Arrival Upon The Liberator
From FiranMUX
By now, the long road is behind the group, and the city of Lurashar is quite clear in front of them. The snow has stopped falling, replaced by a dense fog, and through it old Mamoon trudges, whistling as he walks. "Almost there, just around the bend it is."
Gaddineez had managed to catch up with the group with his late start and all, one of the good things of being fast as hell. The bonduin carries his spear in his hand and looks up towards Mamoon. "So how big is the ship" *Firan*
"What sort of ship is it, anyway?" Srenni asks, her cool green eyes slanting over at Mamoon. Evidentally, she had the same thoughts Gaddineez did.
They are meant to be
Aeryk is trudging along behind, his eyes fixing from ghostly spot to ghostly spot without really finding any purchase. "Just around the bend," he repeats. *Firan*
Zutani is ever so silent as she trots along, trying to keep up with the others through the snow. Her hood is pulled up to keep her hair from getting too wet. When the questions about the ship is asked, she looks over to the front, curious as well.
If speech is indicative of thoughts, Davonos is having none at all. Careful to stay within listening distance, he keeps his eyes trained dimly down upon the path ahead.
Mamoon smirks. "The time for questions is long gone, youngins. You'll see the ship in just a moment. Just a moment. Just around the bend." He continues walking, and finally, as they follow him, the group make its way to the outskirts of the much-famed Eagle city called Lurashar. *Firan*
East of Lurashar: Road to Anarinuell
The sky spans overhead, a few clouds here and there. There are a few
farmhouses off in the distance, the shapes of them easily visible. A
couple paths lead on across the farmland, winding this way and that.
There is almost no movement other than yourself out here, except for
the scurrying of a rabbit at times.
Contents:
Mamoon
Kai
Obvious exits:
Gaddineez nods his head in Mamoon's direction and then looks over at Srenni. "That old man looks as tough as most of the 20 year olds in Anarinuell..." Gaddineez grunts. "Quite the deal" *Firan*
Kai chirps "Hello Cap'n Mamoon!" *Firan*
Aeryk subsides quiet as the bend is rounded. To take in. Not that he wasn't rather quiet to begin with.
Srenni gives Mamoon a once over as they walk then shifts her gaze to Gaddineez, lofting her brow. She is twenty-four herself! "Perhaps he is. Do you need more twenty-year-olds in Anarinuell to spar with? We've yet to have ours." And, oh look. Lurashar. She doesn't smile or anything, in fact she looks slightly skeptical of the place. She's heard stories, no doubt, and isn't much for any of that. *Firan*
"Hello hello," Mamoon murmurs off to Kai as an aside, still tearing through the snowy underbrush despite the long trek and the fog before them. "Let's get going, shall we? Got to get into the walls and then south, there's my boat. If you've never been to Lurashar, enjoy the few hours you've got. It's a helluva town. But not now though. For now I'm going to show you to your ship. You'll all enjoy life as a lowly sailor until we ship out tomorrow. Tomorrow you'll choose your first captain, and we'll go to Nelanos and my islands."
Gaddineez grunts at Srenni's words and shrugs. "Of the 20 year olds I have sparred with, only a couple are worth my time... those that are 40 or older make for a more interesting fight" Gaddineez winks in jest at Srenni. "Though I am sure when - teach you to master the sword we will have fun testing your ability" *Firan*
"I would hope one would count me a worthy opponent, if I am but 17." This added to the conversation, Aeryk takes in his breath and keeps staring forward. "I am more interested in the ship than the city, anyway."
Davonos does not look much of anything except slightly wary when they round the bend and he eyes Lurashar. The flagrant Hydran coloring of his armor is hidden neatly beneath his borrowed Byrrus, but his skin, eye, and hair coloring is a little distinct for that.
[zoom]
Lurashar: Market District -- Pier #5
Stretching along the shore of the city for as far as the eye can see,
the pier rests, the wooden structure being lapped by the current of
the sea. The pier, a long, wooden span which is supported by enormous
pillars, runs along the shoreline, with an occasional spanse which
juts into the waters which it rests upon. Whitecaps can be seen upon
the water, and far off from the pier can be seen small fishing boats
as well. The long pillars which support the pier, unlit torch sconces
dotting each one, are weathered from the salty air.
Winds blow in from the east, casting a cold pall upon the waters and
the surrounding land. Still, however, there is life in the water,
despite the rather unwelcome chill of winter.
Contents:
Davonos
Kai
Mamoon
## -199.98.0 ##
Obvious exits:
Board the Liberator <BL> North East West
"Tch. I am twenty-four. I will hope those four extra years aid me," Srenni replies, one corner of her mouth tugging upwards. Is she joking in return? Maybe. Or perhaps she's serious. But then she nods to Aeryk, agreeing, "I am more interested in the ship than the city as well."
Gaddineez seems to agree for the most part with the rest of them. "Had I desired to see Lurashar I would have travelled here at a different time, the ship is a curious thing for -----" And then there is the ship, the bonduin's black gaze looking over it slowly *Firan*
A rather large and very elegant ship sits at the dock, with bright red linen sails shining through the fog. The front is adorned with an enormous and extremely luxurious figurehead - it is a representation of Zin with his trident, eyes agleam with gems. "That is her boys and girls," Mamoon beams with obvious pride, the canal-like wrinkles on his face deepening significantly. "The Liberator."
Razaq walks, having had a good talk with a friend at the Eagle's Nest. Hearing a new ship was at the docks, he makes his way to it and stands in the rear of the group.
All the combat talk merely passes over Zutani's head as she focuses on the one topic of interest to her. The ship. She nods in agreement the rest, her gaze moving to rest upon the very object of their interest. "Oh my," she murmurs in awe.
Aeryk examines. Ships are not something he has much knowledge of, other than his little first-hand experience, but the carved Zin figurehead certainly catches his sharp attention. "A fine craft," he decides. Effusively, really. *Firan*
Not much a man of the sea, the brilliant red sails are enough to make Davonos stand up a little straighter, and he reaches up to brush the hood back away from his head.
Gaddineez looks upon the ship and gives a bit of a nod, followed by a whistle. "Quite the ship" Gaddineez leans a bit against his spear, examining the workmanship that went into making it *Firan*
Kai just says "Wow." He's seen a lot of ships, but this one is a beauty. *Firan*
"On board then, aye," Mamoon decides. He scurries.
Srenni presses her lips together briefly, then nods murmuring mostly to herself, "Lord Zin watch over us." And she strides up after Mamoon without a second thought. *Firan* Srenni closes her eyes for a minute as if in prayer.
The Liberator Trireme - Main Deck
The deck of this trireme is made of solid planks of wood, carefully
crafted together to be seaworthy, though like all decks on vessels
such as this, they require constant scrubbing to keep clean. The sides
of the ship have been freshly painted with a variety of colourful
symbols, one for each clan, one for the Republic, and one for the
liberated city of Ellish. In the farground, the figurehead of an angry
Zin can be seen at the front of the vessel, seemingly made of solid
gold, with eyes of finest sapphire. A skeleton crew exists below deck,
but they are under orders not to interact with any of the 'newcomers'.
They are here strictly to man the oars.
Contents:
Gaddineez
Davonos
Zutani
Aeryk
Mamoon
Black Hex, the large hound
Obvious exits:
To Lurashar Pier <LP> Below Deck <BD> Officer's Quarters <OQ> Out <O>
Gaddineez makes his way aboard the ship, following behind the old sailor. Gaddineez steps lightly, and is carrying his big stick. The bonduin purses his lips together in idle curiosity, but remains silent
Zutani walks onboard the ship, looking from one part of it to then next. Until she spots the huge dog. Wary, she stays a little distance away from it.
Aboard the ship is a very large and very aggressive-looking dog. It barks incessantly, foam at its mouth, and it yanks against its precarious-looking rope, fastened as it is near the Captain's Quarters. Mamoon smiles at is lovingly and shambles over toward it, extending a hand that is nearly bitten off. He murmurs an odd little, "Aw," as if it were an endearing near-attack, before turning back to the crew behind him. "Welcome aboard the Liberator, friends. Your new home for the next few weeks. You will become a pirate on this ship, or you will be sent home."
It is, perhaps, typical that the first thing Aeryk seems to fixate on, once on board, is not the make of the deck, but the dog and its interactions with Mamoon. He nods distantly to the pirate's actual words.
