DM Immortal's Blood Red Roses: A Skull & Shackles Campaign (Social RP)

Game Master imimrtl

Reflecting on Dhaavan's account of the new crew,

"I'm am gladdened to hear that the recruits are acceptable. We need a good crew, who will follow orders with little to no fuss. If they are able seamen, then we are blessed by the gods."

Because this is between us, and I’m more comfortable writing in “first person” – I intend to write this in first person. I hope that’s okay :)

I look back over my head toward the docks where our companions are staying, my eyes narrowing.

Too many eyes out there…

With plenty of time and being that I’m uninterrupted – I’ll take a bit before talking to “Take 20” on Perception – I believe my 29 beats Jack…

I sit down next to Rain, and then I decide to speak to her –

”Don’t trust things – how’s your lingo with this tongue? I say switching to “Polyglot”.

I wait for Rain to confirm that she can understand this lingo, and we can go from there – confident that no one else in the crew knows the language…

”Right – well, here’s the thing…” I say, starting tentatively.

”We two have had some rough waters between us, I’ll allow; hell, a lot of the crew has.”

”But I reckon we’re on the same page in that we don’t any more of those issues between us, or anyone else. Be it problems with me and Variel – with you and me – with you and Dhaavan – with me and Seijiro – no more issues would make things a hell of a lot smoother all around.”

My eyes turn to the waves and I watch them a bit.

”Never mind all that, for right now, let’s just talk on me and you. I got to say that right now I think we don’t relate too well, but I’d like to change that, as you’re a good person, and anyhow, we’re crewmates equal – and if we sail together it’s damn stupid to be sailing and have troubles. But it’s hard, too, because you’re kind of a mystery to me,” I add, talking almost to myself.

”I mean – I’m human and I don’t know much about elves – except what I’ve read about them at the academy. Hell, that’s where I learned the language – spent two semesters studying the elven language and culture; but I didn’t really socialize with many, though I knew my fair share of half-elves in the lumber camp.”

I frown a bit, thinking of the information I gleaned from them about pureblood elves.

”The half-elves impressed upon me proof that elves normally kind of look down their noses on human-folk; and that – on account of them being half-breeds – they don’t get much of a fair shake from their elven folks; they get pushed to arms length, and treated at a distance, as it were.”

I squint, watching the water, gauging the tide, than sigh as I realize that the tide is still constant and that time is continuing to pass fairly slowly.

”Well anyhow, from the beginning, I kind of liked you – but, well, I didn’t know how to act around you. See – I treated you like a mate at first; like we were just friends, than I figured – Hey lad, watch it – elves like more fancy wordplay and high talk; be more polite with her – so I kind of tacked course to calling you “Miss” rather than your name.”

”But that didn’t go so well neither.”

”And never mind you for a minute – me and Variel have our own issues to be sorting through – it’s not easy. And he’s elf also – but he don’t act like you do most times, so I’m kind of out of my element when I try taking cues on how to act around elves from him, because you’re both so different, but you’re also kind of the same, too.”

”Now, don’t tell me that I shouldn’t stereotype folks on race, because if I do I’m prejudiced or a bigot – that’s not what I’m trying to say at all…” I add with a frown, and try to articulate myself better.

”Look – it’s like when we were dancing to impress that captain with how sharp we are, right? So what do I do? I wrack my brain on the fanciest looking dance I could remember seeing; I remember it from some ambassador from back east who came to visit one of our nation's barons – and as his wife was our professor that semester, my class got invited to the party... but anyhow – the point is, I picked that dance on account of the fact that as a dance it was the most graceful, impressive, and artful dance I’d ever seen.”

I don’t look at you as I talk, just stare at the water, the words falling out of my mouth, not really putting my thoughts in order, just telling you how I feel.

”I figured – Hell, Rain’s damn graceful, she moves good and elves generally know things about high society, it’s probable she’ll know the moves enough to look good – and anyhow, all we want to do with dancing is impress the captain that we’re big time, not a bunch of backwater rubes – right?”

I grunt in exasperation.

”Yeah – and you saw how that went, eh? The whole thing blew up in my face like a twenty pound barrel of black powder going up inside a dragon’s belly – in short, it was a bloody mess.”

”So then I figure – Look, don’t make it out like you’re playing favorites. First – Rain don’t favor you over a particular sort, that you know of, so that’s dodgy – second, we all want it so Rain looks good in front of this captain – maybe if he takes a shine to her, she can use that to help us somehow, if she wants. If she doesn’t – no harm in letting him think that me and Rain have nothing between us, because we really don’t anyhow – so the next thing I do is take one of the bargirls dancing, and I pick a dance I reckon even a girl in some tavern can handle, and let you get a chance to be cozy with the captain, if you wanted to make that play,” I add.

”But it seems that plan went up bad, too,” I add throwing up my hands in frustration.

I sigh a bit.

”Now I reckon you’ll tell me I over-think things, and we ought to be just mates, and not worry much about stuff. But it ain’t that easy for me,” I add.

”We got different ways of doing stuff – and despite the fact that you came from a more rural village, you got a way of being that’s more elf than human – you know, with your polite ways, and kowtowing to Variel on account of he's "captain". Hell, I'm not sure if that’s because you see him as your captain, or because he’s a "fellow elf", or because you like him as a mate or more – or all of them, or none of them – or some combination.”

”But my point is, I don’t really know how to act around you. I mean, I figured doing a dance with you would be fine, for example – didn’t overthink that plan – and it still pissed you off, or well... it at least didn't go well with you is all.”

”Oh yeah, speaking of things that don't go well despite my planning - that reminds me: so I introduce you to that apprentice I’ve been courting all week – just so you know, I should be her apprentice at this point – she’s a damn site better at making stuff than I am."

"Anyhow, I don’t want to scare her off when we haven’t left port yet, and I figure I’ll have her come get to know everyone.”

”Before I know it, you and her are getting into some hot religious debate over gods verses science – or something – I don’t know… But do you see what I mean?”

