Information


Merian has a minion!

Treasure the Trove




Merian
Legacy Name: Merian


The Angelic Montre
Owner: odduckOasis

Age: 10 years, 3 weeks, 5 days

Born: March 1st, 2014

Adopted: 9 years, 4 months, 2 days ago

Adopted: November 25th, 2014


Pet Spotlight Winner
March 18th, 2018

Statistics


  • Level: 1
     
  • Strength: 10
     
  • Defense: 10
     
  • Speed: 10
     
  • Health: 10
     
  • HP: 10/10
     
  • Intelligence: 1
     
  • Books Read: 1
  • Food Eaten: 0
  • Job: Unemployed


The moon shone dimly through the window, the curtains being opened, fluttering in the breeze as the large pane window stood ajar next to the plush window seat. The house was quiet- her parents asleep and the servants also down for the night- at least most of them. Merian sighed, shaking her head a little before she continued her quick packing, not sure why she cared to take so much with her only that she didn’t want to get half way there and have to turn around to retrieve something she’d left behind.


Grabbing the journal book on her desk, she looked at it a moment, touching the decorations along the cover that her sister Ambriel had so lovingly put there before giving it over as a present, Merian stuffed that into her bag as well. With a gasp, she turned suddenly as he door creaked open- afraid her mother had come to check up on her.


“Meri?” the younger girl stuck her head into the room, looking around a moment before she spotted her big sister standing fully dressed next to her bed where a pack sat mostly already stuffed full. She stepped into the room, her tawny brown eyes shining.


“Oh Brie, it’s just you...” Merian sighed, going back to her packing, having not seen the distraught look on her little sister’s face, not yet. Merian was only fifteen, but she’d had the desire to get out of her parents’ house for a couple of years now. They were not cruel or oppressive- but Merian was a very free spirited girl and didn’t want to be held down to the rules that her parents had for her. Like generations past- a past that few even knew about since most records had been destroyed in the wars- democracy had been lost and changed and like most- her own standing in this world depended on who she married and the sooner the better. Tomorrow she was to be “presented” in a “coming out” party to which her mother intended to announce she was available for suitors and Merian was adamant that would not be happening.


“You’re leaving?” Ambriel asked, watching as her sister packed. Ambriel was nothing like her sister Merian- not in personality, not really in looks save for their similar faces- a sign they were related, but that’s where the similarities ended. The younger sister had locks of wavy chocolate that were currently braided down her back while Merian’s hair was a light blonde with sapphire blue eyes. While both montres, Merian was slightly different as well, having developed a rare condition in which she grew two sets of wings while Ambriel had the traditional one like both their parents. Currently her wings were folded and pressed against her back, consistent with the rest of her posture as she watched her sister with sad pleading eyes.


“Of course I’m leaving. I’m not about to be sold off to the highest bidder..” Merian sneered a little. Ambriel was only thirteen, but Merian hoped she wouldn’t be so eager to marry someone like her parents wanted for herself.


“You know that’s not what mother intends...” Ambriel started but held her tongue at the look from her sister. Sighing in resignation, Ambriel stepped over to the dresser with her sister and started pulling out different things as well.


“What are you doing?” Merian asked, looking at her sister in some confusion, expecting her to start screaming and crying for her not to leave. But her sister just smiled, resolute as she moved to the bed and helped her pack. With a return smile, Merian turned, grabbing a few more things off her desk. After everything was done, Merian pulled on her coat and picked up her pack, looking around her room a moment before turning to her little sister. “Take care of yourself Brie.” she nodded, returning the hug as the younger girl threw her arms around her.


“Write to me... all the time.” Ambriel said, smiling as she looked up at Merian and gave her a kiss on the cheek.


With a nod, tears shining now, Merian turned, climbing up onto the window bench and then out onto the roof overhanging the gardens behind the house. Climbing down the tree next to the house, Merian was gone in a moment, running through the night as she made her way down to the docks, intending to get herself on a ship- any start was a good one. She could pull off looking like a young boy for a while- if she wanted to be safe and learn to take care of herself, she’d need to protect her gender from being discovered. Despite that, excitement coursed through her body as she found herself at the port, various ships docked, all she had to do was choose....



