The Leviathan's Lament: A cursed saga.

s chest as he watched the commotion unfold near the docks. His eyes scanned the

fire in her emerald green eyes. She stood amidst a crew of misfits-three men and one woman, all of them loo

ong the scrappers and scoundrels that inhabited the port. Kaelan's brow furrowed as he took a step closer, careful to stay unnoticed. He had heard the rumors about the stolen ship, about a cu

were interrup

young man from Ailbhe's crew, Sionnach, in the middle of it. He had a coin purse in his hand, and the stall owner was shouting angril

ty only grew. What had brought Ailbhe here, and why had she left Dúnmara? He had to know. But for now,

ce flushed red with fury, advanced on Sionnach, brandishing the cudgel. Sionnach, to his credit, seemed unfazed b

oice echoing across the docks. A small crowd was starting to gather,

e on now," he said, dangling the coin purse at the already ang

is attention quickly shifted to Ailbhe. How would she respond? This wasn't the quiet, controlled palace env

ion. Torvald, the scarred man, tried to intercept her, muttering something

e the crack of a whip. Sionnach's smirk faded instantly, the g

ng it back at the stall owner. "You'll pay for what you took," she said coldl

he turned to the stall owner, tossing him a smaller coin pouch. "This sh

re giving a begrudging nod. "You keep that one in line, or next time it'll be more th

ore turning back to Sionnach. The wiry thief had the decency to loo

l leave you behind. Is that understood?" Ail

odding quickly. "Aye,

had grown up with-she had hardened, become a leader in her own right. But she was also far

--

e and confidence he remembered from their childhood. But back then, it was different-simpler. They had been inseparable, two curious children who grew up by the sea and had e

hter daring him to follow. He could still remember the way her eyes would light up whenever she talked about ex

me at a cost. She was harder now, the weight of the world visible in the set of her shoul

want to see him? What if she saw him as a remnant of the past she had left behind? S

hing held him back-fear, uncertain

Ailbhe, her back still turned to him. He was so clo

he cr