"Thank you, Flynn. Fine sailing to you and Amen-set, as well. You managed to get the Sanbalot through the cove and passed the Dominator with little damage. And aye, I will call across for Piper on the morrow after the Besmaran clergymen have undertaken their repair spell." Rain smiles across the ships to Flynn (recollecting Amen-set's words of the previous night), although she is weary, there is still much to be done before she can retire for the night.
"Thank you, Flynn. Fine sailing to you and Amen-set, as well. You managed to get the Sanbalot through the cove and passed the Dominator with little damage. And aye, I will call across for Piper on the morrow after the Besmaran clergymen have undertaken their repair spell." Rain smiles across the ships to Flynn (recollecting Amen-set's words of the previous night), although she is weary, there is still much to be done before she can retire for the night.
Sounds good, then. Assuming that both priests will study the spells - we have one on each ship right now. That would be helpful!" he calls out.
Variel listens to the talk of the cat and which ship to take point. It all sounds like sound decisions so he remains quiet. The only thing he does is turn to Flynn Do you want to stay up tonight sailing the Sanbalot or me?
Thinking a moment, Horatio responds.
"I'll take the helm; if memory serves me a caster like yourself needs more time to sleep then others."
He looks at Variel a moment.
"I do not wish to sound rude, but was any plunder, or gear, or goods at all found on that ship?" he asks again.
"Yet you are weary... perhaps you can tell me in the morning after you sleep? I am also curious to know what happened on the ship, too - but I can wait for that tale as well, so long as I hear it," he adds with a smile.
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We were too busy trying to stay alive to worry about goods, gear or plunder. We went with a mission and accomplished it. The rest will be told tomorrow for the whole crew to hear about so they know the risks the officers are willing to take for them. I will go rest then since you have things well in hand. I will relieve you in the morning then.
In the morning when Variel wakes he does his ritual and prepares spells. One of which is detect magic and he does so on the cloak. If magical he will attempt to identify it. If he detects any magic he will then tell the officers about it later in the day.
spellcraft
Seijiro stays up the night so Rain can get some rest, and will, yawning and obviously tired, attend any officer's meeting in the morning before going to get his own share of sleep and rest.
With the crew working overtime, he will use his ability to negate fatigue to make sure all are feeling fit and ready to work and sail through the night, and in the morning, he will refresh them again, playing a few shanties to brighten their day and prevent fatigue.
Adular didn't seem worried about Chelixian vendettas but he did nod at Flynn's request for spell use before hitting the sack to pray to his goddess and then sleep. Blast me, I forgot to pick up a bit of plunder to woo Sandara with!
We were too busy trying to stay alive to worry about goods, gear or plunder. We went with a mission and accomplished it. The rest will be told tomorrow for the whole crew to hear about so they know the risks the officers are willing to take for them. I will go rest then since you have things well in hand. I will relieve you in the morning then.
In the morning when Variel wakes he does his ritual and prepares spells. One of which is detect magic and he does so on the cloak. If magical he will attempt to identify it. If he detects any magic he will then tell the officers about it later in the day.
spellcraft d20+10
Horatio nods at the response, knowing it is completely understandable.
He is a bit disapointed; after all - black powder weapons are portable and very expensive. Grabbing a few muskets to resell them could have earned quite a bit of coin.
But, given the situation, what could be done?
That said, he continues to sail until it is time to rest.
During the night he orders double watch, not certain if the enemy is pursuing or not, but he'd just assume not get caught by surprise.
After which, he rests - grabs a quick breakfast and will meet with the others to discuss the next plan.
During the day he will be going about the business of repair the balista while Piper works on the wheel.
Variel, when you get into the captain's quarters, you see the golden cat lying curled up on your luxurious hammock, seemingly asleep. A brilliant emerald green eye opens as you move closer and a soft hiss issues out if you attempt to get in the hammock with her, both eyes opening and her ears laying flat. If you move away, she settles down again, curling up, this time though her green eyes following you around the room.
Variel, when you get into the captain's quarters, you see the golden cat lying curled up on your luxurious hammock, seemingly asleep. A brilliant emerald green eye opens as you move closer and a soft hiss issues out if you attempt to get in the hammock with her, both eyes opening and her ears laying flat. If you move away, she settles down again, curling up, this time though her green eyes following you around the room.
