you are, then you aren't a pirate at all! You're just a lousy adventurer!" She mocked him.

"No. I am a pirate. The best pirate ever. And on that note, I'd like to ask you if you want to join my crew," Zurley asked, seeing how she calmed down by making fun of him.

"Yeah, not happening," she walked over to the cash register. "You said you were participating in the Boxing Tournament?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Well, I guess I'll be seeing you there then... all bruised up," she laughed as she carried a bag of money while she walked out of the hotel.

"Hey Joldewin, if you want you can come with me. I'll help you get a camera. If Zurley's really a pirate, he's probably not going to keep his word," she stood for a moment waiting for his response.

"Sorry, but, I trust Zurley. I'll see you there though?" Joldewin said, leaving her speechless.

"Uhm... yeah. Sure, I'll see you there," she said, walking out through the drawbridge.

"You can go with her if you want. I understand if you don't trust me," Zurley assured him.

"No, I trust you Zurley. You're my friend now after all," they both smiled, acknowledging the new friendship that they had created.