about to finally take a bite out of some much needed food
ship lurches and the food falls on the floor
;;
Falls to his knees
"it was innocent"
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Having served aboard a number of ships during his travels to find the monastery, Faltain had picked up several skills as a sailor, including helping out in the galley from time to time. It's been a little while since I've done this, but I'll be glad to help out, Clubsen. He pulls one of the knives out of the drawer and begins preparing the vegetables according to Clubsen's instructions.
As he works, the vegetables keep coming out in slices and chunks of all different shapes and sizes. Hehe, sorry Club.
Once in the galley, Clubsen sets about the place with a passion, making frequent reference to and making further notes in a small journal as he works. He sets some meat to soak in ale heavily salted and generously administers from his private store of herbs and spices which he keeps in a small water-tight tin.
If Faltaine and Bonvorio consent to stay, he starts barking out orders to rehydrate and chop veggies, watch pots as whiskey sauce reduces and to measure and have ready ingredients for him to utilize
about half-way through, he looks up at the ceiling and sighs. he whispers, that really won't do at all and in an apparently violent and noisy fashion involving a bit of screaming which turns out to be remarkably efficient, he clears the first attempt away to be stored in the fridge and be reworked into breakfast tomorrow.
Starting again with renewed passion and sense of purpose, he hurls Bonvorio and Faltaine bodily from the room and shuts them out. Anyone listening at the door may hear any number of distressing noises which may or may not include: screaming cats, swearing in sylvan, chopping, hissing steam, powered equipment, service vehicle backup warning alarms and banging pots and pans.
but the results speak for themselves as he comes up on deck and wolf whistles to get everyone's attention and invites them below for a sumptuous five course meal including a citrusy carrot soup, curried pork and even small spiced plum cakes for dessert, all while using a (relative) minimum of their stores.
"Rawr!" Pocky yawned as she stood on her little panda paws. Smelling something tasty she trotted his way into the kitchen.
Jimmy headed his way towards the captain's cabin in curiosity.
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Faltain goes wherever the food is. He has his priorities straight at this point. As he begins to dig into the first course, he sees Pocky eyeing him across the table. Hey there...little panda bear. How's it going? He shifts in his chair uncomfortably and pulls his plate a little bit closer to himself.
He turns to face Clubsen and begins speaking quietly to him, So what do you think of this whole situation? Jaythail turns out to be an infamous pirate, that Orc friend of hers has some pretty impressive powers, and now we're all involved in this? We went from being practically nobody to being hunted by the Navy in the span of a couple hours. I don't know about you, but things aren't exactly going how I thought they would.
As for me, I joined the crew as a way to travel around the islands to become a famous racer, and to someday be the fastest racer in the world. Being a fugitive doesn't exactly lend itself to my goals. What about you?
Jaythail walks to the door and quickly opens it only for it to hit a curious Jimmy on the outside.
"You know what they say about curiosity Jimmy, right?" Jaythail walks across the deck to get to the other end of the ship to go below deck. As she does, anyone currently on the deck can make a Perception check DC15
Ternock flies down from above onto Balthazar's shoulder suddenly. Breaking out of his trance, Balthazar jumps and produces an audible tooting noise from his back side. Jaythail laughs...
Hahaha, making room Bal?
She continues down to the lower decks, Balthazar just stares at his feet, embarrassed by his display and brushes Ternock off his shoulder. He walks slowly to the bow of the ship and stares off into the distance.
Takio will wait for the others to leave, walking both Kasumi and Jaythail to the door before turning back and telling them, "Go on without me,... I'll be down in a minute."
On entering the galley he would grab a portion of food easily enough to feed two, a mug of ale then sit to begin eating with the rest of the crew...
Dear Captain Corigain Deboux,
It is my great pleasure to inform you of the capture and swift death of the pirate known as Lyndra Deboux. We have also sent along her locket with additional proof of her demise inside. I hope in the future you do not withhold further information from me... Lieutenant Commander Corigain Deboux.
Most Sincerely, Fleet Admiral Yujin Kira
As your eyes scan the rest of the letter over, you now see the date this letter was written... 6 days prior to today.
Putting the letter away and looking with your magic eyes towards the black lacquered box. You notice no magical auras, even from within. You summarize Corigain must of had the key to open it as you make your way to the lower decks.
Upon sitting down, Takio would try to sit next to Kasumi, "Kasumi?" setting down his plate, Takio would reach into his pocket pulling out the note and passing it to Kasumi.
