Zatsa can practically feel the anguish and rage pouring out of her when she sees that Jax has fallen, with no idea if he still lives. She takes a quick breath and breaths it out slowly, doing her best to find her center.
Concentrating for a moment on the man that has felled her father, she thinks it likely that is more than just human blood flowing through his veins.
Stowing her wand back into a pocket as she turns back to face the Gnoll she decides she wants the fight ended quickly. Spotting Godun nearby Zatsa twirls to the left, trying to place her foe between her halfling friend and herself. She then swings with lethal force, thoughts of taking the Gnoll alive no longer factoring into her thoughts.
You can not for the life of you figure out anything about the mystery man, other than the obvious. He was dangerous. Focusing on the gnoll your blade lands and bites deep into his flesh. Leaving a bloody gash across his arm and chest. Again facing death he digs deep and strikes with his own weapon in turn. Ramming the point into you hard with nearly as much force as before.
Darting out of the smoke and fighting comes Jack with murder in his eyes. He is upon the spearman that defeated Jax in a flash. Again the man does not seem to react outside bring his spear to bare blocking the darting strikes of Jack's rapier.
Zatsa's heart lightens when she sees that Jax, alive she prays, is no longer a defenseless heap at the spearman's feet. Her distraction costs her however and her opponent's spear bites deep.
Scowling at her own foolishness, Zatsa stops dancing and hops back giving her a little more space from her opponent, reaching for a belt at her breast Zatsa pulls a potion from its loop. Pulling out the cork, she downs it in one long swallow. She drops the flask as most of her new wound is healed, ready to face her opponent once more.
History seeming to repeat itself the gnoll yet again tries to take advantage only to miss with his spear.
The human spearman and Jack square off, unlike with Jax, the spearman does not wait. Going on the offensive unleashing blinding thrust at Jack while the rogue responds in kind with his rapier blurring with each counter strike. Only it quickly becomes apparent that Jack is overmatched. His strikes are not as fast or accurate. As such he pays for it in blood as despite being glancing blows they still tear at him. Luckily his own strikes take back some of the debt, unlike before the spearman does not heal from Jack's strikes.
Zatsa can see that Jack is not doing well. Convinced that the Gnoll she is facing cannot take too many more blows, but she can't ignore how Jack's fight is going. Hopping back once more to give herself a little space she gestures and mutters strange words as she wills the magic inside her to do her will. With a flourish Zatsa gestures towards the spearman and a mass of slippery grease is conjured once more. She aims it so that it lies under his feet but not Jack's.
The gnoll continues to pursue with his spear and as every time before fails to land a strike.
The spell takes effect under the spearman but he continues fighting as if it was not even there. It has absolutely no effect. Both keep trading blows and while Jack is getting through, it is a losing battle as for each nick drawn by Jack is paid in kind with a gash from the spearman.
Zatsa suppresses a shudder as she notes that the spearman does not even seem to stumble for a microsecond. She can feel the beginnings of fear coursing through her as she realizes just how dangerous this foe might be.In either case she has her own foe to attend to. Beginning her familiar dance once more and swinging at her foe, Zatsa tries to finish him so she might rally some allies and help Jack and Jax.
spotting Godun nearby she calls out to him.
''Godun!!!'' She gestures at Jack's situation with her free hand, hoping he will see what she sees and come offer aid.
Zatsa lands a hard strike that cuts deep but somehow the gnoll is still standing while finding the strength to lash out in turn. Be it death throes or determined not to die alone he manages to land another hard hit.
The spearman bleeds but looks far from hurt while Jack seems to be rushing to meet his maker. None the less the rake shows no fear or weakness as he keeps up his relentless exchange.
Zatsa grits her teeth against the pain but is determined to finish this fight.She hops back another five feet after her blow lands and draws another potion from her belt and slams it back.
She calls out for Godun, trying to direct his attention towards Jack and Jax.
While you can't see the halfling with all the madness of combat going on around you. You can hear his voice cut clear the sounds of battle.
"Get off my back woman I'm fighting. Shriek at the enemy, not me!"
The gnoll just keeps coming and yet again his spear tip fails to find you as he chases you.
Dammit Godun/ She thinks a little uncharitably.
Zatsa grits her teeth at the Gnoll, baring her teeth in a feral grin. She swings once more trying to down him once and for all.
She tries one last time to get get Godun's help.
''Try and cut through these damn Gnolls, Jack needs our help.''
