Captain Robyn Sheva, The Crimson Lady's Story

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Standing on the top deck, as Nassau floated closer and closer to her. Captain Sheva watched the waves. They rose and crashed against the deck of her ship; The Harbinger. Something was coming, she could feel it, the static before a violent storm, the smell in the air. Something was coming, and it had something to do with the merchant ship she pillaged a few days earlier.
A summit meeting in Khalidor. Kings and Queens from all over the world was coming to this summit, and it wasn’t for peace, it was for trade. She was sure that nearly ever pirate in Nassau would be sailing that direction, hoping to plunder from the rich, which is why she was heading to Nassau now, she would be the first to know, but certainly not the last. If she got to Eleanor first, she would prepare her for the onslaught of pirates and their subsequent enemies, and if, say Eleanor Guthrie should fall, Robyn Sheva would be there to pick up the pieces but not before taking her own first. From this letter, the one she had curled up in her hand, something she read back and forth, she knew that the Empress of Anansai would be there. Anansai. The Fae conintnet. Pirates had been trying to get in for ages, but to no avail, no one ever returned from Anansai....but no one ever came from it either.

“Theon, William.” Robyn called over her shoulder, a young lad, came to her, big doe eyes, an odd smugness in his face, along with a large man, tall, fair haired with blue eyes like the little one. The big one was William Casey, the Quartermaster, and the little one was brother, Theon, a navigator He was not actually his brother, but William had taken him in and treated him as such. “We are stopping in Nassau as you know but it will be brief. “ She said turning to them fully then. “We won’t have time for anyone to be bedding whores and drinking themselves stupid.” She told them and Theon tried to stiffly a huff. “We have a big score a head of us, and I need everyone at their best.
“Aye Captian.” They both said, though Theon was less enthusiastic. “Prepare to weight anchor Mister Casey. Theon, to the helm, make sure we dock safely.”
“Aye Captian.” They said and were off, while Robyn looked out at Nassau.
Something was coming, it was cold, looming, like Winter....Like Death.

Eleanor stood at her desk, while two pirates, a captain and his quartermaster sat before her. Her eyebrow raised high, expecting someone to speak.
"you want to explain this to me?" She asked, gesturing to the paper she had in her hand, impatience heavy in her voice. The Quartermaster huffed. "No, not a word? Gods, you all are a bunch of girls. Afraid of a small navy?"

"It's a navy with bigger and better guns, if you give us-"The Captian began, trying not to sound like he were begging, only to be cut off by a sharp cock her of her head.
"Give you lot guns? Why? You don't bring me anything? Silks? Every nation from here to Ashakara sells silks, you don't bring me anything good enough to warrant me getting you better guns." Eleanor snapped impatiently.

"Well, if you would stop fucking and then funding that Red Bitch, maybe we could do better."

Eleanor laughed saradonically. Everyone in Nassau knew that The Crimson Lady and her crew were in good standing after her father "stepped down". While Eleanor did find the woman....attractive, they were only in business together, not in bed.
Eleanor walked around the table and leaned over the Quartermaster's chair.
"The Harbinger brings in rare imports, foreign fruits, good steel, things I can use, things people want, things not everyone in the fucking world has.....She's not afraid of a small navy, or even a big one...." She leaned in close. "If you want me to fuck and fund you too, then bring me something good...." She said, her voice dangerously low. "If a whiff of a navy scares you....Then Gods bless and get the fuck out." She said, and that was it, she rose, moved to her desk and sat in her chair. As the Captain and is shell shocked Quartermaster got up to leave. She sat back with a huff. "Silks...." She said, and looked out the window, she saw the ships coming in, and noticed on particularly red one.
Robyn was back, which meant, she had something she wanted to sell.

The Crimson Lady sauntered into Eleanor’s office as if it belonged to her, her black coat with the crimson trim billowing behind her as she walked. Eleanor who was sitting at her desk, watched her with an arched eyebrow.
“Captain...?” She said with feign indifference.
“Oh, Don’t act you aren’t happy to see me, Eleanor, in fact, I remember, the last time I saw you, you were quite happy to see me.” Robyn said with a smirk. Eleanor’s lips pulled at the corners.
“I remember being quite drunk.” She said standing up and walking around the desk.
Robyn chuckled. “Quite.” She agreed and Eleanor approached her, Robyn unmoving, watching her with quizzical if not mischievous eyes. They shared a bed, once, contrary to popular belief and it was because Eleanor was indeed quite drunk and as was Robyn. They flirted but that was it. Eleanor was a trader and Robyn a pirate, they was the extent of their relationship.

Eleanor reached around Robyn and grabbed a bottle of rum from the shelf behind Robyn, Robyn arched her brow but didn’t move, leaving Eleanor mere inches from her face. “What do you have for me?”
Robyn rose her hand, a slip of parchement in her hand. “Something good, but I’m gonna need guns.”