When you get into the captain's quarters, you see the golden cat lying curled up on a luxurious hammock, seemingly asleep. A brilliant emerald green eye opens as you move closer and a soft hiss issues out if you attempt to get in the hammock with her, both eyes opening and her ears laying flat. If you move away, she settles down again, curling up, this time though her green eyes following you around the room.
Rain looks at the golden cat lying on the hammock on the other side of the cot.
In a gentle voice hoping to not agitate the lucky cat further, "I thought we were at least friends. I will not take your hammock, for I have my own cot, here, see? So, what shall we call you? How about Neko? Do you approve of the name?"
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The cat looks at you curiously for a moment before allowing you to get closer, if you attempt to lay on "her" bed then she will start to get snippy again but will allow you to pet her so long as you know that what's yours is hers and what's hers is hers. If that arrangement is acceptable then you should get along fine.
As you stroke her and tell her the name she begins to purr. For a moment you almost think you hear a beautiful female voice say very faintly ...name...suffice for now...soo soft... while the cat is stretching on the bed, but you must be so exhausted you imagined it.
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You will notice very quickly that if anyone else enters the room besides you, even Variel, Neko becomes somewhat...possessive...of you and will obviously push herself in between you and whoever you are talking to so she can be the center of your attention.
Variel, you are able to determine that the cloak is definitely magical but aren't quite sure of the properties yet.
The cloak itself is blood red with black trim and seems to have metal threads sewn into it at regular intervals giving it a pleasing weight.
Rain stands by the hammock housing the golden cat and continues to gently stroke the soft, thick fur. The purring was a positive sign, much better than the initial hissing. Rain understood they each had their own territory in the cabin now. What would Variel say when he returns to his cabin to discover the cat has taken up residence? Rain almost laughed out aloud, even though she was weary from the long day and night.
"Well then, Neko it is. Even Lady Neko, if it suits you better. Now, I believe it is time for me to take to my bed and sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Good night, Lady Neko, may your dreams be happy ones."
Rain pours water into a bowl and washes her face and other grime as best as she can. She removes her armour and weapons and places them to the side of the cot. Lifting the blanket, she lays down and watches Neko for a moment or two through sleep-clouded eyes. The voice she heard was a surprise, but then again Rain did not know if it was just her imagination after the day she had. In a light, quiet voice before drifting off, Rain adds, "You have a beautiful voice, Neko."
While Varies puzzles over the nature of the Commander's magical cloak, Dhaavan strolls over and examines the stolen item.
"Hmmm, that is some nice workmanship. the way the metalic thread is woven in, binding the enchantments in the fabric..."
Horatio will look over the cloak himself.
His primary point of interest is any heraldry; and how that may be used to increase the reputation of the crew.
Hearing that the cloak is also magical, he decides to do what he can to ascertain what properties it may have.
Realizing he is not very skilled at understanding these things, he merely shrugs and leaves the determination of the cloak to wiser heads.
Then, he begins to work on repairing the ballista...
Rain stands by the hammock housing the golden cat and continues to gently stroke the soft, thick fur. The purring was a positive sign, much better than the initial hissing. Rain understood they each had their own territory in the cabin now. What would Variel say when he returns to his cabin to discover the cat has taken up residence? Rain almost laughed out aloud, even though she was weary from the long day and night.
Rain pours water into a bowl and washes her face and other grime as best as she can. She removes her armour and weapons and places them to the side of the cot. Lifting the blanket, she lays down and watches Neko for a moment or two through sleep-clouded eyes. The voice she heard was a surprise, but then again Rain did not know if it was just her imagination after the day she had. In a light, quiet voice before drifting off, Rain adds, "You have a beautiful voice, Neko."
As Rain goes about her business, she is approached by a very reluctant and somewhat uncomfortable Piper.
She looks a bit embarrassed, but when you have a moment, she tips her forelock and shuffles her feet a bit in front of you.
”Uh, begging your pardon, pilot-major,” she says a bit awkwardly ”but, uh – I was asked to give you this by… Blast, what did she call it? Oh yeah! Your “sennet” said to give you this when I got the bloody thing done; she sent me the message on it private like, and I been working on it on the sly. But anyhow, it’s done now,” she adds briskly.
