Chapter 17: A Day on the New Ship

When Ivy found the medbay, she was instructed to sit down in a chair across from it. Ivy gave a low groan, before looking up at Queen Lavender. Queen Lavender turned to the other crew member and gestured at him.

“I need you to go find the ship’s healer now,” she said. “It is imperative our new crew mate is in good health as she enters our ship.”

“Hey,” Ivy said. “At least you don’t have to worry as much about me attacking. It would be stupid to do so right now with a messed up foot.”

Queen Lavender narrowed her eyes, before pulling a blade out. “Remember what I taught you. You so much as look at another crewmember like you might kill them, and I will end you first. Is that clear?”

“Yes,” Ivy said. “At this point, I don’t care about those old grudges and promises. Thank you for helping me out.”

“You should remember your words,” Queen Lavender said. “Would you like to walk the plank?”

“No,” Ivy said.

“Good,” Queen Lavender said.

At this point the ship’s healer came into the room, and she knelt down to Ivy’s broken ankle. She then gave a polite nod. “I am from the fifth realm. I have been a part of this ship for years now. You should know that there are plenty of other realm crossers here.”

“I see,” Ivy said. “So you have abilities over the human body?”

The healer gently took off one of Ivy’s boots, then she inspected the bone. A red crystal waited on her pendant. “In a manner of speaking. Now, despite any stereotypes, most of those who have some control over the human body can’t control people as you would with mind control. And those who can are much more powerful.”

“I always wondered how that would work,” Ivy said.

“You see, someone might be able to control bones,” the healer said. “But the magic is more of a sensory magic, and is best used for healing, rather than control. If someone were to control a healthy person, their efforts would fail. Now, in terms of your foot, you sprained your ankle. Over this next week, you will need to rest as much as you can. It should heal up in two weeks, and then you’ll be back to normal in no time.”

As Ivy rested, she gave a low, deep breath. She wasn’t entirely convinced of such a statement. As she looked at the healer, she wanted to try and find something to say. But as she got a new boot, and a new cane, Ivy thanked her, and then she turned to Queen Lavender.

“Is it alright if I end up resting for those two weeks?” Ivy asked. She grunted. “I feel like I should be studying, practicing, or learning the ropes of the ship.”

“You heard her,” Queen lavender said. “While you are on my ship, I want you to remain as healthy as you feasibly can. You will rest as she asks you to so long as you are a crewmember. Are we understood?”

“Fine,” Ivy said. “Can I go get some rest, then?”

“Please do,” Queen Lavender said. “From the looks of it, you haven’t rested much in a few weeks.”

“I haven’t,” Ivy said. “Nor have I eaten properly.”

“Then we will fix that too,” Queen Lavender said.

Ivy rubbed her shoulder, her heart racing. She wanted to protest. Not because she disliked what was happening, but because no one–outside of Captain Val–had treated her with this kindness. Even then, Captain Val had been an ally of hers, rather than a former enemy.

“Thank you,” Ivy said.

“I can show you to your bunk bed,” Queen Lavender said. “It was cleared out a few months ago, and it was washed properly. The rest of us are going to go launch this ship off of the port, but in the meantime, I want you to rest.”

“Not to question you, but are you certain that will be okay with the rest of the crew?” Ivy asked. She moved to the sleeping quarters as she followed Queen Lavender. “I mean, it feels wrong to not help with a major task.”

“Trust me,” Queen Lavender said. “There will be plenty of other port launches for you to participate in. But for now, you rest. We have to have you in top shape, do we not?”

Ivy nodded, then she found the bunk bed. It was on the floor, which made it easier for her to sit on. She set the cane aside, and then she took a quilt and pulled it over her body.

 As Queen Lavender stepped away, she looked up at the ceiling. The waves created a gentle lul for her. Ivy had found her new place, although it wasn’t what she initially wanted. Queen Lavender had been so gracious to let her stay here.

All Ivy had to do was not mess it up, as she had done so with literally everyone else.

She drifted into a sleep that, while not her best sleep, would be passable. It had been the first time she had slept for three continuous hours at least.

Once she woke up, she looked at the ceiling on the ship, and she listened to the boat creek. The darkness lingered. As Ivy stood, she grabbed the cane and made her way to the base of the ladder. She grunted, then she found the galley instead, finding a corner where she waited.

The galley was empty, but at that point, Ivy let it be. She took a stool and slumped it against a wall. Her first night on the new ship, and here she was.

Ivy wondered if there was some snack nearby. She found a drawer, where she found what she had come to know as sailor’s bread. In taking a bite, she relished the opportunity to have a bite to eat.

For once, she could rest. For once, she didn’t have to worry about anyone chasing her. But at the same time, as she found herself deep in thought, she knew that if she were to make any mistakes aboard this ship, it likely wouldn’t last. She had to be strong, and she had to be fit.

It’s going to be a challenge to navigate this ship with my struggles. But the thing that scares me the most is how kind Queen Lavender has been to me since bringing me on board. Somehow, I kind of wish she would be angry with me instead.