Name: shadowsong26
Story: Buried in the Waves
'Verse: Feredar
Colors: Fluorite #6. Open/Shy, Oliphaunt Grey #1. So many bones there lie, Plant Party #21. Sea Poison Tree
Supplies and Materials: brush (deter), oils, fabric, beading wire
Word Count: 540
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Mel, Taz
Warnings: References to Kit's crimes
Notes: Constructive criticism welcome, as always.


Mel was curled up next to Isshiri--still too cold, and too damn quiet; he hadn't woken up once since they'd come on to the Glory, but he was still breathing, and seemed maybe a little better than he had been.

Mel couldn't do anything for him, so he was sitting with his eyes closed, burying himself in the pounding waves, indulging in a feeling he was fair certain he would never have again.

"Heyla."

He jumped a little, and looked up--Captain Taz, come to talk to him personal again.

"Captain," he said, straightening.

"Just wanted to let you know we're a couple hours from home," she said, wedging herself onto an empty barrel across the narrow aisle from him. "In case you can't feel the land yet."

He couldn't, not quite. She must be one hell of a mage, to already feel the change in texture of the waves. "Thanks," he said.

"Haven't been able to signal about our special guest yet, but I will once we're close enough. His Ambassador'll prob'ly meet us at the docks." She hesitated. "Might make things a touch less awkward for you."

She was trying to give him an opening. She was about as subtle as Isshiri.

He shifted a little. "Thanks for the warnin'," was all he said.

Captain Taz frowned, and he could practically see her trying to find another angle to come at the question, without being unforgiveably rude. "I dunno if anyone from your Clan will be. I could try'n find out."

"It's all right."

"Or your Captain."

He flinshed and looked back down at Isshiri. He could feel her eyes on him. "If he is, he is."

She sighed. "I might be able to help you," she finally said. "Y'know, I'm in good with my Head. Plus, I got Dallu, counts for a lot."

Maybe she could. For a moment, he considered telling her what had happened.

But...no. No, if he did that, she'd know his part in it, and it wouldn't solve anything. It would cause friction between Hantree and Artwick, friction the Clans couldn't afford with a war on the horizon. And that might hurt her with her Head.

He shook his head. "You're kind to offer, Captain," he said. "But I can handle myself."

Another sigh. "All right, suit yourself. But, should you change your mind, come find me. Or Dallu, or Kes. She's my sister. Only the two've them know what you told me."

He stared after her as she left, a little surprised--though, maybe he shouldn't be. After all, if she'd told her whole crew what he'd done, like as not they'd've come at him hard. No matter he was a refugee, no matter he was travelling with someone Important, no matter if she told 'em not to. Some things, even a Captain couldn't command.

Again, he considered going after her, telling her--

Stop it, he told himself. His reasons for keeping silence still held. More than ever, if she was already trying to shelter him from the consequences of his own bad choices.

He let out a long, slow breath, closed his eyes, and immersed himself in the pounding waves again.

It's better this way, he told himself. It's better this way...