Zahra offered a slight lift of her shoulders, shrugging at Leonâs sentiment. Had she been in Borjaâs place, it mightâve proceeded in the same fashionâthough it was a difficult circumstance to imagine in the first place. Sheâd never been married. Being engaged to someone she hardly liked didnât count. Loving someone and having them snatched away from you? Impossible. She hummed low in her throat and glanced at Asala, sidelong. Wondered absently what sheâd thought of the violent encounter. Seeing as the compassionate Qunari wasnât quite someone whoâd submerge themselves in anger and hatred and spill it out on someone you considered an enemy, she supposed it wouldâve been a shock.
Whatever revelations that had taken place in the candlelit chambers hadnât been lost on her, though sheâd taken less out of it than Anais and the others. She understood less, anyhow. Hadnât fully understood Anais's feverish desire to rifle through Româs late maâs journal. However burdensome the situation was, she hoped that Romulus came out of it relieved. Lighter, in a sense. There were few things worse than dredging anchors to your ankles, trudging through uncharted waters without any clear answers in sight. She hoped he wouldnât drown in the process. Unresolved, bitter. Disappointed in the past heâd been cheated of. In any case, it appeared as if they were making progress, and thatâs all that counted.
She hooked her thumb towards the stairway leading to the upper decks and exhaled softly, âJoin me?â She hadnât waited for a response. Stomping up the stairs as she usually did, impossibly heavy for a woman so lithe, Zahra greeted the crisp air with a satisfied sigh. All too happy to put those spear-waving Qunari behind. As brutal as it was being pin-cushioned with arrows, sheâd imagine having a broomstick-sized pole protruding from your belly would be infinitely worse. And theyâd been getting worryingly close near the end of their chase, even if sheâd shown it by laughing. If it hadnât been for Khariâs quick-thinking and creative distractions, she wasnât so sure they wouldâve fled unscathed.
Zahra perched herself near Riptideâs right side, elbows propped over the ocher railings. Narrowed eyes trained on the horizon, searching for the old, familiar piers swaying in the distance.
Asala followed behind as she stepped onto the deck. Unlike the Captain, her footsteps were silent in the night, having since discarded the boots at some point after boarding the ship. The only indication that she followed behind was the unmistakable sense of her presence. Once they reached the railing, Asala began by leaning against it, but eventually she seemed to melt, sliding downward until she sat, staring out into the water between the gaps in the rails. She rested her forehead gently against the cool wood as she sat crosslegged.
Every so often, she ventured a glance toward the captain, as if she wanted to say or ask something, but could not quite get it out.
Zahra sighed. It wasnât tinged with annoyance, but rather belonging to someone who just knew sheâd have to be the one pinching and prodding to loosen someoneâs tongue. She tapped her fingers across the wooden knots spiraling through the railing she was leaning on and leaned precariously backwards, stretching her arms in front of her as she grappled onto it. She swung down to Asalaâs level with the grace of someone who was used to standing on edges, especially one so close to the seas they swayed on. However, instead of sitting as the young Qunari-woman had, she stuck her legs between the gaps in the rails and let them dangle down and planted her palms down.
As quiet as she tended to be around her, perhaps for good reason⊠she rather liked her company. It was unusual and refreshing. Fortunately, very unlike the stern-lipped reticence she elicited from Nixiumâalways looking at her as if sheâd said something stupid. Forgetting that she was Captain and not the other way around. She supposed sheâd always needed an anchor to keep her from plunging head-first. But Asalaâs silence was thoughtful. Empathetic. In a sense, kind. When hadnât she seen that kindness radiating from her core? She could hardly imagine her reeling in anger. Hands balled into fists. Though sheâd been surprised before. She hummed low in her throat and leaned her forehead against the rails, and tilted her head so that she could see her face.