Zatsa draws her wand once more, preparing to heal the last of her wounds before joining Jack in battle.
She contemplates the spearman once more noting that his wounds do not seem to heal from Jack's rapier as they did from Jax's axes.
What manner of creature are you?
Whatever or whoever the spearman is, you do not know. The gnoll finally falls below your blade. You get a small break before something rolls past your feet and springs up. It's Godun looking worse for wear but alive and intact for the most part.
"Damned meat grinder."
He shakes his head before focusing on you.
"Girly if Jack needs help then we would both be dead before we could spit on them."
Suddenly there are whistles from above and a cry of men from the side of where you stand. Bubbling up like a wave from below deck come fresh marines and the Captain. Raising his sword he speaks a word you can't hear. You feel not only energized but refreshed as something washes over you. While at the same time the invaders seem to shudder beneath it. But the greatest effect is shown on the spearman. As if some great invisible hand grabbed him by the collar, he seems yanked off the ship. That expressionless mask finally cracked with deadly annoyance as he spun himself midair to land skillfully back on the galley.
The spearman's exit triggers a series of barks and yaps from the gnolls, they flat out retreated back to their ship. The marines following their training returned to their own ship from the enemies to reform their lines. Yet the gnolls seemed to have been ahead of them as the ropes and boards had been severed between both vessels as they left. Within moments the yellow sail is making its way back to open water. A fog bank covering it's run. The captain gives out orders, only the gnolls had been doing more than just fighting. They crippled the rudder during the battle, by the time they fixed it the enemy ship would be gone. Even sluggish the Talon could be deadly so instead, they had planned to run from the start.
Jack makes his way over, emptying a bottle. He looked pretty torn up but his wounds were healing over now.
"Bastard nearly killed me. Good thing he was arrogant. Worked for me, others weren't so lucky."
A marine came by to report the wounded would be taken care of on the deck. Once the rudder was repaired they would make for the coast to drop anchor.
With the fighting over, Zatsa spares only a moment to nod and smile quickly at Godun and Jack, glad that they are fine, before rushing to her father's side.
She kneels next to his prone body and quickly begins to assess the extent of his injuries.
Jax is dead without a doubt. The spearman had left three large holes in his body with his spear. One at the throat, the heart, and the stomach. Judging by the wound he had not simple impaled him but twisted the spear as the strikes had been made to cause maximum damage.
Zatsa can feel her heart rise up into her throat and shatter when her eyes confirmed what her mind had been telling her. Despite her own professed strength and knowing Jax would be rolling his eyes if he could see her, she can't help the tears that come to her eyes or the sobs that follow.
She spends a few minutes clutching at his shirt as she cries before she starts to pull herself together. Knowing Jax would likely grumble at her for her behavior, she stands up and wipes her eyes, though not before closing his. She whispers a quick prayer and stands over him saying nothing else.
Jack stands uncomfortably nearby. Jax had not been the only fallen today and he was not one to play favorites as he had not known the man personally very much. Godun pours some of his precious drink upon the deck for the fallen before taking a pull himself. He too gives Zatsa her space.
With her prayers done, Zatsa kneels down and places a final, farewell kiss to Jax's forehead before standing and wiping her eyes.
Though her eyes are still rimmed in red and her voice is a little hoarse, Zatsa holds her head up high and looks Jack in the eye.
''Orders sir?''
Jack shakes his head.
"No orders. We will be held up for a day or two doing repairs."
The ship remains anchored just off the coast as repairs are made, the wounded are tended to, and the dead are prepared for a burial at sea. Even the battle tested and veteran sailors seem subdued. While they had survived, none felt like they had won, there was a tense edge that lingered about the vessel.
As promised a day later the man o war was moving once more on the waves. Once in deeper water, the dead were chained and tossed overboard as was custom, sent off with offerings ranging from words to a good drink. Even with wounded still recovering the ship was back at it's best. Her well trained crew not letting her down. Time would heal what little wounds were left on her when she docked, even if her scarred hull gave off a very different impression.
Or so was the thought before no less then a day later another ship was sighted. The bell rang out as the swift brigantine came barreling towards the greater ship. It was clear the braggart of a ship thought them wounded and broken by mere sight alone. The edge that had lingered was sharpened by the insult. Where the sailors before had been determined and professional, now they were hungry and grim. They scrambled as before, only now with deadly intent. These pirates picked the wrong ship on the wrong day.
