When he finally makes it back on the deck, Dhaavan notices that Variel and Flynn are still at odds. The young man approaches Flynn and whispers, ** spoiler omitted **
I glance at Dhaavan.
”Huh – get real, lad. What – you think he’s really pissed that I ‘gave away secrets’? Come on – that lad wants to bed Rain something fierce – it’s pretty damn obvious, at least to me. And every now and than she favors me with a smile. So he’s pissed on it – but it’d be damn akward to fight to win her affection; that’d just annoy her and scare her off.”
”Fine – he can’t tell me to piss off because the girl he wants is being nice to me, and he’s the jealous sort. So what does he do instead? Hell… he takes any chance he gets to make a big issue out of how much of a basterd I am – that way he can look all high and mighty – and if he’s rude to me and I complain – it’s me that’s got the problem. And he can push and push – and I just have to sit there and take it.”
I look at you with an annoyed expression.
”Yeah – like he was really thinking that after he got his spellbook back that the crew didn’t figure out that he was carrying a spellbook and had spell components when they riffled his gear - and they couldn't put the pieces together with those little scraps of information? Come on… he's smarter than that."
I stare at the waves a moment.
"But you know? I made one mistake and said the wrong thing – and even though I just got done lavishing all kinds of nice words on him – but it didn't matter, because once again he gets to be the poor offended little lost lad.”
I turn a glance to how Rain tries to talk gently with him, and shake my head.
”But I gotta hand it to him – it works pretty damn well. Because every time he gets offended and pushes on me – if I push back than I’m the basterd, right? And in the meantime I got folks like Rain telling me that after I apologized to him already – it’s not good enough. She wants me to do it again.”
”Why she couldn’t have just told him “You know what, grow up – act like a bloody adult, and forget about it, becaue if you keep acting like a five year old kid – we’re all going to get killed when we need support.” But nah – that didn’t happen, and as long as he keeps playing the wounded martyr to her good heart – he’ll just keep manipulating her to accepting his nasty ways.”
I take a hip flask my pouch, and take a taste, grimacing sourly.
”Oh well – bad luck I suppose,” I say – than offer you a taste of the drink.
Rain makes up her mind and begins climbing the rigging. The lookout is her desired destination and she longs for the distance between her and the pig-headed males. She lets loose with a few choice Elven curses on her way up. A place to breathe, she muses silently, and get away.
Once her foot steps onto the platform, she stands straight and looks out over the sea. Whoever was on lookout duty was away from their post and she took advantage of it. They can chase me away when they get back. Rain really didn't care. They should be afraid of her.
She stares out, silent, brooding, watchful.
Rain turns back and stares at Flynn. It had been a long day and he kept saying he did not want her caught in the middle and here he was doing what he said he wouldn't simply because he misinterpreted what she had said.
Anger then sadness turned over in her turquoise eyes. She opened her mouth to defend herself, her words and undertaking and realised he would not see her effort.
In Common, she responds in quiet voice, unlike her usual tone, "You choose to see and hear what you will. You do not hear me nor it seems trust in my friendship with you." She pushes aside a loose strand of dark blue hair. The gesture is harried.
"Do what you will and must. I yield", and with that Rain walks a distance away and stands on her own, taking slow, deep breaths. The sooner I get off this blasted ship, the better.
Neither will listen, so neither will have my concern. Trouble brews deep in her eyes and they take on the shade of a stormy sea.
Hearing her comment, and seeing her action, I turn and walk back over to her.
”I didn’t mean to piss you off neither. I’m just sick and tired of this hash – and I’m sick and tired of his game, because I reckon he’s pushing on me because you treated me nice. And I reckon he wants to be with you – and I reckon he picks fights with me because he figures if I get pissed with him, than he can look all offended and be the martyr.”
”Meantime, I did the opposite of what I said – I tugged you into my own issues. I shouldn’t have done that. I reckon you’re pissed with me, too – I got no excuse at this point. I’m just sick and tired of all the arguing and bickering and other nonsense… well, that’s true – but that ain’t all…
”See – I’ll be square with you, lass. You’re a good sort, and I reckon I owe that much to you.”
”Bottom line for me is that, I think you’re a mighty fine lass, in a lot of different ways. So yeah, maybe I’m getting a little jealous myself when I see what I reckon to be you taking his side when he gets nasty with me – but that’s my problem, I guess. I shouldn’t be petty or stupid or jealous – because this hash just happens, and it ain’t fair to you.”
