Finding the Boatman!

Zerda had looked at the letter than appeared to him that morning. There was no explanation as to how it appeared before him, but it seemed that the head members of The Academy at Lillegard Castle were interested in him. He wasn't quite sure as to the feeling in his chest, but he felt happy, as if he had final felt wanted. Though these feelings overcame him so suddenly, Zerda shook them off and read over the letter once more. He had to make sure he didn't loose this important piece of paper, or he might not ever get the answers we so desperately wanted. After a moment he folder the paper up and shoved it into his front left pocket of his shorts. That was a safe place right? He thought so then again having to hold onto something so important was never something Zerda intended on. All he had was the pockets in his shorts nothing more.

After the moments of preparation were complete, Zerda was making his way down the streets of the abandoned city. The Sahara was so far behind him as he managed to find a bridge that crossed over the waters. Fortunately, he did not miss it, well not yet that was. Reaching Sindri's Cove though was a bit intimidating. "Water......its everywhere...." He muttered as he looked down at the ground that was slightly moistened. Scotland was very different from his home, but thats what he wanted was change. Following the directions he memorized from the note he headed southwest towards the sea. As he walked by many of the fishing boats he licked his lips to the smell of something he never smelt before: fish. They seemed so slimy, but they smelt so good. Unfortunately he was on a mission to get to his location.

As the time went by Zerda realized his hair becoming very damp. The moisture seemed to just collect on and weight him down. He shook his head violently as if an attempt to kill the very water that surrounded him. His now shaggy hair made Zerda feel sad all of the Sahara's sand was now gone from it forever. This feeling soon passed as he finally saw buildings. He smiled and ran down the street towards them. He stopped at the first couple of buildings and looks up at them with his soggy hair blocking a great majority of his vision. He rubbed them to the side and began looking at the signs on the rows of buildings. "Hmmm....which one was on the letter?" He questioned before reaching into his pocket and pulling out the letter. "Blah blah blah....oh third building called Barabal Tavern.....whats blue?" He shrugged and put the letter back into his pocket and walked into the building and smiled. He could finally get dry and warm once more!

After a moment of shaking and regaining his heat, Zerda looked around for the man named, Hendry, but couldn't find him. "Ah....maybe if I just wait here....then he will come to me." At that though Zerda relaxed a little more as the smell of fish hit his nose once more.

The wind battered heavily across the exposed wood of the old buildings that made up Sindri's Cove. Thick, salty air that had been working on that paint for so many years ate rough designs into those weathered faces, the faded image of the locally famous Barabal Tavern, settled and tattered though it had become since it's first fresh coat of royal blue, stood proud and bright among all the whey and filemot.

An impatient gust hailed sharply against the old door. Erie silence followed as the wind disspated momentarily. The door panels were calm, in wait, and the inevitable arrived in the form of a man. With a violent THUMP, the man's booted toe collided heavily with the wooden door. The panel shrieked in distress and swung round, slamming hardhly into the wall and rattling in it's frame from the impact. As the man paused to drag his gaze slowly across the room, the door groaned sadly after ricochetting off the wall, and came to bump gently against the man's shoulder. He grunted and shrugged the door off, letting it sigh closed behind him.

This man was older, and as weathered as the town. He skin was tan and leathery from long days on the sea, and he smelled strongly of fish and brine, just like many other patrons of this tavern. His frown was weighted from years of surly attitude and and his brow furrowed so deeply that his eyes appeared beady and dark, despite whatever uncertain shade they might actually be. There was a cap on his head failing to hide whisps of strawy grey hair. The thick jacket hanging over his shoulders was heavy with sea, salt, and age, and his boots thumped as he took another couple steps forwards.

