With three of them now out of the room, Sandara looking to be exiting, and Alain and Aldous both seeming to be gathering themselves, Tao decides now is a good time to bow out as well. Tao thought his previous exploration to be fruitful indeed and decides he should make a day of it. He needs to know this ship well if they are to plan a Coup. He assumed that most of the crew assumed he and his allies were still passed out despite the loud screaming and yelling. He gives Sandara one last thanks for her help (his own anger having been stolen by the intensity of the last few minutes) and makes his way below decks.
Sandara thanks you for hearing her out, emphasizes the need for caution and allies, and leaves. You all have a nighttime action.
Despite being told not to pick me up, Cuddles goes ahead and does it anyway, I know there is no point in struggling, that will just make him hold tighter ... which would hurt. So I just go limp and let him take me wherever it is he is going. On the way I speak to him quietly, "You know that once we are all rested everything will have calmed down again, right?"
After about 10 minutes of walking around the ship under Cuddles' arm we see Enya crying in the corner of a room and the next thing I know is I am on the floor with the large man shouting at us. "You know they will just whip us all again tomorrow, right? It has a better effect than individual lashes. Maybe we should plan for a way to stop that from happening?"
Well that didn't go as well as it might have. The next time I get kidnaped by pirates I should make sure my companions are a bit more on the mentally stable side. Standing up he'll place a hand on Sandara's shoulder and say, "I'm with you. Whatever you need".
He'll try to swing Giffer Tibbs over to the party's side.
Cuddles responds to River's comment while they're searching with, LUCY SAY NOT WAIT FOR HUGS. WAITING BAD. MAKES MAD CURDLE IN GUT LIKE MILK. BAD FEELS NEED TALK OR FIGHT NOW. GET OFF CHEST.
Enya doesn't look up as she hears them coming, she hardly moves. Sitting up against a corner, holding her knees, she is in her own world.
When River says they will all probably get whipped again tomorrow, she looks up and sniffles, her eyes red.
"I don't care if they whip me, its you Im worried about. And Aldous and Alain... Cuddles, you not so much, you look like you can take it more than the rest of us. But especially you River. You are different now. I don't like it. You were my friend before and you go and call me a savage the next. Im not even human. What kind of a friend would say that..." She trails off and puts her heas down again, her tears staining the ground where they land. Her sobs have grown quieter, but no less intense.
I listen to Enya and look up to Cuddles, "Could you give us some privacy, please? We need to talk about something ... girly."
Cuddles narrows his eyes for a moment. Lucy sometimes say fights need quiet time without eyes.
OK, BUT CUDDLES BE RIGHT THERE. He points to a space out of earshot, but not so far away that the two of you will escape making amends. He gives you each one more meaningful look before thudding away.
I nod reluctantly, "No peeking!"
I then turn my attention back to Enya, a sad expression on my face. "I said that Humans are savages yes, but you just said you're not Human so that should exclude you automatically. Not to mention I also said that you and everyone else, are not like the other Humans I have met. Which also excludes you from the savage comment. You should know better than anyone, most Humans don't trust those who are not Human, that's why when we find those that do trust us we have to protect them."
Enya nods a bit. "But Elves are not usually treated with too much scrutiny, being close to humans... You wouldnt understand truly..."
Her skin glows with the soft glow of a candle flame.
I lean in close to Enya and whisper, "As you have proven, looks can be deceiving. No-one would have thought you were an ... what did you call it, Ifrit? Well I too have my own secret, which I do not share as openly as you." With that my face's flesh tones dissolve and are replaced with a Turquoise hue, it continues to spread down my neck and onto my chest. "Don't tell anyone, especially Tao. I like him as you like Aldous, I am just a bit more shy than you. We are both creatures of the elements and as such you know how cruel Humans can be to us." I lower my head and when I raise it again seconds later my skin has taken on the colour that she had grown to know me having.
Once it is clear that he will not be able to go and console Enya, he stands and nods to Alain, Sandara, and Tao. "I have to go and see a few people about some weapons, which it seems we are allowed to have," having seen several of the crew with weapons.
