Setting
Default Location for Pirates: By Blood or By Gold
Minimap
northwest |
north |
northeast |
west |
You are here. |
east |
southwest |
south |
southeast |
Nassau is a part of 
Pirates: By Blood or By Gold.
22 Characters Here
Kalila-si-Ishka Misantri [104] "...I have to make this world better...They tell me I have to."
Dorian [76] "Just Dorian."
Damien [71] "I don't kill for fun. I kill when people get in the way of something that I want that they don't deserve. How is that a crime? Next stealing will be a crime too..."
The Great White [60] Freak ya say? Heh, heh, heh....aye.
Sebastian [59] "I am not someone to underestimate, for you might find yourself dead the next second and then it will be too late to realize I am always one step ahead of you."
Aja Pilar Akmet [42] "We all do what we must to survive..."
Theodosos the Cursed [41] "I am Fortune's chewtoy."
Alexandrine Corvin [36] "I will find my daughter...I will lift this curse...I will take his head.""
Nassara [33] ... *blank stare* ...
Lady Elizabeth Benezia Harlington [32] Oh Darling! What a terribly silly thing to say. I'm not going to hurt you, I'm going to kill you.
Start Character Here »
Jarrak sat by the window in the twins cabin looking out over the harbor and see, wishing he would see his homeland across the horizon. But they were far from home, half a world away, and he knew he would not touch its sands for some time yet.
"You're afraid of me..." came a small voice from the bed, Jarrak didn't turn to respond. He wasn't at all surprised that She had picked up something while she was asleep, Kalila was odd that way, knowing things she couldn't possibly have heard or known.
"Of course I am Kalila, you're a young girl with the power of a goddess you cant properly control." Jarrak said turning to her, "I fear that one day you won't be able to control it. I fear one day you won't be you anymore Kalila, the girl I watched grow up, the girl who was my friend."
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Elizabeth was positively buzzing with excitement, "Dragon eggs, real dragon eggs!" She thought as she watched the city go by the window of her carriage.
"I think I'll have a travelling dress made from the skins, Nassara," she said, gazing off into the horizon just thinking about it, "I wonder what colour the hides are? If I didn't have to check their authenticity, I think i would like to just send them off to my dressmaker and be surprised."
Nassara, as usual, did not respond, but nodded in acknowledgement. Her dazzling eyes, sparkling above her veil.
"Marcus!" she called out, "When we get home, have some tea put on, I would very much like to-" She said before cutting short as she saw something down an alleyway that caught her eye. "Marcus stop the carriage!" she said urgently and the Carriage came to an abrupt and sudden stop.
"Is everything alright Lady-" He began before she cut him off.
"Hush hush now! Stay with the Carriage, Nassara come with me." She said curtly opening the door herself and climbing down onto the street. She began walking back down the road at a steady pace, Nassara frantically trying to catch up with her Mistress.
"Nassara darling, ready your blades." She said as she walked.
They turned down an alley and ran head on into a young girl who had been running the other way, the girl Elizabeth had stopped for. The girl stammered out an apology but seemed far too preoccupied with looking behind her for what appeared to be a pursuer. Nassara's blades were at her throat in an instant as Elizabeth, with as much dignity as possible, picked herself off the muddy street and inspected herself.
"My, my, you have quite thoroughly ruined my dress," she said dusting herself off, "I have killed people for much less." She looked back up at the girl, her head cocking to one side in amusement, "But you are such an odd little thing." Elizabeth peered down the allyway past where Nassara held the girl at bladepoint, "Where did the men chasing you go I wonder? Oh well no matter. Nassara, bring her to the carriage."
"You're afraid of me..." came a small voice from the bed, Jarrak didn't turn to respond. He wasn't at all surprised that She had picked up something while she was asleep, Kalila was odd that way, knowing things she couldn't possibly have heard or known.
"Of course I am Kalila, you're a young girl with the power of a goddess you cant properly control." Jarrak said turning to her, "I fear that one day you won't be able to control it. I fear one day you won't be you anymore Kalila, the girl I watched grow up, the girl who was my friend."
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Elizabeth was positively buzzing with excitement, "Dragon eggs, real dragon eggs!" She thought as she watched the city go by the window of her carriage.
"I think I'll have a travelling dress made from the skins, Nassara," she said, gazing off into the horizon just thinking about it, "I wonder what colour the hides are? If I didn't have to check their authenticity, I think i would like to just send them off to my dressmaker and be surprised."
Nassara, as usual, did not respond, but nodded in acknowledgement. Her dazzling eyes, sparkling above her veil.
"Marcus!" she called out, "When we get home, have some tea put on, I would very much like to-" She said before cutting short as she saw something down an alleyway that caught her eye. "Marcus stop the carriage!" she said urgently and the Carriage came to an abrupt and sudden stop.
"Is everything alright Lady-" He began before she cut him off.
"Hush hush now! Stay with the Carriage, Nassara come with me." She said curtly opening the door herself and climbing down onto the street. She began walking back down the road at a steady pace, Nassara frantically trying to catch up with her Mistress.
"Nassara darling, ready your blades." She said as she walked.
They turned down an alley and ran head on into a young girl who had been running the other way, the girl Elizabeth had stopped for. The girl stammered out an apology but seemed far too preoccupied with looking behind her for what appeared to be a pursuer. Nassara's blades were at her throat in an instant as Elizabeth, with as much dignity as possible, picked herself off the muddy street and inspected herself.
"My, my, you have quite thoroughly ruined my dress," she said dusting herself off, "I have killed people for much less." She looked back up at the girl, her head cocking to one side in amusement, "But you are such an odd little thing." Elizabeth peered down the allyway past where Nassara held the girl at bladepoint, "Where did the men chasing you go I wonder? Oh well no matter. Nassara, bring her to the carriage."
Neviah
She looked up at the masked woman, unsure what or who she was. This was the second person to be hiding their face, as if they didn't want to grace the world with their features.
There was also the other woman, the one with the knives that looked sharp and ready to be used. She couldn't possibly be a good aim with them, or could she? Neviah couldn't even judge her features with the scarf and all. She also was having difficulty what with them being held at her throat. She felt like she couldn't breath.
She herself wasn't dressed too differently as she wore a rather nice dirty dress though her face was covered in grime after having been in the alley. Her dress also wasn't large but was slim and really only large enough not to hug her body tightly. She probably looked strange being so young there with what might appear as fake innocence, though it was entirely real.
""My, my, you have quite thoroughly ruined my dress," she said dusting herself off, "I have killed people for much less." She looked down at Neviah and Neviah shivered slightly, "But you are such an odd little thing." The lady peered down the alley Neviah had just been down though Neviah was more focused on the knives at her throat.
Could she really be killed any second from now? "Where did the men chasing you go I wonder? Oh well no matter. Nassara, bring her to the carriage." The woman says looking down at Neviah. She could feel her heart racing. So many people that she didn't know very quickly were around her, worst of all, she was being taken to a carriage that held a woman who had killed people for doing less than ruining a dress like Neviah had just done by accident.
An idea struck her that this woman was probably rather wealthy to have servants that could fight and would do whatever she wanted as well as extravagant things.
A thought struck. Why were all these people taking interest in her? They didn't know did they? She didn't have anything that would give her away. Regular people didn't even know of the merpeople, did they? They just believed them to be rumors or legends usually. Could these people know?
"But-," Neviah stopped her protest as she saw the knife again, her eyes having gone to the lady. She stood and went to the carriage, not wanting to provoke the woman with the knife. She didn't like this feeling of obedience though she certainly wasn't going to be able to help it with the situation and all.
"What is it you want?" Neviah asked as she sat back, nervous and unsure what to do with her hands. She was getting nervous now, scared really. She hadn't had to face this since she had been growing up. This woman reminded her of her previous owner's wives and certainly didn't want to be in that situation again.
She watched the girl with the knives, then the lady in the dress that wasn't quite as dirty as Neviahs. It didn't seem ruined, in better condition than most ladies' clothing here in Nassau.
Maybe this woman would have maps that Neviah could look at. Then again, maybe she just wanted to keep her for a servant like this girl seemed to be...
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Kalila whimpered at his response, looking away from him now.
He was afraid.
"You're suppose to be afraid for your friend, Jarrak..." She peeped softly, looking down at her hands, "Not ofthem." She added and stood up, utterly barefoot and merely walked out on to the deck, without another word.
He was afraid of her, of what she could do, who she could become.
She didn't just have Ishka's ability...she had her consort's as well...
