Esfira
It all started with the misty cliffs, sea spray, the brown and teal wooden buildings, and the glowing line at the bottom of the ocean that appeared the night I was born. This is my life, living peacefully in the Mythos Capital of the world. But I'm ready to leave that behind. And for what? I'll be honest, I have no idea.
***
A bell rings at the docks, beckoning me elsewhere. The ringing of the bell is accompanied by a call to action.
"Join the Divide Expedition! If adventure calls to you, then join the Divide Expedition!"
I've been waiting for this for so long. The bright waves shine on one of the only days in the northern sector without sea fog. The docks are wet while the bell-ringer stands atop a wooden crate while a quite embarrassed individual sits at a table next to her. "Come on, people! Don't you want to see what's beyond the Quiet Divide? Don't you want a little bit of adventure? Ugh! People these days..." She sits on the box. "How many did we get?"
"None. I think you should get off your soapbox and let's go home. Wait for better days or find people elsewhere."
"Come on Hugo! This whole thing is about adventure! Haven't you wanted more than that crown you'll never get?"
"Don't remind me. Listen, I know you've got at least one brain cell of logic you inherited. Our parents weren't friends for nothing."
"Hey, I heard you were looking for adventure seekers?"
The two whip their heads towards me. "Yeah, uh, yeah!" The girl flusters and stands up straight offering a hand. "You're an adventurous soul?"
"Of course! Especially if you're travelling the Quiet Divide. That thing has been here since the day I was born." Quite literally.
"So you're in?"
"Yep! When do we leave?"
"Uh..."
A commotion draws my attention, and a large, burly man with blue scales on his arms pushes through the crowd and smiles at all of us. I think Hugo and the girl physically shrink a few inches at the sight. "I would like to travel, too."
"Uh, Al-alright."
"The name's Claysen, but you can just call me Clay. So when do we leave?"
"I was just sayi-"
"I WANT TO JOIN THIS ADVENTURE!" A young man about my age runs up to the booth, a wild look in his eyes and an impish grin on his face.
The bell-ringer girl taps the man on each of his shoulders in turn. "You're hired."
"Awesome! When do we leave?"
"We leave-"
"[James introduction] When do we leave?"
"UGH! We leave-"
"I'm quite intrigued by this, I'll join as well." A woman in her early twenties joins the group, and Hugo is rushing to grab everyone's names and information. "When can I plan on our departure?"
"I was JUST going to SAY, we-"
A man in elegant, obviously noble, yellow robes and a golden circlet steps into the large straggle of anxious adventurers. "I consider this a wonderful opportunity. When will we begin?"
"Are you going to let me finish?"
"I think that Adecthelion's entire supply of adventurers are standing right here, so yes. Continue."
"Thank you. This wonderful expedition, led by none other than me, Viatora _, will depart for the end of the Quiet Divide in three days time. Bring all your things, because we may not come back."
***
Everyone looks at me. Shrugging my shoulders, I lean back as comfortably as I can on a barrel with only the mast behind me. "So what's your stories? I can tell I'm the youngest one here. I don't have the greatest stories."
Nobody speaks. Someone coughs. "Anybody willing? Or are we all going to sit here in silence until lights out?"
The woman in her twenties looks around. "Oh, whatever. If none of you scaredy-cats are going to say anything, I might as well. My name is Isara Graye, I am venturing of my own will with sound mind and body and no one can convince me otherwise. I believe we might as well get to know each other better, and soon, if we want to survive and thrive on this journey. I believe my introduction is done. It was lovely to hear your proseful story, Esfira. I love your accent as well."
"Thank you." I have an accent? I thought everyone else had an accent!
Isara nods. "Now, if no one is going to go about this in a civilized or willing manner, I might as well organize this mess myself. Alright, you- Claysen. You go first, then we'll have our illustrious leaders, the young man, and Mr. Yellow Robes over here. Why did all of you decide to come on this potentially deadly exploring expedition?"
Claysen clears his throat. “I just wanted to get out. You know, see the world, gain some knowledge, explore all of the unknown places.”
“Anything else you’d like to share?”
“Uh… nope. Nothin’ at all.”
“Alright, then. Young woman, you share.”
“O…kay. Um, I’m Viatora, I’m leading the expedition. Life is complicated, and so is family relationships. So I’m leaving society behind to start a new one. Hugo can go now.”
“What she said, but I’m the brains of this operation, I know the workings of government and society inside and out. And my family’s awesome, so… yeah.”
“Hey, I’m Justin, and I just want to have an adventure. Life’s short- Might as well make it worth it.” The introductions die down, and everyone turns to stare at the older man. He sighs. “You’re not going to stop until I answer, aren’t you?” A few more seconds of starting in silence, and he folds. “Fine. I want to find a new place to start over. Happy?”
“Yes, actually. Now that that’s over with, let’s get dinner and meet the rest of the crew!”
“Cool, so I guess we’re a team now?” The boy, Justin, stands next to me as everyone leaves, going below deck.
“Yep. I can tell this is going to be the best time of our lives.”
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