Angel Blade II - Mark of Vorkera
Subarc: S&S Valkyrie Saga - Sweiza and Strife
—
The village of Doris was always a peaceful one. It is rather unremarkable with a population of about 200. It is a also a bit out of the way, some thirty to forty miles south of Maria Village. They are mostly known for fishing the nearby rivers. The only thing that sets it apart from other villages is it is the closest in Midgard to “The Yawning Gap”. Even then it is some fifty miles away. This wouldn’t be a big deal, but legend across the lands state life began in this region. But who are a group of bandits to question legend? They are merely after areas to raid - namely something out of the way with a less than adequate population that can’t sustain themselves.
Some of them don’t remember seeing the odd statue that is situated some distance from the village square and in the market place. But they rarely ventured to this area. It was one of the areas they raided on the first day and moved all of the food and valuables to another area, one that is what you might call more accessible. A few of the curious bandits would disappear in the vicinity of the statue. Their leader put a few on guard in that area to see what was going on. A few of the more intelligent ones investigated it. They too disappeared. One by one they were slowly picked off.
When the sentinel had first appeared, it had approached from above. It’s jets built into its wings allowed it to hover silently. This thing is enchanted, so it didn’t worry about what lies before it. For that matter, it was heavily shielded and had weapons built in throughout its body. However, to investigate the area, it had to blend in. It transformed into a bipedal form and took a stance with one hand holding a sword, and then another shielding its eyes as it looked up at the sun. However, what the bandits didn’t realize, is that this thing would slowly move its arms. Slow enough they wouldn’t notice. A few did notice and would eye the thing with bewilderment. Some kind of arrow would launch out of its hands. Once struck they would disappear. A small group of three of them managed to run some distance before they fell into the same dilemma; some kind of arror or spear through the head. A quarter of them had been picked off before there was some caution blown to the wind; the statue is to blame and they were to avoid it. By that point it was too late.
When it made its move, it didn’t worry about their weapons. At best their arrows and metal armaments bounced off. The Sentinel made quick work of them; either impaling them with a spear built into its arm, or shooting out a long arrow that would do the same. A few of them saw it fighting, they tried to flee. It managed to find them. In the dead of night, it somehow could see them. They didn’t know the Sentinel could see their heat signatures. The bandits finally dispersed, as did their leader. They fled the village. The village was back under control of Valhalla, momentarily. The Sentinel managed to track some of them up to ten miles away, at least one of them heading in the direction of the Valkyrie that had summoned it (the Sentinel). It was efficient in canvasing the area from a high altitude; it could see their heat signatures. The village was cleaned up after three days.
A call was made to Asgard Island, to its superiors. Its orders were to raze the village due to no survivors. There was some momentary delay. This is an unusual order. It is unknown why it was given. The order was pushed up the command chain until it reached Odin himself. Odin demanded the same thing. Perhaps the Valkyrie knew that is exactly what Odin would want. Either way the Sentinel had its orders. Be it via a sword that cut clean through wood, or a built in flame thrower, the mechanized machine made quick work of the village in under two hours.
It had one final order. To leave a flag of Valhalla and then a flag of Odin planted in the village square as a warning to anyone that would defy Midgard. Doris Village, at least where its remains now stand, is under the control of Lord Odin. Woe and wrath to anyone that would test his wisdom.
—
By this point they are walking through the bordering desert lands of Muspell. Desert shrubs are here and there. Strife would not say where they are going, but only that they were going to gather the materials to build an enchanted weapon that would defy Odin. Better still is the materials come from lands outside of Odin’s control. Sentinels do not come out this way, and Huginn and Munnin are normally busy in other areas of the world to keep an eye on them. What a fortunate occurrence! At least that is what Strife mentioned to Sweiza.
Sweiza’s attention is on the mirror that Strife is holding. She had asked her if it was the same ‘Scriving Mirror’ mentioned in her diary. Indeed it was. The reason simply being that Skuld would not be allowed to have it; there is a ban of enchanteds of anysort inside Valhalla unless okayed by Odin himself. She showed her (Skuld’s) name engraved in the side of it. Strife consideres it a keepsake from her friend. Sweiza agrees that it must be something special. Sweiza saw an opportunity to ask Strife about the pendant that could detect emotions and feelings,but Strife however, would not show her the strange pendant that could detect emotions and feelings; it was a story and item for another time.