He was rightfully afraid.
She stood out on the deck, looking out at the sea, wind tussling her black-brown locks.
She wanted to be normal, she didn't want this responsibility, this power.
She'd give it all up if she could, just for a moment's peace.
Today, she was happy that she could help Damien, but couldn't express it. She could hardly express anything, happiness, anger...affection.
She felt them, she felt bad for Damien, as he watched his torment, she tried to comfort him with a gentle squeeze but that was different, in a non-corporeal state.
She wouldn't have been able to.
And Earlier, with the veiled woman, why did she kiss her secret? Kalila had no idea. Her body, mind, nothing was her own...except Jarrak...or so she thought.
He couldn't be comfortable around her, he worried and feared too much.
It wasn't fair, he deserved better.
He said he feared her losing herself but the problem is....Who was she anyway?
She just looked ahead.
He was afraid.
"You're suppose to be afraid for your friend, Jarrak..." She peeped softly, looking down at her hands, "Not ofthem." She added and stood up, utterly barefoot and merely walked out on to the deck, without another word.
He was afraid of her, of what she could do, who she could become.
She didn't just have Ishka's ability...she had her consort's as well...
He was rightfully afraid.
She stood out on the deck, looking out at the sea, wind tussling her black-brown locks.
She wanted to be normal, she didn't want this responsibility, this power.
She'd give it all up if she could, just for a moment's peace.
Today, she was happy that she could help Damien, but couldn't express it. She could hardly express anything, happiness, anger...affection.
She felt them, she felt bad for Damien, as he watched his torment, she tried to comfort him with a gentle squeeze but that was different, in a non-corporeal state.
She wouldn't have been able to.
And Earlier, with the veiled woman, why did she kiss her secret? Kalila had no idea. Her body, mind, nothing was her own...except Jarrak...or so she thought.
He couldn't be comfortable around her, he worried and feared too much.
It wasn't fair, he deserved better.
He said he feared her losing herself but the problem is....Who was she anyway?
She just looked ahead.
Sebastian
Sebastian looked down to see that the girl, Kalila had come back above deck. She didn't look too happy and seemed...distracted.
Frowning, Sebastian stood in his crows nest. His men wouldn't hurt her though the youngest was eyeing her. He wouldn't do anything and Kato would make sure of that. Sebastian wasn't the oldest on the ship by a long shot. He didn't really care, he wasn't really one to care about being so young, though he did dislike that older pirates didn't think he was serious just because Sebastian didn't announce every kill.
He climbed out of the crows nest and climbed down the rope ladder. He was curious about this girl, about as much so as his brother, though not quite in the same way.
Sebastian landed on his deck softly, walking over to Kalila. "Kalila... Are you okay?" Sebastian asks as he leans his back against the railing next to her. He watched his crew, sitting with each other and talking happily, telling stories as they relax and have their ale.
The group was thoroughly enjoying themselves as they talked and ate. Sebastian felt his stomach rumble slightly though he didn't care. He wasn't that hungry and could probably go to the tavern across the street and grab something off of someone's plate without too much difficulty.
"You know Damien and I are here for you. We aren't like the pirates Jarrak thinks we are. We didn't want to be bad people, so we didn't let those pressurizing us take us over...You seem to be in a situation like that," Sebastian says, referring to the way Jarrak seemed to be controlling Kalila. He didn't realize that Kalila was also being controlled by a goddess and would probably take it that way.
Sebastian watched her, then joined her as she watched the water. He looked over at her once, then back out at sea, sighing softly. He didn't know what to say around her. He could easily be witty around Lady Harlington, even with a gun at his head, but he didn't know what to say to this girl who he just met and didn't like that way.
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"Kalila, Are you okay?" Sebastian asked standing beside her. Kalila looked over at him, wordlessly.
She wanted to say something but it was too difficult, to hard to just conversate, even if she could what would she say?
She wasn't normal.
"You know, Damien and I are here for you?" He began and Kalila's brow furrowed some.
Here for her? Why? Sure she helped Damien, but not much, he was no better off then he was before. Why should they care?
"We aren't like the pirates, Jarrak thinks we are. We didn't want to be bad people so we didn't let those pressurizing us take us over...You seem to be in a situation like that." He said.
Kalila looked ahead.
Jarrak wasn't controlling, he couldn't if he tried. Sebastian couldn't even begin to understand, Kalila was controlled by destiny...it worked her like a puppet.
Her lips parted, as she tried to tell him but all she could manage was a choked out
"I--I...."
She frowned sadly, and just watched the water, shaking her head.
It was no use. He wasn't the one she was meant to help, so she couldn't speak.
Forcing it would be too much work, and even then it took her until she was 10 to speak to her own family, Jarrak included.
Even if she tried to touch him, to speak, she would get a flood of memories, Damien's rendered her unconscious....and she was meant to help him.
She sighed heavily and rested her chin on the bow in silence.
She wanted to speak, she just couldn't....
She wanted to say something but it was too difficult, to hard to just conversate, even if she could what would she say?
She wasn't normal.
"You know, Damien and I are here for you?" He began and Kalila's brow furrowed some.
Here for her? Why? Sure she helped Damien, but not much, he was no better off then he was before. Why should they care?
"We aren't like the pirates, Jarrak thinks we are. We didn't want to be bad people so we didn't let those pressurizing us take us over...You seem to be in a situation like that." He said.
Kalila looked ahead.
Jarrak wasn't controlling, he couldn't if he tried. Sebastian couldn't even begin to understand, Kalila was controlled by destiny...it worked her like a puppet.
Her lips parted, as she tried to tell him but all she could manage was a choked out
"I--I...."
She frowned sadly, and just watched the water, shaking her head.
It was no use. He wasn't the one she was meant to help, so she couldn't speak.
Forcing it would be too much work, and even then it took her until she was 10 to speak to her own family, Jarrak included.
Even if she tried to touch him, to speak, she would get a flood of memories, Damien's rendered her unconscious....and she was meant to help him.
She sighed heavily and rested her chin on the bow in silence.
She wanted to speak, she just couldn't....
"I've been looking for a place that sells maps. Would you know of one?" Before Dorian could answer he heard a commotion nearby. Outside there were some men, dirty looking fellows, who seemed to be rather ticked off. "Sir, that girl is an escaped slave, move away," They said as if that had any meaning in Nassau. He reached for his pistol as they moved forward until they stopped and began to back away. Confused he turned around to see a flamboyantly dressed woman next to the escaped slave girl.
The woman obviously had money and, by the reaction of the slavers upon seeing her, power too. He wondered how she could even have that status here. If one was not fighting the only way to amass a fortune was to either form a guild, fence, or have a one time gig where everything went right. If she had a high status on the island then perhaps she knew information that flowed through the island. Perhaps she even knew where Hu was.
Dorian approached the woman, but stayed back ten feet. "My lady." He said as he gave a proper gentleman's bow, one meant for nobility more then aristocrats. He wasn't sure whether she was noble or not, but he knew much of the proper etiquette and flattery rarely hurt anyone. He turned to the ex slave girl. "I know of a Jackal near my inn who sells maps and various other goods. Although those are poorly drawn. I also have a spare one as well if you would like." He told her.
The woman obviously had money and, by the reaction of the slavers upon seeing her, power too. He wondered how she could even have that status here. If one was not fighting the only way to amass a fortune was to either form a guild, fence, or have a one time gig where everything went right. If she had a high status on the island then perhaps she knew information that flowed through the island. Perhaps she even knew where Hu was.
Dorian approached the woman, but stayed back ten feet. "My lady." He said as he gave a proper gentleman's bow, one meant for nobility more then aristocrats. He wasn't sure whether she was noble or not, but he knew much of the proper etiquette and flattery rarely hurt anyone. He turned to the ex slave girl. "I know of a Jackal near my inn who sells maps and various other goods. Although those are poorly drawn. I also have a spare one as well if you would like." He told her.
Sebastian
Sebastian watched, her surprised and hopeful when she began to speak, then felt his heart break for his brother and for her as he stopped. It probably showed on his face though it was too dark for it to be visible.
"I--I..." She began though stopped, as if unable to find words or just get them out. When she frowned and shook her head, Sebastian smiled faintly.
"Can you write? I can read though I'm not very good at it," Sebastian offers as he looks at her. He wanted to communicate with her in a way that wasn't one sided. She seemed able to talk to Damien though he didn't want to be around her for some reason, as if he thought it was no use.