“Of course you do. What is it?” Eleanor said as she grabbed two glasses and poured them each a drink. Robyn took a seat at her desk, resting her legs on the desktop. “There is a trade summit in Khalidor.” Eleanor’s brow rose high.
“What?”

“Mmm, that’s not even the best part. Many have been invited, From Drake and Ashakara.” She said, taking her time with this one. Robyn always had a flare for theatrics. “Ashakara, fromt the South?”

“Aye. Ashkara from the South.” She said, taking the bottle instead of the glass. “I get the feeling there’s more.”
“You know me well.” Robyn teased.
“Well, What else?”
“In a Word... Faeries.”
Eleanor nearly dropped her glass.
“You can’t mean.”
“Anansai has been invited, and the merchant ship I took, they seemed to be under the impression that the Faeries were indeed coming.” Robyn grinned wolfishly.
Eleanor shook her head. “ Fucking Faeries, You think they’ll be there?”
“I do....Like I said, I need guns....Lots of guns.”

Robyn boarded the ship just as Bart went tumbling over the edge of the ship. William and Theon flanking her. She sighed. The whole crew was laughing ,except a very small one. "Tyros..." She called, her voice loud with little effort. "You're my accountant,so you know better than how expansive it can be to replace a member of the crew." She said and looked over at the pitiful swodden mess that climbed back aboard. She screwed up her lip, glaring at him then back at Tyros. "Make sure we budget for such an event." She said getting a wide eyed gasp from Bartholomew as she walked up to the top deck, to the helm.

"Men!" She called. "We have a new heading, West toward Khalidor." She called and the crew looked shocked. "There is a trade summit, everyone from here to Ashkara will be there to show their wares....and we are going to take it." She said, with a grand toss of her hands, her coat billowing out from behind her.

"But that's not just it. Eleanor will provide us with more weapons and we will need them. The Faeries are going to be there." She said and the crew went dead silent. " Yes... Anansai has finally opened viney gates and let their little pixies through." She said. " But , they aren't so delicate, they are strong, they aren't even human, so brace yourselves." She said. "Tyros, William, to my quarters, , the rest of you, go, drink, fuck, fight, we have a long journey ahead of us, there won't be much time for later.." she descended, making her way into the large quarters that was hers. She took a seat behind her large wooden desk and waited for the two to enter. She thought it amusing seeing the two standing together, William was the tallest man on her ship, which was saying quite a bit, she herself was 6 foot even, and William was at least a foot taller then her. He standing next to Tyros was almost comical.

"Firstly, we are going to need more men. We haven't enough for such a venture. Tyros, I need you to plan accordingly. I'll be searching for the men, William, I want to oversee the ship's careening, it hasn't been done in months, and we'll need to the extras nauts to get in and out." She told him and he nodded. "Aye, but...you really believe they'll be actual Fae there, like, Anansai Fae."

Robyn nodded. " I do, they won't like the fool ones here that just like to fuck men and women into a coma, these are from the source..." She said. Casey ran his hand down his face. " Alright then, I start earlier tomorrow." He said and ducked out of the quarters, leaving her alone with Tryos.

No sooner had Bartholomew tumbled off the deck than a familiar, commanding voice washed over the deck. "Tytos..." The Crimson Lady called out to him, "You're my accountant,so you know better than how expansive it can be to replace a member of the crew."

He gave Captain Robyn Sheva a courtly bow in acquiesce, a leftover from his days as a Valyrian nobleman.

"As you decree, milady."

"Make sure we budget for such an event."

The brute gasped in betrayal. Oh, he had managed to climb back aboard, hadn't he. It was a pity that they were in harbor. Tytos grinned at the fearsome beauty, making a show of rolling a single shilling across his knuckles.

"I will at once, Captain. I'd even be willing to put a little of my own coin into it."

He watched impassively as she declared their new target for all to hear. He even clapped as she managed to billow her cloak behind her. Piracy was at least a quarter theater and the masses ate it up and why shouldn't they? It was the only theater most of them would ever see. He followed Robyn into her quarters, raising an eyebrow at William standing next to him. Gods, he could tell that she found them standing side by side amusing. He listened thoughtfully as she laid out her orders for them. William soon left, leaving Tytos and Robyn alone. Again, Tytos rolled the shilling across his knuckle.

"The promise of the riches that await them should satisfy any men you hire. If we should fail, however, we will not have the coin to satisfy them..."

Doubtless, she knew these facts already, but he felt the need to warn her anyway. Tytos was many things, but he was not the treacherous dwarf his countrymen made him out to be.

"I have one request. I would have us avoid harming the Drake Royal Family. The Sea Vultures are unusually loyal to the current king and provoking their fleet would not be wise. In addition, Moloch is the only one keeping my scheming sister and my mad, former king contained."

He pocketed his coin. He laughed bitterly.

"In a fairer world, we would be cutting his head off and my sister..." he paused, feeling conflicted. He did not know what he would do if he met his sister again. He took out his flask of wine and took a gulp before raising it before his captain.

"To our most audacious raid in years."



