[color=blanchedalmond][h3][i][b]... the quarterdeck of the Domina Artemis...[/b][/i][/h3]	Captain Delaney had been at the helm until late afternoon, when they finally came to port in Merlian. He sent most of his men out to get supplies while he stayed on board, knowing full well he wasn't wanted in this kingdom. He didn't want to chance being spotted by a guard or a royalist do-gooder; not because he couldn't take them, but because he would rather catch up on sleep than cause a scene.
	A cool breeze came from the sea, coaxing Ulysses out of his cabin and up onto the quarterdeck. He was just beginning to drift off when the first shots rang in his ears. [/color][b][color=burlywood]”Anastasia, what was that?”[/color][/b][color=blanchedalmond]Captain Delaney yelled after her as she left the ship, assuming by her reaction that she knew what was going on. Hardly waiting for a response, he leapt up and followed her to the dock, clutching the hilt of his cutlass as he ran.[/color][hr][color=PaleTurquoise][h3][i][b]... the harbor slums...[/b][/i][/h3]	Pebble had little success polishing shoes that day. He was slumped outside an inn, flagging down anyone who passed asking if he could shine their shoes; he'd been at it since early morning and so far had only had three takers. He stared spitefully at the six copper coins in his dirty palm. [/color][b][color=cadetblue]”Hardly even enough for bread and broth.”[/color][/b][color=PaleTurquoise] Over the bustle of the harbor and it's residents he'd hardly taken noticed of the cannon, but it was hard not to notice the blooded screams that followed.[/color]