"Thank you for the invitation um…" Adam said slowly, trying to remain polite, not quite sure how to address her. Of course he could just call her Songbird, but it felt weird so he was hoping for a name.
"Oh yes, allow me to introduce myself." She said as she stood up with one graceful fluid motion. "My name is Patricia Cortland. The current sitting Songbird." She said as she curtsied.
"May I ask what a Songbird is?" Adam asked, curiously as she gestured for him to take a seat, along with his companions, in the chairs that were nearby. Likely set up for an audience just like this.
"Of course." She smiled gracefully. As she sat back down. "To spare you from a long story, it is the title of the one who runs our lovely little floating settlement. Both symbolic in nature and one that carries great weight."
"Well…" Adam glanced at his companions for a moment before looking at her again. "I don't especially mind a long story. I would love to hear it if you are willing to share." Adam smiled back.
"Inquisitive, polite, and well intentioned. I see the rumors do not do you enough justice." She laughed softly, gracefully. "Well then, allow me to begin at the beginning." She paused as she slowly turned her head to glance out the window, as if seeing something far away in the distant past.
"When the world had first ended this ship moored itself in this spot as a means to keep the crew safe and alive. However the world was not so kind as to let them survive without hardship. The stories tell us of power struggles, attacks, waves as high as the tallest skyscrapers, radstorms that would last for weeks on end. With food running low and the people running out of options a young woman stepped forward and prayed. Nay, she sang. Her song was of strength, perseverance, unity, and most importantly, hope." She smiled softly. "It was just a song but from her words she sang with all of her heart the survivors of this great vessel banded together and worked through their issues, found a means to survive, and, miraculously, the next day the radstorms ceased." She paused again as she looked back at the group. "Since that day the Songbird has held an important role in our community. As the uniter of our people, the storyweaver that keeps our tales, and the leader to take charge when things grow tough." She then paused and giggled softly into the back of her hand.
"Then again, I am nothing more than a figurehead. My words carry weight, I admit, but I do not have any more controlling power than any other member on our committee." Adam found himself fascinated by this story. This was a uniquely post-apocalyptic tradition that was born out of the struggles of those who lived.
"So you are the story keeper?" He asked, curiously and then paused before asking more. "Do you actually sing?" She laughed softly at the question.
"Yes I do. The best singer on the raft." She said, a look of pride and mischievous whimsy in her eyes as she said this.
"Are the Songbirds always women?"
"Oh no." She said calmly as she gently waved Adam off with her hand. "Not at all. The last Songbird before me was a man. You see, we hold a competition every year to see who will take up the mantle of Songbird. I may have held this position for the past 30 years, but I proudly defend my title at every event." She smiled warmly. "Of course the competition is our way of thanking the heavens for a good harvest, a good year, and asking for more boons for the year to come. In reality it is a festival, a way for our people to remind themselves that survival does not have to be all dreary. That we still live in spite of adversity, and in the gloom love can still bloom." Adam smiled brightly, he found this not only fascinating but deeply inspiring. It was great to see people who have turned adversity into strength. He had many more questions but he did not want to take all her time. And judging by his companions' reactions no one was nearly as enthused as he was. Except maybe Percy, but he was not as into it as Adam, even if he did look interested.
"That is such a unique and vibrant way of living. Honestly, I'm quite impressed."
"Why thank you." She smiled back at him.
"I have a ton more questions but I assume you did not ask to see me for a history lesson, as nice as that would be. Does this have to do with the civil war talk I've been hearing about?" Adam asked, getting more serious again.
"Civil war?" She asked, confused. Her confusion confused Adam, he was sure he had heard they closed their borders due to a civil war brewing.
"Yes?" Adam said back, equally confused. "I had heard that the reason you closed your borders to everyone was not just due to the threat of Famine, but that you were denying boats access as well due to the threat of Civil war." Adam explained.
"No that's not-" She began before pausing and seeming to come to a realization. "No. We are in no danger of a civil war. I believe this is a case of rumors getting out of hand once they leave our community." She laughed softly. "You see, this year, when the Songbird will be chosen, I have genuine competition for the first time in nearly a Decade. A young woman who has gained an incredible following. Of course I am not to be underestimated, my following is no less significant." She said with a brush of her hand through her hair. "However the competition this year will be especially fierce. No one will know how the votes will go. I may finally be toppled." She then grinned competitively. "But If I am, it will only be after I put on the best performance of my life." Adam nodded, but remained serious. He understood how a split among the population about who might be the next Songbird might spark rumors of a civil war, but not why they stopped letting boats dock.
"So then why are you not letting any outsiders onto The Raft even though the threat of Famine is gone."
"Ah, well you see that is a far darker issue, and the reason I asked to let you aboard. I hope you can maybe offer your unique insight to the issue plaguing us…" She paused, looking hesitant. "You see, for the past few months there has been a new faction that has sprung up on the waters of our lovely lake. A group of pirates led by the self-proclaimed queen of the pirates." She paused again. "We are at the brink. And she is coming back soon…" She said darkly.