*

Mariis watched the lazy waves swirl around the ship, flowing beneath it and lifting it up. Water occasionally flew up to the deck, splashing those who toiled in work. She sighed, turning around and resting her back on the rim of the boat. Her idle hand held down her hair, which was being whipped around by the wind. To her side, a nameless sailor coiled rope, yet another worker on this heaving monstrosity. A pool of bubbles and water splashed against Mariis's foot, and she lifted it gently. Closing her eyes, she listened to the dull, endless sound of the twisting waves. She stood there for some time, silent and alone, sensing the world around her. Mariis heard snatches of conversation, orders, complaints. The world seemed a mere backdrop to the whole of the spiritual artistry in action. If only she could lose herself in this world... Mariis shook her head violently, and snapped her eyes open. This would do no good. She was on this voyage for a reason, and it was in all her interests to achieve that goal. Chiding herself for her idleness, Mariis righted herself, and proceeded along the deck. Several people around her, both passengers and sailors, watched the girl stride across the rolling deck. It was fine weather, but the ship still rose and fell with the waves, and water soaked those on board. Mariis stepped lightly over the various items in her path, tools and ropes, the miscellaneous parts of naval life. She reached the cabin door, resting a moment upon the wall framing it. After setting herself firm in her fate, Mariis lightly grasped the handle of the door, and turned. It swung in unexpectedly, and she stumbled forward into the darkness inside. She heard a small grunt as she hit a bulky form, and fell backwards. Mere seconds before she would've hit the hard wood, her hands, reacting on instinct, reached behind her. She half-turned, bracing herself. She hit the floor hard, and bounced away quickly. She rolled sideways, stopped, and lifted herself slowly. As she stood, she looked up to see what she had hit. There, standing in mute astonishment, stood a thinly built man, with a slightly awkward stance. Though thin, his tall body showed prominent muscles, the results of steady work. However, the man appeared to be another passenger. Mariis recognized him immediately. "It is my pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Jolmes." Mariis finished rising, making sure to pronounce the name correctly. The man looked at her horrified, unsure what to do. He took a confused step backwards, before coming to realize what was before him. A worried look crossed his bristled, unshaven face. " I'm sorry, I didn't know you were..." Mariis raised a single hand. "No, excuse me. It was my fault entirely. I should've watched where I was going." She thanked her ancestors silently for the event. He had been elusive, but she had finally caught him, after far too long. The man coughed nervously, and peered around Mariis, as if fearing punishment. He turned back to her. "My names..." He started, and quickly fumbled the words. After a moment he recovered, to the girl's amusement. "My name's Alex. Alexan. Alexander. Alex." He licked his lips hesitatingly. "Alex. Call me...Alex." Mariis sighed to herself. "I shall remember that, sir. My own name is Mariis." She hid a smile as the man delicately tried to mouth the letters. "Just call me Mary." The man looked up suddenly, red embarrassment crossing his face. "I...I..I'm sorry.." Mariis almost convulsed in laughter, at the sheer naivete of the man. "No, it's alright. It's a common problem. I come from a family with an ancient history." And a bloody one at that, she added silently. Alexander watched her for a moment, misery slowly creeping across his face. Without another word, he pushed quickly past her, almost throwing himself on the deck. Mariis thought she could just faintly hear the silent curses the man was thinking. She herself was highly amused. If this was all she needed to do.... She smiled to herself, confident in her power, and walked to her quarters.

*

With only the light of the moon as her guide, Mariis lowered herself silently over the side. The ropes of her harness tugged in protest, but made no sound. She climbed into position, bracing her legs against the side of the shaking ship. It had taken a lot of nerve, but she had managed to prepare herself for this. Checking the ropes unconsciously, she cursed herself for such foolishness, which would only slow her down. Lifting one foot, she pushed down on the other, and stepped down. After the lower foot made contact, she pushed hard with it against the wood, then lifted the other one. After several mute moments of observation, Mariis found the perfect spot. Braced against the hull, with the harness supporting her, she moved into a stable position. Resting for a moment, she then opened the small leather sack at her side. Cupping her hands, Mariis quickly grabbed the falling tool. Bringing it before her, she checked it for any signs of breakage. None. She let out a sigh, being careful not to be loud. Raising it to the wood, she felt the wood. Eventually, she found a weaker spot in the frame. Gritting her teeth, ignoring the waves that lapped at her, Mariis began to pierce the hull of the ship....

********************
Yep-o, people. Zee soocoond purtuh. I didn't do this one as well as I should've, but who cares? Well, me.... Can you guess what's going on, or going to happen? Yeah, I'll continue this one. But, I still want you to write about Part 1. I'm gonna do several like this. You know, make my own world, them invite others to write about it. Like Tad William's 'Mirrorword'. Now if only I could get Otherland 3 & 4....

-Dais