Open The Docks Sibling Sojourn

[Lorcan Rainclaw]

“So this is it, then.”

Lorcan’s statement was notably devoid of opinion beneath his words as the small vessel nosed its way into the Imperium’s harbour. Truly, he could not make sense of it. It was certainly impressive in scale for a fox who had only visited the odd village or town: the ships were immense, the dockside a bustling heave of busy creatures, and the entire place thrumming with the rhythm of a life he had never known. However, it all seemed somewhat…underwhelming in its simplicity. The fox hadn’t been entirely certain of what he’d expected Bully Harbour to feel like, but now he felt decidedly stupid: of course it would be like anywhere else but much larger.

The weather was noticeably cooler, though. His ears twitched as vagrant breezes stirred his fur, dark eyes scanning the quay in silent assessment. Finding work was going to be the priority and stubbornness in him was determined to see if he could do so without coasting on the reputations of his parents. Considering how well previous employment had gone, however, the prospects weren’t likely fantastic. Still, a city this size would at least mean he’d never be short of options.

Turning to look down at his sister whilst the ship prepared for disembarkation, Lorcan shrugged his broad shoulders. “I’m not daft thinking this isn’t…exactly what I expected, am I?”

 

[Kinza Rainclaw]

Though Kinza maintained a mask of nonchalance, learnt over years of putting up with prankster parentage, her own feelings were a contrast to her sibling's. The noise and chaos of the harbour swelled within her, a calling she had felt all her life. Whatever disappointments her eyes told her of the grime and unsavoury characters they had walked among, seeing the fabled ship made it shine true gold. It was only a ship, and yet it felt like long lost family. She gave Lorcan an affectionate sneer.​

"Yer always daft. I expect it's never expected to be what we expected. We signing up or wot?"

 

[Lorcan Rainclaw]

A noncommittal grunt followed her question for it was as good as rhetorical to Lorcan. Stooping only to grab one of the packs they had brought, he shouldered the bundle along with his bow and gestured for Kinza to lead on down the gangplank. The colour (or what felt like a lack of it) and the abundance of scent hit Lorcan first, though his impassive features did little to betray his shock. Fresh air was going to be in short supply until they were able to get aboard the Hide, then.

In passing he flashed a grizzled weasel wrangling with cabling from the ship a polite smile, receiving only a baffled stare in return. The weasel shook his head as Lorcan passed, something akin to pity in his eyes as he atched the beast go. Big lad or not, he was going to learn that wherever he’d come from was a world apart: smiling at strangers in the Imperium was an immediate invitation for a muzzle full of the Slups’ finest slop, a few missing fangs and lighter pockets. Ah well, youngsters had to learn some time; preferably as far from himself as possible.

His free paw scratched the back of his neck, nose wrinkling as dark eyes roved across the various buildings at the harbour. “S’pposed to be some sort of office or other we need to sign in as citizens, ain’t there? You’d not think a place like this’d care about that sort of order.”