”I mean – I didn’t over think that point neither – but it turned out bad, too.”

I glance around me, my voice lowers a bit.

”Anyhow – I said you reminded me a lot of my mum – granted, I feel things for you that I never felt for her – but you’re still a lot alike… but my mum was killed because she believed in her faith so much that it ended up making her a martyr for her cause,” I say with a flat voice, as if not allowing myself the chance to feel anything right now.

”She died for her faith when I was a little boy – and it always struck me as raw that she had to die for the needs of our goddess. Hell – if it’s such a big issue, than the gods can fight it out – why should mortals have to die for their problems? No – don’t answer – I mean that rhetorical-like.”

I sigh.

”My point is – I figured it would be a nice conversation between you and Piper – and than I’m wrong – it gets hot – just like I figured a dance with you, a tough dance, kind of tricky but needing a lot of skill, poise and grace – I figured that would be hard for you, but I reckoned you’d at least appreciate the challenge and not hold it against me for trying.”

”But that didn’t come off the way I figured, neither.”

”So there’s the rub; I want to be friends with you because I like you – but even if I didn’t like you, I’d want to get along with you because we’re sailing together. I don’t know how to act around you – if I treat you a like a friend, you tack course to using lots of “high talk” and speaking in very mannerly ways about the ship – like asking “permission” to take a piece of gear given to all of us, and meant for the person at the wheel – and if it’s Variel – let him keep the hat, like – if you’re sick or something. But if you’re at the wheel – you should have the hat, I figure.”

I wave my hands again in frustration.

”See what I mean? I’m doing it again right now,” I say with a frustrated sigh.

”Right – so when I figure you like “high talk” and being all mannerly and “proper” like any “textbook” elf might be, when I try that with you – it seems to make you uncomfortable. When I don’t over think things and just relax – like dancing that tango with you – that messes up, too.”

”So yeah; basically – that’s kind of all my cards on the table. What do you think I should do now? I mean to say – I want to work well with everyone on the ship – how do we work better together, and – if you don’t mind me saying it – how do we work better as mates, not just “fellow officers”?”

I pause now, waiting to hear her response. I’m not sure what to say or do – but I respect her wisdom enough to open myself to whatever she has to say, and than act on it.

Okay, that was luckily the abridged version ;) – at this time I’ll just sit back and await your reply. See you soon!

The sound of the sea weaves its way inside her again and its effect is almost instantaneous and she is open to hearing all that Flynn has to say.

"I am Elven, born on a small island populated with mostly human inhabitants. I am a creature brought up in two cultures and mostly I can manage to navigate the waters of both and then are times, I hit an obstacle and my Elven nature shines brighter. You need not be concerned that I am a racist and that I prefer Variel for he is my kind. Variel and I have an easier communication and only minor misunderstandings. You and I seem to be the ocean and the shore, we draw together then we pull away. It's just nature -- and the way we correspond to one another. I do not like when we cannot communicate effectively. In the first week of our meeting at Port Peril, I spoke to you of my temper. I have some rein over it now but not entirely -- it rears its head oft times and I barely contain its flames. You have this knack for stoking the flames. It is just how it is." Rain takes a breath, watching the sunlight bounce off the surface of the water and reflect up into her face.

"I spent much of my time at sea as a young elf. There was the usual idle chatter and the sound of orders, but the quiet was foremost and I grew to depend on it since joining up with you all. Yet, the arguments and oft times pettiness prevalent through the group does not sit well with me and I stand up and speak my mind, whether it will be appreciated or not. I have strong opinions and beliefs, Flynn. I always have and always will. As you do. That can be recipe for disaster if we do not communicate openly with one another. In the past few weeks, I have grown a deeper appreciation of the gods, of the nature of the elements, land, people. Piper's talk of mechanical beings brought to "life" by magic pushed me too far. I will not keep my mouth closed when another speaks unwisely. I did not intend to stir trouble with your apprentice but she is just as much to blame for she is as opinionated and spirited as any." Rain's voice falters a little but she regroups.

"The dance before Captain Pegsworthy; I was attempting to make a good impression to further our cause. Your choice was unusual, the tango, and I wondered why you would choose such an exotic dance and one I was unaccustomed to being I was brought up on a small fishing isle and far from the courts and all the elegant dances. It felt as though you were deliberately attempting to make me appear a fool and thus subverting my design before Pegsworthy. My ire was raised but I did not hate you. Disappointed and frustrated at best. You should have asked me if I knew the dance before you took to the floor with me."

"I enjoy my freedom. I am the only heir to my grandfather's business. It is a responsibility that weighs heavy on me but one I accept all the same. I am proud but I am educated and intuitive as well. Not because I am an elf, but because I'm who I am. You must stop presuming you know me based on studies you have completed on my kind and culture. I would hazard a guess that not every human is the same. The same can be said of Elves, for all the experiences humans have had with them in the past."

Rain closes her eyes to feel the light against the lids, warming them and creating shadowed patterns beneath.

She listens to the lapping water and a gentle smile crosses her lips. She opens her eyes and looks directly at Flynn.

"If I confound you in my ways or speech, then take me aside and talk to me openly, ask me questions. Do not presume to know me based on my race, for that will not work. Then I believe we will have an easier kinship. Agreed?" Rain waits silently for Flynn's response.

”Begging your pardon, but that’s exactly what I mean.”

”First off – all of your words are pretty fine, but to me the short answer is that: not all elves are the same, so I got to judge you on you alone, not my studies; and that I shouldn’t presume to assume things about you, I should ask you direct like; and you got a temper and will treat people they way you want to, so I need to get over that because you told me that’s how you are and you don’t plan on changing.”

”So – the thing is this – that much I knew anyway, and it doesn’t help me too much, because I don’t know what you want me to do. You said if you confound me, than I need to lay it all on the line for you and ask questions, explain myself, and see what can be done; so I will now.”

’First thing – You say that I shouldn’t treat you as just another elf from the books. You know – not like how I read elves to be, but treat you like just you. But that doesn’t make any sense to me at all because I tried that already and it didn’t work at all.”

