[Belrea] Meeting on the Docks (Ephrym x Chrysanthe)

[Sabra Knight]

"Ahoy!"

The cry rang out over the gathering mass of Gaeins below. Sailors swarmed the decks, clambering to be the first to see the shoreline of home. Above them a rougish boy lazed in the crows nest, enjoying the view of the ocean waves as they crashed against the bow of the ship. While it was indeed good to be home after their nearly month long excursion up the coast of Belrea the boy was in no rush to leave the view. It would be a shame after all to go down there where so many people were too busy jumping over one another and not enjoying the serenity of the ocean breeze.

But as they finally docked Ephrym knew his time was up and so he scurried down from his post to fund the first mate. After all would be a shame to work for so long and then lose his pay! He was just thankful that he didn't have to do the majority of the unloading like all the bigger blokes.

(Ephrym 1)  

[Sabra Knight]

Walking along the docks Chrysanthe couldn't help but to notice the excitement of a ship coming into dock. Finding some amusement and even more interest as she rarely ever saw an ocean ship docking like this the hybrid girl actually slowed her steps to enjoy the scene for a moment.

She had been sent here to get fresh ingredients for the cafe but she didn't realize the ship carrying the goods would be so...big? Or extravagant? It seemed everything in Belrea was rather fancy. Then again why should that surprise her when they already had ships that could fly?

As the crowds pressed forward to greet sailors she found herself shoved to the side and caught by a pair of arms...

(Chrys 1)  

[Sabra Knight]

Once Ephrym pocketed the bag of coins from the first mate he had planned on heading home. However it seemed fate had other plans as a lovely figure landed into his arms. Something which he definitely would not complain about. Had he caught a ray of sunshine? Never before had he seen such a golden person and he took a good long moment to study her before finally offering a greeting, "You know last time I checked it's pretty dangerous to stumble on the docks...are you alright?" Noticing her flush he couldn't help grinning a bit as he stepped back and allowed her to get her footing.

She was fortunate though since most of the crowd as dissipating from the docks as many either had already boarded the ship or grabbed whatever or whoever they needed and had left back towards the streets.

(Ephrym 2)  

[Sabra Knight]

"I'm fine."

Honestly though perhaps not as this was embarrassing for the girl. Chrysanthe hated when she was saved by anyone and especially hated when it was a man like this. Always so charming and handsome with their grins...she never trusted any of it. So once she freed herself from his arms the girl made certain to take a few steps back to truly assess the situation. Was he from the boat? Maybe he would know who to ask about those spices...

Did she really have to linger around him though? He was studying her so intently it made the back of her neck warm. But now that she noticed she realized that he was also different. Another hybrid? Not that it made his starring any better but she could at least show a bit more tolerance to his actions considering how she also took the time to study him.

(Chrys 2)  

[Sabra Knight]

A patient man could quietly stand still while waiting for an answer. But of course Ephrym was far from the patient type so rather than giving the strange girl a chance to collect her thoughts he was already taking a step after her, "Honestly though...are you needing help or anything? You seem a bit lost." He grinned and then took a moment before seeming to realize something, "Ah! If it's because you're too shy to ask my name then I'll tell you. I'm Ephrym and I'm pretty familiar with this area so if you need a guide I'll gladly volunteer." After all who wouldn't want to help out such a pretty girl? He also was curious about where she came from...if from the new lands what was it like? Why did she come all the way to Belrea? Was she single? Did she enjoy dates? As he waited for her to respond so many questions bubbled beneath the surface that it was truly straining what tidbit of patience he had.

(Ephrym 3)  

[Sabra Knight]

"Do I?" Quipped back Chrys finally with a slight frown, "I would like to assume that I'm not completely at a loss. These are ships and this is the ocean and I'm standing on the docks. I'm here for spices that came from the northern mountains, carried by carts and then transported by ships down the coast." The hybrid girl tapped her fingers against her hip thoughtfully, "If you're so desperate to help me then just let me know who I need to speak with for the spices a cafe has ordered. This ship was supposed to bring turn and surely any organized crew would have something labeled for ordered goods." It was a simple enough request that did not require him to stay with her. At least she hoped it was simple enough and that her curt response with little eagerness to enjoy Ephyrm's presence would hurry him away.

(Chrys 3)  

[Sabra Knight]

Ooooh a sassy one. Perhaps he had been mistake in thinking this girl was like one of those yellow flowers or a ray of sunshine. She was far too tough for that! It was more like he had tried to look directly at the sun and it had burned him for his folly. He would have shared such poetics thoughts with her but doubted sure would much appreciate them. Still Ephrym was not one to be easily swayed. If anything her desire to dismiss him made things even more entertaining as he could prove to be quite stubborn indeed.


"I suppose I could help you out but we'd need a name for the cargo and for the lady picking it up." He replied with a small smile, "And not many people typically walk on to the shop without being on crew. If you're in a hurry to pick up these spices then you should accompany me back towards the ship. If you'd rather wait I can keep you company while they unload the cargo~" Would be a shame to leave her alone out here. What if some stranger tried to bother her while she waited? He already had claimed that role...

