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Star-crossed Wayfarers
A Titanic Welcoming
The ever-shifting changes of the Ether Expanse were nauseatingly beautiful. The harsh solar winds pushed the Far Caster through its fickle waves, with symphonies of hidden beasts accompanying her journey. Well into a month as she crossed treacherous conditions. She had finally arrived closer to her destination.
With a lame ache in his form and twitching ears, Gianni sighed as he gazed out to the shifting colors of the Expanse, at the distant stars twinkling in the blank canvas of space. The fleeting breezes a warm, albeit harsh caress, danced across his form. Adjusting the suspenders that held his leather pants, he brushed the wrinkles on his tunic and adjusted the rolled sleeves against his biceps. A glance to make sure his belongings remained near. The towering canid hefted his greatsword and looped its belt so it rested against his back. The brownish-furred dog's muzzle cocked skywards. After a month spent doing nothing aside from exercise, eating, and sleeping. He was eager for the thrill of combat. Much as he disliked the need, Gianni turned to the planet Far Caster sailed towards, it was in his nature to desire it.
Humming songs he hadn't heard in years, with his hands now free of ink and grease, and a thorough bath and brushing of fur later. Harriet stuffed his belongings into his pack, donning a simple poet shirt with a vest atop, and a pair of leather pants that hugged his form comfortably alongside the other garments. The glossy black-furred vulpine brushed his whiskers with the back of his hand. Placing a modest but ornate book into a holster at his hip and his pack onto his back, the fox made his way after his bunkmate. Dodging passengers and crewmates, he arrived on the main deck. An idle glance cast to find his towering friend. Who stood out from the crowd with his long tail and scarred body.
Gianni turned to the scent of grease, ink, and lavender. His golden eye rested on the fox as he nodded to the smaller male. "Morning Harri," he greeted as Harriet leaned against the railing. "Morning, Gian!" The fox greeted back, his smile and sapphire eyes wide and bright. The dog reciprocated with a small smile, he didn't know how his friend had this much energy every morning. The vulpine observed as the larger male returned his gaze to the Expanse. He took note of his friend's titled ears, tense shoulders, twitching fingers, and tail. The fox felt a teasing smirk grow on his snout.
Harriet lifted his muzzle, relishing the solar winds with closed eyes and a swaying tail. "Itching for some action?" He asked, his tone cheeky and light. Gianni cocked his head with a dry smirk as his gaze returned to the fox. "What gave it away?" He huffed while admiring the fox's fur. "Just a hunch," Harriet hummed, "And because everyone is giving you a wide berth, dear." The dog just shrugged, it was nothing new. Who in their right mind would approach a twitchy, towering, and scarred male? Well... The canine wet his dry lips, except for some people like the fox beside him.
"We've been on this bloody ship for a month. I'm getting restless!" Gianni clicked his tongue. Never one to stay in one place for long. He preferred to always be on the road, amidst the lands, and through the elements. Confined to the Far Caster, his patience was wearing thin. Harriet murmured with a nod. "Just hang on a little longer," the fox nodded to the planet with green oceans, "we'll be making landfall soon." With half of her sails furled, the Far Caster made her final approach. Her bow cut through the debris and the fickle waves.
All was peaceful until it wasn't. Harriet's ear perked as a new song joined the symphony. Growing louder gradually, he noted the hunger in it. Some cursory glances later, sapphire eyes grew wide as they settled on a shadowy mass cutting towards the ship. "Hey... Gian?" The fox sputtered as he secured his pack, "You got everything on you, yes?" The dog raised a brow, "Yeah? Why..." He trailed off, his gaze following the fox's hand. "Oh... For fuck's sake!" Gianni balked as he threw his pack on.
Alarms were raised and the leviathan breached to the surface. Its roar, mandibles undulating, shook the ship. Many froze, others scrambled for the lower decks, and the sailors armed the cannons. Harriet unclasped his book, opening it with a flourish of glowing hands. While Gianni drew his blade into a defensive stance. The fox gave a wry grin, "Guess we're having a welcoming party!" The dog scoffed, "Shouldn't have opened my bloody maw."