Enya starts for a second, then regains her composure. She smiles at River, now understanding her name. "I see. You're from the water and I am from fire. A strange friendship we are evolving. Don't worry, River, I will not tell Tao, though I doubt he will care much. He is a sweet man, that is all that matters in my mind. Its a shame it is not the same belief of others..." She pauses for a second, her face regestering something. "Is it that obvious I feel for Aldous? Oh my.." Her cheeks flare with embarrassment.
Mica goes up to Arairi and sniffs his nose, trying to get closer to him. She chirps and squeeks quietly to him, as if trying to communicate something. She then runs behind Enya.
Aldous once again heads to Grok, hoping to get a chance to discuss things, he nods, "Evening...once again...I came to start paying my part of our bargain and perhaps parley it into something a bit more...long lasting. Is it safe to assume that you have been handed my friends' gear as well?" He asks her this as he notices her empty cup and holds his hand over it, whispering a prayer to fill it with water. "Ale, mead, or wine? The quality won't be great, but I can make you a couple of pints tonight."
I stand up and smile at Enya, "Come we should return, lest we are missed." I walk over to Cuddles who is no doubt watching us intently, "Come Cuddles, we're going back." I take his huge hand and place my forehead on the back on his hand, "Thank-you."
Cuddles smiles at the gesture, but points to both of you and says, HUGS. HUGS MAKE GOOD. MAKE FRIENDS. ALL BETTER
Enya laughs nervously and holds out her arms.
"Well, River? Friends?"
After that is over, she goes to the main deck, trying to put on a facade that nothing is wrong. She finds the little snooty bard and walks up to him.
"Hey! I've been looking all over for you! Well, since Ive regained consciousness. Haha! How about a beautiful ballad. I would be honored to be awed by your talents."
She grins and sits down at the feel of the gnome, making her face to face with him.
"There once was a fine lass
with a mighty fine ass
that swayed whenever she walked.
but when she was whipped,
she just fell to the ship
showing she wasn't that tough.
Yeah sure she can sing,
but not good as me
she could try but she'd surely fail.
And yeah sure shes fine
but I have girls like her all the time
so truly she's really quite plain!"
"Of course, milady, this isn't about you... There was another lass, errr... Emma... On the ship last year. A "bard" But as the song states, no where as good as I."
Captain Harrigan and Mr. Plugg spend most of their time on this deck. When the captain is on deck, the poop deck is off-limits to everyone but officers. Fortunately, the deck is unoccupied at the moment, so you're able to take a quick look around before hurrying back to the common area.
"That would be lovely. I will surely bring you ale every evening my spells are not spent, is that a fair...trade...so to speak?" As he says this, he fills her cup once more and then converts it to alcohol one more time, praying between each and then thanking Calistria for all of it.
"If I could see the items, I will not take much of this stuff, but perhaps one item for each of my companions...and perhaps only my spiky whip and a dagger for me? The dagger would be nice when working in the galley."
Up on the poop deck, he looks up at the poor ugly little parrot. He frowns sadly as he realizes that the poor thing has probably been starving up here waiting for a master that will never return his affection. He sneaks down and gets him some food for the bird and returns to leave it somewhere close by where he does not have to leave his master's side.
I look from Cuddles to Enya, "Friends ..." But I do not extend the offer of a hug, instead I place my hand in hers and shake. If Cuddles makes us hug it will be a quick and unemotional hug, just to get him to stop trying to make us hug. I will then go onto the deck and find the Dwarf that I have seen around, I stand a few feet in front of him and speak to him. "Могу ли я сидеть с вами, батюшка? Это приятно видеть, член почетного гонке на борту этого судна. Извините, если мой диалект немного прочь, я не говорил этого языка так, как я хотел бы."
Cuddles allows them to get away with he handshake (or 'hands-hug'), but is clearly not completely satisfied with the outcome.
After being verbally assaulted by a midget who thinks he can sing, Enya claps and smiles at him.
"Oh what a performance! That other bard was foolish to even try to compete with you! If you will excuse me, my darling, I must find a friend."