He chewed for a moment on the inside of his lip and observed the company for a moment. A couple locals sat drinking in a far corner, old fisher husbands who were too old to weather the workload any longer and spent their days here, reliving their youth through tales and ale. Although today, they were more likely talking about the young lad that had entered previously. Not unlike some other unfamiliar faces that had passed throught recently. The obvious physical differences such as wings and tails made for some interesting theories, but no one in this town was foolish enough to be aggressive, just talk and wonder in hushed tones amongst themselves. They spared the elder new-comer a brief glance. Suspicion perhaps, because he was odd to them as well, but not disdainful. The man ignored them and continued travelling his gaze until it finally came to the youth, apparently waiting patiently for his arrival.

He drew in a long breath through his nose and heaved it out in the form of another grunt before making his way with heavy footfalls to where the boy was waiting. Halting in front of him, the man drew another breath and glared quietly down his crooked nose. When he speaks, his voice is rough as if the salt has made its way inside over the years and toughened him throughout, and his scottish accent rolls thickly.

"Howya, laddie." He nods gruffly and his frown, although still a deep frown, manages an almost approving air. "Fowks call me the Boatman, but Hendry'll do richt. Welcome ti Sindri's Cove."

The wait in the tavern seem to be a long one as Zerda could only sit there. He had no money and no item of amusement. He looked around occasionally, though didn't keep his attention to any one place for long. It seemed people here knew he was new in town and it was an uncommon thing. He kept his head down and sighed as he began to think of the fish once more. Oh how his hunger over came him like a wave and to him it was unbearable. Though living in the desert made getting food hard enough, it was harder in the city where stealing and eating the live stock would be frowned upon.

Zerda shook the thoughts out of his head and looked up to see a man there in front of him. Finding himself shrinking down in his seat at the height comparison of his own, Zerda listened closely. He slowly sat up and nodded his head and smiled gently, "H-hello, my name is Zerda Vulpes and I have a letter from the Headmistress Everly from the Academy at Lillegard Castle." He said slowly pulling the letter out of his pocket and handing it to Hendry. He hoped that there wouldn't be any problems. He had already came so far and for anything to make his trip any longer would just be annoying and bothersome. "Uh, I hate to ask, seeing as I just met you, but do you have something to eat by chance?" He looked down at the ground and shifted his feet. "Its alright if you don't sir." He hated to ask for food, but what could he do? His options were pretty limited to 0.

He wasn't thinking about the hardships that were to come, and to think of not even being able pay for food. Would he really be able to make it the rest of the way. He didn't even know how long it would take as of now.

"Zerda Vulpez, eh?" Hendry scowled around the unusual name then grunted as he snatched the letter harshly from the fox and snapped it open in front of him. He grumbled undecipherably to himself while he inspected the writing, as if he had a reason to be suspicious of the parchment's authenticity. Peering at the page very closely, then at arm's length with his eyes squinted, he eventually nodded and shoved the letter harshly back in Zerda's direction.

"Richt, then--" About to direct the boy towards the exit, he scowls when his intentions of leaving hastily are interrupted by the foreign boy. "What, you want fuid? Can't ye even wait till we'ar at the Castle lad??" One eye is narrowed in annoyance and his rough voice pulls off incredulous and annoyed with only the aid of one raised eyebrow and the toss of a hand. "Nae, no time, no time. It isnna short row ye know!"

He grunted again when he has finished exclaiming, but retains an annoyed scowl. He watched the boy looking down at the floor awkwardly and he turned away. For a man who has been sanded by the sea salt until he was rough throughout, he struggled to suppress a tinge of pity for the boy's hunger, growling as he redirected some of that annoyance at himself at his softness.

There is another discernible grumble followed by the loud thump of his aged palm landing heavily on the counter. When he pulled his away, there was a single coin, dull and bent, but a coin nonetheless. He jerks his chin out in the direction of the 'tender who pulls out a loaf of bread. He eyes the coin reluctantly, but when Hendry responds with naught but a harsh scowl, the worker shakes his head incredulously and tears the loaf in half, setting it down on the counter before the pair.

Hendry nods towards the bread. If it was fresh it was over-baked because the bread looked hard and thumped dully on the counter when it was plopped down.
"Ye be takin that if yer hungry now. All sorts a fuid thonder at the Castle to feed ye better later."

