Jerry
*Trot... Trot... Trot...

The sound of Yumiko's new equine friend trotting forwards served as a sort of pleasant white sound for her. She found herself deep in thought; good performance seemed to help yield better rewards in the form of 'tips'. It was a new concept to her. A reward for good service, not just for plainly achieving the objective. Perhaps her kindness to the Oni also did her a few favours. It would do her good to act a little nicer to her clients from now on.

Maybe act a little nicer in general?

She scoffed a little at the thought. Despite how she acted previously, she still was a rather bitter person on the inside. Sweet smiles weren't for her. Yumiko still hated a majority of the population in this Empire, regardless of how well they treated her.

Indeed. Humans were the pinnacle of scum. She'd sooner surrender to the raving barbarian beastmen.*

"Haaah..."

*The elongated ears of the rabbit drooped downwards along with her gaze. Her lips formed into a slight frown as the thoughts settled back and pulled her back to reality. She still had a mission to do; she'd make the Macen pay for what they had done. To do that she needed power. The guild was just a stepping stone to gain more experience, more prestige, more money— she needed everything she could to make herself stronger.*

*Yumiko looked up to see the guildhall approaching her field of view. She still needed a place to sleep of course. A city this big is bound to have many inns to take residence in. Although there was a far more pressing concern that came up lately—*

"I need friends." *She murmured.

Not actual friends of course. Another co-worker. The last battle was in made it apparently that she herself, while a skilled fighter, was going to have a tough time taking on multiple enemies without expending much of her mana. The fight did also teach her that she worked quite well in a group. 

After a minute, she finally arrived to her destination. She slid down her steed and secured it outside, making sure to give any bystanders threatening glares as she did. Yumiko was only going in for a brief moment, though if she found anything stolen, someone was going to have their fingers sliced off.

