Thoughts on image kicker #1, or, doing something to make the Bastard stop whining.

Hi all. This is just a lil something that I got from the picture below. It's really rough and not well thought out and not in the least bit original, but it was a fun exercise. Not that I'm trying to say exercise is fun, mind you. Hope to see some from all of you, and I hope that after you read this entry, you'll realize that you can't possibly do worse than I did and will then become unafraid to post. Cheers!

Transport

Things will get worse before they get better.

Sae'ouri pondered this as she paced languidly back and forth awaiting the arrival of her transport. The ship was visible on the horizon now and growing larger, occasionally back lit by lightning so that she could see it's bulk floating above the sea. The main sails had been furled and replaced by the float, allowing for safe travel through the air above acid waters that would eat boat and sailer alike. She knew that the ship could sail safely in the deeper waters beyond the bay, and it would do so after it collected her and began it's return voyage to Prine.

She kept her stately movements in check, by all appearances a serene, educated young lady patiently awaiting her transport. Inside, however, anticipation had her all aflutter. She had waited long for this day. Had been schooled and trained for the slight possibility that this day would come, when The Exalted would choose a new bride. To her family, her village, the whole island, it was an honor unheard of that she'd been chosen from the thousands of eligible girls across the realm. To Sae'ouri, it was the chance to change things.

Lar'gaeno had trained her well, imparting all the learning and sophistication she would need as a Bride of The Exalted. She spoke all the languages of the realm; knew the various cultures of the Four States and their provinces. But, most importantly, she knew history. The history of the realm, the glorious history of The Exalted. Everyone knew the general history that was taught, but she knew the finer points and details; could, in fact, orate on them at length. This was good, her old master had always said. The Exalted always liked to be reminded of his wondrous deeds.

But Lar'gaeno had also taught her other history, outside the given doctrine. History that contradicted, even indicted The Exalted as a sham. This was the history that she believed in, that she would work to expose. Sae'ouri's personal task, the one she had accepted from Lar'gaeno and the other members of the Hidden Council, was to bring about the ultimate ruination of The Exalted and free the world he had enslaved. The world that didn't know it was enslaved.

Sae'ouri was scared. Terrified when she was honest with herself, as she strove always to be. But she was excited too. Excited for her younger siblings. For the souls of her parents. For the soul of the realm. The time had come.

She stopped her pacing and adopted a stance of dignified patience as the transport drew to a stop dropping anchor. A rope ladder was unfurled over the side and figures scrambled down and began making their way up the beach toward her.

Soon now, she thought. Things will get worse before they get better.

She smiled.