He watched her, going to Kato for a moment before walking back, offering her the back of an old, unusable map and a piece of charcoal from the fire that Kato had used to create dinner. The fire was suspended on the dock so as not to burn the ship of course, and was completely safe near ships.
She had her chin on the ships side. Who was this girl? Why did Jarrak seem to control her, or follow her? And who was it that he obeyed that he feared?
"I'm sure Damien would be here to talk to you if he wasn't so... so confused right now. He's just, he's not used to people like you, people that made him think or feel differently. You probably don't see him that way, just because he is a "crazy" pirate, but, then again, you were just as crazy as we were to come here with nobody but Jarrak who seems bound to have himself killed before the day's over with his obvious disgust and... and I'm ranting to you like I rant to Damien... Sorry," Sebastian says with a little laugh.
He looks out at the sea a he waits, waits to see if she'd use the charcoal and the paper or if she would remain as mute as she had been so far. Maybe she would show some emotion on her face that would give Sebastian an idea of what she thought about him, his brother, or even his own words.
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"Can you write? I can read though I'm not very good at it." He said and she smiled, a thin barely visible one, and nodded. She can write! Why had she not thought of that before.
She took the charcoal and the paper and sat down cross legged.
"I'm sure Damien would be here to talk to you if he wasn't so...so confused right now. He's just, he's not used to people like you, people that made him think or feel differently. You probably don't see him that way, just because he is a "crazy" pirate, but, then again, you were just as crazy as we were to come here with nobody but Jarrak who seems bound to have himsef killed before the day's over with his obvious disgust and...and I'm ranting to you like I rant to Damin...Sorry." He said with a small chuckle. Kalila looked down at her paper and began to scribble.
I'm not crazy, She wrote and showed it to him. She placed the paper down again and wrote some more.
I don't see your brother as just a pirate, I like him, he is nice. She wrote but the charcoal was too blunt for her shaky hand writing, she had a vast knowledge of language, ironically, she could understand different dialects, she just couldn't speak them. She could write in the venacular but it wasn't as easy as the Jeddian characters.
Jarrak is my guardian, he protects me...from myself...I am a Godling.
She said and held up the paper to him. Her fingers covered in coal dust now.
She took the charcoal and the paper and sat down cross legged.
"I'm sure Damien would be here to talk to you if he wasn't so...so confused right now. He's just, he's not used to people like you, people that made him think or feel differently. You probably don't see him that way, just because he is a "crazy" pirate, but, then again, you were just as crazy as we were to come here with nobody but Jarrak who seems bound to have himsef killed before the day's over with his obvious disgust and...and I'm ranting to you like I rant to Damin...Sorry." He said with a small chuckle. Kalila looked down at her paper and began to scribble.
I'm not crazy, She wrote and showed it to him. She placed the paper down again and wrote some more.
I don't see your brother as just a pirate, I like him, he is nice. She wrote but the charcoal was too blunt for her shaky hand writing, she had a vast knowledge of language, ironically, she could understand different dialects, she just couldn't speak them. She could write in the venacular but it wasn't as easy as the Jeddian characters.
Jarrak is my guardian, he protects me...from myself...I am a Godling.
She said and held up the paper to him. Her fingers covered in coal dust now.
Neviah
Neviah looked at the man a bit away. The one with the bandages was still going to talk to her even though she was being held at knife point by a crazy woman's servant and had just run from slavers.
The man approached the woman, but stayed back ten feet. "My lady." He gave a bow then looked to Neviah, surprising her. "I know of a Jackal near my inn who sells maps and various other goods. Although those are poorly drawn. I also have a spare one as well if you would like." He told her.
She doubted he had the map she needed on him and struggled for words as she stared at him, unsure what to say before stating, "Thanks, but it sounds as if they won't have the one I'd need. The place I'm looking for is scarce on most, if not nearly all maps."
She looked at the man, wondering if he would know anything about finding the specific map she needed. Did people make maps that mapped underwater? Perhaps they had stolen them from mermaids.
"Thank you though," Neviah manages honestly, she at least had a place she could try once she got away from this lady who seemed somewhat... strange? scary? Slightly not sane?
Sebastian
I'm not crazy, She wrote and showed it to him. She placed the paper down again and wrote some more. Sebastian sat next to her, his back on the ships railing, not scared to fall at all.
Sebastian red her words, having difficulty at first before he managed to comprehend what she had written. He only knew how to read because of his crewmates growing up.
I don't see your brother as just a pirate, I like him, he is nice. She wrote in Jeddian characters. Sebastian smiled at this. Damien, when, no, if he heard about this, would love it. Sebastian smiled however. Not many people saw the two as anything but pirates, or killers.
Jarrak is my guardian, he protects me...from myself...I am a Godling. She said and held up the paper to him. Her fingers covered in coal dust now. Sebastian froze as he read this, reading it again as he tried to process it.
He looked up at her, then back at the paper. "That's why Jarrak thinks he's untouchable... That' why he's so protective of you... That must suck being controlled by someone that you can't escape from by yourself," Sebatian whispers, watching her, unsure what to do.
"Kalila, do you like it? I mean, is the god the reason you can't speak, or show much emotion, or..." Sebastian pauses, thinking, [/color]"Or fight for yourself against anyone?"[/color] He thought back to Lady Harlington's carriage. She had been rocking in there, terrified. She seemed fragile, though he knew it must be because of this.
"Kalila, do you want this?" Sebastian asks softly, thinking there had to be a way to help her. Then again, she could like it and he just couldn't understand it... Or maybe he was right...
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"That's why Jarrak thinks he's untouchable...that's why he's so protective of you...That much suck being controlled by someone tnat you can't escape from by yourself." He mused and Kalila sighed.
"Kalila, do you like it? I mean, is the god the reason, you can't speak, or show much emotion, or... He paused and Kalila looked at the floor. "Or fight for yourself against anyone?"
Kalila brow furrowed again, briefly and then nodded once slowly
"Kalila, do you want this?"
Kalila took the paper and wrote.
I can not fight my destiny...It was why I was born.
She set down the charcoal and pressed her back to the wall of the ship.
She pulled her knees to her chin, marring her dress some with the charcoal on her fingers and sighed.
She picked it up once more and scribbled on the deck floor.
I want to be normal...
"Kalila, do you like it? I mean, is the god the reason, you can't speak, or show much emotion, or... He paused and Kalila looked at the floor. "Or fight for yourself against anyone?"
Kalila brow furrowed again, briefly and then nodded once slowly
"Kalila, do you want this?"
Kalila took the paper and wrote.
I can not fight my destiny...It was why I was born.
She set down the charcoal and pressed her back to the wall of the ship.
She pulled her knees to her chin, marring her dress some with the charcoal on her fingers and sighed.
She picked it up once more and scribbled on the deck floor.
I want to be normal...
Sebastian
Sebastian watched her as she took up the charcoal again. I can not fight my destiny... It was why I was born, She wrote. Sebastian smiled, feeling more confident now.
I want to be normal... She wrote on Sebastian's deck. Sebastian nodded, sighing slightly. It wasn't going to be easy, but he was sure Damien would want this and he wanted to help this girl too.
"Kalila, we'll help you. There are legends you know. Once you complete the god's ultimate wish, they leave their host, for good. Either that, or you need to find a way to have a stronger will. Personally, I think you need to try to talk to him or her and see if they will give you a task that will satisfy them enough to leave you," Sebastian says, thinking back to all that he had read growing up.
Damien was more into this adventure thing. He would be better at this, but he still wasn't back yet for whatever reason. Maybe he had gotten drunk in an alley. If he didn't return by morning Sebastian would go search for him though he wasn't concerned. People who recognized him at Nassau, which included a good amount of the population, wouldn't touch him for fear that Sebastian would show up.
"Have you ever tried to talk to the god?" Sebastian asked, curious as to who this god or goddess was. Her fingers were dirtied and black now because of the charcoal, yet Sebastian didn't see a problem with it. She was still cleaner than his face probably was. It wasn't that he didn't wash, or try to get it off, it just came back when you were in Nassau. You were clean one minute and dirty the next.
"Do you think you could?" Sebastian asks, looking over at her instead of watching Kato who was trying to show their youngest member how to win a drinking challenge without really drinking.
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"Kalila, we'll help you. There are legends you know. Once yo complete the god's ultimate wish, they leave their host, for good. Either that, or you need to find a way to have a stronger will. Personally, I think you need to try to talk to him or her and see if they will give you a task that will satisfy them enough to leave you." He said and Kalila shook her head. Neither of those would work, but he couldn't understand.
