He stood in the crow's nest, telescope pressed to his eye as he watched the oncoming squall with a calmness that didn't seem to communicate to his fellow crewmembers. "She's a big blow," he called down, closing the instrument abruptly and hanging slightly over the wooden railing as he bespoke the captain. "How will we come out of it?" the captain called back, a smile curving up her large lips. Valentine shrugged slightly, pocketing the telescope and leaping over the edge of the crow's nest. He skimmed down the ropes expertly, dropping the last few feet beside his mother.
"If we survive, we survive," he answered her question with the same air and Menessa laughed, reaching up to muss up his hair. Soon he would be taller than her! "I swear, you sound more like your father than me. You're supposed to want to be like me, Val!"
"You know I live and breathe to emulate you, Mother," he said, winking a dark eye at her. She laughed again before turning to begin bellowing at the crew. "Stand ready! We're in for a big one!"
The crew immediately hopped to in a scurry of nearly violent activity. She watched it with a smile, but inwardly her mind was whirling with plans. This was going to throw them off schedule and there was that whole load of Derniessian jewelry. The sets of golden and silver earrings, necklaces and rings would do no one good at the bottom of the ocean. They had to make it. Determination furrowed her brow and she watched her tall, willowy son move past her with the graceful ease of his father. A real smile quirked her lips; Tasalaor was and remained the love of her life, but their lifestyles couldn't allow them to remain together for long. Valentine's birth had made that easier and she was ever thankful for his inclusion into her life. The firstmate hailed her and Menessa turned her attention to their immediate survival.
The storm more than blew them off course; it blew them right up to a sandy shore no one could recognize. In fact, -nothing- here looked familiar and soon the crew was murmuring about magic and superstitions. Menessa snorted loudly, and left her firstmate and son in charge of the ship, went ashore to see if she could find someone to give them some aid; the Lionshart wouldn't be coming off this beach without help and she just knew they'd need quite a few repairs.
It was just a feeling at first, but a shadow passed over head and she stared at the elongated form before staring upwards in surprise. She didn't need a book to name it a dragon, but she certainly couldn't say how it got there. . . or she here. It landed and a human came off it's back, calling out, "Are you alright?" Before he froze and glanced back at the dragon. He grinned suddenly, showing even, white teeth and said, "Well, congratulations; you're just in time."
She didn't have time to ask for wot; the dragonrider bundled her up and out of the way before she had time blink twice.
Bond Name: Menessa Fitzgerald
Bond Description: Large brownish-red eyes bespeak mischeivousness and intelligence. Menessa has long been making her own way in the world and has enough financial wisdom and business sense to make it easily.
Bond Personality: Menessa is a bit of a joker, easy-going and quick to smile and laugh. If occasionally those smiles hide something darker, well, it'll be worth a laugh someday, right?
Height: Five feet three inches
Alignment: Selfish Good
Standing at: FGPC WeyrhHall