”Anyhow – yeah; that little bit nasty I just showed you right now – well… I reckon it’s because I was jealous of him, that you’d back him when he treats me this way. But that wasn’t fair – you weren’t trying to back neither of us – you just wanted everyone to be friendly with each other, and I blew it all out of proportion.”
”Thing is – that’s not fair and it ain’t my business to be jealous of someone that ain’t my girl. And it’s bad business, because it’s making me act rude with you, and I don’t want to do that with anybody – especially you, seeing as how I like you and all that,” I say a bit awkwardly.
”Anyhow – now you know what my problem is – but I’m here to say you don’t got to worry about it. I’m sorry it happened, and I’ll do my best to give you some space.”
”Well – that’s all. You’re a good person, one of the reasons I noticed you – you got heart, you got passion, and you’re pretty damn easy on the eyes, too – if you don’t mind me saying so.”
”But, uh – that don’t excuse me from acting the way I did. So yeah – sorry about it… it won’t happen again. If you can forgive me, I’d be obliged – if you’re still pissed at me, I understand – but anyhow, well – it won’t happen again,” I end – hoping that Rain understands the source of my frustration and, hopefully, realizes that I won’t be doing that again – and at the least, I’ll be doing what I can to give her some space, because it’s clear I’m being too hard on her and, if she remembers me from a few days ago - she'd know that I haven't been myself lately, and hopefully can forgive me for my bad attitude and stupid mistakes.
And there it was, the root of the evil which lay between Elven and human male. Rain shakes her head to clear her turbulent mind. She was not angry as much as heartsick, lonely, tired and fed up.
Rain did not look at Flynn for a minute as he spoke to her. She dared not turn and face him for fear of tears brimming and sliding down her grime-streaked cheeks. She wipes at her face with the back of her hand -- a nervous gesture, an exposed one as well.
In steady and quiet Aquan she finally responds to Flynn,
The boarding practice took most of the afternoon so there was little time before the punishments of the evening. Those that failed at the boarding receive six rope bashes each before being released to dinner. The sun sets on a beautiful day...at least weather wise. On the ship there have been misunderstandings and arguments, insults and insinuations, jealousy and fear. Just at a time when it seems like the group may come together you find yourselves fracturing again. Mr. Plugg walks around with a smile on his face, Scourge next to him laughing at some private joke of theirs before they head down to their meal with the Captain and most of the other officers. Just before they head down, Plugg says to Dhaavan Head down to the stores and bring us up one of the small casks of wine from the stores and bring it to Fishguts to bring to us. Quick now man!
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You are aloft for a while before eventually heading back down for punishments and dinner. Due to your success you are spared that indignity. While aloft you notice that the sea has grown a bit darker and you are sure that you have left the shoals behind and progressed out into the Fever Sea itself. You would guess you are rapidly approaching the shipping lanes and may even be in them already.
I watch Rain’s pain and feel my own tension and mounting frustration. I see it mirrored on the faces of other members of the crew – not only Variel, but I have the sense the general malaise is symptomatic of a pervading sense of similar qualities all around. Helplessess; hopelessness; lack of purpose; and a lack of direction.
It’s all dragging on us in it’s own twisted way… I think bitterly.
I trace the rough scar on my palm – the scar I had not healed with magic; nor even staunched with herbs and poultices – so I would remember the scar, and the blood offering to the gods, and the feeling of the itchy pain where the blade of my mother had deliberately been used to slice my skin when I petitioned the gods for some action.
As I rub my finger over the thick, damaged flesh, I consider that night when I had offered my blood for answers – for action – and for the pervading need to have a sense of purpose from the gods; something to motivate us and unite us beyond our own powers.
I glance toward the heavens on this morning; otherwise a fair and lovely day – but for our current situation.
Well, gods of sea and sky – earth and stone – realms above and below – I guess it’s up to you…
The gods were watching - and they heard my prayer!
I watch the looks of Plugg and his cronies - not trusting them. I glance at Dhaavan...
After he begins to head below - I'll take a moment to slip off and follow him, and make sure that he can get the job done. After he fell, he may need help anyway...
Still - I don't need Plugg berating me for "helping someone" being "against orders" - so I'll do it subtly.
Valeros tried to shrug some of the pain out of his shoulders from the knotted rope. It was almost laughable trying to climb aboard the ship and he only hoped he wouldn't have to deal with that again.
