"Blergh," Seraphina groaned, doubling over the rail as she hurled her breakfast into the sea. She'd never been on a ship before, and now she was regretting it as the gentle rocking made her stomach churn.

Nyrion glanced over from his book with concern. "Hey, you okay?"

Seraphina wiped her mouth and tried to muster a weak smile. "Yeah, I'm just… not used to this. I didn't know I'd get seasick."

Nyrion chuckled, shaking his head. "Welcome to the club. My first time sailing, I spent half the trip with my head over the rail too. Give it some time."

"Great to know it's not just me," she said, though her voice was tinged with discomfort.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it," Nyrion said reassuringly. "It's a rough start for everyone, but it'll pass."

Seraphina took a deep breath and tried to focus on the horizon as the ship swayed with the waves. "I hope so. Just trying to forget about it for now."

Nyrion gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Just hang in there. Trust me it'll pass soon. If it helps just imagine me puking my guts out.

Seraphina laughed a bit imagining the situation, then took another deep breath and leaned back against the railing. "I'll try. Thanks for being patient."

"Of course," Nyrion said with a reassuring smile.

Seraphina nodded, grateful for the support, and tried to relax as the ship sailed steadily toward their destination. The atmosphere between finally relaxing.

As the day wore on, the ship continued its journey. Seraphina slowly adjusted to the motion, finding it a bit easier to stay upright. Nyrion stayed by her side, chatting and sharing stories about his past adventures, which helped distract her from the nausea.

Nyrion clapped her on the back again. "See? You're already doing better. Just wait until you see the port—we'll get you some fresh air and a good meal. Absolutely no cheese though!"

"Thanks, Nyrion," Seraphina said, feeling more hopeful. "I appreciate it, I thought you were still angry at me, but I guess that's not the case."

"I mean, you're not wrong, I'm still a bit angry, and I did mean it when I talked about no longer giving you money, but seeing you puke felt like enough of a reward for the stress you have caused me." His tone mocking, and a big smile was visible on his face.

"I mean it, your help means a lot." She says with her face lowered toward the sea.

Nyrion laughed. "Well, don't get used to it. Just because I'm not throwing a fit doesn't mean you're off the hook. But at least you're not making a scene anymore."

Seraphina managed a weak smile. "I'll take what I can get. So, what's the plan once we reach the port?"

"We'll find a place to stay at first, you need the rest," Nyrion said while leaning against the rail next to her. "Then we stock up on supplies and figure out our next move. I would prefer to get on another ship, but considering your condition we might have to find another Garret, or worst case even go on foot. "

"So we don't have a plan, great. You know, for how experienced you look, most of the time you have no idea what to do." Seraphina said with a laugh, visibly feeling better. "I'm sorry that we might be delayed because of me, but I'm definitely ready to get off this ship and see what's at the port."

"Ha ha, very funny," His eyes narrowed slightly, and his mouth tightened into a thin line, betraying his frustration. "Well, not like I can help it. My entire life, I just went with the flow, always doing what others wanted. To be fair, it worked well enough for me, until a couple of days ago, that is…" His expression softened into a more contemplative frown, showing a hint of frustration and resignation as he thought about the changes he had experienced.

"But I'm going to change," He continued before Seraphina could say anything. "If I don't have what it takes to be a leader then I'll force myself to become one! I don't care what It takes, I WILL lead us to the top, no matter what it takes!"

"Blergh!" As Nyrion declared his determination, she leaned over the railing and vomited again.

Nyrion's eyes widened, he stopped leaning and started patting her on the back to help it all leave. "Oh, come on! Did you have to do it right after that awesome speech?!"

Seraphina, still leaning over the rail, managed a weak chuckle between her heaves. "You should be thankful, I felt like puking earlier, but I waited for you to finish."

Nyrion shook his head, trying to stifle a laugh. "Well, thanks for the timing. I guess you've really made it memorable."

Seraphina gave a weak smile, still recovering. "If it helps, I'm definitely not forgetting it anytime soon."

Nyrion leaned back against the rail beside her, grinning. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Their journey continued, and as time passed Seraphinas puking sessions became less and less frequent. Though Nyrions teasing was still ever present.

"Hey, look at you, getting your sea legs!" Nyrion said as Seraphina managed to keep her breakfast where it belonged for a while. "I'm almost impressed."

"Almost?" Seraphina shot back with a smirk. "I'm still recovering from being a walking fountain of nausea."

"Fair point," Nyrion said, chuckling. "But seriously, you're doing great. We'll be at the port soon, and you can finally get some real food."

"I'm looking forward to that," Seraphina said, feeling more hopeful. "And less looking forward to your endless speeches about leadership."

Nyrion laughed. "Oh, come on. It's all part of the journey. You never know when you'll need a good pep talk especially if you're stuck with me. Also, I did it only once! For now."

Their banter continued, and soon night had approached, forcing them into their cabins. Well, Seraphina got a cabin, and Nyrion had to sleep on the floor with the other sailors. He and one of the newer sailors played rock paper scissors for the last hammock and he had lost, badly.

At first, it was a play to one win, but after he lost he demanded a rematch of a best of three, which he also lost. After that, he demanded a best of five. Which he also lost. Unsurprisingly, the sailor refused a best of ten and went to sleep on his hammock.

Meanwhile, Nyrion was below deck, lounging on the hard floor among the sailors. The hammock contest had been a fierce battle, but the new sailor, now proudly known as the three-time champion of rock-paper-scissors, had claimed his victory. Nyrion grumbled good-naturedly as he spread out his blanket on the floor.

