Seijiro watches the introductions and grins as Sandara and Adular seem to hit it off quite well with each other.
Good to see them getting along. They do share their faith after all, and what's not to like about either of them?
By the Sea Queen, I think I'm in love... or some even more pleasurable feeling "Tis the hat, a good hat can make any man shine in a lady's eyes," He winks, "Thank ye, tis nice to be here. Have ye any advice for one such as me self for winning the crew over as Bossun? Any trouble makers I should know about, and so on. I twas told ye knew this ship an crew better than most."
Sandara smiles and says Yeah there's a way. Lots and lots of rum! She laughs and continues In all seriousness, just do your job and do it well and you will earn their respect. Curing the occasional clap or case of crabs won't hurt either. As far as troublemakers this is a pirate ship, we're all troublemakers of one sort or another. We have a few that make a few more waves than most but nothing to get worked up about.
He smirks at something she said, "Fair and fair again, Sandara. I think we'll get along, you and I if I may not be too bold in presumption. And worry not, I know sailing men, especially pirates, need their vices. hell, I have enough for three men meself, but I think I'd rather our crew cause strife for others than amongst each other... nothing sweeter than making a Chelish freighter think it's been attacked by Taldan privateers while taking the whole share for yourselves as true pirates, or so me da told it."
"That'd be a fun trick ta play, eh? We got some carpenters and such on the ship what can manage ta fake what we look like some." Dhaavan agrees, seems to be considering other options beyond making some extra paneling and such.
Regarding the troublemakers, Dhaavan says, "I try ta keep my eyes on em, movin around the boat while i'm up is one thing."
"Sometimes a simple change of flag works wonders," The cleric says, "in the heat of an attack, false evidence can be planted as well, and lies told to survivors you later release."
Hearing Adular's idea of an alternate flag to confuse other ships, Rain adds, "Flynn has an apprentice onboard. Piper has a fair hand at stitching and creating almost anything asked, or so I have been told. Perhaps Flynn can ask her to make an artifice flag for us to fly."
"When we catch a ship, our crew's got a different approach than some. We take em, Drop the Cap'n, officers an' such unless they surrender. Lookin ta get a rep o' generosity eh? No unnecessary killin, poach crewmen, let them what surrender off and even leave em a li'l sommat to avoid unnecessary fight. Last ship we hit, we let the noble fellow walk an' keep his gun and personals. Less costly, but meant that we had no trouble at all gettin all their goods. THey even loaded it to the Lady for us and saved the trouble o' gettin' the Consortium on our asses." More information that may be important to our new officer should know about our opperations.
"It would be fun to play the Taldan or Andoran Privateer. Maybe we aught ta invest in uniforms for jobs what we wanna be subtle about?" and by invest Dhaavan means raid a ship and steal their uniforms =P
Seijiro will stop Dhaavan before he leaves the cabin after the meeting with a slight bow and smile and a soft-spoken, "Dhaavan, may I have a word with you? I would like you to make me an item after our next stop in a port if you would oblige me. I will be happy of course to supply everything you might need for it's creation, and it shouldn't take much more than a day to make." He cocks his head to one side, questioningly, hoping for a positive response.
"Ooh! An easy gig! You got it mate," Dhaavan claps him on the back. "Watcha need eh?" There is a slight twinge of annoyance in Dhaavan's voice that he lets out as he says, "Wish i'd thought ta get some surplus fixins tho. I'll be on me and the Cap'n' sstuff most of the weeks we'll be sailin, but maybe a merchant'll have some materials, should Besmara smile on us." with a laugh at the thought of such a boon from the Pirate Queen. He's content to simply not suffer at her hands at this point.
Seijiro quietly describes what he wants to Dhaavan "I'd like a pair of boots what will make it easier on me if I fall, and make me look taller too. I do some swinging around in the rigging from time to time, and I thought these might come in handy for me, and I can't afford much more right now.
Glad to see the idea of false flags and uniforms pleases others, Adular grins, "I'm happy to be promoting ideas on how to make pirating profitable. As for the softer touch, well, if you're short on crew, everyman's life is valuable so I can't say naught against it, but you've got to be careful. In the Shackles, if ye get a rep for softness, that can invite some nasty company thinking YOU'RE the easy meal. Fair warning an all."