He settled in to eat and watched as the others continued on with their discussions.
|
Retcon with Flynn,
Listening to Flynn start to apologize, Variel's rage dwindles to just anger at the situation. Flynn, you consider yourself wise and knowledgable. You even come up with good ideas and plans. This plan of yours now I don't know much about other than what Rain hinted at. How many of us actually know what you are doing? Just you and Rain? Maybe one or two others? What are the rest of us to think as you go from being vocal and obstinate to now helpful and docile towards the officers? If you don't want others to misunderstand you, then explain yourself and why every couple of days you claim to switch thoughts and feelings. You start as being one who is perceived at schlpolarly and aloof writing in your journal. Then you come across as trying to best friends with people and trying to know exactly who everyone is and what they can do the first time that we wake up on the ship. Then you claim that your heart has changed after the fight with the rats. You go on about how you hate abiding held here against your will and a strong person will rail against his holders. Now you take the position of someone beaten and sucking up to the captain and his lackeys. What am I suppose to believe about you when this has all happened in just two weeks?
Taking another deep breath, Now, I should have given you time to explain yourelf up there, but the last two weeks I have spent being as sly as I could about my abilities while still helping and watching out from afar. You might be asking yourself what is the point when those who captured us might know my abilities already. The answer is that first night Dhaavan was given book from Sandara. She thought it was his. If she didn't know and got the book from Grok, who I am thinking didn't know as well since she didn't tell Sandara, how many others don't know as well. As far as I am concerned the less that now the better, officer and crew alike. Now I thought I could trust you to keep that knowledge to yourself, apparently not.
Looking at Flynn straight in the eye, How would you take it if I went to Plugg or Scourge and told them that you are only working now to try remove them to take their place. You spent three days on this where I have spent the last couple of weeks. Any wonder I was pissed at you.
Now you ask what a I want from you. What I want is for you to respect the wishes of others. If someone asks something simple of you honor that request. I am not talking about suicidal requests. Likewise If I don't want to talk to you for a bit it is not a sign I dispise you, just that I maybe busy with other things. Does this answer you inquiry enough? If this is not good enough for you than so be it. Likewise if you expect me to ignore the fact that you have spoken and will speak again without thinking about who is listening or what your words may cause is unacceptable to me as well. I am not telling you not to talk or plan or carouse, but be aware of your situation. I would have figured being shanghaied in the first place would have taught you this valuable lesson.
Do we have an understanding? I hope so as it does no one any good if we can't at least function together.
Seijiro approaches Valeros that night after the bloody hour and sits down crosslegged next to him to enjoy what little he can of dinner. He speaks softly after a few moments.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you, Valeros. I know we haven't gotten to know each other at all really during our voyage and I'd like to change that a little. I sense in some ways we are both creatures of two worlds. Yours is above and below the waves both, while I... well... I am from a far off land that I can't seem to find a way to return to. Anyway, I'm sorry you had so much trouble with the practice today. If there was some way I could have helped, I would have, but I have no magic to help anyone in that way, and barely completed the exercise myself. In fact, I'm still a bit damp from my own dip in the drink."
He pauses a long moment. "Anyway, I just wanted to say hello properly and whatnot. I'm not long-winded like Flynn, and don't know what else to say, except I hope we all get off this cursed ship soon and in one piece. If you, well, ever need anything, I'm here, just ask."
With that he grows silent and finishes his dinner, hoping Valeros doesn't rebuff his gesture of friendship.
As Dhaavan listens to Flynn's words a bemused expression grows on his face till he is left sputtering slightly, finally loosing control. After one final cough, "Hah HA HAAAA hah HA! No no, really... that's just too much!" cracking up at some joke unknown to the rest of the crew. Returning to infernal he puts a hand of Flynn's shoulder to steady himself still laughing,
"To be completely honest it almost makes me glad to have her dislike me. Otherwise I'f have to deal with the mad elf's attentions, Hells forbid!"
Dhaavan interrupts Variel as he is speaking, at the first mention of his name, placing an arm around the elf's shoulder and whispers to him, "Perhaps you had best clam up before you go doin' what yer so mad at Flynn for and start blabbing all kinds of things to get folk in trouble, yeah? I don't want ta get dragged inta yer feud, cause ya seem to keep picking fights and escalating even while actin' like ya want ta apologize."
While not a hateful or threatening glare in the least, Dhaavan does give Variel a rather insistent look when he suggests, "SO think for a minute 'bout what yer gonna say about me and mine before doin so. have a private conversation bout it later if ya gotta but not here, I'll thank ye kindly."
