Seijiro stays in the bath far longer than Rain, it being his custom to soak overlong in the hot water, and he remains oblivious to their meeting outside the bathhouse.
When he finally emerges, they are probably long gone and he heads to the inn, where he orders dinner, eats and enjoys the company in the common room. Being a bit shy, he eats alone, but when he's done, and there is entertainment and song breaks out, he feels more comfortable. He will join in with his harmonica, and get to know some of the locals a little bit. Not in Dhaavan's league with diplomacy, he doesn't look for new crew or try to recruit anyone, just making a few acquaintances and such.
Finally, he ends up in his room, where he has trouble sleeping without the gentle rocking of the ship to accompany his dreams.
In the morning of their last day , he rises, has breakfast and heads to the ship to make sure everything they've purchased is aboard and properly stored below. He takes his time with these duties and looks for an opportunity to chat casually with Variel IF time permits.
"Cyclone is smart one so it should be no problem for her if you are along for the ride. But, the question is if you will be able to hang on once she starts her battle maneuvers.....All Sky Lords have the ability drop like a feather and to drift up into the air once a day. Very useful should you fall from your mount and for silent intrusion. Very useful indeed when a squadron of us do so. I will jump from the saddle at altitude, drift in, and start the mayhem. You will follow after the first hit is made. Cyclone can hover for time kicking a terrible dust cloud and she screeches like a banshee.
That should shake them up while we start setting the blokes loose and hacking up the dazzled defenders. She'll break off then re-engage with her own diving charges. It is the boss we'll be wanting...and of course the coin we are do." Camm finishes with a wink.
"Cyclone is smart one so it should be no problem for her if you are along for the ride. But, the question is if you will be able to hang on once she starts her battle maneuvers.....All Sky Lords have the ability drop like a feather and to drift up into the air once a day. Very useful should you fall from your mount and for silent intrusion. Very useful indeed when a squadron of us do so. I will jump from the saddle at altitude, drift in, and start the mayhem. You will follow after the first hit is made. Cyclone can hover for time kicking a terrible dust cloud and she screeches like a banshee.
That should shake them up while we start setting the blokes loose and hacking up the dazzled defenders. She'll break off then re-engage with her own diving charges. It is the boss we'll be wanting...and of course the coin we are do." Camm finishes with a wink.
"Sounds good - but you're saying you'll hop in first and I'll be on his back? You know... I'm no real rider, eh? I mean, can he carry me easy enough?"
"If you drop me on the roof I can take shots at them from there while you're hacking them up with a blade... Either way, as soon as we move, I'm on board."
"Meantime, I got a plan cooking with Dhaavan... hopefully he's going to bribe the guards for us. If so, it may mean we cough up a piece of the action; but at the least we won't have too much trouble with the official authorities."
"Dhaavan'll also be explaining the plan with the rest of the gang; as well as us bringing new recruits to the ship and the dash back to the ship, so they know to be ready."
He returns the grin.
"As for all that - I got confidence in Dhaavan's way with words, and a hell of a lot more confidence in him than me; he'll straighten out any of the kinks with issues relating to talking."
Rain listened without looking at Variel - heard his apology but she wondered if it was too late in her mind to change anything. He had betrayed her the most, yet she understood well enough the responsibilities faced only by a captain.
Her voice was as quiet as the light breeze around them. "When I returned to the Lady and signed onboard as pilot, you asked of me one thing: that if I had issue with you that I would discuss it privately, lest it gave the crew pause to question you and your authority. I have done as you have asked since that night. Yet you could not extend me the same courtesy or respect this night." Rain looked out over the moonlit water as they drew closer to shore, pushing the stray strands of hair away from her face. This is not how she had envisioned her night going when she made plans earlier in the day.
"Your apology was necessary and I acknowledge it. However my senses are too raw at present to understand and accept it." There is a note of sadness in her voice and Variel should understand the reason for it more than Dhaavan or any other onboard the Lady.
"A captain's lot is a hard one and I take nothing away from the predicament you were faced with this evening. I respect your authority and when you silenced me I heeded you. But why did you not silence Flynn or the Skylord in the same manner? They continued to carry on after your initial caution with no further warnings - allowed to act in a manner most unbecoming and vitriolic. You made me smaller than them, stripping me of any authority or face and they knew it and revelled in it. So my need to defend myself brought upon a growing anger for I had no vocal ally to stand for me."
Rain draws breath attempting to keep her emotions down and just speak without the heat and rain of the wound festering inside her.
"If I was the Captain and a civilian spoke out of turn and disrespected one of my officers, especially after I had given warning, I would have expelled them from the meeting. The officers could then privately resolve matters before bringing the civilian back into the meeting and proceeding to ask them questions. I, as Captain, would have retained my authority and power and demonstrated loyalty to my officers and ensured they retained their own power and authority."
Rain found it hard to speak even for all the words spilling softly from her mouth. Her voice sounded scratchy.
"Horatio Flynn has a personal interest in having the Skylord onboard. This is not an insurmountable issue in itself. However, he should have only been given a certain amount of time to put forward his case (once) and then asked to sit quietly and allow the other officers to speak with equal candor; each taking their turn without interruption. The captain should have enforced this. Instead Horatio was given the floor to personally attack me repeatedly and beleaguered any who contradicted his opinion. You did not take him to task, Variel. I was taken to task when all I had said was that I was done with him." Her eyes connected briefly with Variel's as she was still unable to look him directly in the eyes.
"As Captain I would have assigned the overseeing and training of the Skylord only to Dhaavan and Jiro. Having him predominantly under Horatio Flynn is courting certain trouble. You have given Horatio too much leeway already and he will only take more over time. He has established a group below deck who respect and listen to his word. He is gaining significant sway with the crew. If you throw in a Skylord mate with a hippogriff mount, it does not bode well, in my opinion." This time her veiled eyes linger on Variel's, her face passive, yet guarded, before focusing her gaze on the front of the rowboat.
She says no more and listens to the lapping water against the moving rowboat. It was only fair to give the sorceror his turn to speak. It was more than any of them had given her during the meeting. The bitterness was threatening to overwhelm her but she took hold of it and stifled any impulse to lash out theatrically, especially at Variel.
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Variel sat quietly in the boat on the way to the dock. He listened to Rain answer his question with brutal honesty. He tried to keep his face passive and stoic while he listened but with each sentence the task proved harder and harder. Twice her words caused him to break his steady rhythmic rowing forcing him to splash water up into the air. “If I were captain,” she kept saying. The problem was that she probably should have been the captain and would fulfill the role better. However at the time, she was tired of this life and wouldn’t commit to anything beyond making it to Rickey’s. That was far in the past though and Variel had to worry about the previous hour instead. Although he knew where Rain was coming from, he was still hurt that she did not trust him more to explain afterwards his actions when they had time to talk between themselves. Yes it was true that Variel had told her to watch her tongue, but Variel thought he did it a kindly as could be. He did not tell her to be silent just that she did in fact stoop to Camm’s level. Variel even spoke aloud how Camm started it and insulted her first. The only thing that Variel did not do was reprimand Camm and Flynn at the same time about their choice of words. All in all Variel thought he said very little as a rebuke to Rain. Yet those that are closest hurt the worst apparently.