She smiles and stands up, now looking around for Aldous. She hadn't realized that she had truly felt anything for him, so she needed to figure out what was going on inside of her. Sure she had flirted before, millions of times, but in her 68 years of life she hadn't felt this way. Maybe it was just the situation, but her passion wouldn't let it go.
When she finds Aldous, she smiles and is a little too frazzled. She blushes and tries to calm herself. In a more normal voice. "Whats all that? And how'd you get it?" Her smile widens when she sees some of her stuff in the pile. "Oh, Aldous! You're a miracle worker!" She beams at him, radiating warmth from her core. She throws her arms around him and kisses him on the cheek, then, embarrassed, backs up a bit. She looks at the ground with her hands behind her back, rubbing at the deck with the toe of her boot. "sorry... I'm just happy... That's all.." A shy smile creeping to her face. She wont look him in the eye.
Seeing that the Dwarf is paying me no attention I say goodbye and take my leave. I go back to the sleeping quarters and on the way I walk into Tao as he is carrying some feed, "How are your wounds now, hopefully not troubling you?" Once I have found out how he is faring I continue to the sleeping quarters and once there I climb into my hammock and get an early night, Arirai curling up on my chest and falling asleep as well.
In the morning I wake and perform the same routine that has become the usual for me.
Grinning, his hands full of several items, he is very careful of all the sharp objects he is holding, as he reddens as she kisses him and he nods to the rosewood armor he had picked up for her, hoping to prevent further beatings from putting her to unconscious. He also carries a greatsword, two spears, one of which is short. "I made a deal with Grok to get us some of our gear back. I figured it would be a start, but I will have to visit her each night I have a spell remaining,"he says with a smile.
Enya smiled as he handed her her armor. She traced the carvings of fire and the skull and crossbones on the side lovingly. "Oh, thank you Aldous. Though I know you say different, I have a hard time believing you to be anything but a wonderful" She pauses, trying not to confess her true feelings by using the wrong word. "person. You truly are kind, truly amazing."
She dons her armor and, after she finishes, touches him gently on the shoulder, close to his neck. Her skin is warm, inviting, comforting. "Thank you. Truly, for all you've done for us." Her eyes lock with him, and for a brief second, flare with passion. She looks down, hoping her eyes have not given too much away. "Would you like some help? Two is better than one." She winks at him.
His grin never ceases, despite all the darkness of the last few days, there is this flaming light to help keep him going and as such, he nods and offers her the shortspear, "I believe that to be River's. I could not get everything, but I wanted to make sure we could defend ourselves if the ship were attacked. If that happens...I have an extra weapon for you. I wanted to make sure you were protected," his voice trails off as he then slings the large sword on his back, setting the longer spear aside, he wraps his whip around his waist, his thick leather belt between his flesh and the blades, then he tucks the dagger into the belt. "There we are...and yes...I agree...two is better than one...," he spits out, the closest thing to tongue tied she has seen him.
On the way back from gathering the food, River's appearance catches him by surprise and he almost drops the handfuls of grain and what little greens and fruits he could get his hands on.
"How are your wounds now, hopefully not troubling you?"
Uhh. I am fine tank you. I am feeling much bettu aftu the healing fwum owu fwiends.
He stood there juggling the food for an awkward moment with a half grin. He was never any good at social interactions. Especially random encounters such as this. He never had many opportunities to learn the right things to say in these situations. After a long moment though, River simply smiled at him and continued on his way. He smiled at her as she left and moved up to the bird.It's squawking obscenities blare in his ears, but he is insistent on helping the bird. He tries to calm it with the food before departing for bed.
Enya takes the spear and giggles softly. "I guess we should go deliver our subsequent gifts to our comrades. Im sure River is around here somewhere..." She looks around and spots her with Tao. "Over there! and she is with Tao! Perfect" She smiles. She was not ready to leave his company yet and was happy for the extra time. "Shall we?" She smiles at him takes his free hand, and they're off.
Nodding, he follows and then goes to unstrap the sword he just put on his back, "I believe this belongs to you, my friend." Looking over to Tao as he holds out the large sword carefully.
