No harm at all, darling. We're all just a little rattled and on edge, hm, with everything happening? I do wonder what they're yelling about, up there. Can barely hear them over anything...
[ when dokja touches lishka, everything is cold, and his hand comes away tingling like it's fallen asleep. it doesn't stay for long, but she does offer him her thanks in her terrible voice and indecipherable words. the other girl reaches up with a free hand to take hold of the hem of his jacket, shirt, whichever it is that he's got on that's in immediate reach, meeting his stare. ] ... thank.
What angels, then, for all the trouble they get up to usually. [ ruefully ] My brother is one of the merchants in the fleet, actually. Might be checking on the cargo, with the way we're being rocked about...
[ Well, Alphinaud thinks, they can't very well stay here and chat all day. He takes a quiet breath in an attempt to release the tension in his shoulders—very rarely must he, but gods, does he hate having to weather a storm when out on sea—regarding the smallest, then back to the woman. ]
If you're worried, madam, perhaps we can seek him out for you. The little ones should stay here in your care.
[ Dayum Daniel Lishka. It's a terrible feeling, but not expected coming from attempting to steady something entirely glitching out. He figured it would be some backlash but, the tingling and cold sensation is actually quite tame. Even so, he does his best to not show uncomfortable it is and smiles at the children.
Though the other one taking grasp of the hem of his jacket has him hesitating. Meeting that stare, having the same fleeting thoughts, but fights against the struggle of it. ] Long as you're okay.
[ He nods to show he's listening to the woman's words even if his gaze lingers on the children. Then the man is probably in the cargo bay. ] It's a ltitle dangerous with this weather going on, so we can keep an eye out for your brother and nephew.
Oh, would you, though? I do worry that he and his wife might be having a spot of bother at the moment.
[ a relieved sigh, and some of the icy tension abating. whatever caused it is still hard to read, but she tucks her hand in the small of her daughter's back, gently guiding her forward to start past them. ]
Come along now, dear, they'll find mummy and daddy, and surely your brother is with them.
[ the girl's grip tightens on dokja, and she looks up at both him and alphinaud, as if pleading with them. ] I gotta find 'em. 'fore they're gone.
But no, whatever you guys are doing down here, Power follows the trail of the fingers pointed from those who saw Alphinaud and Dokja descend, and is at the doorway to the below decks. She is soaking wet, with a fancy overcoat over her shoulders, and an ill-looking dog daemon in her arms. ]
Nerds! [ She's calling them that because Suigetsu did. ] 'Tis something big out there, some kind of big dragon, apparently! The boat's heading towards land, but we might get tipped over first at this rate!
[ And then she glances backwards up to deck, and retreats back up before waiting for a response. She doesn't have any solutions for what Alphinaud and Dokja should do in this situation, she's not a leader, but that's her news. We're in danger. ]
[ It's a good thing Alphinaud thinks to ask about the man's description because Dokja was ready to go in search of someone that may point them in the right way instead.
Of course, it isn't just that, he's halted by the grip on him and meets her gaze again. It tugs at something in him. A familiar voice ringing inside him, the same soft plead. So he holds his hand out instead in an open invitation to her. ] ..Then we'll find them together.
[ Sorry Alphinaud, someone is going against your advice of telling them to stay put. He does lift his head afterward towards the stairs at the bellowing words of Power. She's gone as quickly as she appears once she passes on her message.
A big dragon? Great. They're on a time crunch then. He's already on the move. ] --We don't have time, we need to hurry.
It gets even worse when Power comes and goes, relaying the urgent news of a great beast before she bolts off. Alphinaud grits his teeth; if he still wants to bring a child up deck after hearing that—well, he isn't going to be pleased. ]
[ their merchantess stares with surprise at power's hit and run, holding her glitchy daughter close with no signs of discomfort. she's there and gone, though, so she turns to look at alphinaud and dokja with the general equivalent of ??? on her face. ]
A - dragon. Hopefully simply a trick of the eye, but, dear - right, now, we have quite the family resemblance. Dark red hair, sharp face, looks a bit like he hasn't slept in weeks.
