Rummaging at Night...Savvy? (private)

[Matt Hallisburrow]

A slight rustle to the right caused Matthew to involuntarily move away, veering off to the left side of the street. With the high crime rates that seemed to steadily increase in the city of Narim, it was a wonder anyone still bothered to walk the streets at night, with the fear of cutthroats or thieves constantly nagging them at the back of their minds. Brushing away a few of the golden-blonde locks - they had managed to fall over his forhead when he had been startled - behind his ears, Matthew took a deep breath and walked briskly over to the crate in which he had heard the noise. The luminous pale moon reflected out of his emerald almond-like eyes, providing him with enough light to see in the dark. A slender hand drew itself out of the tattered grey cloak Matthew wore, gently gliding across the lid of the crate. As it reached the edge, the muscles in the hand tightened as the Half-Elf opened the crate, his head barely leaning over the side so he could get a visual of what had been moving.

He let out an irratated sigh as a small scruffy looking brown alleycat hopped out, it's yellow eyes peering at it's rescuer quietly, before darting off down the street in the opposite direction. Matt stared at the cat for a little while longer, waiting for it to fade into darkness and out of his sight. When it had, he closed the lid and walked off, enjoying the leasuirely sound of his boots clicking against the cobbled street. It was a rather nice night, perhaps the only cooler part of the day, where the sun wasn't out beating everyone unmercifully with it's heat. Instead, you had a lower temperature, and the nice cool breezes that ran through the streets.

Matthew's thoughts ran from the heat towards his Basic Military Training, and what outfit he was most prone to join. He had been thinking specifically of joining Juggernaut, the outfit his father had chose when he was slightly older than Matthew. But something about Heavy Infantry appealed to him, whether it was it's unique style and class, or the fact that it was simply different for a change, Matthew did not know. But it did seem to be a bit more appealing than any of the other classes, at least through the weapons and teachings it offered. Slowly the Half-Elf meandered through the streets, unknowingly making his way to the docks.

[Savvy Thalassic]

Savvy grinned as the harbormaster slumped forward.

It had taken more rounds than he had thought to conk out the stauch sailor too old for his own good, but the mission was accomplished. Savvy would have gone broke had he not thought to put the drinks on the harbormaster's tab. It seemed to be a large one because the bartender didn't ask any questions. Savvy looked at the puddle of alcohol that should have gone in his mouth. He shook his head sadly at the loss. Normally he would have just tried to outdrink the harbormaster, but tonight he needed a clear head. Tonight he was going to get a boat of his own.

"Comon you old drunk," said Savvy as he bent down to support the harbormaster, placing his shoulder under the arm for support. They stumbled out the bar together, Savvy leaving a nice tip behind. After all, he was a gentleman...even if he did steal, pillage, and lie.

The two walked down the street together toward the docks as Savvy felt a swell of excitement within him. His plan was going so well. Step one, incapacitate the harbormaster. Step two, slip out the harbor on a boat. It wasn't the most death defying plan ever, but he was young and had plenty of time to gain infamy. For now he just needed a ship. In no time at all, they reached the office of the harbormaster and Savvy disposed of his excess baggade. Before he turned to leave, the would be pirate bowed low and tipped his imaginary hat.

"It's been a pleasure, good sir, but I'm afraid my time for leisuring has expired. Now it's onto business."

Moments later Savvy was strolling down the Serpant of the Sea Docks. His bootheels made the wood creak in places as he turned his head side-to-side slowly, trying to find the perfect vessel. He would need something manageable for one person, yet respectable enough to be taken seriously. Not only that, but the faster the better. He took his time and half an hour passed before he found a likely candidate. Small, manuverable, with two sails and a cabin. Savvy grinned and climbed aboard for a closer look.

[Matt Hallisburrow]

Matthew silently walked down the street, watching as the cobbled road opened up into the Harbor district. Keen emerald eyes studied the masts and rigging as they rocked quietly in the darkness, the sea's waves rocking and splashing them in the moonlight. The whole sea seemed to open up before him, it's horizon reflecting the pale luminous rays of the moon, it's tides gently sweeping in against the sand, splashing against the wooden timbers and planks of the dock itself. The ships and fishing boats were pictured like an eerie graveyard, almost no life or activity seemed to be in this area at all. It was peaceful, and quiet. Just what he needed.

