Dhaavan desperately suppresses fits of giggles as the others dance about, joining in the festivities with a Varisian style of nonsense song of made-up words...
...every well-defined syllable somehow telling a hilarious story while Rain and Flynn dance their tango. He smiles at Rain encouraging, "Then yea'll have ta take a turn or two while our ship's on the waters and the floor is moving the way it's supposed to", clapping happily, nothing snide or sarcastic showing in hiss bearing or tone.
Rain breathes a little easier when Dhaavan responds to her jest and aids in making light of her tango slip and her quip moments after her dance with Flynn was done.
"Aye, that I can do!" keeping her tone light and jovial.
She had noticed Flynn make his way over to the barmaid, and how he seemed to take more care in the dance with her than the tango he chose for her. She stares a moment longer and then settles back to listening to the music and storytelling. He is a perplexing human, her last private thought on Flynn before letting go of her annoyance and relaxing in her seat.
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will post for story tomorrow, when i can
Horatio, during the day a small figure walks up to you and says
Oye! Are you the man they call Horatio Flynn? Assuming you respond in the affirmative he says The names Piper, Piper Bramblewine. I hear tell yer looking for someone skilled in carpentry and crafting and the like? If so then I'm yer lass. I been working for Rickety for 5 years and can handle myself around a ship as well.
Piper is a female halfling with almost white blonde hair that she keeps tied back in a multitude of thin braids. She has a tattoo of a dolphin on her right cheek and carries herself with grace. She is articulate and polite but doesn't suffer fools very lightly and has a somewhat acerbic tongue.
** spoiler omitted **...
My eyes flick over this somewhat foppish human.
Huh! He talks enough! But what the hell, eh?
If he's true to his word than it's a sure thing that the coin is good and it’ll get me out of here and give me a chance to see some new sights and maybe have the chance to learn of new talents in the arts of crafting, Brigh be praised!
I nod once after his longish speech.
”Righto, then chief – we’ve got a bloody accord,” I say with a nod and reach out my hand to shake his.
”Thanks for the deal – I’ll get my kit together, and if you’ve got that coin you promised, I’ll be picking up a few things easy, then,” I say with a brisk nod.
I fit a wad of some leaf to my mouth and enjoy the tang of the tobacco quid in my lip as I examine his gear.
”You got a lot of weapons on you, chief – you do a lot of killing on that there ship of yours, or is that more for show?”
”Nah – skip it,” I add hastily, not really eager to hear a long drawn out story on his supposed “exploits”.
”You going to introduce me to the rest of the gang, or you plan on keeping me a surprise?” I add, curious to meet the others.
Rain watches discreetly from her vantage point, noting the female halfling (from the looks of her) conversing with Flynn. Curious if it is the recruit Flynn has alluded to in conversation, Rain takes note of her. Interesting. I was not expecting the recruit to be female. It seems the Dread Lady will be carrying another female. I am glad the crew are a not superstitious lot. Rain chuckles inwardly.
In a quiet moment when Dhaavan seems not talking to others or singing, Seijiro will slip over by his side, smile and speak softly. "It seems our ship may be ready to sail soon and I've been doing some shopping. I've arranged for the purchase of all our ships stores and such, but Variel's given me a list of other items we might want or need for the ship. I was hoping tomorrow you might come with me to the market to buy some of these things. Maybe you can help me get them at a slight discount, as my own powers of persuasion don't begin to rival yours."
"Certainly, Jiro. I'm sure we can come to some kind of arrangements with the shop-keepers with some clever words. I'll just need a list of what items we need and a reaconing of our finances." Turning to the Elf, regardless of wether or not she's in conversation, "Oye Rain, a word when yea got a minute,"
Rain
At her convenience, Rain is free to approach Dhaavan, at which point, he starts of asking, "What do ya need for this trip, in terms o' gear? Jiro's giving me a list, Flynn's already got a list o' personal and ship supplies worked out, so if there's anythin yea'd need I'd be more'n happy ta lend yea the services o' my tongue and see what I can do about streaching your coin a bit more." So if you want a higher tier armor, or Masterwork gear, just make a notem of it, and i'll get the list and get to haggling. =}
”You going to introduce me to the rest of the gang, or you plan on keeping me a surprise?” I add, curious to meet the others.
”Er, um – yes…” I say after a moment, shaking my head a bit at the Halfing’s curt ways.