The gardens were lush and green, even this far north. The plants were different, more hardy in order to survive the frozen tundra that was Khalidor, but they were beautiful nonetheless. They paled in comparison to the stars above them. The moon was less than a quarter full and the stars seemed to engulf them in ethereal, silver light. He took a moment to admire the woman standing beside him.

"It's beautiful." She murmured, her voice low and filled with awe. He could not help but smile.

"As are you," he told her honestly. How long had it been since he had been with someone where his actions and words held no ulterior motive. He was used to battle whether it be on the battlefield or in court, but here, as the moon made Aada's skin and hair shine like that of a goddess', he drifted in peaceful silence.

"The promise of the riches that await them should satisfy any men you hire. If we should fail, however, we will not have the coin to satisfy them..."
Robyn sighed. She knew this, but it needed to be done. Fighting was hard enough, but they would come up against Faeries. All she knew was stories of them, she knew that they were allergic to iron, so with good enough steel, and in the right hands. Fighting them shouldn't be so difficult.

"I have one request. I would have us avoid harming the Drake Royal Family. The Sea Vultures are unusually loyal to the current king and provoking their fleet would not be wise. In addition, Moloch is the only one keeping my scheming sister and my mad, former king contained."

Robyn rolled her eyes. She had little care for politics, if it was a ship, she'd take it, his family or anyone else's be damned. She wasn't in the habit of making promises.

"In a fairer world, we would be cutting his head off and my sister..." He said and she looked at the half man. He seemed to be at odds with himself, he wanted his sister dead but not at the same time. It was written all over his deformed face.
He rose his flask

"To our most audacious raid in years." He said and she gave a nod. "Audacious indeed."

She said, raising an invisible glass.

"I'm heading inland, try not to embarrass anyone while I'm gone, including yourself." She said, before rising from her chair and making her way off of the ship to search for her latest crew member.

"I'll work it off."

Robb said and Eleanor looked at him oddly. She hadn't expected that. She expected something that would take Clara from her, promises of safety and things like that. She hadn't expected him to want to work for her.
"Go on..."She urged.

"Everyone on this island knows about the Queen of Nassau, they say you're a business woman who'se always willing to work out a deal if the terms are right. I've got no coin but I can work. Those men I killed, we both know they weren't your friends, they were assests and assests have a cost. Add that plus the work you would have got out of them but didn't since I took em from you and that's my debt. I'll be your man, serve in whatever way you deem fit. You keep whatever wage you'd normally pay out. If you put me with a crew whenever we score a haul, my share goes directly to you minus living expenses." He said and she nodded, musing this with a purse of her lips. He was a skilled fighter, probably more so now that he had something to fight for. He didn't set a price, he left that to her to decide which meant he wasn't planning to take Clara away, he planned to stay, which meant he earn enough for him and Clara, and with that all coming into pocket, she could provide for Clara while he was away.

"I'm a good fighter Guthrie, a good killer, don't need to convince you of that. I'm a fair shot and know my way around a rigging line. These past two years I've served on near half the ships in your bay. It's a fair deal..." He said, still pleading his case, when in her mind, she'd already accepted his offer, the only problem is, there was only hard labor here on the island, not enough to make a decent living...

She watched his eyes, as they moved to Clara's sleeping form, her exhaustion seemed to abate but she still slept, having turned in her sleep. Eleanor failed to hid her smile.

"I've failed her once, I don't plan on doing that again." He said and she looked at him.

The savage was gone, the man, the brother she'd heard so much about, he looked her in the eye.

"What d'ya say?"

She looked at him and sat back. Who would be insane enough to let this man on to their ship.


Bang, Bang BAng!

"Eleanor, open up."


Eleanor chuckled. Her timing was perfect.

"Come in, Captain, I was just thinking of you."

The door opened and in stepped the Crimson Lady. With all the swagger she was known for, confidence that could fill an empty room. "Well, you would be the first." She said with a kittenish grin, but it faded. "What is that smell?" She asked and Eleanor shushed her. Robyn looked to see the doors open. "Oh, you're kitten's sleeping." She said and chuckled. "Tired her out again, I see, you do have a way with your---"
Eleanor cleared her throat, stopping her before she revealed more than she ought to. "Captain, this is, Max's brother, and he goes by Flint." She said gesturing to the man, she figured it was best not to tell her who Clara and Robb were, less she hold them ransom.

Robyn rose a dark brow. "This--" She said, tossing a thumb in his direction as if he were merely a statue, not something that could react to being spoke about. "This is the Flint, the Man Without Fear, everyone's been going on about." She asked and Eleanor nodded. "The very one."

Robyn looked at him, sideways as if he were a something she didn't understand. "And somehow, this, is related to that." She pointed to Clara, still sleeping. I've seen her, there's no way for a number of reasons." She said and Eleanor rolled her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"That's beside the point, Captain, I have an offer to make you."

"Oh, well, I'm listening." She said, all ears.

"You need men, for this mission of yours, right?"