Variel was tired of dealing with Flynn and his constant patronizing attitude. It was better for Variel to ignore it most of the time instead of getting riled up always. Even Flynn’s slur again about being a bastard Variel let roll off of him as he was concentrating on other matters: namely getting him to sit down and act like an officer.
Perhaps he should explain this to Rain later, but would she give him the chance. She knew what type of a situation he was in. the problem was that they both expected so much of each other and were used to being on the same side. When conflict arose it was a greater problem then than with anyone else. Variel would just have to talk to her later and make her understand his reasoning and figure out a way for the both of them to continue on going forward. That if he says something to her to know that he trusts her judgment but still needs to show that he can act as captain with her.
When they reach the docks, Variel simply says to Rain, I would like to talk to you later and explain in more detail if you will let me. I'll be at the pub waiting for a while thinking if you want to show up. Variel turns and walks away shoulders slumped not knowing what the outcome of the night will bring.
Rain was not too far gone into her own turbulent emotions not to notice Variel's lack of speech and slumped shoulders. She had wounded him with her answer and it had not been intentional. They could not hear her. How she suddenly missed Tempest Cay and the people who truly knew her. Rain thought of her grandfather and how he would have reacted in the meeting. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, letting the night sounds fill her mind, lulling the confusion somewhat.
She turns to Dhaavan still by her side and softly states, "I speak and none of you can hear my true meaning." She begins walking up the road from the dock, Variel's lone figure just up ahead. Her eyes do not really leave his back except to occasionally check her surroundings to ensure she is not suddenly attacked from the outer dark corners of Bloodcove.
In a weary voice, she says to Dhaavan, "I require time with Variel alone. Can you give this? There are things he and I must sort through this night." Her eyes, still the dark blue of a stormy sea, look into the sorceror's yellow pair.
Dhaavan puts his hands up in surrender, with understanding in his eyes contrasting his smile. "Of course. I would like to have some time to explain my side of things to you, regarding Camm. Perhaps we could have a brief word before you retire to settle things with Variel, I'll try to be quick, to the point?"
"Aye, we can talk as we walk to the tavern." Rain matches her gait to the sorceror's and waits to hear what is on his mind.
"See, at the end of the day, I want that Hippogryph. You saw what it did in the fight, took a chunk o' the stable with it and chomped a ninja. Then it blew away the smoke we were all chokin' on! I for one don't much care about his Bravado one way or another, it don't bother me much as Flynn treatin me like an idiot. But Flynn don't come with a Flying mount what can tear up a battle-field like Cyclone can"
"And to get Camm in line, I need to figure out what he wants, and how to make him work for it. So I'll cater to his pride, keep things running smoothly, and get him to decide to behave in order to get what he wants."
"I don't want to loose you, so I'll be workin at figurin out how to get Camm to fall in line, not press you and push your nerves. There's nothin I can do with Flynn, honestly, but Camm I think is a different story. And I'm sorry I didn't step up earlier, but I'm tryin ta think long-run, get past that one encounter, and then fix things instead of having another situation like with Flynn, what most o' the officers nefer gonna get past, him included."
She reflected on what Dhaavan had revealed to her. He did not pretend or play down what his true motivations were, and for that she could not fault him. He was a pirate afterall and one person's life was trivial in terms of possessions and things, like a magical fighting beast such as a hippogriff.
In equally quiet voice, Rain responds, "I respect your candor regarding your personal motivations in this situation. Least you do not pretend otherwise as you speak to me."
"Keep the Skylord away from me. His mount, Cyclone, I have respect for. His human rider needs to learn the art of manners. I cannot see his attitude changing any time soon but if you can manage to temper him, I can manage to abide his presence onboard. As I said in the meeting, if the majority vote to take him on as crew, I shall concur. I do not feel he is officer material yet. And I was honest when I said that he had not proven himself to me."
When Dhavaan mentions Flynn's name, Rain steels herself and does not outwardly react based on the most recent events. "I think it is best if Flynn and I keep a distance between us. I do not understand the extent of his animosity toward me, nor can I accept it."
Feeling rather relaxed, Horatio will seek out both Rain and Variel, who he believes to be with Dhaavan.
Guessing they will be easy to find, given Dhaavan’s propensity to tell tales to enlarge upon the crew; and also suspecting that at some point Variel will want to interview the crew members that Dhavan brings aboard, he finds them and meets with them.
He informs them that they need not worry about Camm – he’ll keep the lad in line.
He apologizes to them all for the outburst the night before; saying he was overwrought from the recent battle, and he won’t behave that way again.
He especially begs Rain’s pardon – informing her that he in a particularly foul mood after nearly being assassinated by men, and asks her forgiveness for behaving in such a discourteous manner.
After his apology, he will leave the three of them to their discussion, as he does not wish to intrude.
Rain walked beside Dhaavan up to the town and through the streets until they found the tavern Variel had mentioned he would be waiting in. The sorceror and she had talked and managed to find more stable ground, enough that she better understood his motives and position. Rain excused herself and went inside, looking about the space for the Elven male and she found him, sitting alone at a table in the corner and drinking. She walked determinedly toward him, even though her heart beat loudly in her chest, and stood by his table softly enquiring, "May I join you?"
Upon Variel's leave to join him, Rain will sit down. For a few seconds she is silent, unsure of so many things; most importantly how to open discourse. She remembered his slumped shoulders when he left them to their talk.
"I think a more private room to talk is wise, Variel. I cannot talk to you down here amid the noise, bustle and uninvited attention. There are some rooms above the tavern here, I noticed on my way in, and we could rent one for the night or ...", she couldn't finish the sentence, not knowing how long Variel wanted to be in her company or if he did at all now he had time to think while she had been talking with Dhaavan. They had been so close and now, there was this foreign emotional distance between them since the disastrous meeting.
He informs them that they need not worry about Camm – he’ll keep the lad in line.
He especially begs Rain’s pardon – informing her that he in a particularly foul mood after nearly being assassinated by men, and asks her forgiveness for behaving in such a discourteous manner.
By the time Rain had returned to the Lady, she had resolved a few issues of the night before. Yet she was still surprised when Flynn approached her soon after arriving back on the ship. She listened to him, his explanations and his reaction to being overwrought by the ninja assassin attack. She came to the realisation that it would do none of them any good if she held onto a personal grudge, especially in light of Flynn's unexpected apology for the strong outburst directed at her. Rain nods her head in acknowledgement and responds with a quiet "Thank you, Flynn. I accept your apology." She did not want to feud with a fellow officer; it had never been her intention to.
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Variel finishes his story amongst those gathered at the bar. He doesn't know what type of response he will get but doesn't really care at that point as he sees Rain enter the building. All of his bravado and heroics disappear as he sits down and waits to see if she approaches. When she finally does and asks for a quieter place to talk Variel nods his head and acquires a room for them to talk upstairs. By all means Rain if you wish to talk someplace else then I will oblige. Let me settle up here and then I will be ready.
** spoiler omitted **
After Rain's answer to his apology, he grabs a chair and sits down in it.
His smile is there, but somehow it seems as if it is not quite sincere, as if something is troubling him, or he has something on his mind. His hands seem to be trembling a bit, but he lights a cheroot and smokes it and so seems to calm his nerves. He stares beyond Rain, his eyes distant, as if thinking about something.
After a moment he speaks somewhat casually and in an almost off-hand manner.