Gaddineez pauses... pauses... and then decides to ask, shrugging when he does so. "So... what does it entail us needing to do to become a pirate?" *Firan*
Davonos is with Zutani and Aeryk. His attention has gone from studying the ship to eyeing Mamoon's frothing pup, so that he stops up the line a little with his sudden lack of progress.
Kai grins at the dog. He's seen dogs like that before. He might try making friends. His distracted by the glinting sapphires of the figurehead. "Ooo" He goes over to get a closer look. *Firan*
Razaq walks onboard and glances aroud - the foaming pissed off dog is given a wary look and he stays away from it, prefering to be on the other side of the deck.
"I know how many gems he's got boy, I check them on the dawn every morn!" Mamoon shouts this too-loudly at Kai as he scampers over before settling his blue eye upon Gaddineez. "Hmm? Well, you'll have to prove it, you will. There'll be a captain chosen, and every week he'll have the choice to put three of you up on the plank. The crew - well, if they all do it together, they can overthrow the captain. Otherwise, they vote for one of the three to..." He makes a throat-cutting motion. A gesture and then, "The crew sleeps down there." Below deck. "And the captain's in there, with his officers." A very nice looking set of quarters is built into the top deck.
Zutani is standing a distance off from that dog, who she keeps looking at warily. The near-attack doesn't help her wariness, not one bit. The mention of the plank draws her gaze away from the dog to Mamoon. The sleeping arrangements gets a slight nod from her.
Gaddineez looks to the officer's quarters and then towards the ladder leading to the deck below. Gaddineez purses his lips a bit before nodding and glancing back to those on the ship, probably eyeing his competition
Srenni's eyes narrow briefly at the dog, but then her eyes do go over the ship itself. Her hand rests on the hilt of the sword at her side idly and she nods at Mamoon's explanation. She looks as if she is about to make a comment but thinks better of it.
Kai looks innocent. A pirate would never take Lord Zin's eyes. Well, unless suitable replacements could be found.
"Mm. Yes, an elimination game." Aeryk's eyes are so mobile today! They move from dog, to down, to cabin quarters without much change of expression. Back to the dog. His head cants. Hello, dog.
Davonos is less mobile. He is still eyeing the dog when Mamoon points out their living spaces to be, and is slow to look from the officer's quarters to the ladder. Still, though, he says nothing, and after minute or two, begins looking around to gauge the reactions of the others.
The old pirate moves toward the ladder leading down. "Everyone follow me. I'll show you why you /want/ to be captain. Or at least, an officer of the captain's. Probably a safer job that, if you can keep it."
The Liberator Trireme - Below Deck
Bits of daylight peek through the slats overhead. The area below the
deck is dank and dark, with bits of mold and mildew in the corners.
Benches along the walls hold oarsmen at all times, day and night -
dirty men that pull the oars through the water to propel the boat
forward. There is a large empty space for cargo towards the prow of
the ship. Towards the stern, hammocks have been hung for the skeleton
crew's nighttime use.
Contents:
Razaq
Aeryk
Mamoon
Obvious exits:
Up
Aeryk scales down with a careful hand over hand. It would not do to lose grip and fall butt-ward into the unknown. He does not fall buttward. But he does tighten his nostrils and squint his eyes. "Ah. Lovely." *Firan*
Zutani would be horrified by the area's condition if only she could bring herself to be. Instead, she just stares at everything without saying a word.
Gaddineez follows the group down below deck. Gaddineez moves in silence, his eyes taking in the dark quarters and the other sights below deck. "Yeah... I knew there was a reason I decided to be a captain" *Firan*
Razaq steps down and he nods, looking at the space for living, for storage. "How much stowage can you take onboard, Mamoon? Crew could be living all up on the deck and this space saved for more storage." *Firan*
Niobe just glances around a the below decks, not much shock and awe on her face in the least. Has she been here the whole time? Possibly but until now she's kind of blended into the background... or she was out seeing the city.
"Yeah, not too nice." Mamoon concedes this. "Designed that way, see. At least you won't have to do the rowing - there are men to do that, but only a few. The decks'll be swabbed as the captain says, and you'll get the food that the captain gives you. Which means if the captain chooses to deprive you of anything but gruel so that you'll be easier to beat in the next challenge, he can. But captains, remember - cruelty can lead to mutiny, and then you'll be next off the plank." He adds as if it were unimportant, "Oh, and the captain has more power than just this. But that is for later."
Kai pays attention to Mamoon and stands in close proximity.
Thump. Davonos's boots hit the floor below deck when he drops from the last rung. His nose is already rankled against the smell of mildew when he steps away from the ladder. "...Huh," he decides after a moment's inspection.
"The cells in Ellish may be nicer," Srenni comments blandly. She needs to work on that 'joking' tone. It's still difficult to tell if she's serious or not. She takes a few steps forward to glance about, then turns back facing Mamoon squarely to listen.
Gaddineez just gives a bit of a nod in Srenni's direction before he then looks to Mamoon, arching a curious brow at the man, but shrugging as Mamoon says the captain's powers are to be learned later. Gaddineez clears his throat then, curiously eyeing the old man
"Mm." Aeryk is going to be making this noise a lot in the coming weeks, one suspects. Aeryk is not the snobbiest royal out there - he spends most of his spare time and working hours with critters, after all - but this isn't quite what he's used to. Think of it as a war campaign. There. "I do not suppose that cleaning this area up at some point would be an option?"
Mamoon thinks this is enough. "Back up then, back up back up. And then we'll look at what the captain gets. You'll all stay in the captain's quarters for the night - but after that, almost all of you will be down here. The captain only gets two officers, after all." He grins at Aeryk. "You can shine up a roach but you can't make him sit pretty." *Firan*
Mamoon climbs up the ladder onto the main deck of the ship. Mamoon has left.
The Liberator Trireme - Main Deck
The deck of this trireme is made of solid planks of wood, carefully
crafted together to be seaworthy, though like all decks on vessels
such as this, they require constant scrubbing to keep clean. The sides
of the ship have been freshly painted with a variety of colourful
symbols, one for each clan, one for the Republic, and one for the
liberated city of Ellish. In the farground, the figurehead of an angry
Zin can be seen at the front of the vessel, seemingly made of solid
gold, with eyes of finest sapphire. A skeleton crew exists below deck,
but they are under orders not to interact with any of the 'newcomers'.
They are here strictly to man the oars.
Contents:
Mamoon
Black Hex, the large hound
Obvious exits:
To Lurashar Pier <LP> Below Deck <BD> Officer's Quarters <OQ> Out <O>
"Point made and taken," Aeryk exhales in low resignation and follows the captain up to the deck again, flexing his fingers once he's atop.
Mamoon moves across the deck at a very quick pace, sidestepping Black Hex with a liberal berth before he makes his way into the Office Quarters that the dog seems intent on guarding.
The Liberator Trireme - Officer's Quarters
These quarters are elegantly appointed. The usual benches have been
replaced by soft couches, with little tables that hold wine and
whiskey bottles. The wooden floor here is sanded smooth and then
covered in places with small braided rugs, and along one wall, bunks
with comfortable pillows and blankets are situated, separated from the
living portion of the room with a curtain. Small circular portholes,
without glass but with shutters for bad weather, allow for the
daylight to illuminate the room, brightening each nook and cranny.
Contents:
Zutani
Gaddineez
Mamoon
Obvious exits:
Captain's Quarters <CQ> Out <O>
"A drastic change," Zutani remarks after getting a good look of the room.
Srenni slants her gaze towards Aeryk when he makes his way in, adding to Mamoon's comment, "You will probably have more to worry about than cleaning down there anyway." She lifts her shoulders in a slight shrug. She could be wrong! *Firan*
Gaddineez follows Mamoon quickly across the deck as well and then into the Officer's quarters. Upon entering, Gaddineez looks around and nods a bit. "A bit different than down below" *Firan*
"Free whiskey and wine as well," the old man murmurs. "And enough fine foods to feed the three men that live here - not enough to go around for everyone, even if they are feeling charitable. But this kind of luxury leads itself to incharitable behaviour - and resentment from those that lack it. Careful, captains. Tread lightly." He moves over toward one of the plushest of couches and slams his body into it, sighing with a relaxation that seems almost unseemly.