What Sweiza did get to see, is the strange statue like creature through the Scriving Mirror. She remembers a dream about one of them. They communicated in an odd clanging language that sounded like a bird, but it sounded more shrill. Strife simply communicated in their own (Strife and Sweiza’s) native language. The Sentinel understood her. From what Sweiza gathered, the deed had been done and Doris Village was razed. It was now under the jurisdiction of Midgard. What a funny thing to do to a dead village, with no survivors. Why bother?
“To serve as a warning to future scum that might try such a thing.”
It took awhile for Sweiza to understand Strife was referring to Maria Village. Perhaps destroying Doris Village was a necessary evil afterall. Sweiza keeps that thought in mind, but wonders if there wasn’t another way. Regardless, they had a long journey ahead of them. Least of all not hampered by a certain little blue pest that kept begging to look along the path for beehives and honey.
At the current time, all Strife would mention is that they were traveling as far West as they could. Their journey would need to be done by private ship in order to get there. Thankfully Strife is considered an emissary of Midgard and would be able to negotiate her way, or so she hopes.
---
“Dear Journal,
Strife and I have struck out on our ‘journey’ as she likes to call it. We, rather ‘she’ has chartered a small private sloop. It is a funny name for a funny ship. It has a single mast and is built for only a few occupants. This one in particular, the Gigas Dura, or “Mighty Giant”, is in fact a private tourist ship that is also used for fishing. Strife has a way with negotiating. I can’t quite describe how she does it. But she has some spunk when it comes to Valhalla matters. More importantly, the owner of the ship, “Lukas”, specifically wanted Valhallan Brandy. Once again in recent memory, Strife arranged for it. This time, however, she used her “Scriving Mirror” to contact an emissary from Valhalla to make the arrangements and a proper shipment against something else in recent memory - “The Sterling Blue”.
Strife informs me we will be heading out towards Jotunher, “The Land of the Giants”. This particular area goes by many names. Jotunher, Jotunheim, Jotuna, Jotuner, Jotunheimer, Jotunmeir, Jotunymir, and then the more pleasant “Utgard”, but Strife tells me Utgard is in fact the capital of the continent. I heard ‘Ymir’ is in fact one of the original giants that helped create the world. Regardless, we will be sailing by sea to avoid having to deal with many of the inhabitants of Jotunher. I haven’t had much to do accept write or muse myself with Strife and Sprite. Strife informs me that Drakes (Dragons), Fenris Wolves, Leviathans (Sea Serpents), Rockworms (Earth Serpents), Trolls, Goblins in addition to Giants (Jotun) are all native to Jotunheim. The only thing we have to worry about is Leviathans, but it is unheard of for them to stray close to shore - which is precisely what we will be doing.
I had heard once that one sort of Leviathan is in fact the world serpent Jormungand that bites his own tail. However, when I asked her, Strife has informed me that Jormungand is just a species of Sea Serpent. Perhaps my friend Uma would know more on the matter.
Strife also assures me that the word ‘journal’ is more adult like; for that matter she insists diary is something that children use. Whatever. Even with my memory back, I still have reservations about the word ‘journal’. It is impersonal, it isn’t memory inspired, there is no sentimental value. It feels like a chronicle of events that is impassionate with no emotion. I hate it. I hate it as much as I was using the phrase ‘hugs and kisses’. It is not my desire to live as an entirely different person. That is to live a lie.
-Sweiza”
---
It is at another harbor in Southeastern Midgard that Strife negotiates with Lukas, the captain of a single masted ship known as the “Gigas Dura”. Valhallan Brandy is of course the bartering chip, which Lukas happily accepts. A single month’s supply will be plenty. Sweiza is not looking forward to sailing. She remembers being seasick for about half a day on the Sterling Blue. It wasn’t pleasant. She seems to be able to stomach the sea for now, but further in she hopes she doesn’t start throwing up. Sprite only snickers at her for her worries. Strife gives it no concern and casually lets Sweiza know that she clearly has too much time on her hands.
With too much time on her hands indeed, Sweiza willingly takes Strife’s mentorship. Unlike her future counterpart, the younger Strife willingly engages with and performs with Sweiza during her training. Multiple cuts, how to block and parry, how to perform thrusts, how to trip an opponent, force their weight against them and every other manuever that Strife is familiar with.