”I have not heard or seen Camm today,” he says slowly ”except this morning when we left the ship after breakfast. He had some errands to run, but we were to have met again at some point before now.”
”The Skylord folk are often changeable; they go where the wind takes them, it is said.”
”I worry at his absence and wonder if he will return.”
He takes another pull of the cheroot.
”I fear he may not wish to return, though.”
”He came to us for his own reasons and was eager to join; you may not have known or guessed it – but it was true, I knew that much about him… that he was excited to sail with us.”
”But I do not think he received the warmest reception, and he may decide he does not wish to sail with us after all…”
”Yet my fears may be unfounded. He may simply be busy at whatever task occupies him, and we may yet see him again.”
"Even so, he may decide to leave the ship and not come. I will be disappointed in that decision, if he elects it, because despite his bluster, he is a good man, a loyal friend, and skilled warrior.”
He takes another pull from his cheroot and continues to stare in the distance.
”I think that if that happens I will not wish to miss him. So perhaps – if he does not wish to come sail with us – I may decide to travel with him instead,” he says slowly and in a more quiet voice.
”I have not decided anything on this matter, not formally, not yet… but I do not have many friends on our ship. He would have been a friend to me, and someone I could talk to; someone I could share a story with – or a joke, or a tale of adventure.”
”I do not have many friends; my personality can be equally abrasive at times. He was forgiving of my own issues, as I forgave him of his own quirks… and though I too found those quirks to be oftentimes distasteful, I felt at least he was a good friend within. Yes, loud; yes, arrogant; yes, brash – but I overlooked those things, for the post part. Indeed, soon I found those quirks endearing, because he is my friend.”
He forces a bit more enthusiasm and anima into his features.
”It could be better for the ship, logically that is…” he begins with a bit more energy, his eyes still distant.
”Before Camm came on board, every argument or issue I observed on the ship was between myself and another. Logic suggests that if a fixed variable is causing issue with every other variable around it… if the instigator of trouble is removed, than there will be no more trouble.”
He shrugs.
”I have done all I can to be a better friend or companion and it not enough. In truth, my efforts are a failure and that alone is distressing to me. Every day I am reminded that I am a failure is a day that makes me more unhappy to sail with this company; I find such reminders very tiresome and painful."
”Even so, I fail because even a man’s best efforts may not be enough, and in the meantime, every day I feel I must continue to compromise who I am so that others are happy, until there is no longer any part left of me of the man I was.”
”I have changed my manner of speaking – the way I address people, the way I mingle with people. I apologize to folk every day, though not enough, it seems… and I feel that I spend time and effort to do things to improve the ship and make others feel good or comfortable, but those efforts are also not enough.”
”Furthermore, I do not feel that others do those things with me,” he adds simply.
His energy is gone again, as if the implications of what he said are on him.
”If Camm does not come back, I do not think I will continue to sail with the ship,”
”If he comes back and continues to brag and say somewhat cocky things… that is to be expected on a ship with our intentions and if it cannot be overlooked and if he is made to feel like an outsider… I would not blame him if he did not want to sail. In fact, I think that I would understand him very well,” he continues, as if speaking to himself.
”After all, profanity, swagger, obscenity, boasting, vulgarity, threats, blasphemy and all manner of foul speech… that is the language best used by men of our profession; be it a cutthroat or any sailor of the sea; for I have seen enough sailors to know that sailors generally have ease with foul language and are not so offended by such things.”
He turns his eyes to look at Rain; the expression is weary.
”I am sorry for rambling,” he adds.
”I am lonely Rain, lonely for a friend and I have few friends on this ship.”
”I apologize to many on this ship and my heart tells me that to apologize so much means logically there cannot be a good friendship.”
”For me to keep apologizing to others… that can only mean that we are not good friends. I either offend my friends too much and too often for them to consider me a good friend that I must keep saying that I’m sorry for it; or it means that they cannot forgive me enough that I should wish to be their friend.”
”Either way, I am not happy here.”
He looks beyond her again, thinking aloud.
”If I do not sail on this ship – it may be possible that you will find another to replace me; it may even be possible for you to find another person who reminds you of me in some odd way, though we are of a different race and background… but I do not think so.”
”Whatever makes me the man I am at my core are qualities which would be better on another ship, I think, but not on our ship.”
”Besides,” he adds with a little smile ”That would simplify the division of loot with greater ease. Dividing things four ways is easier than dividing it five ways or six, eh?”
He pauses a bit, considering something, than speaks in a more matter of fact way, as if stating something hard for him to accept to himself.
”Camm brags and makes arrogant comments. That is part of who he is, and part of what makes him the man he his. It can be annoying, but it is a personality quirk. I have such quirks myself and we have learned to forgive them in each other.”
”He may need to modify his behavior a bit, aye – but he should not have to reinvent himself.”
”If he is so unwelcome on board because of who he is that he does not wish to come, I think I will not come, too.”
”I think that if a man’s quirks are so unwelcome to the group that it continues to cause such unrest that it would better if such quirks were not present; for they are too abrasive and would disturb the harmony of the group.”
”I do not know – but I think– that it would make you four more happy, in any case, if I did not continue to sail with you, though I am not wholly decided on that…”
”If I was told by all – Yes, we have had our troubles in the past; forget those troubles – today we start fresh and the slate is wiped clean! – and if that was meant sincerely and by all; I would come with you with an eager heart.”
”But if that cannot happen, and resentment and distrust and dark thoughts still linger, even from one person, than I would not wish to continue sailing.”
”I have talked a great deal; but I was talking mostly to myself just now,” he adds.
”I think I might have spared much time and said simply that if we cannot treat other as good friends from here out, I do not want to keep sailing with this group.”
”All of the rest was my reasoning and how I reached that decision – but I felt it would be important for me to explain those reasons…”
”But on this I have said my piece. I will stay here for a bit, than I shall look for Camm myself. After that? After that, I have personal issues to attend to…”
”But in any case, now you know my thoughts better and I hope you understand them better, and you understand me better, too.”
Once Flynn had begun speaking, Rain took a seat and quietly allowed him the space to give voice to his troubles. Once or twice she absently pushed back stray strands of hair and reflected upon Flynn's growing admissions. When it looked like Flynn had finished saying his piece, Rain turned her eyes across to where he was seated and responded.
"I grew up on the ocean. Most of my experiences have been on a sailing vessel of one kind or another. I worked for my grandfather and even though I was to one day head the family enterprise, I had to start at the very bottom and learn everything there was to know about sailing. I followed orders like any other sailor and my personal connection to the boss had no sway in how I was treated or how I was to act in my duties. I answered to my grandfather's captains and senior sailors. It can be hard at times when one must hold back and abide. I have met sailors and other folk with more bravado and bluster than your Skylord friend. That is not the part of him I find offensive. Cussing, vulgarity, swagger ... those things can be overlooked because they do not define a man or woman. The Skylord, from what I have observed, has a darker disrespect through his words. One can brag without demeaning another. One can be cocky and self-assured without disrespecting comrades you work with side by side day in and out. This is what I have issue with -- his inability to demonstrate a level of tolerable social behaviour. It makes me wonder if he understands how to work with others and accept that his way and mind are not the only way." She did not enjoy talking so much, but the people she bunked with on the Lady did not know her and how she worked or played. Rain needed to let them in a little.
