Sko is quite happy with the tattoo. He pays no attention to the conversation/arguement with Rain, Variel and Horatio; he can't understand the Elven parts in any case. He's surprised by how much talking some people like to do; even Grumal wasn't this garrulous. Too much conversation is dangerous, you always give away more of yourself than you think.
When Dhavaan finishes, Sko will examine his work in the reflection of whatever bucket of water is closest. "Excellent work," Sko then grins wickedly. "Perhaps you're also being guided by the goddess Shelyn; I understand she favors artists."
Sko is quite happy with the tattoo. He pays no attention to the conversation/arguement with Rain, Variel and Horatio; he can't understand the Elven parts in any case. He's surprised by how much talking some people like to do; even Grumal wasn't this garrulous. Too much conversation is dangerous, you always give away more of yourself than you think.
When Dhavaan finishes, Sko will examine his work in the reflection of whatever bucket of water is closest. "Excellent work," Sko then grins wickedly. "Perhaps you're also being guided by the goddess Shelyn; I understand she favors artists."
"For god's sake lad, stop all the blather - some people are trying to work," I holler down at the gregarious and overly verbose druid and toss him grin and a wave.
Seijiro sits quietly a lot when he isn't wandering down below or working diligently aloft. Lately he's been more reticent about chatting than before. When Flynn confronts him about this he just shrugged and gave Flynn an inscrutable expression. "Guess I've just got nothin' much to say, Flynn-san."
In response to Flynn's poetry challenge, Seijiro just looks blankly at him at first, saying nothing. Later, he walks up to him and simply says without preamble:
Fox walks in dry leaves
gently stepping makes no sounds
he reveals no masks
Then he shrugs before he walks away rather than discuss his offering.
He sits and plays his harmonica most evenings though, along with Rosie's fiddle and anyone who wants to sing along, as if letting the instrument speak for him.
He does seem distracted by something, not truly melancholy, just his mind seems elsewhere. He spends a lot of time at the railings, staring out over at the horizon.
Seijiro sits quietly a lot when he isn't wandering down below or working diligently aloft. Lately he's been more reticent about chatting than before. When Flynn confronts him about this he just shrugged and gave Flynn an inscrutable expression. "Guess I've just got nothin' much to say, Flynn-san."
In response to Flynn's poetry challenge, Seijiro just looks blankly at him at first, saying nothing. Later, he walks up to him and simply says without preamble:
Fox walks in dry leaves
gently stepping makes no sounds
he reveals no masksThen he shrugs before he walks away rather than discuss his offering.
He sits and plays his harmonica most evenings though, along with Rosie's fiddle and anyone who wants to sing along, as if letting the instrument speak for him.
He does seem distracted by something, not truly melancholy, just his mind seems elsewhere. He spends a lot of time at the railings, staring out over at the horizon.
I smile at Jiro's approach, happy to see what he will offer. When I hear his comment, and his poem I sigh.
A mask says too much
The sounds of hiding echo -
- like the crunch of leaves
Not dissuaded by his dismissal, I follow him over to wherever he is going and toss myself onto the deck while he plays his harmonic and stare at him.
"Reckoned we're mates, lad - and I also reckon that's not how you treat a mate. But maybe I'm wrong in my thinking... Hell, I don't know. But you got a problem with something I'm doing, just let me know now, eh?"
"See, the way I figure it, we can either try chatting it out and get things square, or not. But that's kind of up you on that count. Meantime, I'm here - I'm listening - so tell me what's on your mind, and if I did something to piss you off enough that deserved that kind of brush off, well - I'll own up to it and do what I can to make it right. But as I figure it, it's pretty much up to you on that count. For myself, well - just lay it on me. What'd I do, and I'll do what I can to get it fixed. You tell me - I'm all ears," I say without preamble.
"Listen Flynn-san, I've got no real problem with you other than you talk a little too much. You've got no discretion when you do talk, it just all comes out, so don't take offense if I don't actually confide in you much. When I have somethin' ta say, I'll say it, don't worry. You haven't pissed me off, and if you felt i 'gave you the brush off' I'm sorry I gave you that impression. I just want off this kamigami no norowareta-sen." He spits over the side as he says this last.
He gives Flynn an odd look for a moment, looking up at the top of his head quizzically for a very brief second, then his face goes back to a neutral expression as he continues.
"I do think you're playing up to the officers too much. It's not subtle and it's not becoming of you. You're acting like you want to be the next Plugg or Scourge, and you haven't the temperament to be a good officer if you ask me. You're maybe a good catalyst, but not a good leader. That's just my opinion maybe, but it's how I feel and you want honesty, I'll give it to you. But cozening up to the officers isn't going to win you any friends here, I think. Most of us just want off this accursed boat."
He sighs softly and plays a few more notes on his harmonica, the beginning of a sailor's lament, sad and in a minor key.
"Listen Flynn-san, I've got no real problem with you other than you talk a little too much. You've got no discretion when you do talk, it just all comes out, so don't take offense if I don't actually confide in you much. When I have somethin' ta say, I'll say it, don't worry. You haven't pissed me off, and if you felt i 'gave you the brush off' I'm sorry I gave you that impression. I just want off this kamigami no norowareta-sen." He spits over the side as he says this last.
He gives Flynn an odd look for a moment, looking up at the top of his head quizzically for a very brief second, then his face goes back to a neutral expression as he continues.
"I do think you're playing up to the officers too much. It's not subtle and it's not becoming of you. You're acting like you want to be the next Plugg or Scourge, and you haven't the temperament to be a good officer if you ask me. You're maybe a good catalyst, but not a good leader. That's just my opinion maybe, but it's how I feel and you want honesty, I'll give it to you. But cozening up to the officers isn't going to win you any friends here, I think. Most of us just want off this accursed boat."
He sighs softly and plays a few more notes on his harmonica, the beginning of a sailor's lament, sad and in a minor key.
”Oh for gods sake…” I say, wiping my hand over my face, then I lean in close to Jiro.
”Of course I’m “cozying up to the officers” – and of course it’s annoying. That’s intentional, you know?”
I sigh a moment, than continue.
”Look – here’s the thing – when we woke up and met this Plugg I figured he was naught but a bloody bosun at best – than I find he’s the sodding first mate! What a joke, eh? But it got me thinking a lot.”