Zatsa's expression is as grim as most others aboard the ship, as yet another pirate ship comes to claim their lives and freedom. Zatsa prepares for battle just as she did last time, this time she starts with her crossbow, loaded and ready to go.
Again the Talon shows it's might as it suddenly turns with unexpected power. The incoming ship finds itself staring down the metal plated figurehead of the great ship. If the two ships collide the sheer bulk and superior craftsmanship of the Talon would break the smaller vessel apart. The enemy pilot had some skill as they quickly adjust to avoid hitting it head on, instead seeking to cut along the side of the behemoth.
Both the Talon and her crew would have none of that. A rain of grappling lines launches from the larger ship just as a volley at near point-blank range is fired from the ship. In a matter of moments, the enemy ship was shredded and firmly tied down.
Jack and Godun appear beside Zatsa.
"No half measures this time. The Captain wants that ship and everyone on it. Dead or alive, as long as their pirates it does not matter."
Without more Jack takes off at his usual all to fast speed. Godun takes a swig of something.
"After you."
Says the halfling.
Zatsa smiles faintly for a moment or two before putting away her crossbow and replacing it with her sword. She slaps Godun on the back and nods, saying nothing she takes off in the same direction Jack went.
It almost seems like a different ship. Most of the crew is moving like a wave with you. Ready to lay waste to the enemies before them rather than simply subduing a pirate ship. Many beat you to the railing, vaulting over or in the case of Jack jumping clear over on to the opposing ship.
Zatsa barely clears the railing and makes an unsteady landing on the enemy ship. The fighting is already in full swing. Unlike the last ship you encountered there are no gnolls on this one, in fact, it does not seem to be a slave ship. You appear to be dealing with much simpler pirates interested in material plunder rather than the kind made of flesh and despair.
A human pirate suddenly appears out of one of the groups nearby taking a swing at you with a short sword. Your awkward landing or sudden surprise dull your reflexes enough for the blade to find your flesh. It leaves a bright angry line of blood on your arm as it connects.
Sucking in a sharp breath as hot pain lances up her left arm, Zatsa finds her balance and turns to face her opponent.
She can only be glad that she does not need to deal with mad cackling this time, as her feet begin their familiar dance and her sword arm begins its own.
She lashes out with the flat of her blade and roars at him in anger as she does.
The pirate easily dodges the strike only to spin back with his short sword coming from a strange angle. The unexpected attack lands, leaving its mark like the last. While it seemed these pirates were not as wild as the slavers, they were no less deadly.
Zatsa keeps her face in a mask of indifference, not wanting her foe to know that his obvious skill has rattled her a little. Hopping back to give her a little space, Zatsa grabs one of her newly acquired potions from her belt and pulls the stopper out with her teeth. Spitting it to the deck, she slams the potion back.
She lets out a little sigh of relief as she feels the magic wash over her. Her wounds heal for the most part, living her mostly as she was before she landed on the deck.
The pirate presses the attack as he brings his blade to bare only to miss. Zatsa seems to have regained her footing and dances out of the way. You hear a commotion behind you as it is approaching. The all too familiar howling of a certain halfling. While your long legs had given you a head start, you suspect Godun would be joining the brawl soon enough.
Hearing the approaching and familiar cacophony that is Godun, in addition to her healed wounds, gives Zatsa a renewed feeling of energy. She swings once more with the flat of her blade. Zatsa roars once more at the pirate, trying to demoralize him as her blade connects.
The tide turns in Zatsa's favor as she lands her first strike against the pirate and it is a heavy one. The pirate appears torn between making a run for it and standing his ground before he swings out hard with his blade. But his indecision was no bluff and he misses badly.
Seeing the hesitation in her foe's eyes, Zatsa goes in for another strike, seeking to end the fight quickly and decisively.
With a scream of primal rage she smashes her blade against her opponent's head, connecting solidly with his temple.
It seems that Zatsa's strike lands hard but the pirate stays standing until he falls over with a blank look. Your victory is short lived as in a flash a slender blade comes out of nowhere. It lands squarely in your chest. A second pirate, this one a half elf with a rapier is the newest threat. Clearly a cut above the one you just laid low, his mocking smirk saying as much.
Zatsa hisses in pain and growls at her new opponent as she strikes at him with the flat of her sword.
''Watch the goods you C+~*! I need those.''
The half elf slaps your sword away while striking with his own only to miss. He seems to be snickering, he was laughing at you which may have been why he missed.