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As night fell fully, the ship's lower deck was dimly lit by the flickering light of a couple of lanterns. Seraphina, feeling more at ease, walked down the corridor toward her cabin, looking forward to a quiet night's rest.

"Why did I ever think rock-paper-scissors was a good idea? I'm stronger than him I could have just taken it!" Nyrion muttered to himself, wincing as he tried to adjust his position on the hard surface.

From the corridor, Seraphina heard the grumbling and couldn't help but smile. She approached the crew quarters, where she spotted Nyrion trying to make the best of his situation.

"Hey, floor dweller," she said with a chuckle as she walked past the crew quarters. "I see you finally took off your armor."

Nyrion looked up from his less than comfortable bedding, his face showing a mix of amusement and frustration. "Oh, perfect timing. I was just getting acquainted with my new home for the night."

Seraphina laughed. "How's the floor treating you? I hope it's not too rough."

"It's a luxurious experience," Nyrion said with a wry grin. "The kind of luxury only found in the depths of a ship's underbelly. You should really try it one day."

Seraphina shook her head, still smiling. "Just remember, the quarters are much comfier. Maybe next time aim for that."

Nyrion chuckled. "Believe me, I'm already plotting my revenge. I'll make sure to avoid rock-paper-scissors in the future and just beat the shit out of them to get what I want."

With a final laugh, Seraphina wished him goodnight as she entered her cabin. "Sweet dreams. And try not to let the floor win."

As she closed her cabin door, Nyrion settled back onto his blanket, feeling the ship's creaks and groans around him. Despite the discomfort, they couldn't help but appreciate the bickering with Seraphina, even if it came with a side of embarrassment.

He had been constantly at war with Cassian about who could insult the other one in more unique ways, usually it ended in a tie, with both going for so long as to completely run out of insults.

Seraphina meanwhile, comfortably ensconced in her cabin, sighed with relief, finally able to lie down without the constant sway of the ship making her ill.

Morning arrived with the promise of land ahead. Nyrion got up, sore but in good spirits, and saw Seraphina emerging from her cabin, looking much better after a restful night.

Seraphina emerged from her cabin, looking much more refreshed than she had the day before. She caught sight of Nyrion, who was still on the floor and couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"Good morning, Floor Dweller!" she called out with a chuckle, her voice cheerful.

Nyrion groaned playfully, standing up and dusting off his clothes. "Morning, Your Highness. How was your royal slumber?"

"Far better than yours, I'm sure," Seraphina teased, heading toward the deck. "I'd say you're earning your sea legs the hard way."

Nyrion followed, rubbing his sore back. "Yeah, well, next time I'm challenging that sailor to a rematch of epic proportions. Rock-paper-scissors is not the end of this feud."

Seraphina laughed. "I'll be sure to bring some cheese for the next showdown."

Their bickering continued and after a couple of hours, they could finally see it,

The port was lively, the sheer amount of people making their way around it was unimaginable. Large ships with billowing sails bobbed in the water, their wooden hulls creaking as they docked. On the stone quay, warehouses and market stalls were crammed with goods, from barrels of spices to bolts of cloth, all under bright awnings which made the streets even more vibrant.

Narrow, cobbled streets wove through a mix of timber-framed houses and stone buildings with steep roofs. The air buzzed with the sounds of merchants haggling, sailors shouting, and the distant clang of a bell from a tall stone watchtower.

The scent of saltwater mingled with the aroma of fresh bread and fish, creating a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.

As the ship approached the port, the sight of land began to bring new energy to the crew and passengers alike. The once-foreboding waves now seemed like a minor inconvenience compared to the promise of solid ground and a hearty meal.

Nyrion and Seraphina watched as the bustling port came into view. Soon enough the ship docked, and the crew started preparing for disembarkation.

"So, what's the plan now?" Seraphina asked, looking out at the busy port. "Do we get to explore or are we heading straight for the nearest inn?"

Nyrion grinned. "First things first, we find a place to stay. I'd like to avoid any more 'floor accommodations' for a while. Then we stock up on supplies, and I'll let you choose between a new ship or going on foot, depending on how you're feeling."

The ship finally docked with a satisfying thud, and the crew began bustling around to secure the vessel. Nyrion and Seraphina stepped onto the bustling quay, the solid ground underfoot a welcome relief for both of them.

"Ah, solid ground at last!" Seraphina exclaimed, stretching herself with a grateful sigh. "I'd almost forgotten what it felt like not to be rocking with every step."

Nyrion adjusted his pack and looked around. "Welcome to the port city of Tyren. First thing's first, let's find a place that doesn't involve a floor."

"I'd actually like to try it, after all, you praised the luxury without end," Seraphina said with a smirk.

"Mention sleeping on the floor one more time and I'm gonna make you sleep on the ship." He had put on his full armor by now but Seraphina could swear she saw furrowed brows.

"Fine, you win no more floor jokes, although..." The smirk on her face grew even bigger. "You're already so close to it, it's kind of hard to abstain."

"Wow, height jokes on a dwarf. How original. I'm not even mad, just disappointed." He tried to keep his voice as serious as possible but the underlying mockery was evident.

Eventually, the sailors finished their preparations and were ready to unload the ship, at which point the two jokesters were politely kicked off.

Now, with the bustling streets of the port stretched out before them, and no way back behind them, they were about to face what might be the most important decision of their Lives. But first, Seraphina was hungry.