”Plugg is the top, under the captain only, right? So he’s got power – but you see how he acts? Lad – he’s a bloody bully.”
”Now – why do folk bully another? It’s because they want to feel big, so they find someone weaker than them; someone who can’t fight back or protect themselves. And what do they do? They bloody step on them.”
”So I got to figuring… why do bullies do it, eh? And the reason I got figured is that they feel insecure. That deep in their boots a bully is afraid – he’s afraid of his own gods damned shadow. So he stomps on any that he can fast – because he’s afraid that his shadow will hurt him – and he’s afraid anyone will hurt him.”
”Now look – a bully is stupid, and cowardly – but most of all insecure, eh? Okay – so that’s Plugg for you, right on the bloody nose. So than I got to thinking – if that’s true; how can we use that? How can we take that information and make it work to our advantage?”
”I been thinking about that a lot… Now, remember when we got back from the crab things? I asked to take a boat, and Plugg demands I get lashed, lousy bugger. But anyhow – we get back, and we bring all the crab meat and the reefclaws besides. What happened? Well – out of the blue, the captain rewards us.”
”So than I figured the following – the captain’s a basterd, aye – but he’s not a bully. If you work hard, and do good – he’ll reward it.”
”Now – don’t mistake me – I’m not excited about a reward from the captain – in fact, I reckon none is forthcoming. Even so – I’m still eager to get a word of praise and a pat on the back from him. And why? Because, lad – Plugg!”
”That basterd’s already clear as being insecure, eh? Well – he’s the number two to the captain, right? Well, what if the captain starts showing favors to others… what if those favors start gnawing on Plugg… What if he starts getting jealous of someone – hell, it doesn’t have to be me – it can be any one of us. Because I think he's scared of us, and why not? What – you think it’s a coincidence that we’re all pressed men and Plugg does everything he can to make us look foolish and inept?”
”Hell – that way he makes sure that everyone sees he’s better than the “new guys” and doesn’t need to feel threatened by us.”
”But if one of the new guys starts attracting the captains’ eye – if the captain shows one of us special attention – and makes it clear that we’re better than Plugg is – why – we don’t even need to be all that special, eh?”
”All we got to do is push on it a little… Then Plugg is bitter – he gets jealous – he gets nervous… Soon maybe – not today, not tomorrow – but soon; Plugg might feel threatened. He may even try killing the person he’s nervous on – maybe he’ll try to kill me? And than what? The crew will break it up – I hope – and Plugg’ll dance Danny Deever, eh? He’ll get his neck stretched right smartly – or at least the lash. But if he lives, he’ll be madder than ever – and he’ll do something else stupid.”
”But we got to push it – we got to make the captain see we’re handy – useful-like – and worthwhile. I can’t say it enough – I’m not counting on the captain to lavish us with praise – but I mean, really; Plugg does something stupid and he’s finished. All we need to do is push him a little. But we can’t push him direct… we have to encourage him to be threatened by our success. Maybe he’ll feel that the crew in general would turn on him – that he’s not got the backing he thinks – or any other number of possibilities.”
”If he thinks we’re dangerous – he may do something stupid. Like, I dunno – if he doesn’t try to start a fight that’ll lead him to get strung up – maybe he’ll do something even more foolish – like try to usurp the captain – or steal the longboat and slip away into the night… but than, that’s one less fish we have to worry about, eh?”
”So what do I do to try to make it work? Hell yeah I’ve been kissing the arses of officers, sure – and why not? Let them think I’m a bleeding bugger, with my nose so far up their arse that they’ll never think me of anything dodgy.”
”And I won’t even try being a bad sort – because that’s a battle I won’t win – not alone, at any rate… but what I can count on – what I think we all ought to count on – is that a bully, who’s stupid, cowardly, and insecure… hell, he’s got a lot of emotional problems – and those’re tools we can use to push him to doing something stupid.”
I let out a sigh after my speech in elven – a language I am learning, but with some difficulty.
”Anyhow – that’s my intention, and my motivation. I hope it makes a little sense – and maybe you understand me better, and why I’ve been acting the way I have been.”
I lounge a moment, thinking.
”Anyhow – what do you think of that idea? Just curious?” I add sincerely.
If the lad has any suggestions on how to help – I hope he tosses ‘em out there. I want off this tub too – but we need a plan – and I think this might work. If it does; well… we might just pull it off… But if he thinks it's a lousy idea - hell, that's fine, too - but I'm ready for anything. If not this; well - than what should we try instead?
** spoiler omitted **
Ratline looks over at you when you talk about Dhaavan and says Yeah I heard a bit about that but it didn't worry me none. He and I ain't had too much in the way of relations and as such it didn't bother me that he done bewitched Tate. That dwarf's a right bastard anyway so he got whats coming to him. You just make sure he don't try none of that on me and we'll be right as...well...Rain. he finishes with a grin.
"Hey, Fishgut, I need your help with this rum situation. If I don't drink it, I get lashed. If I do, it always hits me hard, I can't think straight, and I end up getting lashed. I don't know why it hits me so roughly but everytime I've had it my head just fogs up. Isn't there anything I can put in it to help lighten the kick a little bit?"
Fishguts thinks for a moment before saying Hmm, well I'm not sure about anything you can put in it but I would suggest if you don't want to drink it just dump it when their backs are turned. S'bout the only thing I can think of unless you got someone that can magic it away but I don't think anyone on the ship can do that.
Two weeks have passed since you were all press ganged upon the pirate ship Wormwood. There have been trials and tribulations aplenty. You have been whipped, scourged, humiliated, and made to perform many unpleasant tasks. You have made enemies and gotten into fights and drawn the ire of several of the officers. That said there have been some rays of sunshine dripping through the dark storm clouds of your time aboard the ship. You beat down those that would beat you down in the hold. You made friends with a goodly number of crew who for the most part seem to be decent and hardworking people trying to make their way in the world. You have carved out niches for yourselves and your mates. You have weathered storms and seen beautiful sunrises and sunsets. You went crabbing on a coral reef and fought off an attack by vicious monsters and were handsomely rewarded for it.