"As you say, Cap'n," Adular says without sarcasm. The captain knows the risks, and indeed, is gutsy enough to turn a possible weakness into a possible strength. It's a gamble the cleric can admire.
After the meeting is over Horatio will get out of the cabin, close his eyes and take a deep breath. Holding it a moment, he slowly exhales.
Noticing that Amen-set is watching him from her place on deck, his eyes mellow.
”Ah – doing well, lass?” he asks, his face brightening.
”That was a long bloody meeting, I’ll give you that – too much talking for my taste,” he adds.
”Anyhow, the lad Dhaavan is going about his business now, showing the Half-elf about – the Half-elf’s a priest, by the way,” he says, giving her a cocked smile, watching her look at the comment.
Laughing aloud, he continues – ”Anyhow, when Dhaavan’s done, go on and get to introducing yourself. He’s a good lad and trusty – and generally in charge when it comes to “new recruits”,” he adds.
”As for myself, I got my own business to take care of. When he’s done chatting it up with you, come find me and let me know how things turn out,” he says with a grin.
Horatio then begins to move down among the new recruits, watching them and chatting with them, and – in general, getting to know them better as a whole; finding out who is not only decent folk, but also who may be useful to handle artillery, and also try to find out who among them may be less then savory…
After his conversations with Sandara and the other officers, Adular sticks to his word to seek out the crew proper. Dressed in relative finery, he knows he'll stand out and they'll likely notice him first but he doesn't plan on ignoring them or acting like he's better. After all, everyone at sea is equally at Besmara's mercy...Tis the great equalizer. More than that though, he circles the deck getting a feel for the lady. A man has to know the ship he's on, or he's truly lost.
After his conversations with Sandara and the other officers, Adular sticks to his word to seek out the crew proper. Dressed in relative finery, he knows he'll stand out and they'll likely notice him first but he doesn't plan on ignoring them or acting like he's better. After all, everyone at sea is equally at Besmara's mercy...Tis the great equalizer. More than that though, he circles the deck getting a feel for the lady. A man has to know the ship he's on, or he's truly lost.
As Horatio continues to mingle with the crew, chatting with the current lads and getting a feel for the new recruits, he notices Adular moving down to meet people.
”Oye, lad – how fairs it?” he asks cheerfully, beckoning the Half-elf over.
At around this time a young human wearing desert garb is standing near Horatio, but he sends the lad aft to the officer’s quarters where Dhaavan is currently working on a project. A falcon swoops down and also heads in to the cabin, and the door shuts behind them.
Horatio is currently leaning against the gunwale and he turns for a moment to spit into the scuppers.
”So – how’d you like the meeting, eh?” he asks amicably.
”Well, anyhow – as you’re new here, what do you feel like doing? Want to mingle a little, or are you looking for some action?” he adds with a grin.
Horatio glances over Adular’s gear a moment, looking at him curiously, his eyes falling on the rapier on the Half-elf’s hip, and they gleam with interest.
”You fence?” he asks suddenly.
”When I was younger and they taught the blade they told me that a true artist uses only the tip; it’s more stylish. They say that only a lout uses the cutting edge, as all they do is hack and slash,” he says, turning to spit again.
”Eh – but either way works for me, I reckon, as at the end of the day, you’re just as dead with the tip or edge,” he says with a laugh.
”For myself, I’m talking up the lads and trying to get a sense of who’s who and what they know, as we got a pestle of new recruits and all – but after dinner maybe we can get some real fun started, if you’re willing?” he says with a wink, his arm suddenly sliding around the waist of a lean Varisian girl with long dark hair, who leans into him and continues simply watches Adular curiously.
"Or maybe you'd like me to show you around proper-like? It's not that big of a ship - but I don't mind helping you, if you want; providing you don't mind if I'm chatting with the lads as we go, that is. Though if you come with me, you can probably ask them what you want to know, too - and maybe learn about them as we move along, eh?"
”Anyhow, listen to me ramble! Hell, let me give you a moment to get a word in edgewise,” he says with a laugh, curious to hear what you'll say next.