***

next...
Dear Brie,
How are you? How are mother and father? They marry you off to some ancient diplomat yet?I’m sorry I couldn’t come home to visit this run. Captain Umar is pretty strict about how many times we visit one port, especially one we got into a bit of trouble on. Some of the men started some trouble with the local police- couple of them got arrested and face murder charges as they shot one of the policemen. Stupid idiots.
I’m getting really good at navigating the rigging now. Some of the men are really helpful, thinking I’m still some young boy that is aspiring to be a Captain one day. That would be pretty great, even if they’d be surprised to find out I’m not a boy.Have you told mother? Please don’t tell her where I am or what I’m doing. Just... tell her I’m on a merchant ship, it will save her from having a heart attack.
I love you Brie. Please stay well and write soon!
Yours always,
Meri


***


Dear Meri,
After you ran off, mother decided not to force me to marry anyone too quickly- afraid I might do the same. They don’t really know me very well if they think I could ever run off like you and become a “merchant sailor“. Still, it’s nice to have a little more freedom because of it, so I guess I should say thank you.
I miss you. It’s been too long. A year seems so long sometimes, and yet it has gone by so fast at the same time. Who is Captain Umar? I thought your Captain’s name was Quentin? Did you change ships again? How will I ever know where you are if you keep moving around? What happened? Are you alright? I hope you can make your way back to Silvermoon again. Perhaps during the Lunar Festival? I know you’ve always enjoyed that.
Write again soon! I love you and miss you too.
Forever,
Brie


***


Dear Brie,
There were some issues with the last boat I was on- mainly by my boot smashing one of the men’s joysticks, but you know- it couldn’t be helped; he was trying to put it where it didn’t belong. I can already see the horrified look on your face sister. Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself. The man is just lucky I didn’t decide to use my dagger instead of my foot.
I heard some talk about Umar- being ruthless but protective at the same time. He’d never hurt a woman, nor would he allow one to be harmed under his care. So far, he’s been hard to put up with- but he’s made sure the men treat me like the rest of the crew. I felt it prudent to tell him at least that I wasn’t a boy, but he agreed I should keep that under wraps, at least until I learn how better to defend myself.
He actually offered to teach me, though I honestly am not sure how I feel about that. He’s a lot bigger than I am, I’m afraid he might crush me, though I think his handsome face will make it easier to tolerate him.I don’t know if I can make it back for the Lunar Festival, I’m not really in the position on the ship to make suggestions for ports, but I’ll try to give you a heads up if I know we’ll be coming back to Silvermoon for supplies.
Give mother and father my love. I love you my dear sister. Be well.
Always,
Meri


***


Dear Meri,
I haven’t heard from you for so long. Are you alright? I fear to think of the worst with what you do, who you are with and how injured you could be, or worse. When will you be coming home to see us? Mother tries to hide it, but I know she misses you, so does father. They don’t know where you went, and they don’t understand why you’ve never been home to visit. I’ve kept up my end by telling them you’re on a merchant ship- but I think they suspect something else. You really should come home to visit. The last letter I got from you was over six months ago! Before that, three months...
Oh my dear Merian- three years is far too long to see your family. I miss you more than you can realize. Please, come home, if not for them- come for me. I want to speak to my sister.
You will at least be glad to know, I am still unmarried and I’m happy. Mother is having me learn to better myself in the meantime. I’ve learned how to knit- which is just as incredibly boring as it sounds. She did have me continue learning the piano and I’ve gotten quite good- I enjoy it quite a lot as you remember. You never liked the piano, I remember that. Have you learned any other skills besides tying knots and securing rigging? I wish you’d show me. Tell me more of what is going on with you- your ship, your Captain, your crew mates. I live vicariously through you, after all. All you’ve told me in previous letters sounds so exciting, but frightening at the same time. I would love to see your ship- but not more than you. Please, write as soon as you can.
I love you.
Forever,
Brie


