Trouble in Rainbow Swallow [IC]

[fyleisch]

The boat is waiting along the river West of the warehouse, just as Ionnia promised. The captain and the two deck-hands seem to be in good spirits, and one of the crew tries to scratch Charlotte behind the ear as Frank comes aboard.

The boat itself is somewhere between a barge and a longboat, long and narrow, but with a deep hold for cargo and several small sleeping areas. The ship's two human crew-members probably find their sleeping quarters beneath the deck low and cramped, but to Frank they're quite spacious, though he will have to share with Charlotte.

The boat has a a pair of masts fitted with sails, but they dangle listlessly in the still air. It seems to move up river, the boat will be driven by the two crewmen, pushing against the weak current by bracing long oars against the riverbed.

The captain is a fierce looking dwarf, his skin dry and cracked by years of working outdoors, but his beard is well trimmed, and he seems clean and dressed well for travel.

"Well met, you must be Frank, our scout? The office sent word we'd be havin' you on board. Well, come on, I hope you're ready to sail, we've got a deadline to keep! Maybe literally, heh heh."

[RainbowLantern]

Yes sir! Frank says bowing a little to the captain. Ready and reporting for duty.

Charlotte lets the crew pet her but stays on Frank's heels most of the time.

[fyleisch]

"Sir? Heh!" the dwarf shakes his head. "Welcome aboard. Now, keep yourself out of trouble, I've got to get us moving."

The captain strides to the edge of the boat where he unties the dock rope, as the crew begin pushing against the riverbed with poles of long oars. Slowly, against the gentle current, the boat begins to move North along the river.

Though they pass a few peasant fishing boats, the craft is nearly alone in its jourey North, with most of the boat traffic from the docks heading South to the large towns and cities of the plains, and as the day wears on even the fisher folk and watering livestock vanish from the banks. The grass on either side of the river grows long and dense, and the gentle breeze that blows down from the North takes on the scent of wide grasslands and wildflowers.

As the sun begins to creep down towards the horizon, the captain orders the two now-exhausted crew members to steer the boat towards the bank. As the bow nudges the grassy bank, he hops out and loops the dock rope around the root of a sturdy, half-hanging over the water.

"Those men'll not be pushing us any further tonight, reckon we all need a rest. There's ale and bread in the stores below if you want it, I know I do."

The captain tramps down the narrow stairs at the far end of the boat, into the cramped and narrow passage that gives access to the below-decks rooms. Up on the deck, the sun begins to dip below the horizon, and the air begins to grow chilly.

The Captain and crew don't seem to have made any concession to protecting the boat while they go below, apparently feeling safe enough to sleep without a watch or guard so far from towns and people. Whether Frank agrees or not, the boat's crew seem to have already retired below to eat a large evening meal and pass out happy with ale.

[RainbowLantern]

Frank is not used to having the opportunity to possibly sleep in real quarters. The idea isn't the most appealing to him. He heads down stairs in search of the bread. If nothing stops him and he finds it easily enough he will head back up stairs and sit with Charlotte. Well girl. Looks like we have our shot.

They will curl up into a ball and sleep on the deck together.