"When I was a child, I was friend to wasp and worm. Whatever crawling thing may be down there, I do not fear." With that bold pronouncement, Aeryk is listening, and expecting the decor. And then expecting the slouch of the captain. "I think - this grows increasingly interesting."
Mamoon jerks a thumb. "One more." *Firan*
Davonos looks a little blankly to the wine and whiskey, with one hand lifted to rub over his mouth when his eyes finally travel over the rest of the room in its entirety. He stays quiet.
The Liberator Trireme - Captain's Quarters
Sparse yet elegant describes these quarters - with a smooth wooden
floor, matching wooden bed which is nailed down to keep it from moving
about, a wardrobe, and a table and scroll rack. Maps of every
description, some looking exceptionally old, stick out of the rack,
and an ink pot with quills is adhered to the table with nails as well,
built in as it were. The walls are draped in tapestries from all
corners of Aerval - exotic locales and familiar alike. Daylight pours
in through the open portholes, which can be closed with shutters in
case of storms.
Contents:
Mamoon
Obvious exits:
Out <O>
Oh gee. The maps draw Aeryk's attention even more than the dog - and that takes work. He's almost immediately skirting by the wall. Huh.
Srenni's eyes? Move straight to the maps. And -- well, she was going that way too. She has to get out of the way of the door after all! "Interesting." *Firan*
Gaddineez follows Mamoon then into the Captain's Quarters, looking around in curiosity. Gaddineez removes his bronze helmet then and tucks it under his left arm. "Not too bad..." He arches a brow then. "So where are you going to be on the ship?" He asks mamoon *Firan*
Kai goes from tapestry to tapestry looking at the stories they depict.
Mamoon says "This is my home. But if you're the captain, well... You stay here. I won't be around, except to issue your challenges. So what your captain says goes. And you'll all have to live togther on this ship, so get used to each other's faces. And expect to stink a lot more in a few days. No baths aboard this thing." He cackles." *Firan*
Davonos is caught by the tapestries, brown eyes flickering to take in what detail they can while they can. That said, he remains near the door and observes from afar, glancing only fleetingly to the maps that draw in Srenni and Aeryk.
Niobe is already prepared for the stinking! Maybe she took advanced pirate courses before she came. Oddly enough it's the maps here that intrigue the Istems woman the most and she glances at them for a moment before nodding to herself.
Aeryk is wearing a fixedly fascinated expression now, as his attention crawls over the near-map as if in an attempt to memorize it. "I am not concerned about baths," is distant, distracted. *Firan*
Gemma comes in after looking at the rest of the ship. The Ticanee woman continues to slug her whiskey flask, teal eyes taking in the others.
Gaddineez usually always smells oddly, that of a forge, so it probably will not bother the Bonduin too terribly much to stink more so. "How long have you had this ship?" *Firan*
Srenni's eyes roll slightly at the added cackle. What does she look like? A floof? She may be a noblewoman but, "So it will be like any war season, only you cannot earn baths with bravery." *Firan*
"I've had my ship for well upon forty years, though she's gone through many a name and many a plank o' wood since then." Mamoon grins over at Gaddineez and adds, "I have other ships, but the Liberator's my pride and joy." He waits a moment before offering to the group in general, "I have nothin' else for ya. We can go relax in the officer's lounge, or you can explore Lurashar - do what you want. Tomorrow, you'll pick your captain. So start evaluating your candidates now, since you know they'll have your ass if you aren't careful." He snickers to himself and gestures. "Go on then."
Gemma shrugs her shoulders, bonding with Srenni, "I can always throw someone out if they /really/ want a bath." she offers, quite helpfully. *Firan*
"I can live with stinking," says Davonos to Gemma, brows lifted while he raises his arms to fold them across his chest.
Aeryk is still map-watching, but he departs without further word after another moment.
No baths? Zutani wrinkles her nose faintly before shrugging. "There's always the snow to clean with," she notes before heading out.
Kai Grins widely and wanders off. He's not overly fond of baths himself.
"I have seen more than enough snow lately without rubbing it under my skirt," Davonos mutters to no one in particular, and then he heads out as well.
Srenni glances at Gemma, then nods slightly. "I trust you could." And -- she strides out too, since everyone is leaving! *Firan*
The Liberator Trireme - Officer's Quarters
These quarters are elegantly appointed. The usual benches have been
replaced by soft couches, with little tables that hold wine and
whiskey bottles. The wooden floor here is sanded smooth and then
covered in places with small braided rugs, and along one wall, bunks
with comfortable pillows and blankets are situated, separated from the
living portion of the room with a curtain. Small circular portholes,
without glass but with shutters for bad weather, allow for the
daylight to illuminate the room, brightening each nook and cranny.
Contents:
Davonos
Zutani
Aeryk
Gaddineez
20 lobster bisque
100 wolfsbend whiskey
100 raspberry wine
Obvious exits:
Captain's Quarters <CQ> Out <O>
Returned to the officer's quarters, Mamoon picks a couch and a giant jug of whiskey, and he makes himself comfortable.
Gaddineez grabs a bottle of whiskey and moves to take a seat on one of the chairs, his black eyes moving to Mamoon as he does so. The bonduin stretches his powerful legs out before himself, but doesnt initiate conversation
"So what's there to do in the city?" Gemma asks, walking around the officer's quarters and peering here and there.
Kai helps himself to some of the wine and wanders around examining everything.
Aeryk does not immediately touch whiskey or wine, nor does he look likely to sit down, even on the floor. Hmmn.
Daemio steps into the cabin and looks around a bit belatedly. "Ahoy mates!" *Firan*
"There's whores," Mamoon replies blandly. That's all he seems inclined to offer. He takes a long swig on his jug of whiskey before languidly turning his brown eye upon Gaddineez, the blue one still on Gemma. Which one is he talking to? "What makes you a good candidate for captain then? You got the stuff for it?"
Gaddineez drinks some of his whiskey and then tucks the bottle between his legs as he sits there. "I was a captain under General Vasyklo when he had command of the second division, my leadership skills are very strong, and im not afraid to throw the punches when it needs to be done, I have made full grown men cry and do what I want when things need to get done" *Firan*
Davonos takes up a post near one of the portholes almost as if he thinks he might be able to crawl out of it and escape if the room suddenly fills from floor to ceiling with a wriggling mass of whores and whiskey. He does not sit. Nor does he imbibe. Instead, he tries to look at Gaddineez and Gemma at once and fails, lacking Mamoon's special advantage.
Gemma rolls her eyes at Gaddineez. She's not sure exactly who Mamoon is talking to, but she answers. "Because, people follow me. I'm a natural leader, I don't take shite, and I run everything like the military." she answers, "If you are good and follow orders you get rewards. If --- are not -- you receive punishment. This is why I made -- through war. You ---- to know how to follow and lead at the same time -- taking everyone's opinions into account." *Firan*
"Whores." The rather non-existent enthusiasm in Aeryk's voice dampens down another notch as he paces tight in his corner. He is not yet offering his awesome reasons for being captain.
Kai says "Horses? Maybe I can get a ride." *Firan*
Zutani picks up a glass of whiskey and steps to the side to sip it. Hearing her grandfather's name, she looks to Gaddineez with interest, her brows raising at his last words. Her gaze moves on to Gemma when she speaks.
Gaddineez grunts at Gemma. "People only follow you to get a look at your chest, you have no natural leadership ability" *Firan*
"Wanna bet you stupid arse? I can kick your arse. You've just got too much of a mouth and an attitude," Gemma says, teal eyes flashing angrily.
Daemio eyes Gemma and shakes his head, "This isn't the military, it's a fecking pirate ship." *Firan*
Kai says "Pirates fight other boats... military fights. Sounds about the same to me." *Firan*
"It is more or less the same, isn't it?" Zutani speaks up then, nodding to Kai. "Even pirates have to follow orders."
Niobe finds herself a couch to flop on, yes flop. "Hey Peg, toss me a bottle a' whiskey." is called out towards Kai. It seems she's settling in to watch the fighting go on already. *Firan*
"I think certain elements of leadership still apply," Aeryk states as he decides to examine part of the wall. "You are still striving for the respect of your crew. They must respect your decisions, after all."
