☀️ Arselia and Akonia

— I’ll help. I’m quite the expert in this. — Zoritsa took Garret’s hand and led him to her cabin. — And don’t worry about marital vows… With me, it doesn’t count. I’m not going to ruin your family, interfere in your relationship, or burden you with alimony and the like. Relax, and let your wife relax too.

Surprised by her words, Garret wanted to say something, but changed his mind. Indeed, why not? This legendary status even adds a certain piquancy.
"Ha... And how did I end up playing the role of the stereotypical adulterous, married officer from the stories she keeps telling? Even after I explicitly said it was a joke, she still believes it. Apparently, some cosmic charisma suddenly awakened. I’ll go back and tell Raphael; he’ll probably laugh. Damn it, first a writer, now an actor. Maybe I should seriously consider that I actually have potential beyond just robbing and killing. Stupid Harold, you always convinced me otherwise..."

After several stormy days, the weather finally calmed down, and Garret allowed himself to take an evening stroll on the upper deck of the "Lightning" and show off his elegant uniform against the backdrop of the sails billowing, propelling the ship forward across the vast expanse of water. It turned out to be the last time. With the dawn, the "Lightning" met its end – a collision with an iceberg turned it into a slowly sinking floating tomb for Captain Lamaris and his crew. The Carneolians provided salvation for its victims – a few days later, they managed to reach the island without further losses.

We are alive, and now that we have passed through the water, we must pass through snow and blizzard. The most difficult thing is that we will no longer be able to return to the hospitable "Lightning" after completing our mission, and although this boat saved us and brought us from the iceberg, sailing on it to Margel is suicide. Therefore, we will need to acquire another ship in one way or another. For now, it is not entirely clear how, but most likely, the local military and political situation will force us to engage in "expropriation of private property," as our revolutionary opponents would say. Well, in the end, is it shameful to act against them using their own methods? — the gnome said with a wry smile. — However, this significantly increases the complexity of the task. Be mentally prepared, friends.

And so, everything returns to its usual course... Suicidal adventures continue, and now survival in hostile territory is next. And after that, there’s still the rescue of the queen and the hijacking of a new vessel, most likely through rivers of blood and mountains of corpses. Brr, it’s so cold here... How far is it to the Rampart of the loyalists? I could really use a shot of Lungwort vodka right now to warm up; maybe it will somehow make the journey easier...
The rising sun was momentarily obscured by a shadow.
"Holy crap, WHAT IS THAT?!"
Down with the Bourgeoisie! appears on the battlefield.