Robyn looked at her, and Eleanor could see that she was already putting it together,

"Oh no, no no, Not going to happen, you want me to put the Hobo from Hell on my ship?"

Eleanor shrugged.

"I don't need to downsize, Eleanor." Robyn said, shaking her head.

"I know, I know, believe me, I wouldn't ask you this, but he works for me now, anything he earns goes to me."

Robyn looked at him skeptically. "What's stopping him from killing my men in their sleep."

"Her." Eleanor nodded toward Clara.

"You're using the girl for ransom, devilish of you, I like it."

"No, it's not that. He offered it to me." She said honestly, and Robyn sighed and looked to the man. Eleanor could see her sizing him up.

"Alright, Flint, What can you do?" She asked, folding her arms over her ample chest, and shifting her hip in a way that tantalized the brain. If it weren't for Max, Eleanor would have a hard time not wanting that woman, herself.

In she walked, the myth, the legend, The Crimson Lady. He'ld heard the stories, everyone had heard the stories. Pirates, merchants and sailors the world over had heard about the woman who ruled the seas through blood and fear. The woman who showed less mercy than the kraken. Some thought her a demon, some vampiress who lusted after the blood of the living. They told of her malice, her cruelty and the legions of the dead she left in her wake. What they didn't tell of was her beauty. Odd fact Robb found as it was the first thing he noticed when she walked in.

Subtle curves that teased with every swaying step, dark skin kissed by the sun, a smile more dangerous than any legend. This woman could sink fleets with a look and Robb felt the waves lapping at his deck.

"Oh, you're kitten's sleeping."

She said and chuckled, he enjoyed the sound of her laughter.

"Tired her out again, I see, you do have a way with your---"

She said, snapping Robb's attention away from her to his sister then Madame Guthrie. Eleanor hushed the captian but the moment was enough and Robb caught it. He was suprised to say the least, Clara grew up dreaming of some bold knight to sweep her off her feet, Robb never imagined that knight would be a woman. Yet much has changed, he knew that most of all. Eleanor introduced him to the captain like a rabid dog she'd found roaming the streets, he couldn't say he'd been much less if he was being honest.

"This is the Flint, the Man Without Fear, everyone's been going on about."

With a thumb at him. He couldn't help but smirk softly beneath his ginger beard. The Man Without Fear there had been worse handles and in some odd way it made him proud that she'd heard of him. He sat in silence as Eleanor set to selling him to Captain Robyn Sheva, for a second time he was suprised. Robb had assumed she'd put him to work on the island, not trusting him at sea to return and continue to pay his debt. Perhaps use him as a cats paw for her enemies. Yet not only does she give the sea to him again, his new love, she gave him a place the most infamous pirate vessel in the world. Though all Eleanor Guthrie could offer was an opportunity. Sheva was captain and the final say so rested with her.

"Alright Flint, what can you do?"

Captain Sheva posed the question to Robb directly and for the first time he spoke. Getting to his feet he met her gaze evenly. He noticed her eyes were a swirling mix of black and brown, like warm darkness.

"Put a sword in my hand, a gun that's worth it's weight and I'll kill every man in this building."

His bluntness seemed to amuse her.

"The debt of life I owe is proof of that, you can ask Mum if you will."

He said with a shrug.

"What I can do, Captain Sheva, is tell you one thing for certain. Put me on your ship and I'll be the most dangerous weapon you have to bring to bear against whatever hapless souls are unlucky enough to catch the same wind as The Harbinger.

"Put a sword in my hand, a gun that's worth it's weight and I'll kill every man in this building."
Robyn smirked. He certainly knew how to sell it. It was clear he heard her legend too. "The debt of life I owe is proof of that, you can ask Mum if you will." He said and Robyn openly laughed at that. Eleanor didn't seem at all amused but that just made her smile roguishly in her direction.

"What I can do, Captain Sheva, is tell you one thing for certain. Put me on your ship and I'll be the most dangerous weapon you have to bring to bear against whatever hapless souls are unlucky enough to catch the same wind as The Harbinger."

At that, Robyn walked up to him, narrowing her dark eyes, a hand on her hip. "Well, you talk well, but," She leaned in some. " that title belongs to me." She said with a wink and then backed away, looking him up and down.

"He's my kind of crazy." She said to Eleanor but still looking at Flint. "Get yourself cleaned up, because as much I like the smell of blood, and rum, that's circumstantial." She said with a flare of her nostrils. "it's usually one followed by the other." She said and tossed her hand. "Anyway, when your done, meet me downstairs, in the back, since someone doesn't like blood on her floors. I'll test the weight of your steel myself." She said and headed toward the door, she tossed a look behind her.

"See if you're all talk like every other man I've had to displeasure to come across." She said and disappeared out the door but not before hearing Eleanor says.

"She likes you...That may not be good thing...."

Robyn laughed. She knew her well.

"She likes you... That may not be a good thing...."

Guthrie said as Captain Sheva took her leave, Robb watched her go, his eyes lingering on her figure until she was out of sight. Robb turned to Eleanor with a mischevious smirk.

