CHAPTER IV
"Fair Waens, and Following Merls my Syns!" the elder called to his children as Und Braena pulled away from the pier. The sea lapped lazily against the hull of the ship as the two brothers raised hands in farewell. Neither could quite find their voice to return their father's call. They had a long journey ahead of them, and they knew it would be a long time before they saw the cherished shores of their home again.
A deep rhythmic boom sounded out across the deck as a Roegadyn set the pace for the ship's Oarsmen on a large drum. The experienced oarsmen pulled Und Braena out to sea, and as the ship crawled far enough out into deeper waters, the Helmsman swung the ship slowly towards the south, catching the wind, and skirting the coast of Tanima Umi out to sea. It wasn't long before they felt the buck and heave of the high seas under their feet.
Several weeks later a call rang out from the Lookout's Nest. "Port ho!" Off their port side, extending off the Vylbrand coast was the maritime city state, Limsa Lominsa.
Maleko and Bhaldryss stepped off the ship together and looked around. White buildings stood off of pillar like islands projecting from the sea, worn away by the constant crashing of the Rhotano. Solid plank bridges and catwalks stretched from building to building, creating the floating city. The brothers were swept away in a diverse crowd flowing through the city.
"Hail lads, and well met. Yer not from round these waters are ye? Names Baderon, what brings ye to me Drowning Wench?" an honest enough looking Midlander greeted them as they approached his bar.
"Well met indeed friend. I'm called Bhaldryss. An interestin' city you've here. We've traveled from the North Seas, to broaden our horizons, and mayhaps our purses while we're at it." Bhaldryss told the man.
"I see, a right Sea Wolf ye be, but 'ow bout yer salty lookin lad there? One doesn't find many Hyur in the North Seas mate." Baderon said, giving a lighthearted smile in Maleko's direction to make sure no insult was taken.
Maleko stepped forward and shook the Proprietor's hand. "Maleko Kaleo, unfortunate enough to have been raised alongside this brute of a sea dog."
"Ah, I see, an interestin' tale that must be, but for another time, say." Baderon nodded with a smile. "So 'ow can I help ye lads? Care fer a drink, a room, information? I know this city like the back of me hand I do.
Maleko and Bhaldryss explained their respective needs to Baderon over a tankard of fine ale. They purchased a room to share, and turned in for the night. A few days later they found themselves in the lobby saying their goodbyes.
Bhaldryss embraced his brother in a bone crushing bear hug. "Stay safe brother. I'll be here in Limsa training hard, so you'd better not fall behind with those sorry forest folk ye plan on spending yer time with."
"Aye, I'll see what they're all about, and once they've nothing to give, I'll come back here an we'll show these Vylbrand puddle pirates how true marauders sail!"