Yumiko entered the guildhall, eager to pursue her next venture...*

``` THINGS IN THE CITY ```

*Yumiko exited the guild with a frown on her face. She hadn't expected the quest to be this challenging. The last time she fought against multiple people they were skilled and well-equipped warriors— thankfully the peasants weren't that.*

*She approached her steed and hopped right onto it, moving at a compartively slow pace so Lilium could keep up with her without exhausting herself.*

"First order of business... I think we should probably store our money in the bank? To prepare for the possibility of it being stolen I mean. We should probably bring just enough to cover our basic expenses." *Yumiko explained, glancing over towards her elven companion.*
Eric
Lilium quickened her pace, catching up to Yumiko as she hopped onto her steed. Thankfully, Yumiko was still moving at a manageable pace and High Elves generally have higher speed than other races. 

" I agree.. " She replied upon hearing Yumiko's suggestion to store the money in the bank.

" We'll head to the bank first and bring only the necessities.. Are we going to buy shields as per suggested? Or does the barrier ability he mentioned before compensate for that? " She asked, concerned on the projectile magics that the Paladin could fire alongside the Archers amongst the ruffians.
Jerry
"...In case it runs out, I think investing in a shield would be wise for both me and you. I know how to use them, even if I don't use them enough." *Yumiko responded.*

"What about you? What sort of abilities do you bring to the table?"
Eric
" ..Understood, then let's buy the shields first before heading to the bank. " She'd suggest. 

" Ah, like I said before, I'm a Mage. I am able to use Fire, Electricity and Wind to a certain extent. I'm also able to heal and purify water if we require any drinking water on the voyage. I am also able to summon a familiar of sorts to help me cast magic.. So I technically can dual cast but my Mana won't last if I do so.." She listed her abilities, briefly describing it.

" ..What about you? " She asked in response, seeing that she has yet to hear of what Yumiko could do besides barrier-making.
Jerry
"I can make myself stronger and faster, though that steadily drains my mana. I can also use electricity to an extent, alongside healing magic." *Yumiko said, listing out each and every one of her abilities.*

*She continued to observe the elf, making occasional glances in her direction to scruntinize her further. A magic specialist... Like someone from the Academia then? Yumiko's village had warcasters that were both capable in the physical and magical sense. Opponents wouldn't just let you stay and cast your magic after all.*

"In terms of a team, I suppose I can switch between the roles of support and being a front-liner. My abilities don't deeply specialize in one or the other though, which was perhaps a folly of mine." 

*After the explanation, Yumiko directed herself towards a blacksmith to perhaps purchase a pair of shields for use.*
Eric
She simply nodded in acknowledgement. 

" ..I'm mostly a back-liner. I'll naturally support you and aid you. " She smiled. She then followed Yumiko to the blacksmith, looking at the variety of weapons they offered. 

She then looked around the shop, attempting to find the shields they needed. She soon found the shields they needed. They roughly came in two different sizes, small and large. 

She looked to Yumiko. Seeing that she was an Oriate, she probably focused on speed instead of brute strength. A large shield will simply hinder her agility in combat. And for Lilium herself, a large shield is indeed troublesome to carry around but it is worth it. She can simply hide behind her shield as she chants her incantations or focuses to cast a spell. 

*A small shield should suffice for her.. As for me, a large one.* She thought. 

She'd take one small shield and a large one, walking towards the counter.

" ..How much do these cost? " She asked politely. 

`The blacksmith would look up at Lilium and replied short with a gruff voice, " 40 Silver total. "`

Lilium simply nodded, untying the string that wrapped her pouch, opening it. She took out the tickets first which was placed on top of all the coins. Then, she dug out a total of 40 Silver and gave it to the man, paying for Yumiko's shield too. 

`" Thank you for your patronage! " The man simply thanked the girl rather loudly before going back to his smith work.` 

Lilium would wrap up her pouch quickly, tying the string as she took the two shields, handing the small one to Yumiko. 

" Here you go. " She smiled as she passed Yumiko the shield. 

Lilium was now holding a stave, a map and a shield in her hands—. It was rather troublesome to hold but she'll have to deal with it.
Jerry
*Yumiko examined the weapons and armours put on sale with an inquisitive eye. As a warrior herself, she should at least know the advantages and disadvantages of each item. She almost died a little seeing the price of plate— thousand moons, those suits of metal were expensive.*

*As Lilium bought the shields, Yumiko immediately reached out a hand in alarm—*

"Hey, you don't have to..." *Though it was too late, she already bought the shields. Well she tried to stop her. The fact that she spent her money buying it must mean that she had gold to spare no?*

*Right! She didn't have to feel guilty. It was a senior's duty to spoil the junior right?*

"Thanks." *Yumiko simply said, taking the shield gratefully. She looked over and was slightly concerned when she saw how over encumbered the elven girl was.*

"If you'd like, we can rest the shield on horseback until we actually get there. It's the least I could do for you, since you paid for my shield and all."
Eric
Lilium wasn't particularly rolling in dough, but the shield was an investment of sorts. She wasn't intending to gain favour by doing so, but she did hope a little that Yumiko will now see her as a proper ally of sorts. Buying her the small shield was merely done on a whim. 

" Ah, really? That would help a lot.. I'll take you up on that offer.. I appreciate it! Thank you! " She smiled fondly upon hearing Yumiko's offer. She then passed her shield to Yumiko.

" Let's quickly make our way to the bank now then. " She continued.
Jerry
*Yumiko nodded, having the shield strapped onto the draft horse. For her own, she strapped it against her arm to get a feel for the small shield. Moving it about and such— it's been a while since she actually used one of these.*

*Their trip to the bank was short and sweet. After some legal procedures, Yumiko had all but a single gold piece stored within the bank. She'd wait for Lilium to do the same too.*

*Afterwards, Yumiko would put her horse under the care of one of the stables in the city. The shield would have to be carried on foot from then on, though she obliged to help lug it around to make it less tedious for Lilium.*

*Soon they would reach the docks, where their quest would actually begin.*
Eric