***


Dear Brie,
I apologize for how long it has taken me to write you, truly. We’ve had a lot of trouble lately. The Curse of the Oracle is the ship I am sailing on. We were taking a supply ship and came under attack by the regimen. They killed our quartermaster so we’ve been looking for a new one, but while also keeping ourselves scarce for a while. I haven’t been allowed any correspondence until we were sure we were in the clear and no one was reading our mail. Captain Umar decided we’re at less risk right now and so I’m allowed to write to you again!
I can tell you we’ll be at Silvermoon within the next few weeks, so be on the lookout. I’ll come see you, perhaps come home and see mother and father, maybe. I’m an adult now, they can’t make me stay, so I hope they won’t try. Perhaps it would be best not to tell them I’m coming, just in case so they don’t have some suitor waiting for me.
I’ll try to make a strong suggestion it’d be in our benefit to stay at port for more than a day. Captain Umar really doesn’t like to stay at port for very long and his men grumble a lot about it, wishing for more of a reprieve from the rigors of being on the ship for so long. He’s kept us out sometimes up to four weeks at a time. We’ve had a lot of trouble with cabin fever when we’ve done that. I’m not sure he’s quite learned that the men can’t go that long away from port without a good reason. At least avoiding the regimen was a good reason lately. Oh, we didn’t spend six months away from ports- we just knew which ones to go to that were less risky, but spent a lot of time “borrowing“ from various merchant ships.
Now that we’re in the clear, I’ll write you more often and I hope to see you soon!
I love you sweet sister.
Yours,
Meri


***


Dear Meri,
It was so wonderful seeing you again. You’ve changed so much! You should start growing out your hair again, don’t you think? I don’t think mother enjoyed seeing you looking like an adolescent boy. I don’t know how the men of your ship can think you’re a just a kid though. You are a blossoming young woman! They must be the stupidest men alive, either that or they’re ignoring it. Perhaps your Captain has something to do with that? Didn’t you say he was protecting you? For someone so “ruthless“ he seems to at least have a soft spot for you.
What is he like? You don’t talk about the men or anyone much at all. I’d love to hear more about your recent adventures, but I’m sorry about all the trouble you’ve had as of late. Please be safe my dear sister, I don’t know what I would do if I lost you.
Forever,
Brie


***


Dear Brie,
I actually have started growing out my hair again, it was just hard to tell when I visited, as it was still quite short. It’s about to my jawline now though. Honestly, I think the men don’t really see me as a boy either- they probably know by now I’m not, considering I haven’t ’grown up’ and my voice hasn’t dropped. The newer crewman don’t, but those that are loyal to Umar and the ship and have been around as long as I have- I’m sure they know. They’re like family to me, they wouldn’t let anyone hurt me and I’m sure Umar had something to do with that too. He taught me to handle a sword and how to fight- the men saw him take me under his tutelage, so I’m sure that had something to do with them giving me some more respect.
I guess I’m just so used to being one of the guys, I don’t really think of myself as a “blossoming young woman“ as you put it. That’s what mother would want me to be and you know I’m not like that. I’m not like you. All that decorum, polite behavior and sweetness- well… that’s just not me. I can already hear your laughter- you know it’s true. I fit in with this life, I like it and I don’t plan to change, regardless of how much you or mother think I should. I love you dear sister- but don’t worry so much about me in that regard.
Umar is about the same as ever. Hard, unyielding, rough and strict. Sometimes he scares even me, but I’m sure there’s a soft side to him he just keeps hidden under that hard exterior. I saw some of it when he was teaching me- but he wasn’t really any easier on me than on any of the other men and he’s had me disciplined for breaking the rules just like all the rest. (I know you’d be horrified to see my back. It’s part of my life and I’ve accepted that.) But at the same time, he’s been a good man to me- still protective in a way- in his own way.
We did get a new quartermaster. He’s quite handsome as well, a tall legecia that has a mysterious past he won’t share with anyone. All anyone knows is that he was a quartermaster on the last ship he traveled on- but not really sure why he left. I’ve tried talking to him- he’s friendly enough at least. It’s nice though to have a couple of men to look upon on this ship to remind me that I am indeed a woman. Now I’m the one giggling.
Write back soon dearest sister! Please tell me more of what is going on with you too. Love to mother and father.
Yours,
Meri