”I treat you like a girl I just met – and by the way, when you spend your time in an all boy’s academy, or in your uncle’s lumber yard – or out on the seas fishing for coin – you don’t get much experience with ladies anyhow… but anyway – I treat you like a girl I just met and you get mad or something because I’m too chummy or flirty with you. Fine – so I treat you with all sorts of manners and all with this “Miss Taneththir” talk, and suddenly I’m putting you at arms length and I’m being to stand-offish somehow, too.”

”I say – Okay, so go back to treating her like you’d treat a mate – and again, I dance with you, and you didn’t know the steps so instead of just laughing about it between friends you carry a grudge against me – oh yeah, and by the way? If you didn’t like that I did that, why’d you not talk to me about it later? You could have come up to me later and just said – Oye, Flynn, what’s a matter with you, you ever reckon some girl living in the middle of nowhere never learned to dance? Gods – think a little, eh? – and maybe we could have laughed about it, had a few drinks and moved on. But because I didn’t say nothing to you – I’m somehow the one who’s done wrong?”

’Come on! Between friends it’s a two-way street when it comes to communication. There’s never any way that – between friends – that one person is all wrong and the other all right. Because if I do something to piss you off, you’re personally responsible for letting me know in an up front, polite and direct manner; because we’re mates.”

”Now sure, if I keep doing something to piss you off on purpose, that’s different, on account of the fact that I’m not acting like a friend, and that means we’re not really friends, and so all that I just above a two-way street between friends don’t apply because I’m not being that sort – but I sure as hell ain’t going to sit by and say that if I do something to upset someone it’s my fault, if they don’t talk to me about it, because I don’t got the sorcery to read minds, and I don’t know what I do pisses someone off unless they tell me what I did, and even than, sometimes I forget stuff.”

”So if me asking you to do a dance you don’t know embarrassed you, you could have told me the minute I led you on to the dance floor – Hey, I don’t know this dance – and I could have done something else. Or maybe afterwards – before I went over to the barmaid you could have said – Oye, Flynn, a word please, we need to chat a bit – and I’d come over all confused, because I sure as hell didn’t know there was any problem, except that you slipped – and than you might have said – Hey professor, next time you try to take a lady to dance, make sure she knows the moves – I didn’t grow up in your fancy courts so how the hell would I know that dance.”

I look at her and rush on –

”And don’t tell me that I – Should have known to ask – because what I should know and do know ain’t the same thing. Sure, a smart lad when taking a lady out might have said – Begging your pardon, miss – but do you favor a tango? – and you might have said – No how! I grew up in a town when we had folk dancing, not ballroom dancing, you know that! – and than I could have said – Oh, I didn’t know that, I figured elves just knew all sorts of dances, so tell me – what dance do you want to do since we’re out here – and we could have gone from there; because – like I said – that’s what I should have known, but it sure wasn’t what I did know,” I add in frustration.

I take a breath, and calm down a bit.

”I got almost zero personal experience with real elves; all the stories I read is that elves are snobby, stuck-up, and treat other races as if they’re beneath them. My personal experience with elves is that fifty percent of all elves I interact with fit that stereotype spot on – and the rest of them are types that get angry with a lad because a lad may do something to piss them off, but they don’t tell the lad what exactly it was which pissed them off when it happens or after, and they leave the lad to guess what that is, but still won’t just tell them what it is – and if the lad takes too long to figure out what it is, than they get mad because the lad isn’t being a good enough friend to know what they’re thinking in the first place.”

”Every lad I knew growing up – be he human, half-elf, dwarf, Halfling – the way of it was you’d do something to piss one off, and he’d say – Go to hell – and you’d say – For what? – and he’d say – You want to do something to piss me off, we got issues – and than I’d say – Well how the hell was I supposed to know? – and then he’d say – Because I’m telling you now! – and than maybe we’d curse each other a bit, or bloody our knuckles a bit, depending on the heat, than get up, dust ourselves off, laugh about it, have a few drinks and be better friends for it.”

I shrug helplessly.

”But there it is – I got no clue how to act around elves; and my best efforts failed."

I kick a pebble across the beach and frown.

”Anyhow, my point is – it’s hard for me. I want to better mates with you – you ask me to explain myself better, so I reckoned I put my cards on the table regarding that.”

I look at you and shrug.

”Now you know what’s bugging me – at least on that front. Because I feel like if I tell you what bugs me, it’ll make you mad – if I don’t tell you and just feel upset about it, my feelings come off as bad – so I can’t act the way I want, like dancing with you, or feel the way I want – like giving you a look which suddenly means you’re going to just turn around and run off to the tavern without even bothering to talk to me about things.”

I take a deep breath, and continue slowly.

”And that brings me to another point, which I don’t go into, on account of the fact that if I tell you my feelings then there can be trouble between us...”

I pause now, as if the next point is a hard one, guessing that it may cause trouble, but as I am trying my best to put my cards on the table, as requested, I want to be honest and if being honest is a problem, than I’d rather know it on a dry dock than later.

”Now, I spent all week working with the folks at the docks, and I met a lot of Halflings – I like those sorts – good people, very down to earth, jolly, fun, enjoy good food, good drink, good smoke. They like fun games, just being relaxed, they’re somewhat silly and playful – that’s a pleasure for me after sailing with the likes of Plugg and his sort all that time.”

”Then I meet Piper, and she’s one of the best crafter I’ve met; but she don’t know you guys from nothing – so when I try bringing over a little Halfling girl who ain’t yet out of her tweens – oh; tweens is strictly a Halfling word that refers to a Halfling who’s close to an adult, but not really hit their “coming of age” which happens on their thirty-third birthday - for them a “tween” is kind of like a human “teenager”, if you know what I mean… but anyhow – this girl is excited to meet everyone, and tell everyone about herself, and just wants to fit in and be friendly with everyone.”

