The sun hung low over the docks, its golden lines sweeping across the sea-warped planks like a particularly lazy worker.
The briny air clung to everything, and the rhythmic creak of ships settling in the water was like a soothing lullaby, creating quite the nice backdrop to the bustle of Seta's busy port.
Zuzu wiped sweat from her brow and adjusted the coils of rope looped over her shoulder.
Her brother, Tam, grunted as he wrestled with a half-loaded barrel of dried fish.
"Hey, rope girl." He called, his voice teasing. "You planning to work today or just stand around looking dramatic?"
Zuzu rolled her eyes. "I'm waiting for your fragile arms to stop trembling before I help."
Tam snorted, setting the barrel down. "You wish. I'm carved from coral, little sister."
"More like driftwood." She muttered, grinning as she passed him.
They had been at it since dawn, loading and securing cargo for a small merchant ship headed toward one of the southern islands.
