#ft. andromeda x cedric

[monarhrh]

Cedric chuckled softly at Andromeda’s astonishment and fast joke. “Yes, a pod of dolphins! They were leaping alongside the ship, almost as if they were guiding us through the storm. It was a beautiful distraction amidst the chaos,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with the memory. When she asked if it was the largest storm he had faced, he nodded. "No, that storm wasn't the largest, but it certainly left a lasting impression. The sea has a way of humbling us.” The sea had indeed been a cruel mistress at times, taking more than just ships—it had claimed friends and comrades who had sailed beside him. 

He sensed her hesitation when it came to sharing her own stories. “I understand,” he said gently. "I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss your stories. Everyone has their own adventures, even if they seem mundane at first glance. Life can surprise us in the most ordinary moments. But if you’re ever willing to share, I’m all ears. Everyone’s journey holds value, even if it doesn’t involve battling storms.”

Andromeda’s eyes widened at the story, his words conjuring a scene that would surely inspire absolute terror to actually experience. It was not a particularly comforting story, though she’d been assured theirs was likely to be a smooth journey. “A pod of dolphins?” She repeated, genuinely astonished at the tale. “I hope you kept contact with them, should we run into a similar situation.” She gave a playful smile. “Was that the largest storm you’ve experienced?”

If she’d thought it through a bit more, she would have seen his question coming, but she’d been so focused on maintaining her composure that she hadn’t thought it through. She did carry a great number of stories, but they all belonged to the life she had before- something she tried to keep out of casual conversation. “Oh, captain, my life is not nearly as interesting. I’m sure any story of mine would pale in comparison to the life you’ve lived.” It was a weak attempt at a avoiding the question, but she didn’t want to seem too eager in her own evasion.

[monarhrh]

"Captain Andromeda," he began with a slight chuckle, "it does have a certain ring to it, doesn't it? And yes, the sea has that effect on many of us. Its vastness can be both exhilarating and unnerving." He followed her to the small table, taking a seat and looking out at the hypnotic expanse of the ocean. "Stories? Ah, where to begin..." Cedric leaned back, recalling a particularly memorable voyage. "There was a time we sailed through a storm off the coast of Saint-Domingue. The skies were furious, waves taller than any building I've seen. We thought we were lost, but then..." He paused for effect, his eyes glinting with the memory. "But then, a pod of dolphins appeared, guiding us through the tempest. It was as if they knew we needed their guidance." Cedric's voice softened with genuine fondness for the memory. "What about you, Captain Andromeda? What stories do you carry with you?"

“Captain Andromeda…” She considered, judging the way the words felt as they rolled off her tongue. “Yes, I do like the way that sounds.” Another teasing grin before she turned back to the sea. Whatever was left of Ethiopia had officially dipped below the horizon, and her heart fell with it. The string tying her to her home was officially cut, and she felt unsteady on her feet without it. A rush of adrenaline, but she smiled through it. “Come, sit with me. The sea is so mesmerizing, I fear it will hypnotize me and I’ll fall over the edge.” She said it so casually, no one would ever know she’d started to panic. Better to ignore it and lean into the conversation. 

Andromeda walked carefully over to a small table, sitting gratefully, some panic subsiding now that she was on more solid ground. “You must have a multitude of fascinating stories, being a captain yourself. If you’d be willing to tell me one of them, I’d love to hear it.” She was genuinely interested in what he may have to say, though it’d be a lie to say she didn’t have ulterior motives. Nothing scandalous- she just wanted a distraction. 

[monarhrh]

Cédric approached Andromeda quietly, his steps steady on the deck as he joined her at the stern. He understood the mix of emotions she was experiencing, having witnessed similar sentiments in others during his travels. As she turned to him with a playful smile, he couldn't help but return it, though his eyes held a depth of understanding and empathy.

"The sea has a way of changing one's perspective," he said, his voice warm and steady. "What once seemed fearsome can quickly become a source of freedom and adventure, your highness"

Cédric chuckled softly, a glint of amusement in his eyes as he regarded Andromeda with a playful smile. "A sailor, you say?" He glanced out at the expanse of the ocean, then back at her. I must admit, it's a tempting idea. I can picture you now, navigating the high seas with a steadfast determination, commanding the waves as you do your court. Perhaps we should start calling you 'Captain' instead?"

open starter with: Andromeda and anyone aboard the NRP Sagres (brazil, ethiopia, egypt, the mughal empire, france) location: the top deck time: sunset on the first day

The smallest piece of Ethiopia still remained in the distance, if you squinted just right. It was little more than a speck now, and Andromeda couldn’t be sure if it wasn’t just an imperfection in her vision, but her eyes stayed trained on it like it was a lifeline. It was possible she left Ethiopia in the past- but if did, it was a long forgotten memory, and one that belonged to someone else in every way that mattered. For all intents and purposes, this was her first time away from her homeland, and it was exciting and horrifying all at once. There was an unsettled feeling in her gut, but whether it was from the departure or the seas was anybody’s guess. Her hand ran along the smooth, cool wood of the stern, and she finally tore her eyes away from the what was left on the horizon as she heard another approach. “All these years I thought the sea was something fearsome.” A playful smile had taken over the wistful look on her face. “And yet, after only a few hours, I'm thinking of abandoning my crown and becoming a sailor myself.”