âSomething on your mind?â
She didn't answer immediately. No, instead she simply sighed and let her forehead lean against the lip of the railing, the base of her horns resting easily against it. "Yes," she answered, with a tight smile and an inflection on the end of the word that acknowledged how obvious she was being. She didn't elaborate for a time, opting instead to take in the rolling waves beneath their feet. She chuckled to herself, though the sound itself held a tone of melancholy.
"My home is not too far from here," she answered, looking out over the water. "I do... not know if you remember," she said, finally looking toward Zahra, "but Ash-Rethsaam lies north of here, along Rivian's coast." She was quiet for a moment again, her gaze sweeping across the ocean once more before she continued. "That is... what has been on my mind," she answered, with a small, slightly apologetic smile cast her way.
Zahra let the words sit. Idle in silence, as she regarded Asalaâs sheepish expression. Even if she hadnât the heart to ask it, she heard the question loud and clear. She remembered the conversation vividly. Remembered seeking her out in a moment of vulnerability. They both shared similar losses, and a means to mourn properly. She hadnât forgottenâwould never forget it. Every time her gaze roved across the Riptide, it reminded her of Aslan. Of everything they achieved together. How theyâd managed to scrounge up such a motley crew, sailing the seas as if they hadnât a care in the world. She imagined the same thoughts plagued the Qunariâs mind, especially since they were so close to her home.
She felt⊠somewhat lighter being able to share in that same grief. Her smile softened around the edges, and she hoped it belied an understanding of sorts. As the waves rolled across the hull and rocked the ship, she nodded. âOf course I do,â Zahra said, a breathless whisper against the railing. How could she forget? In this, they were sisters, both tasked to send off the ones they loved. She felt grateful to Asala in ways she couldnât express, because she could do right by him. In a sense, she believed she couldnât move on otherwise, and perhaps, she felt the same way. âWe could go, if you like, you need but ask. I donât think the others would mind.â A soft sigh pushed from her lips, as if she were combating truer feelings, âIâd like to.â
Asala was quiet as she thought about it, her eyes cast downward to the waves crashing against the hull of the Riptide. Her lips were pursed, but that had only lasted a moment before they cracked into a smile. She nodded eagerly, an air of excitement suddenly fluttering about her. "Yes, I would like that," she said with a wide smile. Her smile hitched for a moment as if there was something he had realized, but she pushed it back and said nothing of it, the smile returning back to its full form soon after. "We should probably tell Romulus," she added. It seemed only right to let him know that their return to Skyhold may be pushed back a few more weeks, considering the importance of his own task.
âItâs decided then!â
Zahraâs smile crackled back at her in full-flight. She was happy that Asala had decided that yes, this was an opportune time to head home. She feared that sheâd decided it was too much of a bother. It wasnât, in her eyes. Besides, if Asala had truly wanted to return even after they reached Skyhold, she wouldâve taken extraordinary measures to reach it. She doubted Romulus and the others would object to their request, though it was only proper to run it by them. She reached up and grabbed onto the railing sheâd been leaning on in order to pull herself back to her feet. Time was of the essence, and if they wanted to go, telling the others was a priority. Afterward, theyâd set the course and inform their taciturn navigator.
What was another few weeks at sea? This was her home, after all. Delaying their return to Skyholdâs mountains suited her just fine, if she was being honest. However selfish her desires were, sheâd grown accustomed to taking others into consideration. Some might not consider her so pirate-like these days, casting from the shores for favors instead of gold and treasures, but it made her laugh all the same. Sheâd changed. Though it didnât hurt as much as she thought it would. Relying on others was⊠refreshing. She offered Asala a hand and grinned wide, âNo time like the present.â
Asala offered her a warm smile and accepted the outstretched hand, and pulled herself to her feet. She allowed Zahra to take the lead, apparently having figured that the Captain knew better which cabin Romulus had called his. Together, they slipped under deck and navigated the ships belly until they pulled up to Romulus's door. They could hear the sounds of movement beyond the door, and surprisingly, it was Asala who'd issued the knock on the door. Apparently the thought of returning home so close to her grasp managed to embolden her, as there was no longer any hesitation in step nor actions. However, after a moment she did offer Zahra an apologetic smile. Probably thought it should've been the captain that should be the one to knock, but as was becoming the usual of late, it did not last long.