"What does it mean if I like her too?"

He said before heading out of the room to get cleaned up as was asked of him. Eleanor Guthrie operated out of a trading house that was complete with a tavern and a bath house in which a few whores could always be found willing to take care of a beach rat like him for enough coin or if he dropped the right name.

"Who're you then?"

A pale girl asked with big breasts and flat, black hair asked. The bath house had curtains covering all the windows, couldn't have men getting a peak for free. The room was warm with steam from several tubs already filled of heated water. A hand full of girls stood around, no business today save for one small man buckling his belt. A glare from Robb and he rushed out in a hurry.

"Names Flint, I'm Guthries new man. Says I'm to get cleaned up."

The whore looked him up and down with a chuckle.

"Wise one Mum is, looks be you can use a good scrubbing. Maybe a haircut and a shave. New clothes wouldn't be amiss."

"Do your worst."

Robb shot back with a smirk. She liked that he noticed as she bit her lip, letting her gaze fall to his belt buckle. She sent out a few of the girls to collect him some fresh clothes while she set to stripping away his soiled and tattered shirt and trousers. The water was hot, it scoured his skin but felt amazing. A horse hair brush and a good bar of soap worked magic on the caked on blood and dirt. The other women returned and set to combing out the tangled knot of red hair before cutting it while another slathered hot cream on his face and began shaving his face. He felt almost like they were building a new man out of the ashes.

"So Flint, got a first name?"

The whore asked as she began helping him into his new clothes. Robb shrugged casually.

"Not yet, any suggestions?"

He seemed to amuse the woman to no end who laughed out right as she stood behind him and pulled his jacket on.

"Hows about Jimmy, or James. Always liked that name."

"James..."

Robb said testing it out with a subtle nodd, he liked it.

"There now, take a look at the new James Flint."





He descended the stairs, a new man. Not the beast and not the prince but a pirate. A man of the sea who made his living at the end of a sword or with the flash of a pistol. His long black coat flowing behind him, his keen blue eyes, as icy as the frozen North. His hair was no longer the unkept mane of fiery red locks but neat and tidy, combed and tied to keep out of his face. The savage beard, unruly and wild was gone and instead was a clever looking mustache and goatee giving him a debonair look. He spotted the dark skinned Captain and he gave her a subtle nod with a knowing smile. He saw the way she was looking at him, she liked what she saw as he had with her the moment he'd seen her.

"Captain."

He said as he aproached.

"I believe you wanted to test my metal, I'm ready for you."

Robyn was drinking her favorite ale, as Flint came down the stairs. Her brow rose, as he looked almost entirely different. His hair pulled back behind his head, combed so that red lock shone bright. His long beard gone, giving him a clever look about him. His eyes were the only thing that remained the same, crystal blue as they had been in Eleanor's office. She knew there was something she liked about him, there was a interesting looking man beneath all of that dirt and blood.

"Captain."

He said, approaching her, she rose from her stool,

"I believe you wanted to test my metal, I'm ready for you." He said and she grinned her kittenish grin.

"Ready for me?" She said with a raise of a single brow, "Hardly, but you clean up well....if you're as good as you say, perhaps you're metal isn't all I test." She said and she walked ahead of him, but it was then that quick footfalls came from the top level, she looked up to see Max, Eleanor's kitten was looking down at Flint. "You've got company." She said, pointing with her lips toward the girl as she looked down, almost as she didn't recognize him at least not until he turned to see her.

Clara couldn't remember her dream, no images but it wasn't dreamless as she awoke with one word on her lips.

"Robb!" She shot from the bed in a gasp, her body slick with sweat, midnight curls clinging to the side of her head, as she looked around, Eleanor came to her, the door was opened and she could see directly in to the office but Robb wasn't there. It had been a dream after all.

Clara closed her hands over her eyes. "Max." Eleanor called as she came over, taking a seat on the bed. "It was a dream, A horrible, beautiful dream." Clara said in her hands.
Eleanor took her hands. "What dream?" She asked, Clara looked up and sighed. "My brother, I dreamed he was here, alive, but he's not here...." She said and Eleanor smiled sadly.

"It wasn't a dream, Clara Snow." She said and Clara flinched. "Your brother is alive, he's here, He was Flint, you fainted when you saw him."

"Then where is he? Why did he leave? Did you hurt him? I swear if you hurt him---" Eleanor looked hurt but shook her head. "I didn't hurt him, He was getting himself cleaned up, He'll be working for the Crimson Lady, to pay back the debt." She said and Clara frowned. "The Crimson Lady?" She questioned. "That woman is crazy." She said and Eleanor laughed. "You're not wrong, but she's a good earner, he wants to pay back the money he took from us, when he killed those men, to look after you."

