Chapter Text
Taishen Fireblossom had spent about three months in prison with his companions, and then about two weeks with them on the More Abound, and he was pretty confident that at that point, he knew them well.
Barnabos was a talented monster hunter and an even more talented cook. He was the only one of them that had sailed before, and acclimated almost immediately, although he seemed to get rather irritated if his various superstitions were not followed. He had a connection to some mysterious ocean spirit through a shell he carried everywhere. She might be a goddess, or an elemental, or she might not even be real. But regardless, he called her his "lover" and was extremely devoted to her. Despite his quirks, he was extremely good at what he did, and harbored infinite zeal and fervor.
Queenie was a keeper of fey bees, and a wonderful friend. She was kind and brave, and always full of interesting stories to tell about her past with the fey bear that had mentored her. She was good-natured but not a pushover, and made an obvious effort to keep their little group steady, working to foster bonds of friendship between them. While she had a habit of accidentally egging on Barnabos and Skrimm's antics, she was utterly steadfast, dependable, and empathetic.
Skrimm was clever and resourceful, and endlessly loyal. He liked complaining, but that just came from his love of talking. He was, as Queenie would say, a "yapper". He seemed loath to admit it (although Taishen couldn't figure out why) but he cared deeply for everyone in their little band, and had worked tirelessly to get them out of prison, despite the fact that it would likely be much easier to escape if it was just him. Although he was a born gambler and seemed almost paranoid at times, he was innovative and extremely dedicated to protecting their entire group.
The only companion that Taishen felt he couldn't figure out was the medicine man, Jornir. Rarely choosing to speak, he seemed detached from the rest of the crew, almost as if he was waiting for something. He was statuesque and contemplative, and incredibly hard to read.
In fairness, this was likely in part because since they had boarded the ship, Jornir had had nothing to do and instead kept to himself. Still, Taishen wanted to know him better, if only so he could get a full picture of the group he was traveling with. He decided to ask for Queenie's advice.
One day in the late afternoon when he was relieved from his duties as helmsman, he found Queenie in the kitchen with Barnabos, getting ready dinner. While Barnabos instructed the cabin boy on the importance of fending off witches, Taishen pulled Queenie aside.
"Queenie, my friend, may I ask you something?"
"Sure, long as you ask it quick. I'm gonna have hordes of rowdy men in here any minute now, so you'd better get a move on."
"Thank you. I've- well, I've been looking for a way to get closer to Jornir. I feel like I know nearly everyone on this boat except for him, and I certainly know you and Barnabos and Skrimm better than I know him. I'm just not sure how to go about it."
Queenie shrugged.
"I think you're overthinkin' things, Taishie. Just talk to 'im."
"About what? He barely talks to anyone!"
"I don't know. But there's nothin' stoppin' you from just tellin' him you wanna get to know him better."
"I suppose. I just wish I knew of any common ground I could bring up, but I truly know nothing about him at all."
"Then just ask. And if you aren't gonna eat, you might wanna scram. This place is gonna be loud as hell startin'... right now."
At that exact moment, the door to the kitchen flew open, and several men from the most recent watch came in, looking for dinner. Taishen decided to take his friend's advice, and left for his room. He sat there alone, thinking, for quite some time.
There had to be some way to connect with the man, right?