Deep Sea Embers

Chapter 545: Alices New Friend

But before he could finish his sentence, Shirley, already familiar with Dog’s overprotective nature, cut him off. “I’ve got it, I’ve got it! Dog, sometimes you can be such a worrywart. You remind me of a fussing old mother hen.”

Beside Shirley, Dog settled on the deck, his skeletal form giving off an air of dissatisfaction. He prepared to grumble some more about the matters at hand. Meanwhile, a little distance away, a woman named Lucretia observed the interaction between Shirley and Dog. Her expression was difficult to decipher; there was a depth and complexity to it that made those around her wonder about her thoughts.

Adjacent to Lucretia stood another woman, Nina. Nina frequently cast apprehensive glances at the captivating but seemingly detached woman known to many as the ‘Sea Witch’. Lucretia’s ethereal beauty was contrasted with a distant, cold aura. Tentatively, Nina leaned in to speak in a hushed voice, “Do you find Shirley a bit too boisterous? She tends to be like that quite often…”

Lucretia responded in a measured tone, “Not particularly. This ship has witnessed louder events. My own collection of dolls, for instance, can stir up quite the commotion.”

Feeling a bit relieved by Lucretia’s response, Nina’s face relaxed into a timid smile. “I truly appreciate your generosity in letting us aboard your vessel.”

Lucretia gazed into the distance momentarily. “My father ordered me to ferry you all to Wind Harbor. I am bound to heed his requests,” she declared. Not being adept at social exchanges, Lucretia sometimes appeared distant or indifferent to others. Trying to be more approachable, she shifted her stance, gave a slight smile, and queried, “You’re Nina, aren’t you?”

Feeling recognized and acknowledged, Nina beamed, nodding in agreement.

“You often refer to my father as ‘Uncle Duncan’,” Lucretia mentioned, genuine intrigue evident in her tone, “Does he not intimidate you?”

Nina chuckled lightly at the thought, “Oh, no. Uncle Duncan has always been kind-hearted towards me.” Her jovial expression softened, and with a sincere gaze directed at Lucretia, she added, “I’m aware of the past events. You needn’t fret over it. I genuinely believe everything has settled down now.”

Lucretia took a moment to digest Nina’s words before responding, “It’s reassuring to hear that.”

However, Nina’s inquisitive nature got the better of her soon after, and she posed another query, “Miss Lucretia, is there… some tension between you and Uncle Duncan?”

Lucretia, taken slightly aback, responded, “Why do you ask?”

Nina began with a hint of hesitation in her voice, “I’ve come across tales that suggest that the ‘Bright Star’ and the ‘Vanished’ went their separate ways nearly a hundred years ago. When Uncle Duncan brought our group aboard, I couldn’t help but observe your avoidance of his gaze. I apologize if it’s not my place to bring it up…”

Lucretia, her face calm and inscrutable, nodded in acknowledgment. “It’s true that we decided to embark on different journeys,” she candidly admitted. “Yet, those events are ancient history. Presently, the dynamics between my father and me might be complex, neither entirely harmonious nor completely strained. It’s mainly that… we’ve been estranged for such an extended period.”

Taking a moment to digest this revelation, Nina thoughtfully responded. She could perceive a subtle undertone of longing and melancholy in Lucretia’s voice. “I must admit,” she began tentatively, “You aren’t quite as I had envisioned. Meeting you initially made me quite apprehensive.”

Lucretia chuckled softly, her eyes reflecting understanding. “Oftentimes, people create narratives about the unfamiliar, but seldom confront the inaccuracies of their own imaginations,” she responded gracefully. “You need not be so formal with me, Nina. We can be on a first-name basis.”

Nina looked mildly surprised. “But surely you…”

Interrupting her with a warm smile, Lucretia said, “Your ‘Uncle Duncan’ is my father. Given that connection, it seems rather peculiar for you to maintain such formality.”

Taking a moment to consider Lucretia’s words, Nina nodded in agreement. “I suppose you’re right…”

A tender smile graced Lucretia’s features as she regarded Nina, who, despite her radiant spirit, acted so quintessentially human. Her gaze then wandered to the ‘Demon Summoner’ who was brimming with anticipation, eagerly anticipating the adventures that awaited in the city.

In a quieter part of the ship, the eminent scholar Morris was engrossed in a heartfelt conversation with Taran El, an old acquaintance he hadn’t connected with in years. Their talk hinted at a forthcoming visit to Wind Harbor’s esteemed university. Simultaneously, in the mid-section of the ship, Vanna was absorbing insights about the vessel’s enigmatic “ethereal framework”, guided by an articulate rabbit named Rabbi.

As for the sentient doll “Alice”, she seemed to be in her father’s company. Upon his arrival on the ship, he had eagerly spoken of introducing her to Luni before whisking her away.

These intriguing individuals composed the new cohort that was associated with her father. While many scholars and pundits were engrossed in debating the potential resurgence of the Vanished Fleet, this ensemble appeared more like they were on a leisurely holiday.

There was no denying their formidable prowess. Each had exceptional abilities that made them invaluable to the Vanished Fleet. Yet, from Lucretia’s perspective, they seemed so different from what she had preconceived.

