[center][h1][u]Marlowe Vallis[/u][/h1][hr]• Windward Island, The Sunken Shepard. Southern Seas •  [hr][/center] 

[indent]Marlowe beamed alongside Terhikki as she finished her explanation of her history. He answered the violet haired girl first: “Lock and key? Kind of. The Chief won’t let me just leave the island to go exploring on my own, and the few divers that have passed through didn’t want me to join them.” [i]Please don’t ask why.[/i] “But wow, both of you have a decade of experience between you! I guess I’d better give my introduction too!” 

Marlowe bent his knees a little, and did an odd pose with his footwork and arms. “I am the son of a celebrated island heroine and a mysterious diver. An unconquerable soul who laughs death in the face, and smiles as a new adventure rises among the rising sun! I’ve piloted skiffs and fishing boats across the islands, I’ve traveled to Sun’s Rest and climbed the mountain, and dove into its deepest caves. I’ve raced Spinefish, I’ve dueled Bloodeels, and I’ve laughed as Razorsharks attempted to drag me from a boat!” [i]All…mostly true stories.[/i] “But my greatest accomplishment? I will uncover all the secrets that the Mother Ocean holds, and I’ll be remembered as the greatest hero from Windward Island. So great, that they’ll have to build a statue of me in the marketplace, and rename it into Hero’s Landing!” He placed both hands on his hips, in a faux-heroic pose that he deemed his statue would hold. 

[i]Yes, he could see it. Every year on his birthday, the people of the island would rain flowers upon the streets. Travelers from across the seas would come to see his collection of artifacts, all housed in the Chief’s hut. Even Talu, old and wizened, would smile and tell visitors how great Marlowe was, how he knew he would be a great diver. Then he would look at his statue and cry, missing him.[/i] 

“You job was to bring me the contracts, not try and sell yourself for a job.” Talu’s voice was abrupt behind Marlowe, and froze the young man solid as the taller man quickly yanked the contracts from Marlowe’s arms and gave one solid hit on the top of Marlowe’s head, sending him wincing and closing his eyes in pain. Talu turned to the two young women. “I suggest you learn more about your possible crewmen before you go around accepting anyone into your fold. I shouldn’t have to remind you that those born under the eclipse bear the Ocean’s curse.” 

Talu quietly handed the contracts around the room, and returned to the table. “Marlowe. Return home at once.” He turned to Marea. “Make sure to lock his door this time. Then return. I will need your help tonight.” He turned once more to Marlowe before he walked off. “Do not return here. I will tie you to the thieves’ post if I see you try and sneak off to join another crew.” 

Marlowe sighed and slouched, preparing to walk back towards the Chief's house. [/indent]