"Fairs well enough," He answers when Flynn is done speaking, answering his first question before moving onto the others, "Seems much the same on any ship, sometimes tempers flare oer misunderstandings, dreams of the next big haul start to resemble plans, work to be done, jests to be made to make the work light." The half elf looks over the ship, "As for me own plans, I was but getting to know the ship and seeking out some of the crew to get to know 'em so I'll be a better Bosn' to them. The rapier? Weapon in Besmara's favor, so it was taught to me by the clerics who took me in. I fight fine, but I dare say any professional fighter would have me for lunch unless I cheat. I do by the by. And..why not, I'll come with ye, seems like a tour of sorts." He doffs his hat at the Varisian lass as well, "And I must admit, many a lass on this ship is a veritable siren o beauty. I met Sandara, gods above if she don't stoke a man's bellyfire just to look at her."
"Fairs well enough," He answers when Flynn is done speaking, answering his first question before moving onto the others, "Seems much the same on any ship, sometimes tempers flare oer misunderstandings, dreams of the next big haul start to resemble plans, work to be done, jests to be made to make the work light." The half elf looks over the ship, "As for me own plans, I was but getting to know the ship and seeking out some of the crew to get to know 'em so I'll be a better Bosn' to them. The rapier? Weapon in Besmara's favor, so it was taught to me by the clerics who took me in. I fight fine, but I dare say any professional fighter would have me for lunch unless I cheat. I do by the by. And..why not, I'll come with ye, seems like a tour of sorts." He doffs his hat at the Varisian lass as well, "And I must admit, many a lass on this ship is a veritable siren o beauty. I met Sandara, gods above if she don't stoke a man's bellyfire just to look at her."
1d20+6
Seeing your look, Horatio laughs.
”Aye – that’s Risa – we picked her a while back. Now she works for me as one the mates on my gun crew… among other things,” he adds with a somewhat lecherous wink.
Swatting Risa on the behind, he swings himself off the gunwale and begins to show you around the ship. During that time he's constantly helping the lads at their work and generally chatting with the crew in a very familiar way.
You get the impression from how he is interacting with the crew that this is not an uncommon occurrence with him; further – his comments, jokes and general demeanor with them suggests he is very familiar with them; he lives among them, sleeps near them, gambles with them, sings and dances with them – and as he talks his work with them is not the work an officer would do, but the work a regular sailor would do.
During his moving about, Horatio lets you know that’s he’s formally looking for extra lads to man the ship’s artillery, as the ship recently got some new artillery pieces. But the real line of questions is a bit more subtle…
He’s apparently suspicious of the new crew, and wants to get to know them as much as possible; specifically – how trustworthy they are.
Without ever saying anything overt, it’s likely that what encourages his suspicion is the fact that after the officers had been attacked by assassins at the last town, it’s very probable that Horatio is nervous that one of these lads may in fact be a secondary assassin waiting to make their move when the crew isn’t expecting things, though he never comes out and says that formally in front of the men.
After moving her possessions and such into Variel's cabin and then spending an hour at the helm of the Lady, Rain orders one of the riggers to go find Sandara and ask her to come to the wheel. Once she has handed over the helm to the Besmaran priestess, Rain will move to Jiro, have a quick word in his ear and if the Captain's cabin is unoccupied, she will move there with Jiro to conduct a private conversation.
"Jiro, thank you for meeting with me away from the others. This is of a private nature, as it pertains to Variel and I. In this morning's Officer's meeting, I noticed your quietness and I wanted to explain my feelings, if you are inclined to listen. Will you, Jiro?" Rain's voice is soft and considerate, not wanting to delve into a subject that would make the kitsune nervous or uncomfortable, yet feeling she needed to explain her feelings for Variel so Jiro would understand.
On the day of the 24th you see every member of the "Gun Crew" wearing a sash to mark them as a member of the gun crew.
The particulars on where they got the sashes, and why, and how can be discovered with ret-con in a general way. That is - they will likely answer the questions honestly, but as for the specific details - unless anyone was watching the process, that's another story.
Horatio would not have been secretive about it, but he would not have been overt, either; assuming that the people above decks wouldn't really be interested in what's he's doing either way. But again, if anyone had been there, he would not have protested.
