The captain - not accustomed to the tone - states, "You did well in battle but should we find ourselves in difficulty again on this voyage stay below deck...your services will not be needed." His tone implies the conversation is over.
Not in the least offended, the elf bows a final time.
As you wish, Captain. I shall join my fellow passengers. No doubt there are plenty would like a personal bodyguard. My services remain open to you, should you change your mind. Good Evening.He exists the cabin, when he is outside he likewise takes a moment to say goodbye to Darius and the two women.
It appears I am unencumbered with the menial tasks of ship hand. If you should find yourselves with a moment for intelligent conversation or merely wishing for better company, I would welcome the opportunity to spend time among such fine people. Good Evening. Rose. Songbird.
He offers the two woman a kiss on the hand and Darius a warrior's handshake. But he offers a final word.
Were, this wolf in sheeps clothing ladies, for surely the scoundrel seeks to steal your hearts among other things, I am certain, for I know my own kind.
The elf spies the pious looking gentleman and the chain shirted woman coming to the captain's cabin as he is saying his goodbye's and raises his voice enough so the two can hear as they pass.
Regretful the captain was unwilling or unable to meet the cost the services of a proper Bladedancer. I would have thought the slashed and burnt bodies of the Thrune soldier's AND fire in their masts were enough to convince him of my value. Oh well, I am sure there are plenty downstairs with the coin for a guard of talent and questionable morals.
"So you're a nature worshipper? Which god or goddess?" His interest peaked as he looks at Sath.
"Well mostly just nature and the sea itself, but I suppose I could be considered a follower of Gozreh as well."
"Nay, friend, I am no thief of hearts, passions, or possessions. I merely seek a pleasant evening with fine company. And what finer company exists aboard this vessel than with these two goddesses and friends who just risked their necks alongside my own in battle. Come! Join us for dinner at least!" Darius implores the elf.
Deciding that he should like to add to his own meal, Sath takes fishing rod, line, and hook from his enchanted haversack and sets forth to catch himself a fine fish.
"So you're a nature worshipper? Which god or goddess?" His interest peaked as he looks at Sath.
"Well mostly just nature and the sea itself, but I suppose I could be considered a follower of Gozreh as well."
Embrianna looks over at Sath, interest peaked. "I also follow Gozreh.". Nudging Emmy to the side a bit, Bri displays her shell pendant depicting Gozreh's holy symbol. "It is always wise to pay homage to one who can affect the waves and weather when you are aboard a sailing vessel."
"You two should join me in a bit of fun tonight. I plan on hosting some One-and-Thirty and Hazard games as well as getting completely knackered on rum and wine before my duties begin tomorrow."
"Sounds like fun, though I tend to not be very good at games, I am always willing to give them a try."
"Tell me Astri, how do you feel about snakes? Small ones at least." Hopefully she isn't the type who shrieks and runs at the sight of them, but better to find out now than later by accident.
"Thank you Dirk. If you aren't too tired after dinner, I will likely be out on deck."
Embrianna gives a little wave to Dirk as she heads out to the deck.
Darius walks up between Embrianna and Astrianna, extending his elbows, offering each of them an arm, and says, "My ladies, it would be an honor of all honors to accompany you goddesses to dinner. Perhaps we can finally have that opportunity to get to know each other I promised you before the day's conflict."
Embrianna gives a little laugh as she takes Darius's other arm. "You are an absolutely incorrigible flirt, aren't you?"
I labeled the main deck quarters
The two guests notice the group leaving the captain's quarter but they don't comment.
Darius turns and winks at Embrianna. "My dear, I just want to make sure that women as lovely as the two of you receive the praise you so rightly deserve," he says as they make their way to their seats.
Crew members and passengers begin to emerge on the decks eating and making small talk. There are quite a few discussion about the "close call." "Captain seemed to handle that battle well."
"Nay, friend, I am no thief of hearts, passions, or possessions. I merely seek a pleasant evening with fine company. And what finer company exists aboard this vessel than with these two goddesses and friends who just risked their necks alongside my own in battle. Come! Join us for dinner at least!" Darius implores the elf.
The elf notes the 2 wealthy looking individuals seeming lack of interest.
Very well, friend. If there's not more decent coin to be had this night, I shall have to settle for rough drink and the company of fine women. Someone has two chaperone these two in your presence, fine sword you are, I have not known you long enough to be sure you are a gentleman or scoundrel. Let us all drink and find the true character of Darius the Warrior.