Lilium did the same, storing nearly all her assets into the bank. Lilium hastily took back the large shield so as to not trouble Yumiko.. But since both hands were full and she didn't want to crumple the map, she passed the map back to Yumiko. She followed Yumiko, dragging the large shield, soon reaching the docks. 

" ..Finally. " She huffed. The quest hasn't even started but Lilium had already felt tired, perhaps from carrying such a big shield. But it was for her safety too, after all.
Jerry
*Yumiko noticed how tired Lilium look and tried to muster up a few words of apology.*

"Sorry it took so long. The voyage should take a day *Unfortunately* So you should have some time to rest before we arrive."

*Yumiko sighed. She hated ships. In fact, she had purposefully been dragging the whole process of shopping just because she didn't want to go on the voyage.*

*She attempted to find the correct ship that was to set sail soon.*
Jodi
*The ship was listed as "The Fair Maiden" On the ticket. Although ship could be quite scary and induce seasickness, it was by far the safest and fastest way to travel to town - going by land could require 3 - 7 precious, and expensive days.*

*Unfortunately there were numerous caravels and carracks in the dock, and none of them had a holographic sign above them projecting its name above. Perhaps one could ask the dockmaster? 

There is a man giving order to everyone, with slightly better quality clothes on one of the pier. He seems to be writing down something on a piece of paper. Perhaps he is the right person to talk to. He seems to be watching workers loading a shipment of rice onto a carrack, destined for some foreign land.*
Eric
Lilium would untie her pouch which had only 1 Gold Coin and the two tickets in it now. She'd take the two tickets out from the pouch before tying it again.

She'd look around, seeing that there were no signs to show them which ship was the correct one to board. She'd approach one of the dockmasters, " E-erm, hello... May I know which ship is.. `The Fair Maiden`..? " 

She asked rather shyly, showing the dockmaster the two tickets. It appears that Lilium doesn't deal well with strangers.
Jerry
*Yumiko stood behind Lilium with crossed arms, keeping relatively silent as her elven comrade took the initiative in the situation.*

"We're agents of the New Sunlight." *She added,* "They asked us to resolve an issue."
Jodi
*The dockmaster turned toward the two distinctive person that appeared before him. He looked a bit gruff and seems to be a Macen in his middle-age, roughly thirties or so. He blinked at a few time at the two, dazed briefly by their beauty. Seeing beautiful women at the dock was a rare rarity, and his eyes seems to be savouring the feast.

A few seconds later he seems to have returned to normality from oogling at the two, possibly unknowingly triggering Yumiko's Macen-hate again.*

"Ah... New Sunlight..." *He scratched his head,*"Yes, that bounty hunter guild. You are looking for The Fair Maiden right? It set sails two or four hours later, depending on the wind. Captain William Hemworth captain the ship. It is that small caravel over there. Can't miss it, it's got a wolf-girl figurehead on it."

*He pointed at a caravel that looked like it could carry thirty men or so. Like the carrack in front of the dockmaster it was being loaded with cargoes, though the boxes seems to be smaller. Perhaps something more valuable? It has a well-made figurehead of a gorgeous looking, almost lifelike Okamimi on the head. Probably a magical product, as it would be expensive to make a statue like that without magic.*

*A funny-looking moustached man wearing a deformed brimmed hat is sitting on one of the barrel barking orders at the dock workers near the carave.*
Eric
Lilium looked towards the direction he pointed at, staring in awe at the Okamimi figurehead on the head. It was rather intruiging for Lilium. The figure seemed as if it was `alive` to a certain extent. She'd soon snap out of her daze as she llooked back to the man. 

" A-ah, thank you! " She appeared oblivious to the fact that the dockmaster was in fact ogling at them. She'd dip her head formally, thanking the man once more before walking towards the small caravel. 

*It'll set sail in two or four hours huh.. This'll be a long voyage..* 

Upon walking closer to the small caravel, she'd notice the funny-looking moustached man who was wearing a deformed brimmed hat giving orders as he sat on one of the barrels. Judging from how he was barking orders.. Lilium deduced that he was Captain William Hemworth. She'd approach the man.

" I p-presume you're Captain William Hemworth..? " She stuttered, asking.
Jodi
*The Captain stood up and turned toward Lilium. Like the dockmaster he was stunned by the beauty of the two passengers to be. But he didn't spend as much time ogling.*

"Yes, I am Captain William Hemworth, are you a passenger onboard the ship? I've sold a few tickets for this journey, and three of them have boarded my ship already."
Eric
" A-ah. Yes. We're agents of the New Sunlight. H-here's our ticket! " She replied before nervously presenting the two tickets for `The Fair Maiden.` 

" Are we allowed to board now..? " She asked, meekly.
Jerry
*Normally, someone staring at her in such a way would only cause discomfort and slight irritation. But the prospect of a filthy Macen even thinking such thoughts about her...

It was worse than disgust.

Not since the massacre of her village did she feel the urge to cut down a Macen so badly. The lecherous gaze of the man almost had her shaking with rage. It was only due to the grace of her calming aura did she manage to keep her emotions in check.*

"You trash." *Yumiko growled, waiting till Lilium left the premises before she spoke out her thoughts.*

*She reached out and summoned Hasimoto into her hand, hand hovering dangerously close to the blade as she glared at him with murderous intent.*

"Listen to an elder's advice; keep your eyes to yourself, lest you lose them."

*The fact that Oriates and Elves having deceiving looks was quite known after all. While she was younger than him, it would be pretty hard to tell. Hopefully a reminder of one of his Empire's principles would keep the man's eyes off of them— if not, her blade would serve just as well. 

Yumiko strapped her sword to her belt alongside her other blades, storming off to join Lilium.*
Jodi
**Next to the Fair Maiden**
*The Captain took the tickets and examined them. They were authentically stamped and signed with his own signature, so he could be sure it is a real one. Signed by the dockmaster as a guaranteer and some clerk of the local town hall too.*

"Yes, you are allowed to board now. I presume- What the fuck?"

*The Captain's sight fell upon a highly intriguing scene behind him. It seems the girl's companion stayed behind to talk with the dockmaster... And then... Drew her sword, and then sheathed it. Shortly after she ran toward him, and then the dockmaster fell onto the seas.*

**Where the dockmaster was.**

*The dockmaster blinked nervously as the lady drew sword on him. Killing him would be illegal, but that doesn't mean he doesn't fear for his life right now. Panicking, he screamed.*