The door soon cracked open, and it was the red hair and annoyed features of Anais that filled the gap. She stared up the considerable height difference at the Qunari woman in front of her.
"The Herald and I are in the middle of important work. We are not to beâ"
The woman cut short any bravery Asala had shown, causing her to instead quietly take a step backward and let Zahra take point once again.
"Anais," came Romulus's voice from inside, sternly. "Open the door. Let them in."
She looked back, and almost hesitated before she let the door swing open wide, revealing a desk with her notes and the recovered journal, as well as Romulus sitting cross-legged on the bed by the other wall. Anais stood aside and allowed the two to enter the room, while Romulus stood.
"What's going on?" he asked.
If Zahra was in any way stifled by Anaisâ frankness, she certainly did not show it. As soon as Asala stepped backwards, revealing stark-red hair and an annoyed face, the captain sidestepped into view with a toothy grin of her own. Steeped across her lips like an amused feline. She was used to this kind of response, after all. A light laugh sounded when Anais turned back towards the chamber, answering Româs call. She noted the hesitance, and shrugged her shoulders as if to say I thought this was my ship.
âSorry to interrupt.â
She pressed her hand against the door and pushed it wide enough to free it from Anaisâ fingers, and stepped aside so that Asala could enter freely. There was a moment of silence, as Zahraâs eyes roved across the chamber. Noting the files, parchment papers, and journal theyâd just acquired. Though it wasnât any of her business, and besides, her heart was already set on other matters entirely.
âIâve a requestâ,â she rubbed her chin and shook her head, âor rather, a favor of my own. A change of course. Weâd like to go to Asalaâs homeland. But itâd be another few weeks delay from returning to Skyhold. Now, usually I'd just sail off wherever I please, but Iâve never had so many guests aboard my ship, and I suppose thatâd be rude. So, here we are.â
"Yes, it would be rude," Anais agreed, sullen. "Especially considering the identity of your guest." She turned to Romulus. "Your Worship, when we finish translation we may well know how to proceed immediately. We should return to Skyhold immedâ"
"Anais," the Herald interrupted again. "Stop." Anais looked thoroughly annoyed at being silenced again, but as she always seemed to do, she obeyed any wish Romulus had. He smiled at Zahra, apologetic. "Won't be a problem. Translation's going to take a while anyway."
"We may not even need all of it, Your Worship," Anais offered, more cautiously. Romulus did not move his gaze to her.
"Well I want all of it. And we're not stopping my friend from visiting her homeland." He looked like he might throw more of an explanation on to the end of it, but in the end decided against it. Anais let her mouth hang open for a second, before she shut it and turned back to her desk.
Asala had been silent during the exchange with an expectant look on her face. Several glances had went Zahra's direction, as apparently she'd not forgotten whose ship she stood on. Though, once it was decided that it would not be an issue, Asala beamed and nodded deeply. "Thank you," she said, before turning toward Zahra with a wide smile on her lips.
A bark of ill-contained laughter bubbled from deep in Zahraâs chest. She couldnât help it. Really. Seeing Anaisâ face shift so quickly. If the red-headed lass could wring her hands around her neck without fear of consequence, she probably would have. Of course, even with Româs newfound title, and awfully complex family history, sheâd never considered changing her demeanor towards him. They were friends, werenât they? Besides, kneeling didnât suit her. As soon as the words left Romulusâ mouth she was closing the distance between them in brisk, swaggering steps, wholly ignoring Anaisâ presumed reaction to such insolence, sweeping down to plant a quick kiss atop his head.
