"Oh, Joran. Of course I get something out of it. I get to watch your happiness fall apart. It's nothing personal, you understand. Really, it's your fault for being happy in the first place. I was mad about the potion because Scourge is an IDIOT and I went to a lot of trouble making sure it got to you. Ohhhh the look in her eyes would have been so perfect when she realized she'd lost you forever. I'll have to find time to gut Scourge for taking that away from me." At his last comment she laughed, a long bubbly sound that might have been pretty on anyone else. Was she laughing a little too hard? Joran sensed she might be. "Jealous? Of WHAT. You're both fools. Weak, stupid fools. Look at where you are right now. All thanks to feelings."
"You've told me everything I need to know, Syl. I told you I understood you. And I was right. Thank you," he said plainly.
"I'm getting very tired of you two talking about me. It's rude."
Syl struck like a viper, her hands shooting to Atia's throat and squeezing hard. "Listen closely, Joran. That's the sound of your love gasping for breath. Isn't it beautiful?"
Her face drew close, nose an inch from Atia's. "All I have to do is hang on. Watch the light fade from your eyes. Listen to his wail as your body hits the deck. I'd be keelhauled for it. Probably. But I'm not afraid to die. Are you?"
She held on for a long moment more, and Joran could hear Atia struggling, helpless to save her. Just when the edges of Atia's vision began to blur, Syl threw her away, hard, making her stumble.
"Go away. No visitors." she repeated, suddenly relaxed, casual. She climbed back on top of Joran's box, reclining comfortably, swinging one leg off the side.
Listening to Syl's words, Joran's jaw clenches tightly. What he wouldn't give to break out of this box and DESTROY the psycho. His anger rises to unknown ends and yet, it doesn't matter. DAMMIT, 'DREAMER!!! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?!?! Resting his forehead against the only place he can inside the box, Joran gets to feel the pain of being able to do nothing to help Atia. I'm sorry, Atia.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Joran is learning the true meaning of torture. The first evening wasn't so bad...except it was nearly impossible to sleep. His back was agony by the next day, his toes numb, knees bruised. He was lightheaded from shallow breathing, and when the sun came out, the box truly earned its moniker. It was hot inside, and he was sweating far more than they let him drink. And Syl. She wouldn't stop talking. Taunting. His mind was fraying along with his body.
Even Syl had to sleep eventually. Atia worried she’d not be quiet enough to sneak him food herself, and Tilly volunteered. ”I’m pretty good at being where I shouldn’t and not getting caught for it.” She traced her finger along her scar. ”Usually.” They couldn’t risk much, but a few broken bits of hard tack through the holes made their way to him.
After three days inside the box, Joran begins to wonder what's real and what isn't anymore. His mouth parched, lips cracked, and hunger and thirst his constant friend, Joran's not sure how much longer he can hang on. With the pain in his back, would he be able to straighten up? With the pain in his legs, would he be able to walk properly again? What about his toes? He couldn't even feel those anymore and wondered if they may have fallen off already. And the heat! If the serious lack of food and water didn't kill him, dehydration was going to do its damnedest. Especially since he realized he wasn't sweating nearly as much as he was in the beginning. Don't let them break you, Joran. Don't let them do it. Just keep your focus on Atia. That's all you need to do. Keep it on her.
He's sure he felt something hit his back from above over the past couple of nights. Angling his head as much as he can, he reaches to pick up the few morsels of tack and devours them like a hungry mongrel. Only four more days to go. I think. Maybe it's five. I don't know. I can't remember.
Joran's senses then perk up as he can smell a storm moving in. A storm's coming. I sure could use a bath. Maybe this box will fill up with water and I can finally get a real drink of water. Fortunately for Joran, he's grown immune to the smell of his bodily wastes and fluids.
The wait was nerve wracking throughout the wait. Even as she calmed herself down on the third day, it was eating her up inside. She even forgot the notions on an incoming storm.
That day became a sort of a blessing. Now, all her time could be focused on preparing for the coming winds and rains. It was a lot that she had to learn over the week, but she felt a lot more comfortable on deck. And by Desna's wings she wasn't planning on going out this way.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Atia spends the next couple of days trying very hard not to think of how miserable Joran must be. She gets Kroop to pen up a bit, learning that Tilda was his daughter, and the apple of his eye. She can tell something bad happened to the girl, but he doesn't like to talk about it. "She's in a better place, eh? Let's you just worry about you and keeping out of trouble."