"That's illegal, he-" *As he retreated backward instinctively, he tripped over the edge of the pier and fell into the water head first. A dock worker laughed at the miserable dockmaster, before he offered his hand to help the struggling man. Looks like someone's cargo list is taking a dip in saltwater because of this. Thanks to Yumiko's action, the city's GDP is probably reduced by some miniscule nanopercent.*

**Back at the Maiden**

*The Captain straightened himself and saluted Yumiko awkwardly, and then started machine-gunning his words out,*"Yes Hello Missus, are you here for the ship too? The cabin's below the deck, you two will be sleeping on a special guest room at the back with four beds - don't worry, the other two passengers are both females. Welcome onboard the Fair Maiden and I wish you a safe and fast journey."

*Wow, he could probably get a job at a modern airline or something.*
Eric
Lilium would look back at Yumiko upon hearing the Captain uttering crude words. She turned back, only to see the dockmaster dropping in the sea. 

" Ah.. The weather is hot after all.. " She mumbled, somehow convincing herself that the dockmaster willingly went into the seas to cool. 

She then turned around to look back at The Captain, " Ah. Of course, I don't mind. " She smiled. 

" Shall we head up, Yumiko? " She looked towards her companion which had now reached to her side as she asked.
Jerry
*Yumiko gave a assuring nod. In her awful mood, that was probably the most polite thing she could do right now. She didn't want to offend the captain of her own vessel after all. Spending an entire day on water...*

*Ah.. This was going to be a bad day wasn't it?*

"Yes." *She answered Lilium, taking a brief moment to stare inquisitively at the Okamimi flag. Yumiko wasn't sure if that was racist or not— then again, she herself was a racist, so it would be rather hypocritical of her to call them out for it.*

*Yumiko chalked it up to the design being aesthetically pleasant. She made her way onto the ship, immediately going to her cabin below deck. She was not going to enjoy this.*
Eric
Lilium would notice Yumiko being in a rather unpleasant mood, not knowing the reason why. 

*..She was fine a few moments ago though.. What happened..?* She thought to herself as she followed Yumiko up the ship. Lilium would head to the cabin below deck as well, heading towards the guest room stationed at the back. She'd open the door to it, noticing the prementioned four beds.
Jodi
*Once she boarded the ship, which smelled faintly of spices and onions, they would notice that the cargo hold was remarkably devoid of fresh water, with only multiple strange-looking, almost standard 30 litres undersized barrel stocked all over. And they are empty, except for six of them, which was filled with pristine water.

Then the cabin's door was opened and they were greeted with the sight of two person on four somewhat decently-made bed. Actual bed, not hammocks. In fact, whomever made this special guest room was nice enough to make some sort of crude, hinged railings on the side of the four beds in the room, to prevent its occupants from being swung onto the deck. The beds were laid together by tightly with a small area for baggae, plus a cramped "Table" In the middle that were shared by all four beds. The bedding were made out of cheap linen and pillows.

Probably better than sleeping in the wild.

One of the person in the dorm was a gorgeous, curvaceous nine-tailed kitsune, in some sort of traditional shrine maiden costume, and thar she laid, on the bed, sprawled out on all four, snoring loudly. The other passenger was an Okamimi, literally buried into the neck of the kitsune and grabbing onto her tightly. She is also in a shrine maiden costume and her tail were poking out the wrong direction ungracefully from her dress. Both were gorgeous looking women, however.

Lilium could probably see that the two were very, very powerful mage, with their raw power just leaking out enough for her to see with elven magical vision.*
Carolyn
An Okamimi figurehead.

"Oh! It's been a while since I've seen one of those, truly."

The melodious voice would ring over the pier that led to where the _Fair Maiden_ was moored for final calls, directed at the poor dockmaster—who, unfortunately enough, was still likely recovering from his little _dip_ into the salty waters of the port. Were he to take a moment to look, he would find a strange individual, garbed in robes not far from the ones worn by a certain swordswoman who had... Ah, caused him to _stumble_ into a watery mishap some odd minutes ago. 

Jin sauntered up to the dockmaster and gave him a light, reassuring pat on the back, complete with a smile that could disarm even the most guarded of hired men. 

"A feisty group, for sure, no? Make sure to dry off—" He'd chuckle airily, before flowing smoothly past the stunned worker and stepping his way right up to the captain of the ship, who had likely just gotten through pointing the two ladies who had boarded before him to their quarters.

"Pardon the intrusion, captain! Apologies for my sudden arrival." Jin would bow his head slightly, the remarkably tall Kitsune (in disguise, of course!) shooting the captain a bright, welcoming smile. "I'm sure you weren't expecting another passenger, but I'm afraid there were some... Ah, _urgent_ matters to attend to."

It was at this point that the robed man would shift the little shadow clipped to his belt forward—revealing it to be the unmistakable helmet of a member of the Dragon Express.

"I'm fine with staying on deck for the journey—I trust that it won't be too much of a problem?"

Jin spoke with the eloquence and the experience of both a hard-pressing merchant and a regal prince; truly, one who knew how to make things go his way.

At least, most of the time.
Eric
Lilium laid her eyes on the two as the overpowering power of theirs leaked out of their body. She took a step back instinctively as her eyes widened in both awe and shock. The overpowering mana of theirs could be felt as well. It was immense in volume, it was the first time Lilium had laid eyes on two of such powerful mages. Even back in the Silnari Empire, where High Elves who were master mages roamed about, this was **Extremely** Rare.

" *T-two m-mages of such high calibre.. H-how is this even possible..?!* " Mouth agape, she muttered, stuttering more than usual as she felt completely overwhelmed. 

She gripped her stave firmly as her eyes didn't leave the two. 

*A Kitsune.. One with nine tails at that..! I've heard that the number of tails a Kitsune often represents the strength of the Kitsune.. And the maximum amount of tails they could have was nine.. So basically, she's one of the strongest Kitsune out there...* 

Lilium knew of Kitsunes as well. From what she had studied, she knew of Kitsunes as a race that were masters in the arcane as well. High Elves and Kitsunes were often compared against each other as both races were full of mages. She had met Kitsunes in the past from her travels and ventures. Though, this was Lilium's first time laying eyes on a fully-tailed Kitsune. Most of the Kitsune she had met in the past were merely 1-4 tailed.