âKnew we could count on you!â She stepped away from him and offered a roguish wink, âYour Worship.â No, it didnât sound quite right after all. With another wry grin, Zahra turned on her heels and barked another rough laugh as she opened the door and disappeared through it. All coattails and jangling bangles, announcing her departure. They could already hear her excited footfalls bounding up the wooden stairs, cries rasping up to Nixium to change their course immediately.
Asala offered them one more smile before skittering off behind her.
Whatever revelations that had taken place in the candlelit chambers hadnât been lost on her, though sheâd taken less out of it than Anais and the others. She understood less, anyhow. Hadnât fully understood Anais's feverish desire to rifle through Româs late maâs journal. However burdensome the situation was, she hoped that Romulus came out of it relieved. Lighter, in a sense. There were few things worse than dredging anchors to your ankles, trudging through uncharted waters without any clear answers in sight. She hoped he wouldnât drown in the process. Unresolved, bitter. Disappointed in the past heâd been cheated of. In any case, it appeared as if they were making progress, and thatâs all that counted.
She hooked her thumb towards the stairway leading to the upper decks and exhaled softly, âJoin me?â She hadnât waited for a response. Stomping up the stairs as she usually did, impossibly heavy for a woman so lithe, Zahra greeted the crisp air with a satisfied sigh. All too happy to put those spear-waving Qunari behind. As brutal as it was being pin-cushioned with arrows, sheâd imagine having a broomstick-sized pole protruding from your belly would be infinitely worse. And theyâd been getting worryingly close near the end of their chase, even if sheâd shown it by laughing. If it hadnât been for Khariâs quick-thinking and creative distractions, she wasnât so sure they wouldâve fled unscathed.
Zahra perched herself near Riptideâs right side, elbows propped over the ocher railings. Narrowed eyes trained on the horizon, searching for the old, familiar piers swaying in the distance.
Asala followed behind as she stepped onto the deck. Unlike the Captain, her footsteps were silent in the night, having since discarded the boots at some point after boarding the ship. The only indication that she followed behind was the unmistakable sense of her presence. Once they reached the railing, Asala began by leaning against it, but eventually she seemed to melt, sliding downward until she sat, staring out into the water between the gaps in the rails. She rested her forehead gently against the cool wood as she sat crosslegged.
Every so often, she ventured a glance toward the captain, as if she wanted to say or ask something, but could not quite get it out.
Zahra sighed. It wasnât tinged with annoyance, but rather belonging to someone who just knew sheâd have to be the one pinching and prodding to loosen someoneâs tongue. She tapped her fingers across the wooden knots spiraling through the railing she was leaning on and leaned precariously backwards, stretching her arms in front of her as she grappled onto it. She swung down to Asalaâs level with the grace of someone who was used to standing on edges, especially one so close to the seas they swayed on. However, instead of sitting as the young Qunari-woman had, she stuck her legs between the gaps in the rails and let them dangle down and planted her palms down.
As quiet as she tended to be around her, perhaps for good reason⊠she rather liked her company. It was unusual and refreshing. Fortunately, very unlike the stern-lipped reticence she elicited from Nixiumâalways looking at her as if sheâd said something stupid. Forgetting that she was Captain and not the other way around. She supposed sheâd always needed an anchor to keep her from plunging head-first. But Asalaâs silence was thoughtful. Empathetic. In a sense, kind. When hadnât she seen that kindness radiating from her core? She could hardly imagine her reeling in anger. Hands balled into fists. Though sheâd been surprised before. She hummed low in her throat and leaned her forehead against the rails, and tilted her head so that she could see her face.
âSomething on your mind?â
She didn't answer immediately. No, instead she simply sighed and let her forehead lean against the lip of the railing, the base of her horns resting easily against it. "Yes," she answered, with a tight smile and an inflection on the end of the word that acknowledged how obvious she was being. She didn't elaborate for a time, opting instead to take in the rolling waves beneath their feet. She chuckled to herself, though the sound itself held a tone of melancholy.