”Suddenly you got some issue about worshipping nature like a druid – I sure as hell don’t pretend to get that myself, but it’s your beliefs, not mine – so I don’t say nothing, as I respect your beliefs and I respect you, and when it comes to prayers, pray how you like, it’s none of my business – that’s between you and the gods, they can take care of things themselves without my getting in the way…”

”But anyhow – along comes this little Halfling girl who just wants to fit in, and tries to fit in, and is blathering on about building things that I know she can’t even begin to build on account of the fact that as good as she is – she don’t have that kind of talent at all – so I reckon it’s just hot air to try to impress the adults and her new crewmates and show she’s an asset to the team – and all of a sudden you get all “Fire and Brimstone” with her.”

”You go off on her, and then you got this little kid of a Halfling who wanted to fit in knowing she pissed you off somehow talking abut her faith – and wonder of wonders, she defended her faith like you did – and she railed back at an adult, almost as if she “speaks her mind” and that’s the type of lass she is – and this annoys you about her? That a Halfling akin to a human teenager don’t show proper respect for adults, or that someone would have the balls to “speak her mind” with you and be up front and honest around you? Or did it bother you that she was sticking up for her faith and her goddess and her religion?”

I look at Rain steadily.

”Again – I don’t know elves well; but Halflings are damn close to humans in a lot of ways – closer to humans than elves are, at least in personality – but in my experience Halfling and human teenagers – they don’t always have the “respect for their elders” down pat. And maybe I’d have said something her myself to correct that talk, but to be honest – when I saw you railing on this lass about the fact that constructs were somehow evil – which maybe I got wrong on what really bothered you, and hell, I don’t pretend to understand any of that well – all I could do was remember my mother, who you do remind me of, and I think – Oh hell, Rain’s starting to be fanatical about her faith. And fanatics about religion are a risky bunch – they get all intense on it; and that gets people killed – just like what happened with my mum – and if Rain’s faith means that she’ll fight over it, or kill over it, than that just means the crew will have troubles.”

”So instead of saying something to her myself, maybe like – Hey now, we’re all entitled to our beliefs, but don’t be pushing on Rain; she’s an elder – you show your elders respect – never mind ranks and positions on the ship, but at the least she’s a kid and you’re a grown-up, and that’s enough to mean that respect has to happen. And anyhow, I reckon that kids need a firm hand, generally on matters of respect to elders – but anyhow – I didn’t say that because all I could think was – Rain’s getting hot about her faith; that’s not a good thing; I’m worried now – and that was eating at me so much I didn’t even think to say nothing to her.”

I take a sip from my hip flask and sigh.

”So the thing is – there’s lots on the ship that got me worried and upset – but I got to keep my temper, keep my weapons in their holster, count to ten – meditate in the morning – whatever needs getting done. Because if I don’t keep cool about things – than it’s bad for the ship, bad for the crew and bad for the team.”

”I’m a member of a crew now,” I add, almost to myself ”and if I like them, or love them, or hate them – they’re my crew, so I stick by them, keep my temper in check, don’t draw blood, don’t kill, don’t fight – and man up and put the team in front of myself whether it make me happy or not, because that’s what it means to be part of a team. The team comes first, or the team fails. And if the team fails – than I failed, and I won’t let that happen.”

I look at you for a bit.

”Thing is; you’re a member of the crew too – that means the crew comes first; over you, over me – over the officers and sailors. In other words, we got to look what’s best for everyone, not just our own thinking, or what’s good for our friends alone. And I know it ain’t easy – gods know it – if it weren’t for that, by now either me or Nightstorm would be dead – but for the fact that he’s a part of the crew I run with; that won’t happen. I’ll hold my weapon in check, and be civil and work as a team – that’s my duty, and that’s who I am.”

”You follow Besmara now – and I reckon a pirate queen would at least appreciate the fact that the crew comes first, but I don’t know nothing about Besmara – I’m just guessing.”

I glance away, clearly uncomfortable now that I’ve opened my feelings up so much, and feeling very emotionally naked. My voice softens a bit, as if I’m now talking to you and myself.

”The thing is I reckon you want what’s best for the crew, too – you’re part of it; you’re one of it – you’re equal to us, and we to you – as you’re wounded, we bleed with you – and we’ll all fight to see you live, just like I know you’d do the same for us. Because we’re all family now. And you may think your family is annoying, or that certain members are an ass, or deserving of a bullet sometimes, or maybe you think some of your family is really special and has a special place in your heart that no one else gets to have – but in the end, from them who you might hate to them that you might cherish – we’re family now. And at the least you fight for your family, and protect your family, because that’s just the right thing to do.”

I throw up my hands in confusion.

”Look, I blather a lot – everyone knows that; and I can be an ass, I know it, but I don’t know when I’m doing it, unless someone tells me afterwards, and then I try to fix it if I can. So maybe I’ve done that now with you – but than, I was following your advice here and trying to be honest and open with you – share what worried me so you know it, and than maybe we can figure out a way to do something about it, and work better together.”

”If that makes me seem an ass – I apologize for acting like one; but not for listening to your advice and putting it all on the table; for telling you what I think, what I feel, and what I thought needed to be said.”

”Hell, the only reason I said all that is so that maybe you know me better, and we learn how to act better with each other and can be a better team. If that means you don’t want to ever talk to me again because I piss you off – for the good of the crew, I’ll listen."

"If it means you will talk to me – but only just talk civil and formal in front of the lads like I try to do with Nightstorm – I’ll do that for you, too – but, I’m hoping now that if you know what I feel you’ll tell me what you think and give me some clues on how to act around you so I don’t rub you the wrong way.”

”I’m hoping too that you know a little something about my weaknesses; that you you know now that I’m the kind of guy who doesn’t understand things well in certain areas, be it with elves or with women – and that, if you’re agreeable, you’ll spell it out better for me so I know how to act around you to be better friends with you, or at the least – so that we work better as a team.”

