seems so she says with a nod
"Wi suppose to board di ship? Or dem did sey nuhting else?"
as I know it, we board the ship he says it might be a little cramped though
Rorx looks over at the close quarters in the ship, and snarls - "Cramped be putting it mildly... Yuh ave talk to di othas?"
all but this one lounging here she says.
The Vixen says to DeVill, "I ain't bothering meself, Sir DeVill. Ye're bothering me. I don't like being touched or kissed by a man, and I don't care for ye interrupting what's-his-face." She glances down at the card and says, "I do like the artwork on yer card, however."
The Vixen really would like to fault this prick in every way possible, as if he's the Anti-Shelyn. But she has to admit, "The linework, the color scheme... the artist in me can't deny it. This is a nice li'l piece o' work."
She then turns to the thrice-interrupted man, "Yer name, sir. And will ye permit me to share the load?"
The man looks up at you timidity before replying.
"Abbott Minkins, Ma'am..." he says in a very nasally voice.
He looks up at Mr. DeVill, who gives him a glare that could melt steel and cold enough it could freeze lava.
"I'm sure he can manage without you." DeVill says in a low voice. He then turns away to board the ship, Minions close behind.
The fairy giggles at the fake name, once she realizes it is a fake name.
"I understand, Lance. I mean... I need Hank in order to understand your words, but I spent many years trapped in my fox form. Only Addison could understand me, and she translated so I could talk.
"When she made all those explosions, we were working fairy magic together. It gives her fey magic, and gives me a fairy body. We are still new at this, so I think the next step is to speed the transformation up.
"But to answer your question, Lance, Mr. Splorer found me in a cage while traveling east. He may have thought me a normal fox, but I am half-kitsune. Mother is a kitsune; Father is a samurai. I say 'is,' but to see them again, I must pass on to the afterlife."How Fashion Bug ended up as a fairy is a long story, which she is happy to tell in the boat if Hank and Lance care to listen. For now, she says of her fairy form, "Miss Vixen and I have a special bond which gives me wings—and optionally green hair—" The fairy's luminosity changes from violet-white to pink-gold to emerald-green. Her hair color matches the aura around her. "And how about you, your highness? What are you Prince of? Are there many fey creatures in your land?" In Sylvan, she asks, <Do you understand Sylvan, the Tongue of the Fey?>
Lance's smile fades and he casts his eyes downward.
"I'm afraid that my friend here introduced me incorrectly. I'm no longer a holder of the title of prince... As for your question, I do understand fey tongue and their where many a fairy. I think we should catch up with the others, yes?"
The Vixen watches DeVille as he and Minkins walk to the ship. She points a finger at Minkins and her voice enters the little man's mind as she mouths some words: If he wants ye to be his b+*#+, least that @$$hole can do's kiss yer hand first. What's DeVille's problem with ye? Don't speak aloud. Mouth yer words when he ain't facing ye.
Fashion Bug nods and flies ahead of VV.
She hovers in front of Martha.
"Lady Highcastle! I remember you from Addison Lane's shop. Please forgive her. Her transformation uses powerful fairy magic, and I fear it has affected her memory. She seems not to realize that dress is one she designed herself. You look gorgeous in it, by the way! I always wanted to compliment your stunning figure and exquisite taste when you donned your new dresses."
For both Martha and Rorx, the fairy then clarifies,
"Perhaps you recall I was the fox at Addison Lane's shop, though now, when she is the Vixen, I am not... well... a vixen."
The little winged woman turns and smiles at Rorx and Sonix.
"It is good to see you and Sonix, Mr. Rorx. I believe you recall Miss Vixen speaking of a transformation at the Crystalhue gathering. As you can plainly see, I am now free of my collar. I expected to be taller, but fairy magic is beyond our ability to truly control. On the bright side, however, I do not contribute to the crowdedness of this ship. To me, it is a floating castle, but for you giant people, this boat seems rather..."
Fashion Bug struggles for a term that will not offend.
"...cozy."
She smiles at the thin man on the boat.
For both Martha and Rorx, the fairy then clarifies,
"Perhaps you recall I was the fox at Addison Lane's shop, though now, when she is the Vixen, I am not... well... a vixen."