Lilium was too captivated by the powers and amount of tails they possess and failed to notice that they were asleep.
Jerry
"Eh..?"

*Oriates? In this part of the world? In this part of the ship? Sleeping soundly, cuddling together? From the looks of it—*

"Nine tails..." *Yumiko murmured, eyes widened and mouth slightly agape. She wasn't sure whether or not to make some sort of respectful gesture. Should she prostrate herself? Should she shower her with gifts? Thousand moons, she wasn't sure whether she should even stay in this room. It was very strange to see someone who she'd have considered a deity just a few months ago, though she learned since.*

*Still, that didn't change the fact that the woman was most likely a mage of high calibre, and it seemed like her companion saw it that way as well. Yumiko's ears drooped down in a sort of submissive way as she backed off slightly, feeling inadequate in their presence.*

"S-Should we be staying with them? We didn't mistake this cabin with like... A localized temple or something right?" *Yumiko said, looking over at Lilium.*

*The shrine maiden dress brought with it fond and painful memories of her own matriarch. It was something she wore often herself, though her own dress was sadly lost to the flames when her village was invaded.*
Eric
As she heard Yumiko asking her a question, Lilium would snap out of her daze. 

" R-right.. " She mumbled before looking around the room. The room was decently furnished with reasonably made beds and crude railings on the side of each bed. It was made with consideration, but the beds weren't exactly of *High class*. In fact, the bedding were made out of cheap linen and pillows—. 

" P-perhaps they're the ones in the wrong room..? I mean.. Powerful mages such as themselves surely won't be staying in such a... Otherwise, *Normal* Place.. " She murmured.
Jodi
*As the confident looking Jin approached him, the dock master would be busy patting himself dry to no avail, with his linen clothes soaked in sea water. In fact, as he was patted on the back he was planning to run away to strip and get a much needed change of clothes. And after that pat, he gave a lazy, hurried response* 

"Ah Oui." *And then he faded away. Oui? That's definitely not the Silnari Standard, probably some regional language common in Salvainia.*

*The worker walked over to another group of dock workers, who seems to be laughing at the expense of the salted dockmaster and chatted with eachother.*

"Ah. You are here for a journey too? I still have a few spare hammocks. Now if you were to sleep on the deck, that is going to be a slight issue - if you were thrown overboard I would feel responsible for your life and it would not do. Let's offer you a discount deal - 4 silver for the trip to Garlic Port, with three meals of bread, meat and 5 gallons of beer included. Fair enough?"

*The captain offered to the strange looking kitsune. For the services he provided the price was probably just right. Three day worth of journey for sure, but who is to say travel was chewap?*

*In the meantime, the two absurdly powerful passengers in the cabin seemed to be paying zero heeds to the newest two intruder into their domain. They were still snuggling into eachother carelessly, accidentally exposing part of their body and snoring lightly. It was anything but graceful or deity like. An utter contrast with their actual power.

Perhaps that is the freedom that come with being powerful, the ability to act like an unemployed bum while dressed in the finest clothes possible and being an archmage. Such is the goal many people should strive for in life.*

*The two could probably just sit down and chat with eachother, and perhaps the newcomer too. It seems the ship is going to finish loading soon, as the Captain's voice could be heard from above.*

"Get that last bag of spices loaded! The wind's blowing out of the harbour, we set sail now! If you miss it you're rowing the ship out!"
Carolyn
"Oh?" Jin would grin approvingly, a raised brow accompanying the confidence that played around the corners of his pale lips. "Perfect." He'd nod slyly, hefting his pack onto a more comfortable position on his back. Taking a moment to reach into the depths of his robes, the captain would hear the ever-familiar clink of oh-so-valuable coins: then the strange courier would finally reach out towards him.

"Here, captain." Jin would nod respectfully, dropping the hefty handful into the other man's presumably expectant hand—

... _Five_ silver.

"A token for your thoughtfulness." Would come the disguised kitsune's mysterious whisper, as he slinked silently past the captain and up onto the ship's main deck. An odd character, he was, but at least he paid well; just as he should, for he walked in his guild's name. 

"I'll be on the deck, for the moment—do call if you need help with anything."

Then he was gone.
Jerry
"...I'm unsure. Most kitsunes I've known are very... Let us say 'carefree'. It's not a stretch to see them in a place like this." *Yumiko explained to Lilium. The whimsical nature of immortal vixens were not surprising to Yumiko in the least— it honestly just depended on how that whimsy was expressed.*

"Right, suddenly above deck seems appealing." *The kemonomimi muttered to herself.* "I say we put our stuff down and leave them to their nap."

*She strode over and began taking off various things, starting from her bag and working her way down to her armour. Her protections, while useful, weren't the best in keeping her comfortable.*

*By now, she had stripped down to just her oriental dress and her sword belt. Yumiko kept the rest of her inventory shoved collectively into the corner of the room, where it would stay until she got back later.*

*Yumiko made her way up onto the deck of the ship, trying her best to keep a serene state of mind above the sickening swaying waters.*
Eric
" A-ah.. It seems like the ship will be departing soon.. " She looked upwards, hearing the faint shouts of the Captain shouting of `setting sail now`. 

" ..I suppose so.. " Lilium heeded Yumiko's proposal as she headed into the cabin, putting down her large shield onto the floor such that it leaned on the bed she had chosen. She'd still carry around her stave. After all, it is used for spellcasting and if met by some unforeseen circumstances, she needs to be prepared.

She'd then look to Yumiko, " Let's go up, shall we? " She smiled as she proceeded back to the exit of the room.
Jodi
*The captain took the coin as a matter of fact. He doesn't seems to be very excited or grateful for this, it was just a matter of business for the him. He blinked when he counted and saw five silver.*

"Sir, this is-."

*It seems it was a tips of some sort, and he wasn't going to complain about it.

Soon afterward he jumped onto the ship as the last bit of cargo was loaded. Frantic shouting and orders started to overtake the deck, and the sailors unfurled the ship's lateen sails, and it started to move slowly out of the harbour.*
Jerry
*Step.. Step.. Step..*