"If the Skylord wants in, he needs to show me that he knows how to be in. That is all I seek from him. The bragging I can easily ignore; it's the blatant disrespect I cannot. If I had spoken to any person on board my grandfather's vessels in the manner that Camm has to me, Jiro and even Variel, I would have been publicly chastised and immediately removed from his ships; my position and any ambitions I had to head his small fleet would have been in jeopardy, even though I am his only heir. He is a firm believer in order, authority and respect, even for pirates. A code, as you have said before, but something that resides deeper within a person no matter their station in life or circumstance."
Rain softly sighs aloud. Speaking of her grandfather and the life she knew and left behind had brought with it a moment of missing and loneliness.
"I would not see any harm done to your friend or his hippogriff, Flynn. I may be direct with people and tell them what I truly think and feel, but I am not unfeeling or cruel in my intent. Keep an eye for your friend and if he still does not return come find us - the officers - and together we shall decide what needs to be done -- whether a search party must go out and so forth. You are not alone in this."
The last point made her think upon what he said of his general loneliness onboard the Lady.
"To feel an outsider, on the fringe always looking in, is a hard road. I do not enjoy hearing you feel you have no one on this ship apart from Camm as a friend. Not everyone can get along as firm friends; on a ship or in life. Some form closer bonds and others more tentative. You and I have attempted to be good friends and our manners do not always fit well together. That is not necessarily a failure, it can be just the way it is meant to be. I am not forcing you off this ship for it is not my place, no matter that I call myself a pirate. You have every right to be here as I. I can attempt to understand you better so there is better symmetry and harmony between us but I ask you do the same with me. I do not see myself better than anyone and I hold no biases based on race -- I look at the heart and soul of the person before I determine what they will mean to me."
"So, we all learn how to work together and respect one another. Disagreements are inevitable for we all have differences. It is how we conduct ourselves and overcome obstacles that can make or break unity and harmony. I can be open to clearing the slate and starting afresh. Constant disagreement does not sit well with me and that energy can be better utilised elsewhere. But I say this to you and any other I work beside, betrayal is something I cannot forgive. If I feel someone is being duplicitous in an effort to ultimately betray me and those I love or am loyal to, then I shall come at them with all that I am. I am Varyan Taneththir's granddaughter after all and my people have a code we follow." Rain attempts a smile to show Flynn that she is casually stating a basic fact about herself and is not alluding to anything more.
"Talk to the others when you have time. State your case openly and even-handedly and you may find they will be open to listen to you. As to forming closer friendships with people, that may take a little more time and effort, but if one does not try, one cannot accomplish."
** spoiler omitted **...
He nods, pleased that she has opened up to him, and listens intently, eager to learn more about her, as such windows were not always opened very long.
When she is done he leans back and considers her words. His frustration about the circumstances had ebbed again and he realized that he may be making much over nothing.
”Perhaps I spoke in haste… It is true, I am lonely much of the time, but the fact is – as a boy I learned much from reading and became more comfortable alone, or in small groups. I am not sure how to act well in a large group, nor how to behave well around others.”
”In addition to this, I tend to sway from one extreme to the other… one minute I can be talkative, loud, boisterous, moving in an almost manic state… and then, the next minute quiet, moody, almost anti-social to the point where many friends would think I was depressed.”
”Such extremes are not pleasant to me and it is a part of me that I have never fully been able to move past, despite all my best efforts. But it is who I am, and why I often seclude myself from others.”
He thinks a moment, his face dark. Than, he brightens a bit.
”Thank you for trusting me with details of your life; I know such words are not easy for you, and I appreciate them.”
He glances around, as if looking for something, or someone. Then he frowns a bit, and looks over to Rain.
”I will speak for my friend now and say that Camm has lived in a company of men who have stripped the weak and fearful from their ranks. And even the most bold and hardy warriors have fallen to their death when their mount perished.”
”Therefore he is filled with pride at his work, and contempt for lesser men who have not proved their mettle as his brothers have proven theirs to him; but that attitude is part of his training. He was trained to believe that his folk are the best, the bravest, the most hardy – and in many respects this is true.”
”You feel he has to respect us and prove himself to us. I agree. But I fear that he will not be so sure with his respect until he sees us better. When that happens, he will give it to us with better will, I know that much,” he adds emphatically.
”When he can see you in battle clearly – when he sees you making your kills; he will show you more respect. I know you to be skilled; aye – but he comes from a company of human marines. A marine is a breed apart, even from other humans,” he adds with a dry smile.
”Their brotherhood has been taught that they are the best; and those who are not part of their order are often forced to work hard to prove their mettle, ironically to you – as no doubt you wait for him to prove his talents better.”
He sighs.
”And there it is… both you and he know your own talents, and are not certain of the true abilities of the other. Both you and he feel that the other has not given you the respect which you feel you deserve and do not believe you have to prove anything to the other, for you know your talents already.”
”But I know in my heart that if we give him time, he will treat you with the honor and respect that you deserve.”
He grins a bit.
”But I should say now that dealing with a marine is like making a rock bloom… Not all the sunshine and fresh air can make stones blossom… but you can get a blossom from a stone, just like you can get respect from a marine… yet I think that to do this properly you need only a strong force applied in the right place with a great power.”
”If you do use power and force on a rock than you crack apart the pieces that you do not have any need for, and what remains is what you need, what you want, and much tougher than its natural counterpart.”
”Do not fear Rain, I will make it my task to hammer and beat this rock of ours and smash it apart for the good of the ship; and from the wreckage I will hoist the remains high, and you will see a flower made of stone,” he says with a somewhat cocky grin.
”But this assumes I can find my friend,” he adds with a sudden glance around the room.
”As of now, I do not know where he went, and I am worried for his absence. I hope I can find him soon, though; for now I do not mind waiting here and talking – hopefully he will find me. If not, I will accept your suggestion to search for him in earnest.”
He continues to wait with her, curious to know if she will say more.
When Flynn speaks of extremes in one's nature and passions, Rain nods her head, understanding his meaning. "Once, I freely gave into my moods and emotions and my anger was something truly to behold -- like the storm and rain. I am getting somewhat better clamping down on more natural inclinations but there are days I am wilder than is practical in company. I am certain you will find your own path and will temper and hone your moods until you are satisfied with the result."
Rain rubs at a knot atop her shoulder. The muscle was sore, most probably from the stress over the last couple of days and the fight with the assassins where she spent the better portion hacking out of the alchemical goo they had thrown at her.
"The Skylord's life seems quite harsh and driven, with little softness to balance the rest. I cannot pretend to understand at such a way of life, nor would it be one of my choosing. Yet, each person must make a concession if true understanding and respect can be obtained. If he is so hard and immovable, then others may not give him the time to see if he indeed softens his view of them. I do not like the way he speaks to people he does not already consider a friend. I have seen those like him and eventually, if they cannot bend, they will break. And that could be dangerous for all of us." Rain knots her fingers together and then releases.
"I have determined that I shall not allow his imperfect communication to affect me from this point on. If he rails upon me, I shall simply walk away. If he speaks mindfully, I will listen and respond. We each need to figure out how to speak to one another and how to see and hear with all our senses." Rain nods her head.
"I fear your action of smashing the rock that is the Skylord and hoisting his remains, allegorically speaking of course. Teach him the ways of this ship and the people onboard. We need an experienced sailor, Flynn. Rebuke him when he moves off the conventional path. As you say, the Skylord can only be the man he knows and he wants respect for himself. I am uncertain how a flower can come from stone and if the change is permanent. I would simply like to see an improvement so harmony can be managed."