These thoughts go through your head as you lay down to sleep, you have been informed that tomorrow you will all have a special assignment. You will be performing Boarding practice under the tutelage of Riaris Krine, a foul mouthed taskmaster and Master Gunner aboard the Wormwood. Her mouth and language make Rosie's cursing look like child's play in comparison. Krine’s skin is darkened from countless days on deck under the sun, and her nose has the appearance of having been broken several times over. One of her legs has been replaced with a wooden peg leg, which you find out she lost as the result of a wayward catapult shot that took off her leg below the knee.
In the morning after breakfast, you are all brought to the poop deck to hear what you will be doing from Riaris herself. Clumping over to you she puts her hands behind her back and looks you over closely. All right you f@$%ing sodding pieces of a bilge rats arse. You will be practicing boarding an enemy ship today. As you sorry sons and daughters of b%!#!es and whores can see, we don't have two ships upon which to practice. That said, I'm going to take two of you dumb s~&$s out on the Jolly boat at a time and we are going to board the Wormwood. You will grapple the ship, tie off the rope to the Jolly boat and make your way across the line to the ship. Now in order to make this a bit more realistic, I have conscripted a few of the crew to toss things at you as you ascend just like you would find while trying to board a boat with them shooting arrows or throwing knives and such. You see Aretta Bansion, Narwhal Tate, Fipps Chumlett, and Jaundiced Jape grinning at you all from the ship rail. Don't worry though I have instructed them to throw nothing lethal and merely try to distract you. You WILL complete this in a satisfactory manner or I WILL have your asses strapped to the mainmast and given a dose of the lash. Do you understand me you worthless piles of walking and talking pig s%~!?!?
Assuming you respond with a resounding Aye! she looks at you again for a moment before saying. Rain! Variel! You two are up first! Then Horatio and Valeros! Then the last I will take three, Seijiro and Sko and Dhaavan! She launches the Jolly boat at this point and climbs down the rope ladder to it and waits for you all to get aboard before rowing out with swift, strong strokes. Handing you a grapple and rope she waits expectantly for you to proceed.
Ratline looks over at you when you talk about Dhaavan and says Yeah I heard a bit about that but it didn't worry me none. He and I ain't had too much in the way of relations and as such it didn't bother me that he done bewitched Tate. That dwarf's a right bastard anyway so he got whats coming to him. You just make sure he don't try none of that on me and we'll be right as...well...Rain. he finishes with a grin.
"I will keep an eye on Dhaavan, I assure you. Thank you for keeping an open mind, Ratline. Appreciate it."
Rain responds with an "Aye!"
As she tries the throw the rope with the grapple the first time, she fails miserably and it clanks just before her feet. Embarrassed but determined, she steels herself and concentrates and gets it across on the second throw and grapples the ship. Rain takes a quick look at Krine but doesn't dally, hoping not to incur her displeasure. She ties off the rope and begins the 40 ft climb to the ship.
Hand over feet, she manages to make the crossing from the jolly boat to the ship in good time and also manages to keep her hands and footing (and not fall into the water) when she is hit twice by the items thrown by the motley bunch at the railings. She curses them silently in her mind.
Rain responds with an "Aye!"
[dice=Ranged attack 1 with grapple]1d20-6+4
[dice=Ranged attack 2 with grapple]1d20-6+4As she tries the throw the rope with the grapple the first time, she fails miserably and it clanks just before her feet. Embarrassed but determined, she steels herself and concentrates and gets it across on the second throw and grapples the ship. Rain takes a quick look at Krine but doesn't dally, hoping not to incur her displeasure. She ties off the rope and begins the 40 ft climb to the ship.
[dice=Climb Check 1]1d20+7
[dice=Re-roll Climb Check 1 (taking the higher roll)]1d20+7
[dice=Climb Check 2]1d20+7
[dice=Climb Check 3]1d20+7
[dice=Climb Check 4]1d20+7[dice=Reflex Save 1]1d20+5
[dice=Reflex Save 2]1d20+5Hand over feet, she manages to make the crossing from the jolly boat to the ship in good time and also manages to keep her hands and footing (and not fall into the water) when she is hit twice by the items thrown by the motley bunch at the railings. She curses them silently in her mind.
"Ahoy, Rain! Well done!" I call out.
"Ahoy, Rain! Well done!" I call out.
Rain nods in Flynn's direction. "Thanks, Flynn. You, too." Thankful they both made it, and hoping her other pressed mates will manage it also. Gozreh aid them in this boarding exercise and save them from new punishment.
|
Stepping up with Rain, Variel lets go with the grappling hook but the throw falls short. Looking over he sees that Rain's toss likewise was just as bad.
Taking a good hard look, Variel tosses the hook again with more force and better accuracy. This time the throw is perfect and the hook fastens onto the side railing of the ship.
Starting the climbing Variel makes good headway at first but struggles mightily for a couple seconds. It is all he can do to hold on and not fall. Finally he is able to make headway again before loosing his grip and falling on the water.
Climb checks:
success
fail less than five
fail less than five
success
success
failed
Trying again Variel grabs the rope and starts climbing once more. He avoids looking at anyone as he sets his mind to the task at hand.
Climb checks try 2:
success
success
success
fail less than five
success
Upon climbing up the rope, Variel is set upon by the crew with buckets of water and all manner of atrocious items at hand. Although none of them do damage, the indignity of it still rankles him that they caused him to fall and thus fail the excercise completely.
Reflex saves
success
Dhaavan is going to be climbing with Jiro and Sko, and whispers to them as they are waiting their turn, "Dammit... I hate climbing ropes."
Attempt 1
Falling Stuff
Regardless of how he climbs, Dhaavan gets too much cabbage to the face to try to climb.
"WHy do they even have cabbage still?" he gurgles.
Attempt 2
Falling Stuff
False Starts... can't even climb out of the boat...
Finally he gets a grip and starts climbing...
10 ft
20 ft
30 ft
SPLASH!!!
Attempt3
Falling Stuff
fumbling
10 ft
Splish
"Honestly, I think it sounds more like you're trying to set yourself up to be Plugg's replacement rather than just to discredit the man. And I have no more desire to work for you than for him. Like I said, you're no leader type, no matter how you fancy yourself. Personally, I think you should just keep your head down and do your job, but I'm not you. Just don't try to draw me into your scheme, I want no part of it. I just want off this ship, and to do it, I'll bide my time I think. An opportunity will avail itself at some point, I'm sure of it."