When Takio walked in you notice a well lacquered box strapped to his back and a Lieutenant commanders armored coat draped over his shoulders.
He turns to face Clubsen and begins speaking quietly to him, So what do you think of this whole situation? Jaythail turns out to be an infamous pirate, that Orc friend of hers has some pretty impressive powers, and now we're all involved in this? We went from being practically nobody to being hunted by the Navy in the span of a couple hours. I don't know about you, but things aren't exactly going how I thought they would.
As for me, I joined the crew as a way to travel around the islands to become a famous racer, and to someday be the fastest racer in the world. Being a fugitive doesn't exactly lend itself to my goals. What about you?
Clubsen smiles wistfully up at Faltaine, what do I think?... I think we may be in over our heads, old friend. I think Jay was deliberately reckless and intended for us to follow the whole time; I don't know why, or that she can even admit it to herself, but I do... I think Takio is right to be frightened, and I'm touched that he and Kasumi are so angry with worry for us; although, I'm hurt that they think so little of us, or apparently me in particular, as to not believe we grasp the situation we're in
He chuckles a bit I think I could have made better choices at the docks today, to be perfectly honest, but I still think my plan to take out Corigain on the ship would have worked if he hadn't been so blind, stupid drunk.
I think I became a sailor so I could explore the world, and understand the ocean on her terms, and meet interesting marine life. I think I don't know how possible that's going to be while we're rescuing Jay's friend and otherwise on the run, but I'm determined to have as much fun as possible for the duration of however long I'm going to be scared to death like I am now.
Thank you for asking
Choosing to forgo a meal for the time being, Kasumi takes the letter and shifts in his seat as to get comfortable. Failing that, he grumbles about having lost an old friend in that chair and begins to read the contents of the letter.
He returns the letter to Takio, after having stared at it for a good moment his expression shifting from mild discomfort to a cold, blank stare and his voice a low, even tone. "Seems we'll only have more and more questions the deeper we get into this."
His hand slides down to the new belt pouch, where the locket lay inside. "And I'm sure we will not like the answers. Do you have the photo? May I see it?"
"I left it in the cabin,... Only took the letter" Takio frowns slightly, "I almost feel bad for him,... Almost... But that, unfortunately, is the life of a pirate..." thinking to himself and mentally finishing the sentence, "live till you die"
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As Faltain finishes his meal, he dabs away the food from around his mouth with an air of refinement. He then looks around the table at each of his companions, reminding himself that these people have become like a second family to him. Finally, he looks Jaythail in the eyes and says, So it would seem that we're all along for the ride in this plan of yours to go "pick up" your friend from Iron Depths. Any idea what kind of reception we might be able to expect? It might be best for all of us if we go in with a bit of a plan for the whole team in case things heat up.
Jaythail is caught mid slurp at Faltain's question. She wipes the soup from her lips and swallows hard as her face slowly changes into a very serious, almost grave look.
"Honestly, I don't like our chances. But we must split up into two teams, one leading a frontal assault, they need to go in hard and not let up. The second group will need to go around the back of the Iron Depths to flank them and keep them pinned down unt-"
Ternock who is sitting perched on the table interrupts, "This is a reach around joke isn't it?"
Jaythail looks in shock at Ternock, Damn! I'm becoming too predictable! Hahaha!"
She looks to each of you at the table smiling, "Not to worry, this is a simple pick up. As long as we are disguised. Obviously showing up in this ship as we are is bad. So my crew will meet us a days journey away on the North side of Iron Depths, from there. We will throw on some disguises and pick Podrick up. Though I prefer less people on board as to not garner suspicion."
Kasumi considered for a moment, before standing, relinquishing the half-comfort of whatever it was he was attempting to sit on. The thing didn't even lean back.
"If my suspicions are correct, we'll more than likely be seeing Corigain again following Jaythail on her path."
He then goes back to the Captain's Cabin, and looks for the photo. He trusted he would be informed of whatever he may have missed upon his return, if it was important. If the photo was still there, he will take it and keep it hidden for when he returns, after taking a good look at it for himself. If it's not, he'll simply nod to himself and go back to Takio in a somber mood, saying nothing.
"YAHOO! I wanna attack em' head on!" Jimmy yelled excited for another battle, wanting to redeem himself in his nakama's eyes. Not relizing of coarse that Jaythail was simply jesting.
"Jaytha-ya, it is good to see you again!"
Pocky waited for Clubsen to look away as she snuck some of the extra rations that Clubsen had been saving for tomorrow.
