An Invitation

Sorry for the long delay. I thought I'd lost my bible (the first MBT book: foundling). Turns out it fell behind my printer. *facepalm* So there you have it. lol. Anyway hope you're all enjoying the story. This chapters a bit short I'm afraid.

Ichorlin walked aboard a shiny new cromster just as the Rivermaster reached down to pull the plank aboard.

"Excuse me." Ichorlin murmured apologetically as she skipped onto the ship. The Rivermaster smiled and tipped his hat.

"Don' wanna be later aye?" He chuckled. Ichorlin smiled.

"No…" She mumbled nervously. The man stood straight and placed out his right hand.

"Uh… May I be seein' your papers please?" He asked gingerly. Ichorlin nodded dramatically and wrenched the leather wallet from her satchel. After a quick examination he nodded and smiled.

"Hope you enjoy your stay, Ichorlin." He said squinting at the name. "Very unique name ye got there." He admitted. Ichorlin grinned.

"Wouldn't have it any other way!" She said lightly. The rivermaster laughed.

"Indeed. Well, you can call me Rivermaster Jink, if you need anything on your trip, I'm the one to see!" He announced patting his chest proudly. Ichorlin nodded.

"Thankyou." She murmured once more.

After a quick directional guide Ichorlin made her way to the lounge cabin and attempted to find a seat. Inside the cramped and noisy room, many high class couples and friends sat talking animatedly over a drink. After a quick, but unyielding search, Ichorlin found an empty corner where she sat quietly upon the ground.

For the first time in her life she genuinely felt lonely. Her short and harsh time with Piri had shown her the kindness that can exist within other people. For all these years she'd thought most people were heartless monsters, but now she realized that some select few were truly admirable.

"What are you doin' down there Missus?" A tall man suddenly asked from above. Ichorlin, startled from her thoughtful daze, looked up to see a charming man standing over her, smiling.

"Oh um… There weren't any seats left." She admitted with a frown. The man smiled.

"Is that all?" He asked with a chuckle. "Would you mind honouring my company upon the deck then?" He asked kindly. "Perhaps a glass of wine as well?" He added.

Ichorlin cocked her head in surprise.

"Are you sure? I don't think I'm much for company." She admitted. The man snorted.

"One can only find out the hard way can't he? Besides, I can't leave such a young lass on her own amongst all these strangers." He continued. Ichorlin laughed lightly.

"But aren't you a stranger yourself?" She asked with a grin. The man scratched the back of his head, making his trice-high bounce across his forehead.

"I didn't quite think of it like that." He muttered but soon shrugged it off. "Would you still like to join me on the deck?" He persisted. Ichorlin smiled and rose to her feet.

"Well, it certainly beats sitting here." She said with a grin. The man nodded his head in approval.

"Very good." He said, showing her outside. "My name's Fouracres by the way." He said politely. Ichorlin grinned.

"Ichorlin." She said in reply to Fouracres quizzical gaze. "Ichorlin of the Ichormere."