Dhaavan - any and all follow-up details on Amen-set that you wanted to know, let me know and we can ret-con those, too. To answer some of your questions, I will at least suggest she is a bit "Adept" at casting some spells ;)
Her skills and abilities (such as they are) - are not and won't be known, obviously, until or unless they are tested. That's pretty much up to you if you want to do that, but after saving her from the slave pens, she's kind of like another Piper on the ship - she has some useful skills and abilities, but it's up to you if you want learn them or RP them.
Given how you've been interacting with her so far - there's a good chance she'll be happy to share whatever information you want to know without any troubles.
She will not interfere with any of the officers. She has been on ships before and knows that a common sailor must first ask permission to even speak to an officer. She knows enough about sailing on a ship to know her place and won't trouble of the PC's unless they talk to her first.
Okay, like I said before - I'm happy to do any ret-con with anyone as we formally had three days.
Seijiro follows Rain to the captain's quarters.
"Of course, Rain. You can always talk to me about anything. We are friends." He smiles at her, blushing a little, but returning her gaze, amber eyes meeting turquoise.
Rain closes the door to the Captain's cabin and sits down, politely gesturing for Jiro to do the same. She could feel his amber gaze set on her and quietly began to explain.
"I am sorry that I did not tell you of my feelings for Variel. At first I was unaware of them but they grew quietly and steadily until it became very apparent we shared a mutual fondness and chemistry. There was no duplicity intended and the brief secrecy was born out of our need to explore what existed between us - the friendship and the intimacy." Rain's own cheeks were now lightly aflame from temporary shyness. She was a private person and this admission to her friend and brother-like comrade was not the easiest for Rain. "We wanted to tell you sooner, but the right opportunity never seemed to appear. I hope you can forgive me, us, for keeping it guarded from outside eyes. We thought it best to openly acknowledge the relationship now as there are no assurances when it comes to life and we did not want to be apart any longer on the ship. You all had a right to know the truth. And he and I have a right to be together." Rain glances up from her seat on the bed, looking about the space she would now share with Variel (and Dhaavan to a lesser degree during the day). Her things were scattered neatly here and there in the room. "I am no wanton, Jiro. My feelings are genuine and I have no desire to jump from Variel's bed to another's anytime soon."
Seijiro never loses his smile, though his eyes twinkle a bit as Rain speaks. When she's done he does blush slightly as he replies.
"I kinda thought you two were sweet on each other for a while now. Nothing concrete, just the way you look at each other from time to time. I wasn't entirely sure, but now I guess I am, and I'm glad for you both. You deserve whatever happiness you can find in life, both of you, and if it's together, well, that's even more special. No need to worry about keeping it a secret as you did. You had a right to your privacy, just as you have a right to your happiness." He pauses, and looks away a moment... then looks back at her. "Nothing here changes our friendship, right? It's really important to me. I feel almost like you are family to me, like a big sister. I'd hate to lose that."
"You have keen eyes, my friend. Nothing changes, Jiro. You are as a younger brother to me. Both Variel and I like and admire you and this relationship will not affect our friendship with you. I think I can speak for Variel too, for I have seen how well you two get along." Rain is happily relieved that her kitsune friend is accepting of her personal relationship with Variel. A small smile now plays at her lips. Rain did not think Variel would be upset with her for speaking openly about their relationship to Jiro. Later when they each had a moment spare, Rain would disclose to Variel the nature of her private talk.
"Have you had a chance to look over the charts and the course I have plotted with Dhaavan's approval?"
"Just a little... I think the course is a good one, taking us out to shipping lanes and on to a port where we can sell whatever we can acquire. Hopefully we will find one or two merchant vessels with too much in their hold. We will happily relieve them of their extra burden and sell it before we move on to the Rock. As expected, your course is a sound one and the plan good. I'm sure the rest of the crew is itching for a little action too, so we will be able to oblige them soon, I hope. Fishguts' cooking and our supply of rum isn't going to keep them content indefinitely." He flashes Rain a wicked little grin and a wink.
