The Dawnguard Hunter

On Land Away From Sea

It was a foggy morning as Kirena was leaning over the side of the ship vomiting up her breakfast again.

"One more week." Someone said as they patted her on her back. "Then you can eat all the food you've thrown up." 

As if on cue Kirena threw up again. 

"Why is this happening?" She asked the one patting her back, not taking her eyes of her reflection as she kept vomiting.  

She was pale from vomiting constantly and was weak from her not being able to get any nutrients from her food. Her eyes had thick bags underneath them that could be mistaken for bruises because the constant rocking of the boat kept her awake and sick. Her hair was matted down from the water splashing covering her ears, and barely any leaves were left tangled in her hair. 

"Because you are a land lass. Your body isn't use to the water. Can I guess you have never seen a ship until you signed on with us?" The person said.

Kirena lifted her head up and looked at him. He was an older Redguard with a short beard hinted with grey. She nodded at him then went back to vomiting.

When Kirena was empty, she dry heaved a few times before slinking down to sit and hold her stomach.

The Redguard leaned against the rail and pulled out a leather pouch. He took a swig and handed it to her. 

Kirena took a gulp from it without hesitation. The liquid burned as it went down her throat but it made her chest warm and she felt lightheaded. 

"Feel better?" The Redguard asked. 

"What is this?" She asked.

"Never had vodka before I see." The Redguard said.

Kirena shook her head. The drink had made her stomach settle.  

"Come on. I know Sarem wants you on guard but all that standing around is part of what is making you sick. You are going to come with me on my rounds." The Redguard said as he held out his hand to help Kirena. 

"What is your name?" She asked.

"Kalos." The Redguard answered. "And your name?"

"My name is Kirena." She answered.

Kalos showed Kirena around the ship. Haveing her do certain tasks such as raising and lowering the sails, meeting the crew and getting to know them a bit. They all knew her as 'Side Down' because she was always on the side of the ship looking down. While she still wasnt the best when it came to a whole bunch of people around her, especially on the ship. Kirena did her best to manage despite a grwoing fear of meeting everybody.

 After she had learned about the top deck Kalos took Kirena to the second deck. She was relieved to be away from everyone. 

Kirena was familiar with only the path to her bedroll on the ship. She didnt really look around much despite the fact she was to guard it. He showed her the kitchen and the cook who was preparing for dinner which Kirena loved the smell but was sickened at the same time. But she didn't run up top to vomit. The rocking of the ship seemed to not bother her as much as she walked around and learned. 

Kirena grew more confident as she got to know Kalos. She started to think of him as a friend as he showed her around more. 

Kalos showed her the bottom deck which was the cargo hold. It was cramped with barrels and chests tied down. There was extra rope laying around making it rather hard to walk without getting tangled in it. 

"And that is the entire ship." Kalos said as they headed back to the top. 

It was dusk and time for dinner. Most of the crew had gathered on top with their bowls and were chatting.