I stood alone on the dock. For there was no one to say farewell to. I had become too much of a burden to my family, to their reputation in society. So here I was, being shipped off to some foreign land. Alone. I stood quietly, with the boarding pass clutched in my hand, waiting for the port steward's men to collect my things so I could board the ship.

Aunt Della, as I called her, had allowed me to take all of my belongings. Even though they were casting me out, she told me she wouldn't let me leave empty-handed. I suppose for that kindness I should be grateful. I almost laughed out loud.

Kindness.

I wanted to spit at her kindness, but logically I knew I would need it. If I didn't want to end up in the streets, that kindness would have to be accepted.

She had even given me the inheritance that was left to them, when they took me in, to be my dowry if I had ever wed. So far, I hadn't even had any serious suitors. More than likely I was to become an old maid. I didn't want to think about what her husband would do to her when he found out she had sent the inheritance with me. After all, it was no longer my concern.

I had a mind to forfeit the ticket that would take me to my new home. To stay here; perhaps here in Copper Heights, where I had been sent to seek passage to the new city that I would make my new home. This city was marvelous, nothing like my hometown. It was diverse and seemed to be much more tolerant of an individual's uniqueness. And I was very unique. Well, compared to the populace of Raven Grove. The small town that I had grown up in. They wanted to pretend like they were all from some affluent city, but mostly it was just people pretending. They were like any other small-minded community, where if you didn't fit in, you would be ostracized and eventually pushed out.

I had met a gentleman from the West the previous evening while having dinner at the Inn's tavern. His stories of the city he lived in really made me consider traveling there to seek refuge. Honestly, there were a few cities in my country that I could potentially live in and hopefully go unnoticed, but I felt like if I stayed then I would somehow end up back in Raven Grove, and that was the last thing I wanted.

I looked around with a sigh. They were already loading my things onto the ship. Maybe Silver Falls wouldn't be that bad. Maybe I could even find some semblance of happiness there.

Besides, Aunt Della made arrangements for me once I arrived. She said that a woman she knew there had a flat for rent. The woman, a Mrs. Brenwood, would be expecting me, and if I didn't show up then I'm sure she would contact Della. Not that it would matter or mean much if she did so. They were getting rid of me. I knew that Della was just doing what she felt was her duty. Oh, how tongues would wag if they had truly cast me to the streets. I laughed then, catching a peculiar glance from the portman that stood nearby. I gave him a polite smile. He nodded curtly and then looked away continuing with his work. I sighed, briefly closing my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I knew that it was time. I glanced around one final time and made my way onto the ship. It was time to start over. To begin a new life.

People were bustling about, talking and laughing, obviously already enjoying their trip. I watched silently, the families walking together. Fathers holding their little ones, and mothers chatting animatedly about the beauty and luxury of the ship.

"This way, Miss." I heard a soft voice say.

This brought me out of my reverie, as I saw a young woman in a maid uniform standing in front of a wooden door. I hadn't bothered to examine my boarding pass to see where I would be staying for my travel abroad. I just assumed that Aunt-that they would have spent the least amount required for my travels. It appeared not and I was surprised to be on the first-class passenger deck.

"Are you sure you have the right room, Ma'am?" I questioned, my voice trembling slightly, and I admonished myself for the betrayal of emotion.

The young woman looked surprised at my question, eyeing the dress I had on. I looked the part of a first-class passenger, at least. Although, I surely didn't feel the part. She quickly averted her eyes when she saw that I had caught her staring. I didn't blame her though; I would have stared too. I wasn't acting the part of first-class.

"Yes, Miss. I'm quite sure. Your luggage is already in your quarters, Miss. If you need anything, please let me know." She opened the door, waiting for me to enter the sitting room.

I stopped halfway in and turned to her, smiling as genuinely as I could.

"Is there something you need Miss?" She asked, glancing down the hallway, wringing her hands into her apron.

"What is your name?" As soon as the words were out of my mouth her hands fell away from her apron and her brows raised, eyes wide. Now I had her attention.

"My-my name Miss?"