With the help of her Message spell, Atia is able to at least whisper to Joran here and there. The problem is, as ever, Syl - always Syl - who never seems to sleep. Atia often finds it necessary to whisper to Joran without him being able to respond, lest Syl catch on to her spellcasting and put a stop to it. When she’s able to, she tells Joran that she’s alright - no worse for wear, thanks to Destinie. She tells him about what she’s learned about Kroop, that she knows he’s going to make it out, and that he has to survive, for her sake, if he finds himself feeling hopeless.
On the eve of the third day, the weather took a turn for the worse. This was no overcast sky. There was little doubt a storm was brewing. And when the call of “All hands on deck!” was made, just after dinner, you all realized it would be a bad one.
Atia looks worriedly around her as she rushes up onto the deck, staring up at the sky in awe of what could possibly be coming. She looks over to the sweatbox and casts Message when she comes up, whispering the words under her breath and into Joran’s mind. ”Storm is coming. Looks bad. We’ll try to get you out…I won’t let you die in there.”
She gravitates towards Cass, Terry, and Destinie, feeling some kinship with those who had been press-ganged with her, although she was likely the weakest link of the bunch when it came to this work. She waits for their orders alongside them, wringing her hands anxiously.
Dreamer over the next 3 days continues to learn the ropes of officer life on the wormwood.
During his rounds, he swings by the quartermaster and asks her to pass a message on to the others.
I have to play the part, but I am Still for a management change.
He also asks her to release a couple of other items, for the others (Thier choice when they ask).
When the call for all hands on deck, he heads to the quarterdeck slipping his boarding axe into his belt.
I wonder if it will be bad enough that we will loose a crewmember by the name of Syl overboard
Atia looks worriedly around her as she rushes up onto the deck, staring up at the sky in awe of what could possibly be coming. She looks over to the sweatbox and casts Message when she comes up, whispering the words under her breath and into Joran’s mind. ”Storm is coming. Looks bad. We’ll try to get you out…I won’t let you die in there.”
Joran raises his head a fraction at the sound of Atia's voice before resting it back upon the inner shell of the box, managing a weakened smile but a smile nonetheless. That's my girl. My reason for not giving up. Don't get yourself caught, angel. Please don't get yourself caught.
The bell that normally rings to mark the beginning and ending of the work shift was being rung nonstop now, Scourge calling for all hands as the winds picked up speed.
Captain Harrigan emerges from his cabin, and he is not alone.
He half drags Sandara out with him, shoving her hard enough she lands sprawled on the deck not far from Destinie. "Make yourself useful," the Captain jeered at her, before making his way to the wheel to assess the situation.
Sandara has seen better days. She is decorated with bruises, and the front of her shirt hangs open, buttons ripped off. She holds it closed in front of her, on her hands and knees, struggling to get to her feet. Her lower lip is split, her hair is a mess, and her face is tear-stained.
The deck of the ship is heaving strongly, and those without prior experience at sea are struggling to maintain balance, stumbling in one direction then the other. Water was sloshing over the rails now and then, and the sky was dark but for flashes of lightning.
"Dreamer, get them all to the rigging," Plugg orders.
Good. It looked like everyone was here to help out in this. By the look of the storm, they will need every person out there.
Yet it didn't occur to her that this would include Sandara Quinn. And at that moment her heart stopped.
She was alive. Battered and bruised all over, but alive.
Not caring about the consequences at that point, she hugged the cleric and let her divine energy wash over the redhead for some healing.
It wasn't much, but she hoped that it would at least cure the worst of her injuries. She then helped the other woman up to her feet to hug her properly this time... then realizing that they didn't have much time for reunions.
"Thank the gods your alive," she said. "Whatever happens next, you're not leaving me so easily."
Sandara gave Des a weak smile in return, grateful for the healing, her lip and many bruises looking a lot better. Des could see bruising around her neck, and vividly recalled Harrigan's fingers closing around her own, when she had visited his cabin.
Sandara tied the tails of her shirt together together to hold it closed, baring her midriff in doing so. More half-healed bruises near her waist, along with the way Sandara was having a hard time meeting her gaze, confirmed for Destinie what she had feared about the Captain's intentions for the red head.
"Hey," she said softly. She looked up at the ill weather. "Besmara heard my prayers. Could have stood for her to answer a bit sooner."
Joran's senses then perk up as he can smell a storm moving in. A storm's coming. I sure could use a bath. Maybe this box will fill up with water and I can finally get a real drink of water. Fortunately for Joran, he's grown immune to the smell of his bodily wastes and fluids.
Joran was granted his wish, but like most things on the Wormwood, it turned out wrong. An inch or two of water splashed into his box, but it was salt water from the waves, tainting any rain water that was dripping in.
A few minutes later the water was closer to six inches deep.