The little winged woman turns and smiles at Rorx and Sonix.
"It is good to see you and Sonix, Mr. Rorx. I believe you recall Miss Vixen speaking of a transformation at the Crystalhue gathering. As you can plainly see, I am now free of my collar. I expected to be taller, but fairy magic is beyond our ability to truly control. On the bright side, however, I do not contribute to the crowdedness of this ship. To me, it is a floating castle, but for you giant people, this boat seems rather..."
Fashion Bug struggles for a term that will not offend.
"...cozy."
She smiles at the thin man on the boat.
"Mi memba dat" - Rorx replies to Fashion Bug with a nod, as Sonix sniffes the air in her general direction.
"Chuu dat. At least yuh wi be able to sit somewhere" - he adds with a chuckle, looking around then back at the diminute woman - "Suh yaah wah fairy then? Wah a yuh name Miss?"
"Please refer to my fairy form as Fasion Bug."
The fairy twirls, bringing emphasis on her fashionable dress—a backless sundress with pleated knee-length hem and a pattern that resembles a red-tailed koi fish. Her black-white-vermilion color scheme matches VV's attire perfectly.
When she dulls the luminosity of her skin, her hair becomes jet black. Her wings are pink like cherry blossoms. When she resumes her golden glow, her wings glitter and strands of her hair resemble fine wires—gold and copper and bronze streaking across the black. Her hair is naturally short in back so as not to tangle into the wings' rapid flutter.
In answer to the you-were-a-fairy question...
"Father was human; Mother was kitsune. As a child, I only knew fox and human forms until I was caged. I did not understand the Yousei were granting me the ability to become one of their kind. They seemed so dainty through my fox eyes, but some would tower over me now.
"Miss Vixen has the ability to become larger. I may someday have my human form again. For now, I am grateful to have my wings and the ability to speak my mind."
The fairy extends her hand as Sonix sniffs toward her.
If she can, VV tries to sit close to Cashara and Rorx—preferably between Cashara and Martha if everyone needs to squish together. If she has to sit close to a man, definitely not DeVille!
She sits with her legs crossed, and makes sure the fabric of her spider silk qipao is draped over her knee. Her lap is for Fashion Bug. Such thick thighs could comfortably seat dozens of fairies, yet there is only one. She gets me lap to herself while the rest of us're squished.
As she phrases the thought, she wonders if Frogmouth is reading her surface thoughts, so she glances at him...
...stealthily.
@Rorx
When you arrived you notice the woman in red's (Martha) mouth hangs open a bit when she spots you and the small old woman gives a little yelp when she turns and see's you. Of course, you're used to this, especially with well-to-do people like this.
@VV
You take your seat in between Cashara and Martha, with Madam Zulu on the other side of Martha. Next to Cashara is where Hank sits down, across from Lance. Rorx is forced to squeeze in between Lance and Mr. DeVill. Mr DeVill is seated with Minkins on his left and Addy straight across from him. The last seat is filled by Frogmouth, who, if he could read minds, wasn't letting on to it. It should be mentioned that at the rear of the boat there is a large metal box, half submerged, with what looks to be a tiller sticking out of it. Cashara might remember this as a boat motor, common in west.
@Everyone
The man lounging on the seats looks up when Cashara mentions him, revealing a stern face and a grumpy expression. He looks at Cashara, then The Vixen, then Rorx, and then, one-by-one, everyone else.
He stands up slowly, mumbles something, stretches, and then looks at everyone and says
"The names Harrison Naylar, but you will call me Mr. Naylar. I'll be taking y'all to Patchwork Island so please, try not to be to loud, and-"
He stops talking when his eyes fall on Mr. Minkins, who keeps on giving nervous glances in VV's direction.
"You don't look like a Professor Rim.. Well that doesn't matter, if he's late then he forfeits his seat, cuz I'm not waiten any longer!"
The Vixen simply replies, "Harry Nayler. Good to meet ye. I appreciate the ride."
Fashion Bug waves to Harrison. "Oh, yes, thank you, Captain Nayler."
She then waits for VV to speak. When the woman fails to introduce herself, the fairy takes it upon herself to do so. She pats the lap she's sitting on and says, "This is my partner, Miss Vixen, and I am Fashion Bug. This is my second time on a boat. The first time was with Uncle Henry. I look forward to seeing him again! Will he await us at the island dock?"