”I’m hoping you know that the things I brought up – I believe those things. From being bitter about how I have to kiss ass – from knowing that a hot temper is just like a gun; just because I have one doesn’t give me a license to use it, because that’s dangerous – from telling you that religious fanaticism can be dangerous, I’ve seen what happens more than most have on that count – and finally; that despite all my issues, I’ll do my best to turn my back on those problems because the crew comes first, not me – and if I put myself before the crew, and the crew dies – than that means I die too, but that's not the real issue."

"I reckon that being part of a team means sometimes you take one for the team, and for better or worse, you guys are my team, my crew and my family. That applies to me, and it should apply to everyone in the crew, or they can find a berth somewhere else as far as I’m concerned.”

”Finally, I’m hoping that you can tell me what you think about those points – how I can do things to make life better for you, and for the crew all around, because that’s what I want. I want to be a good mate, a good crewman, a good team player, and a good friend. But, I got my own issues, and it’s not easy, and I’ll try to work through them, but – well, I could use help on those points.”

”Anyhow – yeah; that’s how I feel. That’s what’s on my heart. Now you know – if you tell me what you think about that, I’ll appreciate it. But I'm asking you to talk to me about it now, still. I want to get things good between us. I want to finish this talk – I want to know what’s in your heart too, so we can be better as a team and a family.”

I know I talked a great deal, and I offer you the hip flask with the drink from my homeland. It's clear by my expression that I sincerely hope that you’ll stay and continue to talk and let me know what you think about all of these things, and what you are feeling, too, so that we can work things out better and be a better crew because of it.

Rain opens her turquoise eyes and gazes at him. She had considered him a friend since they were first brought to the Wormwood. Did he annoy her with his long speeches and roundabout speaking? Aye. She cocks her head to the side and continues to take him in without saying a word. Gozreh, lend me patience.

"Flynn, you talk too much. Half the time I do not understand what you are asking because it seems as though you are making a statement or surmising the issue. When I answer you, I feel I am telling you what I need and want from you. But then you respond and tell me I haven't given you enough and you want to know more. I do not speak as much as you. I am more quiet and reflective than verbose. Let me see if I can answer some of the more important issues, or those I have perceived as important."

She sits down before him and crosses her long legs, gesturing him to do the same. "Sit down, please."

"I am unaccustomed to having to tell my dance partner I do not know the dance he has asked me to partake in and called me onto the dance floor to perform. You gave the invitation and thus it is your responsibility to ask before the music begins. I will concede that I could have declined your invitation since I did not know the tango, but what if I had? You would have misconstrued the reason and taken umbrage with me. So, from this point, if you call me up to dance some unknown style, I shall advise you directly." This issue in Rain's mind is now done with and she moves on.

"I can see nothing wrong in what I said to your apprentice. I do have the advantage of living longer than the halfling. I am accustomed to speaking my mind, as I mentioned to you moments ago when I first answered your question. That the chit took offense is not my problem, that you cannot keep her in line, again not my problem. But she made it my problem when she decided that her opinion was the absolute truth and every other opinion had no validity. I spoke as a ranger in tune with the wilds, not as druid, although I do hold them in high regard. I know not of artifice and constructs and frankly care not to. Do not reprimand me for trying to educate your chit. But from this point, I will leave the education to you. You employed her and she reports to you only. So be it." Rain is done with talking about Piper. Her eyes are flashing turquoise now.

"You do make me angry, more readily than the others. But you must admit, you talk and confront my person more readily than any other member of our party. It is too much. You must learn to give another the space and understanding they require. When we first met, you called me by my first name and treated me as easy comrade. Then your manner changed abruptly and you began addressing with a formal title and did not explain why. I did not see it as a polite exercise of manners since we were friends and I asked you to call me Rain. I saw it as a change of attitude and a way of distancing yourself from me. I did ask you to stop with the 'Miss Taneththir' but you persisted. If you were seeking my approval of your manners, perhaps you should have advised me that was what you were attempting to do in my presence. Your society changed too quickly and I could not understand why. And if you say I should have asked, I will punch you in the mouth. If a person changes, they need to explain so others are aware and receptive." Her voice drops signalling she is done with this topic now.

"In regard to how you talk to me? Talk to me as you would. I do not care for titles and courtly convention. Call me Rain and I shall respond."

Rain stops and draws air. This man makes me talk more than I care to!

"From this moment on, I shall inform you when I am piqued by your behaviour or attitude and why. I shall pull you to the side and attempt to resolve it between us, without audience and other opinion. I promised this to Variel and I shall promise this to you equally. I will not disrespect you before the crewmen, unless I truly believe you have lost your mind and are leading us into danger."

"I have taken issue with things said and done by the crew, and during the journey here accepted it silently in order to keep the peace. I can, in your words, take one for the team. I am no religious fanatic; yet the gods are something I think upon and contemplate in my decisions. I am no cleric or paladin, fighting with a righteous fervour. I am simply respectful of the gods and of the natural world being that is what I am familiar with. I am not your Mother, Flynn." Rain's eyes are intense as they stare into Flynn's. "You do not have to lose sleep over my convictions. I am finding my feet in this male-ruled world. I cannot tell you everything I feel and think because I do not know them all yet. I am still learning and developing my thoughts, feelings and skills." Rain runs a hand through her unbound hair.

"So, I see you as a friend and comrade. None of you are my family as yet -- that takes time, loyalty and trust. I am open to giving you all an opportunity to prove yourself to me and I hope to prove myself to you. We have not known each for long. Perhaps now, as we make our maiden voyage on the Dread Lady, we will be brought together for the better. I really cannot talk about this over and over again as it feels as though we are going in circles and I feel like I am telling you the same things and you do not understand me. I am here to do a job and I will to the best of my ability. I will make friends and I will make enemies. I can only be true to my heart and will. If you can accept that, then we may work as friends and comrades. But there will be days I will be silent for I prefer the quiet. Try not to take it personally."

I laugh a bit at Rain’s final comment.

”Well, you hit the nail on the head – I do talk in circles a lot,” I say, still smiling.

