Elowyn stood on the beach, waiting for the other men to finish loading their traded goods onto the small boats. She had few possessions. Just some jewelry, a few books, and now her Nevarian dress. Her Suditian clothing would be worthless once they left Cera and headed to colder climates. She had no idea where they were going, but Chord said they would have to get her new clothes.

Nayeli stood close by, holding Elowyn's hand.

"I never wanted you to leave. I knew one day you would, but I never wanted it," Nayeli whispered. "I don't know how I will live without you."

They embraced each other.

“Why can’t you come with me?” Elowyn whispered.

“That is not the fate the gods have in store for me. My place is here, with my people. And your place is with your people, with your real family. Be safe my child."

"I don't want to go," Elowyn sniffed. She was trying to not cry.

Nayeli pulled away and held her at arm's length.

"Do not fear what the gods have in store for you. It is your fate."

Elowyn nodded. Chord approached and waited for Elowyn to pull away from Nayeli and follow him to a boat. She stepped into it and they pushed off from shore. As Elowyn watched Nayeli standing on the shore, she could feel her chest tighten. Her breathing became heavy and tears filled her eyes.

"I can't... I can't do this... take me back. Take me back!"

Elowyn moved to jump into the water, but Chord prevented her. He held her arms and pulled her close to him.

"Be calm! It is not always easy to enter the unknown. But it is necessary."

Elowyn slumped against him. Her arms hurt where his fingers dug into her skin.

"Let go," she whispered. He didn't. "Let go. Please." He loosened his grip, but still did not release her. She stared at the bottom of the boat. When they reached the ship, Chord guided her aboard, probably fearing she would try to fling herself overboard.

The anchor was hoisted and the ship slowly rolled away from Cera. Elowyn stared back at her island. The sun was just beginning to peak over the island, golden streaks of light silhouetting it. It had never seemed so beautiful to Elowyn. She thought it was funny how she had never quite realized her attachment till now. But she guessed that was the way when you left behind something you loved.

"May I?"

She turned to see Chord standing beside her. Elowyn nodded and he leaned on the rail beside her.

"I love sunrise. It gives a person hope to see the sun again."

She said nothing.

“So...you are Elowyn, the One True Heir. The Nevarian princess destined to save us all from the armies of darkness."

She turned away.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I was just trying to … talk... Now I've just upset you more."

"I'm not upset."

"You're crying," He countered.

Elowyn lifted a hand to her face and found it wet with tears. She hadn't even realized. She continued to stare out over the ocean as Cera disappeared, saying nothing. After a pause, the young man spoke.

"I should properly introduce myself. I am Chord, from the house of Southway." He held his hand out. She glanced down at his hand and held hers out in turn. He took it and kissed it. She eyed him curiously.

"I... I am Elowyn. I don't know my surname..."

"Ayer." He smiled.

She stared at him, confused.

"You are her aren't you? The One True Ayer?"

Her eyes widened.

"Oh... I thought it was heir. As in a successor. I didn't realize it was a name."

Chord looked like he was trying not to laugh.

"I've never thought of it that way before. I guess if you only ever heard it spoken in Nevarian, never in writing, it would be the same."

Elowyn nodded slowly, she could feel her cheeks going red. She looked away from him, back over the sea.

"I am so sorry. I was sent to cheer you up, but I only seem to be causing you discomfort."

Without intending to, another tear rolled down her cheek.

"I'll go." Chord turned to leave.

"Who sent you?" He stopped.

"Dmytro. Our leader. Captain of this ship, you met him when we first landed. He believed that between us, I would be the better comforter."

She slowly turned back to him. So Dmytro was the Bearded Soldier.

"Why would he think that?"

"You and I have more in common, I suppose also that we are closer in age," he smiled and put his hand gently on her arm. "Here, I'll show you around the ship."

Chord explained as they walked that it was meant to be a warship, designed to withstand the onslaught of battles on sea. Elowyn followed him wordlessly. He showed her through each area of the ship and explained its purpose. As they reached the sterncastle, Chord paused to talk to Dmytro.

"Ah Chord!" he exclaimed, "I see you've brought our guest!" Dmytro approached them and held his hand out to Elowyn. She held her hand out as well. The man took her hand and kissed it.

"I am Captain Dmytro. Welcome to the Tygar. It is an honor to have you on my ship." Elowyn smiled timidly. He continued, "And if you would do me the honor of joining my apprentices and me for dinner."

Elowyn then noticed the boy standing behind the Captain. He was about Elowyn's age, pale skin, and dark hair. He glared at Elowyn, his dark eyes were full of disgust.

Elowyn nodded. Dmytro laughed. Elowyn glanced between him and Chord. Chord smiled.

"Don't worry my dear. As frightening as Erik looks, he will not harm you."

Chord laughed at this. Erik scowled.

"As long as you are on my ship, no harm will come to you. You are safe."

As they walked down the deck, Elowyn leaned in and whispered to Chord. "Will I be expected to wear something nice this evening?"

He glanced at what she was wearing. "I doubt it. Something similar to that should be fine."

"But I..." she lowered her voice to a whisper again, "I don't have anything else."

He shrugged. "Don't worry about it."

"But..."

"Don't worry," he repeated. He continued to show her around the ship, greeting some of the sailors here and there, whispering to some. Each time Chord stopped to talk to someone, Elowyn couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. They would talk to him but look at her. She was beginning to fear that everyone was going to treat her differently.

She was relieved when they stopped in front of a door and Chord announced that this was her cabin. Elowyn tentatively opened the door and stepped into the small room. It was simple, a bed, a desk with a lantern, and a small chest in the corner. Laid across the bed was a dress. It was blue and clean and beautiful. A simple Thanan design with a wide collar but lots of layers in the skirt.

She looked back at Chord, astonished.

"Peculiar, the types of things one can find lying around a ship. I hope it fits."

Elowyn smiled at him.

"Thank you."

He nodded and left, closing the door behind him.