“Join us? Before your rest?” They asked with a timid smile, sloshing the flask as they did.

Emery smiled in kind, eyeing the vessel. 

“Sure, but I don’t know if you’re aware; Scouts rarely drink.” Siro’s face fell for a second as Emery continued, holding out her hand, “just as well, I’m off the clock till we hit Milo. To the galley, Second? I was on my way for a pie.”

Siro’s smiled widened, handing it over. They threw an arm over the scout’s shoulder, leading them past the kitchens. “I’ll have some pie sent down to the lounge. Come on, let’s go watch the Captain cheat Gile's out of his pay again.”

———————————————————————————————————-

The Captain offered Emery one more night on the ship. With a plan to dock just upriver near the marshlands, she’d be able to jump ship before morning.

Emery declined, set on Milo’s dock. Instead, she asked for one last round of drinks, Gem-fish pot roast, stories, pie, and many hugs.

“They like stories? Like sleep time stories?” Siro coughed into an elbow. Sitting across from Emery, buffeted by two other crewmen, Enris, and Tonik from engines. All three of their faces flushed from the drink.

“Any stories.” A warm Emery laughed, passing on the Second’s flask for the last time. “They’re little gossipers; the saplings and the elder trees prefer the company overall, so tell it about your day, and it’ll just beam for weeks.”

“But I can’t speak tree!” cried Siro, passing it to Tonik, “could it understand me?”

“To a point. I thought you said you were from Somar?”

“I work there, didn’t grow up there. I’m from Wensh Grove, out in the cluster of islands.”

“Ah. Did an apprenticeship out there, on the other side of the islands. No people.”

“Right. Juji Sect. The lonely isle.” hiccuped Tonik. “The trees out there do little. They move, just in place.” They wiggled their fingers about in a mock imitation of a spider, making the others laugh. “A bit territorial, but gentle giants. Best home security you can find. My Great-great Grand on my pa’s side had one as their Base House. A beast of a tree. Held the lot of them until it grew saplings, so they spread out around them.” they boasted.

“Lovely! How many saplings?”

“Uh, four, I think? They only used three of them to extend the Base house; the other was too wild, so they left it be as a garden keeper.”

Emery had to restrain herself from pelting Tonik with more questions, else she’d be here all night. Her family’s Base house was also a mover and a talker, albeit a slower water breed. She spent hours of the day talking to it amongst its branches growing up and between her trips. It’s the first thing she misses when she leaves.

The Second took another sip, sliding back into the couch.

“So, how long are you gonna be out for?” the Captain rumbled from the card game going on behind them. Giles and Werik were chatting amongst themselves. The Captain was up to his usual tricks tonight.

“It’s another long one.” shrugged the scout. “At least full rotation.”

“Ah.” grunted Eris, crossing their arms with an apologetic look. “the Long walk, huh?”

“Yep. 3rd time.” Emery laughed, “I hope this one will be shorter fog willing.”

“Here’s hoping!” Siro saluted, “Safe travels, oh dear scout. May the Cey keep you.” the Second offered everyone one last swig before stashing the flask in one large pocket.

A few rounds of cards later, a beaming Captain and bristly crew shuffled back to their duties. The Captain offering Emery one of the smaller cabins in the lounge area to rest as he walked out.

Emery, of course, accepted.

She bartered an extra roast bun, some leftover dry rice and jerky, and a Gem-fish sandwich with the kitchens first. With her rations stocked, it was time to bunk down.

Stripped to her underclothes, her uniform, and leathers draped over a chair, Emery fell into the cot with a languid sigh. She rolled onto her back, the ether map of her route through the Shallows drifting above her head.

Bright blue and yellow beams cast wavy shadows in the dark cubby of a room. Her fingers danced through the light, marking off possible trails to take before sleep took her.