And he realized, with the air holes in the top of the lid...this box just got a lot more dangerous. It was filling faster than it was leaking.
Joran "Shark Bait" Bravestone did not have long to live. Not without help.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Oh no. The stupid ocean water is mixing with the rain. I'm gonna drown at this rate. Having a difficult time breathing as is, having eaten and drank practically nothing for three days, the barbarian's energy level was at its lowest. "Help. I need help," is all he meagerly manages. Oh gods. Pretty much keeping himself to his thoughts over the past couple of days, Joran has to fight to find the energy to talk out loud again. Working to gather himself, he tries again. "Help. Help me. Somebody." Joran coughs, which hurts even worse. He knows no one is going to hear that either, especially over all the chaos. Don't let them break you, Joran. Just remember what they did to Atia. And if you die, you know they will make her suffer beyond anything you can imagine and you will not be here to stop it.
You will have failed... again.
Shaking uncontrollably as his fury rises to a crescendo, he roars. The anger, the pain, and the frustration all combined into one furious explosion.
As Cass was moving to start doing her assigned job she barely heard Jorans shouting over the deafening din of the storm and ocean. When she did though she realized what must be happening, instantly she forgot what she was doing and sprinted to the box, tried to wrestle it open heedless of anyone who might try to stop her. She figured with Scourge on her side there was little permeant damage he'd allow. Well doing so she shouted out over the immense noise doing her best to come up with an argument she could use later should she be punished.
Cass finds the box is padlocked shut. Syl is no longer guarding it, as she's gone up into the rigging to help, but the key's whereabouts are unknown.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Atia hears Joran's shout and stops, her heart racing, and tries to take a deep breath and keep a clear head. He's definitely locked in, and the only person she had seen around him was Syl. She'd know where the key is, and she might even be amenable to sharing if Atia offered up something good enough.
Atia squints up into the rigging and spots Syl, then points a finger at the crazy woman and casts Message. "Syl. This is Atia. We need all the help we can get, Joran is locked in and will drown if we don't get him out. Where's the key, Syl? I'll do whatever it takes. Youcanreplytothismessage." She whispers into the psycho's mind.
Sandara gave Des a weak smile in return, grateful for the healing, her lip and many bruises looking a lot better. Des could see bruising around her neck, and vividly recalled Harrigan's fingers closing around her own, when she had visited his cabin.
Sandara tied the tails of her shirt together together to hold it closed, baring her midriff in doing so. More half-healed bruises near her waist, along with the way Sandara was having a hard time meeting her gaze, confirmed for Destinie what she had feared about the Captain's intentions for the red head.
"Hey," she said softly. She looked up at the ill weather. "Besmara heard my prayers. Could have stood for her to answer a bit sooner."
In spite of everything, she managed to laugh... even if it sounded a bit like a sob. "She could have also sent something other than a storm."
The joy of her return was soon replaced by one of fear. It was a situation she was well aware was possible in Riddleport. To which she pulled her back in on a hug, one hand stroking her back as she spoke. "Oh Sandy... you shouldn't have gone through that for me. I'm the one who messed up the plan." she sniffed.
After which she was able to hear the faint cries of a man. "Wait... that sounded like the sweatbox." It took a few more seconds to realize what that mean. "Oh s+*+. She then made her way towards the box to meet up with Cassandra.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Youcanreplytothismessage
Atia see's Syl stop what she's doing and can imagine her laughter. For a long moment she hears nothing, and she worries the spell didn't work. "I'm coming down."
Syl expertly slid down a rope, landing on the deck with a thud, and she hurries over towards Atia, Cass, and the box. "The Captain has the key. Something tells me he won't care if the idiot drowns." She looked like she considered adding that she didn't either, but didn't. Having to shout a bit over the storm, she glared at Atia. "If I get him out, you owe me, little girl. And I mean it. Any favor I want. No questions. On his life."
Knowing what her answer will be, Syl pulls a pick from her vest. She stole the potion, snuck it into Joran's bowl specifically, stole the gem, and planted it in Atia's locker. Atia had no doubt she was the best option for freeing Joran from his current predicament.
"Life would be boring without the two of you to torment, " she justified. "And if he's going to drown to death, I want to be the one holding him under."
And just like that, Syl saved Joran's life, and the lid opened.
In spite of everything, she managed to laugh... even if it sounded a bit like a sob. "She could have also sent something other than a storm."
The joy of her return was soon replaced by one of fear. It was a situation she was well aware was possible in Riddleport. To which she pulled her back in on a hug, one hand stroking her back as she spoke. "Oh Sandy... you shouldn't have gone through that for me. I'm the one who messed up the plan." she sniffed.