"Aye. With Flynn's present method of encouragement and bravado, the men are eager to flex their brawn and brag zealously afterward. I am a little concerned for we have such a new regiment of sailors and untried on the Lady. I pray they can work together so we may triumph across these waters." Rain gives a smile but there is a serious edge to it as well. "I hope I can steer this vessel with such confidence that victory is imminent and not imagined. With either of us at the helm, the Lady is in good sailing hands. And Variel and the others are ready. We will do this, Jiro." There is a certain confidence in her voice now and her turquoise eyes are bright and sparkling with determination.
Seijiro scowls for a moment, his brow knitted in thought, then he brightens. "Aye, we have several aboard who are new and for all we know, some of them may never have been aboard a ship during a raid like we are planning. Maybe we should hold some boarding practice like we had under Harrigan? Though of course without the threat of punishment for failure. Just to give them all a taste of what they're to face. Or at least talk to them and find out who might need such practice?" He shrugs, unsure if it's a good idea or not, his memories of the boarding practice under Harrigan's Master of Arms being so unpleasant. He smiles at Rain and lofts a brow, questioningly.
"But you are right, I'm sure the officers are all ready for this - you, Dhaavan, me, Variel, even Flynn, and hopefully our new boatswain as well. The men seem eager enough for sure. And you're right, we WILL do this, and succeed, I'm sure, though it may not be as easy as our first foray. I think we were very lucky against that Aspis ship."
"Whaddaya mean that I worship those? I ain't one o' Gorzeh's flock, an' Besmara's given me her blessing an' who'm I ta turn down a lady."
more later, but i'm sleepy and gotta get ready ta crash
** spoiler omitted **
Amen-set sees your aghast look, but chuckles kindly.
”Oh no, pardon – I only meant that you give praise to these… how do you say – ah! You worship the new gods, yes?”
Her eyes crinkle prettily in front of you.
”All men choose what they find best in life – but that what I offer my allegiance to is, perhaps, far more more ancient,” she adds with a small smile and a shrug.
The interview with the First Officer seems to be concluded and Amen-set was bored.
She bids the First Officer a good afternoon and exits the cabin and wanders over the ship casually. With no specific duties or tasks assigned, and with nothing much to do, she decides to head forward and simply watches the waves chop and split between the push of the prow.
Her eyes move to the sky above and she watches Horus fly free above, and she leans against the rigging, locking her fingers behind her brassy colored locks.
Her eyes stare at the sky for a while, and she looks aft to see her chief working with some of the lads scrubbing decks.
She can see him talking quietly to them, but doesn’t bother to try to listen. After all – whatever he wishes her to know – no doubt he’ll tell her when the time is ripe.
She wonders at the others on the ship and considers them from what she saw so far, and what she had been told, but she keeps her own council on such observations. For now, it was better to watch and listen. Even so, other than Dhaavan, they seemed fairly stand-offish.
She thinks about that for a while and turns her head to watch the sun in the sky and smiles at its presence.
This voyage seems much longer than it might; and the ship feels somehow empty...
I have never been a company of folk who say so little to each other. Yet who am I to approach them? But other than their Fist Officer, no one will speak to me. Oh well - that is the will of the gods, I suppose...
She puts her thoughts aside on that matter, she simply watches the sun.
Seeing its majesty, her mind ranges back to her youth and she sings softly to herself a lullaby that her former mentor would sing to her when she was troubled and sleep did not come.
She sings in the draconic tongue - for that is the language of the song -
Verto quod velieris
Verto quod velieris
Legio est sequax
Sectum vestri per
Vos mos exuro
Filiolus animadverto vos exuro
Vos vadum incohare ornus
Verto quod velieris…
Then she sighs in peace, and simply watches the skies.
"Huh, well gods are old enough, and got power enough..." Dhaavan says with a shrug. He's no theologan and couldn't really have an educated discussion regarding dieties and other such beings. The sorcerer attempts to dismiss the subject with grace, and noted "but to each their own. I sadly gotta get to work, Want to get the Cap'n's piece done afore we hit an anamy, an' with so many meetin's this mornin, I'm runnin behind." as Amen-set excuses herself, Dhaavan, "I would like ta continue later, when I got more time and such at my disposal." with his usual grin.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
”In the lands to the east of my birth there was much talk of many gods; too much for my taste as well,” she says with an understanding tone.
