Citizen 1142 Neptune

Neptune grew up inland - or as inland as one could get on an isle - and so didn’t think much of the sea at a younger age, used only to mild glimpses of blue beyond the rolling hills. For him, water and boats were the small ponds and lakes nestled in the valleys, with rowboats to cross them or fish. Small contraptions, made to fit a function with no bells or whistles attached. 

And so, when he was old enough to accompany the family to see the Navy come to port, Neptune wasn’t keen. He was much more interested in chasing bugs through the forest, or splashing through puddles from the latest rain! Despite his parent’s assurances that the Navy ships were far larger than a rowboat and much more impressive, all Neptune could think of was perhaps a canoe that could seat more than two people. Maybe some sails, since those were mentioned…? In any case, who cared about glorified boats when there were bugs to catch! 

But, he was dragged along. Old enough to accompany them, too young to stay home alone. Ugh! His siblings and various cousins chattered on about the wares they would sell or buy at the market, but he tuned them out, instead jumping in muddle puddles along the road. If he had to come along, he decided somewhat spitefully, he would make it clear of his protests. 

And so when they arrived on the bluff overlooking the coastal port below, he was covered in mud and feeling quite smug. 

That was until he saw the ships docked below. And understood immediately why there was a different word for these contraptions - they were a breed apart from the rickety rowboats and canoes he was familiar with. 

As he stared, open-mouthed, his ba came up, laughed at his expression, and lightly nudged him. “Glad you came along, eh?” 

Neptune muttered something incoherent, mind caught up with taking in the sight in front of him. 

Masts rose up from the decks of ships that he swore were the size of his whole village, with people reduced to colorful dots swarming over them like industrious ants. Ropes flitted through the air like a spider’s web, and even from this distance the paints on the hulls were clear and vibrant. And then one of the ones heading out to sea unfurled their sails. 

Neptune gasped in delight and clapped his hands as the patched fabric unfurled, at first waving like laundry on a drying line before catching the wind and snapping taut. A white-frothed wake began to form as the ship turned and began to make for the open ocean, flag rippling from the topmast. 

Realizing that he had fallen behind, Neptune scrambled to catch up, suddenly excited. To see one of those up close -! 

He bounded up to the rest of his family, chattering excitedly, and his ba laughed before pairing him up with one of his cousins who knew a lot about the ships. The two chattered happily - or the cousin talked while Neptune listened, wide-eyed - as they descended through the town, aiming for the main thoroughfare to set up and sell some wares. 

Decorations covered the buildings around them, and hawkers waved small Navy flags, only five dracm each! Neptune stared at them, considering the fact that he had no money, but his cousin patted him on the shoulder. 

“Ignore them,” they advised, “the sailors sometimes give them out for free.” 

Neptune perked up, then, wide-eyed: “We’re going to see the sailors?” 

Their cousin grinned, winked, and beckoned him to follow, and then the two were off, running through the crowd and towards the docks. Passerby swore at them, and merchants jealously guarded their wares, but the two didn’t pay them any mind. They only had eyes for where the masts bristled over the rooftops. 

And then, they were free of the buildings and the docks and the sea lay before them - and Neptune skidded to a stop, jaw falling open in awe. Ships towered before him, seabirds called above, and for a moment it seemed the rest of the world vanished as a massive behemoth of a structure floated elegantly past. 

“Wow,” he whispered, barely daring to breathe for fear that this would pop like a dream upon waking. 

But it was no dream. And in the years to come, this moment was where Neptune would point to to where he fell in love with the ships that crossed the ocean’s waters.