[ the little girl tugs on dokja's hand, squeezing tight when he takes it. as she turns to lead them along, deeper into the ship, it's easier to remember details. her lighter orange curls bounce, stuffed animal dragging in the other arm, a lot of strength in her little body. at least they're both already moving by the time they've decided time's a-wasting. ] C'mon, misters - you're right! We gotta go!
[ Anyone would likely react the same as Alphinaud, but Kim Dokja barely pays it any mind. He's learned to trust the instincts even in children. Besides, if the situation comes to a worse... well, he'll take responsibility. ]
If you want to yell at me, let's save it until later, alright? [ It's as close as Dokja will get to saying "trust me." He doesn't expect or asks to be trusted. He keeps his firm grip on the girl, keeping up right beside her as she leads them further and deeper into the ship. The cargo is more than likely buried deep within so it makes sense.
Though what's interesting is the details of her, as if clearing up from a fog. ]
You with us still, Alphinaud? Grab my arm if need be.
[ leaving her aunt and cousin behind, the girl continues deeper into the ship, using her grip on dokja to keep herself steady. but as they come around a corner to a set of stairs further into the belly, she comes to a stop before descending, turning to look back at alphinaud and making sure that he's alright. a moment of consideration, and then she holds up the stuffed animal seriously. ]
Here, he'll help. [ alphinaud is given very little choice in the matter, as the toy is pushed into his hands and then the child starts down the stairs with dokja in tow.
it feels warm in his hands, though. different in a way from someone holding it. light as a feather, and as warm as the sun. ]
[ Suddenly: a stuffed animal. Alphinaud is clearly surprised by the gesture, but the kindness behind it does alleviate some of his annoyance toward Dokja. Perhaps its warmth helps, too, and he carefully wraps an arm around it, if only to show his appreciation for her thoughtfulness. ]
... I think he will. Thank you—ah... We had not caught your name afore, had we? Do you mind telling us what it is?
[ When the girl pauses, Dokja does as well, observing her as she extends the toy out into Alphinaud's arms. Ah, yes. He offers a small smile at that, no sooner following her the moment she's on the move again. ]
Only fair we introduce ourselves first. I'm Kim Dokja, just Dokja is fine though. And that would be sir Alphinaud Leveilleur.
[ A twinkle in his eye as he offers the teen's name to the girl. Moving step by step and keeping his firm grip on her so there's no threat of her tripping or falling. ]
[ she's satisfied, seeing alphinaud hold the cat, nodding her head in approval and smiling at dokja before. well. time for your favorite sound effect! ]
M'▒̷͔̕▒̷̌̌͐ͅ▒̶̳̺̔̒. [ ... except, this time, the person responsible seems to be aware of what's come out of their mouth. while the features don't stick, they'll both know she's frowning. she tries again, stopping at the foot of the stairs. ] ▒̷͔̕▒̷̌̌͐ͅ▒̶̳̺̔̒. ▒̷͔̕▒̷̌̌͐ͅ▒̶̳̺̔̒!
[ ugh. ] ... you can call me Robin. Hi, Dokja. Hi, Sir Alphi. We only gotta go a little further, okay?
[ Continuing on their way! But Dokja catches on as well, whereas everyone continues on without a skip, she seems to notice there is definitely something wrong there. ]
Were it anyone else, they wouldn't have noticed. [ They noticed after all with the merchant. She responded as if they were simply hard of hearing. A light hum. ] There's probably a reason for the censorship.
S'fuzzy. I dunno. [ they're continuing into the ship, until they do reach the cargo hold. being a merchant ship, there's quite a bit going on down here - everything strapped down, some of the crew working to better secure and protect the more fragile wares.
"robin" releases dokja's hand, now, looking around. unlike before, with the others, she is aware of what's happening. but she doesn't seem to understand the why of it. ] S'not supposed to be like this.
[ As they venture further into the ship, Alphinaud takes note of their surroundings; everywhere they go there's a frenzy—understandably so, if there truly is a dragon coming for them. (But out at sea? What would a dragon ever want with a cargo ship...?)