’The common men made gods of so many things – great kings could become as gods – the “god kings” – or “pharaoh”, if you prefer – they were men who wished godhood. And indeed; this new pantheon worshipped by many folk today is filled with those who were once mortal yet achieved divinity through some bold act; as if their work alone could ascribe “god” to their existence,” she says with a bit of a smirk and a roll of her eyes at such a suggestion.
”But yes – I agree; the talk of gods is a tiresome thing, and you are indeed busy,” she adds with a nod.
She stands then, and prepares to leave you to your wok.
Pausing once at the door, she turns to you, a look of confusion on her face –
”My hatey-a' warned me that neither he nor his friends are well-liked on this ship and I should be very careful with my tongue and manners. Yet do not the scholars say – A thousand voices may offer wisdom; but a truly wise man makes no judgments until he sees the truth with his own eyes”? Indeed, it is so. So I have not made such opinions, but I have simply watched the others; saying nothing.”
She frowns a bit, unsure how to proceed.
”He told me also that on this ship there is great stock placed in order of command – that camaraderie, relaxed posture, friendly ways – these are not well tolerated between the regular sailors and those called officers.”
”He said I should not speak to officers, unless I am spoken to first. He said also I should I offer my opinion – unless I am asked directly. He said if I did these things I will likely offend those in command, and they would be displeased.”
Her fingers play absently with her hair a moment.
”With my own eyes I have seen that you among all the others have spoken to me at length – and kindly, besides. You also seem to be more comfortable with the common men who sail here; you jest with them – you tell stories – you… how you say? Ah! You are like a brother with them, not above them – though you command, yes?”
”I do not know why this is, but I do know that it makes me feel happy to be included and treated well by you. Thank you for your kindness,,” she adds with a somewhat shy smile, and tilts her head slightly, as if in a modest bow, then beckons Horus to her.
Amen-set brightens at your smile, and graciously accepts your dismissal.
** spoiler omitted **
He is clearly hiding something about the gods he prays to. Perhaps my comments about the futility of worshipping these new deities was unsettling to him; after all – he may even be like the Osirion’s and align his soul to some god-king.
Ah – but think! He speaks the language of the sons of Dis, eh? Could it be that his “god” is actually a demon like the uncouth folk who give homage to djinn – or some such thing? It is said that some men worship demon-lords in dark cults; mayhap that is his god?
She purses her lips, her brow furrowing is some consternation.
No matter what the cause – be cautious. You are a guest, and he is the only one that speaks to you as a friend. Do not offend him, for in matters of faith men kill more quickly then even the gods.
Sensing that Dhaavan’s work will keep him occupied, and knowing that she does not wish to bother him further on the matter, she contents herself with the knowledge that as long as she is more sensitive to such conversation in the future, things will go well.
At this time, she moves up to the forward rigging and watches the heavens above.
So little to do on the ship; with no instruction or duties – I do not know what I can offer. That said, I shall simply content myself with the view and remember my orders…
Then she begins to sing.
** spoiler omitted **
The day has moved forward fairly uneventfully. As twilight falls, Horatio will come to find Dhaavan.
His face is grim and his eyes are dark. His feet are still bare, and he is still clad only in his trousers and his weapons.
Looking at Dhaavan for a moment, he beckons the man to follow him, and leads him from above to down below into the hull of the ship.
Beneath the decks under the officers quarters Horatio moves inside the small cramped space he made a room out of and wordlessly takes out two glasses from a chest and pours a drink for him and one for the young sorcerer. He watches Dhaavan as he offers the drink, and raises his glass silently, then drinks deeply and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.
”The lass I saved from the slavers told me you’ve been treating her kindly,” he said somewhat shortly, his dark eyes watching him and gleaming in the light of a small lamp.
”My thanks for that,” he says after a moment.
Easing himself against the bunk, he regards Dhaavan.
”Tomorrow, or the next night, perhaps, I shall be formally inducting the new mates who will be manning the guns. I know most of them above don’t care for such things,” he says pointing a blunt thumb at the beams above ”but I wondered if you’d be interested in coming. It could be good for morale,” he adds absently, his eyes still on Dhaavan.
