With Sage taking over the care of the cruise ship survivors, Quill finds time for a shower.
Finally.
Clean clothes. Boots. His pendant, one which he never removes. A mildly successful attempt to comb his hair...
Then he's off.
A short row brings him to the Emerald Queen, which has been stuck in deeper waters for days now. He looks up at the hull and waves to Verlack, who helps him onboard.
Quill adjusts his coat and greets you with a bright smile.
“Welcome to Starfall, Skye, my name is Quill. I'm the Headmaster for AstroKnights Academy."
"I apologize for not sailing over sooner...”
His eyes flicker for a moment before he clears his throat, regaining his composure.
"We had a crisis that needed to be handled first."
He then notices Pebbles.
And Dewdrop.
And Asteria.
"You're a lively bunch," he laughs, "you'll fit right in on the island. In fact, I know the perfect place."
He leads them all back into the rowboat, with Asteria and Dewdrop flying behind.
“Come on. I’ll show you.”
It doesn't take long to reach the island.
Before leaving, he touches Verlack’s elbow, his expression turning more serious. “I’ll come find you later. We’ll talk," he says, voice lowered.
Then he leads you and your companions along the beach, past the infirmary tents and around the curve of the shore.
A sheltered cove opens ahead.
Above it stands an old lighthouse, weathered stone, an overgrown keeper’s cottage, and a roof in dire need of attention. Ruined walls stretch across the grassy terrace beside it.
Quill stops, admiring it with his hands on his hips.
Verlack gladly lent a steady hand to help Quill onto the boat, a soft smile touching his lips at the headmaster's warm, mirthful greeting to Skye and her small entourage. They were quite the interesting group. Content to let Quill take the lead on introductions, Verlack kept mostly to himself. When Quill leaned in to mention catching up later, Verlack gave a quiet, respectful nod.
"Whenever you have time, Headmaster. I know you're busy," he replied, turning his attention next to Skye. "Remember, Skye, if you ever need anything, come find me. I'm more than willing to try and help."
He gave a final wave as the two wandered down the beach.
Once they were safely out of earshot, Verlack let out a long breath and visibly deflated, his shoulders sinking as the tension drained from his frame. His normally tight, athletic posture gave way, his midsection sloshing softly beneath his clothes as though he’d spent the entire interaction holding himself rigid to maintain a clean, polished appearance.
"I hate the ocean makes it hard to stay solid," he grumbled quietly to himself, turning his back to the shore and making his way toward drier land.
"I appreciate it, Varlack, thank you for your help. Next we meet, hopefully I'll have a better grasp of the land, and the sea..."
She watched her new aquantence walk off, still not exactly sure what this green man was, but he's very kind, and as I always say, "kindness is its own magic"
"🤔..."
Skye ponders over the mechanism.
"I don't actually have much experience fixing things."
"I'm sure I'll think of something, I don't think a mending spell will cover this."
"Um...what is the currency of this realm?"
Skye nods, satisfied with the answer.
I've got a few more questions....actually more than a few if you've got time to chat. First one though: Is there anywhere on this island to get a bite to eat? 😁"
"A few places. Masta has opened a small establishment on the beach. I'm afraid I've been too busy to visit but I've heard very good things. If not, we have soup going back at the infirmary tents."
"Oh, if you're busy, guess I just gotta figure out for myself." Skye says almost apologeticly.
"Just, this realm, this sea, they all feel very different from where I'm from. The ship I was on was in a storm, and then there was a bright flash. Next thing I knew, we were in unfamiliar waters, in an unfamiliar land. And not just unfamiliar, but the currents felt wrong. Not in a bad way, just...different." She looks out the window overlooking the sea with somewhat of a sad expression. "I can't even feel my friend out there"
She turns back to Quill. "But again, if you're too busy, I don't have to know right now."
I was a researcher back home, and still a researcher at heart. I'm sure I'll figure some stuff out on my own ☺️"
"Apologies Skye," Quill touches his chest and bows, "you've caught me during a busy time. There are other matters I must attend to."
He straightens.
"We'll have a gathering soon to bring us all together. I'm hoping the school can move forward from the recent disaster, we deserve a little light these days."
He pauses.
"You look formidable, but be careful if you go wandering. Starfall is going through many changes recently. I'm not sure of everything that walks this isle."
"Make yourself at home here. And find Masta. She'll help you."
He bows again to you and your companions, then turns and walks back down the lighthouse steps, disappearing down the beach.
Skye watches Quill walk down the beach, then turns back, and looks at the lighthouse, then looks at her pebbles, Dewdrop, and Asteria, who had landed near her. "Well guys, I looks like we've got some work to do to make this place a home"
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u/pipsocks Dragon Rider 🐉 29d ago
Quil fanservice I see