*The sound of her boots clacking against wood resounded as the displeased Yumiko arrived up onto the deck of the ship. The salty smell of the sea had it's own merits. She could enjoy the ocean as it was. Her Aunt Sol described it as a beautiful expanse of many mysteries, with levels reaching far down...*

*Perhaps they'd meet merfolk on the way? Yumiko had only seen a few on land.*

*Yumiko looked over towards Lilium and gave her a small smile. Despite all the bad things about this voyage, at least she wouldn't be bored during the trip.*

"You come from Silnaria, the nation of the elves, I presume? I've heard of their unique beauty. Elven craftsmanship and architecture is known to be rather elegant—" *She gestured over to Lilium's staff.* "And your magicians are some of the best in the world. What was it like growing up there?"
Eric
As the ship departed, the ship would begin to sway slightly. Lilium didn't mind the mild swaying of the ship, it wasn't the first time Lilium was travelling via ship. She followed Yumiko up, maintaining her balance perfectly. 

Hearing her inquiry she begin to reply, " Indeed.. Life there was.. " She trailed off. `Torturous? Agonizing? Insufferable?` 

Lilium could only think of the negative side of the Elven Kingdom. Since young, Lilium was bullied by the other Elven children, mainly due to her lilac coloured hair which had caused her great sorrow. Due to her purple coloured hair, they had suspected Lilium's mother for cheating on her father. Her parents both possessed pure white hair and having a child with a completely different coloured hair was simply.. Abnormal. She still loved her Kingdom, as any other Elf would but.. Her life there wasn't as enjoyable as the rest of the Elves.

*Daughter of a slut! Your mother cheated on your father, what a whore!* 

Lilium would remember what the other children used to say as they threw pebbles and stones at her.. As she bled and wept but no one cared. 

" ..The education there was superb. " She continued. 

" Wise magicians and profound professors.. Extremely knowledgeable about the world and naturally, magic. " She forced a smile. She spoke nothing but the truth and omitted the bad parts of her race. 

*Despite being so wise... Why does the Slavery system still exist..?* 

She questioned herself once more. She had this question many times while she was studying but every time she had thought of it, she simply shrugged it off.
Carolyn
Jin would let out a soft _yawn_ as he stood near the the ship's fore, leaning on the barebones railing that prevented him from being launched into the ocean's ever-hungry waters. It felt like he had been on a ship just like this one only hours before...

Oh, wait. He _had_ been on a ship just hours before.

"Work's a cruel mistress, isn't it?" The guised kitsune would sigh to himself, gazing longingly into the deep blue that surrounded their vessel. All for the pay—all for the pay. And he had _just_ casually dropped five silver too, tsk: it would be worth it for the _leverage_, anyway. 

Trying his best not to stand out _too_ much—a feat that wouldn't be too hard, thanks to his innate aptitude for just being... Ignored—Jin would hum along to an inaudible rhythm, listening in to the hushed bustle of conversation that rose above the gentle waves: silently resisting the terrible temptation to just splay his tails and feel the roaring winds glide through his fur. He would cradle his guild's helmet in the crook of his loosely robed arm: the red being of stark contrast to the sea's distinct emptiness.
Jerry
*Yumiko listened to the words of the girl attentively, keeping her eyes upon the horizon while the words came. Her ears twitched just the slightest bit— she wasn't sure what it was, but something from the girl's voice indicated an underlying story. She could be wrong however, and Lilium really did think that Silnaria was all those things. But from her stance against slavery, one couldn't help but wonder, especially when the entire nation was practicing it.*

"Sounds like a nice place." *She answered finally, deciding not to pry into whatever the girl was hiding. They had only known each other for a day, so it wasn't needed to learn about each other such a personal level yet.*

*Wooosh... Wooosh...*

*As the ship rocked against the waves, Yumiko couldn't help but feel a measure of fear. Fear that she'd be swallowed up in the seas by the waves. Fear that pirates would mount the deck and sink their ship. The water consuming her, stranding her—*

*...But that was probably just her paranoia acting up. The pirates thing was likely, though they'd find an unpleasant surprise in the form of a powerful kitsune.*

"My.. My home." *Yumiko started, trying to distract herself from the silly thoughts.* "It was a village. We were surrounded by a lot of natural woodland. Oriate architecture is just one of a kind as well... Most of our houses were made of wood. Only the Grand Shrine had the luxury of stone walls and foundations."

"We also had tutors and wise sages. The ones who taught me the most was my Uncle and Aunt, who raised me in the place of my real parents. They taught me about duty, honour, and discipline among other things."

*These were memories of the past. Home.*

"It wasn't just majestic fairy tales though. We had some very bad parts too. Parts that I personally did not agree with.. Every settlement, land and nation, does." *She glanced over now at Lilium, giving her a small frown.*

"So uhm, it's fine if you don't have a high opinion of it, even if it's home. Contrary to belief, home can be bad too. Or, to most, it can be both good and bad. So you don't have to feel bad or anything if you have a problem with it."
Eric
" ..I see. " Lilium replied, slightly shocked upon hearing Yumiko's statement. It was as if the Oriate had seen through Lilium's facade. 

*..Home can be bad too, huh?*

Yumiko's words resounded in her head. Lilium truly detested the Slavery system which her home had. Perhaps it was due to her empathising to some extent with what they were going through—. Getting injured and screaming as the others close off their ears as soon as they hear you yelping for help.. Treated as a mere tool for others personal pleasure and delight.. The slaves had it much worse than Lilium, hence Lilium felt sympathy towards them and wished to free them. 

The Silnari race in general isn't as bad though. Graceful, elegant, beautiful— these words were often used to describe the Silnari race and they did live up to their name. Most of them showed compassion, especially the species of Elves. The other Elves often show hatred when meeting a High Elf but somehow, Lilium had managed to befriend a few of them. And now, they were valuable friends. 

Lilium smiled as she inched closer to Yumiko, looking out towards the sea.

" ..How pristine.. " She'd make a short comment as she looked to the peaceful waters.
Albert
```yaml
As the boat calmly rocked along the seas, the waves lapped gently against the hull. However, there was a sudden dark silhouette that lurked beneath the waters visible to Lilium and Yumiko; the dark shadow growing notably bigger as it neared the surface.```
Eric
Lilium, enjoying the scenery would notice the dark silhouette from the corner of her eye. The first thing she thought of was—