Growling a little that at the dirty little sea rat, Zatsa puts a little more force into her next swing, seeking to knock the smirk off of her foe's face.
Yet again the half elf pirate slaps away the strike with his thin blade. But as before he misses a strike in turn, due to his continued snickering. That was until he suddenly found a dagger sprouting out of his leg.
"I'm going to cut you down to my size."
The halflings flying blade had arrived before him. He would be upon the half elf soon. Who was no longer snickering.
Zatsa's smirking widened into a full blown smile when she saw the dagger fly into her opponent and heard Godun's proclamation.
Hopping back to give herself some room Zatsa begins to wave her arms about and chant the words to a spell. As she completes the last of her chanting, she looks the half-elf in the eye and winks, then vanishes from sight.
Bastard is skilled, but what he can't see, he can't parry.
The half elf backs up with a deadly grin. He cast a spell with his free hand, he was not just skilled but a veteran pirate. An explosion of dust spreads out from its source covering everything and everyone in the area. Hitting Zatsa and Godun full force, exposing the formerly hidden Zatsa. While stinging both of your eyes, only Godun gets the worst of it.
"Dirty bastard, I bet your mother was a pig in a wig that drugged your dainty father in an outhouse."
The now blinded halfling curses.
Zatsa curses out loud, her calm composure broken by frustration.
Bastard! Godun wouldn't be blind right now if not for me.
Dashing to the side and forward, Zatsa places herself in melee range of her foe and places herself between he and her friend, in case he gets it into his head to strike the halfling while he can't see.
Hefting her sword, she brings it around in a wicked slash, still trying to connect the flat with her damnable foe's head.
''Best surrender now, the halfling will bite your throat out if he reaches you!'' Zatsa taunts as her blade connects with her opponent.
By pure luck or design, the strike hits true and the half elf feels as well as hears a loud crack. Which knocks him out cold just as Zatsa delivers her taunt. Apparently seeming to speak to no one.
During the back to back battles, the tide had been ridden by the whole crew. The pirates were surrendering as true to Jack's words, the crew was not in a merciful mood while they cut down stubborn pirates. The ship was lost and it was clear to those wise enough to settle for shackles over the grave.
Godun after some hard rubbing came up beside Zatsa. Giving the half elf at her feet a good kick as he spoke.
"Tricky scum that one. Looks like we got ourselves a new ship. Not a bad prize, if she has some good drink in her belly than she'll be a better one in my eyes."
Zatsa rools her eyes affectionately, as she squats down to begin relieving the half-elf of his gear.
''Its always with drink with you isn't it friend? I knew halflings liked to eat but I* had no idea they loved to drink this much as well. Still, your timely dagger is much appreciated, first round is on me.''
She pulls the aforementioned dagger from the half-elf and held it up to Godun, hilt first.
''Want it back?'' She asks as she holds it aloft.
Once she is done looting her fallen foe, she turns to survey the clean up and shackling of the various pirates. Rubbing her chin thoughtfully she addresses her friend once more.
''What's the standard practice when it comes to captured vessels? Take them and use them as part of the Andoran Navy?''
The halfling gives her an annoyed look as he takes the dagger.
"Do I complain about your dancing. Looks like someone needs another lesson of don't poke the halfling."
He shuffles off with that, speaking over his shoulder as he goes.
"Jack will answer that when he makes his rounds. I'm going below deck, stay up here."
The pirates are already mostly stripped of their possessions and being transferred over to the Talon.
After a while Jack comes around looking like a daisy, apparently, these pirates didn't match the gnolls.
"We are splitting the crews. The Talon will take all the prisoners and lead the way. This ship will follow while being crewed with sailors on loan from the Talon. I'll be taking command so my people will be on this ship. That includes you of course. No more lazying around, once the exchange is complete your going to work."
He slaps you on the shoulder with a smirk.
Zatsa rubs her chin thoughtfully as she regards Jack and lifts an eyebrow when he mentions captaining this ship.
''Does this mean I have to be respectful and refer to you as 'Captain Jack' from now on?''
Because to be frank I think I'd hate that. She adds silently.
She mutters under her breath about lazy commanders, pots, kettles and black, when she is accused of laziness but says nothing else. She stands on the deck of the ship gazing out at the sky, knowing that tomorrow is going to bring nothing but sore arms and a large headache.
"Of course not, I'm much more important than a mere Captain."
He says with a chuckle and a smile before going off to give orders.