This goes on for a day until they reach an area with a very dense fog. Sweiza has heard of this area, but it takes Strife to inform her where they are. “The Yawning Gap”, an area where heat from Muspell mixes with the cold air from Niffleheim. This area is known for its aurora, storms, as well as dense fog and heavy rain. However, today it is just fog that lines the area.
At the rail of the ship, Sweiza shields her eyes from a non-existent sun; perhaps more to be able to line up her vision. Strife’s voice interrupts her.
“Ginnunagap, the Yawning Gap.”
Sweiza's eyes perk and she turns around. “I’ve heard of this place, ‘the Giggling Burp’, the heat from Muspell tickles the glaciers in Niffleheim and it belches it out as steam.”
A big smile crosses Sweiza’s face as her eyebrows perk up at Strife.
“Where ever did you here that nonsense?”
“It’s called a joke Strife.”
Strife casually walks up to Sweiza and pushes against the railing before looking into the abyss, “Vera, perhaps the joke is on you for believing in something so silly.”
Sweiza wrinklers her nose, then closes her eyes while puffing up her cheeks at her mentor. She deliberately ignores her (Strife) and walks off. Strife looks up in relief, this girl can be a handful.
---
—
Day two…
“Do it!”
Sprite bites down into Strife’s belt on loan from her.
Strife looks towards Sweiza. Sweiza looks away holding the knife. She raises it.
Sprite spits out the belt. “I’m the one that is supposed to close my eyes, not you!”
Sweiza turns back over. Strife has the belt back in his mouth. Sprite looks away, ready to brace himself for the pain.
Strife looks over at Sweiza. Sweiza’s eyes go back to Sprite whom is restrained by both hands by both of Strife’s hands. Sweiza’s own right hand is holding down his elongated tail. For safety and measure to avoid the poison barb or getting cut from it, her right hand has her armor’s gauntlet on.
“Okay Sprite, on the count of 1, 2…”
The knife cuts through his tail at a marked spot before the countdown Sprite is expecting. He looks up with an exasperated pain that shoots through his body.
The deed is done. His tail is normal length again. Tears fill his eyes and he strugges against his ‘would be’ tormenters. At this point in time his instincts attempt to cue in and he tries to sting them with his barbed tail. However it isn’t there.
The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
He lets out an angry cry.
Strife isn’t moved by the gesture; Sweiza simply looks away.
Their captain and ship owner Lukas finds the display odd. He had thought that Sprite were normally woodland creatures that avoided humans. Perhaps there is more to Valkyrie than he initially thought.
—-
“Oh come on Sprite! Come down! Please?!”
Sweiza waves her hands in frustration at him.
Again the Sprite stays towards the top of the mast. This display has gone on off and on for the last few hours. Each time Strife has kept an eye on her younger counterpart. The few times Sweiza makes an attempt to climb the rigging of the single mast, Strife continually grabs her by the shoulder or chastises her for not letting Sprite recuperate.
Sweiza argues initially that he is her friend, but Strife warns her that, “Even in friendship, sometimes things must be left alone. Friends do not always spend so much time together, no matter how much they may be bound at the hip. All good things come to an end at some point, so enjoy it while you can.”
Sweiza’s hands go to her hips and she storms off. Perhaps there will be something to do below deck.
—
There isn’t much to do on the ship. Sweiza whines about it. The first day was bad enough, but now her normal banter and playmate is gone. Strife’s eyebrows perk up and she suggests Sweiza should swab the deck. When asked what that means, Strife simply says it means to mop the deck. Sweiza grudgingly obliges on the grounds it might be fun to pretend to be a pirate.
Except Lukas doesn’t normally clean the deck unless he is in port. The reason being he is never out for more than a few weeks at a time.
Major bummer.
—
At one point Lukas lets Sweiza grab the steering wheel. It reminds her of the helm on the “Sterling Blue”. Unlike the view on the giant ocean ship, there is more to see than ocean. The shore line continually moves through their view. Sweiza beams, but the fun wears off after a few hours. Lukas simply stands there most of the time with his arms crossed. He appears to be deep in thought. Sweiza doesn’t ask what he is thinking about.
Lukas does disappear on a number of occasions. When she asks, he simply says that he is checking things on or below deck - either taking a tally of supplies, making sure things work, or checking to make sure nothing needs maintenance.
“It’s necessary on a ship this small without a crew. Not checking can have dire consequences.”
Sweiza simply nods blankly.