I sighed, trying to keep my smile in place. I hated how this poor girl thought she had to act timid around me just because I was in first class. I was alone on this big ship and I would prefer to avoid the tedious social activities as much as I possibly could, and she would be able to help me do just that.

"Yes," I replied, keeping my voice light, "what shall I call you? I'm traveling alone and I don't know anyone on board. I like my privacy, so if I need something, I would prefer to have you help whenever possible."

She smiled shyly glancing back down the hallway and then back towards me, "You may call me Elisa, Miss."

"It's very nice to meet you, Elisa. And please call me Nova. You don't have to call me 'Miss'. Thank you for the help you have given me so far. I will try not to bother you too much. I know you will have your hands full with some of the more---" I paused tilting my head, "challenging passengers of first-class."

Her blue eyes widened again, for just a moment, and then she smiled. "It's nice to meet you too Nova. I'll come to check on you before dinner." She gave a small nod and hurried down the corridor.

I chuckled, closing the door and walking further into the room inspecting the space where I would be staying for this new adventure. The room was opulent, and I was amazed that this was all for one person. Me! A final taste of luxury, I was sure of that, but the thought of teas and dinners with the other first-class passengers gave me a headache.

I wondered if it was possible to just stay in these rooms to avoid it all. After all, I was traveling alone. I didn't know anyone on this ship. So, it looked like I would possibly be able to avoid unnecessary social interactions. Or so I hoped.

                I woke up to the sound of knocking on my door. It took me a few minutes to gather my bearings. To remember that I wasn't at home, in my bed. You know those first moments when you wake up and everything is quiet in your mind before you recall what is happening. Before it, all comes rushing back.

I flung the covers off and grabbed my dressing robe. Whoever was at my door was knocking rather persistently. I wished to be left alone, but it didn't look like that was going to happen.

'Just a few more days,' I told myself, smoothing back a strand of hair that had fallen over my face.

I cracked the door and saw Elisa standing there with a silver-covered tray. She smiled brightly, motioning towards the door with the tray.

With a sigh, I stepped back and let the door swing open.

I could have slept for hours yet, but apparently, the ship had a kitchen schedule. That didn't really surprise me though. What surprised me, more so annoyed, was this girl's incessant idle chatter.

"Did you sleep well, Miss?" She questioned, sitting the tray on the table in front of the dark maroon settee.

'Did I sleep well?' Why do people ask those questions? You know, the questions that in polite society begged for a polite answer. I wanted to tell the girl that I dream of death and darkness and a voice that calls to me. Instead, I answered:

"Fine, Thank you."

I wondered how she would have reacted had I told her the truth.

She prattled on for a few moments as she removed the silver chafer lid and set out the silverware, then slipped out of the room, shutting the door behind her. There was a dining hall on the ship for us to have our meals in, but so far I hadn't ventured out of my room. We had been at sea for a few days now, and I'm sure there was gossip about the woman traveling alone that still had not left her room.

This room was stifling me, and as much as I wanted to avoid the other passengers, I needed some fresh air. Time to face the gossip, I suppose. After breakfast, or what I could stomach of it, I slipped the tray into the hallway beside my door and made my way to the top deck of the ship.

I had never really seen the ocean, not like this, and it was breathtaking. Nothing but the deep sea and blue sky for as far as the eye could see. Other passengers were walking the deck, but they didn't seem to be paying me much mind. My shoes clicked on the hardwood surface as I made my way toward the back of the ship. I could hear the spray of the ocean as the sleek ship sliced through her briny surface.

I don't know why but standing here staring at this water made me think of his voice. Dark, Deep, Endless. The voice that infiltrated my dreams. One of the reasons I was being sent away, was that voice.

It started when I was very young and at first, Della was understanding, comforting even. But then I started to tell them things that I shouldn't possibly know. Della's husband wanted to be rid of me then, but she wouldn't allow it. Not yet, anyway. What she did allow was for him to teach me lessons on obeying them completely, especially when I would slip up and talk about it after they forbade me from doing so.

I stared at that dark water, trying to push the memories from my mind. 

It wasn't working that well at all.