"I think I might be a bit late. Sorry Maple." A tall man with a hooked nose and salt and pepper hair whispered to my mother as he slid into the seat beside Maize. His arms were long and so were his legs. He had to shift his chair around in order to fit all that leg under the table. His tailoring must cost a fortune, there was no way he didn't have his clothes custom fitted. Normal clothing would have been four inches too short on both the legs and arms.

Was he human? He looked human but that wasn't always a good indicator. I hadn't met many of the other races mostly Zyanthropes and dwarves. He was neither of those. Perhaps he was mixed? Some races could breed with humans. I just had a gut feeling that something was off about the man as soon as he sat down. I hoped my instincts were right and I wasn't just feeling negatively towards him because my mother liked him.

Though, even if he wasn't human, that should be ok. Was I secretly prejudice? I didn't think I was. So why did I feel like I needed to stay far away from this man? Were my feelings about my mother coloring my judgment? Maybe, I couldn't tell past the alarm bells my brain was giving off.

The little hairs on my arms stood on end when he reached over the table and patted my mother on the hand. It took everything in me not to jump out of my chair when his gaze fell on me. Oh Gods, my stomach dropped in panic.

"This must be your daughter Rille. Pleasure to meet you. My name is Cantrel."

"Yes," I answered. I couldn't think enough to feign politeness. Thank goodness the tall man in white who had been directing people to their seats began making announcements.

"I believe everyone is seated. I'm the Captain of this ship, Paul. I have some announcements before we settle in for dinner.

"First, if you haven't yet been checked by one of the medical staff, you must do it before we get to The Island tomorrow. If you fail to complete your exam you won't be allowed off the ship until it is done. This is important as we don't want any of you to fall ill on your vacation.

"Second, if you choose to begin your gambling on board keep in mind that we are not responsible. These are bets placed between individuals on a personal basis. We will not arbitrate any gambling disputes. If you feel strongly that someone on board has wronged you, you will have to wait until you get back to the mainland to bring the dispute before your local magistrate.

"Third, If you haven't heard, there will be a formal meet and greet followed by dinner and dancing once we get to The Island. As most of you were not informed that formal dress would be needed, we are going to provide it. There will be books that look like this," he held up a small thin notebook and waved it above his head, "in most of the common areas where food is served. If you are in need, you sign up to meet with one of our onboard seamstresses or tailors."

He looked to the side at someone who was sitting down and whispering at him.

"Right, You will be allowed to keep the garment after the completing of the trip. I think that's it. Anything else?" He once again looked to the side. It must have been a negative answer because he continued.

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"That's it, I hope you all have a nice dinner and a pleasant trip."

There was some shuffling around as waiters in white and black began serving the dinner table by table.

"Oh, a new dress. How exciting." Mom clapped her hands together. "I haven't worn a formal dress since my wedding."

"Dress," Maize sighed. I wasn't certain if that was an upset sigh or an excited sigh. It was hard to tell with Maize.

"They will all probably be the same style and they are just doing fittings to match for size." I rained on my mother's parade. "You can't expect them to be able to custom make everyone a dress or suit before tomorrow."

"Still we will be able to take it home," Mom smiled at me.

"And where at home are you going to wear it? Last I checked our social calendar wasn't chalked full of formal engagements."

"You should get white dear, that way you can wear it for your wedding." Mom was going off into her own little world again.

"I'm not getting married. I'm not even dating."

"Oh, I can just imagine you walking into the temple wearing a lovely white gown."

"It's not going to happen."

"Of course it will, dear. You just haven't met the right guy yet." She reached over and patted my hand. The conversation was left at that because the waiters had come to deliver our meals.

Overcooked white fish, boiled potatoes floating in butter and green stuff, boiled carrots, and a choice of soup or salad. I'd already tried the soup so I chose the salad. Mom had tried the salad and went for the soup. I had the feeling we'd both be largely disappointed.

"This is bad," Maize said spearing a potato and watching the butter drip back onto her plate.

"They have limited cooking facilities aboard a ship. They can't risk the fire hazard of having full stoves and ovens. So most things get cooked by boiling water. Difficult to catch something on fire if you are boiling it. The food should be better when we get to the casino," the man named Cantrel stated as he poked at his rubbery fish.

Once again my arms broke out in goosebumps. What on Elrich was wrong with me? I shouldn't be reacting this way. My stomach turned. There wasn't any way I was going to be able to eat with these reactions.

I'd been around some real winners while working odd jobs over the years, but none of them actually affected me like this. I'd had gut feelings that something wasn't right. I'd been attacked and attacked back with sheep shears. Yet, none of those men had caused involuntary physical illness. Luckily, the food was bad enough that I could just pick at it and not eat it.

Mom and the man held the conversation. Neither Maize nor I participated much. When we did it was mostly one-word answers.

Once the cake was placed in front of us, I thought to escape. There were a few people standing and taking their dessert out on deck. I just had to do the same. Maybe if I got away from the man I could actually eat something. Maize saw me pack my cake onto a napkin and she did the same.

We made our excuses to Mom and the man and left.

"That was bad," Maize commented as we made our way back to the common room.

"In more ways than one."

"Human?"

"You were questioning it too?" I was glad I wasn't the only one who'd spotted that. "I don't know what it was about him but I just don't think he's fully human. I was thinking he might be a half-breed."

"Looks human but not human. Being a half-breed would explain that," she nodded in acceptance.

"Did you get a feeling about him?" I wanted her honest opinion and didn't want to bias her by stating straight out how uneasy he made me.

"Dunno. It was bad but I don't know why."

"Me either. Should I say something to Mom do you think?"

Maize shook her head.

"I don't know her but telling someone not to do something usually pushes them to do it."

"You're right about that. More so for my Mom."

We entered the common room and were met by a woman standing by a table before we could even set down our cakes.

"Oh good, you two are my first. We can get started right away. Will you follow me, please."

Follow her? For what?

Then I spotted the book on the table beside her. She must be one of the seamstresses and Maize and I had walked into being her first victims. Joy.