As the day continues I’ll wait until she gets her gear settled and things purchased. Once that’s done, I’ll bring her back to the common area to meet with the rest of the crew.Seeing Rain first, I’ll approach her with Piper.
”Greetings, Rain – this is miss Piper Bramblewine – she has consented to become my apprentice and will be bringing with her a good series of skills to assist us on our journeys,” I say somewhat expansively.
”She is a skilled crafted of many things; and a very talented carpenter as well. I’m sure her services will be helpful,” I add.
Hearing her name called and recognising the voice of Dhaavan, she spies him and moves to his side.
"Since I purchased the Boarding Pike of Repelling from you, there is little coin for any greater Masterwork armor. I would seek to purchase a Mithral shirt, alas it shall have to wait until my personal coffers have grown. If you could find either or both a mage armor potion or a cure light wounds potion, I would be grateful to you. Thank you, Dhaavan."
Seeing Rain first, I’ll approach her with Piper.
”Greetings, Rain – this is miss Piper Bramblewine – she has consented to become my apprentice and will be bringing with her a good series of skills to assist us on our journeys,” I say somewhat expansively.
”She is a skilled crafted of many things; and a very talented carpenter as well. I’m sure her services will be helpful,” I add.
Rain stands mute for a short time, critically taking in the carriage and general impression of Piper Bramblewine, the halfling apprentice.
She moves forward and nods her head in respect. "Carpentry is a mighty fine skill, Piper. That you have the abundant craftsmanship ability will be advantageous to us. Welcome to the Dread Lady. I am helmsman of the ship. I am certain we will have opportunity to converse during our voyage." Rain smiles warmly at the new recruit.
When Dhaavan has the time, Jiro takes him for a walk through the small marketplace in town, and shows him his list of items he needs to buy, the list having been provided by Variel. It reads:
Recommendations for the ship:
1. Four doses of Healy Myrrh – 25 GP a piece; 100 GP
2. Four pouches of Air Crystals – 50 GP a piece; 200 GP
3.Two sets of Masterwork Artisan Ship Builder’s Tools: 110 GP
4. Ten sets of Artisan Ship Builders Tools: 50 GP
Total 460
Shopping list:
1. Masterwork Artisan Carpentry Tools: 55 GP
2. Masterwork Artisan Ship Builder’s Tools: 55 GP
3. Alchemist Kit: 25 GP
4. Healers Kit refill: 50 GP
5. Bedroll: 1 SP
6. Compass: 10 GP
7. 50 feet of Hemp Rope: 1 GP
8. Medium Treasure Chest: 6 GP – 4 Cubic Feet
9. Simple Lock: 20 GP (open with Disable Device – DC 20)
10. Cooking Kit 1 GP
11. Smelling Salts – 25 GP
12. Tobacco – 2 lbs. – 1 GP
13. Hot Weather Outfit – 8 GP
14. Cold Weather Outfit – 8 GP
Gunsmith Supplies: 100 GP
Total: 365 GP
"I've already, like I said previously, purchased the standard supplies for the ship for a month of operations. Food and the like. But the things on this list are extra, and surely we can get a discount on at least some of them."
Seijiro shrugs and rolls his eyes a little at the length of the list, then flashes his youthful grin at Dhaavan. "Thanks for your help with this... If I tried to get us a discount, we'd likely end up paying more than needed." He chuckles at the jest, but the slight clouding of his eyes shows perhaps it's not so much of a joke.
Rain watches discreetly from her vantage point, noting the female halfling (from the looks of her) conversing with Flynn. Curious if it is the recruit Flynn has alluded to in conversation, Rain takes note of her. Interesting. I was not expecting the recruit to be female. It seems the Dread Lady will be carrying another female. I am glad the crew are a not superstitious lot. Rain chuckles inwardly.
I give my new master a sidelong glance, curious to know what he will be planning on teaching me as his apprentice.
Gods, but he does go on with all the words, doesn’t he?
I heft my kit a bit with the weight and rest it more comfortably over my shoulder. The bulk of the gear is tied into a tight bundle which is inside my bedroll like a large blanket. The entire rig is now currently tied to my pike, which rests over my shoulder like a staff to hold my luggage.
I have a dagger in my belt and another strapped to my forearm. My hair is currently pulled back into a longish braid, and I’m wearing a bright red scarf over my sandy locks, tied tight behind my head.
I give a glance at the lithe elf with the dark blue hair, and take in her features a moment.