Kai grabs a bottle of wine and carts it over to Niobe. "Here ya go." *Firan*
Srenni presses her lips together, eyes glancing over the quarters. She doesn't move to sit on a couch or bunk quite yet. She decides against hopping into the conversation. Getting between a Ticanee and a Bonduin? Well, she doesn't have reason to play peacekeeper yet. "Fighting on a field and across ships are very different things, however. It is not the same." Fields are... larger. And you won't drown if you fall over. *Firan*
Gaddineez laughs as Gemma says this. "You got lucky beating me in that brawl, only time I ever see you fight you ---- a prince backing your play so that when you get in trouble you have someone to save your arse, dont speak to me of combat, I /am/ the master of combat... I am the master of the spear and the sword, and at 42 years old I am aging like fine wine, you have hit your peek and will just dwindle down from there" The bonduin finishes then and takes another sip of whiskey *Firan*
Daemio steps towards Gemma and motions with a hand, "Is this who you want telling you what to do Aeryk the Grey? A savage girl who thinks she should be but really doesn't have any great qualifications that most of the rest of us already have. How ---- plots of land have you one Gemma? I admit you have the might. That doesn't make you a leader. I'd like to be captain and I'll tell you all why I'm the best choice." *Firan*
Niobe nods her thanks to Kai, settling back on the couch comfortably. Taking a liberal swig she makes a lip smacking noise with her mouth. "Some good shite." this comment tossed towards Mamoon. *Firan*
As much time as Davonos spends pretending to be a statue, it's a good thing he's pretty. He moves only to turn his head after the various exchanges cast back and forth across the room, with particular attention paid to Angry Gemma. Definitely the portion of her that exists above the neck sort of area. And then Gaddineez, who is less difficult to stare at thanks to his lack of cleavage.
Razaq walks in after inspecting the lower parts of the ship.
"Ah? Are you asking my opinion?" Aeryk's eye moves, rolls just so, from wall to Daemio. "I have voiced nothing. And if I voice for one, I will voice for all. For now, I hold my peace as far as voting."
Gemma looks at Daemio and laughs, "You're but a child little one. I'm sure you have no qualifications -- do crap. I've seen three war seasons, led missions, and made it back alive. What do you have to say for yourself? Nothing except suckling your mommy's teat." *Firan*
Zutani looks about for a place to sit and sits down next to Niobe, only because her couch is the closest. Her eyes move from one person to another.
Mamoon sprawls across one of the farest couches, lying languidly and sipping at his jug of whiskey, watching with intent gaze as the argument rages on. The pirate says nothing.
Gaddineez looks to Daemio and just grunts at the young noble griffon boy. Gaddineez just has to hear what the kid has to say to his qualifications
Kai trots over Mamoon way and checks out some of the decorations over there.
Niobe glances over at Zutani and offers a toast to her with the bottle of wine. There's even that grin of hers tossed in for good measure, when Kai finally trots off Niobe takes another swig. Clearly she's enjoying the show.
Kai nods.
Daemio looks blandly at Gemma, "What does that mean... you ----- all of three months in Ellish. I lived ----- and survived a great deal more then that Gemma. This is your great leadership insults? Oh you'll have a mutany on your hands in a matter of seconds." He rolls his eyes and takes a drink from his own flask. "I should be captain because I do know how to lead. I was raised for it. I've done it. Not just in the confines of the military but in society at large but more over, I should be captain because I know hard work, and - won't haul ------ up in this cabin when it needs to be done. I am not a noble for this trip. I'm a pirate too. I will lead beside you not above you and if we all work our arses off together, I will do my damnest to make sure we all come home with rewards and stories a plenty. I should lead you because I know a thing or two about -------- in kind and unkind conditions and I will make sure we do indeed survive. And I should lead you because while many of you hover at the edge of the room and watch until called on I speak up, I act, I do not shy away from action and that is the most important quality a captain can have." He shrugs. *Firan*
Razaq is silently standing, leaning up against the doorway and listening.
Gemma just laughs at Daemio, "You are /13/. No matter how ----- you've been you are not in a position to lead." she says, quick and sweet. *Firan*
The corners of Srenni's mouth tug down briefly at something said, but she shakes her head and makes her way over towards Niobe and Zutani. "Hello, Throat-Slasher. Ah. Mes." What's her name again? Oh well. She addresses the former: "I feel this will be rather different than the last mission we were on. No tall grass to hide in and a supply of maps already made."
Kai entertains Mamoon with a mimiced argument between his Zin doll and Parrot doll.
Zutani lifts her glass to Niobe with a little smile. She too is enjoying this. When Daemio speaks, she turns back to the heated argument or debate. When Srenni comes over, she also gives her a smile even if it's a slightly distracted one at best.
The brown eye lingers on the puppet show before him, but Mamoon's ethereal blue eye shifts back and forth amongst the conversants - clearly he is still paying them a great deal of attention.
Gaddineez crosses his arms over his chest. "Gemma, I am surprised anyone would follow --- into war, I dont believe I have ever seen leadership qualities from you, yes the boy is 13, but what the feck? He's here... that says something for him, and he is even speaking up when the others are not as to why he should be a captain" *Firan*
Daemio glances at Gemma side ways, "Elianos was 13 when he lead his first army. Prince Elik 12 when he lead his. While you were playing with dolls, I was surviving under the lash of the Enemies we go off to fight every year. So I bid you not be so niave as to believe the experience one gains from life can be measured by something as arbitrary as time." *Firan*
"Gaddineez, let us not mince words. You've always disliked me because I am stronger than you. It shows poor character," And Gemma goes quiet to drink her whiskey. Aeryk smiles very, very slightly, his lips pulling tight as he looks at Daemio. "I think we should not confuse readiness of speech with readiness of action, good Pirate Daemio. But I am not interested in competing with you. I may serve as captain later. But not right away." *Firan*
Niobe chuckles at Srenni's words. "Yeah but we's got a brat fer tha yellin no doubt about that." she offers a nod towards Zutani as well. "Figure we'll make it outta this one jus' as damn'd lucky huh?" the actual words sent in the noblewoman's direction. *Firan*
Razaq says, "Shut the feck up, all of you. Arguing and bickering like children, the lot of you. Shut the feck up. Daemio. He is captain, as I vote for him, and that's two against what you all have. You're all fecked for leadership as a pirate, you've no organisation skills, no merchant skills, few of you have some skills as fighters but that's about it. Feck off, Daemio is captain, and if you don't agree, stand up and we'll talk." *Firan*
"There is a difference between being able to boast of your own greatness at length, and being great," Davonos agrees with Aeryk, voice low, brow furrowed, and shoulders set.
Kai grins. The comparison to arguing like children is amusing. "Actally I've never seen kids argue like that. We usually duel it out with fists. 'Dults like to argue." *Firan*
Gaddineez shakes his head at Gemma. "I have always disliked you because your the epitome of what I dont want to see in teh Firan military, you have combat skill and strength, but thats it, I see very ------ else" Gaddineez then points a finger to Razaq. "You talk pretty big for a shop owner, old man" *Firan*
Razaq says in a chastising way to Kai, "Shut the feck up kid. You talk too much." *Firan*
Kai says "See?" *Firan*
Zutani glances to Razaq with arched brows. "That was a quick vote," she murmurs to Niobe and Srenni. She doesn't seem like she's about to speak up about her captain qualities. More content to just listen to them argue. *Firan*
Niobe says "We ain't votin t'day." from her seat. The bottle of whiskey held loosely in her fingers. "So I figure ain't no reason ta worry about who votin fer who. Ain't all of us 'ere now is there?" *Firan*
And in half a blink, the old man called Mamoon seems to have fallen asleep. He's... Snoring. Not particularly loudly, but noticeably all the same. His whiskey is clutched protectively, tight against his chest.
"I'm not saying I should be Captain. I'm saying that those that boast," and Gemma flickers a finger towards Dae and Gadd, "should not be in power."
"May the flame of fortune shine upon us once again," Srenni agrees with Niobe's question of their luck, though she casts her cold eyes towards the bickering. For a moment, then they return. "Mm. I know of at least one that has yet to join us, yes."