"My home is not too far from here," she answered, looking out over the water. "I do... not know if you remember," she said, finally looking toward Zahra, "but Ash-Rethsaam lies north of here, along Rivian's coast." She was quiet for a moment again, her gaze sweeping across the ocean once more before she continued. "That is... what has been on my mind," she answered, with a small, slightly apologetic smile cast her way.
Zahra let the words sit. Idle in silence, as she regarded Asalaâs sheepish expression. Even if she hadnât the heart to ask it, she heard the question loud and clear. She remembered the conversation vividly. Remembered seeking her out in a moment of vulnerability. They both shared similar losses, and a means to mourn properly. She hadnât forgottenâwould never forget it. Every time her gaze roved across the Riptide, it reminded her of Aslan. Of everything they achieved together. How theyâd managed to scrounge up such a motley crew, sailing the seas as if they hadnât a care in the world. She imagined the same thoughts plagued the Qunariâs mind, especially since they were so close to her home.
She felt⊠somewhat lighter being able to share in that same grief. Her smile softened around the edges, and she hoped it belied an understanding of sorts. As the waves rolled across the hull and rocked the ship, she nodded. âOf course I do,â Zahra said, a breathless whisper against the railing. How could she forget? In this, they were sisters, both tasked to send off the ones they loved. She felt grateful to Asala in ways she couldnât express, because she could do right by him. In a sense, she believed she couldnât move on otherwise, and perhaps, she felt the same way. âWe could go, if you like, you need but ask. I donât think the others would mind.â A soft sigh pushed from her lips, as if she were combating truer feelings, âIâd like to.â
Asala was quiet as she thought about it, her eyes cast downward to the waves crashing against the hull of the Riptide. Her lips were pursed, but that had only lasted a moment before they cracked into a smile. She nodded eagerly, an air of excitement suddenly fluttering about her. "Yes, I would like that," she said with a wide smile. Her smile hitched for a moment as if there was something he had realized, but she pushed it back and said nothing of it, the smile returning back to its full form soon after. "We should probably tell Romulus," she added. It seemed only right to let him know that their return to Skyhold may be pushed back a few more weeks, considering the importance of his own task.
âItâs decided then!â
Zahraâs smile crackled back at her in full-flight. She was happy that Asala had decided that yes, this was an opportune time to head home. She feared that sheâd decided it was too much of a bother. It wasnât, in her eyes. Besides, if Asala had truly wanted to return even after they reached Skyhold, she wouldâve taken extraordinary measures to reach it. She doubted Romulus and the others would object to their request, though it was only proper to run it by them. She reached up and grabbed onto the railing sheâd been leaning on in order to pull herself back to her feet. Time was of the essence, and if they wanted to go, telling the others was a priority. Afterward, theyâd set the course and inform their taciturn navigator.
What was another few weeks at sea? This was her home, after all. Delaying their return to Skyholdâs mountains suited her just fine, if she was being honest. However selfish her desires were, sheâd grown accustomed to taking others into consideration. Some might not consider her so pirate-like these days, casting from the shores for favors instead of gold and treasures, but it made her laugh all the same. Sheâd changed. Though it didnât hurt as much as she thought it would. Relying on others was⊠refreshing. She offered Asala a hand and grinned wide, âNo time like the present.â
Asala offered her a warm smile and accepted the outstretched hand, and pulled herself to her feet. She allowed Zahra to take the lead, apparently having figured that the Captain knew better which cabin Romulus had called his. Together, they slipped under deck and navigated the ships belly until they pulled up to Romulus's door. They could hear the sounds of movement beyond the door, and surprisingly, it was Asala who'd issued the knock on the door. Apparently the thought of returning home so close to her grasp managed to embolden her, as there was no longer any hesitation in step nor actions. However, after a moment she did offer Zahra an apologetic smile. Probably thought it should've been the captain that should be the one to knock, but as was becoming the usual of late, it did not last long.