"And this to you!" She hands River her spear with a smile on her face, and blushing, daring to glance over at Aldous, then to Tao and back to River.
Mica is visibly excited as she jumps from Enya's shoulders to Aldous' shoulders and chirps and sings.
With a hand free, he reaches up and gives Mica a gentle pet. "I have done what I can, for now, to help us. We can work on more over the next few days. In the mean time...we should make as many friends as we can. We have each other, and I think these are the friendships that legends are made out of," he says with a grin to the three of them.
Mica and Enya nod at the same time. "But now, it is time to get some rest. Do you mind walking me to the sleeping quarters? Though I feel a lot more safe with my armor back, It'd be wise to have someone else, just in case one of Scourges men tried to pick us off one at a time... He seems that kind of coward." She says that last part quietly, then yawns. "It's been a rough day, and I am tired. Im sure Mica is, too." She smiles sleepily at Aldous, once again holding her hands behind her back and fidgeting with the toe of her boot.
Yeah, she liked him... "That's dangerous... But I kind of like this new feeling. It's exciting! I will not tell him though... No reason for that... Plus! Shouldn't the man express feelings first? At least thats what mom used to say." She giggles and looks at Aldous. "Please?"
"Of course, of course," he says with a smile, nodding to the others. "We should all get some rest, as it will no doubt be a long day again tomorrow. Especially if I have to fish for more turtles," he says as he shakes his head, then leans to give Mica a nuzzle.
"Goodnight everyone." Not wanting to let on or gather attention, she walks side by side with Aldous, trying to hide her shy, silly smile.
Tao looks around frantically for a way to grab the weapon. He hadn't actually HAD anything to begin with when he was taken, but he was not about to argue with being armed on a ship filled with those trying to kill them. He instructs Aldous to drop the sword strap around his neck and he would right himself after he unloaded the food. He smiled a wide grin of gratitude at the two for bring him and River tools to defend themselves with, but also for breaking the tension a bit with their interjection.
Ah yes, Goodnight Enya. Goodnight Aldous. Uhh, and River, if you are going to bed as well, Goodnight to you too.
He offers them a warm smile and bows his head in turn to each of them. He still struggles to keep all the food balanced, but he seems to be handling the situation fairly well. Luckily it was dark and they couldn't see his face beginning to turn purple as the sword weighed heavily on his back and the strap was tight around his neck.
I accept the short pole-arm and sling it over my back, then start to head off to bed when I hear Enya ask for "protection" to bed. I stop in my tracks, "Ah ... that makes sense, you two go on first then, I will return with Tao."
With that I turn and walk with Tao to the strange room, but I do no go inside, instead waiting outside the door for him to return. Once he returns from the room he has adjusted the large sword, "You must be very strong to be able to wield such a weapon. Shall we return to the sleeping quarters too, we have a long day tomorrow and I don't want to see you whipped again." A small tear rolls down my cheek but I seem oblivious to it.
Tao chuckles softly.
To be honest wid you, the only weason I am any good wid dis weapon is fwom yeaws of manual labu. I lewned actual swod play long ago when I was still young. You would be supwised how similu chopping a twee is to swod fighting.
He smiled again at her, laying a hand gently on her back as he gestured for her to lead the way to their sleeping quarters. He follows her in relative silence noting the tear, but feeling it inappropriate to reach over and touch her face to wipe it away.
I smile softly at Tao, "That is like myself, I have only used this spear to fish with, I am guessing that fighting with it will be similar to fishing."
Day Four Begins
Day Jobs
Alain: Repairs
Aldous: Turtle Hunting; Kroop is drunk
Cuddles: Swab the Decks
Enya: Repairs
River: Rat Catcher
Tao Sheng: Rigging Repair
I was going to prepare 2 Sleeps today as we have someone who can heal, so I didn't think I would need to prepare CLW, can I still have prepared them both?
Alin will attempt to influence Tilly Brackett while doing repair work .
If Alain notices River having problems he'll stop by and cast a sleep a time or three.