At Plugg's orders Dhaavan hasitates for a moment, as if torn between self-preservation and some unknown need. He looks around to the crew, and pressed with an uncharacteristic fear, swallowing hard opens his mouth to protest...
Valeros nods to the quiet man as he continues to eat, his frame relaxed. It is of no concern Seijiro. I know full well that I am not the most approachable person on this ship, so I thank you for your efforts. I should attempt the same of the rest of you but you are a stronger man than I it appears as I've still found it difficult to make myself known amongst you.
He chuckles a bit at talk of the task today. Truth be told, one of my slips was intentional as I simply wanted to enjoy the sea again. But I thank you for your concern. He lifts the new peg leg attached to his thigh and lowers it with a thunk but not before it's easily noticable how blackened his hands are, as if they've been burned in a smith's forge. I have many limitations that I've learned to overcome although there will always be tasks I'm simply not up for. So I appreciate the knowledge that we might be able to look after each other on this voyage.
I guess you could call me of two worlds; I never put it into such eloquent terms before. How is it that you would consider yourself such? I'm not even sure where it is you hail from but it must be strange indeed if it as alien to the surface as the sea is.
Dhaavan takes a moment, then gives Plugg a grin, throws his a salute, and hops to it, as he moves off toward the bliges, sliding a hand into his pocket.
"Ah, intentionally falling in the water... I see now. Clever, that was indeed. I hadn't considered that, but now you mention it, it makes perfect sense. The bilges must be a horrid place to refresh yourself. It makes no sense that they will not let you over the side daily, but I guess they are afraid you will simply swim away and leave them short handed."
"Anyway, where I am from is truly almost as alien as I think the surface must be from the depths, though I admit my knowledge of the sea is limited mostly to its surface. I have seen of the sea only that which a sailor sees daily, plus the wee bit I've seen while swimming below the surface from time to time. Still, where I am from IS near that different from here in the west. And even in the east I am different from most..."
He looks around surreptitiously to see who might be looking, then sighs and shrugs. "Perhaps someday I might be able to show you, but I dare not reveal my true nature to the officers and other crew of this norowareta-sen, this cursed ship. Until that time arrives, just know I feel a kinship with you that I can't explain further yet."
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Dhaavan interrupts Variel as he is speaking, at the first mention of his name, placing an arm around the elf's shoulder and whispers to him, "Perhaps you had best clam up before you go doin' what yer so mad at Flynn for and start blabbing all kinds of things to get folk in trouble, yeah? I don't want ta get dragged inta yer feud, cause ya seem to keep picking fights and escalating even while actin' like ya want ta apologize."
While not a hateful or threatening glare in the least, Dhaavan does give Variel a rather insistent look when he suggests, "SO think for a minute 'bout what yer gonna say about me and mine before doin so. have a private conversation bout it later if ya gotta but not here, I'll thank ye kindly."
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Rain turns deep turquoise eyes on Variel, her voice soft in outward reflection,"Aye, forgiveness is earned. I would see unity in our small band of mates. And understanding of a kind. We must attempt these things if we are to survive this unsanctioned conscription. Find common ground, friend. You do not have to be the closest of friends, but something other than this conflict. Please, for all our sakes, I ask you to consider it, Variel. Anger begets anger. I know this all too well."
She touches his arm for the briefest of moments before pulling away and then turns troubled eyes back to the ocean and the other pressed mates.
You are right in all of this. My anger this time was more from frustration than anything else I suppose. We are set upon by those with power and only by sticking together can we survive. That being said I had hoped that we could have a few surprises up our sleeves if the time ever came that we could get off this ship. Perhaps that was a foolish hope, but it was a hope nonetheless. I will just have to find something else to hope on now. I thank you for your concern and assure you that I will try to see Flynn in a better light after this. Perhaps I will go and meditate for a while. It has been too long since I have done that. Too much to do and never enough energy to get it all done. Good night Rain.
Much as Rain turns her eyes away, Variel will turn away too. Grabbing his rum ration, he slams it down in one gulp as he heads downstairs to meditate. He makes no show of hiding where he is going if others want to follow or talk.