”Right! Name’s Piper, damn good to meet you,” I say, offering my hand to Rain is a brusque business-like way.
Hmm… good grip on her; look at those muscles, too. She’s seen action and isn’t some elven lass that sits in a tree all day reading poetry. Nay, not her!
Her hands are too rough to be soaking in elven perfume, and her muscles are too hard for needlepoint. And you see that gear on her? Hell, she’s seen battle, by Brigh’s bits and pieces!
Hmm… Wonder if she’s the ship’s bosun? Nay, she's the helmsman, she said... interesting. Makes sense, though. Elves are handy in the wild, they say, and they also love the stars, so I've heard. So I'd wager she can read the signs in the wild and guide herself on the open seas just by looking at the stars above...
I glance around the room and my eyes rest on the young man with somewhat charming smile.
”And what’s your name, lad?” I ask, eager to know who everyone is, and where they stand on the ship.
I see that his face is youthful and that I don’t notice much in the way of weapons. Further, his clothing is not rich or stylish.
Yet he carries himself with a tremendous amount of confidence and self-assurance. You hear how he talked to the elf? She’s not someone to tease much, I reckon, but he does so, and talks to her ith familiarity.
Maybe they’ve known each other a good while… or maybe he trusts his skills too much?
But what are those skills? I don’t see any real weapons on him, and he’s got less muscle tone on him than I do, by the gods!
My eyes search him for a moment, seeing if he has any spellbooks on him, or other similar gear.
He’s not dressed like some lad born with a silver spoon in his mouth – and no real weapons; but he talks like he’s confident in himself… Now, it’s a sure thing that kind of confidence likely comes from power. So; if it’s not weapons or title, I’ll wager afternoon tea that’s some kind of magic user…
I glance around after meeting both and .
”Good meeting you both,” I say, rolling my shoulders a bit and plunking myself into the nearest chair.
”So, if you don’t mind me asking – what exactly do you all do on the ship we’re going to be sailing?” I say as I stretch my legs and wiggle my toes, glancing at the human lad and the elven lass with the blue hair.
As I wait for an answer, I glance at the window, gauging the sun’s position and trying to guess the time.
”Yo, chief,” I say turning to Horatio ”when’re we sailing? Also – where do you want me to stow my gear?” I ask, curious to know who the people are, and what our next move will be…
Seeing Rain first, I’ll approach her with Piper.
”Greetings, Rain – this is miss Piper Bramblewine – she has consented to become my apprentice and will be bringing with her a good series of skills to assist us on our journeys,” I say somewhat expansively.
”She is a skilled crafted of many things; and a very talented carpenter as well. I’m sure her services will be helpful,” I add.
Rain stands mute for a short time, critically taking in the carriage and general impression of Piper Bramblewine, the halfling apprentice.
She moves forward and nods her head in respect. "Carpentry is a mighty fine skill, Piper. That you have the abundant craftsmanship ability will be advantageous to us. Welcome to the Dread Lady. I am helmsman of the ship. I am certain we will have opportunity to converse during our voyage." Rain smiles warmly at the new recruit.
"Why thankee kindly, ma'am," I answer with a polite smile.
"I look forward to it, that's for sure."
I watch the others, my eyes resting on Horatio, who seems to be ordering some drinks.
"And how about the rest? Who else is on this little adventure?" I ask in somewhat jovial mood and help myself with one of the drinks Horatio brings over to the table for us, my gaze turning to Dhaavan now, curious what he has to say.
”Good meeting you both,” I say, rolling my shoulders a bit and plunking myself into the nearest chair.
”So, if you don’t mind me asking – what exactly do you all do on the ship we’re going to be sailing?” I say as I stretch my legs and wiggle my toes, glancing at the human lad and the elven lass with the blue hair.
Rain always wondered how halflings managed with such short legs but then again, Elves did not have to concern themselves with such physical deficits. A ring on one of Piper's toes catches her eye and Rain studies it, wondering if it has a religious meaning due to the symbol carved on its surface.
From her position, Rain cannot not quite make it out or discern the symbol itself and openly inquires, "Intriguing toe ring, Piper. Any particular significance?" Rain is simply curious at this point and is not interrogating the halfling lass.
Before Piper answers, Rain adds, "I am in charge of navigation and sailing of the ship. If I am required in battle, I am equipped well enough to join in. I have additional skills but in main my abilities lie in reading the stars, seas, landmarks, weather and alike and traversing the waters of the Isles." Rain is not boasting, simply stating matter-of-factly what she is predominantly good at. She does not disclose all her abilities for this halfling was a stranger yet and it was good to keep some things to one's self.