Then she hands you a bundled package, coughs a bit, than goes back to her duties.
First, you see a small letter –
Greetings, Senet!
I was at once pleased to meet the Keeper of the Dead who has come to you. She is a delight, and I am well pleased that the gods have gifted you with such a thing as this.
Such a beast is rumored to be light of foot, it is said, but it occurred to me that as golden as it may be, having something more fitting would be better.
After some consideration, I asked myself what would be the best option, for I deem that having your new ally move forward without proper gear may seem unbecoming.
As such, I have hired on the skills of the good Halfling Piper; she has agreed, and has produced the following item to adorn your new friend.
I myself have produced something for the noble beast as well, if she will consent to wearing it. If not, I have no doubt you will at least appreciate the effort…
You quickly find folded up a small cloak; made to fit the shoulders of your lucky cat.
It is jet black, and has stitched on the back the heraldry of The Lady.
The other package is somewhat more bulky, but after opening it, you observe a pair of cat-sized these things.
Adular uses the repairing spells on the siege weapon as requested. He hums along as he works, seeming in a fine mood despite the troubles of the earlier day. Should he see Sandara on the other ship, he tips his hat to her with a smile. Should he meet her, he'll wink, and say "Looks like I made it back. Hope that means I'm in your good graces still."
In the morning, once the crew is refreshed by his sea shanty and ready to work another full day without fatigue after sailing all night, Seijiro relinquishes the helm to Rain with a weary smile.
He will attend any officer's meeting and also, head over to the Sanbalot . While there, he will again play a few shanties for the crew of the Sanbalot so they too can sail another full day without fatigue.
As Piper hands over the package, Rain gratefully accepts it.
"Firstly, I thank you for working on the Lady's wheel. You and Sandara did a fine job in repairing it. And whatever is in this package, I appreciate you completing it. You and Amen-set both have my gratitude."
Rain wonders at what could have been commissioned by Amen-set. She opens the package and inside is a small cloak, emblazoned with the Lady's heraldry and soft silk and leather cat boots. Rain softly laughs and wonders if Neko would wear such articles. There was only way one to find out.
Moving with purpose to the Captain's quarters where the golden cat was lounging in her hammock, Rain enters and moves slowly toward Neko. She places the small cloak and boots by the cat and steps back a little. "Neko, this is a gift made for you by Amen-set and Piper. If you choose to wear them on certain, special occasions, they would be most happy. The cloak is in the colours of The Dread Lady as we consider you one of us for as long as you desire to be."
Throughout day two, Rain will stand at the helm of the Lady, revived by the repaired state of the wheel. It looked as good and sturdy as before it was hit by the cannonball. It felt sure and whole beneath her hands.
Occasionally she would shout up to the Nest to hear word on whether the Dominator was giving chase or anything out of the ordinary could be sighted on the water.
Rain looked out across the sea, surveying the territory, looking up into the heavens to gauge the weather conditions and wind during their journey to port and then Tidewater Rock.
As Piper hands over the package, Rain gratefully accepts it.
"Firstly, I thank you for working on the Lady's wheel. You and Sandara did a fine job in repairing it. And whatever is in this package, I appreciate you completing it. You and Amen-set both have my gratitude."
Rain wonders at what could have been commissioned by Amen-set. She opens the package and inside is a small cloak, emblazoned with the Lady's heraldry and soft silk and leather cat boots. Rain softly laughs and wonders if Neko would wear such articles. There was only way one to find out.
Moving with purpose to the Captain's quarters where the golden cat was lounging in her hammock, Rain enters and moves slowly toward Neko. She places the small cloak and boots by the cat and steps back a little. "Neko, this is a gift made for you by Amen-set and Piper. If you choose to wear them on certain, special occasions, they would be most happy. The cloak is in the colours of The Dread Lady as we consider you one of us for as long as you desire to be."
Piper brightens considerably under the praise and shuffles her feat a bit.
"My thanks, pilot-major," she says, tipping her forelock again.
"Still, don't see what type of cat would be dashing around with boots and a cloak - but if he agrees to it, I ain't one to protest... though, if I may be so bold? If he agrees - that puss will need a new hat to go with his boots..." she adds, then nods again and goes about her business, whistling along to Seijiro's sea shanty.