—
Strife continually meditates when she isn’t using her spyglass to check the horizon. Sweiza finds it annoying the woman can be so calm and composed without being bored.
—
On day three, Sweiza finally capitulates and takes to using a rag to clean the deck.
“Why are you doing that? It is a waste of time.” Lukas is quite gruff about it.
“Exactly.” Sweiza says it melancholic. This is getting worse by the day.
Sprite however, seems to be a bit more receptive about at least talking with Sweiza.
His tail hurts, that is to be expected. He won’t come down until the pain subsides.
—
“Dear Diary,
By day three, we have cleared “The Yawning Gap”. We follow along the shoreline in the Gigas Dura to avoid any unwanted sea serpents. I was hoping to see a Leviathan, but Strife tells me just the opposite, “I should not want to see one, they can make passage difficult if they get in thew way.”
I am told it is a three week journey to Jotunher. There is some kind of material or some legendary ‘whatnot’, that Strife wishes to acquire. Salmira put me in her graces, so I feel I don’t have much of a choice. I haven’t said anything about Salmira yet, but I do not know how Strife will take the news. There are still a few things I need to tell her, but I think I have a few days first.
I have been wanting to ask Lukas about how to track our position. I remember hearing about how to navigate by stars from the sailors aboard the “Sterling Blue”.
I had wanted to travel the world at some point, but I don’t think this is what I had in mind.
More to come as usual,
-Sweiza”
—
“Well Madam Serif, traditionally I use the shoreline for reason’s I’ve already said. Sea Serpents inhabit the area, but they are not known to come to the shore. I’ve seen maybe two and they tend to be skiddish towards ships this close to land.”
Lukas’s left hand is waving while he holds a knife in the other hand. Sweiza chose an odd time to ask him while he is cleaning fish.
“However, if you’d like, I’ll show you how to position any vessel in the sea.”
“That’s be great.” Sweiza’s voice turns a bit more exuberant and chipper at the idea of finally doing something ‘new’.
“There are a number of ways, so perhaps it will satiate that boredom and curiosity of yours.” Lukas simply nods at the thought, not waiting for Sweiza to respond. He is quickly back to cleaning fish.
Sweiza is about to say something, but Lukas interrupts her. “It’ll take me about an hour or two to have this cleaned. Dinner should also be ready in that time.”
—
It is towards evening and a lantern illuminates the bridge on the ship. In Sweiza’s mind the ‘shack’ is not much of a bridge. It has a small steering column for the helm, open windows on all sides (she hates the occasional mosquito), and then a table with several chairs. Sweiza assumes them to be shark jaws, but fish jaws line the walls where there are not shelves holding various knick knacks and fishing gear. Tools unknown to Sweiza also line the shelves. The floors are also lined with various supplies such as flour, wheat, sugar and the like. Lukas seems to be well prepared, as he has a small fishing stove.
Sweiza prefers it below deck, where it has two beds. “Curse Strife and insisting on sleeping together. But no, she gets the bed if I want the floor so badly. Why can’t we take turns?”
Sweiza’s train of thought is interrupted by Lukas.
What happens over the next two hours, much to the frustration of Lukas, the confusion of Sweiza and delighted amusement of Strife, is as follows:
How to figure out what is meant by ‘dead reckoning’; as simple as plotting course, speed and for how long and where there future position should be.
An LOP, or “Line of Position”, is used to determine a location. At least two are needed through the use of a spyglass or binoculars, but three are ideal to chart an accurate position.
A fix is three LOPs intersecting.
A divider for judging distance, a circular plotter with ruler to determine current heading and bearing in relation to north, and then an alternative tool with two rulers that must be placed in a specific way on a map and then aligned with a circular bearing and heading mark on the map.
The map of course was pretty self explanatory, but it has to be pretty straight on the table.
The compass and globe next to the instrument panel was Lukas’s preferred way of determining position.
Sweiza can not make heads or tails of a sextant. A series of mirrors, aiming it up at the sky, and then moving a lever to tell the position of a celestial object in relation to the horizon. Lukas explains a proper altitude and time can be used to determine an exact location on a map.
Most of this has Sweiza confused. Lukas does his best to demonstrate it. Strife is left to cover her mouth several times and stifle a laugh.