Clara sighed. That sounded like Robb. "I have see him." She said and Eleanor nodded. "He was going to audition for the Captain out back, if you go now--"

Clara was already up, and out of bed before Eleanor had time to finish. She busted out of her office and down the long hallway until it turned into a balcony, she looked down and she saw the Crimson Lady but instead of her brother, she saw a ginger haired man, with a ponytail walking out with her. She was halfway down the stairs when The Captain caught her gaze and nodded toward her, the man turned and Clara's eyes went wide.

He looked so different.

"R..."She stopped, she knew calling him by his real name would reveal hers, the last thing they needed was for a group of pirates, to know they were long lost royalty, or at least Robb was. She was only a bastard, heir to nothing.

"Flint...." She said, Max once again. "You're leaving already?" She asked, not bothering to hide the disappointment in her voice.

The Captian chuckled." I'll wait," She said, taking a seat, watching the drama apparently.

"Two years, I haven't seen you, two." She said, bitterly. "I can barely recognize you, not that it matters, you're leaving...."She said, she knew she wasn't being fair but the idea that he'd be joining a pirate crew, the Harbinger no less and would be off for the gods only know how long, after just reuniting with her. It not only broke her heart, it boiled her blood. Surely he wasn't leaving at this moment, but still. It didn't help that he wasn't there when she woke, making her think it was just a dream.

"Fine, Fuck you too." She said much to his surprise. Clara Snow didn't curse, Max, swore like a sailor.

Flint couldn't help but laugh. The sister he remembered never swore, every time he or Jon would have let loose a curse she'd gasp in shock. This wasn't his little Clara but the fiery Max who worked for Eleanor Guthrie. He was looking forward to getting to know this new sister as no doubt she was itching to get to know him.

"Me leaving isn't a fuck you Max. I've got to make a wage somehow and I'm a shit fisherman."

He said with a half smile, the hint of the wolf grin he had in his youth.

"You're friend Ms. Guthrie convinced the good captain to give me a chance to earn my salt aboard her ship. I plan to do just that not to leave you, but to support you. We're family, we have to help each other. You've got your business..."

He said his eyes flicking to the surrounding trading house where Max worked.

"And I've got mine."

He said as he rested his hand on the cutlass hanging from his hip. He leaned forward and gave his sister a soft kiss on the forehead followed by a charming wink.

"Now, I'm going to see how much trouble I can get into with that pretty Captain behind me. When I'm done, we'll catch up. Promise."

With that he turned, returning to Sheva who'd been watching him ever since Max descended the stairs. Instead at stopping at her table for her to lead Flint walked right past her towards the outdoor area she had been leading him to originally. He stopped a few paces past and turned back to her, that wolf grin Robb Stark had been known for was shared by James Flint with uncanny similarity.

"Well?... Waiting on you now, Captain."

Clara glared at him as he laughed. He mistook her ire for comedy. If she had something sharp right now....

"Me leaving isn't a fuck you Max. I've got to make a wage somehow and I'm a shit fisherman."

With a smirk she wanted to knock clean off his face.

"You're friend Ms. Guthrie convinced the good captain to give me a chance to earn my salt aboard her ship. I plan to do just that not to leave you, but to support you. We're family, we have to help each other. You've got your business..."
She narrowed her eyes at him. So he knew about her and Eleanor. She would have told him but he would have to sit still long enough to do it.

"And I've got mine." He said and she rolled her eyes as his hand rested on the hilt of his cutlass. She was so used to seeing his with a straight sword, that this was wrong somehow, if he really wasn't Robb Stark anymore. It wasn't until he leaned in, pressing a kiss to her forehead and wink at her did he seem like himself again. She tried to hide it but failed

"Now, I'm going to see how much trouble I can get into with that pretty Captain behind me. When I'm done, we'll catch up. Promise." He said and she sighed, folding her arms. "Sure, It's not like I thought you were dead for two years, yes, we'll catch up." She said and stormed off in a huff. It was the moment, a drunk, stood up, tried to speak to her, but she pushed him in his face, without looking at him or stopping, making him stumbled backwards into his seat.

Of all the ways she'd imagined seeing him again, two years worth of fantasizing abut how she was leapt into his arms, hug him, kiss him and never let go, she didn't expect nor appreciate such a casual response.

This Island changed people she knew that, and it was never for the better.

Robyn watched him as he went ahead her, she didn't rise from her stool, she watched as Max shoved a drunk without even looking at him. She didn't know where these two where from, but there was something in the water there.
He walked passed her and stopped, grinned dangerously.

"Well?... Waiting on you now, Captain."

She looked at him and smirked.
"In a hurry to lose I see." she said and stood. "This is an audition." She said as she walked up to him, siding beside him. "Remember that." She said, before pushing passed him, so he could watch her walk. She felt his eyes and liked them there.

She lead him into an alley, between Eleanor's tavern and another building. In the middle, was a ring in the dirt. This was a fighting pit most days, where fighters came to fight in the dirt, try to push each other out, or beat each other to death, while other men were making bets. Robyn had a wager of her own.