Seijiro sighs and looks to the sky, trying to figure out where the ship is.. ... perhaps a little less confused by the western hemisphere stars than usual. He shakes his head slightly as he realizes how far from shore they are currently running.
"Anyway, like I said, I haven't been brushing you off or avoiding you, Flynn-san. I'm not sure where you got that impression. Please, if I seem quiet or standoffish, it's not personal. I've got a lot on my mind and this norowareta-sen makes my skin crawl."
Seijiro tosses the grappling hook and has no trouble connecting to the ship with it, then begins his climb...
Just before getting to the railing, he falls into the water, slipping off the rope.
On his second try, he makes it up the rope, managing to avoid falling when hit by refuse from the crew at the railing.
|
|
Reflex saves for first attempt
fail
Variel attempts to climb the rope while dodging the various debris thrown his way. Alas the first one was a direct hit and Variel ended up in the water. His second attempt met with a similar fate as his climbing was good, but the crew had his number once again. Down Variel went into the water. Sputtering and cursing like a true pirate should Variel takes the rope for the last attempt. This time he focuses more on dodging the refuse thrown than on the climbing itself. This method pays off as even though it took Variel a lot longer he made it safely to the ship. Once there he commended the speedy Rain on he exploits. Very impressive Rain. Next time that will teach me to watch what I am doing instead of studying you. You were quite the sight once that grappling hook caught. Glad you didn't earn anyone's ire. Hopefully the rest will make it across as well. Didn't think I was going to for a minute there.
Reflex for climb attempt three
success
success
Climb checks for third attempt
success
success
success
success
|
|
As the others make it across Variel will give them a hand and congratulations except to Flynn. Variel just ignores him saying nothing. You can tell that Variel is still pissed off about what Flynn did yesterday and is deciding to just ignore the man for now. Not escalating or starting anything but not initiating any form of reconciliation either.
Seeing that Dhaavan failed to make it across, a pained look crosses his face. Conflicting ideas weigh heavily on him...
Sputtering and cursing like a true pirate should Variel takes the rope for the last attempt. This time he focuses more on dodging the refuse thrown than on the climbing itself. This method pays off as even though it took Variel a lot longer he made it safely to the ship. Once there he commended the speedy Rain on her exploits. Very impressive Rain. Next time that will teach me to watch what I am doing instead of studying you. You were quite the sight once that grappling hook caught. Glad you didn't earn anyone's ire. Hopefully the rest will make it across as well. Didn't think I was going to for a minute there.
Rain smiles at the Elven male. "Thank you. I wasn't so sure when the grapple didn't go far at all on my first throw but it was a relief when it did on the second throw and I managed to climb up onto the Wormwood. I am relieved that you did make it, Variel. Well done. The one I am mostly concerned about is Dhaavan. The small man has no climbing skill to speak of or true physical strength." Rain stands beside Variel and watches intently as the others attempt the same manoeuvre.
"Honestly, I think it sounds more like you're trying to set yourself up to be Plugg's replacement rather than just to discredit the man. And I have no more desire to work for you than for him. Like I said, you're no leader type, no matter how you fancy yourself. Personally, I think you should just keep your head down and do your job, but I'm not you. Just don't try to draw me into your scheme, I want no part of it. I just want off this ship, and to do it, I'll bide my time I think. An opportunity will avail itself at some point, I'm sure of it."
Seijiro sighs and looks to the sky, trying to figure out where the ship is.. [dice=prof. navigator]1d20+4... perhaps a little less confused by the western hemisphere stars than usual. He shakes his head slightly as he realizes how far from shore they are currently running.
** spoiler omitted **
"Anyway, like I said, I haven't been brushing you off or avoiding you, Flynn-san. I'm not sure where you got that impression. Please, if I seem quiet or standoffish, it's not personal. I've got a lot on my mind and this norowareta-sen makes my skin crawl."
”Well – here’s the thing. I reckon you’re avoiding me, because of how you talk to me. I mean, lately when I talk to you, you say things to me that makes me think you're looking at me like I'm some kind of second class burakumin; you know - like suggesting I'm no leader, or that my secret plan is to replace Plugg - or whatever. I kind of hoped you'd know I'm not that kind of person without me even having to say it at this point."
"I mean, I hoped we were past all that, you know? Hell - if I saw you acting like that I'd at least ask you about it before I said something harsh about your actions. I mean, other than that tussle with the loot a week or two ago - at this point, I would have given you the benefit of the doubt, you know?”
”Anyhow - that aside, right now I’ll be as open and honest with you as I can. You can do what you want with it, as you like.”
”First – I don’t want to be Plugg – I don’t want to replace Plugg – I’d just as soon see the look in his eyes as his life’s breath is crushed from his windpipe,” I add pleasantly.
”That’s the gods' honest truth. I want him to suffer – but I can’t do it on my own. You may want to jump ship – and I hear you – but I want him dead first. That’s just me, though. Not everyone is the same – but on certain issues of vendetta or honor, I kind of assumed you’d at least sympathize with my feelings.”
”I’ll let you in on a little something about me, though – if you had a debt to pay regarding a matter of honor, and I said I was your friend, well – I’d do what I could to help you pay it – even if it was over a matter of blood. But I know not everyone is like that, some people think that kind of thing is wrong, and I don't fault them for it at all. Every man has their own values. And if doing something like that grates against your values, I understand.”
I glance at the stars above, letting out a little sigh, knowing the next point I plan on making will likely make me sound weak - but it's something I feel it is wise to discuss openly.
”Now – I’ll tell you something else; maybe it will help you know me better… For the past three days you may have noticed I’ve been a little “chatty”. See, the thing is – this bucket does nothing without the crew and the mates working together. If we don’t have some kind of third party motivation to drive us to action – like that storm – than we may as well just be sleeping or dead these last three days. So yeah – I tried to chat with folks, get to know them – see what kind of person they were – show them what kind of person I was. Learn about their values, their culture – just stuff to pass the time until something interesting happened.”
”You know – when I pushed you for that poetry – I wasn’t trying to be a basterd – I generally like your poems, and I figured maybe when you had a little downtime, if I told you I was interested – I’d get to see some of your work, that’s all. I figured you’d be busy the last three days – but in a quiet moment, you could jot something down and show it to me – and I could enjoy reading it over during a free time when you’re up in the rigging.”