”But what the hell, right? It’s how I think; I don’t always know what the hell I’m thinking, so I reckon if I talk it out – even with myself – it helps me get my thoughts in order. Though I guess hearing me go on about it isn’t always fun for folks,” I say with a little shrug, but a grin still on my face.

”Tell you what – I used to keep a journal to put my thoughts in order, instead of talking them out so much. I think maybe I’ll do that again – you know, it may help me a bit, and if you ever want to take a gander, you’re free to. If not – that’s okay, too.”

”And yeah – you ain’t my mum, but you do remind me of her sometimes,” I add, my voice becoming a bit more serious.

”My mum was like you in a lot of ways; she was really pretty, good hearted, fearless, bold, and never was afraid to tell people what she thought. She always railed against slavery in my homeland – petitioned local lords to release slaves, that sort of thing – nothing really came of it, so she ended up meeting secret-like with other followers of our goddess, and they eventually decided they needed real action, so they attacked some slave pens one night to liberate the slaves – and that’s when she got herself chopped,” I say, my smile fixed, but it clearly hurts to talk about it.

”I know you’re not like that, but when I saw you on the pier back there with Piper – my thinking was thrown off course. I thought – Oh gods, what if blood is spilled over religion?”

”Now, to be fair, I don’t figure you to do that, but I got to admit, I was pretty nervous, a little afraid, and my mind was thinking on bad memories which weren’t you. So I’m sorry on account of that, but – like I said, I wasn’t thinking clearly.”

I nod my head a bit, thinking about another comment she made.

”I like the idea of you telling me what’s going on with your thoughts – private-like and letting me know polite and upfront. I got to admit, for all my talk and high ideas – I really don’t have any real notions on social graces,” I say, giving her an somewhat ironic grin.

”But that’s the gods’ honest truth,” I continue a bit more seriously.

”I spent most of my life reading, or studying or being on the sea fishing – but not much in the way of being in a big group of folks social-like. Hell, when I even did a sport it was either fencing, or wrestling, or maybe a little chess – just me and one other person – one on one. No team to back me, no team to rely on – and the only other person out there was my enemy.”

”So yeah – I stink at reading people, and getting social cues, and understanding what people really mean. Hell, I’m damn right terrible at it; but I try. And to make matters worse, I tend to be suspicious of most folks, worrying about what’s really in their minds, on account of being hurt before.”

”Now, that don’t excuse bad behavior much – but it’s the reason behind it. I do try; but I screw it up more than half the time. I don’t mean to – I promise you that, but it’s easy for me to make those mistakes. You telling me what you’re really thinking or feeling, well – than I got a knowing on how to act around you and I’m less likely to screw up again,” I add with another grin.

”Anyhow – so that’s that.”

”Now – I’ll say a few words to Piper about minding her “P’s” and “Q’s” around you, and I hope things go well. But she is just a kid – even for Halflings, and she was pretty eager to make a good impression and I think she got spooked is all. But – like I said – I’ll straighten her out, don’t worry about that.”

”And if you don’t see me or the others as “family” – well, that’s okay, too. I’ll settle for mates. Either way, I’ll back you as mate or family, because that’s just kind of how I am. So even though we may have these long discussions that seem to go in circles – just know that at the beginning of it, and at the end – I see you someone I’ll back and help. As long as we’re sailing together, you can at least rely on that; because even if I don’t like someone – if we sail together, I’ll back them with my life.”

”So – does that sound good to you?” I add, offering the drink again – hoping that she’ll accept it, and that she understands that – in the future, even if I don’t get it, at the least I’m doing my best…

"Sounds good. If I fight along side of you, know I have your back. I meant the word ally when I came back to the ship. I would see no harm done to those on the Dread Lady."

Looking down at the water a moment or two, she broaches the subject of the journal. "I will read your thoughts if they are not overly private. I respect that some inner thoughts are best left to the eyes of the owner. I do not write in a journal myself; I suppose I never had opportunity to do so. I thank you for the offer to read yours."

She runs a finger across the sandy grass, "We have time to learn about one another. Each one of us. Be patient, doctor. Good things come to those who wait." Rain's eyes twinkle with some mysterious mirth and a smile plays across her lips. "To friends and comrades. To the Dread Lady."

”Hell yeah!”

The drink tastes a lot like brandy. I smooth, almost sweet dark liquor – not at all harsh; very similar to port. Clearly a fine brew from my homeland, not meant for “downing shots”, but for fine sips on special occasions.

”Now – like I said, I’ll chat it over with Piper. I reckon she’s just nervous around you is all.”

I pause a moment, thinking on something.

”So tell me – you really don’t even like the idea of any mechanical stuff? Like if someone built a mechanical weapon, or a machine to help swab the decks? I mean – no disrespect, but what’s the straight word there, so I know what to tell her.”

”I mean, Dhaavan’s got a magical tattoo that comes to life – but it’s just a tattoo. And I’ve seen plenty of Wondrous Figurines that are little statues that come to life… I’m not trying to push you, I just kind of wondered where you draw the line of things that look like animals but come to life?”

You can tell that I’m being sincere here – not trying to be nosy or pushy, or rude.

I know Dhaavan can easily craft Wondrous Figurines if he had the money or resources – I know I myself worked on an idol for the purposes of improving his Summoning Power – a small statue that looked like an animal, but was used to summon animals for the purpose of obeying the will and orders of others.

But I don’t know where you stand on any of those things. To me, summoning a demon from another plane seems more offensive than making a construct which looks like a person to help swab the decks; but then, you never chastised Dhaavan for those acts, so I am a bit confused.

I also figure a Figurine of Wondrous Power is very handy a fight; but what is that, if not a small metal statue – like a construct – which literally “comes to life” and fights enemies? And since that’s easy to make already; well – what happens if we do?

”Anyhow – like I said, I want to try to nip any trouble in the bud, as it were – if you let me know now, I’ll make sure things don’t stray too far off the path for my girl and that she just sticks to the basics.”