With a contentful sigh, Matthew shoved his hands into the pockets of his uniform and walked down the hill, his feet trudging along the cobbled stones. A slight shiver went up him as the wind whipped around a corner, howling down the street he had previously been walking on. Matthew continued to walk onwards, turning another corner and stepping onto the stone platform that the harbor rested upon. He tilted his head to the left to see that the light was still on in the Harbormaster's Office. Interesting..the Private would have figured that the old man would have long since gone to bed. As he ran his fingers through his golden-blonde hair, Matthew continued to walk down to the docks, his eyes studying the ships intently.

"Ooof!" the sad bit of a grunt escaped his lips as his feet stumbled over something. Something large. Something heavy. Something rather...solid. Matthew brought his one free hand up just in time to protect himself from any serious injury, but his right cheek had still scraped against the wooden pier, causing a small shock to spread through the scar on his jawline. For a moment Matthew's eyes glazed over as he remembered where he had gotten that scar.

It was summer in Narim, and he was a child again. He was at play with Savvy, and had fallen trying to scale a tree. He had struck his jaw hard on one of the lower branches, and was lying in the grass. Scavvy plopped down beside him saying, don't be such a baby! You aren't hurt! That fall was nothing! And he was struggling to rise, partially stunned, scraped about on his elbows and cheek.

Matthew shook off the rest of the memory, already knowing the outcome. His jaw was lucky not to have been cracked, and he was left with the large jagged scar down the jawline to serve as a lesson. Heaving himself up and back onto his feet with both hands, the Half-Elf turned around and kneeled back down to inspect what he had tripped over. His eyes widened in startlement when he recognized the crumpled shape as a body. Turning the man over, Matthew knew in an instant who it was, and he didn't need any suspicion on whether he was correct or not. The light in the Harbormaster's Office, the insigna on the man's right arm. Something fowl had been at work. And someone had done it.

Slapping the man gently on the face, Matthew determined whether the elderly fellow was dead or alive. He quickly stuck his two fore fingers in his mouth and placed them underneath the man's nose, testing for breath. There was. Drying off his fingers on the man's uniform, Matthew bent closer to inspect the reason for why he had blacked out. Later on, he regretted doing that. The body reaked of alcohol, the disgusting smell of some sort of grog or whatnot. Standing up and dusting off his hands, Matthew straightened the slump Harbormaster's body against a few crates on the side of the pier, and quickly went off in the direction of the Harbormaster's Office. Something needed to be checked into.

[Savvy Thalassic]

He wasn't much of a sailor yet. That much was true. He did, however, know his way around a ship. For instance, he knew that a lantern would be hanging at the fore and aft of the boat, signals for night time sailing. Savvy paced to the back of the boat and reached overboard, drawing in a very old, very rusty lantern. One of the panes was shattered, another cracked, but there was oil in it and that was all that really mattered. Finding a spare match in the rigging box, Savvy lit it to better see his potential vessel.

The wood looked old, but that didn't matter much to Savvy. It was in good shape. Any ship was bound to have a few dings and this one was no exception. A few of the railings hand gapping that needed to be filled and some of the floorboards looked a little loose. The mast looked steady though...as far as he could tell at least. He decided to unfurl the main sail and saw that it was intact, if not overly patched. A lanteen sail adorned the front of the ship as well, meaning he could sail upwind if need be. Savvy smiled, deciding that it was a sound little ship.

Just then he heard a noise echo off the water. It sounded as if someone had discovered the harbormaster...quite by accident, of course. He cursed at himself and twisted to knob on the lantern, lowering the flame to a less noticable level as he pulled open the hatchway. Quickly he ducked inside and pulled the hatch close over him. Hopefully the movement wouldn't rock the boat too much and he would remain undiscovered.

[Matt Hallisburrow]

It was cold standing outside of the Harbormaster's Office, the wind's blowing off of the Sea chilling Matthew to the bone, and the eerie appearance of the Harbormaster passed out on the pier didn't exactly add a warming tone. As Matthew stood there, right hand upon the brass doorknob, the left resting firmly upon the wooden door, he suddenly began to wonder what he was doing here. He obviously had no part in whatever was going on here, and by all means shouldn't have stumbled onto it in the first place. So what was holding him here? A sense of duty? Perhaps honor? Or maybe it was the task of setting things right in the world? That's pretty ironic if you're living in Narim.