"Jimmy and Pocky! My second favorite duo." Jaythail muses.
He takes out the locket, looking over it with a feeling of dread of what he may find inside, given the letter. Electing to stash it back in his pouch before leaving the cabin.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"I'll also volunteer for the frontal assault team. I'm not too good at sneaking around, but I an sure make some noise to grab attention" :P
"I'll handle your reach around, Jaythail." He'd put some slight emphasis on the words ' handle' and ' your', wearing a mischievous grin.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"I call sloppy seconds!" Takio says sarcastically with a likewise mischievous grin.
Kasumi turns his grin on Takio. "And you know mine are the best."
"did we just become best friends?!?!" He says in response to Kasumi half excited, half sarcastic still.
"I think so. What is it best friends do together?"
His grin shifts back to Jaythail. "Maybe you will have to do some stretches."
"I dont know,... Practice Karate?..." He now shifted in his chair a bit. Awaiting Jaythail's input towards the latest comments, laughing all the while.
Blinks slowly, carefully scratches creamed potato soup off tomorrow's menu
Jaythail look about the room with a grin. She looks content at the norallity that has befallen her friends. She finishes her meal humming to herself. She then looks to Kasumi as he reemerges back at the table. "Where did you go all of a sudden Kasumi?"
Kasumi looks up from his pondering, his flirtatious smile waning ever so slightly. "Something had caught my eye back in the cabin, just went back to see it again is all."
Kasumi then kinda shakes his head. "So.. Tell us how you plan on getting to your friend, about the iron depths in general and what we can expect when we get there."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Jaythail sighs and speaks aloud, "Alright guys listen up! When we meet up with the four others on my ship we will need to decide who is doing the transfer. Podrick is supposed to be released the next day as his t-... I mean sentence is up. Obviously we don't want to show up as pirates as many navy soldiers and the Warden and Vice Warden will be there. So you guys are actually better suited for this than we are as they might not even know your faces yet. After which, we will need to just casually leave. The Iron Depths itself is a submerging island and only raises once per day for 1 hour for supplies, prisoner transports and the like. So we will need to arrive precisely at noon... as that is the time it raises."
"what is "t"?
"Oh I was going to say term, but that wouldn't be the right word for it obviously."
term, yeah, makes perfect sense... Considering we're legally, albeit in the company of pirates, accepting custody of a former prisoner from an island that can defensively submerge, would it make sense as a contingency, y'know, in case somebody notices YOU, for me to make a few scrolls of Touch of the Sea and Air Bubble, especially if we have to drag any of our shortsighted comrades who traded all the wonders of the ocean for a tiny modicum of extra power out of the salt? That's assuming we have more than a day or two's journey and that I can borrow supplies to do so, since I was forced to leave all of mine back in Bridgeport.
"no one forced you to run onto a ship, albeit, in the midst of battle leaving your friends behind" Takio interjects, "You think we chose this power knowing what would happen?..." Takio sighs, flashbacks running through his mind. "If you really have this much a problem with me Clubsen, then take care of it like a man now, because it was due to Kasumi and my powers we made it this far while you and Bonvorio fled to the ship leaving Faltain surrounded..."
sighs stop sulking, nii-chan. I'd have hoped you'b be over this by now; Faltaine is. Look, I made a decision in battle to go after Corigain on the ship. I believed he would stay put and continue sniping with his musket; he didn't. I also believed that with the mist as cover and with you and Kasumi nearby, Faltaine would be more than a match for the soldiers; he wasn't.
As it turned out, I made the wrong decision. I'm sorry, but it did turn out alright... this time... which is what matters right now, but the next time *you* make a poor decision, which, by precedent, should be within the next ninety minutes or so, I promise not to ever let you live it down either.
As for the jibe about the devil fruit, that's all it was, a jibe. Remember six hours ago when we still had a long standing tradition of insulting each other for fun? It's also a valid concern. If I lost any of you to the Sea I'd have to burn my mistletoe, because I could never, ever forgive Her, and I'd be a very poor druid then.
He climbs onto the table and kicks his own plate to a corner. He stomps over to stand in front of Takio and extends his hand. Eh nii-chan? Do you accept my explanation and apology, or are you gonna continue to be a wazzock? Along with his little hand, Clubsen also offers a wink and wild, toothy grin.
Continue being an ignorant gnome, my concern is justified but you don't see the severity in it..." Takio exlaims. "You say I cannot let it go, maybe because turning your back on an enemy is what gets you killed if luck is not on your side. Kasumi and me were across the docks and barely made it in time. You're just a sheep in wolves clothing, your word means nothing when your actions speak differently. I've lost trust in you... also, I have a name, use it...