Retcon with Flynn,
Listening to Flynn start to apologize, Variel's rage dwindles to just anger at the situation. Flynn, you consider yourself wise and knowledgable. You even come up with good ideas and plans. This plan of yours now I don't know much about other than what Rain hinted at. How many of us actually know what you are doing? Just you and Rain? Maybe one or two others? What are the rest of us to think as you go from being vocal and obstinate to now helpful and docile towards the officers? If you don't want others to misunderstand you, then explain yourself and why every couple of days you claim to switch thoughts and feelings. You start as being one who is perceived at schlpolarly and aloof writing in your journal. Then you come across as trying to best friends with people and trying to know exactly who everyone is and what they can do the first time that we wake up on the ship. Then you claim that your heart has changed after the fight with the rats. You go on about how you hate abiding held here against your will and a strong person will rail against his holders. Now you take the position of someone beaten and sucking up to the captain and his lackeys. What am I suppose to believe about you when this has all happened in just two weeks?
Taking another deep breath, Now, I should have given you time to explain yourelf up there, but the last two weeks I have spent being as sly as I could about my abilities while still helping and watching out from afar. You might be asking yourself what is the point when those who captured us might know my abilities already. The answer is that first night Dhaavan was given book from Sandara. She thought it was his. If she didn't know and got the book from Grok, who I am thinking didn't know as well since she didn't tell Sandara, how many others don't know as well. As far as I am concerned the less that now the better, officer and crew alike. Now I thought I could trust you to keep that knowledge to yourself, apparently not.
Looking at Flynn straight...
I listen to Variel’s point about my changeable mood and behavior.
Hmm… well, yeah – he could have given me the benefit of the doubt, I’ll allow – still; he does have a point…
I consider his point about the spellbook…
Hard to imagine that when they stripped us of goods, they wouldn’t have found it on him… but, the point is fair; he had a plan – and even if it doesn’t make much sense to you, you should have let him have the fair wind in his sails before spoiling it. Still – it was an accident – but, well – that’s why you have your journal, fool! You need to take notes, so you have all this hash down – or you’re liable to forget.
I scratch my chin a bit – nodding a little.
”Alright, than – you make some fair points, I’ll allow,” I say, less tense now that a bit of the winds’ out of my sails, as it were.
”And I haven’t been as good as I could be, true – I gotta admit, I think a lot of it has to do with the situation. Hell, if I met you back home – we might have hit it off much better… but there’s a lot of stress and tension here that don’t help much on getting things friendly with each other.”
’You’re right – I make mistakes on remembering details – my mind’s odd like that. It remembers the strangest and most obscure bits of lore, and than the next day I can’t remember where I put the key to my bedchambers, as it were… What I need to do than is start taking notes better. That’s my trouble – and I’ll own up to it; I got a journal – hell; it’s time to start using it,” I add – both somewhat to myself, and agreeing with his sentiment.
”Now – here’s where I reckon we meet halfway than… next time you see that I’m doing something you reckon on being “off” – maybe you could trust me enough that I’m not trying to cause trouble… You know, at least for a little while before you jump up guns blazing… but if it seems dodgy to you, well – take me aside and ask me what’s my story before getting hot about something I do, and I’ll lay it out for you. After all - sometimes I don't realize that what I do doesn't make sense to people. I kind of figure people know what I'm up to most of the time, and if I'm wrong, let me know, I'll explain it better, I got no problems with that, just let me know,” I say with a nod.
”Now, meantime – I reckon we can put these differences aside. I’ll still chat with you, and back you in a fight– no worries there – but I won’t say nothing about you to anyone, if it pleases you. And hell – if you want to chat about anything, that’s good, too – we can chat about anything you like, I’m open to it.”
I offer my hand –
”We don’t have to be best friends – but I reckon we can be friendly with each other, as we’re all in this together. If you’re agreeable to that, I am too,” I say genuinely.
I glance around me quickly and subtly, and add this last bit in a rush.
”Now lad – if you’re agreeing to what I’m saying – here’s my advice – don’t shake my hand, slap it away in disgust. That’s how I’ll know we’re together, right? Let’s encourage the ruse that we’re still not happy, eh? What do you say; we keep them thinking we hate each other, rather than tip our hand about being friendly - that could be useful later, right?”
Dhaavan takes a moment, then gives Plugg a grin, throws his a salute, and hops to it, as he moves off toward the bliges, sliding a hand into his pocket.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
I keep my face neutral at the sound of Dhaavan’s magical whisper, but than I hurry my pace a bit faster, eager to get to him. It sounds like he’ll need more help than I thought for some reason…
Rain despised The Bloody Hour. Watching her pressed mates punished for the smallest of infringes or general inability rankled her, especially in her current frame of mind. Her fists clenched imperceptibly; fully aware there were eyes everywhere on this damned ship.