With a quick glance around to make sure no shady characters were watching him, Matthew began to turn the handle on the door. It was then that he noticed a bobbing light out in the harbor, somebody was on a boat. He knew that some sailors came in at night, there was nothing they could do to stop it...they most certainly weren't expected to sleep onboard all night and wait until it was morning to file in. Not in traffic like this. But there was one thing that made this light suspicious above all normal ones. It suddenly seemed to dim and fade. Matthew quickly marked where it was at mentally, his emerald eyes watching as it all together left his vision. Muttering softly to himself, the Half-Elf turned the handle a little more and stepped inside the Harbormaster's Office.

The Harbormaster's Office wasn't as plain as Matthew would have expected. Cabinets and bookshelves aligned the right wall, each one boasting one or two model ships made of balsawood. The right wall was completely filled with portraits of battles on sea, with large 24 gun ships blasting away at one another. The floor was decorated by a large royal-blue rug trimmed with gold. The back wall supported a large Armoire and a chest of drawers, along with a portrait of the AFS Ironside. Befpre the Armoire was the Harbormaster's desk. He was mildly suprised to see two large wine bottles upon it, one of them completely empty and the other only another glass-full full. His gaze followed, from the desk whence someone had been drinking, down to the puddle of alcohol on the floor. It shifted from the two glasses, one still mildly full, the other completely empty, back down to the puddle. It was obvious that someone had been playing the Harbormaster, but who?

Matthew moved quickly and silently, searching through the desk and cabinets for something to defend himself with should he come under attack. He found it finally in the Armoire. The small sleek wooden object was filled with sabres, the majority ceromonial. Not wanting to play out an end as a thief, Matthew took one of the plainer looking ones, a sabre made out of regular yet decent quality steel, with a guard on the handle and a silver pommel. Taking one of the black scabbards with it, he quickly sheathed the blade and attached it to his belt, adjusting it quickly before stepping out. Now, to find help.

[Savvy Thalassic]

Savvy hadn't moved for ten minutes. He kept expecting to hear fotsteps fall on the dock outside. One of the perks about his elven blood...good hearing. Still, nothing came toward him and he sighed with relief. It was probably nothing afterall...just his paranoia catching up with the murky evening and cloudy head. Remembering what he wanted to become, the young man straightened his posture and let a rogue smile play at his lips.

"Well since I'm here," he said to no one, "I may as well have a look around."

At the moment he was in the storage area. It was empty save a round wooden table with more splinters than he had ever seen with a couple chairs to match. The set was bolted to the floor and Savvy grinned. Charming, he thought. There was a doorway about three quaters the length of the ship and he ducked low to enter. Inside he found two bunks bolted to the wall and a slightly larger bed at the aft. He nodded approvingly at the quarters, happy to see that they also sported a port window.

"Well she isn't much in the way of luxury, but she'll do."

He thought about searching for another vessel but the spook he had earlier made him want nothing more than to depart as quickly as possible. Making his way to the top of the ship, Savvy pulled the winch that raised the anchor, letting the boat bob with the drift of the harbor while still roped to the dock. That way, he could just cast off the lines and leave. Still, he had to get his supplies and they were in the harbormaster's office.

After a few trips back and forth without hinderence, Savvy found himself with but one more water cask to retrieve before he was able to set sail. Grinning at his luck, he made his way to the harbormaster's office for the last time.

OOC: For the record, I've purchased 2 casks of water, a box of hard tack, and some salt pork. All funds have been updated in my profile.

[Matt Hallisburrow]

While Savvy was busy making trips back and forth from the Harbormaster's Office to the boat he had decided to steal, Matthew was out patrolling the harbor borders, looking for a nighttime patrol crew that should have been found five minutes sooner. Yet still, he did not give up hope, and continued to search the harbor while calming himself from going out upon the docks. Finally he heard the clamoring of light armor and the talk of two males, on his right. The Half-Elf swiftly veered off towards the direction, his eyes constantly darting to and fro, keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

When he came upon the two men, they were more or less startled by his presence. One was a short and chubby looking guard, with leather armor and a large halberd. He wore the insigna of the city militia. The other was a tall lanky fellow, an full-blooded elf, with a shortsword and dagger tucked into his belt. He wore a light chainshirt, with the insigna of the city guard patched onto it. It did not take Matthew long to take control of the situation, and he had quickly related what he had seen; the drunken harbormaster, the wine and puddle in the Office; and the light bobbing on the ship. At first the two were skeptical, having no reason to believe the Half-Elf in front of them. Yet finally - with the aide of his Military Identification Papers - Matthew was able to persuade them in doing a patrol over the north end of the harbor while he went back to the Harbormaster's Office and took a look around. Matthew went off in the direction he had told them he would, before ducking behind some crates and watching their leisurely progress northwards. Satisfied, Matthew moved on.