After which she was able to hear the faint cries of a man. "Wait... that sounded like the sweatbox." It took a few more seconds to realize what that mean. "Oh s!++. She then made her way towards the box to meet up with Cassandra.
Sandara tensed at the hug for a moment but then melted into Des. "I'll recover. Eyes don't grow back." she whispered.
Hearing Joran, they both ran over just in time to see his unlikely savior picking the lock.
With Joran out and safe(ish) Cass will begin making her way around the group gathered and using Water lung to maintain the ability to breath water on each of them.
With Joran out and safe(ish) Cass will begin making her way around the group gathered and using Water lung to maintain the ability to breath water on each of them.
Looks like not very long.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Atia see's Syl stop what she's doing and can imagine her laughter. For a long moment she hears nothing, and she worries the spell didn't work. "I'm coming down."
Syl expertly slid down a rope, landing on the deck with a thud, and she hurries over towards Atia, Cass, and the box. "The Captain has the key. Something tells me he won't care if the idiot drowns." She looked like she considered adding that she didn't either, but didn't. Having to shout a bit over the storm, she glared at Atia. "If I get him out, you owe me, little girl. And I mean it. Any favor I want. No questions. On his life."
Knowing what her answer will be, Syl pulls a pick from her vest. She stole the potion, snuck it into Joran's bowl specifically, stole the gem, and planted it in Atia's locker. Atia had no doubt she was the best option for freeing Joran from his current predicament.
"Life would be boring without the two of you to torment, " she justified. "And if he's going to drown to death, I want to be the one holding him under."
And just like that, Syl saved Joran's life, and the lid opened.
Atia barely has time to open her mouth before Syl gets to work and thinks about how predictable she must be for Syl to anticipate her response. Atia replies anyway, yelling over the storm. "F*##ing...yes, literally anything, Syl. Please." She stares hard at the woman and watches Syl work. She certainly didn't expect Syl to be willing to come down, let alone free Joran, but she wasn't about to complain or make Syl change her mind.
As soon as the lid opens, Atia lunges for Joran to help him stand upright and step out of the box. "I've got you," She says into his ear. "We've got to help. We make it through this, we'll have time to have a reunion," She assures him, pulling him up. "Listen for Seadreamer's orders."
As much as Atia wished she could hold onto him for a moment, kiss him, reassure him that this was, in fact, real, and he was out of there, they couldn't afford to take the time.
Aye, all hands to the rigging.
He pauses before heading forward and does not seeing what is going on at the box, Dreamer takes a breath.
Sir, one of the strongest men, that I know is currently locked in the sweat box, can I get get the key, so I can put him to work in the rigging?
Plugg eyed Dreamer. "Bent in half with no food for three days I doubt he's any use, but a sliver of a man is better then none at all, and this storm is fitting to be fierce." He hands Dreamer a key, as it was he, not the Captain, who held them.
"Now get them working or it will be your hide, if we survive this."
Aye, get them working
Seadreamer walks forward, snapping out orders to the crew as he moves along.
When he gets to the group around Sharkbait, he pauses and shows the key.
Joran, can you climb right now, Never mind, Mainsail duties
Syl, get back up in the rigging now,
Destinie - Ropework, Atia - Ropework, Terry, Upper Rigging, Sandara Mainsail
As soon as people start to move, he quickly stops Sharkbait and slides a dagger into his hand.
Any chance you get to give Syl a bath, go for it. But I am probably going to have to put you back in the box after this, so grab food and a drink while you can.
"One more thing." She placed both hands on Sandara and Joran and chanted for some healing to both.
It probably wasn't enough to cure them fully, but they were looking much healthier now.
"Alright, I only have one more spell left in me... so please don't get hurt too badly again," she said to the two of them, half jokingly.
She nodded towards the dwarf before going towards the ropes, something she was well accustomed to by now.
It wasn't her best work, but it was more than enough to keep the ropes secure.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
And just like that, Syl saved Joran's life, and the lid opened.
Atia barely has time to open her mouth before Syl gets to work and thinks about how predictable she must be for Syl to anticipate her response. Atia replies anyway, yelling over the storm. "F&~*ing...yes, literally anything, Syl. Please." She stares hard at the woman and watches Syl work. She certainly didn't expect Syl to be willing to come down, let alone free Joran, but she wasn't about to complain or make Syl change her mind.
As soon as the lid opens, Atia lunges for Joran to help him stand upright and step out of the box. "I've got you," She says into his ear. "We've got to help. We make it through this, we'll have time to have a reunion," She assures him, pulling him up. "Listen for Seadreamer's orders."