Astrianna dips her bread into the porridge to soften it up, biting into it and chewing ravenously. She appears to have taken on the mannerisms of a sailor again, and at this point some would notice she appears to switch her behavior depending on location and company.
"Stock ship food, at least it isn't full of weevils or have bits of roasted rat in it. I once stayed at a tavern in Westport that I swear, to this day, was serving Goblin and calling it chicken."
The bard continues to pretend she doesn't understand Aquan, hiding the disappointment on her face at Embrianna's response. Ah, he's just being a love-bird, Embri is playing the long game. I got too excited too quickly!
She cringes at Adriel calling out to the captain's guest. I see that man's mouth doesn't just run during battle. If we get into a situation, I'll just have to talk over him.
Turning her head to Emrbi as she asks about snakes, she tilts her head curiously at the out-of-place question. "I don't have any problems with the small ones- small being shorter than my arm and less thick. In Wispil I saw and killed some monsterous snakes, ones that could swallow a halfling easy. Well, I killed one. Why do you ask?"
The first mate comes up to Darius and Bri. "You did well...today." He eyes Bri. "Did you make the men go to sleep?' He then looks at Adriel somewhat confused. "Why are you selling your sword...your crew...No?"
Darius chuckles and adds, "And of Adriel the Sellsword!"
"Goblin does taste like chicken....needs salt."
Standing with the two (Darius and Brie) the elf bows, as was his habit and sizes the man up (and looks for weapons), his Familiar hissing quietly at the intruder.
Ahh, the first mate. I haven't formally had the pleasure. What do we call you besides 'large and imposing'? And no, sadly I am passenger, not crew, for I am a Sellsword by profession. That means I go to the highest bidder. A longer contract for the levels of Magic I can cast was beyond was he was willing to part with. Worry not, for I have grown to like and respect this crew and should we run afoul of Thrune again my blade and magic WILL be available, do tell the good captain when he has ears for the news. My employment costs money, however my friendship is free, would you care to join us for drink and the exchange of Bulls!++ tales of our respective impossible exploits?
Astrianna turns her head to Bri as well when Malta approaches. "Malta's right- I saw you performing some spellcraft gestures. I didn't try to identify your spells- I was busy aiming, but you've got the look of a sorcerer to me. You're too cute to be a wizard, they're always so dried up and uncouth."
She snaps her fingers at Matla. "I knew it! It was always salted when they served it, even if they said it was fresh.
Her head turns to Adriel. "Mt. Muscle is what I like to call him, but his name is Malta, Bladedancer."
Darius bows his head toward the first mate, "Thank you sir, and you as well! I'm glad to be aboard a ship of such fine warriors, sailors, and beautiful women! Here..."
He reaches into his pack and produces a fancy looking, uncorked bottle of Sealord Wine. "I was saving this for a special occasion, but I know of none better than our recent success on our recent victory!"
Darius will pour a bit of wine to each of the new crew members, Adriel included, as well as any officers who wish to partake.
"Malta Todd," he has a nasty looking dagger on his hip and cutlass. You did catch a glimpse of him in battle with the captain, he was imposing and at one point seemed out of control.
The first mate comes up to Darius and Bri. "You did well...today." He eyes Bri. "Did you make the men go to sleep?'
Bri nods at the first mate. "Yes, I know a few spells and have the ability to induce sleep."
Turning her head to Emrbi as she asks about snakes, she tilts her head curiously at the out-of-place question. "I don't have any problems with the small ones- small being shorter than my arm and less thick. In Wispil I saw and killed some monsterous snakes, ones that could swallow a halfling easy. Well, I killed one. Why do you ask?"
Embrianna coaxes Emmy to unwrap from her neck and slither down her arm. "Well, as you can see, I have a little friend. This is Emmy and she is an emerald green viper."
Astrianna's eyebrows raise a tad as the little viper slithers down her arm. The bard's eyes are nearly the same color as the snake, just slightly darker. "Oh, I thought that was a necklace! Little Emmy is kind of cute, I like her. She just stays coiled around your neck? How fascinating, is she your familiar? I never received enough arcane training to form any bonds."
Oh, this is Emmy. Their brief conversation earlier makes so much more sense now...