When rum rations were handed, she did what she did every night, disposed of it as cautiously as possible.
Hoping she was not seen by any of the officers or snitches, she stands near to her mates but not too close. Her mood was unsteady even with the time spent up in the lookout. She felt herself withdrawing from the others and allowed herself the isolation.
After dinner, Rain approaches her pressed mates and in low voice informs them, "The ship has left the shoals and we're out in the Fever Sea, by the looks of it. We are either close to the shipping lanes or presently in them. Thought you all would like to know." Rain nods her head and calls out a "Good night", before retiring below deck to try to sleep.
Rain despised The Bloody Hour. Watching her pressed mates punished for the smallest of infringes or general inability rankled her, especially in her current frame of mind. Her fists clenched imperceptibly; fully aware there were eyes everywhere on this damned ship.
When rum rations were handed, she did what she did every night, disposed of it as cautiously as possible.
[dice=Stealth to discard rum]1d20+7
Hoping she was not seen by any of the officers or snitches, she stands near to her mates but not too close. Her mood was unsteady even with the time spent up in the lookout. She felt herself withdrawing from the others and allowed herself the isolation.
After dinner, Rain approaches her pressed mates and in low voice informs them, "The ship has left the shoals and we're out in the Fever Sea, by the looks of it. We are either close to the shipping lanes or presently in them. Thought you all would like to know." Rain nods her head and calls out a "Good night", before retiring below deck to try to sleep.
When you get back to your bunk, you see a folded scrap of paper on it. Opening it up – you see a strange little drawing of a fish… you think it’s a fish – but it isn’t the best drawn sketch.
Underneath it, in the proper and precise handwriting that you’d recognize as Flynn’s – you see written:
”I was rude earlier today. Please believe me when I say that it was an accident, because I'd never treat you that way on porpoise”
She spies the paper, and, when she sees the rough drawing and words, her lips lift up a little at the silly word play and the sweet drawing of what could only be a fish? ... Rain folded the paper and stowed it in her backpack for safekeeping. She would thank Flynn in the morning for the conciliatory gesture. It had lightened her heart a little.
Dhaavan, you and Flynn go below to get the wine and have no trouble delivering it. Nothing out of the ordinary happens during that time.
The day dawns anew and the sky is overcast and somewhat dreary. It does not look like it is going to rain much other than a light misting at some point but you doubt you will see the sun today.
The morning gruel sits heavy in your stomach as you go for your assignments. Looking around you don't see Plugg, only scourge with his notebook in his hand. Scourge looks down at his list and says Rain, you and Seijiro are on mainsail duties, so look sharp and get to it! Valeros, Variel, and Dhaavan! You three are swabbing the deck and I want it clean enough to eat off of when I'm through, you got me maggots?!? Sko! You get your assignment from Fishguts like normal. Looking up he says to Horatio with a smile full of gold and rotted teeth, You're in the bilges today Horatio so hop to it and get pumping.
Sko, you make your way down to the galley and find Ambrose passed out on top of a pile of unpeeled potatoes. It looks like you're cooking today.
Rain silently ponders why Scourge is delivering the assignments this morning and not Plugg.
Her eyes wander the deck, looking for the bastard. The overcast day does not do much for her disheartened spirits.
*****
She was on mainsail duties again with Jiro. The red-haired easterner had not spoken to her over the past two days and she wondered at his silence but accepted it. She would not be pushing any of the pressed mates to do anything they did not want to anymore. If Jiro felt like speaking to her, then he would. Otherwise, she would work in silence or have a word to Ratline if she spied him among the rigging.
Hoisting and lowering the mainsail was taxing work but her muscles were getting accustomed to the hard labour aboard the Wormwood. She set to her work with a steely determination, even though her mind was still filled with questions and misgivings. She softly hums as she works. Last night she forgo singing for her mates and crew, but today, she would try to entertain herself and not expect much from the others.
Sko barely gives Fishgut a glance. He does wonder a bit how Fishgut is able to stay alive when he so frequently can't perform his duties; it seems that such drunkeness wouldn't be tolerated with anyone else. But then, Fishgut is a high quality cook when actually puts his mind to it. Sko shrugs and dismisses the matter.
He hasn't been given anything special to cook. He'll begin by sorting ingredients he intends to use starting with anything that might go bad if it isn't used soon. If that isn't enough, he'll move onto things they have plenty of where there's no worry about having a lack of it.