"Have you ever tried to talk to the god?" He asked and Kalila picked fiddled with the charcoal. "Do you think you could?"
She reached out again and scribbled.
I Am Ishka.
She set the charcoal down. She was Ishka, she didn't leave inside her, she wasn't just a vessel, she was her. she embodied Ishka. They were the same.
The voices were pain and suffering, of the entire world and all it's people, the reason she couldn't express those emotions because if she did, she would go mad, she would be deeply saddened by the world's suffering, it would be too much to take.
Speaking was difficult for a similar reason.
It was then her grey eyes turned ice white, as if blind and she began to shake violently.
Images flashed before her eyes, as she began to seize.
"Have you ever tried to talk to the god?" He asked and Kalila picked fiddled with the charcoal. "Do you think you could?"
She reached out again and scribbled.
I Am Ishka.
She set the charcoal down. She was Ishka, she didn't leave inside her, she wasn't just a vessel, she was her. she embodied Ishka. They were the same.
The voices were pain and suffering, of the entire world and all it's people, the reason she couldn't express those emotions because if she did, she would go mad, she would be deeply saddened by the world's suffering, it would be too much to take.
Speaking was difficult for a similar reason.
It was then her grey eyes turned ice white, as if blind and she began to shake violently.
Images flashed before her eyes, as she began to seize.
"Thanks, but it sounds as if they won't have the one I'd need. The place I'm looking for is scarce on most, if not nearly all maps." Dorian had heard that all to many times. Everyone thought that the places they needed to find that were obscure were unknown to everyone. However, much had changed since the Great War. Countries were more connected, travel was easier, and even the Fae had come into the politics of the world. New lands were being discovered and societies were rapidly evolving. Perhaps she originated somewhere rural in Fuaria.
"If that's so then I would suggest searching by nationality. If your location is south of the Narrow Sea, ask for a Velilian vendor and pay them in coin. If it's north of the Frozen Sea go to a Khalidoran vendor and offer them jewels or magic, but do not go without a man by your side, they will not hesitate to enslave you. If you seek an underground kingdom, a sky kingdom, or an underwater kingdom, I would suggest to seek out a Fae. I've hear rumors of one on the island. Should you find one, offer it knowledge that it does not already know. Though if your searching for a map I'm doubtful that there's much they do not know. Besides that you could search for a magical guide that show you the way." He told her casually. He had been all over the world, on both faces. Seventeen nations and various tribes with undefined borders. Dorian had even weaved a complex spell to enter Anansai, a journey that took six months mortal time to complete.
"If that's so then I would suggest searching by nationality. If your location is south of the Narrow Sea, ask for a Velilian vendor and pay them in coin. If it's north of the Frozen Sea go to a Khalidoran vendor and offer them jewels or magic, but do not go without a man by your side, they will not hesitate to enslave you. If you seek an underground kingdom, a sky kingdom, or an underwater kingdom, I would suggest to seek out a Fae. I've hear rumors of one on the island. Should you find one, offer it knowledge that it does not already know. Though if your searching for a map I'm doubtful that there's much they do not know. Besides that you could search for a magical guide that show you the way." He told her casually. He had been all over the world, on both faces. Seventeen nations and various tribes with undefined borders. Dorian had even weaved a complex spell to enter Anansai, a journey that took six months mortal time to complete.
Damien
Damien wiped blood from the corner of his mouth. He felt better, his head was slightly foggy, but he still felt wonderful. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the adrenaline after the fight.
Damien gathered up his winnings, gladly taking them to store away in their boat, or even one of their hiding places. They had so many so that if they ever got in trouble, or lost, they had a source of money to go to.
Slipping his boots and shirt on, Damien walked out of the tavern, his steps lopsided and uneven. He had one bottle in his hand and the bag of money in the other. He felt much better, in fact, he was ready to have another drink or two, his bottle suddenly had turned up dry after all.
Damien made his way into another tavern he knew of that held fights. He just wanted a refill on ale when he saw someone he didn't want to see. One of his old crew mates was at the counter. He felt a tug of anger at his gut and went up to him. He felt a lot of confidence even with his loopy state.
He felt the bag of money slip out of his hand and he looked up to see a stupid older man who that Damien was to drunk. Damien frowned and in his fury, drew a knife. The chatter of the tavern died down as the fights were between rounds. Damien pointed at the bag, his empty bottle now on the ground.
"Give me the bag, now, before I drive a knife in your stomach," Damien announces over the hush in the crowd. People were urging the guy to give Damien his money back, but the guy didn't know Damien and figured he could take a drunken teenager.
It was a bad mistake a he charged Damien and Damien brought the knife up to go into the man's shoulder. The men behind Damien got out of the way as Damien was pushed to the ground. The man didn't cry out in his adrenaline and Damien shoved him away.
People in the tavern were evacuating and evacuating quickly. The guy's crew apparently heard the commotion and came running in. Damien saw that everyone else in the tavern had left and the owner had disappeared leaving Damien alone as he struggled with the guy above him for control in their grapple.
The guy's crew charged him and soon enough, Damien was fighting for his life, hitting where he could and not caring where he hit them. Some blows were fatal, others stunning, and the rest just enough to hurt. Damien ran out of knives two minutes into it and took up empty jugs as well as full ones to swing at the oncoming men.
There was a yelp as the captain was hurt and the rest of the crew went to his aid, knowing they had to get him out soon if he was to live. Damien gathered up his knives as bloodied as they were, looked around despairingly at the lack of his money, then stumbling out of the tavern. He managed to make it to an alley when he felt dizzier than drinking usually made him feel.
Damien's eyes blurred and he looked down to see his shirt soaked in blood. He lifted his shirt to see that he was cut up, stabbed in the lower right area of his stomach. "Oh shit," Damien manages as he drop his shirt and begins to stumble towards his ship. As he gets closer, he sees his crew on board, the fire on the docks abandoned. He approached to see Kalila on the ground in Sebastian's arms and rushed forward, pushing through his crew.
Sebastian
She reached out again and scribbled. I Am Ishka. Sebastian whistled softly. This was going to be harder than he thought. She was hosting, or was, the goddess of life of the world. How was he going to do it?
She set the charcoal down. It was then her grey eyes turned ice white, as if blind and she began to shake violently. Sebastian stopped, staring at her and going to keep her from falling. He cradled her form as he watched her shake.
"Kato, get me bag," Sebastian shouted at Kato roughly. Kato moved immediately to grab Sebastian's medical bag, not hesitating at the sound of his captain's voice.
The rest of the crew got there and Sebastian heard a shout as someone saw Damien. Damien stumbled to Sebastian and Sebastian passed off Kalila to Damien, not noticing his soaked shirt.
Kato returned as Sebastian explained what happened to Damien rapidly. "Someone go get her guardian," Sebastian shouts a he slips a relaxing medicine into Kalila's mouth. It wouldn't hurt her, but keep her from hurting herself, taking away the thrashing and the tension though not knocking her out.
Neviah
Neviah looked down at the man, unsure why he was doing this now. He seemed like a different person outside of that alley.
If that's so then I would suggest searching by nationality. If your location is south of the Narrow Sea, ask for a Velilian vendor and pay them in coin. If it's north of the Frozen Sea go to a Khalidoran vendor and offer them jewels or magic, but do not go without a man by your side, they will not hesitate to enslave you. If you seek an underground kingdom, a sky kingdom, or an underwater kingdom, I would suggest to seek out a Fae. I've hear rumors of one on the island. Should you find one, offer it knowledge that it does not already know. Though if your searching for a map I'm doubtful that there's much they do not know. Besides that you could search for a magical guide that show you the way," He told her.
Personally, she hated the fae, but she didn't want to be any more rude than she already had been towards this man and curtly nodded. "Thank you," She says softly, her attention turning back to the lady.
Every pulse of the human heartbeat outlined their forms in a white electrical field. There were many pulses crowding the streets around The Fishing Game. They were the usual scum walking through the market, however, within the tent and upon the roofs surrounding it were different patterns. The pulses were quick with anxiety. For there to have been so many nervous heartbeats in the area meant that Barnabus must have managed to weasel some sort of deal with the thieves to get out of Dorianâs ploy. Really, what mattered was who actually had the gold, and it was obvious with the businessman and his appeal. From what he could see, they had already been paid and were obediently following his orders. For him to have set up a guarded perimeter about his business meant that he knew Mako would come back for him. The only difference was that Barnabus wasnât going to be there.
