Takir hummed a merry tune to himself as he sat on a large rock, his line cast out into the sea as he enjoyed the sounds of the waves. To his left, a small hole was dug in the sand, filled with water and two large fish - a decent reward for his hard work. He let out a comfortable sigh, relishing in the salty sea air as the waves gently lapped against the shore. It was a moment of peace Takir found with himself - one that was only interrupted slightly by the distant sounds of shouting and the ringing of a bell.

“Ah,” he let out a soft laugh as he shook, his head, “that must be my darling sister. No new jobs today.” he hummed to himself, and he felt a tug on the line, “Oh, three for three,” he smiled, and he pulled up on the pole as he began reeling in the line.

The line was heavy, but Takir felt no resistance as he continued to reel in his prize. His brow furrowed slightly, but understanding flickered in his eyes as a dark-skinned hand slowly emerged from the sea, gripping the line. A soft sigh escaped his lips as they curled into an amused smile, and cherry-red locks peeked out of the water, darkened by moisture. Cheri’s feet kicked at the water a bit meekly as Takir continued to pull, and it wasn’t long before she was coughing on the shore, with her brother’s hand gently patting her back.

“You make a good fish,” Takir mused, and Cheri panted as she flipped him off, “The undarians would be envious.”

“Fuck... you... Takir...” Cheri breathed before coughing again, and she flopped to the ground, “Ugh...”

“I take it things went as well as you expected then,” Takir hummed, “Did you try the city guard?”

“The guards here suck,” Cheri sighed, burying her face in the sand.

“You say that in every city,” Takir remarked, and Cheri lazily slapped the sand beside her, “Have you tried-”

“I’m not lowering my standards Takir,” Cheri cut him off, “We didn’t study and train all this time to end up in a dead-end.”

“Very well,” Takir shrugged, “If nothing else, we can eat tonight," a slight smirk found his lips as Cheri looked to him, “It would seem fishing does put food in our bellies.”

“I was drunk,” Cheri pouted at him.

“This is true,” Takir conceded.

“I’m just... so pissed off, Takir,” Cheri sighed, “Those assholes wouldn’t even give me a chance.”

“But your coat was so nice,” Takir fretted.

“Yeah, well apparently that just pissed people off,” Cheri shook her head against the sand, “You know what they say about us shalgras...”

“Ahh...” Takir’s gaze fell to the ground, “so it is like that here as well...”

“We should have known...” Cheri lamented, “Even the undarians can’t seem to make a life here, and this is a big fucking port.”

“Hmm... come to think of it, I’ve not seen any of the sea-folk since we arrived,” Takir held his chin in thought.

“I saw a few...” Cheri grumbled, earning his gaze, “In little glass bottles...”

“Ah... I see...” Takir breathed a heavy sigh, “May they find their peace.”

“How much gold do we have?” Cheri pressed.

“Two copper,” Takir hummed, “Enough for one drink.”

“Fuck it. Do you mind?” she sighed.

“Yes,” he nodded, “But I’ll pay you two copper for good rumors," he smirked slightly, and relief washed over Cheri.”

“Thanks," she held out her hand lazily, and Takir dropped the coin in it, “We’ll get through this.”

“Aye sister,” Takir hummed, “but let’s get through dinner first.”

                                                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You’re sure you want to be back in the city so soon?” Takir pressed as they stepped along the cobblestone streets.

Night had fallen over the city, and oil lanterns hung from above, illuminating the streets while candles flickered in the windowsills of nearby homes. The streets were far from empty, however, and the taverns were quickly filling up with those who’d spent their days browsing wares and trading coin. A cool breeze gently brushed against the dark teal hood of Cheri’s cloak, and she cinched it tighter, keeping her face obscured as eyes like a night sky briefly met hers.

“I’m sure,” Cheri answered a bit coldly. “We’ve still got a job to find, and the guards have better things to do than to bother searching for a hot-headed shalgras.”

“Perhaps I should get you a damp cloth,” Takir hummed, and Cheri paused, blinking at him, “For your hot head.”

“Thanks,” Cheri replied dryly, then let out a heavy sigh. “I just hope those assholes get what they deserve.”

“Now Cheri...” Takir frowned slightly, “It is unhealthy to focus on the doubters. Let us think of what you deserve, instead.”

“Hey, I’m just saying...” Cheri shrugged slightly, “I wouldn’t be too broken up if they had a run-in with The Crimson Tempest or something,” she paused, “Hey, maybe if we don’t find something here...”

“A pirate’s life would prove their point,” Takir reminded her, “Aren’t you the one who wanted to leave and build a reputation?”

“I hate when you’re right," she grumbled, and she nodded towards a nearby tavern. “Come on. This place looks good for a drink.”