This far from any land, the sea is calm, with just a gentle roll as the water moves. As far as the eye can see, there is glistening blue, uninterrupted by any sign of a shore.
High above, the sun beats down from a cloudless sky.
It is peaceful.
"Well, you could've left me strung up like a chicken on your hull. Or thrown me into the ocean."
"Circ's hardline notwithstanding, believe it or not, even those of us who aren't exactly...within the bounds of the law in how we make our living, we've got codes, you've got to out here. You don't leave a man to drown."
"I wouldn't have blamed you. You don't know who or what you're picking up sometimes."
"No, you don't. But believe me, we're more than capable of looking after ourselves. Even Tana. If you decide to be a threat, we can handle it."
"Well, you're doing alright so far."
Beats. "Tana or Rex'll probably already have said, if Circ does anything...too drastic, let me know."
"I'm getting a lot of warnings about Circe, I feel like I have to be concerned."
"I mean, she has ever keelhauled someone. Jackass did in fact deserve it - the devout medic. Who decided to tell Tana she was broken. And...some other stuff happened, that only Mak and Circ know the specifics of. You don't seem like the type to cause that, but she's far more sharp edges than curves, and she doesn't always recognise where the lines are."
"Luckily, I am a healer. I've brought souls back from the brink, I have no doubt I can help here."
Maybe stretching the metaphor a bit far there, Anders.
Deke nods. "I'll leave you in peace. Don't forget to eat, and try to get some sleep. We'll be at Mischa's tomorrow morning probably."
Anders picks at the food while he goes through the supplies he does recognise. The tools are much more advanced than ones he’s seen before, but they don’t seem to have much in the way of magical implements.
This helps to compartmentalise himself, trying to keep his worries and fears in check.
He isn't disturbed. Around him, the Siren's Shard thrums, warm and peaceful. (And welcoming?? Nah, that must be his imagination.)
He places a hand on the wall, trying to trace that welcoming feeling, even though he doubts its real. Still, he’s had experience with possessed objects before.
He eventually stops pushing on the wall like it’s going to tell him it’s secrets, and turns to sit on the cot, wondering if he will be able to actually sleep.
He manages a few fitful hours, waking feeling like he hadn’t at all.
He still pulls himself out of bed and out into the hall, blearily rubbing his eyes and hoping he can remember the layout.
"Remarkable." Anders has firm footing and can't feel the waves. What a marvel this creation is!
He then yawns, and picks a direction.