17th of Vhalar arc 718
Rorom stood on the pier, holding a bottle of Lightning Chard, and backed by his friends and accomplices. In front of him, the sloop that he'd commisioned to be built. It, along with much of the equipment needed to make it seaworthy, had set him back a pretty nel. Roughly fifteen hundred or so gold ones. It was a small price to pay for independence. He was grateful to the city of Rharne for making it possible, but now he wanted to sail the salt seas again, and find another port.
Behind him, his companions lined up.
To the left, the dark complected lad, Eairok, who'd convinced Rorom recently to take him on as an apprentice. He didn't know the lad too well yet, apart from the fact that he was a Sev'ryn from Desnind, but the lad knew how to sell his skill at fishing, as well as fieldcraft. He'd be useful to have around, Rorom was sure.
Next to him stood Noille, the girl who was responsible for selling much of Rorom's produce and bringing it to market. She had the ear of many owners of eateries and restaurants around the city, having worked at most as a waitress. She'd managed to save through her day job as a waitress, and became a middle-woman, a fish monger. Buying the fish direct from the source and bringing it to market for a rate.
Then there was Mirq Zy'Azour. The scandalous rogue who'd given Rorom nothing but trouble since the fisherman entered the city. Touched by the claws of Chrien, Rorom was sure he was. A gambler and scoundrel of the first order, but able enough as a seaman. Even though he had stolen Rorom's rowboat, the fisherman couldn't help but give him another chance. One after another. Nonetheless, he'd proven useful in some ways, though a wildcard. The other two gathered weren't too happy about his being there. But Rorom wanted him to be a part of this little ceremony regardless.
Finally, last but not least, was Rorom's longtime friend and companion, the albatross Fortuna. She unlike the other two, had a strange and inexplicable affection toward Mirq. Mirq in turn allowed the large bird to perch itself on his arm and shoulder while they stood on the pier. Rorom thought that must be the reason he found it so easy to forgive Mirq's transgressions. The bird saw something in the rogue, so Rorom trusted her judgement.
"I'm a fool, but at least I'm in good company." He thought, with a smile as he turned around to give his new sloop a once over.
He approached the rail of the boat, ready to break the bottle of Lightning Chard, when he froze. He'd made every preparation in anticipation of this moment. Everyone had gathered there to see him perform this christening. But...
"I've almost forgotten to name the ship!"
"Huh?" Eairok quirked a brow, perhaps wondering what the older man was talking about.
Rorom looked from him to Noille, "Why y'lookin at me? I'm just waitin' here for ya fellas tae push off."
Mirq gave him a crooked grin as his eyes fell on him, and shrugged, "Just name the bitch and be done with it. I'm sure you'll think of something so very creative and inspired. Something like Sea Witch, or Salty Hound." He suggested with a guffaw.
Rorom turned back toward the hull of the ship, kneeling there with a vacant expression and a bottle of wine in his hands.
"There'll be other boats, boss." Said Eairok.
'Chrien take me if I don't christen this ship proper.' Rorom was a superstitious man even as sailors went. A nameless ship was as aimless and lost as a feather on the wind.
At the last moment, when he was about to stand up and postpone the christening to another day, Fortuna launched herself from Mirq's shoulder. After flying over Rorom's head, she landed on the top of the cabin, flapped her wings and cawed. That Lucky Bird. Rorom thought in idle admiration for her bravado. And so it was named.
He repeated the words aloud, in Rakahi, and lashed the bottle against the ship's hull. Thus it was dubbed, and the three men crossed the gangplank onto the deck of That Lucky Bird. From there, they settled the rigging and untied the ship from the pier, pushing off to see how the fish were biting.