Sath turns to Embrianna and addresses her,
"Yes, she is my little familiar. Her favorite place to lay is around my neck. She is a lot less likely to be stepped on there and I help to keep her warm in chilly weather since she doesn't like to be cold. She was stowed away in a crate of tropical fruit when I first found her."
As Darius pours the wine for everyone, he looks to Astrianna and inquires, "So, I believe you promised us all a performance tonight, my dear. What sort of show do you have in mind?"
Astrianna inspects the small reptile, looking over its green form. "Green is my favorite color, so little Emmy here is already on my good side. I'm glad you found her, she is a cute little snake. What do you feed her?"
Holding out her mess cup for some wine, the bard swirls it in the cup and inhales deeply. "What kind of wine is this Darius? Also, the cork looked popped to me- how long has this been sitting your backpack?"
She grins at him, her eyes widening, eyebrows raising, and her expressive face putting on a visage of wonder. "Oh, Darius. It will be the most sensual, stimulating, erotic Qadira Scarf Dance any on this boat will ever experience. It's outlawed in Taldor- the very mention of its name, the Katheer Silk Vision, is enough to be tried for treason. You will speak to your grandsons of the wonders witnessed tonight, and their grandsons will hear of it as if it was a legend."
The woman waits for his reaction, her face completely serious and bronze cheeks lightly flushed, as if she was getting worked up just speaking of it.
"She will eat tiny fish and small mice and large insects. Emmy isn't really too picky as long as she can fit it in her mouth."
Darius seems thrilled by Astrianna's boast. "Why, that sounds to me like a show I just wouldn't miss for all the gold in the world. And it is a bottle of Sealord Wine. Not overly expensive, but it has some of the finest flavor in the world."
Bri laughs. "Sounds to me like the menfolk around here will be forgetting all about me when you do that dance."
The bard laughs softly at Darius- she had been hoping for a more enthused response so she could make a joke out of it, but him falling for the imaginative dance was at least amusing.
"I jest, Darius, I'll be singing of course. There is little a sailor loves more than a good song, and all of those other things are intoxicating. I have an excellent forecastle song in mind that I think they will love. Of course, I can sing almost anything in Elven, Draconic, and even Slyvan, with my favorite being a collection of melancholic Elven songs that are centuries old. My true talent actually lies in acting, but there are few playwrights on the open sea, and even fewer theatres."
The half-elf takes a sip of her wine, smiling and nodding. "Ah, this is Sealord, good, been a while since I've had any." She raises her mug to those present "To new friends- I'm sorry Emmy, but I haven't a bug to toast you with."
The side of Darius' lips raises in a smirk when he realized he had been had. "Well, I'm certain the sailors would have enjoyed the dance too. But a song is just as good, for it gives me the opportunity to dance with the enchanting Embrianna, if she would do me the honor," he says as he turns to face her.
Sath turns to Embrianna and addresses her,
** spoiler omitted **
You land a three black grouper, a delicious eating fish, it's enough to feed 6 medium sized people.
"I am not very certain that having your toes stepped on by me is going to be an honor. Though I will concede to at least one dance with you." Embrianna smiles as she teases Darius, though in truth she knows she isn't that great a dancer.
The tutila warrior is ruggedly handsome, with chords of weathered muscles, his skin deeply brown soaked from years in the sun. His intricate tattoos that are truly unique.
Astrianna takes another drink of her wine, looking over to Malta. "The captain tells us you're from the Razor, Malta. He told a tale of fantastic beauty and splendor equaled only by its danger- What say you?" She tips back her hat, leaning backwards to look up at the gigantic man.
Embrianna looks over to the first mate as well. "Yes, we would love to hear a story or two about the Razor Coast. I have yet to sail there myself. What are the seas and beaches there like?"
Sath takes the fish down to the cook to see about having it cooked, he then offers portions to his new companions and resigning himself to the porridge, he offers the last portion to the Captain.
"Ah well, I suppose I dine as the crew tonight."
Darius turns to hear the man's answer, also curious to hear more of their destination. He holds the bottle up, signaling the first mate an offer of some of the beverage, should he desire it.
Let's just see what it is I'm getting into...
Embrianna gives a little wave to Dirk as she heads out to the deck.
David smiles and waves back at her.
She’s a really nice girl. I hope to get the chance to talk to her later; she seems pretty interesting, and has been really friendly so far…
Darius was also a good guy, too. But I wonder what the deal is with the others? They seem kind of stand-offish so far… On the other hand, we did just meet. Maybe they’ll loosen up once we sail for a few days…
As he sits in the officer’s quarters he looks at the other men who command the ship.