"You’ve done a lot to establish the name of our ship, and a good reputation for us. I envy that skill,” he says, taking a more modest sip.
”I, too, would one day see my own name have such merit attached to it. I would see the folk who hear the name of my house recognize it for something special,” he says softly, his eyes glittering.
”To have something noteworthy to mark me; heraldry, or perhaps a motto? If so, I would say that for myself I prefer to have a motto for my family, if ever I gain one,” he continues, putting the glass down.
”You’ve been a good friend to me and I thank you for it. I, for my part, shall do what I can to be a better friend for you, of that you can be confident. Such a debt of friendship must be repaid,” he says, watching Dhaavan.
”In the end, I think it is fair to say that remembering people, not just friends, but people in general, is a noteworthy thing; as well as repaying their actions properly.”
”Perhaps, if I am ever worthy of a great reputation, one day folk will say at least of those of my House – They always pay their debts…” he adds with a polite smile, his teeth flashing white in the light.
He watches Dhaavan for a moment longer.
”Well; in any case – I simply wished to thank you for your friendship. It means a good deal to me. And especially with the young lass… you have been very gracious to her, it seems.”
”Tell me; what is your opinion of her?” he asks politely, curious to know what Dhaavan will say.
He crosses his arms over his chest, getting more comfortable, his eyes gleaming softly under the light of the lamp.
Takign another sip as Flynn mentions the young woman, Dhaavan acknowledges, "An apatizing lass I'll give yea." he says licking his lip before continuing, "Some interestin' notions about gods and such. Ain't much o' a scholor on em, but them from other lands, specially the south, ain't necessarily raised with our ways. Don't really know bout that kind o' thing, familiar with our priests as direct conduits to the gods, and Liar-Priests, as m'folks called 'em, what played at divine powers using their Arcane Majiks. but she's sommat different. Not that I'm too concerned bout it, long as she's respectful o' other's practice and vereratin Besmara as is the norm o' the ship."
"On that note, yea seem ta be gettin on nicely wit' Riisa." Dhaavan adds, tipping his glass to Flynn. "Fun one she is. Teased and taunted me sommat fierce," Dhaavan chuckles, recalling banter of evenings and the nights in port before they went off to search for their own conquests.
** spoiler omitted **
Horatio’s eyes relax somewhat, but he still observes Dhaavan after he mentioned Amen-set.
”I am relieved that she is getting along well with you; and you with her. I was afraid that – because I had brought her aboard – the others would dislike her.”
He looks like he might say something more on that, but instead – he cuts himself off.
His eye quirks a bit at Dhaavan’s comment about “appetizing”.
”When I found her, she was bound and gagged; but her hands were in irons, so she could not manipulate them. I have seen such “iron gloves” made before – for spellcasters and the like. I presumed she was a magic user of sorts, hence the bondage.”
His eyes narrow, as if thinking.
”Magic is power; but it is not like a sword, when you can generally gauge a man’s strength with steel by his size and bearing. An old and worn out man may look weak; and may yet be a deadly enemy with sorcery, as you well know.”
”That said – I do not know her full potential for magic or sorcery – nor do I know what god or goddess she venerates; though I care little for that. For myself? I have given my allegiance to only one goddess, but I am not so fond of the gods lately.”
Again, he looks as if he might say more – but says nothing.
”In any case; I warned her that on this ship talking about gods was not a good way to make allies. Further – she is a mere sailor; there is a formal “chain of command” – this cannot be broken or breached by the rank and file folk. I stressed this point clearly with her; and so I do not think she will say much of anything to anyone – unless they speak to her first.”
He glances at the beams above when he thinks of Dhaavan’s comments about a “house”.
”In truth, it was mere supposition on my part. My mother was a minor noble – and I am her only heir. My uncle has no money of note, and my mother is dead besides. I am the last of my line.”
”I have no illusions about becoming a nobleman or establishing a Great House – I was merely thinking that I have a duty and responsibility to perform when it comes to repaying debts.”
He looks at Dhaavan for a moment.