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Waking from his rest Variel stretches and takes his time relaxing before heading out to relieve Flynn. The toils and stresses from the previous couple of days had mostly left him and he was ready to get to port for some real relaxation. Yes he would still have some work to do in port assisting the sell of the Sanbalot and possbily hiring on new crew along with refitting the ship iwth more supplies, but that was minor compared to the deadly encounters they had just faced.
Arriving at the helm, Variel heads over to talk to Flynn, How went the night? Any sight of the Chelaxians at all or anything else of note? If not then that is good news. I am ready for a couple of days of peaceful sailing to port. By the way, I remembered last night as I was cleaning up that you asked about any goods taken from the ship. There was a cloak that I had gathered but forgot in the fatigue. It is downstairs in the cabin if you would like to look at it. IT seems to give off a magical aura but I couldn't make it out.I will have Dhaavan look at it later but thought you would like to see it now.
If we pull along side The Dread Lady would you want to be transferred over to be with Piper, Amen-set, and th other crew? With this crew agreeing to sail to port I am not expecting any problems so if you wanted to sleep in your normal accomodations that should work.
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While at the wheel VAriel follows Rain's lead and maintains a safe distance apart should some trick of weather or current threaten to crash them into each other. However Variel does keep within hailing distance should communication be needed. Although he is able to make the Sanbalot go where he wants this time it isobvious to whomever is watching that Variel struggles compared to the ease at which Rain commands the Dread Lady.
profession sailor
He watches Adular keep the crew in line and during the day they continue to make steady progress to the port. Hopefully the next 2 days are likewise relaxing as both crews recover from the disease and the night escape.
Over on the Lady, Seijiro naps during the day, waking only for a bite to eat midday, then curling back up in his bunk for the afternoon. He'll likely have to stand the nightwatch at the helm again and wants to be fresh and awake come nightfall.
When he wakes in the evening, he climbs halfway up the rigging and observes the horizon, glad to see no Chelaxian warships bearing down on them. ... He stays up for a while until Fishguts serves dinner, then he and Tomo join the crew for the meal before approaching Rain.
"Ready for a bit of rest, Rain-san? These long watches are tiring, you must be beat... Unless we're running hard during the night again, which I doubt, I'll have the easy watch here... Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, how's the little kitty doing? I haven't seen her since she came aboard."
The repairing spells go well and combined with Piper and Horatio's efforts, no lasting damage is apparent. Flush with your, admittedly imperfect but nevertheless effective, escape, the crew takes to the sea shanty with gusto. As it has always been said, a man that can boost a crew's morale is worth his weight in gold aboard a ship.
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Neko receives the gifts with a slight nod of her head, such supplication being her due of course, but does not put them on. She moves over and nudges you with a shoulder to show her appreciation and affection. As she does so, again you hear the musical voice say ...will do...no hats...ridiculous... One thing you notice is that the voice is not speaking in common. You don't recognize the language but seem to be instinctively understanding what she's saying. She leaps extraordinarily high and lands upon your shoulder, sinking her claws into your clothing to get a grip but she is careful not to scratch you. It appears she would like to be carried as you go about your tasks. She stays with you until after she is fed at around lunch time, at which point she nudges you again to say goodbye as she seems to go exploring the ship.
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Variel, it is taking a lot of skill to keep up with Rain's sailing today as she would surely outdistance you if she wasn't continually trimming her speed to yours. You see in the distance that she has something shining brightly golden around her shoulders. She has that until about midday when she comes back out you no longer see it. About mid afternoon you are looking up into the sky and taking a deep breath before looking back down...and nearly jumping out of your skin! The bright golden cat is sitting, back straight and staring at you with those brilliant emerald green eyes, on top of the wheel box. How she got there you have no idea.
Waking from his rest Variel stretches and takes his time relaxing before heading out to relieve Flynn. The toils and stresses from the previous couple of days had mostly left him and he was ready to get to port for some real relaxation. Yes he would still have some work to do in port assisting the sell of the Sanbalot and possbily hiring on new crew along with refitting the ship iwth more supplies, but that was minor compared to the deadly encounters they had just faced.
Horatio brushes of the comment to switch ships as of right now; such details can happen later.