As much as Atia wished she could hold onto him for a moment, kiss him, reassure him that this was, in fact, real, and he was out of there, they couldn't afford to take the time.
As the lid opens, Joran looks up and squints, the light from even a cloudy sky hurting his eyes as the box stays mostly dark. Grabbing hold of the edge, he struggles mightily to lift himself out as his legs are weak. Freely grabbing hold of someone that's helping him, he looks down, narrowing his eyes and working to focus. Fighting hard to gather his senses, "Atia? Are you in the box too? I hope not but I'm glad to see you. How did we both fit?" His voice sounded raspy due to a serious lack of water. Smacking his lips in an attempt to gather saliva, he finds none and sticks his tongue out in an attempt to grab some rain.
"What day is it? What's happening?" He nearly stumbles but manages to remain upright due to Atia's support, not even realizing how heavy he is for her.
Nodding weakly at her words, "Okay. Thanks for getting me, Atia. And listen for SeaDreamer's orders," he repeats, looking quite lost. "What's a Seadreamer?" Then taking notice of Syl, he looks curiously at her for a moment, and then something stirs within the deep recess of his mind...
--"Listen closely, Joran. That's the sound of your love gasping for breath. Isn't it beautiful?"... "All I have to do is hang on. Watch the light fade from your eyes. Listen to his wail as your body hits the deck."--
His jaw clenched tightly and his anger rising, he lets go of Atia and nearly collapses but just manages to stay upright. Taking the few difficult steps it takes to get to her, he simply stares at the smirking psycho for a moment until right out of the blue, he sends her sprawling to the deck as he launches a right cross that connects solidly with her face. Managing to keep his balance as he nearly loses it with that swing, he looks down at her and says, "B&%$!."
Turning back to Atia and still looking a bit lost, "Okay... probably need to show me this Seadreamer."
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Seadreamer walks forward, snapping out orders to the crew as he moves along.
When he gets to the group around Sharkbait, he pauses and shows the key.
Joran, can you climb right now, Never mind, Mainsail duties
Syl, get back up in the rigging now,
Destinie - Ropework, Atia - Ropework, Terry, Upper Rigging, Sandara MainsailAs soon as people start to move, he quickly stops Sharkbait and slides a dagger into his hand.
[dice=Stealth]d20+7
Any chance you get to give Syl a bath, go for it. But I am probably going to have to put you back in the box after this, so grab food and a drink while you can.
Joran then turns to the dwarf that's addressing him. He looks hard at him as he speaks, trying to concentrate on what he's saying. "I'm gonna guess you're the Seadreamer." Joran feels like he should know him but he's just so tired and the sound of his voice supports that. "Okay... Mainsail... Got it." He then finds a dagger in his hand and is not real sure what to do with it. Looking to the dwarf curiously, he nods in response to each of his orders. "Give Syl a bath. Go back in the box. Grab food and drink." Joran turns and makes his way toward the mainsail, quite confused on why he has to give Syl a bath.
Placing the dagger within the waistline of his pants, he pulls off his shirt, tosses it aside and tries to find some form of energy.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
As the lid opens, Joran looks up and squints, the light from even a cloudy sky hurting his eyes as the box stays mostly dark. Grabbing hold of the edge, he struggles mightily to lift himself out as his legs are weak. Freely grabbing hold of someone that's helping him, he looks down, narrowing his eyes and working to focus. Fighting hard to gather his senses, "Atia? Are you in the box too? I hope not but I'm glad to see you. How did we both fit?" His voice sounded raspy due to a serious lack of water. Smacking his lips in an attempt to gather saliva, he finds none and sticks his tongue out in an attempt to grab some rain.
"What day is it? What's happening?" He nearly stumbles but manages to remain upright due to Atia's support, not even realizing how heavy he is for her.
“Nope, you’re not in the box anymore,” Atia says, grunting under the exertion of keeping him upright. “You’ve been in for three days. But we’ve got to keep the ship upright in this storm, Joran.” Gods, he’s bad… Atia thinks, her face drawn with deep concern.
His jaw clenched tightly and his anger rising, he lets go of Atia and nearly collapses but just manages to stay upright. Taking the few difficult steps it takes to get to her, he simply stares at the smirking psycho for a moment until right out of the blue, he sends her sprawling to the deck as he launches a right cross that connects solidly with her face. Managing to keep his balance as he nearly loses it with that swing, he looks down at her and says, "B&%$!."
Turning back to Atia and still looking a bit lost, "Okay... probably need to show me this Seadreamer.”
Atia stammers a little after Joran punches at Syl, reaching for the large man to try to keep holding him up. ”She just saved your life, Joran!” She says, loud enough to be heard over the storm, but she doesn’t look too upset by it.
