[H2][center] Gulltown Blues [/center][/h2]

A nondescript sailing vessel tacked its way back and forth, gently cruising in from the open ocean to the protected harbor of Gulltown. She flew the colors of Pentos, worn and beginning to fray, with her wood and sails sun beaten from long stretches spent at sea. A crew numbering five and sixty, the "Cheese Gull" plyed the waves as a regular merchant vessel would. Slow and steady, the small chop lapping against her hull, stood a woman at the helm, hair pulled back and neatly braided, guiding the ship to berth. A small smile plied across her lips, the whites of her teeth barely visible. 'What luck, to stumble across Gulltown at the height of trade season, and it's hosting a festival of some sort.' Her magenta eyes hungrily scanned the numerous vessels already docked, the larger ships moored out farther, taking note of what could be easy prey should that time come.

"Make ready mooring lines, furling crews to the rigging, port and shore leave coming fast." Her voice bellowed out over the cries of passing gulls, the surf, and the creaking of the ship. 'Two months at sea, our holds are full, our food boring, and our purses light. Uncle will be happy to get these lost goods back.' She thought to herself. The helm felt good under her feet, the ships wheel warm againsther hands. A cool breeze played across her face, followed by the scent of cinnamon. Her sister, a radiant beauty, made her way to the helm, taking her place beside the wheel. Aquamarine eyes stared at her, gazing with sisterly love and respect.

"You are quite the mariner sister, I think even better than father... Though best we don't tell him. How long do you plan on staying here? If you don't mind, I'd love to go ashore and eat some real food again, and feel the earth beneath my feet." Her voice was one of warm melodic beauty, silky smooth and tinged with innocent desire. She placed a hand upon her sister's shoulder, awaiting a response.

"Rhae... And remember, use that name when ashore, we'll be here for a few days at least. The ship needs a few repairs, and as I've shown you from our 'trade stops' we need to sell off the cargo. I'll take you around Gulltown, show you the sights and best places to eat." She paused, barking out orders again as the ship gently touched the dock on the far end of the harbor. Satisfied with her work, she turned to Rhae, her elder sister. "Remember as well, I'm called Daella, we hail from Volantis, but live in Pentos. We are sisters, and our father is a simple merchant broker, sending us to Gulltown to sell off a load of consignments." Her tone was serious, but relaxed.

"Rhae, you and I together, we'll have a night out on the town, and enjoy this little adventure away from home. Now let's get our ledgers and manifests together, and prepare for the inspection. I'm in the mood for fried lamb and grilled greens. My treat, as well." 'Daella' smiled, watching her sister 'Rhae' take a spot by the railing, as the final preparations to go ashore were made. Quietly, in thoughts to herself, she spoke what only her and the crew knew. 'Five ships in two months, one close call, and only two small summer squalls. Not bad, for two Exiles. Father would be furious if he ever finds out, but thankfully, he is busy plotting his next move. Rhaenyra and I needed a break from home, two sisters just getting into trouble and having fun. The crew will drink and whore, while I'll eat, drink, and bring home shiny gold for the cause. Dad won't be able to say my name without feeling pride. Baela, my daughter, you are twice the mariner as your brother was...' Smiling, she turned to her sister, and together, they made their way to the docksb and their duties.