It seems that Fishgut doesn't clean his cooking instruments, or anything else for that matter, as much as he should. It's actually amazing the food has turned out as well as it has. He spends as much time as possible getting things clean before he hits a point where he to start cooking to get done in time.
Dhaavan, you and Flynn go below to get the wine and have no trouble delivering it. Nothing out of the ordinary happens during that time.
The day dawns anew and the sky is overcast and somewhat dreary. It does not look like it is going to rain much other than a light misting at some point but you doubt you will see the sun today.
The morning gruel sits heavy in your stomach as you go for your assignments. Looking around you don't see Plugg, only scourge with his notebook in his hand. Scourge looks down at his list and says Rain, you and Seijiro are on mainsail duties, so look sharp and get to it! Valeros, Variel, and Dhaavan! You three are swabbing the deck and I want it clean enough to eat off of when I'm through, you got me maggots?!? Sko! You get your assignment from Fishguts like normal. Looking up he says to Horatio with a smile full of gold and rotted teeth, You're in the bilges today Horatio so hop to it and get pumping.
** spoiler omitted **
My eyes flit between Plugg and Scourge and I nod to myself.
Well – at least they’re not trying to kill me outright…
”Aye, aye – Mister Plugg,” I say flatly, staring deeply into his eyes.
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Night before with Flynn...
Variel takes a long hard look at the man before him. The words seemed to flow true with out any deceit or duplicity. Of they could put there feud behind them then the ship would be better and it would be one less thing to occupy his time.
Ever so slightly Variel nods his head before he reaches out slapping Flynn's hand away. Continuing with the charade, Variel pushes Flynn out of the way. Buzz off Flynn and take your honeyed tongue elsewhere. I have no interest in being mates with you. I am heading down now and if you know what's best for you you will stay out of my way. Now and for the rest of the time we're on this ship together.
Night before with Flynn...
** spoiler omitted **
As Variel slaps my hand away, I cry out in disgust - switching back to Common.
"Well that's bloody, great! You know? Try to show a lad some companionship - try to make peace with someone - and that's what comes of it, eh? Well who needs you? Who needs any of you! You can all go to hell!" I roar out, than stalk off angrily.
Plugg steps aside and lets you head down into the bilges. After you are in there for about ten minutes working the pumps the trap door opens again and Jaundiced Jape and Maheem drop down in with you. They begin to work the other two pumps.
You keep a wary eye on them and as such are not surprised when the trap door above shuts abruptly. Maheem and Jape stop pumping and draw daggers hidden in their sleeves. Maheem looks at you and says Seems I get to thank you properly for putting all that stuff in my locker. I told Plugg and he thought that would be something devious that you would come up with. Seems I get to get a little payback for that. With that they both charge and attack.
Horatio
Maheem
Jape
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Continuing on down into the hold whe the bunks are, Variel sits for a while I quiet contemplation. It had been too long since he meditated. It wasn't that he needed to refresh his mind for the knowledge required to cast spells, but rather that peace that comes from quiet listening to the sounds of nature after a while, not quite sure how long, he sees Flynn go to Rains hammock and place something there. Not really caring at the moment what it was, he simply nods his head again in his direction. Soon others stat coming down again interrupting his peace. Resigning himself to the fact that this is all he will get tonight. Variel turns in to wake fresh tomorrow.
Night action: sleep
In the morning, Variel wakes groggily from the rum the night before. Never taking it that way again. Guess that is what happens when you get pissed off at the situation and alcohol is involved. Better let the others know what happened though and that we reached an agreement but still are making it look like we are enemies. Especially Rain. If she sees me treating him the same she will never trust either of us. No sense in that... Heading up the stairs to get the daily chores Variel doesn't have time to tell anyone what happened last night before everyone is sent their separate ways.
When Variel hears that Flynn is assigned to the bilges, he lets off a bit of a laugh. Hoping that Flynn takes it the right way from their last talk, Enjoy being with the rest of the scum. Serves you right..
Before Variel starts his duties, he makes it a point to find all of his press-ganged mates and explain to them what is going on in private if possible. Flynn's new idea is to continue on with us 'hating' each other in the hope that they will not think we are bonding together as allies. Better to seen at each others throats than complaining about the shackles around the throats I guess.
He tells everyone the same thin but Rain, to her he adds that i am not sure if this will work but It's better to get along with him and just do it than argue about. We are trying o reach a common ground and this is a start. It will get better in time. It just takes time.