** spoiler omitted **...
Horatio turns from his examination of the Common Room to look back at Rain during he words. He nods at her comments about the cramped space on board a ship, and how it does not afford much time to be apart.
”Aye – my case was actually the opposite. Most of the folk at the academy I went to did not even wish to be there. Their parents were minor nobles or wealthy folk who simply wished to give their second and third sons admirable pedigrees in the form of a certificate on graduation.”
”Their lack of eagerness to be there only distanced us further; for I come from little money, and only by fortune was I accepted into that place, and all of my inheritance was spent to stay there. I did this all in an effort to distinguish myself with my education. I knew I had no title or wealth; if I could learn – that would be my advantage in life.”
”Of course, to prove my worth I developed a tendency to expound on my knowledge and to show everyone how skilled I really was – which, naturally – did not encourage much friendship with the other lads, and consequently drove me from them to find little rooms or chambers to study without dealing with their bullying.”
He thinks on this quietly for a bit, contrasting his life to Rain’s, noting the distinct differences between them.
His minds tacks back to Camm, and he wonders how he can better explain such a man to her, and suddenly recalls an old conversation he had with a minor instructor that he thinks could help.
”Once, while at school – I had a instructor who was a Halfling. I like Halflings very much,” he says in an aside ”they have an earthy wisdom that most folk miss because they do not appreciate their subtlety… as I did not.”
”We were discussing the fall of the arch-devils and demons; how they fell into the Abyss and what caused it. He asked us what did we think was the cause of their fall. Naturally, we all gave answers – some from texts, some from observation – and he smiled, and said – Nope, you’re wrong. The reason they fell was gravity.”
He sighs and shakes his read, rolling his eyes a bit at that comment.
”Naturally, we assumed he was making a foolish jest and was not speaking intelligently. However, I was annoyed at his comment because I wished to learn and did not appreciate foolish jests and jokes; and so gave him an angry response, telling him that he was not there to waste our time, and that spiritual beings are not affected by physical properties in the Material Plane – and all the other logical, reasonable arguments.”
”The entire time I spoke he kept looking at me with a cocky grin, smiling, as if my best arguments only made me seem more foolish. Meanwhile, I had notes – I had data – I had evidence; all it proved my point.”
”Gravity? Tosh! What kind of stupid, mixed-up, idiotic response was that to why the demons fell to the Abyyss? And still he looked at me with this little grin, as if I was only proving his point more.”
”Finally, flustered, embarrassed and somewhat angry – I threw down my papers on my desk and asked him – How exactly can gravity be the reason they fell? Explain yourself, sir!””
He laughs a bit, avoiding Rain’s eyes, even now feeling somewhat foolish.
”This Halfling instructor, now he spoke clearly and with no humor, but to the class – and stated: I said ‘gravity’ for I referred to the fact that a demon or devil is far too grave, and that is why I believe they ‘fell’ to the Abyss. They are far too serious; they cannot jest, they cannot joke and I believe that the greatest thing that can be done to wound them is to assault their pride. Their lack of humor, the fact that they cannot laugh at themselves; the lack of the ability to see the ridiculous in themselves…. All of this was born of a sense of pride which so dominated them that they grew angry and hate filled at any who would challenge that what they were proud of.””
He clears his throat, looking awkward.
”He indicated that my own inability to laugh at his joke only proved his point better. He said that I was so upset that my knowledge would be called into question, that my wisdom would be challenged, that my skills thought less than I believe them to be, or valued them… that I grew angry with him, and ranted and raved and became more and more determined to prove how wonderful I was.”
”He suggested I was determined to do that because my Pride, and my own gravity.”
He looks up at Rain directly.
”I fear that is one of our company’s greatest challenges: we are too grave. We do not laugh much, we do not joke much, and if someone laughs at us, or makes a joke at our expense, we all become so angry at them that we are ready to spill blood… all of us are like this, from time to time – but as a whole I fear that our company is much too serious for its own good, and that will make us fall, even as the demons did, down into an Abyss of our own making.”
He takes a drink, his eyes roaming the room.
”Take Camm now – he has said many things that are offensive, yes – but that is likely because you do not know him as I do. If you did, you might think that his comments were more humorous and somewhat ridiculous. You may feel that his words were meant to elicit a smile at such terribly crafted humor that you can’t help at laughing because it is so stupid it just makes you laugh.”
”That is the secret to knowing him best, I feel.”
”When he called you “princess” – you were insulted, aye. But think how that may have turned out if you had laughed at his comment and asked him if you were the “princess” was he the “village idiot” – yet not with malice, but with a smile?”
”I suspect he would have laughed right back and decided you and he would have gotten along very well right then. And further – I suspect that you would even now be good friends, as he is happy to laugh and joke around.”
He holds up his hand to forestall what he suspect’s is coming.
”Yes, I know – his jokes may seem like mocking and his comments less humorous than they are insulting; perhaps – and yes, that can be true, aye. But even the best jester can seem crude and boorish if folk do not appreciate the fact that he is only joking.”
”And you might also suggest that it was too soon to take such liberties with you, or others – for he did not know you well enough to make such jokes, not yet.”
”There you might be right, but a Skylord rides in the company of men who die frequently in battle – more than others; for if their mount falls, they die quick enough. So they do not often feel they have time to be serious, except in matters of killing – for to them, life is too short to be serious all the time. They would rather eat, drink, whore, gamble, sing and – in general – be merry – for they may die sooner than later.”
He looks around again, than back at Rain.
”I think that is the key to knowing him best, and also to unlock the issues that beset our own company completely.”
”We are all too serious – and we all have too much pride and not enough humor and fun.”
”This is not the Royal Navy – this is a crew off Jolly Cutthroats,” he says, his lip curling into a roguish grin.
”We sing shanties, we chase ships over the horizon, we fill our pockets and our hulls with loot and laugh at death and enjoy life to the fullest… The life of a scoundrel suits us best, and I think we would be better to be able to laugh at each other, and ourselves – with more frequency.”
”If I told you that you may be the best sodding pilot from here to Qadira; but you couldn’t dance your way out of a wooden box – you might be angry at me and give me hard looks…” he says leaning in a bit ”Or you might tell me that you didn’t even notice what I had said because my constant stream of blather had put you to straight to sleep! And we could both laugh at our own bad jokes because we were not trying to hurt each other – but because we were jesting with each other, eh?”
He shrugs a bit, the grin still on his face.
”Well, that said – as I don’t want that talk on my own blather to become a self-fulfilling prophecy, I’ll cut to the quick and say that the key to dealing with Camm is to treat his seemingly rude comments as nothing but bad jokes. And, on the whole, I think that our crew would be better all around if we could simply learn to laugh at each other, and ourselves – at least a lot more than we have done so far.”
He leans back, smiling a little, curious to know what Rain had to say to his comments, even as he continues to look around the room for Camm.
Rain tilts her head, surveying Flynn with a deep expression.
"I am unaccustomed to such interaction. My humour does not run like that. I cannot be impolite in jest to another. I understand what you are saying but I am unable to force my nature to be the opposite of what it is. As you say, I will attempt to think of the Skylord's insults as poor humour and simply walk away instead of feel slighted. That is all you can ask of me. I can laugh and sing. I can share a jest with another, yet not at the expense of each other."