As Piper scrutinizes Dhaavan, he cocks his head and looks her over, takes a step, blaces his hands on his hips and leans down till he is looking at the halfling, nose-to-nose, smiling. "Whatcha lookin for li'l lady?" he asks, giving her his most charming of smiles, the mischievous twinkling in his sulfurous-yellow eyes, rather telling that he's not just a pretty boy. Piper is reminded of the Wasp attack of the morning and the fiendish fire-breathing dogs that appeared accompanied by someone roaring in an obscene and foul tongue.
Letting the halfling see, just for a moment what lies beneath his amicable and charming demeanor, so that she can't even be entirely sure it was there, Dhaavan takes her ittle calloused hand and plants a gentelmanly kiss on it, introducing himself, "I am Dhaavan, First Mate of the Dread Lady, tattoo-artist extraordinaire, and magical craftsman," adding under his breath, "once I get my ands on some supplies."
I notice her look, and take a gulp of my drink, wiping my hand over my mouth and grin.
”Why that? Here – let me show you,” I say, and lift up my leg to hold the foot somewhat closer.
At this distance you can see that the curly hair on my feet is a tawny gold, and the ring definitely looks like brass, on close inspection.
The symbol on it, as you’re close enough to see, it is not really an etching, but more of a carving.
The image looks like: this.
”That’s a mere nothing, of course,” I say with a somewhat humble tone.
”It’s dedicated to my patron – good ol’ Brigh. Ever heard of her?”
I take another gulp of the drink.
”Yeah – she’s a right one, she is – no one even knows if she was a goddess all along, or just became one after some sort of quest..."
"Some say she gained some sort of fake intelligence and became "self-aware", which kind of made her a goddess when she figured out who she was… like that was her quest..."
"Of course, why'd a construct become a "goddess" as opposed to a god or an "it", know one knows that neither."
"As for me? Well, I reckon she’d be “goddess” as opposed to "god" or an “it” because if she makes others like her, why – that’d mean she’d be kind of like a mother to all her little construct follower-types. Oh – and also folks like me,” I say giving Rain a merry grin.
----
My eyes flick over to Horatio at this, and my hand drops unconsciously to the hilt of my dagger as he slides his face in so close.
Sucking on the tobacco quid a moment, I spit deftly into the spittoon before answering him, conscious of the fact that magic users often have hidden powers.
”Well…” I say very slowly and deliberately ”I was looking hard at you to see if you had some kind of spell book, or maybe some kind of signet ring or sign of nobility on you to mark you as a noble sort.”
I step back a bit, considering you a moment.
”See, the way I figure it, you’re pretty sure of yourself for a lad who’s got no muscle – so either you’re used to telling folks how it is because you were raised a noble’s son – or you got some extra firepower that I can’t see on you.”
”So I figured you for a magic user – now I’m fair certain of it,” I add with a somewhat contemptuous tone.
Ah! So he’s the first mate of this ship, no wonder he acts like he’s top cheese… Very interesting. I wonder how he got the job? Well, I’ll find out soon enough, I reckon.
When I hear you muttering about crafting magical supplies, my eyes take an interested light.
”Really… you, uh, you craft magical gear, eh? Do you, um… do you know how to make constructs and such?” I ask, my tone now suddenly much more respectful, and almost hungry at the possibilities that you might be able to share...
I watch the interplay between Dhaavan and Piper.
”Hey, Dhaavan, play nice with my apprentice; she’s a bit feisty,” I say quickly, trying to hop in, not sure why he seems so threatening to her.
I’m sure he’s just trying to show off for the lady – but Halflings don’t like being treated as “small and puny” – I don’t know her well enough; she may do something rash, gods forbid!
”Hey, Piper – do you think if you and Dhaavan worked together you could create constructs for the ship,” I ask, a sudden idea occurring to me.
I turn a quick glance to Dhaavan.
”Dhaavan, what do you say to that idea, eh?”
”And not just constructs either – why; you remember seeing lads with hooks for hand?"
"Bah! - I say. Between you and my girl here – what if you crafted some sort of clockwork hand or hand that was fashioned like a construct is instead of just a bloody stupid hook?”
I continue talking – my enthusiasm growing at the thought.