Gaddineez stands from his seat then and gives a grunt. "Could have fooled --- Gemma, I believe you were boasting just moments ago, but your a stupid half-breed that doesnt know the difference anyway" Gaddineez moves to the door then, moving in silence to step out on the deck *Firan*
Daemio laughs at Gemma, "Ah the back peddling begins. What was that 'I should be captain because I've lead in the military' talk then." He shakes his eyes. "I know a lot of people think I'm a royal pain in the arse Gemma, but I'm honest about what I am and what I think and what needs to be done. Throw your cards down or leave the table that's what I say but until then perhaps we should all drink some more and relax." *Firan*
"We choose the captain tomorrow. This voting is premature, prodigy as Pirate Daemio may be." Aeryk, at that, turns from the wall and long strides in another direction, toward the opposite wall.
Kai trots out. This is no fun.
Gaddineez whispers "You will be captain, I will see to it" *Firan*
Kai returns rather quickly. The deck is even more boring.
Srenni's head tilts slightly at something, and she presses her lips together thoughtfully.
Daemio nods and sits down at the table, "Well then. I hope some one brought some damned cards to pass the time or we're going to be doing a lot of sitting and staring at walls." *Firan*
You whisper "We shall see. I am not adverse to waiting." to Gaddineez. *Firan*
Gemma laughs simply at Gaddineez, "--- did not even ---- me till recently, old man." *Firan*
"I believe we have been given a certain injunction to get to know each other." Aeryk stops his pacing and settles by the near wall. "I never found cards of much use for that."
Niobe says "Supplies in Lurashar if anyone wants ta be pickin shite up I'd assume." she shifts on the couch before pushing to her feet. "In fact I think I might take me a look around this Eagle town." *Firan*
Gaddineez shrugs as Gemma says this. "I still do not know you, but I have seen you fight and compete enough to be annoyed at how you go about winning" Gaddineez then leaves *Firan*
Razaq listens to Niobe and says, "Join me at the Nest?" *Firan*
Davonos goes the extra mile and frowns at the wall nearest him in addition to staring at it.
Gemma laughs as Gaddineez leaves, "All he does is run is mouth. He can't even fight." She drinks another whiskey. *Firan*
Oh look, Srenni is still standing before Niobe and Zutani. "Your name again?" she requests of the Chimeran.
Niobe sends a glance in Razaq's direction. "We'll see. Might check out a bit of the city afore I head in any one direction. Ain't often I go visitin." *Firan*
Daemio glances over to Davonos, studying the wall staring man curiously, "I don't believe I know you Mate. Come sit... I know you're not suposed to drink but that doesn't mean you cannot enjoy some company. I have some preserved meat if the lobster doesn't suit the code. I admit I have no clue what goes into such things." *Firan*
Gemma decides to depart for a while too. Mostly, so the player can idle and not FAIL.
"Zutani," the Chimeran replies to Srenni, her attention having strayed back now that the argument has died down. She leans forward to pick up another glass of whiskey.
Post settling, Aeryk's eyes veer toward Srenni and Zutani. "I know little of either of you, I am reminded, save that I know of Lady Srenni's mother."
Davonos swings his attention 'round from the wall to eye Daemio. After a few seconds' inspection, he takes a few slow steps away from the wall in the younger man's direction, shaking his head as he goes. "I'm Davonos. Or...Dull Hatchet Davy. If we are supposed to be using...pirate names." He does not sound excessively thrilled about the idea. *Firan*
"Srenni." A pause. "Or. Ren." Another pause. "Or something. I hadn't entirely thought out the pirate name yet. While 'Short-Drop Srenni' could work rather well, I fear we will only be sending traitors home rather than hanging them." And she stares at Zutani unblinkingly for a bit, no hint of a smile or joke in her eyes. "A pleasure." Oh, but there. Aeryk. She looks up, then nods, "And I know of your own family and that you are a pilot of some esteem."
"There is little to know about me," Zutani replies to Aeryk with a faint smile. After a moment, she adds reluctantly, "I never mentioned this while we were walking as I never thought it is of importance." Not important to her mind to share perhaps. "I'm the daughter of Sir Alessandro Keniwik and granddaugther to Sir Vasyklo Garkansen." She smiles to Srenni, "A pleasure as well." A nod is also given to her words about Aeryk. It is hard not to have heard of the IstaNydiams.
Daemio motions to the seat across the table. "Sit then Dull Hatchet Davy. I supose I'm Daemio the Dark. You're a military man I wager, most of the Hydras I know are or aim to be. No need to stare at the wall, we're going to be together for a considerable ammount of time. Sit, please." *Firan*
"Are you? I have served with and under Sir Alessandro. He is a formidable pilot and man." Aeryk inclines a nod toward Zutani before inclining another one toward Srenni. "Yes, as I know you are quite the fighter on the field. But I ask something else of both of you. I ask stories." At Daemio's choice of title, the far side of Aeryk's right eye twitches, but that is all.
Davonos drops obediently into the seat across from Daemio, though he's stiff about the movement, and glances over his shoulder at the door before he settles into some semblance of a comfortable position. "I am a pilot, and served with the Republic at Ellish. Currently I am only enlisted with the Hydrans." *Firan*
"Stories," Srenni echoes, perhaps a bit dryly. She admits, "I fear I am a much better fighter than teller of stories, but I may be able to come up with something." And she looks to Zutani in that 'you first' sort of way.
The corners of Zutani's lips lift in a wry smile at the compliment to her father. "So I have heard. I, sadly, never had the chance to see him in action," she says before asking, "Stories of our lives or stories in general?" She seems a tad reluctant to go first.
Daemio nods faintly, "Well thank you for fighting at the front regardless. I thought about piloting but I'm too fond of my sword to give it up for a spear or bow it seems." *Firan*
"As you choose. I am a follower of Uf, if I am not any great voice for stories either. I lack the capacity to embellish in those quiet, but necessary ways to make the telling interesting and the tale epic." Aeryk clears his throat mildly. "So I gather stories more than tell them. But perhaps we may exchange."
"It was my duty," says Davonos without much emotion. His brows twitch into the beginnings of a knit, and that's about all. "I would like to learn some form of closer combat, eventually. Shortly after I crashed, I was stabbed in the neck. If I did not have a melee fighter to fall in to defend me, I likely would have died." And that's always unfortunate. "What do you do, m'lord?" Mamoon is asleep, and Davonos doesn't even seem to notice that he's tacked the title in there.
"I...suppose I could tell about my stay in Ellish, though it was not... flattering." A pause. Srenni shakes her head at some memory then mentions, "Or stealing S. S. Fudathim, though Lord Rikon was there for part of it so you may have heard it already."
Zutani nods to Aeryk. "Then we share something in common. I too tend to collect stories instead of telling them. The pleasure of listening, I find, outweighs that of telling." She looks to Srenni with interest. "No, no, do tell about Ellish please. No matter what a story is a story." *Firan*
"A story is different in a different voice. But I am also interested in Ellish, should you wish to tell it," Aeryk offers more than anything. "I saw it only vaguely. From the air. I never precisely entered the walls."
Daemio glances around the cabin thoughtully before he has another drink. "I'm a Centurion -- the Guard and in the Griffon Clan Mililitary. And I study a great deal on many subjects when I have the time outside of my familial and military obligations. I actually spent a great deal of time learning about your Warrior Code from Lord Osirus, he was a child hood friend of mine. *Firan*
"Yes," says Davonos, "There is the Code. Of course, I do not have any sons, so." Davonos lifts his brows, resigned to his perpetual standing as a cadet. "I served in the Hydra guard before I became a pilot, and still do, in addition to my other duties. It is good work."
Srenni presses her lips together briefly, and takes the seat beside Zutani that Niobe vacated previously. Her posture is still rigid, even sitting. "Ah. Well. It was after we won Fort Zayes, but before the march upon Ellish itself. I was not supposed to go on the mission, but someone who was to go could not be found or was needed elsewhere, so I agreed to." She shakes her head briefly and sighs, "I have never missed my armor and weapons so much as that mission. You see, we couldn't wear them; only plain, somewhat shabby clothes. We were - ah - posing as newly caught slaves." *Firan*
Daemio nods faintly, "I supose that is a requirement. What do the scholars say again? A man with out sons is a man with our a future. Though in my clan we think our daughters can carry us forwards as well." *Firan*
"Interesting." And Aeryk's voicing of this sounds quite sincere. "That must have been quite the feat - not to fight, but to act as one much unlike yourself."
Zutani listens raptly and smiles at the part about missing armory. She nods to Srenni, silently prompting her to continue.