For now, he is more interested in talking to the elf – swapping ideas on tactics, and deciding what may be more useful for them in the future.
He casually rolls a rough cigarette and lights it. He prepares to roll another for Variel, if he wants one…
Meanwhile, he listens to every detail of the story that Variel recounts, saying nothing, only analyzing the entire events of the attack and the subsequent issues.
He takes a long exhale of the smoke, considering things for a little while.
”The mission was ill-fated, I think. But the company may have had a better chance for success if they had relied on some of the tools they had,” he says thoughtfully.
”When you left, I had passed on the wand of Grease spells for the good Mister Dhaavan to use… it only has a few charges, true – but it is very effective at causing an enemy to fumble their weapon, never mind what it does to the decks in such tight quarters.”
”Using it on the hands of that officer may have caused him to fumble his weapon… using it on the doorway behind may have caused the enemy to falter in the door…”
He thinks a bit more.
”Mister Seijiro had that magical haversack, and he drank a potion of invisibility for himself and is stealthy besides. With his potion and natural stealth he could have moved quickly between each man; he may have attempted to use his Sleight Hands to lift the weapons right off the men as they carried them; certainly he could have tossed as much gear into the pack as possible…”
He thinks a moment more.
”You are a remarkable warrior when dealing with an enemy in tight quarters,” he says with a polite nod of his head.
”But if I may suggest in the future? In such tight quarters, remember your gear as well… does that cutlass not grant its user the power to force a massive burst of water into enemies? If so, you may have slammed the entire company swiftly even as they all charged through the door. Then, while they attempted to get up you cold have moved in for the kill.”
He thinks again, his mind tacking to possible tactics.
”Ranged combat is not the forte of most of crew; they seem to prefer getting into the face of an enemy before they bleed them…” he pauses a moment, his eyes growing dark as he remembers such pleasures, then dismisses it quickly with a shake of his head.
”If you do so again, may I recommend using a more… perceptive… approach?”
”It is just a suggestion, but I find the ability to perceive threats before they happen to be nearly invaluable. Sadly, your company nearly stumbled into a trap; if they had been more attentive at the door first… ” he adds, leaving the comment hang.
”I tell you the truth; these are only suggestions; and if you see me use tactics that are not wise; if you see me do something that I could have done better – if there is a tactic or strategy I could have better employed – please; tell me at once. I am not very skilled, but if I can learn strategy, I will accept that teaching from anyone who can offer it,” he says sincerely.
He ponders the magical cloak for a bit.
”The cloak may some use; once the full power is properly deduced… but in truth, I was more interested in getting a piece heraldry from the nation of Cheliax as proof of our deed.”
He takes another pull from the rolled cigarette, and thinks a moment.
”Cheliax is an empire that seeks dominion; most folk who sail do not wish to be dominated – their very lifestyle is often condemned by those who obey the law. A seafarer who will not follow the law for the law's sake - whether they are actual pirates or simple sailors who will swear no oath to any lord; such folk would chafe under the dominion of those like the empire of Cheliax, I think,” he adds as if speaking to himself.
”Cheliax is powerful, but I doubt much that any person near these waters – be they pirate, smuggler, corsair or even an honest sailor - enjoys their presence. That empire is a constant reminder of the potential threat to personal freedom… if we show enterprising crewmen that we have made those imperial scum bleed; it will likely improve our reputation and potentially draw a better caliber of recruits…” he adds thoughtfully.
”Yet I am concerned with returning to Blood Cove in general, and so soon… it was less than a week that you were assaulted by assassins, bounty-hunters, or whatever those folk were… They may yet be there to spread their mischief. If you decide to go back into the town; please be cautious,” he adds clapping Variel on the shoulder.
”That said – do you have any thoughts on what we will do with the cut of the wealth from selling the Rahadoum ship? Not for yourself, of course, but the ship in general, I mean.”
”I am not too sure what will happen with this “Rock” place – if we are destined to go there, or not – but if that is our fate, than I would like to know what strategy would work best when we arrive,” he adds.
”I suggested using more – barbaric – methods to take over the island, if possible. You have so far suggested more diplomacy? Very good – if so; what gear can we purchase to augment those powers? I confess, I cannot think of a method, but I want to learn. Please share your strategies with me on this matter,” he add sincerely.