He eyes the boy with considerably less hostility than a moment ago, but he's still ever frowning.

"Comeon then, aff we gaun." His words are rolled into something of a slur as he turns and makes his way back towards the old door to the tavern.

Zerda jumped as the letter was snatched out of his hand and he felt like running. Yeah running was a way of keeping safe, but it was no method for getting to places you needed to go. He watched the large man as he inspected the letter. Was there something wrong? Did he forget to to something? His worries then disappeared as Hendry handed the letter back with approval. He smiled then realized Hendry was glaring at him when he asked about food. In an instant he felt his little heart get crushed as Hendry questioned him and his ability to keep a hunger down. He stood strait ready to leave with the man, but then found the man digging in his pockets. "Oh great he's going to shoot m-....Oh its money!" He said glad that his journey wasn't going to end with the death from a stupid question.


He watched as Hendry gave the man the coin and in return obtained a half a loaf of bread. Zerda looked up and Hendry and smiled slightly as he lowered his head below his shoulder and seemed to slink past Hendry grabbing the loaf quickly and holding it close. He nodded and smiled at Hendry, "Thanks..." He said softly as they made their way out of the tavern. The smell of fish became stronger as they stepped outside and he smiled as he held the food out in front of him and bit into it. He soon found his mouth retreating from the hard loaf and he frowned. Looking it over for a moment he shrugged and bit into it again and find getting crumbs would be his only process and it would be a long one at that. It didn't matter though as he was still getting fed. Looking up at Hendry he tilted his head, "So, Hendry was it? Where is your boat?" He asked with the curiosity of a child that followed in his voice.

Hendry grunted in response to the boy's thanks and turned his frame towards the door because he'd never been keen enough with pleasantries to offer a 'welcome in return.

When they exited the tavern, he drew in a deep breath, puffing out his chest beneath his worn brown jacket, and releasing a hefty huff. "Nithing like the smell o auld fish and brine eh, lad?" The bark that followed may have been a short laugh, but it's hard to say with his general lack of cheer. He eyes the boy nibbling at the loaf and snorts in amusement, then grumbled, "Thar'll be real fuid at the Castle, daen't ye warry."

The boatman leans as they progressed away from the tavern, snatching up an old tan colored sack and hefting it roughly over his shoulder. He shoots the boy a look, one brow raised, and the other eye squinted suspiciously. One hand raised to adjust the cap on his head as the sea breeze sent a salty spray their way, and he shakes his head. "Boat's on the watter, what do'ye think?"

He trudged on ahead, picking up the pace a bit as he led them away from the small worn town and across the moist sand towards the old dock. The wood of the dock groaned beneath the weight of his boots as he clunked out over the water. It's rickety and wavered with each step, water ripples expanding from around the pillars beneath them. He lead them past a couple of the other local fishermen's boats, most colorful but so faded, not unlike the Barabal Tavern, until they finally come to the end, where there was one simple bare wooden boat, possibly big enough to seat about five people before the ride would become very uncomfortable. There was a sail folded beneath the small mast in the center, but the wind is too inconsistent and low to bother raising it.

He slugged the tan sack from his shoulder and let it drop into the small boat before clambering in after it. He grunted and groaned until finally settling himself at the front with an old man's sigh and reaching for the tether holding the boat to the dock.

"Weel, come on. Hop in."

Zerda followed close to Hendry as he continued to nibble at the bread. Slightly distracted by the taste of it Zerda heard not a word that came out of the mans mouth. Zerda soon felt the small water droplets of the waves hit his skin and he shook as shivers went down his back. "If I knew how cold it would have been then, I would have created a coat of rabbit furs...." He said silently as he watched Hendry get into the boat. Zerda eyed the boat for a moment and held the bread close to him once again. He had never been in a boat before and well, the waves seemed to be unkind as of today.

