10 Years Ago, in Llomerryn (OPEN)

None on the deck seemed keen to follow. Perhaps she'd miscalculated. Or they merely didn't understand. Helvil tried signing again, more urgently. I will guide you to safety.

Only the flash of steel in the sunlight caught her attention to look at one of the angry men. She blinked up at him, not having caught the movement of his mouth to understand. Or realize he'd said anything. He merely stood, pointing a blade in her direction. Vi tilted her head.

No one seemed panicked now. At least not the same commotion as had initially lead her to this moment.

More movement. Large eyes flicked to the other man, water whipping off her fins as she moved her head to follow shortly after. She took a hesitant half step back, wary despite the sheathing of the dagger.

Vi frowned. I don't understand. Her hands and fingers moving delicately and deliberately as she made her confusion plain. More plain that was already on her face. She'd not yet learned the language of the land, guessing at the words his lips formed, though they held no meaning.