(Ephrym 4)  

[Sabra Knight]

So it appeared that she was fighting against a stubborn a**. A very cute if not annoyingly witty one but stubborn all the less. If she went against him then she would be stuck out here longer with him or someone else. She had come here with the intentions of leaving before late afternoon so she could get back before closing and have time to herself this evening. To do that would mean working with this guy... Chrysanthe couldn't help sighing under her breath before finally relenting, "It's for Trivia Cafe and Chrys is the one picking it up."

She gestured towards the ship, "If you're willing to escort me then I suppose I would rather find my goods now. It's not a big carton so I should be able to carry it. No need to wait on them to unload and move it across town for me." Thankfully the cafe had only needed some spices this time and not some huge order of fish or crops. She couldn't even imagine how she'd fare with the hassle of ordering a cart and getting all that back to the shop.

(Chrys 4)  

[Sabra Knight]

Success! Ephrym couldn't help but to grin victoriously as he got the girl's name. Chrys seemed like it would be short for something, if not her parents must have enjoyed short boyish named. None the less it only added to her charm.

Maybe he had been out at sea too long for this to be something exciting. Ephrym almost chuckled at the thought before regaining his composure and motioning towards the loading ramp, "I'll gladly escort you, Chrys. Just come this way and we'll cut around those who are unloading to grab your packages." As he spoke he started leading the way up the ramp. If he recalled it correctly then the smaller cargo would be on the left towards the upper decks.

(Ephrym 5)  

[Sabra Knight]

Frowning Chrysanthe followed Ephrym up the loading ramp. Admittedly this was the first time ever being on any such craft and for a moment her stomach did entertain her with a queasy flip as waves rocked them back and forth. She almost dared to reach out and grab the other hybrid for support but pride instantly made her pulled her hands back around her waist instead. She could do this, it wasn't even as if they were out at sea...the boat was just in the docks gently swaying here and there. What didn't help was when other vessels moved around the port causing the ocean to rise beneath them. Swallowing Chrys only glanced down once more before scurrying after Ephrym.

As they climbed higher and passed other cargo areas she had to question her leader, "How many areas do we need to pass up? I've already noticed a few spots full of cargo." At this point Chrys wasn already agitated by the ocean rocking the boat and getting frustrated and hungry. So if he dared to try anything she had a bolt with his name on it!

(Chrys 5)  

[Sabra Knight]

Ephrym paused at the question, "The areas you passed are for the larger less delicate cargo. The more delicate and smaller bundles are kept on the upper decks away from the holds." Noticing the dangerous gleam in her eyes the boy quickly held up his hands in defense, "I promise it's not that much further. If anything I would have taken you to another area of the ship and not one so open if I wanted to mess around."

He paused a moment more before adding, "And don't worry. Even though you are super pretty I'm not a fool. I'd rather treat you to a nice dinner or something than do something trashy. Rather than upset you and lose my place I'd prefer to get to work on this ship again. It pays well but doesn't take fondly to miscreants like that. If you're wanting to get to know me better then a cup of coffee would be nice but you know... We should get your packages first." Winking towards the girl he turned away again before crossing the final steps to the upper decks.

(Ephrym 6)  

[Sabra Knight]

She couldn't tell if she felt foolish or infuriated. For that matter she didn't even know if she should be flattered by the compliment! Pursing her lips in a pout Chrysanthe just followed Ephrym the rest of the way to the upper deck. Like she was someone to go on dates anyways! She had never...okay well someone did manage to treat her to lunch before but that wasn't a date. Right? A flush burned across her cheeks and the hybrid quickly shooed away the thought. Nope, nope!

Her mind stumbled to a halt as she climbed the final set of stairs and stood on the rear deck of the ship. It was slightly elevated above the lower decks where the ramp had started them but it made a difference. From here she could really see how the ocean gleamed beyond the bay. The taste of salt in the air reminded her that she was indeed by the ocean and the amber rays of sun bathed the deck in golden brown hues.

It was beautiful.

"So my package is up here?" She finally managed, her voice softened by her awe of the majestic view.

(Chrys 6)  

[Sabra Knight]

“Sure is.” Ephrym grinned as he noted the hybrid’s awe of the scenery. It did tend to quell any angry spirit and it seemed the minx was calming down just a tad bit. At least he could take the time to actually prove he was a good sort not some sleaze looking to hit on girls who walked into the docks, “Take your time looking around - I’ll go ask and see if I can find your package for Trivia Cafe.”

(Ephrym 7)  

[Sabra Knight]

Nodding, Chrys simply watched as Ephrym disappeared around some crates. If she strained and stood on the tips of her toes she could see him talking with some other men so that somewhat eased her mind. If he was some sort of theif or something else she doubted he would be so friendly with the crew. As she waited Chrys decided to glance about the place. It was kinda similar to the airships though there wasn’t any giant balloon thing above them to help the ship float. Nor did she see the safety precautions that the airships held, but then again it was far safer to fall into the sea than into the air…

(Chrys 7)  

[Sabra Knight]

“Thanks, mate!” Ephrym smacked at the other sailor’s back, “You saved me so much diggin’!” As usual he took on a bit of the coastal accent that he was so fond of using when conversing with the other rogues who lived in the seas. The older men on the ship made fun of him constantly but he had eventually wormed his way into their hearts during their several weeks at sea. Even now he had plenty of help to find the box for Chrysanthe and it was only a few minutes later that he returned to present it to her, “Looking for this?”

(Ephrym cool