*A sea monster..?! The shadow is growing bigger.. Is it planning to attack the ship..?!* 

Alarmed, she quickly pointed her stave towards the looming shadow. The stave's tip would glow yellow with energy.. 

" ..Show yourself! " She demanded. If the creature below was indeed a species possessing intelligence, she hoped for it to reply instead of attacking the ship.. If the shadow came any closer to the ship, Lilium would have no choice but to kill it.
Albert
From beneath the surface, the sharp amethyst-purple eyes of the treton would tilt his head upwards upon hearing a muffled voice from the above. Beyond the blurry waters he could spot a yellow light glowing brighter. A mana source, along with the yelling—inevitably a sign of hostility. He'd gently puff breath through his nostrils, creating light bubbles that brushed past his face and along with the steady current.

*Triton* Didn't intend to come towards the surface and was much more of a passer-by. However, curiosity did tend to get the better of him. Passing ships, unique characters on board. It was a pleasant exchange than being submerged underwater for eternity. *He'd appreciate a bit of fresh air once in a while.* The brute knew that disappearing from sight would defeat his initial goal and possibly stir a possible attack, hence he would rise to the surface.

Triton's pale body rose first, along with the gliding of his ghostly-black tail that streamlined his body in a beautiful formation. Wrapped diagonally across his large torso was layers of kelp, supporting and strapping what seems to be a traditionally-crafted spear of wood and bones attached to his back, through it did brush against his sharp hackles. His dorsal fins gave a light wave as the currents were sliced from their sharp erectness. His fluke gave a light pat against the water surface as he displayed himself to Lilium. His black sclera contrasted against his glowing purple pupils in the form of cat slits, giving him an almost scary look if it weren't for the calm expression on his well-structured face. His appearance and body language enough should show that he meant no harm to the individuals on board. As the boat flowed steadily, so did he swim slowly to match with the pace.
Eric
As Triton's pale body rose, Lilium, presuming that he was a human was shocked to see a Macen in the middle of the seas. It was till a few seconds later that she saw the ominous looking tail he possessed. She quickly analysed the man, judging his body posture and facial expressions. She'd heave a sigh of relief upon realising that the man meant no harm. 

