[Chr24] Frozen Waters

The boat rocked gently as it made its way forward.  The group were in the cabin.  Maisiel sat staring out of the window as her Twiwa sat in the window sill looking out at the gentle waves, the distant scenery of land, whitened by snow as tall structures pulled their way up towards the dusk-set sky.  Trees, and distant buildings.  It was admittedly a little daunting, seeing what was basically civilized society so far away from them.  A distant dream, as the fog rolled in.  There was still some time yet, as the boat owner had told them it would likely be morning when they reached land.  Maisiel couldn't contain her sigh any longer as she shook her head.  Her thoughts were those filled with anxiety.  Something felt off about this trip, it didn't feel right to be getting these "stones" just because the Yarujai asked.  Maki made his way over before sitting beside her, offering a sort of silent comfort.  She needed it right now.  There was just something about it all.

Klasp was already laying on one of the small beds that had been made for the group for this trip alone.  She watched as her friends all did their own thing.  The room was silent, there wasn't much to say right now.  It had been a long trip as it was, and all they could do now was wait for the boat to arrive at one of the islands, and even then it would be an overnight trip.  She figured she might as well sleep.  After all, the more she slept, the faster it would seem to come.  She shifted in her spot and grumbled softly to herself as she closed her eyes.  It was still relatively early as far as time went, but the exhaustion was quick to take over.  It wasn't much longer for the others to join her in sleeping.

The group had been sleeping calmly when there was a loud creaking sound, followed by an ear shattering sound as the boat began to tremble.  Everyone jolted awake.  Mariposa held onto Yvena's head, ripped from her slumber.  The boat was soon still.  They all looked at each other, grateful they were all there, but all just as curious as to what was going on.  They stood there in silence for a moment, listening for any signs of, well, anything.  "We have to go see.  We can't just stay in here," Maisiel finally spoke up.  They all seemed to hesitate.  The door finally burst open, causing them to let out a scream, only for the captain to be left speechless by the reaction.  They soon realized it was just the captain and calmed down.  Maisiel cleared her throat "What's going on?" She asked after a moment of silence.  "We've.. hit some ice.  We're a little stuck." The captain explained and they all stared at him.  "How far are we?" Maki asked as he pushed his way past, going outside to look.

The wind was the first thing to hit him, sending a shiver across his body.  Snow had began to fall, a layer already forming on the deck.  The others were soon behind him, looking around.  It was dark, the moon wasn't even out enough for them to see what they were really dealing with here.  They all stood around as they tried to come up with something, anything to get them out of this situation.  "Could be worse" Yvena shrugged and they all turned to her.  "Don't even start that" Klasp said as she walked past the group and leaned over the edge of the boat, staring down at the ice that had so rudely caused them to stop.  "Is there something we can throw to break it?" She asked and turned to the captain.  "Even if we were able to get loose, it would be impossible to turn around or go forward." He explained.  Maisiel shook her head, "Is there really nothing you can do?  Your advice is to what, sit here and wait?" The panic had set in at the captain's words.  They were stuck here.  No way back or forward. 

"When the sun is out we can figure out something.  For now, the best thing to do is wait."

They all stood there for a moment before Klasp finally let out a deep sigh and walked past the group "I knew it was a bad idea the moment they decided to come to us." She said as she returned to the cabin.  They could only do one thing right now, and that was to wait.  As hard as it would be.