Alphinaud holds the plush close, lest it fall in the chaos. There's something comforting in its warmth, though, as if somehow it actually does help. It's almost embarrassing to acknowledge; he's grown out of such childish needs ages ago. ]
The way the people look, you mean? [ He grimaces. ] That—girl? Lishka?
We are not meant to be on board at this time and yet here we are. [ And by we, he refers to the four of them that showed up earlier without notice. Though his hand is released, Dokja stays close to her nevertheless. Prepared to protect her if need be as they check around the cargo hold for a description that fits what the woman gave.
For anyone remotely similar. He does catch the sound of Alphinaud's words, humming and supplying a bit. ] For some reason Lishka is glitched out, and it seems to affect those around them.
[ A censorship will block people and words sure, but it's almost as if the glitching spreads a little from Lishka. ]
[ "robin" doesn't stray far from the two of them, at least, but also doesn't ask for her stuffed animal back. alphinaud is holding onto it, and that seems to be what she wants, instead, as she looks around for familiar faces. there's no glitches, here, but she remains a smudge - dokja might be right. ]
Lishka's my big cousin. I... [ frowning, but then shaking her head, and heading deeper in. there are crates that are accessible to them, if they want to snoop, but their little guide isn't paying them much mind. ]
I dunno. I dunno what's wrong. I gotta find mommy and daddy, 'fore I can't say goodbye. I didn't get to last time.
There's cargo to rummage through, of course, but Alphinaud is quickly distracted by her words. It's—strange. An odd feeling has been worming its way through him, bit by bit, like there's something familiar about everything around him, but it isn't until Robin's worries are spoken aloud that he's finally able to place a finger on why.
The features of this ship are similar. A large beast threatens them all. ]
... Gods above. This is the ship wrecked in Krankaz.
Then we were likely dropped in that precise timeframe before said ruin. [ Well then. Place your bet on whose dead arm they found later, will it be one of theirs? (smile)
And while Dokja normally would like to rummage and see what they can find.. watching their guide look around, he keeps up right behind her. He glances at Alphinaud, gesturing for a crate. Check real quick? Do some snooping, boyo. ]
We'll find them. Maybe we can hear their voices if we listen hard. [ Not that Dokja will know how they sound, but maybe she'll be able to hear them throughout the commands and calls as crew flurry about. ]
[ isn't it fun, realizing what your end fate might be? the rot and ruin that's in store for you and the crew around you? the few children you've seen on board?
it's alright. you're safe, surely, in the belly of the ship. it's not the belly of the leviathan - at least, not yet. and if you make it to shore, you've got time before it becomes the cold decay you've come to know this week.
the little girl keeps going, glancing back at them periodically, before continuing on. when dokja makes that suggestion, though, she stops in her tracks and closes her eyes tight, as if to listen real hard, in all the roaring of thunder and waves and beast.
some of the crew jostles past the three of them, barely avoiding daemons where they're out. but, otherwise, they're left to their own devices, and alphinaud is left to decide if he'd like to rummage - too many other things for them to worry about. ]
[ It—it isn't a bad idea, just to be sure. To know if this truly is the same ship. Alphinaud does remember what they found, just days prior; the others were determined to loot what they could, after all. ]
But a moment.
[ He says it quietly, as if not to disturb Robin, and then he circles off to the side—time to do precisely that. What's around here, yo. ]
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[ when dokja touches lishka, everything is cold, and his hand comes away tingling like it's fallen asleep. it doesn't stay for long, but she does offer him her thanks in her terrible voice and indecipherable words. the other girl reaches up with a free hand to take hold of the hem of his jacket, shirt, whichever it is that he's got on that's in immediate reach, meeting his stare. ] ... thank.
What angels, then, for all the trouble they get up to usually. [ ruefully ] My brother is one of the merchants in the fleet, actually. Might be checking on the cargo, with the way we're being rocked about...
[ the girl speaks up: ] I can find 'em, auntie.
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If you're worried, madam, perhaps we can seek him out for you. The little ones should stay here in your care.