***


Dear Meri,
Oh my dear, I would never think to want to change you. I love you for who you are and would never want you to be any different than how you’ve always been. That’s why I helped you pack the night you left. I knew there was nothing I could do or say and that you were determined to go. So why argue with you? I know you, I know you’re happy and that where you are is the best place you can be. Doesn’t mean I am not worried for your safety as I must bear such worries alone considering neither of our parents are aware of your true employment.
Mother has fallen ill. The doctors are still running tests, not sure exactly what it is, but think it may be cancer. They are hoping to be able to treat her- but she’s been so weak lately. I hope you can come home and see her before too long- you haven’t seen enough of her or me. Mostly me. Just like you have, I can see your smile already. If you can’t come home, at least pray for her, that the illness will pass- or the doctors can take it from her.
But enough of such depressing talk. You have a new handsome young man aboard your ship, hm? Quartermaster seems like a job for someone ugly and mean- I’m sorry you have had to endure such treatment from that job however. I’m sure mother wouldn’t completely disapprove, you know how many times she wanted to whip you herself for your disobedience.
You’ll definitely have to keep me updated on all of that and come visit soon!
I love you.
Always,
Brie


***


Dear Brie,
I apologize for how long it’s been since writing you again. I’ve wanted to come home, but we simply haven’t been able to make it to Silvermoon for the last few months. Such is the life I lead, not really able to do what I want since it’s not up to me after all. How is mother? I hope she is still well enough that I can come see her soon. Unfortunately I can’t exactly take any “sick days“ to go visit an ill relative, as you are aware. I know mother and father wouldn’t understand, so please don’t bother attempting to explain it to them. I will try though sister, I will, promise.
Despite the fact that he’s a quartermaster, Saide- is a good man. He’s funny and likes to enjoy himself as well as has some pretty great stories from his previous ship. Some of the other men don’t like to buddy up with the quartermaster, but some think he’s alright. It took Saide about week to figure out I’m not a boy though- but don’t worry, he didn’t find out in any scandalous way. But you would be proud of me- in one of the previous ports, I decided to get some new clothes (the ones I have now were getting pretty worn) and Saide actually convinced me to try less boyish clothes and so I bought my first corset. These things are tight, but I kind of like it. I can already see that knowing look in your eye and yes- Saide did help me with lacing it... and unlacing it... The man knows his way around a corset. Quit laughing, I can hear you from here.
It’s nice to be seen as a woman really... with curves and a pretty face again. Don’t tell mother, I don’t want to picture that ’told you so’ smirk she’ll get when she finds out- except I also know she’d be appalled considering I’m not marrying the man. It’s just… fun. I feel like I’m actually growing up. Finally.
Please send my love to father and mother- she is in my prayers.
Yours,
Meri


***


Dear Meri,
Mother’s health is getting worse. Please come home. Can’t you take some time off? Tell your Captain it’s family… surely he will understand. Please, father needs you here. So do I. I can’t... I can’t do this without you.
Always,
Brie


***


Dear Brie,
I explained to Umar what was going on. He told me since I have no formal rank that I can come and go as I please. I will be home the next time we are in Silvermoon- should be within the month.
~Meri



***

...prev------next...
Dear Meri,
Father is so grateful you were able to come and stay for as long as you did. He needed the support and so did I. I know mother appreciated it too, even if her illness kept her from expressing it properly. She stopped talking a few months ago- though the doctors say it isn’t because of the illness but something else. I believe she simply lost all hope and has shut down little by little. Still, she seemed brighter since your stay, so thank you for that.
I’m glad you were able to get back onto the Oracle- she seems the best fit or you. What happened with Saide? Are you two still “having fun“? Worry not, I haven’t breathed a word to mother or father, though I did tell him before you visited- that you were wearing skirts now and he smiled with a soft chuckle. I think he expected you to wear pants and baggy men’s shirts the rest of your life. Perhaps one of these days you will let me see your infamous ship? I’ve only see it from afar- it would be nice to step aboard, even if only for an afternoon. I know I know- no place for a lady- but still, I would enjoy seeing where you spend your days, the place you love so much. Perhaps one day.
Be well sister. I love you. Visit again soon!
Always,
Brie