Sprite finally comes in, the pain in his tail having subsided considerably. He plops himself down on Sweiza’s head without her noticing. She finally stops dead in her tracks when he tells her to stop ‘bobbing around so wildly like a dandelion seed in the wind’. Sweiza freezes and a big smile crosses her face.
“Food”.
Sweiza’s head shifts encouragingly at Lukas. Lukas closes his eyes and shakes his head and points over at the leftovers of fish carcasses on a plate. It is meant to be cleaned later, but perhaps Lukas’s job might get easier. Sprite wastes no time in devouring the leftovers. This is to Lukas’s amazement.
“Sprite will eat anything, but they prefer sweet things.” Sweiza says it as a matter of factually speaking. Sprite nods enthusiastically. Sprite also darts over to one of the sugar bags on the floor.
“No. We need that for later.” Lukas is quite adamant about it.
“Valhallan Tea?” Sweiza grimaces at the words. Lukas simply nods.
Sweiza’s eyebrows perk up in surprise at a hand on her shoulder, “I prefer it bitter.” It is Lady Strife with a glow on her face. Sweiza shakes her head.
—
Later in the evening, since Lukas does have his map and sextant out for once, he uses them to plot a course. He knows there location as he travels by this area often enough, but it is something to do.
“So Lukas…” It is the young Valkyrie again.
“Hmm?” Lukas looks away from the sextant which is pointed at the moon of Lokul.
Sweiza eyes the moon once with disgust, but otherwise bolts her head quickly to Lukas. “Do you know how to travel by stars based on the season?”
“All the time young lady.” Lukas says it quite light hearted. The stars are one of his favorite ways to travel.
“Aw shucks.” Sweiza’s hands slip behind her and she shuffles her legs as she walks past Lukas. Lukas simply shakes his head.
Sweiza also knows how to travel by star light, as she often did it in relation to the moons, current season, as well as time of day. A much needed skill while out in the field or performing ‘recon’ while away from home.
With little else to do, Sweiza retreats towards the ‘small shack’. However, one thing does catch her attention. An eclipse. Sweiza simply calls it ‘Twin Moon’, before retreating to the stairs leading below deck. Strife is already in bed. Sweiza’s ‘cold body’ is enough to make her shiver and Strife makes a comment about it.
“We should start an exercise program before you go to bed. Perhaps it will help with your ‘cold’ demeanor.”
Sweiza jerks the covers hard as she turns away from Strife. Sweiza hears a laugh and scowls.
—
Sprite’s tail is still tender, but has otherwise started to heal on day four. By this point they have cleared the Niffleheim’s tip and have passed through the narrow passage between Niffleheim and Muspell. Really it is a small region that many ships traverse, but Sweiza hasn’t seen any.
“We’re too close to the shore dear.” Is all that Strife said when asked about it.
One of the sugar bags turned up missing. Sprite was warned not to do it again or he would be denied his share of fish from then on. Sprite reluctantly agreed.
To pass the time, Sweiza resorts to fishing most of the day. It holds her attention. However, Sprite has other ideas. One of the many seagulls that fly high in the sky is his target. Resorting to something more akin to primitive instinct, he charges one of them and something akin to a small slice of wind hits it. Sprite has it on the ship’s rail and is busy devouring it.
“You are disgusting.” Sweiza wrinkles her nose at the ‘pest’. Normally she doesn’t see this side of him. But he is starting to get desperate for food without the much better tasting ‘sugar’ to tide him by. What he really needs is some honey. Perhaps he can pester Strife for some later…
—-
On the fifth night a red aurora can be seen in the sky, well during the day, but it is a briliant and bright red flowing through crimson as night drives by. Lukas completely avoids going outside that day, Sweiza cannot understand why. Strife has her arms cradled most of the day.
“Is Salmira up to something concerning us?” Sweiza is pretty to the point when she says it.
From her sitting position on a chair, Strife lowers the book she is reading. Sweiza gets a brief look at the intricate cover on it.
“Salmira made herself known to you?” Strife says it, but not in a happy tone. Sweiza nods. “I suppose if you -really- are my daughter, then Salmira has a hand to play in it. I’d rather not talk about her right now.”
Sweiza is about to ask why, but she changes to the subject to the book in Strife’s hand. “I don’t remember seeing you with any books when we came on board. Does it belong to Lukas?”
Strife closes her eyes and shakes her head. “One of many Valkyrie perks. We can hold certain items ‘within’ our being so to speak. I like to keep a few books at the ready.”