Mako was seated in the alley two buildings down from the game. Next to him was the trembling man whose long coat and hat he had taken. The sleeves of the jacket had split about the sharkâs large arms that were crossed before his barrel chest. It was clothes like that that reminded him of the struggle he would have to go through again just to find garments that fit him. The hat he wore tilted low on his head. The lip veiled his face above his nose while he continued to study the building.
Barnabus would be hiding somewhere, hoping that his hired men would be able to catch him. Arching a lip in disgust at the manâs wit, Barnabus was definitely one of the types of humans he hated. There was no point in fighting all of those crooks. He knew that he was falling right into Barnabusâs trap. If he hungered for revenge so heavily, then this was the difficulty he would face. He had no reason to go after this man anymore now that he was free. He could have easily returned to his life, but his pride had been sullied by himâby a human. Even the wrapped man had been looking down upon him as a mere slave. He was no slave. He had been a prisoner.
Rising to his feet, Makoâs ghostly eyes peered down at the trembling man before his grin swelled on his face. The shark turned without word and walked out of the alley, sheathing his teeth behind sealed lips so as not to draw negative attention. He wanted to blend in with the crowd just until he got close enough to the game tent. There was no other way around it. He had to fall into the businessmanâs trap.
When the crowd he had been following neared the tent, he broke away and raised his hands in surrender as he cautiously approached it. The archers on the adjacent building above him regarded him suspiciously. They squinted their eyes and exchanged confused looks. Finally, one of them pointed a crossbow at the giant and shouted: âStop right there! You step any closer to that tent and weâll shoot you dead. The Fishing Gameâs closed!â
From within the tent, a bandit with a rapier and the monster keeper from before walked out to inspect the stranger. Already, the monster keeper was shaking nervously after seeing how the man was barefoot and the torn trousers looked familiar. He already had many suspicions, but he had to confirm it by seeing the manâs face beneath that hat.
The bandit smirked as he walked up to the stranger, waving the tip of his sword in a circle. âYouâre an awfully large bloke to be wantinâ to cause trouble around here.â
Tilting his head to peer under the lip of the giantâs hat, he met the dark eyes of the shark and immediately jerked backwards, and even ran a few feet away from him.
âItâs him! The monster!â the monster keeper exclaimed.
The banditâs smirk faltered as he raised his sword to Makoâs chin. He observed him for a moment before he flicked his blade upwards to knock off the fishâs hat. The bandits took in the pale blonde hair and black and gold eyes.
âHolyâŠI didnât get a good look atâim the first time butâŠholy shit, he is a freak isnât he?â the bandit marveled. âAw, you came back because you missed your old fish bowl didnât you?â
âHe-he can talk,â the monster keeper informed. âHe killed the other guy that was working with me. He could kill us all.â
The bandit laughed, âNo. I donât think heâs gonna try somethinâ as stupid as that. Thereâs too many of us here and only one of him. You knew that right?â
Mako nodded slowly. The bandit smiled. âMan, do I love makinâ me some easy gold. Come on in here. Somebody get some rope so we can tie this fellaâ up.â
As Mako stepped further into the tent, he walked with his captors back over to his old tank, the stench of the water burning his nostrils. He hadnât been able to notice it before because he had been accustomed to it, but once he had gotten some fresh air and sea water into his lungs, it surely had been putrid.
The shark cooperatively lowered his arms so that the bandits could tie him up.
The bandit keeper faced the monster keeper. âWe got your bossâs fish. Now whereâs he at? We want our gold.â
âHe said that he would meet us here once the job was done,â the monster keeper recited.
The bandit rolled his eyes. Facing the shark, he had to ask, âWhat brings you back here, Freak? You find the world tough to live in? Itâs not all blue water outside your tank, especially here in Nassau.â
Mako had been surveying the tent and looking expectantly towards the tent entrance to see if Barnabus would show. There was a faint hissing noise that made his scales raise. His golden eyes nervously shrank.
âYe âear that?â he asked.
Every bandit in the tent instantly raised their swords as though the sound of the sharkâs voice had been a threat itself.
âShit, he talks,â the bandit gasped.
âI told you!â the monster keeper yelled.
Now that the freak revealed some form of intelligence, he didnât feel too comfortable around him anymore. The sound was growing louder, and if Mako remembered rightâŠwithout further delay, the fish whirled and dove right for his tank. Within the few seconds of his movements, he saw bandits lunge to apprehend him. The sharkâs body broke the surface of the tank and following his plunge was a thunderous explosion. The sound reverberated throughout the steel cylinder, flames stroked the waterâs surface, and the blast pressure shoved him down deeper.
People had fled the area around the burning and smoking remains of The Fishing Game. The bloodied corpses of bandits and citizens were scattered about the game and in the middle of the street. Two archers were all that remained on the nearby roofs, their associates having fallen to their deaths.
From one of the numerous black coaches lining the sidewalk in the city stepped a gentleman. With a proud smile, he walked through the now empty streets, stepping carelessly over the bodies that laid in his path. He drew a handkerchief from his inner coat pocket to cover his nose as he stepped over tattered tent cloth and began inspecting the remains for the corpse of his enemy. He had actually been hoping to find the creature alive again so that he could gloat in his face for thinking that he could ever threaten him, or win for that matter.
âAgh!â the bandit from before cried. He was covered in blood, his legs had been shredded by the blast and patches of burnt, black flesh marred his face and arms.
Barnabus walked over to the man. âOh, you survived.â
âBarnabus? WasâŠwas that you with the gunpowder?â the bandit rasped.
âWhy, yes. Youâre quite clever.â
âBastard! You killed my men!â
âBut youâre still alive, and Iâm a man of my word.â
The businessman reached into his pocket to draw out a sack of two hundred coins that he tossed at the banditâs face. âYou can use it to get yourself cleaned up.â
âYou gotta help me. You canât just leave me here with gold. Someone will kill me and steal it from me.â
Having made his way over to the tank, Barnabus turned toward the bandit and smiled insensitively: âThatâs your problem. Not mine.â
Mako erupted from the tank behind the rich man, stretching out his arms as a toothy grin expanded on his face. He flexed his forearm muscles as his fins sprang outwards like sickles. Barnabus was turning around to lay his large, stunned eyes on the fish just as gravity was pulling him down. In one swift and clean movement, Mako had crossed and uncrossed his arms in a blur before he dipped under water and resurfaced. The shark watched, his grin having yet to shrink. It only expanded until his second rows of teeth came together. The vengeance felt so good.
The bandit stared at the businessman as he seemed to stand there in shock. Perhaps they were both wondering what had just happened?
Barnabus parted his lips to speak and a scroll of blood dumped out to roll down his chin and piddle upon his chest. His fingers went to his lips, his brows raising in shock before a red seam walked along his throat. His head tipped back, threatening to roll off his shoulders and he grasped at his hair to keep it on before he outright died. The businessman collapsed upon the ground with his hand clutching his detached head by the hair.
Ooh⊠the sight had been as fulfilling as a succulent fish. Climbing out of the tank, Mako crouched next to Barnabusâs body and began feeling about his clothes for money, deeds, anything he could use. He found a small sack of gold, a gold pocket watch, a key to his shack, and a few rings and a necklace. Standing, the shark had turned his sights to the bandit who desperately tried to hold onto his reward bag with his teeth.
âYou got what you wanted! Let me have mine!â the bandit growled.
Mako snagged the two hundred coins from the banditâs teeth and dumped the jewelry and extra coin in it.
âIâll let ye âave it,â Mako replied.
He stomped his foot on the banditâs neck, instantly breaking it and putting the bloke out of his misery. The guy had been a goner any wayânot like it mattered to the Mercos. His wounds were severe and would have probably been infected before he saw a doctor or healer. By then, other bandits would have killed him and taken whatever they could from him. He was dog food now. Strays were already crowding the bodies that were strewn in the street, crunching on fingers and ears. Even the birds were desperate for a meal.
Mako strolled away from the smoking scene and happened to find his hat laying haphazardly on the ground as he made his way next door. With the key to the shack, he opened the door and stepped inside to search the manâs belongings. He found more gold to add to his fattening wallet and a few bottles of whiskey. He popped the cork on one bottle to steal a swig. The burn of the liquor sent chills down his spine. It had been such a long time. He gathered the spirits, gold, the pocket watch and jewelry into a pillow case and turned around in the bedroom to see a large map on the wall. There were markings on it. Perhaps vacation spots, treasure, he didnât know, but maps were valuable and equaled more gold. Taking it down, he rolled it up neatly and added it to his collection.