Takio takes another swig of his drink, finishing it, then stands.
"And what do you plan or foresee will happen in the next ninety minutes or so? bedtime? We're out at sea, the next stop is a week away."
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Faltain rolls his eyes and decides to ignore Takio's melodrama. This is going to be a long voyage if he and Kasumi can't learn to trust Club and Bon again, he thinks. He turns to Clubsen and says, Based on the stocks here in the kitchen and the little bit of what I've seen throughout the ship, it's not super likely that we'll have the materials for you to make those scrolls, Club, though they would be a great aid to those of us with Devil's Fruit powers. He says the last part loudly and looks directly at Takio as if to imply that the gnome is trying to make amends, if only the gloomy sorc could give him a chance.
He then resumes his comments to the rest of the table, Anyway, that's the kind of planning I was thinking we need to do. Perhaps we might try disguising ourselves as a navy crew. There should be plenty of extra uniforms lying around for us to...borrow, and I see that Takio has found himself a fancy new officer's coat. With all of that, plus the fact that we're sailing a naval ship, we could pass of as a small supply ship or something like that, maybe even as a prisoner transport delivering you to the island. Any of that sound like a passable strategy?
Oh, and, Magic Boys, the two of you find anything else in Corigain's quarters that might be of interest or use to the rest of us? You haven't mentioned anything, but you've been whispering to one another about something or other for half the meal.
Kasumi stands, having lost patience with the lot of them. "Enough, Takio. Your words are as good as falling on deaf ears, it's a waste of time and effort to continue. It's their failure and naivety that they don't realize the true depth of what they've done and expect of us."
He looks to Faltain. "I am honestly surprised at you. That you've forgiven them so easily, and that you expect the same of us. You must not put any value on your life, or ours for that matter." His look turned to a glare. "Forgive me if I do not wish to be put in this position again. We may not walk away from it next time."
His glare turned on Clubsen, figurative venom dripping at the intensity. "I simply do not know what to say to you to get through your thick skull. I honestly can't believe how naive and simply oblivious you are. It astounds me. You know nothing about where either of us come from, what we've been through. Our concerns are not strictly for our own sakes, however much it may seem in Takio's case. I will not simply overlook your lack of good judgement, nor the fact that the three of you.." He points at Clubsen, Bonvorio, and then Jimmy in turn. "Put everyone's life in unnecessary risk. Jimmy is simply a fool, to have declared his childish dreams to the Navy in their own port, while his friends are surrounded. Then later turning to rescue a damn pet, instead of seeing to the welfare of a comrade in arms. A friend."
He looked back to Clubsen, his glare now as cold as his touch. "If we were ever in the position that Takio or I were in the water and needed your concoctions, the situation would already be beyond repair."
After a moment of silence, staring at Clubsen. Hoping against all hope and reason that the gnome comprehended his point, he added. "There's a map in the Captain's Cabin. Go and learn what you will. I'm done with this conversation."
Without another word, Kasumi strode off to the stern.
"we haven't been whispering anything. This is just the first time you or anyone has thought to ask. Yes we did find things, like this violin, coat, maps and such. Again, Faltain, you want us to respect and give you chances but you can't converse with us in a proper manner just because they were called out for their stupidity? I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the world is dark out there, and you're a fool to think otherwise. I'm not chan this or that, I'm Takio, if you want respect from me, earn it." Takio sighs as if talking to a child of his own... Which would be awkward considering he was only 15 himself. "we all make mistakes, but when it affects more than just you, and in a life threatening manner, I will call you out on it. , by the way for saving your ass since you feel so inclined to emphasize like a douche."
"That aside children, we found Corigain's belongings. A note, and an old picture. The guy has my pity with the evidence we'd just found. His mother was killed for being a pirate six days ago. Fleet admiral Yujin Kira sent him a locket we also found with evidence of her death inside apparently... Yujin might be a bit more of a problem later on down the road if we don't play our cards right."
Looking now to Clubsen, "we work on battle preparations so we don't go in blindly, all of us together and I'll forgive you. If you can't comply then I won't be there to watch you die or get captured... With that he walks out with Kasumi, ignoring any further words spoken from the rest.
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Faltain stands without a word and follows the others out of the galley. When they finally stop at the stern of the ship, he stops a short distance away and says, Kasumi, Takio, thank you for helping to save my life. From what I can tell of the battle, the two of you fought bravely and intelligently, something that I cannot even say for myself, let alone the others.