He is not able to read into a man’s heart, but he is a relatively decent judge of character, when he bends his mind to it. Thus, as he looks at the men that comprise the officers he suspects that he could harangue them on the specific duties of a Ship’s Surgeon all day, or the subtleties of the lands that they sail to – but after only a few moments of reflection he doubts highly that he will get a detailed and specific answer filled with poignant nuances regarding the various questions that are jostling around in his head.
Instead, these men strike him as no-nonsense types who are the sort to pursue a task, do the job that is before them, and waste little time trifling with detailed responses; unless those responses directly pertain to the specific task before them. Indeed, he recalls with a crystal clear recollection the few direct questions he had put to the captain earlier and observed that many of the questions were brushed aside unless the captain had a very specific answer.
Well, he is pretty busy with everything going on. That's not too surprising, I guess...
Further, logic suggested that as rum was being doled out and dinner was being served that it was likely that these men were probably more interested in enjoying some leisure activity after their combat earlier.
Taking his bowl of porridge he moves onto the main deck and flings himself on down in the lee of the aft mast, stretching out his legs and watching the ship and the people moving about, careless of the open sky and wind. As he sits casually on the deck he rummages through his kit until he finds a small container of spices. He adds some hot pepper to the porridge for flavor and eats it quickly as he thinks about his next move.
I sure would like to talk to the gang and get to know them better… Still, there is business to get done with first. If we’re really being hunted who knows when the next attack might come?
He absently touches the scar on his bicep. He knows that he could deal with the wound neatly with his last major spell of the day; but he believes that it would be better to save magical healing for a true emergency. A good night’s sleep and a warm bed should be all that he needs to take care of this mere scratch.
When he finishes his food he cleans his plate with a rag and gets up and seeks out the ship’s quartermaster.
When he finds him he addresses the man.
”Evening Mister Henk,” he says with a nod.
”I was wondering if I could see the crew manifest at this time, if that’s possible?”
”Well, as the new Ship's Surgeon I need to make sure that the ship is prepared against any eventuality in terms of medical emergencies. We appear to have a rather large bounty on our heads and will likely be hunted soon.”
”Most lads that have had any training in arcane lore tend to be a bit smarter than the average lot; I’d like to know who they are for the future in case I need an aid below.”
”Also, according to Article 12 of the Privateer Code that we signed; A sailor who can perform magic, of any sort, shall immediately disclose that ability to Quartermaster and Captain. A sailor show can perform magic must use that magic for the benefit of the ship…”
He looks at Henk with a little shrug.
”I presume that this information about the crew is noted on the manifest?” he says with a friendly smile, trying not to seem pushy about asking for this stuff and trying to get the information.
As he waits to take a look at the document, another thought occurs to him.
”Begging your pardon, but is it also possible to see the list of ammunition for the siege weapon on this vessel? I know a little bit about siege guns and I’d like to take a look at ours, if that’s possible?”
”I noticed so far that our ship had bolts for a ballista. But nothing more, so far, that is… Anyhow, I don’t know… well, the thing is, there are a lot of things that can be used for a ship’s defenses that are pretty easy to make; I don’t doubt that you are fully stocked with such things, but if you don’t mind, I would just like to take a look at the inventory, if possible?” he adds.
As he waits, he glances aloft to the meager “Crow’s Nest” that he sees above and frowns.
Once this is done I suppose I should try asking the First Officer if it would be possible to create or rig a proper Fighting Top. Good for archers, casters, and anyone else with ranged weapons…
But that can wait until after this gets settled proper…
Then he looks back at Henk, hoping that the quartermaster will provide with the few answers to the questions he currently has.
Adriel was enjoying the lovely company and Darius' s Magical Wine bottle quite a bit.
As much as he loves drink, his own everfull skin only served water.
He was a pragmatist after all.
He did note the men around all trying VERY hard to seem charming and irresistible to the two beautiful women.
He on the other hand WAS charming and irresistible. Something he needed to use now to secure some employment.
Damn fool, should have taken the first offer...
He gets up and heads back to the captain's cabin and knocks at the door. If no answer seems apparent, he decides to wait in the shadows. The captain would be available soon enough and he needed time to work out a way to accept the man's offer without sounding desperate.