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DanielLishka. It's a terrible feeling, but not expected coming from attempting to steady something entirely glitching out. He figured it would be some backlash but, the tingling and cold sensation is actually quite tame. Even so, he does his best to not show uncomfortable it is and smiles at the children.Though the other one taking grasp of the hem of his jacket has him hesitating. Meeting that stare, having the same fleeting thoughts, but fights against the struggle of it. ] Long as you're okay.
[ He nods to show he's listening to the woman's words even if his gaze lingers on the children. Then the man is probably in the cargo bay. ] It's a ltitle dangerous with this weather going on, so we can keep an eye out for your brother and nephew.
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[ a relieved sigh, and some of the icy tension abating. whatever caused it is still hard to read, but she tucks her hand in the small of her daughter's back, gently guiding her forward to start past them. ]
Come along now, dear, they'll find mummy and daddy, and surely your brother is with them.
[ the girl's grip tightens on dokja, and she looks up at both him and alphinaud, as if pleading with them. ] I gotta find 'em. 'fore they're gone.
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But no, whatever you guys are doing down here, Power follows the trail of the fingers pointed from those who saw Alphinaud and Dokja descend, and is at the doorway to the below decks. She is soaking wet, with a fancy overcoat over her shoulders, and an ill-looking dog daemon in her arms. ]
Nerds! [ She's calling them that because Suigetsu did. ] 'Tis something big out there, some kind of big dragon, apparently! The boat's heading towards land, but we might get tipped over first at this rate!
[ And then she glances backwards up to deck, and retreats back up before waiting for a response. She doesn't have any solutions for what Alphinaud and Dokja should do in this situation, she's not a leader, but that's her news. We're in danger. ]
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Worry not, young miss—we will find them. Can you stay here where it's safe? We'll be back ere you know it.
[ He looks up, to the woman. ]
Tell us, what does your brother look like?
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Of course, it isn't just that, he's halted by the grip on him and meets her gaze again. It tugs at something in him. A familiar voice ringing inside him, the same soft plead. So he holds his hand out instead in an open invitation to her. ] ..Then we'll find them together.
[ Sorry Alphinaud, someone is going against your advice of telling them to stay put. He does lift his head afterward towards the stairs at the bellowing words of Power. She's gone as quickly as she appears once she passes on her message.
A big dragon? Great. They're on a time crunch then. He's already on the move. ] --We don't have time, we need to hurry.
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[ It's a low, chiding hiss; Together? Is he mad?!
It gets even worse when Power comes and goes, relaying the urgent news of a great beast before she bolts off. Alphinaud grits his teeth; if he still wants to bring a child up deck after hearing that—well, he isn't going to be pleased. ]
Let us away with haste!
[ let's fucking go ]
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A - dragon. Hopefully simply a trick of the eye, but, dear - right, now, we have quite the family resemblance. Dark red hair, sharp face, looks a bit like he hasn't slept in weeks.
[ the little girl tugs on dokja's hand, squeezing tight when he takes it. as she turns to lead them along, deeper into the ship, it's easier to remember details. her lighter orange curls bounce, stuffed animal dragging in the other arm, a lot of strength in her little body. at least they're both already moving by the time they've decided time's a-wasting. ] C'mon, misters - you're right! We gotta go!
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Aye—we do.
[ So, he follows, his motions somewhat graceless as he attempts to keep his balance with the rough rocking of the ship. ]
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If you want to yell at me, let's save it until later, alright? [ It's as close as Dokja will get to saying "trust me." He doesn't expect or asks to be trusted. He keeps his firm grip on the girl, keeping up right beside her as she leads them further and deeper into the ship. The cargo is more than likely buried deep within so it makes sense.
Though what's interesting is the details of her, as if clearing up from a fog. ]
You with us still, Alphinaud? Grab my arm if need be.
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Here, he'll help. [ alphinaud is given very little choice in the matter, as the toy is pushed into his hands and then the child starts down the stairs with dokja in tow.
it feels warm in his hands, though. different in a way from someone holding it. light as a feather, and as warm as the sun. ]
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[ Suddenly: a stuffed animal. Alphinaud is clearly surprised by the gesture, but the kindness behind it does alleviate some of his annoyance toward Dokja. Perhaps its warmth helps, too, and he carefully wraps an arm around it, if only to show his appreciation for her thoughtfulness. ]
... I think he will. Thank you—ah... We had not caught your name afore, had we? Do you mind telling us what it is?