The camaraderie shared between males and their jests and insults acting as one was foreign to Rain, even spending as much time as she had around sailors. Perhaps back in Tempest Cay, the men who worked for her grandfather spared her from such humour and ridicule and she was content in that.
She knew it would not be easy ignoring the barbs flung her way. Yet for the sake of her sanity and the ship's longevity she would have to find a way.
"But there is something to be said in your observation that our company can be rather subdued. Since Port Peril and when we were shanghaied, I have found little reason to be cheerful. My disposition is solemn and earnest. I can let go and have fun but that is not my first inclination. It never has been in my life. That is why I am told that my name suits my moods and ways." Her voice trails off softly as she grows reflective on how she can fit in in such a society if she cannot see the humour in every aspect.
Rain sits for a time after she and Flynn are done talking and reflects on the discussion. Finally standing, she goes in search of Jiro, hoping to have a word to him for they had not spoken since the unfortunate meeting after the assassin attack.
When Rain sees the kitsune, she lifts her hand and gently waves and smiles, hoping to gain his attention.
"Hello, Jiro. We have returned from shore. I wanted to have a private word with you, if you are amiable. But first, how did the night pass on the ship? Any disturbances or was it quiet and routine?"
Seijiro looks over at Rain, then blushes and looks away for a moment before returning his gaze to meet hers. He sighs softly and shakes his head slightly. "No disturbances really, other than a slight altercation with Flynn, that would have been better avoided in the presence of our crew. I am very sorry for that, but he was in a high temper and the confrontation was unavoidable. Still, there were no outside disturbances, no more ninja attacks or anything of the like."
"How was your evening? You look in a brighter mood than when you left, earlier."
He gives her a quirky half-smile. "We can move to the sterncastle and speak there quietly and have some semblance of privacy if you would like, or we can retire to the captain's quarters. He's not in at present, though I have no idea when he might return."
"The Captain's cabin is suitable as we have permission to use it from Variel." Rain nods and smiles gently, a little distracted but not dismayed by anything at present.
To Jiro's question of how her evening went, Rain pauses as if to find the right description and then proceeds in quiet voice, "There was much talking, Dhaavan to me, Variel to me, Variel to both Dhaavan and myself. I was initially not in a fit mind to interact and comprehend. Yet I forced myself to listen and gained some deeper understanding. Apologies were exchanged which aided to salve the primary wounds. Then Flynn spoke to us and apologised as soon as we stepped foot on the Lady, which I honestly was not expecting. It permitted me to let go of residual anger in a way. If he had not apologised and explained some of the Skylord's mannerisms to me, I do not know if I could have continued this course with him and the Skylord. I have come to realise how very different my ways are and that I may need to bypass obstacles rather than tackle them head on."
Rain looks across to her kitsune friend as they walk to Variel's quarters."If my manner of speech was offensive to you during last night's meeting, I earnestly apologise. In an effort to protect, I allowed my temper to gain a foothold and it was not the wisest course as I have come to see." Rain's flushes at the admission, having spent a large portion of the night reflecting on her transgressions. She was not completely resolved and wondered if she could be. Still, she would attempt to be more tolerating in the future.
Turning the focus back onto Jiro, she enquires, "Now tell me more of this unavoidable confrontation between you and Flynn? Is there something to be concerned about?"
Once securely in the captain's quarters, he paces a little then finally turns to face Rain and stops pacing. "You are apologizing to me? There's nothing to apologize for, as your temper was not directed at me. It was I who failed you, and need to apologize. In my attempt to avoid confrontation, I didn't speak up on your behalf when I should have. I most humbly beg your forgiveness, Rain."
He gives her a chance to absorb his apology and bows deeply as he gives it. Slowly he seems to come out of his overly somber mood and scowls slightly as he looks for a place to sit. Finally he finds a chair and settles in it, seeming a bit uncomfortable.
"Flynn came aboard late at night with a stranger and simply sent him below without ever getting permission for the newcomer to board the ship from the officer of the watch, which was me. I didn't challenge him on it, because this was Flynn, and he was acting all dark and stuff like he's been lately, and he was wounded and covered in blood. To be totally honest, I didn't want to hear his story, as I was sure it would go on and on and be tedious to hear. You know how he gets. "
Seijiro sighs and continues on... "So sorry for babbling on about this... but you did ask. ANyway, he noticed me scowl as he came aboard and after sending the stranger below to his workshop and quarters, he came and asked me what my problem was. I explained to him that the stranger should have asked permission to come aboard and he flew into a temper, saying I was rude and yelling at him and that his permission alone was good enough. Every ship I've ever served on, it was simply good manners and proper protocol for strangers to get leave to board from either the captain or the officer of the watch. I tried to tell Flynn this and kind of lost his cool."
"I'm afraid I lost my temper but I didn't raise my voice, but he accused me of yelling at him and treating him badly. That was the last we spoke. I'm not sure where this stranger is now, what he's on board for or what plans FLynn has for him."
"I may be completely misguided, but I feel a great deal of mistrust for what is going on below decks with Flynn and his little corps of followers. I know what we did to Harrigan, recruiting his crew to our ends and that is what it feels like Flynn is doing now, creating his own cadre. I hope I'm wrong, but he's so unapproachable lately... dark and almost like he's on the verge of more darkness than light. It started a while ago, I'm not saying it's anything new. First his language turned dark and unpleasant, and now his demeanor is following."
Seijiro shrugs and looks down, shaking his head slowly. "I'm probably just imagining things... at least I hope I am, so please forgive me if I've overstepped myself here. What do you feel about this? Have I totally misinterpreted what I see? I hope and pray that I'm wrong."
He looks up again, his liquid amber eyes meeting Rain's turquoise. His gaze is worried and sad.
Rain shakes her head, attempting to allay Jiro's concern over his silence the previous night. "Since our first meeting in Port Peril until now I have come to know your general shyness and reticence to confront and I do not hold a grudge. Aye, in all frankness, I would have preferred someone speak up on my behalf, and, when it did not happen it did wound me. Yet I understand the many reasons why and I accept your apology, along with the others. It was a difficult night and all of us could have handled the situation better. So do not fret, Jiro. We are well." Rain's voice is softer than usual and there is still a hint of gravel in its pitch.
Noticing Jiro take the small chair in the cabin, Rain moves over to Variel's bed and sits down on the edge of it, looking over at the kitsune and noticing his scowls and sighs.
"The most worrying detail for me is the presence of this stranger aboard the Lady. Flynn should have better sense then to smuggle someone onboard without giving detail to the officers and Captain. He should have come to you directly and told you of his plan, especially since Variel charged you with overseeing the ship in his absence. I have noticed Flynn's lack of protocol and I believe it is because he does not see himself the lesser of any one of us and thus if he chooses an action, it will be done without preamble. I do not believe it is a malicious act; just not a mindful one. Variel must be told of this boarder's presence immediately and given opportunity to speak to him before we sail out of Bloodcove. If the man's life is in danger and thus the secrecy, then perhaps the concealment is understandable. Yet Flynn was not forthcoming and that gives me cause to seek answers. You say Flynn returned covered in blood? What manner of action did he undertake last night?" Rain sighs and wonders why none of them knew of Flynn's whereabouts during the night or the stranger now nestled mysteriously below deck.