Once done with this, Variel starts his work. Hoping to keep Plugg and scourge off his back the day speeds by quickly.
Rain looks up at the Elven male and takes in his words. The wind blows her hair around her face and she tames it with her hand.
In soft Elven, she respond, "It is good to know that the bitter words between you just now were feigned. If you can reach common ground, then I believe you will both benefit in ways you cannot imagine. Quel marth." Rain gives Variel a small smile and nod, then makes her way to the main mast.
Plugg steps aside and lets you head down into the bilges. After you are in there for about ten minutes working the pumps the trap door opens again and Jaundiced Jape and Maheem drop down in with you. They begin to work the other two pumps.
** spoiler omitted **
You keep a wary eye on them and as such are not surprised when the trap door above shuts abruptly. Maheem and Jape stop pumping and draw daggers hidden in their sleeves. Maheem looks at you and says Seems I get to thank you properly for putting all that stuff in my locker. I told Plugg and he thought that would be something devious that you would come up with. Seems I get to get a little payback for that. With that they both charge and attack.
Horatio 1d20
Maheem 1d20
Jape 1d20
Seijiro dumps his rum as usual that night and sits quietly after his chat with Valeros. He slips downstairs finally and lays out in his hammock, playing his harmonica softly.
After a short time, he curls up, slipping the harmonica away in a fold of his haramaki. He sleeps.
...
In the morning, he awakens and climbs on deck to find out his new assignment is working the mainsail with Rain.
During the day, while working, he'll chat with Rain if she is open to it, confirming her guess on where we are.
"Rain-san, you have been very patient with Variel and Flynn. I commend you on that, since it seems their clash has escalated some and seems to revolve around you. I hope they come to some accord soon as their animosity rankles and hurts us all I think." He blushes a little as he says "I think they both like you and want you to return their affections. This tends to make men very competitive with each other, neh?" He smiles at her as he speaks, but he is blushing furiously, speaking about such matters.
"Anyway, I like you too, but not the way they do, I think. I like them too, so I wish this would all stop soon. We need to work together and not just at these jobs they assign us, that we do."
During quiet moments between conversation, if Rain's songs are shanties that he knows, he will join in, either humming or with the words of the songs, to ease the work along... if not, he will listen carefully and memorize the melodies so he can practice them later on his harmonica.
"Rain-san, you have been very patient with Variel and Flynn. I commend you on that, since it seems their clash has escalated some and seems to revolve around you. I hope they come to some accord soon as their animosity rankles and hurts us all I think." He blushes a little as he says "I think they both like you and want you to return their affections. This tends to make men very competitive with each other, neh?" He smiles at her as he speaks, but he is blushing furiously, speaking about such matters.
"Anyway, I like you too, but not the way they do, I think. I like them too, so I wish this would all stop soon. We need to work together and not just at these jobs they assign us, that we do."
It caught Rain a little by surprise when Jiro initiated a conversation with her as they worked on the mainsail. The young man was shy and more often preferred his solitude when working. Rain looks up from her work and gives him a small, gentle smile. In soft voice, shaking her head from side to side, she guardedly replies to him,
Even with the snafu regarding Tate, Dhaavan's workmanship and the patronage of those that he has befriended, the young artist does quite well for himself through the week, glad to have had the chance to ply his trade.
Influence Habbly Quarne
Dhaavan takes a moment during the evening to approach a man he has yet to meet. He's seen this fellow looking around while the Pressed was working on the FIghting Top, but never engaged the man. As he does not look particularly worse for wear on the whole, he's not likely a crewman, so Dhaavan treats him with utmost respect, testing the waters initially. "Oye, sir. We aint' been introduced, but I saw ya lookin over the work on the platform on the mast there. That something yea take particular note of?"
Dhaavan looks for something to talk to the man about even for just a few moments, watching for some kind of opening to get the man's interest, or at least come up with something to say the man would find interesting.
During the day while he works, DHaavan will work to gather information about the attitude of the crew at large at this point, , see if his previous issues have blown over by now, or if there's still work to be done to make up for it.
Action "Gather information"
He also agin uses his magic to augment his Swabbing
So he manages to complete his task, even though at times the work is particularly slow, the liberal use of does allow him to satisfactorily finish.
Their turn: Maheem thrusts his dagger at you... ...and scores a slice across your side, blood welling from the wound.
Jape stays back now that you have his dagger, looking for a way to help in the fight.
Back to you!