”I tried that with everybody – you know, I chatted with Variel, Rain and Dhaavan on their opinions regarding magic and technology, you know – that sort of thing. Sure, everyone’s busy – but I figured while we went about the same ol’ thing the last three days – this kind of talk would at least be kind of interesting. Hell – just for fun I drew that sketch of us – you saw it, remember? I’m not a great artist – but it was something to pass the time.”
I shrug.
”But what happens? I get the cold shoulder from Sko – I get railed at by Variel – and as for the others – well, what’s the difference?”
”I wasn’t trying to piss anyone off. I just had a sense that we’d all be busy, but in a free moment, we could at least be friendly with other and chat about who or what we were.”
”But like I said – it seems that plan backfired.”
”Well, that’s froth in my life’s wake – I don’t know what to do on it in the future. You know, if I get a free moment should I try to mingle with you lads, or just sit there for hours on end, waiting for something to happen? At this point – I don’t even know; but I don’t feel like pissing people off anymore.”
”I’ll let you in one more detail, here – I got a sense that I can keep having the same friendly chats with Rain and Dhaavan in the future, and I mean to, as I see them as mates. But I figure that Variel dislikes me enough that I won’t bother talking to him – unless it’s business, because I don’t want any trouble.”
”I’m not sure about Sko or Valeros – but right now we're talking about you. I’ll put it point blank – if you want me to be pure business with you, I can do it; I mean – I’ll leave you alone, I won’t be ‘chatty’ with you – I just want to know where we stand.”
I sigh, wondering what Jiro will decide. At this time, it seems that however I conduct myself seems to rub people the wrong way. If they don’t want me to chat with them overmuch, I will naturally respect that. Unfortunately, my ability to sense people’s motives is not high – I don’t honestly know what he wants, but I’ll listen and act on it, if he tells me…
”Oh, and by the way? I agree with you, though – about being benched if we’re in harbor. They may even put us in irons… that is - if they think we’ll run off. But if they trust us, or if they like us – maybe they won’t. And if there’s a chance to slip our moorings before we hit port – I don’t mind taking it, if I can.”
”But any way it goes - I just want Plugg dead,” I add simply ”so yeah – that’s kind of a thing I got to handle. Anyway – don’t worry; I’ll respect what you want me to do. Just let me know – and apologies, I’m not always good at reading people; so if you're as brutally honest with me as you can be about this sort of thing, I won't mind, I'll just listen and do what you ask of me – you got my word on it.”
Than I wait for your response – whatever it is. I’m just trying to know what you’d like specifically, so I know how to act without creating any more tension.
I lean on the gunwale, waiting for the others to cross. I watch Rain and Variel for a while – hearing how she treats him and talks to him, and than I think back to her comments to me the other night after his actions toward me – her words to me, her tone – everything I can remember from the conversation.
I watch her for a bit, considering all of that… and than, after drawing some conclusions, I let out a sigh and shrug.
"Flynn-san, I want to be friends with everyone on this ship. I am not in-your-face chatty with people myself, and have barely had a chance to speak with Valeros, Dhaavan or Sko myself - our duties have had us working in separate places and doing very different jobs, and we just haven't connected much in the evenings. To be honest, I think I'd like them and would like to change that, though I don't really know how. So I commend you efforts to talk with folk. I guess I'm just a little shy and if people don't approach me, I don't really push myself at them."
He wiggles a little, pulls his feet in so he's sitting cross-legged, then continues. "As for being friends with you Flynn-san, I do value your friendship on this boat, even though I don't agree with all you do nor understand the reasons you do things. I enjoy our poetry and just talking sometimes... even though.. " he pauses to grin a moment... you do tend to go on and on about the same thing sometimes. I do like you.. I think I like all who were shanghaied, I just don't know most of them well enough yet. I think I know you the best, just because you are chattiest. I don't think you should stop - with us or with the rest of the crew."
"I wasn't trying to insult you or tell you what you were doing was wrong. I was simply telling you what it LOOKS like you were doing. Folk might take it the wrong way, like I did, and resent you for it, or worse. I simply took it as you being you. You are ambitious, that's obvious and nothing wrong with that, I think, depending on where you ambitions lead and how you arrive at them."
"Seeing to Plugg and Scourge's downfall are good ambitions, I have to agree, but I'm not sure playing up to the other officers is a good way to do it, but if that's your idea, I wish you luck with it. Just be careful, Flynn-san. Your death won't make things better here for anyone... " He pauses again and sighs... "I don't think even Variel wishes for that and he obviously has no love for you."
"I'll leave you with this, Flynn-san..."
Embrangled tightly
Fox waits for chance to break free;
Desire, Bidding time
He sighs again and pulls his knees up to his chest tightly... shakes his head very slowly and picks at the wood of the deck a little with one fingernail, takes a deep breath, speaks softly to himself in a whisper...
"Now who's being long-winded?
"Flynn-san, I want to be friends with everyone on this ship. I am not in-your-face chatty with people myself, and have barely had a chance to speak with Valeros, Dhaavan or Sko myself - our duties have had us working in separate places and doing very different jobs, and we just haven't connected much in the evenings. To be honest, I think I'd like them and would like to change that, though I don't really know how. So I commend you efforts to talk with folk. I guess I'm just a little shy and if people don't approach me, I don't really push myself at them."
He wiggles a little, pulls his feet in so he's sitting cross-legged, then continues. "As for being friends with you Flynn-san, I do value your friendship on this boat, even though I don't agree with all you do nor understand the reasons you do things. I enjoy our poetry and just talking sometimes... even though.. " he pauses to grin a moment... you do tend to go on and on about the same thing sometimes. I do like you.. I think I like all who were shanghaied, I just don't know most of them well enough yet. I think I know you the best, just because you are chattiest. I don't think you should stop - with us or with the rest of the crew."
"I wasn't trying to insult you or tell you what you were doing was wrong. I was simply telling you what it LOOKS like you were doing. Folk might take it the wrong way, like I did, and resent you for it, or worse. I simply took it as you being you. You are ambitious, that's obvious and nothing wrong with that, I think, depending on where you ambitions lead and how you arrive at them."
