Snippet #1629030

Aleia woke up in the early hours of the morning, before the sun had even risen. Blearily blinking her eyes open, she was immediately aware of the ship fiercely lurching on the tides, violently rocking in every direction. Gripping onto her hammock tightly, which had begun to sway, the heavy pounding of rain could be heard even from within the wooden walls. Keen ears detected a loud creaking of the wood, and Aleia was certain a few boards were beginning to splinter. Even though she was no expert on storms, Aleia had a feeling this was an intense one.

Ferocious drums of rolling thunder resounded through the clouds, followed by flashes of lightning that lit up the room. Screams from the sailors on deck could be heard, the men desperately working to help the Soaring Eagle make her way to safety. "Fire! Fire on the sails!" Those few words were enough to instill panic into Aleia's heart, and she could feel her heart pumping madly with adrenaline.

Climbing out of the hammock with her bag and blanket, Aleia stumbled to a secure side of the ship, catching her balance swiftly. Looking for Taren among the chaotic crowds, the glimmers of the flames could be seen through the doorway. Even in these conditions, it was still safer below deck where the hull was holding together. If they were forced to evacuate, people would be forced into the water, where many would likely drown or die of hypothermia.