With a full sack of loot, now it was time to go spend and pawn his spoils. There was a brothel that had his name written all over it.
Mako was seated in the alley two buildings down from the game. Next to him was the trembling man whose long coat and hat he had taken. The sleeves of the jacket had split about the sharkâs large arms that were crossed before his barrel chest. It was clothes like that that reminded him of the struggle he would have to go through again just to find garments that fit him. The hat he wore tilted low on his head. The lip veiled his face above his nose while he continued to study the building.
Barnabus would be hiding somewhere, hoping that his hired men would be able to catch him. Arching a lip in disgust at the manâs wit, Barnabus was definitely one of the types of humans he hated. There was no point in fighting all of those crooks. He knew that he was falling right into Barnabusâs trap. If he hungered for revenge so heavily, then this was the difficulty he would face. He had no reason to go after this man anymore now that he was free. He could have easily returned to his life, but his pride had been sullied by himâby a human. Even the wrapped man had been looking down upon him as a mere slave. He was no slave. He had been a prisoner.
Rising to his feet, Makoâs ghostly eyes peered down at the trembling man before his grin swelled on his face. The shark turned without word and walked out of the alley, sheathing his teeth behind sealed lips so as not to draw negative attention. He wanted to blend in with the crowd just until he got close enough to the game tent. There was no other way around it. He had to fall into the businessmanâs trap.
When the crowd he had been following neared the tent, he broke away and raised his hands in surrender as he cautiously approached it. The archers on the adjacent building above him regarded him suspiciously. They squinted their eyes and exchanged confused looks. Finally, one of them pointed a crossbow at the giant and shouted: âStop right there! You step any closer to that tent and weâll shoot you dead. The Fishing Gameâs closed!â
From within the tent, a bandit with a rapier and the monster keeper from before walked out to inspect the stranger. Already, the monster keeper was shaking nervously after seeing how the man was barefoot and the torn trousers looked familiar. He already had many suspicions, but he had to confirm it by seeing the manâs face beneath that hat.
The bandit smirked as he walked up to the stranger, waving the tip of his sword in a circle. âYouâre an awfully large bloke to be wantinâ to cause trouble around here.â
Tilting his head to peer under the lip of the giantâs hat, he met the dark eyes of the shark and immediately jerked backwards, and even ran a few feet away from him.
âItâs him! The monster!â the monster keeper exclaimed.
The banditâs smirk faltered as he raised his sword to Makoâs chin. He observed him for a moment before he flicked his blade upwards to knock off the fishâs hat. The bandits took in the pale blonde hair and black and gold eyes.
âHolyâŠI didnât get a good look atâim the first time butâŠholy shit, he is a freak isnât he?â the bandit marveled. âAw, you came back because you missed your old fish bowl didnât you?â
âHe-he can talk,â the monster keeper informed. âHe killed the other guy that was working with me. He could kill us all.â
The bandit laughed, âNo. I donât think heâs gonna try somethinâ as stupid as that. Thereâs too many of us here and only one of him. You knew that right?â
Mako nodded slowly. The bandit smiled. âMan, do I love makinâ me some easy gold. Come on in here. Somebody get some rope so we can tie this fellaâ up.â
As Mako stepped further into the tent, he walked with his captors back over to his old tank, the stench of the water burning his nostrils. He hadnât been able to notice it before because he had been accustomed to it, but once he had gotten some fresh air and sea water into his lungs, it surely had been putrid.
The shark cooperatively lowered his arms so that the bandits could tie him up.
The bandit keeper faced the monster keeper. âWe got your bossâs fish. Now whereâs he at? We want our gold.â
âHe said that he would meet us here once the job was done,â the monster keeper recited.
The bandit rolled his eyes. Facing the shark, he had to ask, âWhat brings you back here, Freak? You find the world tough to live in? Itâs not all blue water outside your tank, especially here in Nassau.â
Mako had been surveying the tent and looking expectantly towards the tent entrance to see if Barnabus would show. There was a faint hissing noise that made his scales raise. His golden eyes nervously shrank.
âYe âear that?â he asked.
Every bandit in the tent instantly raised their swords as though the sound of the sharkâs voice had been a threat itself.
âShit, he talks,â the bandit gasped.
âI told you!â the monster keeper yelled.
Now that the freak revealed some form of intelligence, he didnât feel too comfortable around him anymore. The sound was growing louder, and if Mako remembered rightâŠwithout further delay, the fish whirled and dove right for his tank. Within the few seconds of his movements, he saw bandits lunge to apprehend him. The sharkâs body broke the surface of the tank and following his plunge was a thunderous explosion. The sound reverberated throughout the steel cylinder, flames stroked the waterâs surface, and the blast pressure shoved him down deeper.
People had fled the area around the burning and smoking remains of The Fishing Game. The bloodied corpses of bandits and citizens were scattered about the game and in the middle of the street. Two archers were all that remained on the nearby roofs, their associates having fallen to their deaths.
From one of the numerous black coaches lining the sidewalk in the city stepped a gentleman. With a proud smile, he walked through the now empty streets, stepping carelessly over the bodies that laid in his path. He drew a handkerchief from his inner coat pocket to cover his nose as he stepped over tattered tent cloth and began inspecting the remains for the corpse of his enemy. He had actually been hoping to find the creature alive again so that he could gloat in his face for thinking that he could ever threaten him, or win for that matter.
âAgh!â the bandit from before cried. He was covered in blood, his legs had been shredded by the blast and patches of burnt, black flesh marred his face and arms.
Barnabus walked over to the man. âOh, you survived.â
âBarnabus? WasâŠwas that you with the gunpowder?â the bandit rasped.
âWhy, yes. Youâre quite clever.â
âBastard! You killed my men!â
âBut youâre still alive, and Iâm a man of my word.â
The businessman reached into his pocket to draw out a sack of two hundred coins that he tossed at the banditâs face. âYou can use it to get yourself cleaned up.â
âYou gotta help me. You canât just leave me here with gold. Someone will kill me and steal it from me.â
Having made his way over to the tank, Barnabus turned toward the bandit and smiled insensitively: âThatâs your problem. Not mine.â
Mako erupted from the tank behind the rich man, stretching out his arms as a toothy grin expanded on his face. He flexed his forearm muscles as his fins sprang outwards like sickles. Barnabus was turning around to lay his large, stunned eyes on the fish just as gravity was pulling him down. In one swift and clean movement, Mako had crossed and uncrossed his arms in a blur before he dipped under water and resurfaced. The shark watched, his grin having yet to shrink. It only expanded until his second rows of teeth came together. The vengeance felt so good.
The bandit stared at the businessman as he seemed to stand there in shock. Perhaps they were both wondering what had just happened?
Barnabus parted his lips to speak and a scroll of blood dumped out to roll down his chin and piddle upon his chest. His fingers went to his lips, his brows raising in shock before a red seam walked along his throat. His head tipped back, threatening to roll off his shoulders and he grasped at his hair to keep it on before he outright died. The businessman collapsed upon the ground with his hand clutching his detached head by the hair.
Ooh⊠the sight had been as fulfilling as a succulent fish. Climbing out of the tank, Mako crouched next to Barnabusâs body and began feeling about his clothes for money, deeds, anything he could use. He found a small sack of gold, a gold pocket watch, a key to his shack, and a few rings and a necklace. Standing, the shark had turned his sights to the bandit who desperately tried to hold onto his reward bag with his teeth.
âYou got what you wanted! Let me have mine!â the bandit growled.
Mako snagged the two hundred coins from the banditâs teeth and dumped the jewelry and extra coin in it.
âIâll let ye âave it,â Mako replied.
He stomped his foot on the banditâs neck, instantly breaking it and putting the bloke out of his misery. The guy had been a goner any wayânot like it mattered to the Mercos. His wounds were severe and would have probably been infected before he saw a doctor or healer. By then, other bandits would have killed him and taken whatever they could from him. He was dog food now. Strays were already crowding the bodies that were strewn in the street, crunching on fingers and ears. Even the birds were desperate for a meal.
Mako strolled away from the smoking scene and happened to find his hat laying haphazardly on the ground as he made his way next door. With the key to the shack, he opened the door and stepped inside to search the manâs belongings. He found more gold to add to his fattening wallet and a few bottles of whiskey. He popped the cork on one bottle to steal a swig. The burn of the liquor sent chills down his spine. It had been such a long time. He gathered the spirits, gold, the pocket watch and jewelry into a pillow case and turned around in the bedroom to see a large map on the wall. There were markings on it. Perhaps vacation spots, treasure, he didnât know, but maps were valuable and equaled more gold. Taking it down, he rolled it up neatly and added it to his collection.
