Just Another Day

The warm morning sun began its ascent over the lush forest. It crept up high enough to peak over the edge of the crow's nest into Shanku's eyes and wake her up. She sat up and stretched her arms high above her head, then forward much like how she used to watch Jakko stretch, before giving herself a good shake and flew down to the deck. She landed on the deck railing and looked around at the deserted ship.

Where is everybody? she wondered. Aren't they worried about thieves? Yeah, sure, the hull is empty and you have to go by quarters to get to it, but I should think these water barrels and riggin' kinda important too!

She went down into the pantry and then to the quarters where the crew slept. The sleeping quarters was a room full of poles with hammocks stretched between them. Lockers lined the walls for the crew to keep their belongings in. Templeton had told her it is very comfortable to sleep in the hammock and be rocked to sleep by the ship, but Shanku's wings made it awkard for her to rest in a hammock. Like others of her kind, sleeping on her back was uncomfortable and prone to cutting circulation to her wings. No, no hammocks for her.

Dawson's not back yet? Shanku looked sadly at his empty bed. She began to walk around the room to the other beds, most of which had their intended occupant.

"Mr. Whitten?" Shanku asked tentatively.

"Shove off," was the gruff reply.

"Mr. O'Hare?" Shanku asked at the next bed.

"G'way, pup," came the groggy reply from under the blanket.

"Mr. Marley?" Shanku peaked into another bed. All she got in return was a loud snore.