The door soon cracked open, and it was the red hair and annoyed features of Anais that filled the gap. She stared up the considerable height difference at the Qunari woman in front of her.
"The Herald and I are in the middle of important work. We are not to beâ"
The woman cut short any bravery Asala had shown, causing her to instead quietly take a step backward and let Zahra take point once again.
"Anais," came Romulus's voice from inside, sternly. "Open the door. Let them in."
She looked back, and almost hesitated before she let the door swing open wide, revealing a desk with her notes and the recovered journal, as well as Romulus sitting cross-legged on the bed by the other wall. Anais stood aside and allowed the two to enter the room, while Romulus stood.
"What's going on?" he asked.
If Zahra was in any way stifled by Anaisâ frankness, she certainly did not show it. As soon as Asala stepped backwards, revealing stark-red hair and an annoyed face, the captain sidestepped into view with a toothy grin of her own. Steeped across her lips like an amused feline. She was used to this kind of response, after all. A light laugh sounded when Anais turned back towards the chamber, answering Româs call. She noted the hesitance, and shrugged her shoulders as if to say I thought this was my ship.
âSorry to interrupt.â
She pressed her hand against the door and pushed it wide enough to free it from Anaisâ fingers, and stepped aside so that Asala could enter freely. There was a moment of silence, as Zahraâs eyes roved across the chamber. Noting the files, parchment papers, and journal theyâd just acquired. Though it wasnât any of her business, and besides, her heart was already set on other matters entirely.
âIâve a requestâ,â she rubbed her chin and shook her head, âor rather, a favor of my own. A change of course. Weâd like to go to Asalaâs homeland. But itâd be another few weeks delay from returning to Skyhold. Now, usually I'd just sail off wherever I please, but Iâve never had so many guests aboard my ship, and I suppose thatâd be rude. So, here we are.â
"Yes, it would be rude," Anais agreed, sullen. "Especially considering the identity of your guest." She turned to Romulus. "Your Worship, when we finish translation we may well know how to proceed immediately. We should return to Skyhold immedâ"
"Anais," the Herald interrupted again. "Stop." Anais looked thoroughly annoyed at being silenced again, but as she always seemed to do, she obeyed any wish Romulus had. He smiled at Zahra, apologetic. "Won't be a problem. Translation's going to take a while anyway."
"We may not even need all of it, Your Worship," Anais offered, more cautiously. Romulus did not move his gaze to her.
"Well I want all of it. And we're not stopping my friend from visiting her homeland." He looked like he might throw more of an explanation on to the end of it, but in the end decided against it. Anais let her mouth hang open for a second, before she shut it and turned back to her desk.
Asala had been silent during the exchange with an expectant look on her face. Several glances had went Zahra's direction, as apparently she'd not forgotten whose ship she stood on. Though, once it was decided that it would not be an issue, Asala beamed and nodded deeply. "Thank you," she said, before turning toward Zahra with a wide smile on her lips.
A bark of ill-contained laughter bubbled from deep in Zahraâs chest. She couldnât help it. Really. Seeing Anaisâ face shift so quickly. If the red-headed lass could wring her hands around her neck without fear of consequence, she probably would have. Of course, even with Româs newfound title, and awfully complex family history, sheâd never considered changing her demeanor towards him. They were friends, werenât they? Besides, kneeling didnât suit her. As soon as the words left Romulusâ mouth she was closing the distance between them in brisk, swaggering steps, wholly ignoring Anaisâ presumed reaction to such insolence, sweeping down to plant a quick kiss atop his head.
âKnew we could count on you!â She stepped away from him and offered a roguish wink, âYour Worship.â No, it didnât sound quite right after all. With another wry grin, Zahra turned on her heels and barked another rough laugh as she opened the door and disappeared through it. All coattails and jangling bangles, announcing her departure. They could already hear her excited footfalls bounding up the wooden stairs, cries rasping up to Nixium to change their course immediately.
Asala offered them one more smile before skittering off behind her.