”So just let me know so I know what to tell her tonight,” I say.

My eyes turn to the waters.

”Damn but it’ll be good to get on the sea again. All this sitting around, day after day – not much to do – I don’t know – kind of dull. I’m eager for some action. How about you?” I say with a wistful look at the waves.

Rain rubs at her temple, shielding in part the steel-edge she now knew lurked in her usual turquoise eyes. She bit back the defensiveness, reined it, understanding Flynn was not attacking her verbally but attempting to understand, she sighs inwardly and speaks in courteous tones, training her eyes to calm,

"I am not against mechanical equipment. If a craftsman can make a finer weapon, a limb, gadget or device for aiding in work and battle then it is acceptable to me. Yet a man-sized, mindless, mechanical golem? Nay. That is taking the ability too far; where conscience and consequence are ill-considered for the sake of greater power and control. If you would seek better fighters, then train the crewmen, craft finer weapons for them to use, show them ways to fight without getting killed from the very first command. Do not replace them with mechanical constructs -- who cannot think for themselves and who cannot know right from wrong for they have no soul. Why would you craft a being to swab a deck when you can employ a real person and offer them a chance to better themselves and earn a livelihood? There are desperate people in this world because they lack the opportunity to better themselves. Do not replace them with mechanics."

At mention of Dhaavan's tattoo, "My magic and the sorcerors are different and I cannot judge the correctness of a tattoo which comes to life. It is arcane magic, known through study and spellbooks; mine is gifted from my gods. I cannot say I approve of all that Dhaavan does and how he goes about his business. I monitor him when I can and try to instill wisdom when I see he has little in a plan. The creatures he has summoned from the other planes, they may be fiendish but they are at least created by other hands, gods from those realms, and Dhaavan simply implores and controls them to aid us through magic. They have souls; perhaps different to mine and yours, but they are not mindless in their respective natures. I do not fear their natures." Rain looks imploringly at Flynn, hoping he understands yet wondering why it should matter that he does understand her reasoning.

"If Piper were older, her skill and nature honed by experience and a greater wisdom, I would be less uncertain of these constructs. If Dhaavan's magic were derived from purer sources, I would have greater faith in his intentions. There is great uncertainty from both sources and if they collude in project, one as driven as the other, with similar disadvantage in wisdom, what shall we reap in the end? I feel the consequences may greatly outweigh the achievements."

She turns tack and thinks of being on the sea, the ship's natural sway beneath her feet again. "I am eager to be on water, again. The freedom of travel and movement. The excitement of discovering something grand and the adventure and experience to add to my wisdom."

I feel the weight of my weapons more acutely on my hip – specifically the black powder weapons. I know that they make killing easier, but it is a mechanical tool, a device made by men which robs others of the work they may have with the use of science.

And she just said she's got issues with that - but no; I think it's actually having Piper and Dhaavan go off half-cocked on some crazy scheme. Or is it?

”So wait; is this about inventing things, or is it about Dhaavan and Piper playing some sort of weird "mad scientist" and making some type of monster?" I say, praying it's the latter.

So many plans; so many ideas; so many thoughts and innovations – all of them must fail if science cannot be used on our ship; but only magic and sorcery and divine power alone.

I am no sorcerer – nor am I priest – so all of my innovations and thoughts for the ship; all of my plans in the far future; I must limit them to very specific things only, and all of those fine ideas which I planned for, and hoped for, and dreamed about since the beginning – they must all fail now.

I wonder what Rain would say if I told her that Piper despises arcane magic as a blasphemy against her goddess – that she doesn’t trust sorcery because it is used instead the gifts of the mind that the gods gave us and that is why she was so evasive around Dhaavan?

I keep my voice calm – it’s just so difficult for me. I’m no magi – I studied lore, science, and learning. And now I hear that there will be anger and discontent if pursue my plans and purposes.

Easy there, chief – you may be wrong about what’s troubling her specifically. She says she doesn’t hate tools to make things easier – but she’s got issues with tools that replace men… But isn’t that what any tool does? No, that can’t be it – because she also keeps hitting on golems and “coming to life” – is life somehow the issue? Gods only know… this is so damn confusing. I just can’t understand it…

”I’m sorry – I really am,” I say, my eyes pleading for answers to this problem.

”But if you don’t want men to lose jobs – than what about the magic of Unseen Servants – or the magic of Create Water instead of just having lads dig a well?”

Okay – be calm; try to sum up – no long words or sentences or crazy questions – just keep it short and to the point; direct as possible.

”Here’s the thing – I’m a man of science and learning; not magic and sorcery. I got a few spells – and that’s it. So, what I’m trying to find out now is if I try to live my dreams and pursuits of making our lives on the ship easier and safer and better in the ways I know how – does that mean that you will be angry with me and we’ll have issues in the future?”

Good – that’s as easy and direct as I can be. I hope she knows I’m not trying to be rude; but I need to understand this point. Because as of now - all my study, and my lore and my very life are pretty pointless because it uses science and technology and everything I have studied and pursued was a complete waste if my determination to pursue science to make our lives better is going to be a problem.

Okay – shut up a second – let her answer you before you get worried or worked up. As of now, you still don’t full understand her needs – she’s bound to explain. I mean – why she can accept comfortably an “Unseen Servant” who takes jobs – but not a mechanical device to swab decks? But just give the girl a chance to explain.

My eyes are wide, and I’m simply confused. Again, I’m not trying to push on her, but I can’t understand her hesitation about it, and I want to set sail as friends, not enemies, and this seems like it’s going to be a problem for my entire existence on the ship.

"You know I'm not trying to upset you, I just feel like the dreams I have will fail if you're against science and we are sailing together - and I don't think you have a problem with science specifically, but just certain parts about it, but I honestly just don't know. It's really confusing to me what you're bothered by. I'm sorry for all the same type of questions, but I just don't understand it."

"My concern is not with your science but the reasons behind the science. I am not a person of science and cannot fathom the extent of your ability and capability. If your constructs aid as in tools, weaponry, ships and alike, I foresee no problem. I do if you make creatures to act as men!" Rain realises she raised her voice on the last statement and apologises to her companion.