As Horatio waits to hear Variel’s response, something troubles the Sargavan native.
His mind ranges over both the size of the Cheliaxian ship as well as the relative location of Blood Cove.
His eyes narrow at a sudden thought.
”What is a warship designed for hunting pirates so far from the Inner Sea?” he mutters to himself, somewhat confused.
”It is nearly a hundred leagues or more from Blood Cove to Port Peril…”
”To sail home she'd have to sail north from Port Peril and would have had to skirt the entire sea between the Sodden Lands and the Eye of Abendego – from there they would need to hug the coast of Rahadoum and than stab back to Cheliax itself."
"That's a damn long journey and that doesn't count the journey south in the first place…” he says shaking his head.
”Our best speed from this point to Blood Cove is three days – from Blood Cove to Port Peril could take weeks, possibly months of sailing – and to travel north from there – sailing between the treachery of those troubled waters and the Sodden Lands… there is little chance for folk to survive there, and the land is rife with pirates…”
”And of course, there are far more powerful threats on the seas than us; yet they survived long enough to reach us. How?”
He takes another tug from his cigarette and shakes his head in disgust.
”If my calculations on distance are correct than that ship has stabbed south for what may have been months, possibly even a year and to do what; hunt pirates here?”
He takes a deep pull from his cigarette and throws the stub into the sea, his eyes narrowing and turning back to look at the wake of their ship, half expecting the ship to be right on top of them.
His eyes grow flinty, but he stares at nothing than spits once into the sea.
”Gods damn... What the hell is she really doing here?” he asks the waves.
"Ready for a bit of rest, Rain-san? These long watches are tiring, you must be beat... Unless we're running hard during the night again, which I doubt, I'll have the easy watch here... Oh, and I almost forgot to ask, how's the little kitty doing? I haven't seen her since she came aboard."
Rolling her shoulders and peering out into the evening light, Rain allows what little cool breeze to waft over her face. Upon Jiro's approach, Rain smiles and nods. "Aye. I would have some supper then rest. The day was overly warm." Looking up into the clear skies, Rain continues, "The sunny, hot weather will continue tomorrow. I do not foresee any storms tonight or the next. Jiro, we need to ensure the crew remain hydrated as they work throughout the day. The hot sun can take its toll on a sailor."
At mention of the golden cat, Rain laughs softly. "Neko has made her presence well known this day, well until midday and then she disappeared for a while. I am not concerned. She decided to perch around my shoulders for half a day, which proved even warmer due to her thick fur. However, I cannot complain at the presence of a good omen cat. She seems to have taken a liking to me -- she slept in my cabin last night."
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Variel listens as Flynn dissects the account of the sabotage mission. At each turn Flynn had some comment on what we should have done or what we could have done differently. Be that as it may Flynn, we did not have the time you suggest. The second Jiro opened the door we were beset upon. We were not even finished with the first group before the second showed up. As far as using the cutlass to push them back, it only works upon an individual not an entire room. Yes Jiro is the most stealthy among us but if he had tried to lift the guns off them his protection would have vanished and he would have been at their mercy. I appreciate your concern but caution you to avoid such direct commentary on our actions to others as they may not take kindly to such critique. In the heat of the moment there is not always the opportunities that are sen with hindsight. Variel isnt being harsh with Flynn just letting him know that now may not be the best time for critiques.
Again I know that you would have liked something from the ship but there was no time. The cloak I am sure will be useful to whomever will claim it.
When we return to port I do not think that anything will happen because there will not be time for them to recoup after their last fail. That and I will not be cowed by any threats. Perceptive and ready yes but I will still do what I want.
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Variel stretches his arms and rolls his shoulders relieving the tension that builds from standing in one position for half the day. When he finishes and looks back down the wheel slips from his hands as he beholds the golden cat before him. A puzzled look on his face, Variel can't help but asking aloud, Well where have you been? I did not know that you were a member of our company here. I figured you old be with Rain. Either way glad to have you here.
"You named her 'Neko'? Awww... that is so special. I hope she likes it. I've heard cats usually like to name themselves. And yours seems more intelligent and aware than most cats even. As for the crew getting enough to drink, I'll make sure what crew are on duty drink through the night, but maybe you should assign one crewmember to be a waterbearer and move among the crew with a cup and bucket throughout the day to make sure they drink enough? Just a thought."
