Arc 720, 18th of Ashan
Darius' blond leg hairs stood on end as as his last item of clothing crumpled onto the deck of the ship. The man shivered as he instinctively covered his nakedness with his hands. Goosebumps covered his entire body, his muscles twitching involuntarily as the frigid air felt like it was passing right through him.
The night clouds parted, allowing moonlight to cast itself upon the ship and causing Darius' pale form to shimmer amidst the surrounding darkness. He stared out towards the water, but saw only the occasional rippled reflection.
"Darius Baer!"
The voice was strong, its voice amplified in the darkness. It spoke with authority and carried within its tone the experience of many trials at sea, and many weathered storms.
"Darius Baer!" the voice called again, and the blond human turned to face its owner.
Before him stood the imposing figure of the captain, the outline of his rust-coloured beard visible in the moonlight, despite the cowl that covered much of his face. Other sailors were gathered, watching on in solemn silence.
"You have travelled the Hollow Sea and the waters beyond," the captain continued, "and have proven your worth. One final test awaits you."
The dunking.
The captain didn't need to call it by name. Everyone on deck knew why they were there.
"May U'frek release you from his grasp."
Darius took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself. When he exhaled, a cloud of air briefly formed at his mouth before it was whipped away.
"Stand out," the captain commanded, and the surrounding crew took up the chant. "Stand out! Stand out! Stand out!"
Obeying the order, Darius was forced to uncover himself so that he could take hold of the ropes and climb up onto the ship's rail. The chanting continued as he stood there, looking out into the unforgiving darkness.
And then Darius Baer, naked as the trial he was born, took a deep breath and stepped out into the void.
The night clouds parted, allowing moonlight to cast itself upon the ship and causing Darius' pale form to shimmer amidst the surrounding darkness. He stared out towards the water, but saw only the occasional rippled reflection.
"Darius Baer!"
The voice was strong, its voice amplified in the darkness. It spoke with authority and carried within its tone the experience of many trials at sea, and many weathered storms.
"Darius Baer!" the voice called again, and the blond human turned to face its owner.
Before him stood the imposing figure of the captain, the outline of his rust-coloured beard visible in the moonlight, despite the cowl that covered much of his face. Other sailors were gathered, watching on in solemn silence.
"You have travelled the Hollow Sea and the waters beyond," the captain continued, "and have proven your worth. One final test awaits you."
The dunking.
The captain didn't need to call it by name. Everyone on deck knew why they were there.
"May U'frek release you from his grasp."
Darius took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself. When he exhaled, a cloud of air briefly formed at his mouth before it was whipped away.
"Stand out," the captain commanded, and the surrounding crew took up the chant. "Stand out! Stand out! Stand out!"
Obeying the order, Darius was forced to uncover himself so that he could take hold of the ropes and climb up onto the ship's rail. The chanting continued as he stood there, looking out into the unforgiving darkness.
And then Darius Baer, naked as the trial he was born, took a deep breath and stepped out into the void.