" ..Ah. A M'lysta? " She questioned the man as she lowered her stave. The yellow energy on her stave slowly dissipated as well. 

Lilium was rather knowledgeable about the world. She had studied about all the races back when she was under the tutor of the wise Elven professors. She knew of the existence of M'lysta, and in her roughly twenty years of travelling, she had seen a few, albeit rare. 

" ..More specifically, a Treton, yes? " She continued. She judged his race based on his visual appearance. The M'lysta race consisted of mainly two subspecies, the Treton who were also known as Merfolks and the Uzhi who were known as the slime people. The man clearl belonged to the former. Upon closer observation, she'd notice that the man was carrying around a rather crude spear. The spear clearly wasn't crafted by a professional— it's a surprise that it's still intact even after facing great water pressures at where presumably the Treton race normally dwells.
Albert
Triton would observe Lilium's look of surprise and watch as her face exhibited honest relief at his docile body language. The sturdy male would dip his head low as an apologetic gesture, keeping his expressions poker-faced and still. *".. I apologize for my sudden appearance and for scaring you."* He'd speak, fluctuating a deep voice that holds a masculine charm in it. His tone was remarkably gentle as well, fit for a singer. 

As Lilium continued, Triton would nod in response, flowing against the gentle currents to meet with the ship's steady pace. He had no difficulty swimming on the surface. "Indeed." He spoke once more, confirming her theory.
Eric
" A-ah, it's fine. " She started growing shy upon realising that she was talking to a sentient species. Lilium didn't do well with strangers, no matter their race. It'd be a lie to say that Lilium wasn't intimidated by the man's appearance. 

She simply nodded in return upon hearing that her theory was correct. If she got it wrong, it'll be embarrassing. After all, she had spent roughly two decades studying about the world with well-educated professors and other Elves. 

" S-so, what are you doing here..? " She started again, stuttering a little as she asked the man. Her lilac eyes would meet his as she asked. She attempted to maintain eye contact as it is basic courtesy to do so.
Albert
The shyness and insecurity was practically radiating off the small elf. There were so many species Triton had heard and some he had personally encountered. The most common he had seen were macen. Every land in the Normal Dimension was vast and vague to him. He was more accustomed to the openness of The Arcane Seas where he had been born.

Distancing from his thoughts, Triton would fix his purple optics back on Lilium. So far, he had observed that Lilium was a switch between fear and bravery. However, it was on different aspects—she was brave enough to challenge an unforeseeable trespasser, but frail when it comes to social interactions. He heard stories about Silnari, praised for their nimble figures and graceful presentation. They worshipped their own deities and Gods and are much different from the other races. 

Snapping back to reality, the Treton still kept a cool expression. *"Passing by."* He'd respond, "..Might I ask where you and your group are headed?" His voice was brooding.