"I'm glad we're not expecting any storms though... your ability to read the weather always stands us in good stead."
"I believe I heard you reference the cat once with 'Neko', and so I asked her if she liked it and she accepted. Her purrs confirmed it." Rain softly laughs again, knowing it sounded a little strange, saying aloud she knew the cat was alright with the name.
"And aye, a waterbearer will be best upon the morrow. I will ensure one is appointed. We have not sighted the Chelaxian warship but we cannot presume she will not give pursuit. We offended their pride and we are pirates to boot. That will not have gone down well with the marines. I need the sailors hydrated and at their best."
Handing the wheel to Jiro, Rain turns around and asks before finding some food, "Did you manage to rest, Jiro? If you are still weary, I can find another to take the wheel throughout the night. We will be maintaining a simple, steady speed until morning when we can confer with the others on the Sanbalot. Then I hope to pick up speed and get to port in a precipitous manner."
"Hai, I slept most of the day away, so I'm well rested and can easily handle the night watch. I wish I could relieve the crew's fatigue after 2 steady days of sailing day and night, but a night and then a full day is enough for any crew, even with aid against the exhaustion. We'll maintain a slower pace tonight, and I'll keep her on course. She'll be ready to make an all out race toward Blood Cove in the morning. I'll make sure the night watch is on alert for any signs of the Dominator on the horizon of course." He flashes Rain a grin as he takes the wheel.
"Any other suggestions or orders for the night, pilot-san? If not, you should get some dinner and rest - maybe even use that special hammock to make sure your rest is as peaceful as possible? Before you go to your cabin for the night though, maybe you could grace us with a song or two - not just for me, but for the crew as well... they could use some diversion before they take to their own rest. I could play for them, but I have no voice for singing, that I don't.
"No other orders. I trust in your skill and instinct at the helm and also when it comes to the running of the ship. Ensure lights are kept at a very minimum during the night -- I would not see us give away our position readily. Ratline is best at the Nest, if he is not tired. His sight is keen. You did much to bolster morale and restore energy with your playing both on the Lady and Sanbalot. I shall eat quickly and then return for a song. I can manage that at least as the crew deserve some further entertainment. The day has been particularly long."
A little time later, Rain returns top deck and smiles and nods at Jiro. "If you are unfamiliar with the song, then accompany me as best as you can with the general melody. It is an old Elven song I have translated into Common."
"The heart it calls, across the sea,
atop the waves, beneath the foam,
Eyes which seek the shores of home,
Of beloved smiles recalled as we roam.
The mighty wind carries us home
Our mighty sails fill as we roam.
The blood it runs, atop weathered deck,
Strong arms clasp sword and plight,
Ne'er more truer hands to fight
Enemies of every colour and might.
The mighty wind carries us home
Our mighty sails fill as we roam.
The gods roar in our mortal ear
Tales of glory, riches and fame,
Sail onward over seas which came
Before, After, ne'er the same.
The mighty wind carries us home
Our mighty sails fill as we roam.
With different tongues we do speak
With one true purpose we shall sail,
Home is where the heart regales
Of duty, passion and larger tales.
The mighty wind carries us home
Our mighty sails fill as we roam."
Rain voice is husky and falters a little as she sings for the weariness and heat of the day have taken their toll. Yet she puts as much longing and passion into the song in hopes it will aid the sailors in some small way.
Seijiro listens for a bit - just a few bars - until he has caught the melody and then joins in with the harmonica as accompaniment, hoping not only to augment the song but bolster Rain's energy.
He has a little trouble following the strange and alien melody, but he does keep up and learn the unfamiliar chords and notes in time. When they are done... he gives a little trill on the harmonica and tucks it away in the folds of his haramaki as he gives Rain a slight bow.
"Thank you Rain-san for gracing us with such a perfect song for those who make their home on the sea. May your night be restful and calm."
A bit later, he plays a few more songs for the crew while standing at the wheel, not so much to relieve fatigue as to simply entertain them while they go about their nightly activities - whether it be gaming or fighting or whatever they might be doing.