Contrary to what one might expect from beings referred to as “subspace denizens”, this group didn’t exude a dark or oppressive energy. Instead, they were refreshingly vibrant and full of life, making it a pleasure to engage with them. As Lucretia observed them, it seemed that her father’s decision to gather this motley crew wasn’t based on a calculated, intricate plan. It felt more like fate or happenstance had intertwined their paths, bringing together these spirited travelers.

Distancing herself from her introspective moment, Lucretia turned her attention to immediate matters. “As we draw nearer to the harbor, I’ll oversee your accommodations,” she stated. “I have a few hidden residences in Wind Harbor, each offering a certain degree of comfort. Once you settle down in the city, do you have any specific ventures in mind? I could suggest some places of interest.”

“Places of interest?” Nina’s eyes sparkled with keen anticipation. “Would you, by any chance, know of renowned eateries in Wind Harbor? Rumors say that it boasts an array of culinary treasures from the vastness of the Endless Seas. My main goal here is to indulge in those!”

A faintly amused expression crossed Lucretia’s face. “You’re eager to taste Wind Harbor’s ‘gastronomic wonders’?”

Nina responded with unabated enthusiasm, “Absolutely!”

Lucretia’s gaze deepened, “…Has my father briefed you about the unique Elvish dining customs?”

A look of bewilderment washed over Nina’s features. “Well, no,” she confessed, picking up on the underlying implications in Lucretia’s words. “Did I overlook something important?”

“It isn’t a blunder on your part. However, it’s an aspect of their culture best grasped through firsthand exposure,” Lucretia remarked with a hint of mischief. “Later, I shall guide you to the Crown District.”

Nina’s face gleamed with hope. “Is that where we’ll find all the culinary delights?”

Lucretia smirked, “It’s conveniently situated near the hospital.”

Nina’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Why would that… Wait, what?”

Simultaneously, on the ‘Bright Star’, within the relaxation zone designated for the crew, Duncan had found a quiet corner. From there, he was keenly monitoring a peculiar interaction happening a short distance away.

There, two peculiar dolls were engaged in conversation, both seemingly at a loss.

Alice, with evident curiosity, examined the entity before her, appearing even more ‘doll-like’ than herself. After a contemplative pause, she whirled around and inquired of Duncan, “Captain! How does one befriend a stranger?”

“Kickstart with a simple introduction,” Duncan advised, conjuring a handful of fries seemingly from thin air and tossing them to Ai, who was nonchalantly ambling past a nearby table. “Your name is always a good place to start.”

Taking his advice to heart, Alice pivoted back to Luni. “Greetings! I’m Alice, sometimes referred to as Anomaly 099.”

Acknowledging the introduction with a slight bow, Luni responded, “Greetings, I’m Luni. I’m under the service of Mistress Lucretia. Are you affiliated with the old master?”

With a shake of her head, Alice proudly declared, “Not at all! I belong to the Captain! I’m tasked with culinary and housekeeping duties aboard this ship!”

Luni appeared contemplative, a soft mechanical hum emanating from her as she processed the information.

Still intrigued, Alice examined Luni further. “You lack strings over your head!”

Luni appeared genuinely puzzled. “Strings? What do you mean by that?”

Alice enthusiastically explained, using broad gestures to emphasize her words, “There’s this unique thing everyone possesses. It’s like a glowing thread extending from their being. The captain informed me that I’m the only one with the ability to perceive them.” She furrowed her brow, her puzzlement evident, “He referred to it as the ‘Thread of the Soul’. To be honest, the concept still eludes me. But what I do know is that, when I tug on it, the individual attached to it becomes entirely immobile.”

With her typical mechanical tone, Luni responded, “Your description is eluding my logic. As a crafted entity, I lack the essence you refer to as a soul. But I am equipped with a functional winding system.”

To give Alice a clearer understanding, Luni turned around, presenting a large, ornate winding key, fashioned like an intricate bow, embedded in her back.

A light of recognition sparkled in Alice’s eyes. “Oh! A winding mechanism! I possess one too!” With bubbling enthusiasm, she twirled around, providing Luni with a glimpse. “Do you see, this concealed spot beneath my garments? That’s where I can be wound up. However, the mechanism is out of my reach, so the captain keeps the winding key with him.”

Luni’s internal mechanics produced a whimsical melody, signaling her happiness. “It’s quite fascinating how we bear resemblances,” she commented. “It’s my maiden experience encountering someone of my likeness. Both the mistress and the ancient master hinted at the possibility of our kinship. Their predictions seem accurate.”

Alice’s joy was palpable as she exclaimed, “The captain is truly amazing!” She then observed more keenly, her curiosity piqued, “Have you ever noticed? Our limb connections seem to share a similar design. However, your appendages appear marginally more rigid compared to mine…”

Studying her arm thoughtfully, Luni acknowledged, “Indeed, our articulated joints bear a striking resemblance.”

Unable to contain her excitement, Alice suddenly blurted out, “Oh, another thing! Can you separate your head from your body? Watch me!”

And, without waiting for any sort of reaction, Alice swiftly detached her head, proudly showcasing it to Luni as if presenting an unexpected magic trick, “See this?! It’s completely removable…”

Luni, momentarily startled by Alice’s dramatic demonstration, hesitated for just a split second before placing her hands on her neck. Feeling the junction, she gave it an experimental tug.

A distinct clicking noise echoed in response.