#wheiskaet

-1558 of the Sixth Astral Era, Fourteen years before the fall of Dalmund, The Rhatano Sea-

"Pick back up your sword boy! Or you'll be sleepin' in the Navigator's bossom tonight!"

The Miqo'te shook out his head as his as he came to, the back of his head stinging from where he'd stumbled into the mast. He tried to raise tail, but found it waterlogged and heavy. Around him, his fellow mercenaries clashed with Sahagin, as The Blowfish continued to sway on the choppy seas.

"U'odh," Wheiskaet called out again.

Looking up, the Tia watched as one of the beastmen shot forth from the water and came down towards him, claws out. He quickly pawed the deck for his sword then flinched, expecting it to make impact before he could save himself.

"Pssssssssssht," the creature spat, covering him in mucus sea water as a wet crack echoed in his ears.

Opening an eye, the young man found the enemy skewered through on a spear then shucked off. Looking down at him, the Thavnarian Miqo'te tossed her hair then readied her weapon. "Isn't it like a Tia to be taking a nap while everyone else is doing hard work," she teased, reaching down to help him up as he picked up his sword.

"Sorrry."

"Don't be sorry. Get your arse out there and get these bastards off the ship," the woman ordered before bouncing off to take on a second mob.

U'odh blushed then spat on the deck before, wiping the Sagahan mucus from his face. Sword at the ready, he joined the fray with a scream.

- - -

Gathered around a fire, the band of mercenaries drank deep and sang songs over their victory. Another trade route free from ambush, another bag of gil to be by divided up and spent in haste. Closer to the tents, U'odh hung back from the rowdy crowd in a borrowed tunic from one of the men, drowning in it as he drummed his tail to the beat of the music the group played.

Around the flames, the Seeker woman who saved him danced, Shamani following her and filling cups as he bounced to the music. U'odh folded his ears then looked away towards the ship before hearing more laughter and allowing his eyes to drift back up to the watch huntress.

"You're lookin' at the lass like you've never seen one before boy. Don't you come from a tribe of 'em," Wheiskaet asked from behind, large hand going to slap U'odh on the back, nearly toppling him over.

"Sorry, sirrr. My clan does have huntresses, but none like herrr," grumpily swishing his tail as his voice rolled.

"There you go with what purring. Don't play cards with anyone here, you'll be whipped for sure if you can't control it. And none of that `sir` business. This ain't no grand company."

U'odh shifted a bit on the crate, crossing his arms. "My elder brother and I got into a scrap when we werrre young. He knocked me out pretty good so I have trrouble letting go of some worrrds with my accent."

The Roe thought for a moment. "Didn't have a brother. Glad of it too the way everyone carries on about them. I prefer the family you choose," he replied safely, gesturing to the circle of mercs.

"Family is everything to the Clan of the Drake. In the desert, everyone must pitch in their share to keep the tribe thriving."

"Oh! So serious and broody," Wheiskaet laughed, "Well. If that's the case, you're a long way from the Sagoli. Going to drag back some of the Sagahan and boil 'em up?"

U'odh turned, ears folded and mouth agape with disbelief. "They'rrre people!"

The Roe chuckled, then gently tapped the Seeker's jaw shut. "It was a jest."

"Oh. Well, I'm here earrrning coin to send back," the Tia replied, ears sinking as he looked away embarrassed. Once more his eyes wandered to his savior, "Who is she? I didn't know she was even on the ship."

"L'lolamo? She has a habit of turning up when we need her. Apparently, blessed by light, if you believe such a thing. Says she was called to help us."

U'odh let his ear flick, brow raising as he turned to his companion. "The Viperrr tribe? A bit far from home isn't she? That's Thavnirrr if I'm not mistaken."

"Why the hells should I know? I'm not a bloody cat."

"We'rree not cats," U'odh hissed, before covering his mouth while the man laughed.

The Seeker dropped his ears and sulked a moment, drumming his heels on the crate, knocking sand off his soles as Wheiskaet moved on to join the others. U'odh was soon lost in thought, replaying the battle over in his head, noting where he went wrong and what he could have done better, what he learned beyond not standing with his back to the mast. Distracted, he didn't hear the warning call out to him as a chakram was flung his way.

"THAL'S BALLS," he screamed, tumbling backward off his seat into the sand, followed by a chorus of laughter.

Running over, L'lolamo retrieved her weapon then peeked over the barrel. "Are you all right?"

"Watch where you thrrrow those things! They'rrre not toys to be slung about! Clumsy fool," he huffed, regretting his words of frustration instantly as they left his mouth.

The Seeker woman puffed her cheeks out. "Well, you seem uninjured to me. Maybe you should pull down your shirt and put your own little toy away before you embarrass yourself further!"