It's the innkeeper. She looks busy.
Nothing but ashes left of the fire, now.
It was pretty comfy to sleep in. I'm a little stiff, but that's only to be expected, I guess.
It was very comfy.
The back rooms are both empty.
Assorted bottles and spices and herbs.
They look empty, and after last night's shindig, that's no wonder.
Barrels.
It's a blue woman. And you know, no big deal. I've seen it all. A blue woman is just run-of-the-mill, now.
She's blue.
It's Tun Luiec.
Not to sound rude, but I've had my fill of her for the moment.
No, I don't feel like sitting down.
Wake up, child.
(yawns) Sorry, I guess I fell asleep.
Do you intend to walk about in that outfit, child? It is day. It would not be proper.
It's all I have.
Come. We will find something more suited to a young lady about the city.
How do I look?
It will have to do, for now. You do not have the most womanly of forms, but I am certain you will fill out in time, with the right diet.
You did good work for me today, child, more than was required. Here you are, some coin to help you out.
And keep the clothes. You seem to have grown into them already.
Yes? Ah, it is you.
Excuse me?
What time is it?
It is morning. We need to clean before we open for breakfast, so I had to wake you.
I slept right through the party?
It seems so. You did not stir even when everyone was leaving.
Oh. Well, I feel pretty good, considering.
You look a little pale, but it is nothing a good porridge won't fix.
Thanks. Thank you for the clothes, for everything.
You will have time aplenty to thank me while you are cleaning plates and cutlery, child.
I'm sorry? Work?
Those clothes do not come free, child, nor does a night spent sleeping before the fire. I am not asking much, only for a helping hand in cleaning.
I don't have time to work for you.
All right, tell me where to start.
You can start carrying in the mugs from the back room, then after that...
I will not press the matter, child, but you do disappoint me. Please, keep the clothes as a gesture of my generosity, but expect no more favors.
I've changed my mind about helping you clean up.
Thank you, ma'am.
Good! I was very disappointed in you, child, but I am willing to forgive and forget. Now -- to work! You can start carrying in the mugs from the back room, then after that...
You're welcome, child.
I'm looking for a guest of yours, Tun Luiec?
The sailor? She is looking for work today, I am afraid. With most of the ships moored to the docks for Balance knows how long, it is difficult for sailors to find work.
Do you know when Tun Luiec is expected back?
I could not tell you, child, but from what I know of the ships in harbor, she will not find one that needs a navigator any time soon.
Pardon me, ma'am?
I am sorry, young woman, but I do not wish to speak with anyone presently.
Ma'am?
Please, leave me be. I do not wish to speak with anyone.
Pardon me for intruding, ma'am, but is your name Tun Luiec?
Yes, I am Tun Luiec.
I have a delivery for you.
Oh, a map of the Northlands. I had almost forgotten I ordered it.
Sorry about that. I came by a few days ago, but you weren't here.
No. No, I was looking for work. (deep sigh) Thank you kindly, young woman. I will need this map, now, if I am to make it to Corasan by foot.
Why are you going to Corasan by foot?
I can ill afford the cost of passage on a ship bound for the Bay of Fire, and since I do not have a job, nor the prospect of getting one, I have little choice.
Are you from Corasan?
No, I am from the Southlands. I have never been to Corasan.
Why are you so depressed?
Is it that apparent to you? I do beg your pardon. It was not my intent to burden you with my dark mood.
It's okay, I don't mind. I'd like to help, if I can.
(sighs) I do not think you can. Unless you were the captain of a ship, and you could hire me as your navigator... But you are not, and so you can not help me.
Then why are you going there?
Because I am told that in Corasan, captains allow women to join their crew. Here, in Marcuria, they do not.
So I've been told. But you shouldn't have to go somewhere else to get a job. That just isn't fair.
Fair or not, it is custom, and custom is a difficult thing to change.
You're a navigator?
Yes. And I have a letter to prove it. Do you want me to show it to you?
No, I believe you. And you're looking for a job?
I have been looking, now, for many moons. But most captains do not want women on their crew, and so I am leaving for Corasan in the morning.
I got a job for you, if you want it.
A job? As a navigator?
Yeah, on a boat called "The White Dragon". We're leaving this afternoon, if you're interested.
If you are serious, then yes, I am more than interested. But will the captain allow a woman as his navigator?
This one will, trust me. Because if he doesn't, he's not going anywhere. Just pack your stuff and head down to the docks.
Talk to captain Horatio Nebevay of "The White Dragon". Tell him I sent you. The name's April Ryan.
Thank you, April. I am Tun Luiec. I am most grateful to you. Will you be going with us?
Yeah, so I'll see you there.
Thank you so much.
See you later.
Goodbye.
See you later.
