King is preceded by a stranger.

Johanna was idly tracing patterns on the surface of the pool and considering her options when someone tapped her on her shoulder. The surprised captain whirled around and found herself face to face with yet another stranger.

This particular stranger wore a painted wooden mask, hiding much of their face, but leaving room for two cheerful grey eyes to peer back at the captain. Though the mask effectively hid their face, there was little to hide their body, which was slender, petite, feminine, and clothed in only a few scraps of wispy cloth.

“Hello!” Came the cheery voice of the masked stranger, “You’re new!”

Johanna lowered her arms as it became obvious that the young woman meant her no harm, and would have stepped back if she didn’t have a pool behind her. The masked stranger was standing much too close for the captain’s liking. “Yes, I just washed ashore yesterday. My name is Johanna.”

The stranger popped up and away from Johanna, giving the captain room to breathe and stand up. “Names are silly,” Said the stranger, “I am who I am, and you are my new friend!” The cheerful, energetic declaration was delivered with absolute confidence and sincerity. Johanna couldn’t help but smile.

“Well, it’s nice to have a new friend in this strange place,” She said, extending a hand, “It’s nice to meet you.”

The masked woman grabbed Johanna’s extended wrist and pulled the larger woman forward, catching Johanna off guard and pulling her into a spontaneous, spinning dance. Johanna took a moment to regain her balance, but continued to dance with the playful young woman for a minute before peeling herself away, just in time for a familiar voice to cut in.

“I see you’ve met the little monster,” King spoke, approaching the pair from the edge of the clearing. The so-called monster spun to face him, her blue hair whipping about violently.

“I’m no monster, rat king.” Her expression was hidden by her mask, but Johanna could practically hear the young woman’s scowl.

“And I’m no rat, but here we are.” King’s face was not hidden, but his evident distaste shifted quickly to a smirk. “Tomorrow night is one of your moon-nights, isn’t it?”

“Every night is a moon night. But I know your meaning. I expect you will bring the usual offering for me?”

King nodded. “Of course. And if you ever need more, you know where to find me.”

The masked woman let out a derisive snort. “I get quite enough of you already.” She turned to Johanna, “Do you have business with this man today, or would you like to play with me for a while?”

Johanna shot King a look before considering her answer. He rolled his eyes. “I don’t need you for anything else today, Johanna. If you want to run around the jungle with the little pest, it’s no concern of mine. But if you come back seeking shelter tonight, you best be prepared to pay for it.”

Which put the choice entirely on Johanna. She certainly wouldn’t mind spending time with her new friend, but her day might be better spent exploring the island, or finding more work to do for King. She turned back towards the masked woman and gave her reply...