Before they part ways to work, Atia looks over Joran worriedly. ”Keep yourself secure, Joran!” She speaks over the storm, looking a little bit frazzled. "I don't know that mainsail is a good idea for him, Dreamer!" She shouts at the dwarf over the storm.
Despite her fear for Joran, she has to concentrate on her own job, and begins tackling the rope. She remembers Tilly’s advice on tying herself to something and does so as best she can.
Atia just barely handles the work assigned to her, relying heavily on following the lead of the people around her.
Syl's guard was down, and she was not expecting the weakened man to stand on his own, let alone haul off and punch her in the face. She flies about ten feet away from them, landing on the deck on her back, holding her jaw and staring daggers.
Syl loved taunting and running her mouth. So it was a little disturbing when she said nothing at all, picked herself up, and stalked off, not taking her eyes off Joran until the rain obscured her features.
The storm raged through the night, and it was becoming clear there would be no sleep for any of you. You were drenched to the bone, tired, hungry, and the wear on your muscles was adding up. Joran's brain fuzz began to clear somewhat, but he was weakened by his days in the box, and nowhere near peak condition.
Cass went through the motions of working, trying to keep each of the people she cared about safe in case the worst should happen, but with everyone spread out across the ship it was exhausting and obvious she was up to something. Scourge hurried over to her.
"What are you doing? All hands, love, even your tender ones. I'd spare you if I could but I ain't the captain, and he won't be pleased you're shirking."
“Nope, you’re not in the box anymore,” Atia says, grunting under the exertion of keeping him upright. “You’ve been in for three days. But we’ve got to keep the ship upright in this storm, Joran.” Gods, he’s bad… Atia thinks, her face drawn with deep concern.
Having to concentrate to listen, he nods. "I'm not in the box? That's good. That's good."
Atia stammers a little after Joran punches at Syl, reaching for the large man to try to keep holding him up. ”She just saved your life, Joran!” She says, loud enough to be heard over the storm, but she doesn’t look too upset by it.
Now looking really confused, he turns back to Syl who has already risen, and started to walk away. "Sorry," he simply states, she being too far off to hear anything.
Before they part ways to work, Atia looks over Joran worriedly. ”Keep yourself secure, Joran!” She speaks over the storm, looking a little bit frazzled.
He gives her a thumbs-up as he staggers his way over to the mainsail.
Joran takes a moment and looks up at the mainsail as the rain blasts down upon his face. Taking a deep breath, he opens his mouth to get some of that fresh water. Man, that's good. Feels like it's been forever. Moving his hair behind him so it lays upon his back and not in his face, he gets to work with the mainsail.
As he works, he finds his senses seem to be returning to him to a degree. While some of the fuzziness seems to fade, he stops a moment as if hit by a revelation of some kind. Did I just hit... Syl? Thinking on it hard, he just shakes it off and returns to the task at hand.
"One more thing." She placed both hands on Sandara and Joran and chanted for some healing to both.
Looking curiously at the blonde woman, "Why are you touching me? I, um... I don't think you should be touching me. I know why but I can't seem to remember for some reason." He unsteadily walks off.
"Alright, I only have one more spell left in me... so please don't get hurt too badly again," she said to the two of them, half-jokingly.
He makes a mental note of her words. Don't get hurt. Okay.
Seadreamer heads back aft to see Plugg.
Sir, the hands are aloft, I will move forward and provide assistance and encouragement for the mainsail
He then moves forward getting a couple of hands to lash the empty water barrels to the base of the mainmast.
Will need to keep an eye on Sharkbait to ensure he don't go overboard
Several of the crew cried out warning as an absolutely massive wave crashed into the Wormwood, the deck lurching suddenly, violently, beneath your feet.
Atia loses her footing, but taking the advice to keep herself tethered pays off and other than some bruised knees, she manages to remain where she was.
Cass stumbles into Scourge and the lean man catches her, wrapping his arms around her protectively and leaning both of them against the wall that led to the Captain's cabin, for stability.
The rest of you manage to keep your footing, but you hear someone cry out and Tiffer runs over, frantically. "Help! Jack fell overboard!" She points in the direction she ran from, off to the starboard side.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Somewhere during the middle of the storm, Joran pauses a moment. After eight days on this tub without a bath - although Atia's magical cleaning did do wonders - he decides it's time for a proper bath.
Not really concerned with being seen, considering how difficult it is to make out anything at too great a distance with how bad the storm is, the barbarian takes off his soaking wet shoes and pants before taking a loose rope and wrapping it around his right arm just to be safe. Stepping on his pants with his left foot so as not to lose them in the wind, he spreads his arms out wide, moves his right leg out a bit, looks up into the sky, and allows the rain to blast his entire naked body fully.
