Stowaway (1/6): The Journey Begins

Writers: Beth, Estelle
Date Posted: 10th September 2005

Characters: Reilina, Ryndel
Description: Reilina stows away on the boat carrying Ryndel and the harpers to Dolphin Cove Weyr
Location: Emerald Falls Hold
Date: month 7, day 24 of Turn 3

Ryndel stood on the deck of the riverboat, leaning against the rail.
Immediately below him, the docks were a hive of activity as dockhands worked to load supplies, trade goods and what remained of the Harper Hall's possessions, while the elderly Instrumental Master harassed them with orders to carry the precious drums, harps and gitars _carefully_ rather than tossing them about.

He hardly blamed the man - they had little enough left. The fire had completely wrecked his workshop, leaving him with only a few charred and twisted remnants of tools. Their supply of second-hand instruments for new apprentices were lost, as were several brand-new harps ready for sale and a stock of precious hardwood that they could scarcely afford to replace.

The fact that the fire had started in the workshop wing made him suspect this was a personal matter - an attempt to ruin him in particular. And everyone knew how there was no love lost between him and Lord Enrizial.

As he looked past the busy docks towards the towering walls of Emerald Falls Hold, he did not feel in the least sorry to be leaving - only angry that he had been driven out from the place where he'd been born, had grown up, married his wife and fathered his children.

Not sorry, though. Not since he was unlikely ever to see the treacherous lordling ever again in his life.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Reilina used the hustle and bustle of the docks to her advantage as she approached. It was exactly as she'd hoped. No one paid her any mind, assuming that she was supposed to be there and hurried on with whatever task they were completing.

Going back to the outskirts, she surveyed the scene. As she thought over her plan for the millionth time, she began to feel guilty again. Her parents were probably wondering where she was already. She pushed the thought away and looked for a clear way onto the ship. There were many people loading, and they all seemed quite industrious, blocking all possible hidden access.
Finally, she spotted a man, working alone, who had almost finished with his cartful of supplies. Thinking he'd finish and move away, Reilina headed towards him.

She kept her eyes open as she walked, looking for people who might suspect her of not belonging there. She lingered for a moment, while the man finally gathered up his cart and left, then slipped toward the opening, pulling her bag off her shoulder so she could toss it in first. Just as she thought perhaps the coast was clear, L.T. flew over and cheeped inquiringly at her.
She motioned him down to her shoulder, and shushed him.

She looked around again and, seeing a pair of eyes pointed at her, put her bag back on her shoulder. She made as if to walk away, and the person looked away, disinterested. She saw no one else looking. Tossing her bag into the storage area, she told L.T. to go in, too. He seemed uncertain, but obeyed.
Glancing behind her once more, Reili jumped in as well. She'd had a brief glimpse of another man with a cart headed this way, but she didn't think he'd seen her.

She collected her bag, and began exploring her temporary "cabin". She knew there would be another door somewhere, and if she couldn't find it right now, at least she'd be able to sit tight for a while.

Reili smiled. It had almost been too easy to get on the ship. That was all she'd really needed to do. Once they were away, she'd be free. Again, she felt guilty at worrying her parents so, but she was certain they'd survive.
Her father might almost be glad to be rid of her, since he'd never be able to make a good match with her. Justifying her flight thus, she smiled again and settled herself down among the hastily packed containers, hoping it wouldn't be too long.

Last updated on the September 11th 2005

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Stowaway (1/6): The Journey Begins