His left hand resting upon the pommel of the sabre, the Private made cautious progression southward, his eyes alert and looking around, taking in every detail. It was not until he was nearly right next to the Harbormaster's Office that he saw a slick figure walk inside, oblivious that it was his own friend Savvy. Matthew quickly ducked around the corner of the Office, peering around cautiously to see if the door would open. When it did, for Savvy's final trip back to the boat, Matthew allowed the dark figure to make some progress down the pier before deciding it was he who had drunken the Harbormaster. With a quick shout, he drew the sabre and cautiously approached, ordering that the thief stop and halt what he was doing, and to turn around slowly.

[Savvy Thalassic]

Savvy froze, the cask of fresh water hoisted up on his shoulder. He was worried, not exactly knowing what to do. Then he remembered his rapier. Biting back a growing fear, Savvy forced an easy smile onto his face. He unshouldered the cask and placed it on his side. Then he turned around, placing his foot atop it. If anything, he could roll it at an opponent. It would do much and it would give him the time needed to escape. Speaking of which, there was water all around and he could spend a good six hours in it before coming up for air. No...he wasn't in any real danger.

Quickly he drew his rapier and pointed it straight forward with his arm tucked at his side. His left hand he extended a little to the side for balance, trying to mimc the paintings of pirates he had seen before. Savvy really had no idea how to use a blade, but he wasn't about to admit that to whomever was after him.

Then, for the first time, he looked at his opponents. The first thing he saw was a sabre. His heart sank a little at the sight of naked steel, but he kept the smile on his face. Then he saw who carried it. He couldn't help but laugh.

"Hallisburrow? Ye gods man, for a moment there I thought I was in trouble." The would be rogue allowed his rapier to fall parallel to his leg. "Put that thing away Matt, you certainly did give me a fright. And who are your friends? Don't tell me you went out carousing without me? You know I never miss a trip to the tavern. Ah well, I suppose I can forgive you just this once."

Savvy made eye contact with the two guards. "Serale gentlemen," he said, bowing dramatically and tipping his imaginary hat. "I am none other than Savvy Thalassic, notorious troublemaker and transporter of fine goods. It is a pleasure to meet you both...even though the good Mr. Burrow hasn't had the courtesy to introduce us."

[Matt Hallisburrow]

Shock came over every little detail that was expressed on Matthew's face. The fact that this was Savvy stealing the boat and not some other regular cutthroat was going to make a dynamic change to the way events would have planned out. Already Matthew's mind was groping with the fact that this was indeed his best friend who was stealing the ship, and that it was his duty to stop him. But could he? Savvy and Matthew had always been equal in everything, each one was of the same breed and gender. They were so alike, it wasn't unusual for them to be the best of friends. Yet Matthew had dedicated himself to a life of duty and honor, he was going into the military, whereas Savvy had felt the obligation to turn pirate. Not something Matthew had wanted, and he had protested about it too. Yet inwardly, Matt had known that once his friend's mind was made up, it ever rarely went back. And Matt had also known that sometime soon the day would come where they tested each other's prowess.

Keen emerald eyes sharpened to get a good look at Savvy, examining the blonde locks and the keg of...ale? Smiling slowly, Matthew lowered his sabre, and behind him the guards did the same, though each one was glancing uncertainly at the other. "Ho, now now Savvy, up to another game of midnight mischief? And you're scoffing on how I don't invite you to taverns..come now," Matthew spoke with a slight grin, a wink following his cheerful statement. "Carousing? How I wish. Life for me is different now Sav, you should know. The military has stricter rules than your er...line of career," Matthew spoke with a sad undertone, his right hand still gripping the handle of the sabre.