Forgive me if I have appeared naive or foolish over the past few hours. Believe me when I say that I recognize the danger we are all now in. I will leave it to the others to make that claim for themselves, but know that I do not take our situation, or the threat to your lives, lightly. My forgiveness of their actions may seem foolish to you, but it has been my experience that friends are a costly treasure, and I find it hard to cast them aside. They made mistakes, but now I simply hope they will learn from those mistakes so that we may all move forward as wiser, stronger people. I do not suggest that you must forgive them or trust them as well. I just want you to understand me a little better.
As you said, Kasumi, I do not know either of your histories, but I hope to learn them in time. I consider each of you as dear friends. I only hope that you will come to accept me as such as well and that, together, we can overcome whatever challenges await us.
I know you are both probably sick of my voice by this point, so for the time being I will leave you to consider my apology. If you would like further words with me, I will be in Corigain's cabin, looking over the map you mentioned so that I may better understand what we may yet face. Good evening.
With those words, he bows low to each of them in turn, trying to show his humility, then turns and goes to Corigain's cabin as he said he would.
The map in the cabin shows every island within a 1000 miles of Bridgeport.
To the North there is:
Tinderhill: This island is 186 miles from Bridgeport and should be in view by late evening the following day.
The Calm Belt: This belt of unnaturally calm water and no winds is located 558 miles from Bridgeport and can be arrived at in three days.
The Iron Depths: Is a prison located 930 miles from Bridgeport, due to it being located on the Calm Belt, it takes four days from the start of the Calm Belt to get to.
To the West there is:
Hensport: Located 321 miles from Bridgeport.
To the East there is:
Shadysire: Located 107 miles from Bridgeport.
Sapphire City: Located 634 miles from Bridgeport
To the South there is:
The Honeydew Kingdom: Located 989 miles from Bridgeport.
seeing if he might know about the inner workings of the Iron Depths
[dice=K.History of the islands]1d20 + 6
You know bits and pieces of history for each place.
Tinderhill: Is a literal hill island that has its town carved into its sides. It had a failing economy until 9 years ago.
The Calm Belt: Is the result of oceanic currents and strange magnetic fields. Also known as Deadman's Belt.
The Iron Depths: The prison has been around for over 200 years.
Hensport: Best known for its trade of Hensport Mead.
Shadysire: Best known for its production... and consumption of Shadysire Rum.
Sapphire City: The city is more than 400 years old. Is a central trading hub for a things pricey.
The Honeydew Kingdom: A kingdom built from ocean floor up in the last 20 years.
Takio leans back going over his tale in his mind. "I do not hate any of you Faltain, I believe you are all strong in your own ways,... My experiences have seen how dark the shadows in the world truely are, and you all have been the closest thing I've had to a family since." Takio seems to have more to say, and speaks thus far Ina very calm and unemotional Manner, "The navy came a few hours later and I overheard them says they, 'cleaned up' the mess... they deemed no survivors as if they were proud of it. I hid and stowed away on a ship and got off in Bridgeport where I since met you all and continued growing up."
The crew begins to relax as the night travels on. Before long you can assume it's 1 or 2 in the morning. Nothing but the sounds of the waves and the strain of the mast are present at the current time. Suddenly amidst the peaceful night. A sudden deafening crack followed by a huge boom can be heard that jolts all of you awake. It came from above in the sky. All of you rush topside to see what the source of the sound was. The sky that should have been dark was now lit up with what looked like comet streaking low to the ocean just off the stern. It hits the water hard causing huge tidal waves skyrocketing into the night sky; well higher than any bird could hope to fly. The shock wave of the blast hits your ship hard. Bonvario, Clubsen, Jaythail, Balthazar and Ternock all grab there heads in utter agony and scream, keeling over on the deck.
"PRE-...PREPARE THE SHIP FOR IMPACT!!!" Jaythail screams after the shock wave passes and fighting through the sudden pain of whatever happened to the five of them. "THAT GIANT WAVE IS JUST MINUTES AWAY!!!"!
Everyone please make Profession: Sailor checks (Even if you don't have it)
Startled from his slumber Takio rushes to get out the door and while half asleep and still sore attempts to prep the ship to the best of his ability. Looking in the distance moments after realizing what was going on he sees the tidal wave on the horizon and a silent panic sets in.
Exchanges a nonplussed look with Bonvorio before scrambling to find a line to hold onto and hitting the deck.