”Hell yeah! Instead of some clod-hopping “hook” you could maybe rebuild a whole hand! And – who knows – if you did that, you may be able to give the hand better strength, stronger grip, more bloody power!” I say, getting excited.
”What do you say? With your skills as a magi,” I say to Dhaavan ”and your skills as a crafter – why, you could take a lad like ol’ Ratline and make him better.”
My eyes grow a bit vacant as I consider the possibilities.
”Just think – he could run faster, jump higher, be stronger in general… “
I look up, very excited now, addressing everyone in the room.
”He’s messed up bad, but – gentlemen; we can rebuild him – we have the technology…”
”What do you think about that idea?” I ask the anyone who is curious to listen – very eager to know if it’s possible.
Making construct shock troops, or augmenting the body with clockwork appendages which are more powerful and potent could be extremely useful on a ship, I think.
No need to pay them loot, nor feed them, nor worry for purposes of mutiny - and just think of the power!
I consider Horatio’s suggestion, and let the possibilities flitter through my mind…
A "clockwork hand" that is more powerful then a real one; even strong enough to crush steel? And crafted with wits, not magic? And able to give back power to a lad who lost his hand in battle or bad luck...
Hmmm… I wonder what that would look like…
After I consider it, I nod at Horatio and Dhaavan, my eyes narrowing and I give them both a wicked grin.
”Groovy!”
Then I wait to hear what everyone has to say on the matter.
Totally ignored, though no less present than anyone else, Seijiro just watches the introductions silently, then slips outside.
Once outside, he walks down by the docks and sits on the end of the dock, legs dangling over the side, and quietly plays his harmonica for his own enjoyment.
She finds the discussion of Piper's goddess Brigh interesting and strange. Rain nods her head in the halfling's direction, in thanks for the information.
Rain notices Jiro quietly slip away. She admired the kitsune's talent for moving so unobtrusively. Something tugged at her conscience and she realised he had not been included in their conversation and a slight scowl crosses her features.
She makes her polite excuses to Flynn, Piper and Dhaavan, and walks outside, in search of Jiro. Lifting her hand against the sun, she scans the area but it's the music she hears on the wind that draws her in the right direction.
Quietly making her way down to the docks and smiling at the occasional passerby, she approaches Jiro and gently enquires, "May I join you, Jiro?"
Totally ignored, though no less present than anyone else, Seijiro just watches the introductions silently, then slips outside.
Once outside, he walks down by the docks and sits on the end of the dock, legs dangling over the side, and quietly plays his harmonica for his own enjoyment.
He stops playing for a moment and looks up at Rain with a smile. "Of course, Rain-san. You are always welcome. Seems Flynn has a new assistant to help him with ship repairs and construction. That's a good thing, that it is. Seems like a big job for just one person. I recall helping my uncle with repairs on his house one summer. It was not a job for just one person, as someone had to hold the joists steady while he nailed them together. So what brings you out to the dock? Don't tell me, Flynn asked you to do that tango thing again!" He laughs with a bright twinkle in his eye to show there's no malice in his jest.
Under her breath she mutters, "I will show him what he can do with his tango."
Taking a seat beside Jiro on the dock, she softly chuckles. "Sometimes I wonder if he revels in my embarrassment. At least I didn't fall! I retained a modicum of grace before Pegsworthy and his officers."
"Nay, I simply noticed you leave and followed. I heard the music coming from the dock and knew it was you", giving Jiro a smile.
Returning to seriousness, "Why did you leave the tavern?"
Totally ignored, though no less present than anyone else, Seijiro just watches the introductions silently, then slips outside.
Once outside, he walks down by the docks and sits on the end of the dock, legs dangling over the side, and quietly plays his harmonica for his own enjoyment.
Watching the blue-haired elf slip out the door, following the young lad, my eyes narrow.
”Hey chief – come on, let’s go,” I say briskly to Horatio.
I glance at Dhaavan –
”Number one – come,” I say with a suddenly deep but cultured accent.
Then, leading at least Horatio after me I stride purposefully out the door, down to the docks, and up to the young man who had just left the tavern.
”Yo red! What’s the deal, eh? You sit there hiding in the dark then suddenly disappear?”
I plant my hands on my hips and stare at the young lad, not really paying attention to anyone else, including Horatio (assuming he comes).
”Now listen – you’re the only one of these folks who’s about my size – and I reckon we need to stay together,” I say with a stern but friendly smile.