”We have been trying to build a reputation of being noteworthy pirates. In the beginning I pleaded for a cause more honorable – privateers in fact. This was rejected.”
”I begin to realize that everyone walks a path between light and darkness. It is difficult to walk that path – sooner or later one must choose a side, I think. Standing in the middle is not what man was meant for; but for action.”
”Very well – if I am not to be a honorable man of good character; I must reject that intention. I must, instead, accept what I really am,” he adds, his voice softening and becoming much more contrite and gentle.
”I am a killer; a thief; an arsonist. I have attacked ships and killed their folk – I have burned down buildings and I have slaughtered men I did not know, nor had cause to argue with.”
”I can try to excuse these actions; yet in the end – it is who I am. I should not fear it; but rather – the dark part of me that is riling to rear its head; I should embrace this aspect of myself.”
”I will not be a hypocrite, though. That much is clear. If I am to walk a dark path, I will not apologize for it. I will walk it, and embrace it and like all things, I shall do my best upon it. And, in the end, I too will have my own reputation.’
”I may do dark things; but I must be at least honest within my actions. I cannot pretend to be a good man, even as I rob people or kill them. So yes – people will know me, and they may hate me, but no man will say of me that for all my viciousness I am not true to the principles – few as they are – which I hold dear.”
”That seems quite reasonable, I think,” he says with a nod to himself.
His eyes glitter at the mention of Risa, but he smiles.
”Aye – she is one with fire and spirit, I’ll grant you that. She comes from Riddleport, I believe – her mother was one of the Sczarni folk and she learned something of their fortune telling; and other talents - through her.”
He watches Dhaavan, his eyes gleaming in rare pleasure.
”Aye! I too have seen her tease – thrashing and twisting about like a wild thing. Yet I have discovered with her that if you are firm with her it excites her; and when she is excited it simply makes more aggressive. She bites, she claws, she kicks and punches, yet it seems this is her way of rutting.”
He ponders that for a moment.
”Of course, if you are bested by her aggression; if she somehow manages to use some trick to injure you and throw you from her – she does not flee to escape you – oh no. Instead, she will simply advance harder and press you down under her body and all the while she keeps using her teeth and nails to claw or mark your flesh for her pleasure, even as she laughs or insults you for being bested by her.”
He smiles at this.
”For her, rutting is a bloody, wild and vicious game. I think that she likes the “sport” of seeing who will be on top at the conclusion – and who will be beneath. It seems this how she determines who has been victorious in her game.”
”Naturally, of course, I have discovered that being above or beneath her at the conclusion of the “game” has its merits,” he adds with a dry grin at Dhaavan.
Shaking his head a bit, he rouses himself from those pleasant memories.
”Yes – but all of that aside; what duties do you have for Amen-set? If you wish, I can keep her under my charge directly – but she is a decent sailor. Tell me what you would have her do and she shall do it,” he adds sincerely, then waits for Dhaavan’s answer.
When Flynn discusses his hopes for his house, name, and discusses his feelings on privateering, and such, Dhaavan gives his 2cp, "Flynn, I think I gotta disafree with one of the basics of your premise. Ya seem ta think if yea can't be a rightious man, then yea gotta embrace some kind o' darkness in order ta be honest with yerself. So sure yer a pirate, and steal, kill, an' burn, but ya don't have ta be a murderer, arsonist. There can be more to ya than that."
"There's them what think I'm a despicable, utterly vile bastard, but am I really that bad? I'm yer friend, right? Someone yea can trust, even though I can kill without battin' an eye and get m'blood up in a fight sommat fierce? Yet I'll stroll into town with a smile make friends."
"Ya see a black and white world, mate, when it's really grey. Yea don't have ta be a sea-reaver if yea ain't a privateer. Ya say ya need ta accept what ya really are, if yea aren't an honorable man, but yer talkin aobut becomin' sommat different entirely." Dhaavan shrugs and and smiles, "Don't turn dark. Just do yer thing mate, eh?"
Taking another moment, Dhaavan adds "I dunno. I went down a dark road and it didn't work out real well for me, so instead i jest fit m'self in a li'l better. Keep out o trouble, although I don't got much choice in the matter there, heh."