"You were right to tell me this, Jiro. I have observed his darker temperament as well and felt the brunt of it last eve. He told me the trials of the assassin attack sent him into a vicious spiral and affected how he spoke and treated me, and, that the general lack of affinity between us has him below deck more than not. I can understand the strain but there must be more to this and if he will not let us in, then we must seek the answers out ourselves. Perhaps we can have a word to Dhaavan? I have not always been the greatest proponent of the sorceror; however he has a certain pleasing manner and can reach Flynn more readily than you, Variel or I."
Rain sits subdued, reflecting on what she had just been told. She did not know where Variel was at present, nor Dhaavan.
"If I know Flynn, he will have Piper or one of his trusted gun crew keeping the boarder secured below. We must find the other officers and ask Flynn to kindly explain himself. Then we go see the mysterious boarder."
Rain stands up from Variel's bed and naturally smooths down the covers. Then she makes her way to the closed door.
"I am hoping there is a reasonable explanation for all of Flynn's actions, Jiro. He needs to be approached calmly and without accusation. And away from the crew's eyes and ears. They trust him and it would prove imprudent to question him in front of them."
Rain hoped that there was a plausible reason for all of it and that Flynn would explain it to them so they could understand his reasoning and intent.
"Is there anything else that is concerning you, Jiro? If not, then let us get to this business immediately."
Seijiro's eyes edge with tears for a moment and he bows as Rain accepts his heartfelt apology. He bows his head again, and then sighs as Rain changes the subject back to Flynn. He shrugs in answer to the question posed. "I didn't ask what he did last night. I was, I'm afraid, a little more concerned about the stranger on board than Flynn's condition. I was in no mood to listen to one of his lectures or overlong self-aggrandizing tales. I should have asked, and shown some concern, I know."
"You're right. Maybe Dhaavan can get through to him somewhat. The young sorceror does have a way with others, and seems to have a rapport with Flynn, though that too seems to have it's moments of strain."
He sighs again and pulls his feet up onto the chair, so he is sitting cross-legged on it. "I hope he CAN be approached away from the crew or his little group of followers. He doesn't seem to want our company much, preferring theirs. It distressed me greatly that he started that argument last night in front of the night watch. Bad business that, as it displays too much discord among the officers, but I could not get him to stop. I agree that trying to talk to him privately is the best solution though."
He pulls his ankles in close and waggles his knees slightly. Then gives Rain a little half-smile. "I do appreciate you coming to talk with me, Rain. I was beginning to feel a little left out of all that goes on around here. Sometimes it feels like... I don't know... like I don't quite belong. I..."
He shakes his head, his red hair flying about his face in a ragged mess, out of its usual ponytail. "..I'm sure I'm just feeling a little homesick and missing my family, but sometimes I feel like I'm treated like a kid playing at being an adult, you know? I AM trying to do my job, and I'm still learning it, but Dhaavan has to do the bartering and Flynn just takes what he wants from stores whenever he wants, and no one really listens to me about a lot of things. I really appreciate that you listen and care what I have to say."
His half-smile finally becomes a full grin and his eyes twinkle as he smiles at her. "Just wanted to say thank you, Rain-san for listening to me. I hope you are right and that my fears are misguided. I agree, let us get to business, and put all this talk behind us."
He uncoils from what looks like an uncomfortable position on the chair and hops to his feet, looking eager to get on with things.
Rain places her hand delicately on Jiro's shoulder in a comforting, sisterly manner.
"I am sorry you feel like you do not belong and that you are not seen as an adult. I have often found comfort in your company and sought your advice and understanding. Lately, I have felt out of place aboard the Lady and I too have reminisced on my old life and the family and friends I left behind. I can comprehend your longing and feel for you as your family is far away. I know you miss and worry over your twin brother. Please know that both Variel and I respect you and seek your company. I cannot speak for the others as I do not have close bonds with them." Rain removes her hand from his person lest she make the kitsune self-conscious or shy with her touch.
"I am not attempting to invalidate your concerns, as there seems to be some foundation to them. I just advise we approach it cautiously as Flynn is a fellow officer and he does not react well to perceived threats and confrontations. Variel has asked us to behave better toward one another and I am attempting to keep to his instruction. We must keep level heads and we must find out about this secret boarder. Let us hear what Flynn has to say on the matter. Time we sought Dhaavan and Variel and shared this information with them."
Rain opens the door and together they go in search of Dhaavan, Variel and even Flynn himself.
** spoiler omitted **
”Aye – well, that’s fair, I’ll allow. But I’ll say that if you can’t laugh at yourself, it’s likely there are those who only laugh harder at you.”
”Of course, that’s not my own thoughts – it was something told to me. If you can’t take such thrusts as mere jokes, I fear you may end up being wounded far more often.”
He sighs, than grins a little.
”Oh well, bad luck, I guess. Hopefully things warm up and people learn to relax a little. Otherwise I’m guessing that there really will be blood spilled over what could have otherwise been a silly joke,” he says a bit nervously.
”But… luckily… that hasn’t happened yet. I’m hoping it doesn’t happen at all, but I guess we’ll see, eh?” he adds, trying to smile a bit.
As if out of nowhere, Rain turns about and sees Dhaavan on the decks chittering away with Jack in a strange half-language, as if waiting. "So Rain, what seems to be amiss here? You seem concerned... Ya need ta talk?"
not sure what details Rain will give about the man or her conversation with Jiro, but seeing as Flynn is asleep...
In the morning, right about when Flynn and company rise and could perhaps entertain company, footsteps can be heard approaching the cabin, and there is a pecking at the door.
as it is opened, the occupants see their sorcerous First mate casually approaching with a small platter trailing behind him, fresh perishable fruits purchased in Bloodcove, best eaten sooner rather than later.
With his trademark smirk, Dhaavan strolls to the threshold, leaning says, "Good Mornin, Flynn, Piper, Mr..." waiting for the man to introduce himself. "Brought these down for yea," he says floating the sliced fruit into the room for the three to munch on.
Then as if remembering something he was supposed to do Dhaavan asks "Flynn! Did Camm ever catch up to you last night? I was pickin' up a couple last minute purchases and he caught my eye. Got a summons from one o' his old Flight-mates. Wouldn't give me much information at all 'bout it, sommat bout it bein beyond my ken, so i was wonderin id he'd found ya afore he flew off?" Dhaavan is clearly rather displeased by the loss of Camm, especially having settled things with him as to get him onto Rain's good side, or at least off her bad one, only for him to get called away. He masks his disappointment, but not enough that it isn't there.
He waits for Flynn's response and to see what the man has to offer about this guest of his.
** spoiler omitted **
After a moment of knocking you hear Piper ask coldly from within –
”Who goes there?”
After hearing your comments, there is a muted discussion behind the door.
In a moment Horatio opens it.
He is currently standing in black trousers. He has no shoes or stockings and no shirt or jacket. His hair is loose around his shoulders and his eyes are bloodshot and he glances past you somewhat suspiciously as he buckles his weapons belt around his hips.
Stepping out into the space in front of the door, he looks at you a moment.
At this point you can still see splatters of dried blood on his cheeks and an ugly scar on his forearm; the blood now rust-colored as it’s caked on the unhealed wound.
