EMIYAman
I BONE OF THE SWORD
Kristina
The wind picked up growing from a light breeze to a swift force. The waves swelled, lapping at the shore threatening to spill onto the land should they grow too strong. And amidst it all was a woman who appeared rather perturbed. A large duffel like bag was slung over her shoulder, and a sword hung at her side. Her clothing denoted a lifestyle spent on the road. Prioritizing utility over fashion. Atop her dark hair was a pair of ears twitching idly in something akin to irritation. Upon her lips was a cigarette poised and ready but unlit. Her expression appeared composed at first glance, but their was a grimace on her face, however slight.
Kristina leaned against the railing of the docks staring out at the ships but not taking much note of them beyond the superficial. Her attention focused squarely within her mind. 'All damn day, and I barely turned a profit.' Today was an addition to a long series of business venture failures for "Lupa the Merchant". While donning her saleswoman persona Kristina had faced a very slow business day. It wasnt just a lack of customers, but also being passed over even by those who would be interested in what she was selling. She was forced to the realization that she had reached the limit of what one wandering merchant with neither stall nor employee could accomplish. Of course, this was something she'd foreseen happening, but it had come sooner than expected. 'I spent so long just trying to survive. I never figured out the hell I was gonna do after that. And then there's that property I've been sitting on for ages...' Her responsibilities had long since become a burden, but they were not something she could discard like a ragged cloth. So, instead, Kristina vented her frustrations when she could. Usually, that entailed a smoke break. However, as her cigarette remained bereft of any heat, she couldn't gain any relief from what remained of her tobacco supply.
With a twitch, her nose picked up a peculiar scent, one that had been slowly growing in potency throughout the day. Now, at its strongest, this scent was the reason she had suddenly decided to go smoke-free. A storm was brewing on the horizon, and the swell of the waves and speed of the winds were tell-tale signs. But for a Beastman like Kristina, those were secondary to the smell and pitch that made itself know long before your usual physical signs. "Suppose I'll turn in for the day. I still have a couple of nights left in that inn." She mused to herself out loud and pushed off the railing prepared for a morose walk back.
Passing directly by a kid untying a line of rope from the dock. "Hm?" Letting out a curious grunt Kristina regarded the boy as he dutifully set about his work; uncaring or simply not noticing her presence. She stood like that for a long moment debating her next action. Then with a sigh she removed the cigarette from her lips and placed it back into its container. Accepting that today was in fact, "just one of those days." Approaching the youth she called out, "Oi kid, unless you're names Ahab you shouldn't cast off in this weather." Kristinas wondered if she was growing sentimental in her old age. As this whole situation could be more trouble than it was worth. Something she noticed was becoming a pattern. "Worse case scenario your corpse washes ashore, and thats me being generous." She was obviously trying to scare the kid off, but she also simply didn't care enough to sugar coat anything. The quicker this was over the quicker she could escape the coming weather and get some warm food.