Durgan allowed himself to be pulled to his feet, inwardly mortified. Not only had he embarrassed himself in front of Stonehelm, he had let himself down as well. Nodding to Bram, he retreated to the port side of the deck and gazed longingly at dry, solid land.
Never before had he felt quite so incompetent or so clumsy. Always before he had been in complete control and this queasy feeling had taken him by surprise. Sucking in great lungfuls of clean air, he finally felt stable enough to approach the others.
He walked over to Stonehelm and drawing him aside, he said, Forgive me. I did not mean to appear so weak before these Men and Elves. Tell me now what you would have me do once we arrive in the South. I feel useless here, my King. He stroked his beard in frustration. To my way of thinking, Dwarves were never meant for sailing, it just isn't natural.
[ October 27, 2002: Message edited by: Cuthalion ]
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