With a full sack of loot, now it was time to go spend and pawn his spoils. There was a brothel that had his name written all over it.
Setting
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Aja made her way back to the brothel after concluding with Benyamin. The girls greeted her happily as they tended to their johns.
Business was good here, Aja was a respected Madame and Owner, and being that she wasn't exactly human, and favored among the most feared pirates, few dare to cross her, she has even had a hand in banning a few unruly pirates from making money here on Nassau, between her and Lady Harlington, they practically ran Nassau.
"Ahh!" Aja looked up as a scream was heard from one of the rooms. She quickly ran up the stairs, practically floating as she saw two men on one whore.
Aja grabbed one of the men and with an unnatural strength she tossed him against the wall, startling both men.
"One man, one whore, d'at's d'e rule!" She barked.
"I tried to tell them, Madame Aja, but they wouldn't listen." squeaked the poor girl, cowaring against the bed.
Aja looked at the men.
"Which of you paid?"
The men were silently.
"Fine, don't answer. You two are not welcome 'ere, if I see you anywhere need 'ere again, I will personally see d'at you never make successful trade on Nassau." she said and the men clamoured to their feet and stumbled out.
Aja looked at the girl and sighed.
"'ow many times do I 'ave to tell you, if a man brings friends, so do you." Aja said and smiled at the girl who nodded shamefully.
"Go get yourself cleaned up, we are busy today." She said and walked out, the men lingered at the doorway outside and Aja narrowed her eyes and made her way down to them.
"What are you still doing 'ere? Get out." She ordered before they surrounded her.
"You can't tell us what to do," one said, clearly drunk.
"D'is my brot'el my business, so yes, I can. Get!" she spat and with the main one swung at her, his hand connecting to her cheek, sending her to the ground.
"See, she's nothing, just a woman, I knew it was only a rumor."
Aja glared daggers at the men as two grabbed her by either arm.
"You will regret this," She said, knowing she had a trump card but if she played it now, she risked everything.
"No, I think we'll rather enjoy this."
Aja took a deep breath.
Business was good here, Aja was a respected Madame and Owner, and being that she wasn't exactly human, and favored among the most feared pirates, few dare to cross her, she has even had a hand in banning a few unruly pirates from making money here on Nassau, between her and Lady Harlington, they practically ran Nassau.
"Ahh!" Aja looked up as a scream was heard from one of the rooms. She quickly ran up the stairs, practically floating as she saw two men on one whore.
Aja grabbed one of the men and with an unnatural strength she tossed him against the wall, startling both men.
"One man, one whore, d'at's d'e rule!" She barked.
"I tried to tell them, Madame Aja, but they wouldn't listen." squeaked the poor girl, cowaring against the bed.
Aja looked at the men.
"Which of you paid?"
The men were silently.
"Fine, don't answer. You two are not welcome 'ere, if I see you anywhere need 'ere again, I will personally see d'at you never make successful trade on Nassau." she said and the men clamoured to their feet and stumbled out.
Aja looked at the girl and sighed.
"'ow many times do I 'ave to tell you, if a man brings friends, so do you." Aja said and smiled at the girl who nodded shamefully.
"Go get yourself cleaned up, we are busy today." She said and walked out, the men lingered at the doorway outside and Aja narrowed her eyes and made her way down to them.
"What are you still doing 'ere? Get out." She ordered before they surrounded her.
"You can't tell us what to do," one said, clearly drunk.
"D'is my brot'el my business, so yes, I can. Get!" she spat and with the main one swung at her, his hand connecting to her cheek, sending her to the ground.
"See, she's nothing, just a woman, I knew it was only a rumor."
Aja glared daggers at the men as two grabbed her by either arm.
"You will regret this," She said, knowing she had a trump card but if she played it now, she risked everything.
"No, I think we'll rather enjoy this."
Aja took a deep breath.
âFirm grip this one has.â Draed thought, it was apparent Xandra knew what she wanted.
As she sat, he grabbed a chair scrapping it across the floor. Raising his boot Draed put it on the chair leaning on his leg; still considering the possibility that she was of no good he kept the sword between them. As the woman commanded Salia to retrieve them some rum, he merely watched the womanâs mannerisms, secretly assessing her character based on what he was looking for.
âWhy yes, I am in the market for a crew⊠and you think you could keep up with a crew that I command?â Draed stated implying that he ruled with an iron fist, he was strict but fair.
âWhat services could you offer me, girl?â Draed asked intrigued to see what the hot head would respond with.
Salia had brought the retched intruders a dusty, corked jug which was about half way full of dark liquor. It was actually left by her mother so it was quite aged and potent. Salia herself didnât drink at all; too her it was a drug that clouded the mind⊠not to mention it all tasted like piss.
âHere you are.â Salia said with attitude as she pounded the jug on the ground near the woman. Salia wasnât fond of being told what to do, but deep down she sort of liked it in a way. It was probably due to her physical attraction to the woman and nothing more.
âThere arenât any glasses in the shop⊠well unless you want to purchase some antique china.â Salia suggested gesturing towards a nice display of fancy dishware.
In the middle of Salia talking, Draed had already uncorked the jug and taken a swig. He now offered it to Xandra.
âCâmon now⊠convince me why I should take you along with me.â
As she sat, he grabbed a chair scrapping it across the floor. Raising his boot Draed put it on the chair leaning on his leg; still considering the possibility that she was of no good he kept the sword between them. As the woman commanded Salia to retrieve them some rum, he merely watched the womanâs mannerisms, secretly assessing her character based on what he was looking for.
âWhy yes, I am in the market for a crew⊠and you think you could keep up with a crew that I command?â Draed stated implying that he ruled with an iron fist, he was strict but fair.
âWhat services could you offer me, girl?â Draed asked intrigued to see what the hot head would respond with.
Salia had brought the retched intruders a dusty, corked jug which was about half way full of dark liquor. It was actually left by her mother so it was quite aged and potent. Salia herself didnât drink at all; too her it was a drug that clouded the mind⊠not to mention it all tasted like piss.
âHere you are.â Salia said with attitude as she pounded the jug on the ground near the woman. Salia wasnât fond of being told what to do, but deep down she sort of liked it in a way. It was probably due to her physical attraction to the woman and nothing more.
âThere arenât any glasses in the shop⊠well unless you want to purchase some antique china.â Salia suggested gesturing towards a nice display of fancy dishware.
In the middle of Salia talking, Draed had already uncorked the jug and taken a swig. He now offered it to Xandra.
âCâmon now⊠convince me why I should take you along with me.â
The soft, playful melody of an accordion and flute filled the brothel along with the intermingling sounds of laughter and drunken blares. Pirates, scoundrels, and even the wealthy were lounged about couches with voluptuous women in their laps and beer and wine on their tables. They smoked hookah and munched on grapes, cheese, and other edibles that kept hunger at bay, but nothing sated the hunger of their loins like a fine woman.
As a red-faced smiling gentleman staggered toward the door, he wrapped his fingers about the bronze knob and drew it open to walk right into what felt to be a wall. The man staggered backwards before he fell upon his bum and from the pair of legs he saw in front of him, he craned his head up the doorframe to where the strangerâs head was not visible. The visitorâs frame blocked the door, and silence fell over the guests. Eyes were upon the stranger as he lowered his head to get through the entrance. His steps were felt through the floor, and the boards groaned beneath the weight of Mercurian bone and muscle. With the hat veiling his face, the man was shrouded in mystery. His torn pants, lack of footwear, and the sack he carried in his hand made him look shipwrecked, having perhaps just washed up upon the beach. It was clear that the jacket he wore didnât fit him, having been split at the sleeves to reveal stark-white arms with the brands of a pirate all over them.
The inebriated man curled his legs, drawing them closer to his chest fearful that the giant would step upon them. When his shadow collapsed over him like a blanket, with his head tipped as far back as it could naturally go, he saw the two eyes that peered down at him from spheres of darkness. They looked like rings of gold, glinting softly and stealing his breath on asphyxiated whimpers. With a sudden wail, the drunk jumped to his feet and nearly stumbled on his way out the door as he screamed:
âMonster! Muh-muh-monster!â
The guests silently watched the man leave before their attention apprehensively returned to the stranger.
