It was busy night as usual in The Sea Dog's Call as working men and women shouted at one another over tankards of beer and ale. It was only about to get louder as the doors were thrown open as an authoritative-looking man barked out "Clear a table, my desert flower is about to dance. You lot move..Mern compensate the lads with another round..". A bespectacled man nodded tossing out coins towards the displaced patrons as other men hastily cleared off a center long table's surface, as conversations lulled to a quieter note as the captain settled down on a seat at the middle of the table. Polished black boots gleamed perched on the table as he let out a long whistle as the low thrum of drum echoed in the background followed by the rhythmic clinking of coins rubbing against one another. The door opened once again as a veiled woman clad in dancer's attire elegantly stepped out onto the table, her pale feet bare but making no more than a whisper against the wooden surface. A waterfall of pink hair was constricted into a tight braid as the anklet of coins around her feet chimed with each step as crimson eyes peered behind the translucent white face piece. Her wrist suddenly snapped forward to signal the hidden drummer as the beat picked up and her dance began.


There were a few sailors that had been to the Kingdom of Alabasta who quickly perked up from their drinks upon seeing the dancer's attire and display. Her footfalls increasing along with the beat as the silk wrappings about her wrists floated through the air as she danced, her core tight revealing a hidden strength to her. A few coins clattered onto the table in appreciation as the dancer slid down into a complete split with a wave in her patron's direction. Eventually like all things, the dance came to an end as the dancer gave one final curtsy before gently removing her face veil revealing a stunning smile and flushed face. The bespectacled man offered her a hand down as she gladly took it before blushing again from the boisterous applause from her current guide, a mere traveling merchant who offered space on his ship for civilians. By the name of Marco Kelim, his appreciation for her dances made it a wonderful friendship indeed as Marina Ikle came to find out as her crimson face cooled "You didn't need to do that Marco..". The merchant laughed shaking his head "I didn't, but if this is be your final night aboard my vessel, damn if I wasn't going to make a memory of it..". A look of hope sparked in his eyes as his laughter faded "That is unless you are reconsidering my offer..a woman's talent like yours would be a fine asset when I have guests..you could see the world..". 

Marina gave a sad smile before shaking her head no "I can't accept it Marco as much as I wish it..my heart would become too restless on your safe and well-traveled paths..Don't worry about me. I will be fine, just need to find another way to travel it seems". Marco gave a slight smile before placing a small golden hoop into her palm and giving a bow in farewell leaving the dancer in the bar. Picking her way through the crowded bar as Marina slid onto a free stool before thinking aloud "Ever think you have made mistakes just moments after making a decision..". Her gaze fixed on the bartender as she asked softly "Red wine please..just a glass..and if you could provide some old fashion bartender advice..that would be a bonus..".