Zerda felt his tail wrap around his left leg and he brushed it gently, "Its okay buddy, we will be on dry land soon." As he said that his tail, with what seemed to have a mind of its own, loosened and became slack again. Zerda crawled into the boat hind legs first and he found himself situated in the back of the boat. He sat crossing his legs and wrapped his arms around his torso. He looked over the edge at the waters surface and saw himself though it was hardly noticeable as the water was murky and discolored. Zerda looked up at Hendry as he seemed to be busy getting things ready and cracked a small smile. This guy seemed so scary before, but was a pretty caring guy under all that harsh sea toughened skin. The thought then reminded of his own father. He was a strong man who was able to over come anything, till that one day when... Zerda's thoughts were interrupted as he felt the boat jerk slightly from a small wave. "Is it really safe to head out now?" He asked as he looked to the skies hoping that the clouds would stay as far as they were till the trip ended.

Hendry waited until the boy was settled in the boat before loosening that tether and dropping it into a pile of rope at his feet. Instead of bothering with the sail, he took up a pair of old oars and started with rowing them away from the dock. He eyed the boy, noticing the short dialogue with his tail, and opted for shaking his head without a word as his arms quickly fell into a familiar rhythm.

"Aye, well, this sea's no tame or kin, ye know, lad." He squints his eyes as he gazes out over the water and the little boat bobs over the waves. "Been verra calm today, as a matter o fact. Usually a bit warse."

And it was true. The waves came in long rolls like tall hills beneath them, gentle but still strong and intimidating as it helped to push them along towards the castle.

Something off along the horizon splashed and Hendry's head shot up in recognition. He sneered and grumbled quietly to himself, then flipped up a panel on the wooden floorboard. The stench of dead fish wafted from the small cavern in the floor and the boatman shoved his hand right into it, withdrawing a limp, slimy, sad-looking cod. He kicks the panel shut again, looks back out over the water, then pulls his arm back and pitches the fish as far out as he can. It collides with the water, echoing a plop! There is a small commotion in that general area before the sea is quiet again. Hendry shakes his head and rows onwards.

"Pesky muirrs," he offers by way of explanation. "Yer bound ti run into a few o thaim during yer stay."

The salt on the breeze assaults the boat and their faces as they press forwards, and when the wind begins to pick up, Hendry rigs up the small sail. This considerably aids their speed and it isn't much longer before Lillegard Island can be spotted. The vision is strange because the island isn't terribly far off, and should have been spotted on the horizon from even as far back as the mainland on a good, clear day. But there it was, looming off in the distance.

Hendry motions towards the island with a nod of his head. "Castle's on the North side. 'Fraid ya won't see it coming up lik this frae the South, but, it's a nice view anaway."

Zerda watched as the boat rocked slightly as they began to drift outward. He grabbed the sides and clutched them tight fearing that the rocking boat would flip. He already was not liking the water and wished that the warm sun in the desert would come to this place and warm it up. He smelt the awkward scent of rotten fish and he watched as Hendry pulled it out and tossed it to the sea. Zerda felt his mouth drop as he wished Hendry asked it he would like it. Oh how that one fish, though rotten and decayed, would have made an excellent treat. He looked up at Hendry and felt as the wind hit them both. He lowered his head and layed it down on one of the boards trying to avoid as much wind as possible.

It stung and he felt his lips become covered with salt particles. If anything this weather would ruin his skin rather than the harsh sand that would pierce his skin at home. After a moment of silence he heard Hendry and lifted his head. he looked off to the distance and spotted the island. It was very large in size and seemed to have much life upon it. There was greenery everywhere except the lone beach that looked to be the entrance by boat. He smiled and leaned out of the boat slightly to look around. After a moment and realizing how dangerously close he was to flipping out the boat Zerda sat back down. "Will you also be guiding me on the island Hendry?" He asked hoping the answer was yes, and he didn't know a thing about this mysterious place, though it had to be safe to have a school right? Either way there had to be some one waiting for him if Hendry was not to come. Well thats what Zerda hoped.