Even being immovable for several days, there is no loss of definition among the man's muscles for those that can see him. His calves are solid, his thighs of proper proportion, and his backside with practically a perfect roundness to it. The muscles in his back - the ones that aren't being blocked by his hair - are clearly defined, as well as his triceps from the backside of his arm.
He turns himself to allow the rain to hit the back of him as well, showing off the various parts of his front anatomy. All equally as impressively endowed as his entire back side. His pecs, his biceps, his forearms, his core, as well as "everything else" below his waist.
Once he feels as if the dirt and grime have been washed away, he picks up his sopping wet pants and shoes and puts them back on - barring he didn't lose them at some point during his "bath" - and gets back to work.
Snapping his attention toward the cry, Joran stops what he's doing and makes his way over to the starboard side of the ship at a sluggish pace. He nearly falls again due to his weakened state but manages to keep himself upright.
Looking over the side, I'm so tired. But I can't let him drown. Looking back for Atia and only managing to see random figures heading his way, the barbarian knows he can't wait any longer. Grabbing the side of the railing hard, he leans back, forces what strength he has in his legs, and launches himself over, going feet first into the water.
Joran calls out for his fellow mate. "JACK! WHERE ARE YOU, BUDDY?!" He quickly looks around for him. If he's unable to find him above the water, Joran doesn't hesitate and goes under to look for him there.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Perhaps because his mind is still somewhat addled, perhaps just because he is Joran, the big man leaps overboard to try and save Jack, not pausing to so much as grab a rope to pull himself back with.
He sees Jack as lightning briefly illuminates everything, not far from him, flailing in the water. The churning seas are difficult to navigate though, and his tired muscles struggle to keep himself above the surface. Joran goes under as the next wave hits.
When the character finally fails her Constitution check, she begins to drown. In the first round, she falls unconscious (0 hp). In the following round, she drops to –1 hit points and is dying. In the third round, she drowns.
Unconscious characters must begin making Constitution checks immediately upon being submerged (or upon becoming unconscious if the character was conscious when submerged). Once she fails one of these checks, she immediately drops to –1 (or loses 1 additional hit point, if her total is below –1). On the following round, she drowns.
Atia hears Tiffer's shout and her eyes go wide, running over to the starboard side of the boat (untethering and retethering herself when she arrives) just in time to see Joran launch himself off the side, no rope to keep him attached to the boat, to save Jack.
Atia shrieks when she sees him go over and scrambles to grab rope, shouting to anyone nearby, , and attempts to throw the rope towards Joran.
Atia tries to throw a rope at Joran, but the wind catches her weak toss and it whips back in her direction, and she screams again in frustration. Tears start streaming down her face, but it's impossible to tell in the storm.
Cursing at the foolishness of the big man, Dreamer grabs a rope and the two nearest crew as he runs to the starboard side.
He then looks to see where they are.
Tiffler, hold this end, as he winds the rope up and tosses it towards Jack.
Assuming Jack is 20' away.
Only to find that the rope is tangled from the wave.
Tiffler, get this rope sorted.
He then looks for the punt (aka dory, aka rowboat lifeboat)
We could launch that and get them both, but catching the ship would be hard.
While she wouldn't call herself an agile person, her knack for predicting the future did have its perks. Namely when she could tell when a swell was coming. She managed to steady herself through the rushing water.
The call of man overboard got her to look over the deck... only to see Joran jump over. "Joran wait..." Too late. And now there were two people in trouble.
"Oh my gods, what did I just tell you?! Groaning, she rushed to grab some rope and tossed it over towards Jack.
Again, her intuition paid off, and she managed to place the rope right where the young man was.
"I got Jack! Pull him towards Joran!"
Atia sees Dreamer and Destinie helping, namely Destinie getting a handle on Jack, and she desperately tries to throw to Joran again.
As she throws, she says a desperate, heartfelt prayer to Besmara's favor. After all, they're on a pirate ship, and if she's going to embrace the lifestyle...maybe it would help? She would do anything.
And, thankfully, this toss works, and lands within Joran's reach: she screams triumphantly and casts Message to Joran, bracing herself as she whispers into his mind: "Des has Jack; I have you! Swim back!"
She shouts over the storm.
Realizing he's about to go under, Uh-oh. If I can't get back above water, I'm never going to make it. Just before he submerges, he sees a rope hit right next to him to which he quickly snags with both hands.