"Alright." She said, and gestured to the ring. "It's simple, get me out of the ring, do that three times, and you win." She said and shrugged. "Are you a betting man, Flint?" she asked, removing her belt that held her cutlass and flintlock and tossing it to the ground. They were alone and would be for a while, the fighting didn't happen until the evening most days and it was only midday, most of them were either too drunk, or too asleep to bother.

"If I win," She paused, and thought for a moment. Since he cleaned himself up, she wanted many things from him, but it wouldn't be so easy. "If I win, I'll spare you the hazing that you'll inevitable receive on my ship, but not having to work the rows." She told him and looked at him, her kittenish grin returning. "If you win...well....I think we both know what you want."

Flint followed her movements. Her fingers ran the length of her belt before she unbuckled it. She pulled it from her hips to entice him, she was good, almost too good. She knew he'd been eyeing since Eleanor's office and seduction was one hell of a way to take a mans eyes off a fight. The thing he couldn't puzzle out was if this was only to distract him, or was she having as much fun as he was. He removed his coat, his sword belt and his pistol before tossing them aside. He was familiar with these fighting pits, he spent many a drunken night in one or another earning enough coin to get his next bottle during the past two years. He was surprised she chose this test for him. He was bigger than she was, stronger, this type of bout favored him. She would have done better with swords which either meant she was exceedingly confident or she just wanted him to win.

"I hope you like it rough."

Was all he said before he rushed her. A heavy swing for her head was evaded easily, he would have been disappointing if had been that easy. She danced away with a laugh and a word which made him smile. In the small circle she didn't have much room to maneuver and by taking a heavy footed stance he took up more space and cornered her quickly. To his surprise she went on the offensive. Lashing out with a rapid series of punches and kicks. He worked to block with his forearms and his shins before he had his opportunity. Enough connected and though she was half his body weight there was solid force behind them that stung and kept his head on a swivel. He shot for her legs before she could throw another kick. Dipping low he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist as he slid behind her. She knew she was trapped once she leaned back and tried to headbutt him with the back of her head. His position was too low and she couldn't connect as he rose and lifted her off her feet. In one fluid motion he jerked back and sent her tumbling behind him. She hit the dirt and tumbled backwards, laying face up outside of the circle.

Flint got back to his feet, the wrestling throw causing him to fall as well but it was calculated and worth it to earn that look in her eye as she got to her feet. He stripped his shirt off, and tossed it aside as well, he always felt better fist fighting shirtless and two could play her game. He opened and closed his hands, ready to grapple with her again while sweat beads brought on by the heat dripped down his thick muscled frame.

"First points to me... Captain."

Moloch allowed Aada to speak, pondering her story for a few moments. The themes of the story were familiar and Moloch admitted as much as he spoke, saying, "No. I enjoyed the tale. Drake has two war gods as well: Bellona, goddess of war and strategy, and Styx, god of war and brutality. I'd admit that neither of them are as sympathetic as the twin chieftains, however. Bellona values rationality and peace, but if slighted, she will not cease seeking to avenge herself until she is satisfied, even if it takes centuries and your yourself are long dead. Styx is almost preferable. He has no subtlety and if he is somehow stopped, you are home free."

He paused for a moment, as if in deep thought.

"Our gods are all too human, I think, but they care. They are passionate, like us. We do whatever it takes to protect what we love through peace or war."

As he was about to speak more, Kallias chose that moment to appear, his face already ensconced in gold and blue. Moloch could recognize the runes inscribed upon it. As always, Kallias honored Lila, the goddess of love.

"Moloch, the masquerade is starting. I got your mask here," he said excitedly, offering him his mask. Fittingly, it was a crimson and gold one shaped like that of a dragon. Moloch smirked.

"Cyrus designed it, didn't he?"

"He thought you'd like it."



Well, Robyn was never one to lend you a shoulder to cry on, Tytos thought wryly as he nursed his drink. He had found a few suitable lads on the way to the tavern. Soon enough, he saw Robyn leading a new lad out the tavern, presumably to put him through his paces. Interesting... He seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite place his face.

"Did we ever sail with him before? No, Robyn wouldn't be testing him then. Perhaps he was in Valyria at one point? I will have to keep an eye on him. It's better to observe and say nothing than look like the fool."

He took a nother swig of his drink. He missed fine wines, but the piss they served at this place numbed the senses just as well. He pondered on what he would do when they attacked the summit. He was hungry for information and as chaotic as a pirate raid was, there was still opportunity to gather information. Perhaps Robyn would be amenable to taking hostages?

Regardless, he had nothing to do but sit, drink, and think. He was remarkably good at all three of those things. He watched a woman storm off. She had been talking to the new lad, hadn't see? That was Max, he noted thoughtfully. Now, how did she know him?

He raised his drink as she passed, not caring if she saw him or not. If she spoke to him, he might be able to ask her a few questions about their new recruit. If she didn't, then he was content to drink in solitude.

"I hope you like it rough," Flint began, throwing a haymaker her way, she took a dashing step back, her back straight and stiff. She grinned. "Obviously." She said.