@Rorx
When you arrived you notice the woman in red's (Martha) mouth hangs open a bit when she spots you and the small old woman gives a little yelp when she turns and see's you. Of course, you're used to this, especially with well-to-do people like this.
Rorx nods a greeting at the startled women, looking them up and down.
[b][smaller]
"Father was human; Mother was kitsune. As a child, I only knew fox and human forms until I was caged. I did not understand the Yousei were granting me the ability to become one of their kind. They seemed so dainty through my fox eyes, but some would tower over me now.
"Miss Vixen has the ability to become larger. I may someday have my human form again. For now, I am grateful to have my wings and the ability to speak my mind."
"Suh dat a a yea" - he reinforces, as Sonix stretches so hard from his shoulder to take in the pleasant smell, he almost falls down from his perch. His nose is ticklish, cold, and wet to the touch.
"The names Harrison Naylar, but you will call me Mr. Naylar. I'll be taking y'all to Patchwork Island so please, try not to be to loud, and-"
He stops talking when his eyes fall on Mr. Minkins, who keeps on giving nervous glances in VV's direction.
"You don't look like a Professor Rim.. Well that doesn't matter, if he's late then he forfeits his seat, cuz I'm not waiten any longer!"
"Name Rorx - but yuh cya call mi Mr Rorx" - the half-orc replies with a sidelook glance at the man.
Chashara nods and sighs. Chashara Aivion he says
The fairy giggles at the touch of the hedgehog's nose. "I wonder if you can tell I am the fox you met before. I will become the fox in front of you later, but I do not think the Vixen wishes to transform us on this crowded boat."
VV seems to be quite comfortable with the crowded conditions, due to the seating arrangement.
She says to Martha, "Me designs always did look ravishing on ye. Not that I'm complaining, but where's the Mister?"
When you have all taken your seats Naylar heads to the metal box in the back and pulls a cord once... Twice... Three types times before the engine roared to life. He then grabs the tiller and maneuvers the boat out of the harbor. Once on the open seas he pulls the cord again and the boat speeds up substantially. Hands go to hats as the winds whips around you as you begin your journey.
The people around you begin to get comfortable... For the most part...
Madam Zulu keeps on darting her eyes around and gives disapproving looks at Rorx and Mr. Frogmouth. As for Mr. Frogmouth, he has his head back and his eyes closed along with a large toady grin on his face. Lance and Hank seem to be having a conversation via sign language while Mrs. Highcastle takes of her large brim hat (adorned with bright yellow flowers) and turns to answer the Vixen as her hair twirls in the wind. As for Mr. DeVill, he keeps on eyeing up Cashara as Mr. Minkins desperately tries to keep his hat on.
@VV
Martha turns to look at you as her face lights up. You had forgotten... She loved to talk about her husband...
"Oh Andrew is at home! You know how much he doesn't like parties and such! That and he wasn't invited... A bit sad, I know, but most people don't even know he exists! I mean I have to practically drag him out of the house! I told him he has to more assertive! I mean you can't learn that from books! But he seems to think you can so... But I think that's cute, don't you? He so smart, but so shy! I just want to wrap him up in a hug!"
You had meet her husband, Andrew Highcastle, only once before. He was a small, skinny man, maybe even a bit younger than Martha, whose legs shook so much that his knees knocked together like woodpecker pecking on wood. He barely spoke a word as Martha made a new dress order, she wanted it to be like the dress Queen Ambar has on in a portrait. When you made the mistake of asking who Queen Ambar was you were treated to a half in hour lecture where Andrew (timidity) explained her entire history...
It's all coming back to her now. "That's right—I knew there was a reason I thought ye single when ye first set foot in me shop. It's for the best Drew stayed home. I believe he prefers to stick to the adventures in his library."
Chashara looks around and makes eye contact with Mr. DeVill.
She tries to gauge his stare and the intent of it as well as his reaction to her looking at him.
Fashion Bug sees the look Cashara is giving DeVille. As much as she would like to flutter over to the cowgirl and whisper in her ear, she remains in VV's lap and keeps a white-knuckle grip on the fabric of the spider silk qipao. Weighing just over an ounce and a half, the little fairy is certain the wind will take her.