"I was not aware you were concerning yourself with making an army of mechanical beings right at this moment or even at all. Is this of real import to the ship, the crew? Could you not employ your skill for more practical inventions? This disagreement was born from your idea of mechanical golems, that is all. I do not like the idea, I cannot fathom the practicality and morality of such inventions. I am not telling you that you cannot continue to do what you desire toward your goals of science, and, I will not get in your way. But to create walking, attacking beings goes against my beliefs for different reasons. If the whole group vote to support your plan for these man-sized golems, then there is not much I can do. Yet the point is moot for Dhaavan lacks the magical power to support their mechanics at present and it may be a while before he will have such magic. So why are you overwrought over my dislike of the golems? When there is a world of other inventions you can focus on." Rain runs an agitated hand through her fringe, brushing back the windblown hair.

"It may take a little time to place my faith in science. I asked for patience, and it includes these kinds of undertakings. Why can't you simply allow me to catch up to your way of thinking without giving up all that I know and hold dear? It is like asking a child who cannot swim to jump into the deepest part of the ocean on your word alone. Give me time. Explain to me what you hope to create when you have a mind to do something. I shall promise to keep an open mind as best as I am able. That is all I can promise."

Flynn, Rain is not being a dick here. She's simply stating she does not understand why you need to be creating these large golems or why you are talking about it when it is an impossible dream at present. You don't have to change your character or "goals"/"dreams". She is concerned about the ramifications of some of the more absurd, strange constructs, that go against her moral compass. She is simply speaking her misgivings. Yet, there is no danger that she will hate you for your difference of opinions and ideals. She is not a scientist. You may have to show her (with time and experience) that such strange science can work effectively and slowly draw her to be more open to certain ideas. Baby steps. Give her time to adjust and see what these things will do and how they will work. I hope we can wrap this up very soon.

”Fair enough.”

”You asked for time – I can give you time. You asked for patience, I can be patient. And as for “mechanical men”? Well – that was one idea I had – it was mainly born out of augmenting missing body parts; such as replacing hook hands and peg-legs with hands that can grip things – and grip them with potentially greater strength… but you already heard me about all that,” I say with weary smile.

”The idea on the constructs was born from lots of thinking. I am no priest who receives power through the gods. I am no wizard who gains power through spells and study. I have a few tricks of magic to augment my pursuit of lore – and that is all.”

”I had thought first of the limbs – but than other ideas came to me. We spent many grueling hours on swabbing decks – a tedious and painful task, sometimes injuring ourselves with the hard work and heat.”

”As for myself, I can’t simply whip up a magical spell to swab the decks and so take a weak man off that chore – but I can begin to study, begin to craft, and practice new things which can help in ways that magic cannot so that our sailors are not forced to work in terrible conditions simply to do a job that needs to get done.”

”Never in all the entire time that we sailed together did I know, nor did I guess, that this would be an issue with you, or I would have likely not have set forth to the tavern where all the trouble started, and it is possible you would have met an entirely different man that night instead of me.”

”But that did not happen. But, you said you had an open mind – and I don’t have talent for that – yet, so you’re right – as of now, it’s kind of a moot point.”

I offer a small smile.

”So – here’s to open minds – for the both of us; who knows – I may end up changing my opinions later. Hell, it’s happened before,” I say with a small laugh, trying to brighten the mood after such a tense and somewhat stressful conversation.

”That reminds me – once we’re on the sea; what would you like to do? I mean – what is your plans and that sort of thing? Any particular thoughts on the matter? For myself, I just want to get to a decent sized port and offload some of the plunder and get myself some decent equipment and gear. Other than that – I’ve no specific plans.”

”What about you? Any thoughts or ideas?” I ask curiously, but also to change the subject onto something I know will be more lighthearted and fun.

I offer you another taste of the drink from my hip flask if you want it. I figure after all the talk you probably need a drink as bad as I do.

Right, sorry again for the confusion. I just didn’t get what exactly where your frustrations were. I have been planning things with my character since before the game started – I may end up scrapping those ideas, but I don’t know. I know that on fifth level there are a few possible Feats I was looking at – but they often need 5 “skill ranks” as a prerequisite, and I’d need to dump most of my skill points into specific skills to get those certain Feats so that’s why I was pushing for a more concrete answer; just so I know how to build my character. Thanks again for your patience, though and sorry this was so difficult to get through.

"Aiding our crew, through science, has not been an issue with me and I have said so thrice now. I have explained and find myself at a loss to make you understand that I am not against you or your ideas to improve the conditions on the Dread Lady. I caution you not to reach too far and perhaps at a considerable cost. Ratline could do with one of your mechanical limbs but then again it is his choice whether he wants one because he could have adjusted to his recent disability."

Her heart is still beating hard inside her chest.

You can choose whichever path you would like to. Rain is not deterring you from your goals with your character. She is attempting to meet Flynn half way. So, please build your character how you see fit.

When Flynn offers her another drink, she does not hesitate and takes the flask and drinks more than a sip and allows the silky drink to coat her throat and warm her stomach. Rain hands the flask back.

"I think a bigger trade port is a good choice. We can make coin whether through trading the unwanted plunder, or gambling and entertaining. Yet, the larger the port, the more ears and eyes about and we should take precautions. We have gained some reputation now and there will be those who would challenge us. I seek stronger armor, perhaps a Mithral shirt. I believe we may find one in Blood Cove, yet my coin purse is low. To protect others, I must be garbed and geared for any event. I seek some potions: healing and protection. I think we should ask around about Captain Pegsworthy - get a better feel for the man. I find it strange that such a travelled, renowned free captain finds himself in the same port as us and is quite amiable and encouraging our endeavours. I am a suspicious one. Nothing ever is what it seems to be. Perhaps we should have ears of our own at Bloodcove - the more information we gather, the better the courses we plot and adventures we undertake."