Hendry scoffs when Zerda spooks himself after leaning over the edge of the boat, and directs the small craft in the direction of the stretch of sand the welcomed them.

"Phah!" The man barks and shakes his head with a sneer, but it isn't as mean as if has been. "Im' yer boatman, no yer taeur guide." He shakes his head and and sniffs loudly before rubbing an itch on his chin with the forearm of his jacket. "Nae, I'll just be dropping ye off at that shore thonder. If ye hae ti mak the walk alone, juist stae on the main path."

He motions again to the island, which they are coming upon quickly, and as they waves nudge the pair into shallower waters, he lowers the sail and takes up the oars again to paddle them the rest of the way. There is a small dock, smaller even than the old dock back in Sindri's Cove with room enough for only their small sailboat to use. It reaches just past the portion of the sea where the waves begin to break and lap up onto the beach with a single pillar standing above the dock, dangling an unlit iron and glass lantern that creaked as a random breeze tried to make it dance about. Hendry places down the oars and with a grunt and a hand on his knee for support, he lifts himself to his feet. The boat creaks and rocks in response, but Hendry steadies it by grabbing onto the lantern post. His strong grip keeps the boat from rocking too much, and a jerk of his head motions for the fox boy to climb out onto the dock.

"Gae on, oot ye git."

The beach here isn't large, but the sand is clean. A couple yards in, the dunes begin, long green and yellow grasses heavy with salt from the wind bend and flutter. On the backside of the dunes seaside goldenrod thrives up into the rising hills and stretching out in an expanse of seaside moorland, with the edge of the forest reaching towards to sky a little farther off. Several sandy paths formed by streams of wind snake around and between the dunes, the widest of which extends from the base of the dock and climbs directly through the thickening foliage and into the moor.

A small movement far off in the line of trees catches Hendry's eye before disappearing again behind an outcropping of rock, and the boatman looks unimpressed. It looks like someone, although the distance had made it unclear who, was late on their way down to escort the new student the rest of the way to the castle. It'll be a couple minutes before they make it all the way down to the beach, so Hendry makes no verbal note, figuring Zerda should start the walk on his own anyway and meet the person up on the moor instead of just waiting around here.

Zerda frowned slightly as he heard that Hendry would be leaving him to find his own way. Though the idea of just sticking to the path seemed easy enough, Zerda still wasn't sure. This was a new location for him and he wasn't all to sure about his tracking abilities here. Heck what did he have to track, but the smell of fish. He nodded and slowly crawled out of the boat using all four of his limbs like the fox he was. He looked back as Hendry and then up to where he looked. He wouldn't send Zerda into some place dangerous would he? No he didn't seem like someone who would do anythings like that.

Zerda smiled and waved Hendry off, "Thanks Hendry your pretty great!" He said before turning to the sight of the island that stood before him. With a step he felt the warm sands on his feet and he smiled. "Oooookay one roll and I'll be off...." He said before tossing himself into the sands and rubbed around in them. It was warm and comforting. After a moment he laid there and smiled thinking of home. He slowly got up and shook off the excess sands and smiled. He was getting close and he didn't feel quite depressed as before. He continued up the beach and finally reached some grass that was the obvious border of forest and sand. He couldn't wait to see what the castle looked liked and all the food it would hold! Who would he see and what would they be like? These as well as many other questions filled Zerda's head and he couldn't wait to find the answers to them.

Hendry held the boat steady for the boy as he climbed out. He settled back into the boat and took up the oars again, scoffing amusedly at Zerda's farewell. He dips his head with his fingertips on the edge of his cap. "Ye take care, kid."

He looks back to see if the fox had set off down the path yet before the waves carried him out of sight and was amused to see him rolling in the sand. He shakes his head, in a decent mood for once, then puts the oars into a rhythm and heads back to Sindri's Cove.


((Okay, and ZERDA IS SO FRIGGIN CUTE ))

((Just saying, i totally agree with the NPC))