"My wife died before we could have any children," says the futureless Davonos with a careful sort of blandness and lack of expression.
Daemio frowns a fraction, "I'm sorry to hear that Mer Davonos. My condolences." *Firan*
"You have no idea," Srenni replies dryly to Aeryk. "I was the only woman on the mission, so I am sure it can be imagined the comments I received." Lewd ones, no doubt. "I am a strong woman, after all, and apparently the sort one hopes for on the block." Her eyes unfocus somewhat, so she is not looking at her too companions as she recites this. Obviously, not a piece she is proud of. "We very nearly got caught for the spies we were; a week previously, one of the men in the papers had passed on, but Lord Adan was believed and instructed to have his master get the papers to come and go through the city redone soon."
"Papers?" Zutani questions softly. "What sort of papers?"
"You were nearly caught because the papers were incorrect?" Aeryk sort of restates, but adds, "The men in the papers were Firans or Shamibelians?"
"It was a while back, my lord. But I do appreciate the thought." Davonos sits back a little as he speaks, expression no different now than it was at the start of the conversation.
Daemio leaves that subject there. "I don't know your family Mer, though I don't imagine that's a great suprise, I don't know the families of your clan very ---- after all." *Firan*
Srenni lowers her eyes in thought briefly before stating, "I do not know what they said, as I cannot read the language of the Shamibelians. However, it was a Shamibelian name that had been mentioned. Slain by the Firan forces. It was not Lord Adan's supposed master himself, but another." She tilts her head slightly to slant her gaze towards Zutani. "Papers to enter and exit the city. To walk freely. To lead other slaves around. To carry a weapon. My assumption is only those trusted by their masters receive them, but it was important they were believed. If it was known we should not have them, we would not have gotten any further -- and, unarmed as we were, with little hope. Fists can only do so much against iron." *Firan*
"Indeed," Aeryk says, his attention growing a bit rapt. "When you entered the city, I expect it was crowded with Shamibelians who may have looked askance at you?"
"Anizut," Davonos supplies evenly enough, though he has to squint a little at one or two words in there before recognition sets in. "We have not done much of significance, beyond serve."
Daemio's head cants to the side a fraction as if something in Davonos' words has caught his attention. "You're not fond of your family mer?" *Firan*
Zutani hmms softly and nods. "Interesting. I would also imagine there is much acting that is required. Slaves...probably have a much more.." She pauses, looking for the right word. "...submissive manner to them." *Firan*
"Hm?" His eyes having wandered back to that wall again, Davonos raises a brow at Daemio, then lowers it. "What? No. I mean -- yes. I am. But I do not harbor any grandoise illusions about our status. We are what we are."
Daemio nods faintly, "It's just an odd way of describing one's house. Do you plan to change it? The lack of accomplishments then?" *Firan*
Srenni does hold herself rigidly and proudly, doesn't she? "To an extent. Some pride and rebellion was not unexpected, however; we /were/ recently captured Firans who had made it further than we had in years. We played the part well enough that no Shamibelians decided to help our 'overseer' of sorts." And, sure enough, her posture straightens slightly. "While we did attract some attention, I believe it was just as much to see the new slaves as suspicion. We were not lost. None stopped us upon the streets once we entered. There were... less slaves than I expected. More shamibelians, likely in preparation for the attack. There were some who were packing to leave, too -- but we did not get to see a great amount of the city. Lord Adan lead us to the slave temple." *Firan*
"And how many slaves were there? I recall that they were being evacuated at one point, so we should not have them, perhaps. I would expect there would, in the end, be few." Aeryk is leaning juuust forward, now.
"If I can. I am no coward, anyway, and I participate in whatever contests within the city I am equipped to perform in." Davonos is definitely leaning away from Daemio now, wary in the tilt of his brows and the unblinking nature of his stare.
"There's even a temple just for the slaves? How unusual." Zutani nods to Aeryk's question. She's also heard the city was evacuated.
Daemio pushes the cap down on his flask and nods approavingly . "Thats all most of us can hope for." His dark eyes slide to the others finally becoming aware of thier conversation it would seem. *Firan*
"Too many to count?" Srenni shakes her head again. The griffon noblewoman shifts in her seat then reaches to snag a whiskey. She states blandly, "Truthfully, I cannot say. This was before the republic reached the gate, afterall. There was a... collection of Ticanee slaves." She lets that hang for a moment, for those who were at the battle know exactly what they were for. "But... yes. There is a slave temple. I did not see any shamibelians within it. It was not so grand as the temples we have in Anarinuell and... very bloody."
"They - made sacrifices in the slave temple? I was under the apparently mistaken impression that it was for slaves to, ah, worship in. Of course, they may have been making an exception to - power that atrocity." Aeryk's eyes half-lid.
Davonos nods in silent agreement with Daemio, and turns his head to follow the griffon's attention back to Srenni's tale.
Srenni gives a brief shake of her head again, then tugs off her leather helmet. Her hair has been shorn short and she makes no move to retrieve hairpins. "I did not see sacrifices in the slave temple. Yes. For worship. However, worship for them is -- bloody. There was blood letting and -- leeches." Yes. Leeches. *Firan*
Zutani frowns. "In a place of worship. Though I do not suppose they are allowed to worship the gods so much as..." She will not call him by name. "Were it not Ticanee slaves who were sacrificed at the totem?" She wasn't there so she's not all that clear about it. When Srenni explains a bit more, she shudders. *Firan*
"Leeches. You mean they - cut themselves? Even as they perhaps waited to be sacrificed?" Aeryk tightens his face.
"They were, though I am under the impression that the sacrifices of Ticanee were done outside, over their totem?" Srenni purses her lips, glancing towards Aeryk. For confirmation of her memory? Perhaps. "I -- believe it /is/ how they worship. Though, the one we spoke to who had a leech told us it was punishment for not worshipping enough, I am still unsure if I should believe her."
"Oh, I am - certain they were done outside. I saw them." Aeryk's face tightens further. "From the air. But I suppose that I would not be worshipping a god so fervantly that was about to destroy me as - fuel. Punishment makes more sense to me."
Zutani shakes her head sadly. "If they grew up in that environment and the only god afforded to them is one who seeks them as sacrifices, they will know no better. A true shame," she says. *Firan*
Srenni reminds Aeryk, "Some of them know no other way, as they have been slaves for most or all of their lives." Not that she approves either, by the vaguely dark look upon her face. "But, yes. Lord Adan unchained us from each other once we were within the slave temple, such that we might listen around, or speak to slaves. We spoke with a pair of Firans - who essentially told me how to look as if I am praying even if I am not, so that I do not get in trouble - and the Ticanee woman with the leech." A frown tugs at her lips. "/I/ thought we rushed ourselves, trusting too easily, as they told how the Firans were planning to attack and our own goals. In the end, I suppose it worked well, however. The pair said they would take us to the 'Protector' of the rebellion who could protect us until we were ready to make our move; the Ticanee said she would gather people as she could." *Firan*
"I suppose I cannot imagine such a thing. Or, at least, that knowing no other way would be nothing but a miserable and hopeless existence." Still, Aeryk's expression further quiets as he says even this, as if considering something unshared. "It could have easily been a trap. You were fortunate."
"Did you happen to meet this Protector then?" Zutani enquires.
Daemio starts to drift off a bit into his thoughts and then he blinks and sort of yanks back.
Srenni points right at Aeryk. "And that, Stormborn, is /exactly/ what I thought for days. Perhaps even a week." The soldier downs some whiskey before going on. "You see, the Ticanee left before us. We got back into our bonds -" and sure enough, she rubs her wrist briefly - "and followed the pair out of the slave temple. Through the city, without a question. We were led straight to some shamibelian priests. The pair disappeared. The Ticanee was with the priests -- hanging off one, who spoke on how loyal a pet she was and how good of her to do such it was." She shakes her head once again. "And how were we to fight back? We had neither armor nor weapons. We were in the middle of the city, so no matter where we went we would run into more shamibelians. When I said that the cells of Ellish may be better than below deck, I was not entirely joking. I was locked in one." *Firan*
"So it was a trap?" Aeryk ventures, his brows coming together tight as he side-glances toward Daemio. "And does this compare to your experience?"
