She walked through a bustling port, trying not to look as though she was lost. Discreetly, she observed each ship that she passed, trying to find one she could board— seeing as she didn't carry a single cent. After her backwards dive off the cliff, she had landed in water, which was more than she could have truly hoped for. Though it was a pitch-black night, she was a decent enough swimmer, and was able to keep her head above the water until she began to feel the shore under her feet.

Another stroke of luck was the homes so nearby. No one recognized her, but after knocking at only two doors, she was hurried inside and was sat firmly by a small fire. The home was filled with a large family; the parents and five children. She was given a place to wash, a surprisingly plush place to sleep, and clothes that were only slightly too big. Early in the morning, before anyone woke, she left all the coins she had with her. It wasn't much, but she had a feeling it was more than the family had seen in some time. Hesitantly leaving the home, she couldn't help but notice the looming cliffs, and she knew that if she had been able to see them the night before, she likely would not have leapt.

Now finally looking as though she hadn't been running through trees and swimming in deep waters, she tried to find a ship that would be easy to board, one way or the other. She had to leave the planet, and felt the great need to do so quickly. Although she was not running, she was actively trying to get away.

Towards the end of the dock, she saw one ship that looked particularly well-kept. As she got closer, trying to inconspicuously study it, she saw a creature that looked more like a great brown bear, but walked with the ease and fluidity of a man. He was leaving the ship in what seemed like a great huff, but no one else on board seemed to notice. Deciding this was her opportunity; she pulled her elbows in tight to her sides and ran to the ship.

Hoping that no one noticed, she ran onto the ship deck. She looked around quickly, and saw no one looking her way. Making a hard left, she went into the first open doorway, and followed the stairs down. The lighting was dim, but her eyes adjusted quickly, and she realized that she had found refuge in a kitchen.

"Miss," she heard a voice somewhere behind her. It sounded as though it was traveling down a tunnel, but as she spun on her heel she saw that the creature was already at the bottom of the stairs. He was at least five feet taller than her, and lanky, with all of his limbs looking as though they had been originally gummy and stretched out. His skin was a deep blue color, and speckled with yellow spots the size of her fist. His eyes were the shape of almonds, though much bigger, and the same yellow as the spots on his skin. He had a single braid of dark hair which was as thick as her forearm, and went halfway down his back. He wore dark brown pants, and a white shirt that hung loose on his thin body. "You look lost."

She couldn't easily trust him, even though he didn't look particularly threatening. Seeing as he had been perfectly civil with her, she figured friendliness was her best, and most convincing, card to play. Committing herself to the part of someone who did belong there, and was not terrified, she smiled sweetly at him and shrugged her shoulders.

"Not so long as this is the kitchen!"

He raised an eyebrow at her, which seemed to be a grand move on his face. "You're looking for the kitchen? I don't know that it will do you much good— word on deck is that the chef left the ship far behind him before he even opened a drawer. Something about living spaces not being up to his standards."

She took his nonchalant manner as a good sign. He seemed as though he felt no reason not to trust her— or he was being carelessly condescending as he prepared to toss her back onto the street. She had to think fast and not falter.

"Yes sir, I heard the same type of thing down on the streets. Word travels fast when a job opens up. I thought I might fill his spot."

The man chuckled shortly. "You don't look to be a girl scrambling for a job."

She suddenly felt subconscious about her looks. Although the coat she was given by the family was too big for her, it was in good shape. The top was large, though that was easily concealed by tucking it into the skirt she wore. Her boots, thankfully, fit her just fine, and like everything else she wore they were in good condition. She should have thought to pull her hair back, if not cut it completely. It fell in waves in brown waves midway down her back, giving the look of great care, no matter how little time she may pay attention to it.

Obviously, if only for three seconds, she was searching for an answer to that, but the man laughed again, as though he thought nothing of her speechlessness. "But who am I to question?" he asked, shrugging his great shoulders. "We'll have to check you in with Captain Hawkins. He'll want to clear anyone joining the crew." He turned his body slightly, and gestured up the stairs.

She smiled and stepped in line by him, and they walked back up the stairs. The smile was frozen on her face with such a fierceness that was fueled by the same fear it was masking. This Captain would be the one to grant her safety on the ship, without realizing that he held that power.