***


Dear Brie,
I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to come aboard the Oracle, even if only for a day. This kind of ship is no place for a lady and I don’t think Umar would like it. It’s not a museum after all, it isn’t open for tours. He would probably have Saide mark up my hide again if I let you aboard, especially without asking and I can guarantee you I’m not going to be asking him that. He’ll carve up my back just for suggesting it. You think I’m kidding? You don’t know Umar like I do.
And Saide and I had a little fun yes, but it’s done with. He had some tastes that weren’t really to my liking so, we’re just going to remain friends. He’s a good guy, I think he just needs a woman that is a bit more… adventurous in the ways he wants them to be. No, I’m not going to explain further- perhaps next time we are together I can give you more details. Either way, freeing up my time with a man has had me rather looking once more to another man. Truthfully I never saw Umar as more than my Captain- though I never stopped seeing how handsome he was. But I don’t know- something about him lately has drawn my eye though I’m certain I haven’t drawn his. I don’t know what to do really or say, if I should say anything at all. I mean, I’m one of his crew; I’m not about to do anything that would jeopardize my standing on the ship, especially as I’m gaining more rank. I’m really good at my job and I’m thorough and not one to be messed with, regardless if I’m a girl. I don’t want him to see me differently.
You’ll have to disappoint mother a little though, I don’t always wear skirts. How is she? I hope I can visit again soon.
Love you sweet girl.
Yours,
Meri


***


Dear Meri,
I know you’d get into trouble for allowing me on your boat, it was just a desire of mine- even if it’s unattainable. I’ll still hold out hope all the same.
I’m sorry about you and Saide. You will indeed need to explain further what you mean the next time I see you. Though I suppose I should not be surprised that a man in his line of work might like things a little more… rough? Is that what you were implying? What? I’m not as innocent as you still believe me to be. Remember, I’m not thirteen any more. I’ll be eighteen soon and I am still unwed! You would be so proud. It’s the last thing on father’s mind since mother’s illness has gotten worse.
He needs me around, he isn’t about to let me run off with some boy when he needs me taking care of the household in mother’s absence and tending after her while he works. It’s a bit lonely, but I don’t mind it so much. One day I’m sure I’ll meet the right man, one that will cherish me. Speaking of- you have your eyes on your dear Captain again do you? Isn’t that a little risky? From all the stories I’ve heard of Umar (oh yes, I’ve heard stories)- he isn’t exactly the most generous man when it comes to his women. I never said I heard these stories from the girls in my sorority did I? Never you mind where I’ve heard them. But I also know many stories are fabrications- and I suppose all you can do is just be yourself. Don’t hide from him Meri. If you never tell him, you’re never giving him the chance to choose for himself.
Whatever happens is meant to happen; meant to be. Just be safe, that’s all I really care for. I love you dear sister. Write again soon.
Always,
Brie


***


Dear Brie,
I’m always myself, I suppose that’s part of the problem. You’re right though, whatever happens is meant to be. Things are a bit more crazy aboard the Oracle lately, so I apologize for the late reply and the shortness of it. I will hopefully write more soon. Happy 18th birthday! I will bring you a gift the next time we are at port.
Yours,
Meri


***


Dear Meri,
Oh Meri, it’s mother. She’d taken a turn- I fear she will not make it more than a month’s time, perhaps six weeks. Please come home- father needs you. I need you. I can’t do this without you. Please....


***


Dear Meri,
I don’t know where you are or why you did not reply, but mother… she- she passed peacefully yesterday morning, though by the time you receive this more time will have passed. Father has been in mourning since her sickness got worse and we knew she would not be long for this world. Can you come for the funeral? Please, we need you. I need you my dear Meri. Please… come home.