"Seeing to Plugg and Scourge's downfall are good ambitions, I have to agree, but I'm not sure playing up to the other officers is a good way to do it, but if that's your idea, I wish you luck with it. Just be careful, Flynn-san. Your death won't make things better here for anyone... " He pauses again and sighs... "I don't think even Variel wishes for that and he obviously has no love for...
”Fair enough, than – well; thanks for your thoughts. I’ll stick by them, fair and true, now that I know where you stand. Just hope that in the future, if you’re wondering at my motives, or if you’re curious as to why I’m doing what I’m doing – well, just ask me first, before you get nervous.” I say with a grin.
I think a moment, considering his haiku, than I respond.
”Fox in briar patch?"
”Bad luck! But – the Hare jumped in…"
”Hare makes his own luck"
Attempt 1
Seeing you fumble in the water, I push myself away from the gunwale and take my grapple and toss it to you, so I can haul you to the bow of the ship. I know you're not a good swimmer - and getting up the side of a twenty foot bow isn't easy for anyone without a ladder or a rope...
"Ahoy, Dhaavan - here's a line," I call out.
Seeing how Variel was ignoring Flynn, Rain sighs softly and turns to the elf. "Variel, how much longer is this conflict between you and Flynn going to last? I am not trying to get in the middle of whatever it is that is going on, but I find it hard to stand by and not say a word. Can you not forgive his blunder and move forward? I do not believe he is malicious in his intent or deeds. I believe his was a genuine mistake and nothing more devious."
Her words were spoken quietly and gently. She did not want to see either of these males fighting each other.
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Responding quietly to Rain, but there is still anger in his voice To be blunt, until he listens more, talks less, and thinks about what he says and how that effects others. I was willing to put our differences behind us and continue on amicably. I offered to gather items that he wanted from Grok. When he asked for help withi the platform I went about the task and helped with it even if I didn't agree with it. I kept that thought to myself except when I asked you about it. In all of the I have not ask much of him but to keep the knowledge of my abilities to myself. Yes he did offer to help with the bites from the rats, but the only thing asked for was to keep silent about me. Not too difficult of a request. Instead he talks aloud in front of officers and crew alike. I know that I didn't give him time to explain, but to me there was no explanation that he could give to justify his actions. It was a blatant disregard for my privacy.
Taking a deep breath Variel continues, Ever since I woke up on this accursed ship, I have been keeping my abilities secret. I was hoping that it would be a surprise if I ever needed it. Now that surprise is gone. Two weeks of planning and care gone because he can't keep his mouth shut. I am done with him for now until he shows me he is truly sorry and asks for forgiveness.
Ok so here is how boarding practice will work. You need to make a ranged attack with the grapple against an AC of 5 but due to the fact that the grapple has a range increment of 10 and you are throwing 40 feet you will be at a -6 penalty to your attack before your own modifiers. Once that's on you need to tie off the rope and make DC 15 climb checks to ascend the 40 feet to the ship. As you climb, the four at the rail will be throwing rotting food, garbage, empty bottles, and buckets of bilge water at you as you make your way up. To make things easier I will just assume you are hit twice on your way up and need to make two reflex saves, you will need to make a DC 10 reflex save in order to stay on the rope and not fall into the water. You will each go at the same time one after the other. You have 3 chances to complete the boarding before Riaris throws her hands up in disgust and orders you back to the Wormwood. Let me know if you have any questions and good luck
Sko swings the grapple line around as fast as he can and hurls it towards the ship with all of his strength.
The grappl lands securely and Sko quickly ties it off and begins the climb to the ship.
Sko starts off rapidly but hits a particulalry slick patch and almost falls. He hangs by one hand for a moment before resecuring his grip and continuing.
A piece of glass caught in the rope causes Sko to almost lose his grip again but he hangs on.
At the last second some thrown bilgewater sits him in the eyes and he falls into the drink.
His vision is still a little blurry and he makes little inital headway.
Again a thrown objects hits just the right spot and he tumbles into the water.
The rope has just gotten too slippery at this point and he can't make it across.
1. I intend to pull Dhaavan out of the water; as I sense he’s still floundering.
Edit: I'll also be using the rope to pull Sko out - as it seems he's in the chop, too.
2. I’ll spend the day with whatever chores I'm assigned. I have nothing specifically planned right now for "daytime actions".
3. During the bloody hour, I’ll just go about my business. If any one of the PC’s has an action that they think I can “Aid” them with, and they’re willing to enlist my help – I’ll offer it. Just check my sheet for my skills – the first person who approaches me for help – if they ask – I’ll happily offer it.
Feel free to NPC my character for your “aid check” during the bloody hour, if I’m not there to roll it.
4. I may do some social RP tonight – but it will depend largely on what the others are up to.
The thread link says that I made the last post but it seems to have been eaten. It was a typing nightmare to do and I don't have the time to redo it again but here's how it went.
Grapple: succeeded on first try.
Climb checks: successful
Reflex saves: failed the second one
Next attempt-
Climb checks: successful
Reflex saves: failed the first one
Last attempt-
Climb checks: failed the third by more than 5
Boarding unsuccessful.
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Ok so here is how boarding practice will work. You need to make a ranged attack with the grapple against an AC of 5 but due to the fact that the grapple has a range increment of 10 and you are throwing 40 feet you will be at a -6 penalty to your attack before your own modifiers. Once that's on you need to tie off the rope and make DC 15 climb checks to ascend the 40 feet to the ship. As you climb, the four at the rail will be throwing rotting food, garbage, empty bottles, and buckets of bilge water at you as you make your way up. To make things easier I will just assume you are hit twice on your way up and need to make two reflex saves, you will need to make a DC 10 reflex save in order to stay on the rope and not fall into the water. You will each go at the same time one after the other. You have 3 chances to complete the boarding before Riaris throws her hands up in disgust and orders you back to the Wormwood. Let me know if you have any questions and good luck
Sko swings the grapple line around as fast as he can and hurls it towards the ship with all of his strength.
Ranged Grapple: 1d20 + 1 - 6 ⇒ (18) + 1 - 6 = 13
The grappl lands securely and Sko quickly ties it off and begins the climb to the ship.