Hearing Atia's words, "Thank you, Atia," he whispers back. He then hangs on tight while trying to swim back with his legs.
Unfortunately, he's gonna have to settle for being drug for a few seconds as he still suffers from a weakened state. Gods I need some sleep.
Grok and Dreamer hurry to help Atia try and pull Joran in.
Sandara and Tilly join Des in hauling Jack towards the ship.
Both men find themselves pulled back to the hull, being slowly hauled aboard.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Dreamer steps over while Tilly is sorting out the line, and adds his strength and weight to the line pulling Sharkbait in.
By the gods, I hope that he is not going to live up to his nickname.
He looks over at Atia as he is hauling.
Grab a ladle of water for each of these men when they get aboard
He continues to haul the rope.
As soon as they have sharkbait aboard, he steps over to help haul jack in.
Falling down upon the deck and with his hair being all kinds of crazy, Can I just stay here and sleep? Joran pushes it out of his face as he reluctantly rises. Looking around at the others a moment, he takes a deep breath and says, "I don't think I helped," concluding quite accurately.
Dreamer looks at Sharkbait as he steps past to go help pull jack aboard.
Nope, but grab a drink, I need you back on that sail afore we turn turtle.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Atia nods to Dreamer, going and grabbing water for the two they were pulling up without much protest. She was exhausted from the storm, from the worry, from the physical exertion that she really didn't have the aptitude for...
She hands off water to Jack when he's pulled up, then makes her way to Joran. There was a storm of emotion brewing in her chest; she couldn't tell if it was fury, relief, joy, or just a maelstrom of all three. She offers him the ladle, just staring up at him with her eyes still brimming with tears, her hair plastered all over her face from the wet, and says nothing.
She knows he's addled from his time in the sweatbox; she knows he's exhausted; she knows he's just...that type of person, to throw everything down and help them, no matter what it meant for his own health and safety. She had seen that when he took her place in the sweatbox and then again, now, when Jack needed saving. She stares at him searchingly for an uncomfortably long time, before ‘Dreamer’s statement about the mainsail shakes her out of her thoughts.
She reaches out and squeezes Joran’s arm, deciding that now isn’t the time for her to really say much other than, “When things calm down, we will talk. Tether yourself to something, Joran. Stay on the ship.” She offers him a small, shaky smile, and trudges back to her ropework before someone starts yelling at them.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Even if Jack didn't seem that big, she was wondering whether she could do it by herself. Thankfully, she got help from two different women.She didn't even realize that one of them was Sandy until her haul was back on deck... to which she collapsed on her back from the exertion.
As much as she enjoyed working together again, she was all business, helping Jack hold the cup for him to drink before taking him inside to recover. She kept the boy close to help him warm back up after some time in the water. "It's okay. You're safe now."
There was no way she was going to let a little storm take anyone else away.
Dreamer looks at Sharkbait as he steps past to go help pull jack aboard.
Nope, but grab a drink, I need you back on that sail afore we turn turtle.
Nodding, "Aye, aye, skipper." he responds flatly.
She hands off water to Jack when he's pulled up, then makes her way to Joran. There was a storm of emotion brewing in her chest; she couldn't tell if it was fury, relief, joy, or just a maelstrom of all three. She offers him the ladle, just staring up at him with her eyes still brimming with tears, her hair plastered all over her face from the wet, and says nothing.
She knows he's addled from his time in the sweatbox; she knows he's exhausted; she knows he's just...that type of person, to throw everything down and help them, no matter what it meant for his own health and safety. She had seen that when he took her place in the sweatbox and then again, now, when Jack needed saving. She stares at him searchingly for an uncomfortably long time, before ‘Dreamer’s statement about the mainsail shakes her out of her thoughts.
Joran takes it and drinks whatever is left before handing it back. Seeing the pain upon her face as she simply stares at him, he turns his attention upon the ground, feeling a great deal of shame. "Thank you for the water. And I am sorry, Atia. I don't know what I was thinking. I guess I wasn't."
She reaches out and squeezes Joran’s arm, deciding that now isn’t the time for her to really say much other than, “When things calm down, we will talk. Tether yourself to something, Joran. Stay on the ship.” She offers him a small, shaky smile, and trudges back to her ropework before someone starts yelling at them.
The barbarian nods, cutting his eyes back to hers. "I will." The energy and life in the man's voice is gone, like it's been stolen from him. Joran returns back to mainsail duty, making his way at the same sluggish pace. They won't break me. I won't let them. I may bend, but I won't break. Joran forces himself to stand a little taller as he heads back to the mainsail.
Cass turns and looks about before heading over to help with ropework, stunned by the falling off, and wanting to get away from scourge