The next few days pass in a blur as things are mostly calm and routine. Jack chases Godun for guzzling an entire barrel of ale one night but otherwise little of note beside hard work and sunny days. The crew was in a much better mood having crushed and chained some pirates. The previous defeat seemed forgotten if not those that had fallen.
Finally you make it to port in Augustana with your prize in tow. The Talon is docked while your prize is sent to the shipyards. Everyone is given shore leave while Jack stops you as you are leaving.
"Make your way to the fortress on Admiralty Hill tomorrow before noon. Don't be late, your final judgment will be brought down there. Good luck."
He leaves you with that.
Zatsa nods when Jack gives her, her orders. She chooses not to say anything, understanding that this is a serious moment.
She does not feel too worried though, despite her earlier mistakes during her first test, she feels she has done well.
Zatsa makes her way to the market place, intending on off-loading most of the gear she acquired from the pirates and Gnolls. She thinks she might find a trinket or two with the money she will have gained.
Once she reaches the markets, she looks for a merchant willing to haggle with her and tries to get a good price.
Once she has a little more coin she looks around for any merchants who might have some magical or wondrous items for sale.
For once your shopping goes as planned and you get a fair deal. You find the items you are looking for as well without much trouble. Port cities being more reliable than most for such a task.
The next day Zatsa wakes and goes about her morning ritual before setting out for the fortress. The trip takes a while as the city slowly comes alive and more people fill the streets as the sun rises. None the less she makes it before the appointed hour.
The great Fort Constance stands before you. Heavy solid stone walls with a single open gate meet you. The guards are clear to see in not only on the ground before entering but patrolling the wall as well. When you get to the gate guard and give your name, you are escorted inside. Soon enough you are lead through hallways and corridors to a well lit office.
Inside you find a large oak desk. A minibar with food and drink to one side. With a number of chairs before the desk and against the wall. Another door behind the desk leads to what you presume is a private chamber of the office's resident. Which you hear voices coming from as it seems at least a pair of people are speaking to each other on the other side. The guard bids you take a seat and wait while he knocks on the door, letting himself in shortly after. Supposedly to let them know you have arrived. After which the guard excuses himself and leaves.
You don't have to wait long before the door opens and your old friend Mr. Cobalt walks in. Followed by Jack and another man you have never seen before. The newcomer is a tan skinned lean elf in blue robes with black trim. His pupil less eyes are solid gold, his long black hair is pulled back and tied into a tight single braid that stops just under his shoulders.
"Sit."
Says Mr. Cobalt as he points to one of the chairs before the desk. Jack leans on a nearby wall with an expressionless mask. Mr. Cobalt stands opposite Jack on the other side of the lone chair behind the desk which the elf sits in.
"I am Elred, one of the commanders of this fort. As well as overseer of this region for the Andoran Navy."
Elred gave off a calming aura, unlike the stern Cobalt or whimsical Jack. Elred had a sense of gentle control about him.
"I have heard from both my colleges here about you. Now I would like to hear from you Miss Seastar. What is your view on yourself, your actions, and what we should do with you?"
Zatsa regards the serene-looking elf in front of her and despite his calm aura, can't help but feel like a child. She takes a swallows back a little nervousness and begins to speak.
''Well, I'm brave and loyal. Your organization pulled me from nothingness and gave me a chance at more and that is not something I will ever forget. Im skilled with a blade and know my way around a fight. I know my first show of skill was nothing to brag about.'' Her eyes dart unconsciously to Mr. Cobalt for a moment before returning to Eldred.
''But I do not think it can be denied that I made up for that when I was given a second chance.'' Her nostrils flare and her brow becomes furrowed for a moment as though swallowing something unpleasant.
''Doubtless you have heard of everything that transpired aboard the Talon. I will not deny I have a temper that can get the best of me. I am not always the most forward-thinking but I am capable of adapting to a rapidly changing situation.''
Her voice has lost some of the nervousness as she went on but now it starts to creep back into her voice as the subject of what to do with her comes up.
''As for what to do with me, I would hesitate to tell you what you should do with me. I believe that I would do well if you placed me in a situation that required espionage. But, I believe I would do just as well if you put a sword in my hand and asked me to defend my home from slavers and pirates. As I said, I am good with a blade and I hate them as much as anyone ever has. Though the dawnflower teaches us to forgive them and try and bring them to the light, if i am honest I would just as soon see them all hanging from the gallows.''