Over The Sea Of Gods to zardenfall

It was decided that they would take a small sailing boat along the Morrvan River. The captain could take them as far as Xuien’s Run and then they would take a ferry across the Sea of Gods. Dreyma had always wanted to see the sea that was famed to be the home and resting place of Xuien, the God of the Seas. She had heard many tales about how in times of troubles or storm, he would raise up from his slumber and tow distressed ships into harbour or lift them clear from the water.  When they reached the harbour at Krakensfyre three days after they had left, the sun was just fading into the vast mountain range to the west of Castle Hammer. Dreyma was beginning to tire; the journey had been comfortable of sorts, but the cabin beds were hard and the food was not like anything she had ventured before. Kayna had tried to keep her entertained but the worry of when she was going to see her father again filled her every thought. 

“Will this be the last time I see Man’s Lands?” Dreyma’s eyes filled with tears.

“I’m sure it won’t be. As soon as we get to Dawnsunder, I shall make enquiries about your father. You and he will be back together in Runo before the summer is over.” Kayna’s words seemed hopeful but there was something in her voice that was not. 

“Thank you for letting me come with you. I won’t be a bother, I promise.” Dreyma wiped away a tear and gazed up at the tall Orc.

“I know you will be a very good girl, little one, but remember that Orcs have very bad tempers. Best not get on my wrong side.” Kayna made a mock growl which made her chuckle and Dreyma wince. 

“Can I stay up on deck tonight, just in case I see Xuien swimming around the ship?” Dreyma asked pleadingly.

“I suppose it may be an adventure. I have a story about Xuien, if you would like to hear it?” 

“Yes, please.” They sat together and Dreyma nestled closer to the Orc. 

As she began, Kayna stretched out a vast arm and wrapped her long sleeves around the little girl.

 “Do you know the waters that feed the Sea of Gods span from all the four corners of Erosil? They flow from the Restless River in Velakros to the Jubilanis coast, from Broken Storm Harbour to the far corners of Jacarcia. In fact, Oasicia’s great spring can be traced back to the Sea of Gods.  “Xuien uses these pathways to the great oceans that lie beyond his home. The currents of these underground tributaries are thought to be ten times the speed of the ones that lay above them and this is why most fish or animals you find in the inordinate waters will make their way onto the table of the God of the Sea. One such animal is the White Ocean Oyster; its pearls are the most beautiful of any pearls in all of the seas. 

“On the night of Xuien and Tyzta’s betrothal, he dived to the deepest depths of the Sea of Gods to bring her oysters for the feast. As they were eating, Tyzta found a perfect grey pearl and she told him a story. She said that all pearls were formed in the light of knowledge, the light that beams from the cracks in the clouds when the moon is full and tides are steady. The pearl that she held in her hand was special because it was part of her world and his and it would forever be the symbol of their union. Later that night, Tyzta went to her bedchamber and as she reached into her pocket to retrieve the pearl, she was bereft to find it gone, believing it to be a sign that the union was doomed. 

“The night before her wedding came too quickly. Alone with only her pet owl Acumen to keep her company, she sat on the rocks, trailing her hand in the water. As Xuien rose from the sea, she began to fall in love with him once again. In his hand, he held a polished oyster shell. He opened it to present her with a pre-wedding gift, a sign of his everlasting affection. When she looked into the open shell, she saw a ring made with white gold and diamonds which encased a single perfect grey pearl…”