welcome

lost in the sea ...

Guided tour, my foot, you mutter. That isn't very fair, you know; the middle-aged Maraquan acara tour guide seemed like he knew what he was doing, but the waters today were murky and rough. You were a little behind the group, investigating some sparkling shells and chips of glass in the sand, but now you were very lost. You shivered, anxious.

Out of the corner of your eye, you notice a movement in the dark waters. Startled, you step back. Your heart is pounding hard in your chest. Who's there? you ask, your voice shaking.

Declare yourself, a rough – but decidedly feminine – voice demands.

I … I'm guest, you say. Your voice is small and afraid in the cool waters, and you hope that you've come across a friend, not a foe.

A tall, lithe figure steps out from the dark waters into your vision. She's a tall brown lupess, a spear in her hand. Her bright blue hair swirls around her scowling face in the rough waters, and you notice a sword and compass hanging from the belt around her waist. Her shoulders are wide and her arms muscular. She stand about a meter back from you, watching you carefully, spear pointed towards your face.

Could you help me? you say. I was with a tour guide and I … I got lost. I don't know where they went.

She inspects you, scowling. Tourist? she asks, her voice slightly disgusted.

You nod. Yes, ma'am. You aren't sure if "ma'am" is the right way to address her, but she does have a commanding and intimidating air.

Her scowl fades and she lowers her spear, instead rolling her eyes, evidently annoyed. What is with you tourists? No sense of direction. She looks suddenly disappointed. And I was really hoping for a fight today.

Um, sorry, you say, slightly taken aback.

She laughs and shakes her head. Well, what can you do? But I guess I'd best get you back to your group, huh? C'mon; I hope you don't mind a bit of a walk. I'm Sarah Aminora, by the way, she says as an afterthought. She turns and begins walking, and you follow her, careful to stick close behind.