VV senses Fashion Bug's distress. The woman calmly cups her hands around the fairy to shield her from the wind.
Rorx raises an eyebrow at the exchange between Cashara and DeVill, then throws a sidelong glance at the man sitting next to him, as Sonix sniffs the air in his general direction.
"All good?" - he asks the gunslinger.
@Cashara
When you look into his eyes you can tell he is undressing you with his eyes. As for his reaction...
... He immediately flashes a coy smile before leaning forward, cutting the distance between you and him in half.
"Miss Alvion, I couldn't help but notice that you carry a firearm. If you don't mind me asking, what brand is it? Because it would break my heart is a lady as lovely as yourself carried a sub par gun, like those ones the Brusslework Brothers make."
As he says this he let's one hand slide down his cane before starting to slowly move it, as if he intends to rest his hand on knee... Or perhaps thigh...
Cashara stop his hand before it even touches her
trust me, Mr. DeVill, it is a good quality gun made by a close friend she says and I do say, if you go any farther in this remotely womanizing behavior, it could be grounds to arrest you for sexual harassment with these and the tone she uses she almost makes it crystal clear she does not like him.
VV remains silent, feeling that words from her would diminish the strength Cashara displayed speaking up for herself. She instead offers solidarity in the form of a glare from her masked emerald eyes.
The Vixen isn't sure what level of harassment is grounds for arrest, but grounds for being hurled overboard? On that, she knows where the line is.
Cashara turns to see VV's glare and gives a thanks for the backup. That man is really getting on my nerves as she straightens out her skirts
as you should be she says I am not your toy to mess with, and I, along with others here, deserve to be treated with respect. Can you do that?
As soon as you reject his advances all "friendliness" in his expression dissipates.
He gives a cold glare at you before glancing at the Vixen, and then at Rorx, before turn the glare back at you. He then shrugs and "hmph"'s before leaningback, crossing his legs, and setting his cane across his lap.
He then opens his mouth to say something before...
... He is interrupted by a low him coming from the frog faced man. A soft hush falls across the odd group, the only sounds being the roar of the motor, the wind and waves, and the low, ominous song of the deformed bard.
The Vixen takes the cue from the Frogmouthed bard, whio simply wants to maintain peace on the boat. She uses a super-power that makes conversation possible between herself and a select few. First, to her own fairy friend.
'This is one o' me super-powers. Whisper back, and I'll hear ye. If ye've anything to date to Cashara, Rorx, or the Frogmouthed bard, I can pass me message on.'
A similar message rings in the minds of Cashara, Rorx and Frogmouth, but with 'Fashion Bug' in the place of the recipient's own name.
In addition...
'Ain't his fault he's seated across to ladies who look ravishing in red—I do love yer dress meself—but the man's gotta learn look-but-don't-touch, eyes're-up-here, no-means-no and all that.
'And yeah... ye called him out on his piggishness. I got yer back.'
'Ye're obviously safe from his ogling and gropy hands. I just want ye to know that me li'l friend discovered a power in her fairy form. She senses the good in ye—along with most others on this boat. Of those we met today, she senses the Good is especially aromatic in the frogman, the dwarf, and the elf.
'Only one passenger here has Evil in him, and the aura was borderline nauseating to her. O' course I mean DeVille. I'll behave meself, treat him as I would any other who's in me hunting party. But between me fairy's warning and the way he thinks he can treat a lady, I don't trust him as far as I can throw him.'
'Me fairy friend trusts ye, so I believe yer intent's to keep the peace, which what I want.
'Me vision o' peace includes women not being fondled, and DeVille best know the young ladies on this boat're off-limits—I'm immune to make charms, Cashara clearly ain't into him, and Martha's married.
'Maybe DeVille's already figured this out. Here's hoping.
'Oh, and yer voice is amazing. I don't suppose ye follow the goddess o' the arts?'
nice to know that I got friends here she whispers back You might have magic powers, but I have more than a few guns at this point. Between you and me, we can take care of ourselves
The Vixen smiles pleasantly as words enter her mind. She then cups her fairy friend into her hands and whispers more. Fashion Bug plays along, though most of the words are not heard by the fairy.