Daemio frowns a little "I don't think anyone on the ------- can --------- understand any of it in all honesty. It -- an entirely differant world. Though I'm suprised he favored the savage girl. That's uncommon." *Firan*
Zutani now silently listens to the tale, her gaze slowly moving to Daemio. "Why is it uncommon?" she asks. *Firan*
Daemio frowns and opens his flask again, "Usually they're hardest on the Ticanee. I don't know why. The nobles and the Ticanee... Its part of how it works. It's clever in an evil way. Putting some one even lower then the average slave. If you're bad you'll be treated like them, if you're good you'll at least have them under you." He shrugs his narrow shoulders. "Ellish isn't as bad as Shamibel but it's not any fun either." *Firan*
"So they degrate the most fiercly those that they feel will retain the most pride. Or try to. And they do seem to have a special hatred for the Ticanee," Aeryk states in a low conclusive way.
Zutani's lips thin into a flat line. "My mother is probably in Shamibel," she quietly says. "Is it truly that bad there?" *Firan*
Daemio frowns a little, "They do. But as I said... it serves a purpose besides excersizing thier own hatred. It's... part of how they break people by making them think as hellish as their lives are it could be that much worse if they don't cooperate. That makes their current existance seem bareable and even good. It leans to complacency and then cooperation even. They very clever. Anyone who assumes they are simply 'goats' has not ever met Hralib." He looks to Zutani, his gaze heavy with sympathy. "My mother was in Ellish. I do not know if she's still there or was taken on to Shamibel... It is diffecult the not knowing." *Firan*
"It depends on how you define trap," Srenni replies flatly. Judging from her tone? She may very well think it was, in a way. "We remained within that cell for days. Possibly more than a week. Oh, we got some water and -- strange food. We were hesitant to have it at all, of course." Mm. Death by poison, anyone? "The slaves who brought it seemed loyal, when we spoke with them." And she stops, pressing her lips together. Her eyes briefly flick over to Daemio before she goes on, "And oh, did we hear the humming. The guards and the humming were the sounds we heard for the most of it. I regret not being there for the initial assault upon Ellish, but partway through the battle there was a scuffle down the hall. The Ticanee, with keys. She led us out, to a warehouse -- they had armor and weapons for us. Just bronze, though. A small force of rebels, really. We lead them to join the battle, some time before Lord Nydiam..." She trails off, eyes shifting to Aeryk, and then she breaks off to say, "I like to believe that the reinforcements, small as they were, helped."
"I have no doubt the enemy is clever, especially in matters of subduing slaves." Aeryk's tone dips dark before he turns back to Srenni, his expression again indrawn, as if he is mulling over somethind difficult again. "They helped. If nothing else, they raised the spirits of the dispirited. So many fell. So many dead. Any sign that the slaves - appreciated what we were doing helped."
"Hralib," Zutani murmurs, her golden eyes hardening. To Daemio, she says, "One day. One day we will get all our loved ones back. We have to keep our faith." She turns back to Srenni and her tale. "Humming? The guards were humming?" Pausing to listen to Aeryk, she nods. "There must be those within them who remember what it is to be free. Even the slightest of hope can draw them out."
"Ah...no." Srenni presses her lips together. How to explain. "The -- Tower. The tower that struck our men with lightning. It hummed."
"Yes. It was a - hum of energy. A waiting energy. It hummed and then it struck," Aeryk states with odd tonelessness.
"I was not a fan of the tower," Davonos contributes blandly from his cross-armed and cross-legged position in his chair. He is still listening after all.
Zutani looks from Srenni to Aeryk. Pondering over that for a minute, she then nods once. "I see. And this...energy was fueled by the sacrifices?" She glances to Davonos and nods again. "I wouldn't imagine anyone but the Shamibelians were fans of it." *Firan*
Srenni's back stiffens and she nods as she states, "Luckily, they were too busy with the Firans to bother with us while we were in the cell. I was neither branded a slave nor auctioned on the block. Despite being a woman, I was not harassed at all. And we were not sacrificed ourselves, as they suggested they would do to us, though the last may be because we escaped early enough." *Firan*
"I will just say. I saw two kinds of god-driven power on that field." Aeryk states this with the same low muse. "Both required sacrifice. Save that one asked the sacrifice of innocents, many, many innocents, and the other asked the sacrifice of self."
Zutani nods to Srenni and murmurs, "Thank the gods." Her gaze slides back to Aeryk and she considers his words. "The difference between what is evil and what is good." *Firan*
Daemio takes a long drink as he lapses back into silence and looks over those gathered around the room. "So this pirate thing." *Firan*
"Yes. Evil and good. Coercion and leadership by inspiration. Under a good leader, men may sacrifice themselves for the war, for the gods. Under a bad, they will have no choice." Aeryk, at this, finally fills a glass of whiskey and glances at Daemio. "Ah?"
Daemio shrugs, "This pirate thing... we can all work together and win this thing if we get on the same page." *Firan*
Kai trots in wearing a wide grin. His clothes are socked in suds in various places. He smells vaguely 'doggy'. He wanders over to Zutani and chirps "Hullo!" *Firan*
"The dictates of the contest is that there will be one winner and one Supreme Pirate. Therefore, unless the winner graciously shares their winnings, there is not precisely a way for everyone to win." Aeryk verily refills the whiskey.
Srenni glances off silently, apparently not so quick at changing the subject as Daemio or Aeryk.
Zutani has fallen silent at this point but when Kai comes up to her, she smiles to him. "Why, hello," she greets him. A quick sniff though causes her to ask, "Playing with the dog, have you?" *Firan*
Daemio shrugs faintly, "That's not out of the question Aeryk. We're pirates now. Time to think around the rules isn't it?" *Firan*
Kai grins toward Zutani "Yeah. I made friends with him and gave him a bath. He growled a lot about it but now he looks much cooler. He had ocean crap all in his fur. Salt and stuff." *Firan*
"It would be a mark of a good captain to be generous. And the mark of a good winner." Aeryk refills the glass, but lets it stand silent. "But I am not interested in working around the rules." His voice is still subdued.
Daemio nods to Aeryk, "Aye it would. Like I said. If you all make me captain, I'll do my best to make sure we all win as best we can inside the game." *Firan*
"Daemio." Aeryk glances down into his whiskey. "I do not care about the booty and I do not care about winning. I will win or I will not and although I will do my utmost, I will not grieve to go home. And I will not vote for you."
Zutani glances to Daemio and Aeryk, indicating she's listening. But it's to Kai she answers, "Just be careful now. That dog looks like it'll bite even when it's happy. So? How do you like this little adventure so far? Fun?" *Firan*
Kai shakes his head "A lot of people are mad at me. Cap'n Mamoon is cool though. This ship is -awesome-. I've been runnin all over checkin everything out. Maybe one day I'll own a boat. I wonder if I can fish over the side." He cocks his head to the side "If I could I could make a bone fire and cook em right up." *Firan*
Zutani chuckles, "I'm sure they're mad at you because they're concerned." She looks towards the door thoughtfully, "You might be able fish over the side. Just...try not to build a fire -on- the deck, alright?" No need to set the whole ship on fire. *Firan*
Kai nods rapidly "I could build it on the shore. I donno, though. some of those fish have a lot of meat on em and I haven't seen a pantry anywhere." *Firan*
Daemio glances over to the others but as they lapse into silence he leans back to drink.
Aeryk glances back at Daemio, then drains his glass when the young man offers no response.
Daemio glances over Aeryk, "Lord Aeryk. Why not when you obviously don't care regardless?" *Firan*
"Perhaps we're to catch what we're supposed to eat?" Zutani muses aloud to Kai. Leaning closer to the boy, she murmurs something.
"I believe Zutani did not tell you her story, Stormborn," Srenni states mildly. Oh look. Her turn to change the subject ... back to what it originally was. Her eyebrows climb her forehead slightly as she looks to the other woman.
"Because you want it too much." Aeryk states post drink. "While I am unconcerned about booty, I do care that this contest remains fair and perhaps with a certain competitive glory. And I think you are a faster talker than a practiced leader. You would do better to watch another captain first."