His left hand quickly came up and brushed away a few strands of his hair, running through the thick strings slowly. Matthew sighed, his mind still wrestling with the thought of letting Savvy get away with this. Things weren't turning out as well as he had planned, that was for sure. "Savvy..." Matthew spoke hesitantly, his tongue stumbling to find the right words as he adverted his gaze from eye contact with his friend. "I'm afraid I can't let you get away with this one. Maybe if it was sooner, when I hadn't been set to heart for joining the military. But...no. Not now. You'll have to fight your way out of this one, mate. You can still walk away..." Matthew spoke, raising the sabre slightly and adopting a defensive stance. Unfortunately, the two guards behind them were staring from person to person dumbfoundedly, not entirely sure what their role was in the current situation.

[Savvy Thalassic]

For a moment, the smile on Savvy's was in danger of disappearing. The corners of his mouth started to sag as he thought of dueling his friend over a boat. The life he wanted, or crossing swords with a friend...what kind of messed up choice was that? He was about to curse the name every god he knew, when Matt inadvertanly gave him an idea. Walk away, eh...why that's just what I'll do. The corners of his mouth flick back up and he gestured largely, flailing his sword as he sighed. That way, he could distract everyone from his feet.

"Well I suppose you're right," he said in mock-surrender. "I'll just have to give myself up. Tell me good sir," he said to the portly guard, "in jail...do they serve wine?"

At the word "wine," Savvy recoiled his foot and punted the cask of water at the portly guard's head. He was sure he would regret not having the water on board, but there wasn't really a point in missing it from a jail cell. He watch with some satisfaction as the cask hit its target spot on. As the wood shattered and sprayed liquid over the guards, Savvy used the distracting to lunge head first into the water. The water of the harbor over his gills invigorated him as he swam under the docks in a flanking move to catch the skinny guard from behind. He pulled himself up on the docks to see the elf's back and lunged forward, sword in hand, to sucker punch him with the hilt of his rapier.

It felt odd...feeling a man's conciousness give way under his command. Cold, cruel, and oddly appealing. As the body slumped to his feet, he looked at Matt and grinned. Then he saw that his ship was on the other side of Matt. Then he remembered that Matt could swim as quickly as he could.

"Well this is an interesting predicament," he said to his friend. "Are you going to let me pass or do you really want to cut me up?"

[Matt Hallisburrow]

Matthew immediatly knelt as he saw his friend's foot fling backwards and then kick the wooden keg hid on, causing it to sail through the air and hit the cubby guard's head rather directly. Matthew cast a backward glance as he saw the man fall unconscious. Bring his arms up in an 'x' shape before his head, he held the sabre firmly so he would not be disarmed. Though he didn't want to fight his friend, he already knew that this quarrel would not result in one of their deaths. Savvy had made his choice, and was going completely against what Matthew would do, but the Private didn't have the heart to kill him just for that. Of course, that didn't mean Savvy would be allowed to get away either.

Matthew watched carefully as his friend jumped into the water, instantly remembering those good times in which the two Half-Theylri's would swim all day in the sea, racing back and forth. Tilting his head to the other guard, he was about to warn the man - but too late for that. Right when the words left his lips, he saw the man go under the force that Savvy had placed upon the blade...at least his friend had not killed him. That would have been bad, and Matthew would have had little choice than to go after his friend unmercifully. Luckily, both of the unuseful militiamen were only knocked out, something that could be remedied later with a few hard kicks to the gut.

Standing up and straightening, Matthew allowed a sly smirk to spread over his scarlet red lips, his eyes resting solefully upon his friend. "Cut you up?" Matthew asked, grinning awkwardly now at the thought. Taking a step back, he moved closer to the boat, and brought the sabre out before him, once again standing in a defensive posture. "Never. But I won't let you get away with this one Sav. This time you've gone a bit far...how do you expect to get away with this? By tommorow, you'll name will be on the wanted posters all over the city...you'll be lucky if you can get past Taralon with the new envoys being sent back and force. Why are you doing this Sav?" Matthew spoke, backing up once more until he was close enough to the small ship that Savvy intended to steal. He brought his legs out shoulder-width, leaning on the back slightly as he brought the blade up before him. Not much, but it would work...afterall, Matthew had no idea about swordfighting. "I don't think I have the heart to kill ya mate, but I don't think I'll let ya escape open handedly either. A gentleman's duel..perhaps?" Matt spoke with a bit of a laugh...he would have never thought of himself to cross blades with a pirate...let alone his best friend.