He was good, she had to admit, as she landed on her back. He really didn't fear anything, in fact, he seemed to enjoy it. They were too much alike. A fight was the one place, she lost all her fear and enjoyed the rush of blood, the cracking of bone, the pleasure of seeing a downed opponent.

He had a place on her ship alright, now she just wanted to play.

She flipped up, as he stood, removing his shirt. If she removed her top, this fight would be over, or turn into a different one all together. She did however, pull of her coat, tying the sleeves around her waist.
"First points to me... Captain. He sneered and she chuckled.

"That was only round one," She said as she slid into a grappling stance, but closed her fists

She then moved in, he was bigger, but she was faster, she kept her distance, but danced into his guard, only to slip out again. Her fists, passing his head, but leaving him on the defensive, they circled each other, until Robyn , ducked down, scooping up dirt and blowing it in his face as if she were blowing him a kiss, she used this to send a hard kick to his bladder. She knew it hurt, and she grinned.

The blow hit him in the gut forcing him to back peddle, he winced in pain as he skid backwards. Flint rubbed the dirt from his eyes and smiled the wolf grin he wore since he was a prince. Yet one look from Robyn told him something was wrong. He looked down and sighed with a laugh. His right foot was behind the white line.



"I suppose that's enough foreplay."

Flint moved in, hands ready to pull her close. She danced away coyly only enticing him more. Flint cornered her again and this time instead of shooting for a grapple he squared up and started trading blows. A few jabs to keep her at range and use his reach to his advantage. The exchanged strikes for a few seconds before he got what he had been waiting for. An overhand hook from Sheva allowed him to snatch her wrist and hip toss her to the dirt. She was still in the ring but it was the second time he'd tossed her to the dirt. Heached down to grab her but her legs lashed out and tripped him up, he fell on top of her in a tangled heap of sweaty bodies.

"I suppose that's enough foreplay."

Robyn laughed, as she spun out of his way. "Foreplay...This is just a kiss." She said before he cornered her, she expected him to grab at her, but instead, he jabbed. She put her arms, blocking with her elbows up. he put her on the defense once again, so she swung, one arm up, the other aiming at his nose, but he snatched her wrist, tossing her to the ground. She looked left for a moment, relieved she was still in the ring but it came too late as he grabbed down at her, thinking quick, she scissored her legs, tripping him, his large frame, toppled on top of her.

She grunted, and trying to get on top of him, only for him to roll her underneath, she shifted again, and he did in turn, when she finally got back on top, she sighed. They were both out of the ring.

She looked down at him, grabbing his wrists, and holding his hands above his head, sweaty, breathing hard, she could feel his own heavy breathing between her thighs.

"That's two for the both of us." She said, through her breaths. She was enjoying herself a bit too much, she knew she wasn't strong enough to keep him there, but she liked the view, and by the looks he was giving her, so he did.

Flint looked up at the ebony haired beauty as she stared down at him, both breathing heavy from the exertion of their bout. She pinned him beneath her thighs, her hair brushing his face. He really didn't want to get up but their fight wasn't finished. The score was even between the two of them, yet in truth Flint was hardly keeping track. They got to their feet and returned to the center of the ring, each with a mischevious look about them. He kept a wrestling stance wile she stayed light, ready to lash out with knees and elbows. They charged each other, both attacking, neither backing down. Her speed against his strength. She danced to stay out of his grasp, despite whether she wanted to him to get a hold of her or not. He worked to avoid her strikes despite whether or not he wanted to be spared her touch.

She spun around, leveling a kick for the side of his head. He ducked only to recieve a follow up kickthe chest that sent him back. She pressed her assualt with a flying elbow, meant for his jaw. He caught the blow on the chin and took another step back. A punch to the ribs, a knee to the gut followed by a punch to the cheek. She was pushing him back and he was absoribing the punishment until they reached the line. She lashed out with a kick meant for his solar plexus but he caught her calf, running his hand up her thigh before pivtoing and flipping her onto her back. Once again they found themselves in the dirt together, this tim with him on top and her leg wrapped around his waist.

She was panting, looking up at him with a hungry grin as he stared down at her in he same way. He had a mind to take her there.

"I win."

"I win."

She stared up at him, her eyes wide, her chest rising and falling , her legs wrapped around him. She didn't even bother to check, because honestly, she didn't care anymore. She then shot up like a viper, her teeth catching his lip, she didn't bite hard enough to draw blood but it was enough to excite, not that he needed much help.

"Fine." She said, releasing him and shoving him off her before standing up. "You win." She said, dusting herself off, before looking at him once again, her hands up in a mock surrender. She looked around, the alley was still empty, but she rarely have enough shame to care where she did with and with whom.

"What's your prize?" She asked, already knowing the answer, as she tossed off the coat that was wrapped around her waist. Her shirt was already torn slightly, patches of dark skin peeking out from the cotton. She almost wished she's taken to wearing a dress, that would have made things go much more quickly.