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Things haven't been going so well ever since their last fight. It's not uncommon for them to get into an altercation, especially when it concerns about what they think is best for the Gelfling. Because of this, they would keep their distance between each other until things can cool down. For how long though varies from time to time.
One day, Skeksa was away from the Vassa and came aboard another sifan ship to help with unrelated matters. It had been a few weeks after the fight, but the captain doesn't seem to have it on her mind. Or maybe she's trying to suppress those thoughts.
The Mariner was hanging out over the port side, watching the waves go by as she smokes from her pipe. The sea climate wasn't too rough, but not too quiet either. It was just the way SkekSa liked it. Seeing the water clash between the boat brings the kind of comfort she needed after the incident. But of course, such things can get to a point where it gets...too comfortable. Then again, it could just be her.
When SkekSa wasn't looking, a splash of water hit her face, extinguishing and diluting the herbs that were in her pipe. Shaking off her fur, she looked down from the port side to see where it came from. SkekSa felt very puzzled because the conditions weren't right enough for the water to just shoot up onto the boat. Her pipe may have gotten wet, but it wasn't enough to put her in a sour mood. As such, she went back to watching the sea.
Then another splash of water hit her face again.
That's when SkekSa started to feel suspicious. One time, it could've been a perfect straight shot. Two times is not a coincidence. Again, today's conditions make it impossible for something like this to happen. Someone or something is shooting up water directly at her.
The Mariner decided keep her close eye on the ocean. If her predictions are correct, then it's clear that this thing is trying to mock her. For a few minutes she waited, trying to see if anything new happens. And she waited.....and waited......and waited....and waited.......and waited......until
"Captain, is everything alright?"
SkekSa immediately snaps her head back up, breaking her away from the 'trance'.
It turns that voice was coming from one of her crewmen.
The Mariner hesitated on giving them an answer, so it was necessary to just give out a simple answer.
"Um...I was....just watching the waves roll over yonder," SkekSa replied.
"Well, I hope you will be glad to know that the negotiations are going rather satisfactory. We'll have enough funding to provide any necessary repairs for this ship."
"Excellent," said the Mariner, "Your consultation skills are much appreciated!"
The crewman looked around to see if anyone else was looking and took a few steps toward their captain.
"Between you and me, I wouldn't go the lower deck," they warned, "It's a miracle that this bloody thing isn't sinking right now."
"Aye, but ole' SkekSa here had seen worse back in her day. Something like this would be the equivalent to a small boulder," she chuckled, "Anyway, go ahead and put in the finishing touches on the deal and we'll set sail back to the Va-
Another splash of water hit the Mariner, except it ended up soaking her entire body. SkekSa was feeling a little crossed. A few seconds of awkward silence filled up in the air.
"........I'm going to head back in now," said the crewman. Afterwards, they went back to where they were without turning their head to see their captain's expression.
SkekSa slowly picked up an object and walks back to the port side. However, She noticed something different when looking at the water. Small pockets of bubbles were popping out of the surface which only proves SkekSa's assumption. There is a creature underwater. But what creature exactly? Using her knowledge of the sea, SkekSa tried to think of all the species that inhabit the ocean and eliminate all the possibilities of what said creature is. But then she remembered that fight from a few weeks ago. That's when it hit her. It wasn't enough that the two of them had to keep their distance, but now the Swimmer is getting into antics as a way to remind her other half of how she wronged her. And the worst part is that this isn't new. Of course it was UrSan. It was always UrSan. So many trine of being out in the silver sea and she couldn't recount the times they've gotten into this cycle of mischief. But no longer was SkekSa going to be played the fool, despite the fact that she thought the same thing last time. But this time, she's sure of it.
Without any hesitation, SkekSa threw the object into the sea, hoping that it hit her target. In a few seconds, the bubbles were gone. SkekSa was sure that it directly hit UrSan, but she knows that the Swimmer is well...a good swimmer. Not only that, but she would've felt it too.
Out of nowhere, a hard ball seaweed hit the Mariner right in the face. She didn't get injured from the hit right away, but the impact was enough to make her feel hazy. After regaining her focus, SkekSa was no longer in the mood.
"Ohhhh, ya thank ya sooo clever, trying to take any opportunity ya can to remind me that I've cause such a blunder," said the Mariner with such restrain in her voice, "Well, guess what.....YOU MAY KNOW HOW TO SWIM, BUT I KNOW HOW TO THROW TOO YOU BLATHERING GOBERMOUCH!!!"
This had went on for a little while. SkekSa and UrSan took turns trading throws, sometimes leading to the former unintentionally throwing cargo into the ocean.
Meanwhile back in the quarters, the Sifans notice the banging and shouting coming from outside.
"Where is that noise coming from?" questioned one of the Gelfling.
"...I think it's best that we go back to the deal at hand," said the crewman.