[Savvy Thalassic]

Savvy considered Matt's proposal. Dueling did sound very appealing...after all, what else were pirates supposed to do if not fight their way through unbeatable odds to return to their ship? But he just couldn't get over the fact that he would be fighting his best friend. Competing...sure. Drinking him under the table...without question. But crossing blades with him? Well, it didn't sound very promising to the fledgling pirate. So he made his decision. Raising his blade, he saluted to the private in the Narim army and then sheathed his rapier.

"Say what you will about me, Matthew Hallisburrow, but I will remain loyal to my friends until the end. Never...I repeat....never...would I cross swords with you. I would rather die than be forced to dishonor our friendship though. Besides, your cheek is already bruised enough to make it seem as if you put up a fight. I don't think anyone will think any less of you if I escape. After all, look at those two oafs. Apparently they're even trained for the profession whilst you are green as a frog's butt...no insult intended, of course. No...do what you must old friend, but I will not fight you. Even if it means my freedom."

With that, the would be pirate took a step forward and looked at his friend. He had known Matt forever, but that didn't make him any easier to read. Another step. He could see Matt juggling with the decision in his mind and he was thankful that his old friend at least had the decency to battle the decision with his conscience before acting.

Comon Matt, he thought to himself. Just move aside and nobody has to get hurt.

[Matt Hallisburrow]

'Damnit. Damnit it all Savvy' Matthew thought quietly to himself, his admiration and respect for his friend winning over any remaining thoughts of having to cross blades. But that didn't mean Matt would let his guard down, more or less. Quietly the Half-elf sheathed the sabre back into the pitch-black scabbard, his hand leaving the hilt and pommel to be crossed in front of his chest while he considered his options. He could let Savvy go now, and get out of this mess, or he could still try to stop him. "No matter..." Matthew spoke quietly, trying to make up for his weakness and soft spot for his friend. Turning around, Matthew walked down the pier, stepping over the fallen bodies of the guards. Quietly he passed the broken keg, and remembered that Savvy would be without water on the small journey. Turning around, Matthew loosened his own flask of the liquid and tossed it to his friend. "I'd suggest stopping into a nearby port to replenish your stocks. Salt water doesn't always taste the best, mate." Turning around, he knelt down over the Harbormaster's body and heaved it up, somewhat sagging as the old man's weight was put onto his shoulder. "I never want to see you around here again Savvy. Never. They'll be out looking for you, so I suggest breaking across the Sea of Diana and hanging around Port Alexandrya or some other harbor for a while. Take some boat building classes...something useful. And don't get killed, mate. I'll catch up to you later...but not here. It'll be a while Sav, so uh...goodluck." With that, Matthew turned and walked down back into the Harbormaster's Office, where he would have to do some hefty explaining. It would be wise for the would-be pirate to cast off now and save himself some time until the Harbormaster came to.

[Savvy Thalassic]

Savvy caught the bottle of liquid and grinned at his friend. He knew Matt was feeling sore about the outcome of the evening, but it wasn't anything that their friendship couldn't overcome with time. Besides, he wasn't hurting his friend's career any by stealing the ship...and he was helping his own. Still, it was sad to leave Narim, the place he had called home for so long. It was strange to think that he may not be able to come back for quite some time. Which reminded him...

"I gave the name of Harwind Shipbreaker to the Harbormaster. Turn me in if you must...no hard feelings on that...but that's the name the Harbormaster will give when questioned. Oh, and be careful in this town mate. It's going down faster than half a ship. I expect you'll do much to clean the streets up, though. After all, you almost caught the infamous Savvy Thalassic."

He winked at his friend in the darkness, flashed one more smile, an moved to untie to moorings. Once the ship was free, she began to move on her own, slowly bobbing her way out of the harbor on the current. Savvy unfurled the lanteen and watched as the wind filled it, pushing him quietly out to sea. Then he went to the back of the ship and peered at Narim once more, trying to spot Matt moving along the docks. It suddenly dawned on him that he was leaving a great deal behind. The pirate sighed, at turned around. Nothing but the sea was in front of him.

"All in a day's work," he said to himself, grabbing the rudder and steering himself clear of the harbor.