Behind him, perched on one of the shelves in the tiny cabin is a large falcon, its golden eyes staring at you with a proud, fixed gaze. Something about it seems more intimidating than a regular bird, though – it’s size, the look of intelligence… it’s hard to say...
Piper watches you from the center of the room, the third member still asleep in the bunk – at least, they seem like they are sleeping…
Seeing your offer for breakfast, his eyes suddenly narrow.
”Why are you bringing me food?” he asks tensely, looking behind you, searching the hallway.
He looks at you as you slice the fruit and takes the piece you offer.
”Wait – indulge me – you take the first taste, eh?” he asks, his eyes intent on you, as if seaching you for any specific details.
Hearing your comment about his “guest” – his eyes flick up.
”They’re sleeping now – I’d ask that you reserve questions until later. It was a rather long night,” he says a bit cagily.
”But as for specifics – we needed more sailors. So I found another person to help sail the ship. That’s good news, aye?” he asks, still watching you.
When you mention Camm, his eyes narrow a bit.
”No – we were separated after the job got done. We thought if we were being tracked that splitting up would throw the pursuers off our trail. He could have hauled us all – but he wanted to use Cyclone to create a bigger noise behind us to lure off the guards, then – when they were almost to have caught him, he would use his mount to fly off into the night in another direction and rendezvous back at the ship.”
”He didn’t mention that he was leaving anywhere,” he adds with a weary frown.
He ponders things a moment, saying nothing.
”Dhaavan – you have always been a good friend to me, and it seems like I’m in short supply of friends on this journey. I am sorry that my manner is curt and my way is tense. I am suspicious of the new set of “recruits” that were brought on board. Any one of them could be a spy for the same assassins which attacked us, or they could be a spy for the Consortium folk we hit earlier… I don’t know,” he says nervously.
”And as for this display now…” he says, indicating his suspicions of you, he sighs ”my apologies. I’m on edge; I’m nervous – and quite frankly I’m fairly worn out. I don’t mean to be so short with you, though. You’re a good man. I’m sorry for any issues we may have had in the past.”
”It is early yet – let me eat and have a proper meal, and time to clear my head. I will find you later this afternoon – shall we say eight bells of the next watch?”
”And if you need anything, ask Piper – she’ll happily help you. If she isn’t forthcoming with the help – say to her – The Chief says I speak on his behalf. – She’ll help you then with whatever you need to do, if she can,” he adds.
”In any case, I will see you more later today – right now, I have had a long night, I found a friend and lost them again – and I am fairly worn out. Rest assured, though – I will speak with you again soon,” he adds as politely as can be.
Dhaavan raises an eyebrow to Flynn, as he questions him about the food. Dhaavan takes a slice of melon and pops it into his mouth, then after a quick glance at the plate and Flynn snatches up a couple tasty looking berries. Questing my generocity, well that's two less of these tasty red... things for him
"See, it's fine eh? relax. ya can trust me," he says with a chuckle.
About Camm, Dhaavan says, "Yeah, I caught 'im as he was on the move, and when he saw me ha rushed over, tol' me that he got an urgent call and had to leave. some other one o his Flight-mates, said he had something to do for his old company and then he just took off right then. Real sudden like. I'm sorry mate. I know it was good ta have 'im around for ya, but them's the breaks, i guess. And he had his loyalties or debts what he had ta honor."
"As for yer mate, I'd like ta talk ta him tonight as well, huh? jsut so as i have a handle on who all's on the crew. Still got these new faces ta get ta know, but that's m' job."
Dhaavan'll take his leave till Flynn is free and retire to the Captain's cabin once Varies gets on the decks. Jack on the other hand flits around watching everyone on the crew, an even sharper intelligence shows in his red eyes, when he is noticed at all.
"Ya know mate, I'd actually like a chance ta meet yer companion sooner rather than later. Preferably before Variel calls the officers together. Figure it'd help keep things moving more smoothly, eh? so why don't ya send him to see me while I work once he's no longer indesposed, yeah?"
Dhaavan raises an eyebrow to Flynn, as he questions him about the food. Dhaavan takes a slice of melon and pops it into his mouth, then after a quick glance at the plate and Flynn snatches up a couple tasty looking berries. Questing my generocity, well that's two less of these tasty red... things for him
"See, it's fine eh? relax. ya can trust me," he says with a chuckle.About Camm, Dhaavan says, "Yeah, I caught 'im as he was on the move, and when he saw me ha rushed over, tol' me that he got an urgent call and had to leave. some other one o his Flight-mates, said he had something to do for his old company and then he just took off right then. Real sudden like. I'm sorry mate. I know it was good ta have 'im around for ya, but them's the breaks, i guess. And he had his loyalties or debts what he had ta honor."
"As for yer mate, I'd like ta talk ta him tonight as well, huh? jsut so as i have a handle on who all's on the crew. Still got these new faces ta get ta know, but that's m' job."
Dhaavan'll take his leave till Flynn is free and retire to the Captain's cabin once Varies gets on the decks. Jack on the other hand flits around watching everyone on the crew, an even sharper intelligence shows in his red eyes, when he is noticed at all.
”Yes… those are the breaks, it seems,” Horatio says, his eyes narrowing a bit as he thinks of Camm and what really may have prompted him to leave; not entirely sure on Dhaavan's story.
He shakes his head after a moment of reflection.
”Me and my mate will come to find you are eight bells next watch – which is noon, I believe. Hopefully you will not be disappointed,” he adds with a nod.
”I'll see you then. Now – if you’ll excuse me?” he concludes politely, than goes back into his room and about his business.
For Adular and Sandara and the others that join in
"Sandara, this newcomer is Adular, as i mentioned, he'll be takin over Valeros duties from me, especially good that I can't be on deck all day long these days, with my crafting." Dhaavan mentions.
"He's also a Priest of our mutual friend, Besmara as well. I'd appreciate it if yea help get the crew i line behind 'im. He knows his way round a boat, so that's no worry. The crew respects yer opinion, an a good word from one o' their own'd mean a lot, yeah?"
For Adular and Sandara and the others that join in
"Sandara, this newcomer is Adular, as i mentioned, he'll be takin over Valeros duties from me, especially good that I can't be on deck all day long these days, with my crafting." Dhaavan mentions."He's also a Priest of our mutual friend, Besmara as well. I'd appreciate it if yea help get the crew i line behind 'im. He knows his way round a boat, so that's no worry. The crew respects yer opinion, an a good word from one o' their own'd mean a lot, yeah?"
Adular doffs his hat as he meets the flame haired lady with a bow, "Tis a pleasure to meet a fellow cleric of the Pirate Queen. The good captain suggested we share quarters, and assuming the idea not offend you, I will be happy to set me gear in any corner of the room ye'd like. And aye, I hope to make a good impression on the crew. "
Rain stands to the side and simply watches the introduction and interaction for now.
She silently admires the Besmaran priest's manners. Adular appeared to have experience dealing with people and it showed through his speech.
Sandara smiles brightly at the introduction and says Well hells bells, it's sure good to have someone else on this ship with the proper life path o'followin the greatest god o'them all...and not bad lookin' to boot. Welcome aboard the Dread Lady, Adular. Sandara is the epitome of a female pirate. Saucy, quick witted and fiery as the nine hells. She doesn't take crap from anyone and has no problem making someone bleed if the need comes. That said she is mostly interested in carousing with the crew and chasing gold and glory.