[ooc]@GM, I forgot to narrate that before, but my intent was that VV has the fairy in her hands and seems to be whispering to the fairy as she uses this spell. To make it harder for a potential lip-reader, she whispers to Fashion Bug in both Sylvan and Tien.
_
Speak With Master is the in-game-mechanic explanation for Tien, though the story reason is that Hanako was born human and learned the Common language in Rooftopolis.[/
'I'm wearing 'em.'
The Vixen keeps the fairy in one hand. Her free hand glides down the leather of her thigh-high boots, her caress bringing emphasis to the four-inch stiletto heel.
maybe we should spar sometime she whispers but without the heals
The Vixen drops all pretense of whispering only to her fairy friend and makes eye contact with Cashara.
'A serial killer. He had it coming.
'Since then, I designed boots made for fighting. They're as comfortable as being nude from me thighs down, and the heels're like daggers. But I didn't stop at refining me boots. Me ability to fight's had its share of improvements. And while I may seem the same to ye whether I'm the Vixen or Addy, I believe I can fight better as the Vixen.
'Though I won't truly know 'til I pick on someone me own size, right?'
The Vixen holds her fairy friend, using her little finger to tease at the six-inch-tall sidekick's fine hair. She obviously thinks this tiny person is the most adorable creature on the planet.
'O' course I only fought illusory opponents she created, and only practiced defense against her li'l fairy sword—one o' those swords ye put in a drink, y'know? But she IS a samurai's daughter, so parrying her dinky blade took effort.'
The Vixen gives Cashara a silly, semi-embarrassed grin.
police standard revolver, as always, the derringer I got from our last fiasco, and a nice double barreled shotgun she wispers, deftly nudging the gun bag if anyone wants me, they have to reach me first, and the shotgun is better at closer range than the revolver
Cahsra reaches inter her other bag and pulls out a small box, from that box she pulls out a toothpick and sticks it her mouth so it sits between her teeth and sticks out of her mouth, and puts the box back in her bag.
so, I can teach you how to shoot, and you can show me how to slap someone around good when we get back she says through the toothpick what do ya say?
The Vixen eyes the weapons with a nervous curiosity.
'I might like that. I'd hope to try a bow while I'm at it. Mother was a Huntress, so I've some experience with archery.
'Not sure how well I can teach me fancy footwork, but I'm willing to give it a go.'
After receiving the messaged spell from VV, Rorx raises an eyebrow and stares at this DeVille for a few moments again, then continues on ignoring the man.
"Understand - eff yuh wa fi smack him round mi ave no problem wid dat. Inna mi tribe him wudda aready lose a hand"
Cashara leans foword for a sec in a bit of a slow nod.
Then she takes a slow look around
@VV
Watching the bards face you see his eyebrows turn up and his face stretch in what looks like a smile, his eyes still closed.
Keep the peace? Was there an argument going on? Hah heh heh... As for Mr. DeVill, I don't think he'll bother anyone else now... I think he knows when to quite at least.
Oh, and thank you for the complement, but I'm not a very religious person. I like to believe in things that I can see and touch, that's all.
The Vixen replies:
'I wonder what strange and new things we'll see on Patchwork Island.'
She thinks for a moment
The Vixen nods to Cashara and passes on her message:
After a brief pause, she adds,
'That's the message. Who'd've guessed I'd be using fairy magic to relay casual smalltalk to work around a spell that stifles conversation? But if Frogmouth's song keeps DeVille's trap shut, I don't mind being the middle-woman.'
"Nuh much time nor use inna mi tribe fi idiots" - Rorx replies - "Yuh cya tell di pretty miss mi fine. Seems shi managed to put di monkey-bottom here back weh him belongs suh we all gud"
Rorx chuckles.
The Vixen is clearly amused by what she hears.
'O'course y'know DeVille's the monkey bottom. Rorx also called him an idiot, and said if DeVille was a member of his tribe, groping yer leg'd result in a severed hand.'
Cashara shakes a bit, but she has a smile on her face.
you can tell him thanks for the compliment, she whispers and he ain't bad looking himself being a half orc n' all