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Only fair we introduce ourselves first. I'm Kim Dokja, just Dokja is fine though. And that would be sir Alphinaud Leveilleur.
[ A twinkle in his eye as he offers the teen's name to the girl. Moving step by step and keeping his firm grip on her so there's no threat of her tripping or falling. ]
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M'▒̷͔̕▒̷̌̌͐ͅ▒̶̳̺̔̒. [ ... except, this time, the person responsible seems to be aware of what's come out of their mouth. while the features don't stick, they'll both know she's frowning. she tries again, stopping at the foot of the stairs. ] ▒̷͔̕▒̷̌̌͐ͅ▒̶̳̺̔̒. ▒̷͔̕▒̷̌̌͐ͅ▒̶̳̺̔̒!
[ ugh. ] ... you can call me Robin. Hi, Dokja. Hi, Sir Alphi. We only gotta go a little further, okay?
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A little further, then.
[ Gods, he hates that sound.
A few steps further, and he decides he may as well ask. ]
Robin... Are you unable to say your actual name?
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[ Continuing on their way! But Dokja catches on as well, whereas everyone continues on without a skip, she seems to notice there is definitely something wrong there. ]
Were it anyone else, they wouldn't have noticed. [ They noticed after all with the merchant. She responded as if they were simply hard of hearing. A light hum. ] There's probably a reason for the censorship.
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"robin" releases dokja's hand, now, looking around. unlike before, with the others, she is aware of what's happening. but she doesn't seem to understand the why of it. ] S'not supposed to be like this.
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Alphinaud holds the plush close, lest it fall in the chaos. There's something comforting in its warmth, though, as if somehow it actually does help. It's almost embarrassing to acknowledge; he's grown out of such childish needs ages ago. ]
The way the people look, you mean? [ He grimaces. ] That—girl? Lishka?
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For anyone remotely similar. He does catch the sound of Alphinaud's words, humming and supplying a bit. ] For some reason Lishka is glitched out, and it seems to affect those around them.
[ A censorship will block people and words sure, but it's almost as if the glitching spreads a little from Lishka. ]
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Lishka's my big cousin. I... [ frowning, but then shaking her head, and heading deeper in. there are crates that are accessible to them, if they want to snoop, but their little guide isn't paying them much mind. ]
I dunno. I dunno what's wrong. I gotta find mommy and daddy, 'fore I can't say goodbye. I didn't get to last time.
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There's cargo to rummage through, of course, but Alphinaud is quickly distracted by her words. It's—strange. An odd feeling has been worming its way through him, bit by bit, like there's something familiar about everything around him, but it isn't until Robin's worries are spoken aloud that he's finally able to place a finger on why.
The features of this ship are similar. A large beast threatens them all. ]
... Gods above. This is the ship wrecked in Krankaz.
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And while Dokja normally would like to rummage and see what they can find.. watching their guide look around, he keeps up right behind her. He glances at Alphinaud, gesturing for a crate. Check real quick? Do some snooping, boyo. ]
We'll find them. Maybe we can hear their voices if we listen hard. [ Not that Dokja will know how they sound, but maybe she'll be able to hear them throughout the commands and calls as crew flurry about. ]
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it's alright. you're safe, surely, in the belly of the ship. it's not the belly of the leviathan - at least, not yet. and if you make it to shore, you've got time before it becomes the cold decay you've come to know this week.
the little girl keeps going, glancing back at them periodically, before continuing on. when dokja makes that suggestion, though, she stops in her tracks and closes her eyes tight, as if to listen real hard, in all the roaring of thunder and waves and beast.
some of the crew jostles past the three of them, barely avoiding daemons where they're out. but, otherwise, they're left to their own devices, and alphinaud is left to decide if he'd like to rummage - too many other things for them to worry about. ]
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But a moment.
[ He says it quietly, as if not to disturb Robin, and then he circles off to the side—time to do precisely that. What's around here, yo. ]
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