”The name’s Piper Bramblewine; chief apprentice to mister Horatio Flynn.”
I stick out my hand and eagerly shake yours.
”Now, that said I wanted to also… ,” I suddenly squeal at the site of the monkey that is near you.
”Oh, sorry – I just, well… I like monkey’s is all,” I say somewhat sheepishly.
”So – what’s your name, red – and what’s the monkey’s name? Is he yours, or – is he a she? Oh – and what do you do on the ship? Anything exciting?” I ask quickly, my tone clipped and somewhat abrupt – but it is nevertheless completely polite and friendly.
I look at Dhaavan as Piper practically drags me out of the room.
”Come on, Dhaavan – it seems our presence is requested – and anyhow I at least want to know if we can maybe start crafting a legion of clockwork constructs for shock troops to invade enemy ships and… ahhh” I add as Piper drags me out of the tavern down to the docks.
"No reason to stay, I guess. Flynn was introducing Piper around and missed me, so I figured I'd step outside and get some fresh air. I guess I could have made the effort and stepped over and spoke up for myself, but it seems I often kind of slip through the cracks where the others are concerned. And that's not necessarily a bad thing in my line of work, if you catch my meaning. Really, when it comes down to it, I guess it means I'm doing something right." He gives her another bright smile with a hint of something mischevious behind it, then sighs deeply.
"I'm even as good a helmsman as Variel, if not better, but not being your equal of course. Everyone seems to have forgotten that too. I guess when they need something, then they'll remember I'm alive. And I don't really feel even qualified to be quartermaster, Rain. I can't bargain for things like Dhaavan, and I'm not good at appraising things... yet, though I plan to develop that skill real soon. I feel like a fish out of water."
When Piper comes down to the docks after Seijiro reveals some of his inner thoughts to RAin, he looks up at the halfling from his sitting position on the docks and shrugs at her slightly when she mentions being her size. He might be closer to her size, but he's still five feet tall, after all. He opens his mouth to answer her introduction when she shrieks 'MONKEYYY' at him... he jumps at the squeal and almost falls off the dock, taking Tomo into the drink with him... He avoids the fall, and grabs Tomo, to keep him on the dock as well.
"Hullo Piper. I'm Seijiro, the quartermaster. and this is Tomo, my little friend. I think he's a boy. Nice to meet you."
She nods as she listens. "I was wondering why they had not cast you as helmsman when I left the ship. I was not consulted by the others or asked to cast a vote. I am sorry you were overlooked as I am aware of your navigating skill."
"If my opinion counts for something, I would say where you lack Dhaavan's thick, practiced charm, you have a natural ability to calm and to get others to see the other side of an argument. That is important in a quartermaster. Also, you have honour and you are honest, especially in your profession. You will be good at distributing rations and treasure and you can be aid me in navigation." Rain smiles reassuringly at Jiro, meaning every word she has spoken.
”Nice to meet you, too mister Seijiro,” I say politely.
”And a fine afternoon to you; crewmember Tomo!” I add with a friendly wave.
”So, you’re quartermaster, eh? That’s fantastic!”
”That means you’ll have a pretty good understanding of all the gear on board, which is pretty handy.”
I glance at Rain and Seijiro.
”I couldn’t help but overhear your last comment about steering ships and I want to say if folks don’t pay attention to you, well… that’s just their lost! You seem like a fine chap, although we’ve just met, but my intuition tells me that anyone who has a monkey for a friend must be pretty nice.”
”Hey, check this out,” I add and pull out a tiny little box from my pouch.
The box is only about two inches cubed, but there is a tiny handle on it.
I spin the handle slowly and little metal pegs plink against thin metal bars. As it turns, you hear a tune play softly from the box – it sounds a little something like this.
”Pretty neat, huh?” I say a shy smile.
”If you like, maybe I can craft one for you?” I add, blushing a bit at the strange lad with the red hair.
"Thank you, Rain, for saying I have honor. I think maybe some of the others don't necessarily share your opinion. I will try to do the best I can at this job, but really, I have no idea how to do it well. I wish we had a few more days in port so maybe I could learn some of what I need to know from Captain Pegsworthy's quartermaster. I guess I will just have to learn by doing." He shrugs. "I hope it will be enough. I wish the others had as much trust in me as you do. Where you say I am honest, I don't think all the others share your opinion. Anyway, I'd be glad to assist you when and if you need it. I'd be honored. Not that you need my help, of course."