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 Sko starts off rapidly but hits a particulalry slick patch and almost falls. He hangs by one hand for a moment before resecuring his grip and continuing.
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 A piece of glass caught in the rope causes Sko to almost lose his grip again but he hangs on.
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 12
Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 9
At the last second some thrown bilgewater sits him in the eyes and he falls into the drink.
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 His vision is still a little blurry and he makes little inital headway.
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 7 Again a thrown objects hits just the right spot and he tumbles into the water.
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9 The rope has just gotten too slippery at this point and he can't make it across.
Seeing how Variel was ignoring Flynn, Rain sighs softly and turns to the elf. "Variel, how much longer is this conflict between you and Flynn going to last? I am not trying to get in the middle of whatever it is that is going on, but I find it hard to stand by and not say a word. Can you not forgive his blunder and move forward? I do not believe he is malicious in his intent or deeds. I believe his was a genuine mistake and nothing more devious."
Her words were spoken quietly and gently. She did not want to see either of these males fighting each other.
As I haul Dhaavan onto the deck, and get ready to pull Sko out as well, I hear Variel’s comments and sigh.
Turning my head to her – I speak quickly as I do what I can to help the lads in the water.
”Yeah… see, that’s kind of what I was trying to say earlier, lass.”
”The thing is – even if it gets wrapped up, point is – it’s only because you’re stuck in the middle. You shouldn’t have to be – and it’s raw that it's happening to you... Hell, it’s bloody unfair.”
I wipe the sweat off my brow with my sleeve, thinking of the situation and the general waste of time this nonsense is causing, not to mention the unneeded stress.
”It’s like – he’s stubborn on always having to be right - kind of like a martyr, I guess. But even worse – he may have some book smarts, but if you don’t mind me saying it, he’s kind of stupid, too.”
”I mean to say – when we got hauled on board this mess, he had his spellbook on him with all his other gear – but it was taken from him, right? Just like the rest of all our gear, right? I mean, what – did he really think that the officers didn’t notice that he had a spellbook when they searched us and robbed us of all our possessions? Those things tend to be pretty valuable, and not very easy to squirrel away.”
”And did he think that any secrets in the spellbook weren’t common knowledge by now? I mean – you don’t have a spellbook lifted off of you without everyone knowing what it is, even if they can’t read the magical language – they’ll still see the swirling letters and know it is magical writing, right?”
”Hell – that lass, Peppery I think – anyway, the one that knows magic and such? She’s probably already made a full copy of his spellbook already. Magic users do things like that, you know. And if she didn’t copy it, you can bet Plugg at least knows about it – and if any of them, the officers I mean, if any of them know, than they all know, so I can’t see why he’s got his knickers in a twist,” I say with a shrug.
"Hell, I'm not even a magi - but at least I know that much. If you find gear, and you know how to - you check to see if it's magical - and therefore extra valuable. And of course I'd reckon that pirates would at least search for magical gear, if they can; and that's a spell any caster knows without even bothering to study it."
"And I reckon that once they find a spellbook on a lad they hauled on board, it'd make sense that they'd at least check to see that they don't already have a copy of all the spells is in it - but even if they didn't feel like copying his spells into their own spellbook, well - they'd at least know he was carrying a spellbook on him when they searched us all and took all of our gear. And I'd guess they could put the clues together from there without much guesswork."
"I mean, damn - he's studied magic, and all of that is pretty common sense stuff, at least - to me. And if I can figure all of that out, well - so can he, right? I mean, that's supposed to be his specialty," I say, somewhat bitterly at this point.
Than I glance at Rain, and force the bitterness out of my voice.
”But anyway – thanks for giving it your best. I appreciate it – I do. I just figure that no matter what happens between us, if it only gets solved because you ended up fixing it, it’ll just happen again and again. If he thinks what I said compromised his secret somehow - well, I don't know... hell, I don't even really believe that at this point... I think he's just looking for a reason to fight with me is all. Like he's eager to prove a point that I'm somehow the cause of and the source of his problems. But, well - whatever...”
I pause in my work and give Rain a searching look, my eyes flicking between her and Variel, thinking again of her words before, and her defense of his comments against me. I start to say something, but decide against it.
Instead, I tack course and decide on something else.
”I tell you what, lass – you want me to go over right now and apologize to him again, I’ll do it. I will. Hell - I’m pretty much open to whatever will work at this point to make sure that everyone gets along. I don’t think it will work – but if you think it’s worth a try, I’ll give it a go. Just let me know,” I say, wondering if she thinks I should really just go over and offer another apology to him, or simply keep away from him in the future.
But it seems clear that whatever may happen, I’m pretty much willing to follow her lead on this subject.
Responding quietly to Rain, but there is still anger in his voice To be blunt, until he listens more, talks less, and thinks about what he says and how that effects others.
... I know that I didn't give him time to explain, but to me there was no explanation that he could give to justify his actions. It was a blatant disregard for my privacy.
Taking a deep breath Variel continues, Ever since I woke up on this accursed ship, I have been keeping my abilities secret. I was hoping that it would be a surprise if I ever needed it. Now that surprise is gone. Two weeks of planning and care gone because he can't keep his mouth shut. I am done with him for now until he shows me he is truly sorry and asks for forgiveness.
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.
When Flynn approaches her a little later and starts talking about Variel, she listens without interrupting him and then responds openly but mindfully in Aquan,
"You are both proud. Hells, we, all the press-ganged mates have that in common. But it should not get in the way. I am in the middle, Flynn, as are all the others. What affects one, affects the others. I cannot tell you what to do as much as I can't force Variel into relinquishing his anger. I simply want some form of group unity. We bicker like fishwives, and the officers and hostile crew members relish in our disharmony. I'm sick of it. It needs to stop. So, please, sooner rather than later, try and resolve your differences with each other. That is all I can say. You are both my friends. I will not take sides, even if it seems to you that I am."
As with Variel, Rain squeezes Flynn's arm before quickly letting go and moving back to the railing to watch over the others.
”Fox in briar patch?"
”Bad luck! But – the Hare jumped in…"
”Hare makes his own luck"
"That's the only thing, Flynn-san. I am no rabbit. I am the fox, that's for sure." Still, I can't reveal who.. what.. I am.. not yet... but I can't pretend to be prey.