When the captain DOES open his door
Captain, apologies for my shortness earlier. Sometimes it seems my ego exceeds my perceived value. I would like to be candid, if I may. There was nothing insulting about your earlier offer. I am a sellsword and so reaching for a higher price comes with the trade. In any case like you, I was content to leave our last interaction lie, but an rousing evening spent in the company or your fine crew has convinced me I have made a most gross error. Your original offer was a position on the crew and the refund of the passage money. I will better that. A position on the crew, you keep the passage money and earn the friendship of a skilled Bladedancer who is not above admitting when he is wrong or pig headed. Not often one can make a friend who is that honest. Fair Deal?
As David finishes the last of his porridge from his place by the mast he watches the magus move off to the captain’s door out of the corner of his eye and use sorcery to disappear at the door.
Watching the space where the elf was for a minute or so , David can see him standing there hiding in the shadows with little effort but shrugs.
Well, I had hoped to chat and try to get to know each other – but I guess that will have to happen later… He seems pretty occupied right now…
For a moment David has a sudden thought the elf may be trying to assault the captain, but dismisses it as unlikely.
Knowing that the quartermaster may have other duties occupying him at this particular moment – but fully prepared to talk to him as soon as he can, for now he swings himself up and moves forward to find his companions.
When he eventually discovers them he greats Darius and Embrianna warmly.
”Hey, how are you all doing this evening?” he says to them with a friendly wave.
He looks Sath thoughtfully and glances at the half-elf with a casual glance as he moves over to Embrianna and Darius.
”So anyhow – I know we’re not on duty formally, but I’m not really keen on drinking if I got work to do later – do either of you want my rum?” he asks the two of them.
As he waits for answer, he looks at Sath.
”I remember you earlier during the fight. You handled yourself pretty well,” he says with a nod.
”My name’s David Hawkins – oh, um – and I guess for now I’m the acting ship’s surgeon, too,” he says offering his hand to Sath.
”So I heard you say you were a priest of nature. How skilled are you at that, if you don’t mind me asking” he adds, as he moves over to sit down by Darius and Embrianna.
As he waits for an answer, he looks at the two of his friends.
”I was thinking of asking the First Officer if we may do a few tweaks on the ship, if it’s possible. It may be able to help any of you with casting. You interested in it?” he asks.
For those willing to listen the First Mate obliges for a story request. He takes a deep drink of from his pewter tankard. Satisfied with the spice on his breath, "Aye, the Razor is beautiful, but unclean hands are always trying to take root." He eyes each one of you, his stare is intense, "Steer clear if’n you’ve any sense. Port Shaw is second only to that festering pit, Carcass, in slime and skullduggery. On the docks of Shaw, cannibal savages rub shoulders with murderous pirates, and the gods know what other horrors walk in broad daylight among them. Many Captains don’t drop anchor in that stain. Many go as far as Kai Bay, and they make folks swim the rest. It's a cesspit, that the Tulita and Old God's have yet to dislodge from its shores." he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.
A mousy crew member comes up to Dirk and plops down next to him, She produces some dried smoked halibut out of flat leaf paper. She offers some to the surgeon. "Y'gentle hand, ye do. Try the fish...smoked it meself with 6 peppers, me own receipt." She smiles, missing an incisor and half a front tooth, "Name's Rita...folks call me scurvy."
"Name's Rita...folks call me scurvy."
David looks at the girl with surprise.
”Sure thing,” he says with a grin, and gingerly takes some of the smoked halibut and eats it with relish.
”Pretty good,” he says with a smile.
He looks at the girl thoughtfully, noticing her teeth and clearly the nickname.
”You eat this kind of stuff a lot?” he says looking at her carefully, noting the salted fish.
”What I mean is; you ever get some greens? You know – carrots, chili peppers, that sort of thing?” he says looking at her, studying her skin for the tell-tale signs of advancing scurvy sores very casually.
David knows that green chili peppers are extremely high in the nutrients needed to stem off scurvy, but he wants to be sure. Still, as she’s missing part of a tooth and doesn’t have the advanced receding gums he is starting to suspect it may simply be a nickname.
”I like to cook is all,” he adds, trying not to seem too intimidating with his questions and using a friendly tone, doing his best to provide a good bed-side manner as he studies her, knowing that untreated scurvy can eventually lead to rot, disease and in some cases death.
Adriel you here laughter from within the officer's mess but after an hour and half the two humans come out.