***


Dear Meri,
I miss you already. Was not mother’s funeral lovely? Father was so encouraged when you came, but he has since slipped back into a depression now that you have gone again. You never knew how much he has cherished you- favored you. Mother favored me- but father has always favored you, envied your free spirit. I do as well. Sometimes I wish I could be brave like you. You must be brave to put up with that man you call Captain. He’s so crass- I’m not sure I can tolerate another visit with him. Next time, leave him at the docks, will you?
Write soon.
Love you always,
Brie


***


Dear Brie,
For someone that professed to not liking my Captain the last time you saw him, you certainly do flirt a lot. Changed your mind a bit have you? Funny enough, something about him has changed as well. I can’t really place it- but, something about him seems happier. Actually, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him smile so much. Don’t get used to seeing him, I doubt we’ll be back in port any time soon.
I love you. Send my love to father, I hope he is well.
Yours,
Meri


***


Dear Meri,
Umar changed somehow since the first time I met him. It’s strange, usually they say first impressions set the grounds for how you will see a person from that time forward- but I believe that isn’t so true. He certainly proved me wrong. It seems that the Oracle is coming back to Silvermoon a lot more often than it used to… and you are able to see me far more than before. Do you suppose Umar is doing it as a favor to you? Wanting to make you happy as he knows you suffered a loss in the family and need to be with them? That would be quite sweet of him if that were the case- not something I would expect from him at least, but I am not complaining. I enjoy you being here, I’ve missed you greatly. I hope to see you again soon!
Always,
Brie


***


Dear Meri,
I’m sorry we couldn’t see much of each other the last time you were in port. I didn’t expect Umar to come out and ask me to spend time with him. He’s certainly not as brutal as you made him out to be. He’s quite a gentleman in fact. I’m not so versed in knowing many men- having spent so much time with mother and tending for her, being courted was the furthest thing from my mind, but I suppose it’s something I can think about now. I know you have felt for this man and if you wish it, I will not allow him to contact me again- but Meri- oh Meri… he really is kind and sweet- I would enjoy getting to know him more, please don’t hate me.
Always,
Brie


***


Dear Meri,
Thank you for your blessing. Did you ever tell Umar how you felt about him? I have a feeling you never did. I’m sorry you never felt you could; I never meant to come between you. I love you, you know that right? I would never intend to hurt you, I hope you realize that. Next time you are in port, I want to see you, not just Umar. Please come to the house- father would love it as well. I miss you and I will always love you the most.
Always,
Brie




***

...prev------next...


Setting down the last letter from her sister, Merian wiped at her cheek angrily. She didn’t want to be mad at her sister, she had stepped back- had decided if Umar wanted her sister- she wouldn’t stand in the way. No, she never told him how she felt, what she thought or anything resembling feelings for him beyond that of respect and the admiration of a first mate. She couldn’t even tell her sister she’d gotten the rank- she couldn’t tell her how much it meant for her to have been made the Captain’s right hand man- someone with authority and status- someone he trusted. She couldn’t tell her how happy it made her because Ambriel was so caught up in her own happiness as Umar openly courted her.When they had come to port, Merian had gone to see her sister and of course Umar had come along, wanting to see the woman he loved as well. Before long, all plans changed and Merian headed back to the Oracle where she’d swiped a bottle of rum from the stores and locked herself in her room, drinking away her sorrows and locking her heart up tightly, not wishing to hurt any more or ever again.


***


“No! This is stupid! You can’t let her come aboard the Oracle!” Merian protested, looking down the gangplank at her perfectly trimmed and proper nineteen year old sister who stood along the docks in her bustled dress, lacy gloved hands with fascinator hat covering her delicate features. She didn’t seem to even be flustered by the way many men on the docks were gawking at her- secure in the fact that Umar would snap their necks should they even approached her.


“It's ain' a perm’nt arrangement Merian. She just be comin’ aboard fer a visit. She be aboard a week an’ then we’ll return ta Silvermoon. She’s safe wit’ me. ’sides, she’s a grown ass woman, and I’m th’ Captain o’ this ship. Your opinion is duly noted.” Umar responded with finality, trying to keep a hard frown from creasing his features too much. He knew Merian was a protective older sister- but it was a simple, short trip- he was not worried about any threat in such a short amount of time....



***

...prev------next...
“BRIE! BRIE!!?” Merian ran up the stairs to the top deck as their ship was lay seige by another pirate ship, ruthless men that were only interested in eliminating the competition and taking their stores for themselves, and their ship should they be able to. Clanging swords with a man, Merian moved her feet quickly and with a twist of her body she landed the sword into the man’s stomach before she ran on, looking desperately for her sister.