At that, Sweiza finally blurts out, “I accidentally did that with one of your books in your study. I couldn’t call it back like I can my armor.”
Strife’s head shifts up as do her eyebrows, “What was the name of the book?”
Sweiza struggles to remember, “Grim Fury.”
Strife thinkss about it for a second, “You mean Grimoire Furia.”
“Yes, that.”
“It is the book of the hellhound. It covers the blackhound and their many variants. The hellhound in particular, guards the gates of Hel from all sides. I believe it is also known to appear in the southern regions of Niffleheim. Supposedly people that have lived an unsavory life, are known to see the hellhound if they die and then are resuscitated to describe the event. I’ve never seen one.” Strife says it, slowly moving her current book from her knee.
“Well, I mean, you’re not upset?”
“Miss Serif, you are a fellow Valkyrie and fate has thrust you in my path. If I was to deny you ‘digging’ through my things, I wouldn’t be a very generous host, now would I?” Strife says it, almost pleasant. But it is the ‘Miss Serif’ part that really bothers her.
“Please don’t call me Miss Serif. You did that in the future. You were, or will be quite cruel at points.”
Strife’s eyebrows shoot up, but not in an amused way. “I see.” Is all she says.
Strife raises her book again, but she hears Sweiza stammer. Down comes the book again.
“How do I summon it? I can’t summon it like my armor.” Sweiza is waving her hands, frantic by this point.
“Do you want to read it?” Strife says with some curiosity.
“Well, I don’t know. I mean…” Sweiza is left to stand there sheepish. Is Strife playing with her?
“Vera, it is a yes or no question.” Strife is starting to grow impatient.
“I suppose I wouldn’t mind.”
The book suddenly appears in Sweiza’s hand. She isn’t ready for it, and it drops to the deck one foot from where she is standing. Strife’s eyes shoot from Sweiza to the book, then to Sweiza again. Sweiza follows Strife’s eyes to the book and her face flushes red. She quickly bows in embarrassment and frustration. She excuses herself and then grabs the book. She quickly retreats below deck.
This ability with the book may turn useful. Can she do it with other objects, maybe even something like Sprite? Maybe it doesn’t work that way.
—
It is day six. Sweiza has taken to fishing using her collapsible fishing pole. Sprite begs her for the occasional fish. Most of them Sweiza simply throws back. Lukas gets some relief as some of her catches are adequate for dinner that evening. Lukas is definitely impressed by her fishing pole, but he prefers his much larger and rugged gear used for oceanic fishing.
“Where did you get that thing?” He asks with some curiosity.
“I made it.” She beams at him.
“Ah, you are quite talented.”
“I have many talents.”
“She has many talents alright.”
Sweiza and Lukas turn to their left to see Sprite on the deck rail. He sits there with his arms and legs crossed.
“Sprite, you little pest, keep your mouth shut.” Sweiza is not impressed with what he has to say. She knows where this is going.
“How would that poor wannabe feel if he found out you were flirting with other men?”
Sweiza turns back to Lukas. Her face is flushed red. Calmly stands up and walks slowly to Sprite. He knows what is coming. He is already in the air before she can take a swipe at him. She does a mock bow and arrow shot at him. His hands go to his hips.
“Why don’t you tell him how talented you are with Lester?”
Sweiza’s face flushes red further.
Lukas is left to start laughing. He knows exactly what the little creature refers to. Strife on the other hand, has more to say on the matter. Her voice interrupts them. Sweiza looks over. Strife is still sitting in the chair as graceful as ever, but her book is again lowered. Her hand is clearly covering her mouth and then lowered.
“What does he mean by that Vera?”
Sweiza looks up to Sprite and then back to Strife.
“Vera, to experience a man’s warmth and love is nothing to be ashamed of.” Strife waits for the response. Sweiza stammers, her face still flushed red. The girl is clearly frozen. Strife’s hand comes up to her mouth as she tries to stifle a laugh.
Sweiza excuses herself with a bow to Strife and Lukas and quickly retreats below deck.
Lukas looks from Strife to the Sprite. “You don’t have much respect for her, do you?”
“What’s respect?”
Lukas shakes his head in disapproval. “I’m surprised she puts up with you.”
Lukas excuses himself back to the helm and Strife returns to her book. Sprite is left to wonder about the word. However, a seagull catches his attention. No fish? Too bad, seagull -is- still on the menu.