Aeryk adds, post this, "The story can wait, if Mes Zutani is not ready. If she is, I would be glad to hear it." *Firan*
Daemio shrugs, "---- one has to go first. I'm young but willing to try and risk failing. That's more then many do. What's an adventure with out an attempt?" *Firan*
Zutani looks to Srenni with a smile. Oh, she notices that change of topic alright! She gives Aeryk a nod. "Perhaps later?" Since her player's sort of braindead right now. *Firan*
"It is good you are willing to risk failure." Is that perhaps a faint glitter to Aeryk's twinkling eyes? Twinkling by genetics, of course. "Because listening to you talk, one would think you did not think it a possibility. - Later then, Mes Zutani," is added over shoulder.
Srenni dips her head in a nod to Zutani. Alright, no story yet. But! "Have you thought of your pirate name yet?" The Griffon retrieves more whiskey, though she does not move to drink quite yet. *Firan*
Daemio's brow lifts a little, "Everyone fails some times Lord Aeryk. I learn from my mistakes when I make them. Thats what they are opportunities." *Firan*
Kai grins and watches the conversation proceed.
Aeryk barks out a quiet laugh. "Good. Good. I am glad, Daemio. Because you have - your speech earlier essentially accused anyone not immediately stepping up as cowards. You all but compared yourself to Elianos. It is rather proud. Perhaps understandable, in a way. Do we all not wish to be heroes." *Firan*
"Have you?" Zutani tosses back, her smile broadening slightly. "But no, I haven't. Calling myself Dread anything would just cause people to laugh themselves silly."
Daemio shakes his head a little. "You mistake me. I was proving the fallacy of her arguement that age was a valid basis for discriminating against experience. I pointed out that I take action, and I do. Very few of you can argue that. You all are observing first, perhaps acting later, perhaps not but you do watch. It's clear you're not intrested in leading, you've said as much, had you indicated other wise I would have ceeded it to you, that's only right. No one else has moved to take command beyond the Ticanee woman and lets face it that's just wrong. While I know you all think I'm a stuck up spoiled brat I can promise to be a much better alternative to what she'd give you." *Firan*
Srenni twists her glass in her hand slightly, then takes another drink. "I was thinking 'Runagate Ren'." Though her eyes do shift over to Daemio again, and the corners of her mouth tug down. "And what, exactly, is wrong with a Ticanee leading anyway? If it were not Gemma?" She /is/ a Srennian priestess. *Firan*
Daemio smiles to Srenni, it's a rougish look the boarders on a grin. "Well that's another arguement but I mean this one in particular." *Firan*
"Except that her point was not in fact a fallacy, young Daemio. You say you take action, but I have not seen you take action. You have perhaps not had time yet for great deeds. Essentially, your argument is that you should be captain because you want to be captain and are openly saying so." Aeryk refills the whiskey. For all he doesn't drink much, when he does drink, he can apparently drink for ages without much effect. "I may vote for someone who has not stated interest in captain. And as I said, I am waiting. Not out of shyness, but because there is something I must do first."
Kai listens and ticks off new words to use. He mouths 'fallacy'.
"Then use her name if you are not generalizing. Today she /is/ your equal." Srenni does not return the smile. Neither does she comment on her actual opinion in terms of captains.
Daemio shrugs, "Isn't it better to have leaders who actually want to lead then ones who don't care a wit for it... I find the later are passionless." He nods to Srenni, "You're right. That still doesn't mean I have to think she's a good choice." *Firan*
Zutani grins to Kai but remains silent. She settles in deeper into the couch she's been sitting on to listen to the debate.
Kai occasionally takes a drink of wine. He's used to it from the orphanage. It doesn't seem to do very much. He's already fairly talkative. Wonder why he's not bouncing off the walls...
Kai trots back out to play with the dog for a nit.
Now, Aeryk really does laugh, a low and sustained thing that's a little on the humorless side. "Young Daemio. Many of your quieter peers /have/ led. And led into real battle, with iron and blood and death. You are generalizing again and generalizing rather offensively. I do not see fit to campaign at the current time. This makes me far from passionless."
Daemio lifts a hand, "Quiet is not a symptom of a lack of intrest. You have said you have no intrest though. A differance." *Firan*
"I am not telling you to think she is a good choice, but if you are going to speak on a specific person, just be outright about it." A small sigh escapes Srenni, though she nods to Aeryk silently.
"Then it is direct." Aeryk stands, then. "Let us speak man to man, young Daemio. I have faced death many times. I lack for no passion. If I become captain, then I will do my utmost to be a good captain. But I will not lay my worth on this. I will not allow myself to count it a true failure if I am sent home. Why? Because I cannot afford to care so much about a /game/, young Daemio. And I will not campaign for captain. If we are truly equals, the one royal of the group should not be immediately working himself into power, wine and comfort. Should he."
Daemio looks up over Aeryk and sets his flask down. "I think you mistake my comments on your behavior inside of this game for comments on your behavior out of it. I mean no insult I only state my observations on the now. I am honest Lord Aeryk. I say what I mean. People don't often like it but they always know what I think of them. The game though... why not care about it? It's not as if there's much else to care about while ------ here." *Firan*
"I mistake nothing. I am simply. Informing you. That when I care, I care until the bitter and bloodied end. My father is dead and I have responsibilities to tend to at home. I will not bleed myself dry for this." Aeryk is still standing. "And I am honest. I think you are proud, as the child Kai is proud. Proud because your claims have not yet been tested."
Daemio shrugs, "The paradox is, if -- one ever gives me the opportunity to test them they can never been proven or disproaven." *Firan*
"And that is more honest," Aeryk says with that low fervor. "It is different to say 'I would like this opportunity' than 'I am better suited to it than any else.'"
Srenni remains silent for now, cool green eyes flicking between Daemio and Aeryk. It seems anything she has to say is being covered, if for different reasons.
Daemio's grins a little. "Ah but when was the last time you met a pirate who said please?" *Firan*
"When was the last time you met a pirate?" Srenni's question is aimed at Daemio.
"I have met many pirates that boast - there is a difference between boasting and setting out a list of your credentials. You are /politicking/, not pirating. One has a certain charm. The other is all business." Aeryk lifts his palm. "You have been as much business as I have been."
Daemio winks at Srenni, "When was the last time you did? You're right Lord Aeryk. You've caught me, politicking in pirates clothing." *Firan*
"If my brother is any evidence, the way to pirate is to not sit down and justify yourself with great reasonableness, but to - shout arr and continue one with what you are doing. Light insults, not heavy analysis of motive. Ah, so forth." Aeryk clears his throat.
Srenni doesn't wink either. In fact, she just stares, unmoved. "Then for all you know, pirates may actually say 'please'. You have as much evidence for one way as the other." A pause. "But no, I only met privateers with Prince Zaridos, which are similar but different." *Firan*
Daemio laughs and tips his flask to that. "I can go ARRR! But I'm afraid it would seem rather silly from me." *Firan*
"Of course. Poor pirates all of us." And Aeryk a-refills his glass. "The whole game seems silly to the lot of us."
Daemio says "Well at very least we can enjoy the reprieve from weighty duties while it lasts." *Firan*
"I have had enough reprieves," Aeryk states quiet-like again and subsides completely quiet.
Srenni takes another glass of whiskey, stating before drinking, "Hardly a reprieve, in my case. Life does not end while we are here, so neither will my duties." At least so long as said duties do not require physically doing anything. *Firan*
Daemio nods and rises. "I kind of like the idea of it all myself. Now I ------ find my cabin. Where do we sleep?" *Firan*
"Here," Aeryk provides and settles.
"Tonight? Here." Srenni lifts her shoulders in a shrug. "After tonight? It depends. Perhaps here. Perhaps below the deck."
Daemio looks around and meanders to a couch. He pulls off his boots and drops them to the floor and takes off his byrrus which makes a convient blanket and lays down. "Good night then." *Firan*
Srenni replies blandly, "Good night." *Firan*
"Night." Aeryk leans back, stares up at the ceiling.
Again, one corner of Srenni's mouth tugs up in a smirk for a moment, before she returns to her normal, emotionless self. "If he expected a cabin of his own, he will be in for a surprise when he must sleep below the deck."
Kai trots in and looks around "Everyone go to sleep?" *Firan*
"Yes." And, by the looks of Srenni leaving the couch she was sharing with Zutani (who has conked out sitting up!) to get a place of her own, she is too.
Kai chirps "Ok. I hope Lady Uf gives ya dreams of cool adventures. See ya tomorrow!" *Firan*