She was deaf to the calls of her Captain, his orders or anything else any other man aboard was saying or shouting. She fought her way, looking for the young girl and hoping she was safe, hoping she’d hidden herself below deck and she was not found until this was all over; that she was away from danger.


Then she saw her; Umar was only fifty feet away- he could certainly see her too. She had a sword! Was she fighting? Umar must have taught her some moves- but it wasn’t enough. Time slowed to a still as Ambriel stopped, her back arching as the sword speared through her back, exploding through her chest between her ribs. “NOOO!!!” Merian’s scream echoed though there were no walls for which it to bounce off. Without remembering how her feet had gotten there so quickly, Merian cut the man down before she dropped to her knees, gathering her sister up into her arms. “No.. no... Brie! Brie!!”


The battle raged around her as her own body folded around her sister- unaware of anyone else around her or what had happened to them as her one hand pressed into the wound bleeding freely, the other stroking her sister’s hair softly, nothing could be done- she was gone.


The attackers were soon defeated and the Oracle was left to limp back to the nearest port: Silvermoon Bay.


***


Laying a single pink rose along the top of the gravestone, Merian let a single tear fall, stroking a hand along the smooth stone top of her sister’s headstone- one that was never meant to lay next to her mother’s. If anyone was meant to lay next to their mother, it was Merian. Merian’s life was sure to end sooner than her sister’s, but the fates were not to have it that way and Merian was allowed to live- regret filling her soul as the last thoughts she’d had of her sister were anger and jealousy. “Forgive me sweet sister...” she said softly, choking back a sob and then turned, leaving the cemetery to head back to the Oracle.


It wasn’t easy to remain there- but she knew she couldn’t make it anywhere else. She was first mate there, no other ship would honor that rank and surely she’d be seen as something other than a crewman aboard any other ship- at least most of them and she wasn’t willing to scour around looking for a Captain that wouldn’t see her as his personal courtesan.


No, she’d stay on the Oracle, retaining her rank and the respect of the men, even if it meant she had to remain under the command of a man she now hated. Umar was responsible for her sister’s death, that much she would never forget- she could never forgive that. But she also knew- if they’d never met, if she’d never allowed him to meet her sister… none of this would ever have happened.


Cursing herself, Merian quickly wiped away another tear as she headed back to port. It would take a lot of work to get the Oracle back on her “feet”, but the work would help distract her from the pain and ache of all that had happen.


She supposed she was a true pirate now- pain was now her best friend and it would never let her forget it.



***

...prev------credits...




Story and profile by Owner: odduckOasis
Character art and design by: Celestial
Linked with Celestial’s OC Umar with permission.
keys: here & here
bg: here
lace border: here
pearls: here
roses: here
lace embroidery: here
gears and cogs: here
vintage compass: here
vintage envelopes: here & here
Hawaii killer & DecadentalFrax fonts from dafont.



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Pet Treasure


Steamwork Lain Metal Feather

Antique Revolver

Battered Golden Doubloons

Single Pink Rose Gift

Brass Rose

Marquesa Rose Signet

Viscount Ribboned Seal

Box of Love Letters

Poorly Thought Out Apology Note

Ivory Dip Pen

Traditional Ink Stick

Black Inkwell

Pemberley Letter Writing Set

Love Diary

Lacy Design Notebook

Raven Feather Quill Pen

Gearbound Journal

Gold Oil Lamp

Steamwork Wrist Pistol

Ventura Trinket Box

Lockwell Trinket Box

Battered Golden Doubloons

Ruffled Brown Bolero

Dee Layla Fair Corset

Brown Cotton Corset

Black Hip and Thigh Belts

Purple Ruffled Dance Skirt

Dark Brown Tall Buttoned Heeled Boots

Porcelain Shoelace Hook

Oddly Ornate Revolver

Delicate Tarnished Pocket Watch

Brass Hip and Thigh Belts

Old Compass

Ornamented Brown Decanter

Dainty Drinking Flask

Whiskey

Distilled Rum

Gold Summit Key

Silver Summit Key

Iron Summit Key

Dusty Old Key

Dusty Embellished Lock

Old Wooden Picture Frame

A Pirates Guide to Swashing Buckles and Buccaneering

Ornamented Purple Decanter

Pet Friends