At the rear stair, the gull-marked page curls black in Merelia's fingers, then drops away in ash. The harbor wind snatches the last flakes over the rail.
Below, the ship settles into a gentler sway. On deck, Tiverus keeps one arm around the children and turns toward Merelia, his grimness easing by a breath.
Tiverus
That ledger can no longer speak against us.
One child stirs, then nestles into Tiverus's coat. Another peeks at Merelia, sleepy-eyed, while the third clutches at the wool at his chest.
Child 1
Is it safe now?
Tiverus
Safe enough for one quiet hour.
Tiverus glances toward the dark line of Tortulan's shore, then back to Merelia. His hand shifts, making room at his side without letting the children feel the cold.
Tiverus
Stay here with us a moment, Merelia. Let the shore wait.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the children calm
“I sit beside Tiverus and pull the children closer into our shared warmth.”
Merelia settles beside Tiverus on the deck boards, drawing the little cluster of sleepers and half-sleepers closer until coats, fur, and small hands make one warm knot in the salt air.
Tiverus
There, that is better. For a moment, the sea can keep its distance.
Tiverus
His hand rests protectively over the children, and his gaze stays on Merelia, steady with relief.
“I head for the counting house”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +2)