"That's a very fine device you have there, Piper... does it play other tunes, or just that one? Seijiro listens to it, memorizing the tune, so he can play it later on his harmonica. "It's very fine, but I have this," and he pulls out his small instrument. It plays any tune I wish and is almost as small, it's all I need, but thank you for offering. Perhaps we can play a duet together though. That might be fun." He flashes Piper a wide smile.
|
Variel watches out of the window as Jiro heads down to the docks. Knowing he can take of himself, Variel doesnt even bother hollering at him to be careful. If there was one thing about him that Variel admired most, it was Jiro's quiet reserved attitude. All too often lately Variel has had to speak and try to make himself heard. That wasn't the case around Jiro. You could sit with him in companionable silence and the most he would do is play a song. If only more were like him there would be a lot less arguing and more doing. Perhaps this was due to his upbringing or maybe just inherent to him, but either way Variel was glad to have Jiro as quartermaster of the ship. It took a calm cool approach to deal with the crew and keep the supplies in order and that is what made Jiro the perfect choice.
What's this though? Someone is following him out. Ah yes, Rain. Always being where she is needed to help, wether it is with words or deeds. She is the type of person that people would flock to follow. Not only does she have a way with words, but she gets to know people and brings out the best in them. In fact if it wasn't for her initial desire to leave the ship after the mutiny, we would all have chosen her to be captain. In some ways Variel wishes she would never have said anything and she would be the captain still. She has more experience and wits about her than Variel ever will. She has a gift for the sea and the calling to go along with it. Perhaps at some point I may step down and let her lead. It would be for the good of the crew and the ship itself, but then what would be my purpose? I am skilled in certain areas yes, but do I want to lead the fight everytime and am I bloodthirsty enough to lead the fight as well? I suppose only the future will answer these questions, but it is frustrating to not have the answer I seek.
Speaking of answers, Pegsworthy knew nothing about my inquiry to Shanxia. How is it that someone who has travelled the seas as much as he has has and as learned as he is not know the word? If that's the case how am I going to find any more answers to the questions that have bothered me my whole life.
These thoughts and more plague Variel as he stares at the maps Pegsworthy lent in the hopes of proposing a course of action in two days time. The ship is almost finished and the cr is restless. It is the open waters we must head for and seek our wealth and fortunes by Besmara's blessing. Either that or find rumor of some hidden treasure to raid. The month will be over soon and we will be short on supplies. That and the crew will want payment for their work.
Variel continues to work as best he can by the open window. Anyone who looks can see him there studying maps, making notes, creating a log book and cursing everytime his light spell fades. Although not loud enough for Jiro and company to hear him or vice versa, they can signal him if they need him for anything.
"Thank you, Rain, for saying I have honor. I think maybe some of the others don't necessarily share your opinion. I will try to do the best I can at this job, but really, I have no idea how to do it well. I wish we had a few more days in port so maybe I could learn some of what I need to know from Captain Pegsworthy's quartermaster. I guess I will just have to learn by doing." He shrugs. "I hope it will be enough. I wish the others had as much trust in me as you do. Where you say I am honest, I don't think all the others share your opinion. Anyway, I'd be glad to assist you when and if you need it. I'd be honored. Not that you need my help, of course."
"Honor has many faces and it is unfortunate when some of those faces cannot be seen or acknowledged. Each of us has a long way ahead of us to learn and refine our skills. I believe that you will do your best as quartermaster and that is all anyone can ask. I believe Pegsworthy's quartermaster is well versed at sea and I am sure you will learn much under his tutelage. I too will need guidance, for I have not piloted a ship as grand as the Dread Lady. You must show a face of confidence, Jiro, and others will believe it too. I live by this code; facing obstacles head on. You have my support, my friend." Rain looks out across the water, swinging her legs back and forth over the edge of the dock. She enjoyed her conversations with Jiro; he brought a certain harmony to the group that was sorely needed.
For all those on the dock, Seijiro pulls out his harmonica and plays softly the same tune that Piper's music box was playing a moment ago. Then, after a few bars, he stops and flashes Rain a smile.
"I think you have the right of it, Rain-san... I guess we all have to learn and grow in our new jobs. Confidence, eh? I will try to show it, though inside, I have many doubts. Thank you, friend."
He blushes a little as he speaks, then smiles again, turning to extend his grin to Flynn and Piper as well.
Then he offers a fig from the sack at his waist to Piper. "Would you like to feed Tomo-chan?"