"I'm glad you did well today in the boarding practice. I feel bad for Dhaavan. I don't know him well, but I know these physical challenges are hard for him. I wonder if perhaps I should get a small tattoo from him, but I'm afraid to ask. It looks like it hurts."
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,
When Flynn approaches her a little later and starts talking about Variel, she listens without interrupting him and then responds openly but mindfully in Aquan,
** spoiler omitted **
As with Variel, Rain squeezes Flynn's arm before quickly letting go and moving back to the railing to watch over the others.
I rub the bridge of my nose between pinched thumb and forefinger.
”Proud, eh? You know – I don’t reckon many people with pride just swallow down being insulted over and over again without swinging a punch or drawing a blade… but maybe that’s just a difference in how we view things,” I say, growing tense, than calming down a bit.
”You know… it’d be a hell of a lot easier for me to just avoid him… Except I don’t think it’ll matter much. I think he’s just looking for the embrace of a comforting touch – and there is hardly any reason to comfort him – unless he’s suffered, eh?”
”But yeah – you figure I should apologize to him – again, huh? Alright – I asked for your advice, so it’d be damn rude of me to avoid taking it,” I add, looking at her now with eyes that were now calm and without emotion.
”But so I’m clear in my head what needs getting done – I made a comment in mistake – he gets mad and sulks, and I apologize. That wasn’t enough – so after giving me more abuse, and insulting me again, he says that if I come and kiss his arse again that maybe he’ll forgive me?”
”You do realize this same hash happened before, when he got offended at me for insulting Plugg? But he didn’t know it was Plugg, and reckoned it was someone in the crew – and didn’t bother asking – instead he just outright inferred that his misunderstanding my comment was somehow a problem of mine?” I add, my voice sounding as if I’m going to rehash the issues.
But than I cut myself off before that starts.
”But yeah, I get it – no worries. He’s your mate,” I say flatly, realizing that despite his actions – it didn’t matter one wit. I’d have to go apologize to him – and as for my feelings on the matter, as for how I felt for the constant rude treatment?
Just stow it, lad – just button your lip, ignore your feelings, and get the frak over it.
”He’s your mate, and you want to make sure that if someone offends him that they do right and make sure that he’s not hurt anymore. No – I get it. You’re a good friend to him.”
”Anyhow – you want me to apologize to him – again. Alright, that’s the lay of it, than, I guess. Well… thanks for the advice, I hope it works.”
I turn and walk away, without saying anything else.
I walk up to Variel after his comments to Rain.
”Well – it seems that you think I need to apologize to you – again, for the comment aloft,” I say tensely, as if something is on my mind.
”Alright – that’s fine. I apologize again. I’m sorry for offending your privacy – I’m sorry for pissing you off. I’m sorry for causing you headache – and I’m sorry for whatever it is I seem to be doing on a consistant basis that rubs you the wrong way.”
”Seems like it’s my nature – I either talk more that a few sentences each day, which seems to piss folks off something fierce – or I say something that rubs folks the wrong way without even meaning too.”
”Well, here’s the thing – you don’t have to like me, and you may as well hate me – but I reckon you need to get over it. And if you want to think I’m an arse and hate me forever – well, that’s your business. But it won’t help you survive any better to hate me.”
”Or you could lay it aside and get over it – and we’ll go on helping each other out, as best as we can.”
”You don’t want to talk to me, or treat me decent-like unless I tell you I’m sorry for making a mistake, again, than I’ll say it again: I’m sorry.”
”At this point though, I’m pretty much out of ideas – I don’t know what it is I need to do to make sure you’re happy, or better still – to make sure that you don’t get pissed about anything that I’ll say in the future. But you tell me what I got to do to make you happy, and I’ll fracking do it, you got me?”
”I’ve asked you that three times in the past – and you don’t give me a square answer. But I’m saying it loud and in front of all – it’s your call. Whatever it is you need me to do so you won’t be pissed off at me on a general basis over something I do – you just say it so I know what it is that needs getting done. I’ll do it, and than everyone can be happy.”
”So yeah, I’m sorry for pissing you off, again – you tell me what you want, and I’ll do it.”
”But,” I say, my voice growing flinty, my eyes flicking over a few members of the crew ”I’ll say one other thing – if you turn your back on this offer to tell me what you want me to do, how to act, and how to behave around you so I don’t end up pissing you off by mistake in the future – well… I’m doing my best to make you happy. If you don’t take the chance to to meet me half-way, that’s your choice. But believe me – it’ll be your choice if that happens.”
”What do you want me to do? How do you want me to act? Just tell me – and I’ll do it. So yeah – games to you than, Nightstorm.”
”Fox in briar patch?"
”Bad luck! But – the Hare jumped in…"
”Hare makes his own luck""That's the only thing, Flynn-san. I am no rabbit. I am the fox, that's for sure." Still, I can't reveal who.. what.. I am.. not yet... but I can't pretend to be prey.
"I'm glad you did well today in the boarding practice. I feel bad for Dhaavan. I don't know him well, but I know these physical challenges are hard for him. I wonder if perhaps I should get a small tattoo from him, but I'm afraid to ask. It looks like it hurts."
”Thanks, Jiro-san – I appreciate the comment.”
I glance at Dhaavan.
”Yeah – well, falling in the drink’ll do him no real harm, I’d guess… just maybe his ego,” I say with a laugh.
I ponder something a moment, than toss out a bit of lore for you to think on.
”You know, one time I saw a Mwangi wood carving… On the one side there was a lion; growling fierce – on the other side there was a rabbit, drinking a steaming cup of hot coffee… yeah, coffee's like a version of cha – only more bitter – it's a southern drink… But anyway....”
”Seems that’s a common motif in some Mwangi tribes… I asked “So why’s the rabbit drinking the coffee when right nearby is a growling lion?” – and they told me ”The rabbit sits in comfort – even when the lion growls. But why should he fear the roar and danger of the lion? True the lion is strong and deadly… but; the rabbit is smarter…”
”Anyhow – I always liked that idea – you know – brains outdoing brawn. It seems like a fair plan. Hell – I hear foxes are smart too – but a rabbit doesn’t fear them, because he knows how to outwit them… But I reckon even a fox can outwit the likes of pirates,” I add with a wry grin.
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.