One of the unoccupied girls waiting the tables approached him, a little nervously, but she was good at hiding it. To the guests, she was bold and probably a fool. She was a young thing. Shame to see such a girl with a whole life ahead of her at a brothel. She had rich, dark spiraling hair, pink lips and cheeks. She stopped just out of the visitorâs reach with her serving tray against her lap and through hazel eyes peered up at the mysterious gentleman. She couldnât see his face beneath the lip of his hat, but the presence he bore was thick and foreign.
âWelcome. The mistress is busy, but I will do my best to tend to your needs,â said the serving girl.
She watched the smile curl at his lips as he shook his bag and from it came the chime of coin. âI got me a bag âere witâ some things ye might find nice. Ahâm jusâ wonderinâ who tâgive it to.â
The girl bowed her head, her tresses tumbling forward to veil her intrigued smile and the brief redness that came to her cheeks. She had heard the weight of the gold and couldnât deny her urges to acquire it. If a man had gold, monster or not, sheâd happily take it off his hands.
Raising her head, the girl sighed a breath of refreshment and extended her arm over to an empty lounge with pink, silk curtains, pillows, and a hookah pipe.
âThis way. Youâll be with me,â she told him.
The teeth he flashed at her as he started for the lounge made her jump a little. What kind of man had teeth like that? What had she gotten herself into? She followed behind him, inspecting small distinct features such as the strange seams that extended down his forearms. She even thought that she saw his skin move beneath his armpits. Had she really been about to entertain a beast?
As they passed the stairwell, the serving girl slowed, staring up at the second floor with concern glinting in her eyes. Mako peered over his shoulder and stopped, eyes flicking up to the second floor briefly before they returned to her.
âWhot is it?â he asked.
The girlâs attentioned snapped back to her guest, her eyes widening a little. âN-nothing. Itâs justâŠthe mistress; Madame Aja left some time before you arrived to check on one of the girls. She just hasnât come back down. I guess Iâm a little concerned.â
Mako made a face, his nose wrinkling and lips drooping in a frown. He normally wouldnât have cared, but the girl had hinted that this Madame Aja was her boss. If something happened to her employer, then the brothel wouldnât last for as long as he had hoped to spend in it. The fish hissed and turned toward the girl, walking past her as he silently started up the stairs.
âWait! You canât go up there unescorted!â she called as she grabbed her pink dress by the skirts and raised them to quickly follow after him.
âThen escort me!â the shark growled though he still continued to lead the way.
Down the hall were a group of men crowding a bedroom. Their bioelectric signatures flickered before his eyes along with the two that were in the bedroom, and as he strode closer, he watched a woman step out and she didnât look too thrilled to see the men there.
Yelling followed, and when one of the scumbags raised his hand against the fae, the serving girl squeaked, âMadame Aja!â
Mako took note of the womanâs description and threw his weight forward as he advanced like a shark pursuing prey.
No, I think weâll rather enjoy this,
One of the men happened to look away from the fae to see the massive man lunge upon his buddies. With a startled cry, he tried to alert them: âLook out!â
Makoâs left and right forearms swung out against the necks of the two ruffians' bodies, slamming them against opposite walls before his fins slid free of their filmy sheath to stretch like blades across the dazed menâs throats. They felt the hairline cut of a knife stinging their flesh and their eyes bulged at the strange protrusions coming from the creatureâs arms. They danced upon the toes of their feet, trembling fearfully for one slip could have their throats slit.
The third one had wailed and drew his sword to stab it up at the beastâs face. From beneath the manâs hat, he heard a clang of metal and felt the vibrations reverberate throughout his hands. He grasped the hilt with both hands and tried to force the sword onward only to watch the cheap blade bend as Mako bent at the waist, lowering his gait so that his black, ghostly eyes could stare into the manâs face.
The ruffian paled, seeing his blade clenched between teeth that were large and jagged like a shark. His weapon had bent like a spoon and with the jerk of Makoâs head was stripped right from his grip and thrown against the wall.
âYe know the last bloke who puttaâ sword in me face I bit âis face clean off,â Mako shared as the corners of his mouth twisted into a malicious grin.
The man slowly stepped back in silent terror and looked to his pinned buddies before he turned tail and ran.
âMadame Aja!â the serving girl called as she moved around Makoâs hip to check on her employer. She reached a hand for her cheek not liking the harm she had faced.
As a red-faced smiling gentleman staggered toward the door, he wrapped his fingers about the bronze knob and drew it open to walk right into what felt to be a wall. The man staggered backwards before he fell upon his bum and from the pair of legs he saw in front of him, he craned his head up the doorframe to where the strangerâs head was not visible. The visitorâs frame blocked the door, and silence fell over the guests. Eyes were upon the stranger as he lowered his head to get through the entrance. His steps were felt through the floor, and the boards groaned beneath the weight of Mercurian bone and muscle. With the hat veiling his face, the man was shrouded in mystery. His torn pants, lack of footwear, and the sack he carried in his hand made him look shipwrecked, having perhaps just washed up upon the beach. It was clear that the jacket he wore didnât fit him, having been split at the sleeves to reveal stark-white arms with the brands of a pirate all over them.
The inebriated man curled his legs, drawing them closer to his chest fearful that the giant would step upon them. When his shadow collapsed over him like a blanket, with his head tipped as far back as it could naturally go, he saw the two eyes that peered down at him from spheres of darkness. They looked like rings of gold, glinting softly and stealing his breath on asphyxiated whimpers. With a sudden wail, the drunk jumped to his feet and nearly stumbled on his way out the door as he screamed:
âMonster! Muh-muh-monster!â
The guests silently watched the man leave before their attention apprehensively returned to the stranger.
One of the unoccupied girls waiting the tables approached him, a little nervously, but she was good at hiding it. To the guests, she was bold and probably a fool. She was a young thing. Shame to see such a girl with a whole life ahead of her at a brothel. She had rich, dark spiraling hair, pink lips and cheeks. She stopped just out of the visitorâs reach with her serving tray against her lap and through hazel eyes peered up at the mysterious gentleman. She couldnât see his face beneath the lip of his hat, but the presence he bore was thick and foreign.
âWelcome. The mistress is busy, but I will do my best to tend to your needs,â said the serving girl.
She watched the smile curl at his lips as he shook his bag and from it came the chime of coin. âI got me a bag âere witâ some things ye might find nice. Ahâm jusâ wonderinâ who tâgive it to.â
The girl bowed her head, her tresses tumbling forward to veil her intrigued smile and the brief redness that came to her cheeks. She had heard the weight of the gold and couldnât deny her urges to acquire it. If a man had gold, monster or not, sheâd happily take it off his hands.
Raising her head, the girl sighed a breath of refreshment and extended her arm over to an empty lounge with pink, silk curtains, pillows, and a hookah pipe.
âThis way. Youâll be with me,â she told him.
The teeth he flashed at her as he started for the lounge made her jump a little. What kind of man had teeth like that? What had she gotten herself into? She followed behind him, inspecting small distinct features such as the strange seams that extended down his forearms. She even thought that she saw his skin move beneath his armpits. Had she really been about to entertain a beast?
As they passed the stairwell, the serving girl slowed, staring up at the second floor with concern glinting in her eyes. Mako peered over his shoulder and stopped, eyes flicking up to the second floor briefly before they returned to her.
âWhot is it?â he asked.
The girlâs attentioned snapped back to her guest, her eyes widening a little. âN-nothing. Itâs justâŠthe mistress; Madame Aja left some time before you arrived to check on one of the girls. She just hasnât come back down. I guess Iâm a little concerned.â
Mako made a face, his nose wrinkling and lips drooping in a frown. He normally wouldnât have cared, but the girl had hinted that this Madame Aja was her boss. If something happened to her employer, then the brothel wouldnât last for as long as he had hoped to spend in it. The fish hissed and turned toward the girl, walking past her as he silently started up the stairs.
âWait! You canât go up there unescorted!â she called as she grabbed her pink dress by the skirts and raised them to quickly follow after him.
âThen escort me!â the shark growled though he still continued to lead the way.
Down the hall were a group of men crowding a bedroom. Their bioelectric signatures flickered before his eyes along with the two that were in the bedroom, and as he strode closer, he watched a woman step out and she didnât look too thrilled to see the men there.
Yelling followed, and when one of the scumbags raised his hand against the fae, the serving girl squeaked, âMadame Aja!â
Mako took note of the womanâs description and threw his weight forward as he advanced like a shark pursuing prey.
No, I think weâll rather enjoy this,
One of the men happened to look away from the fae to see the massive man lunge upon his buddies. With a startled cry, he tried to alert them: âLook out!â
Makoâs left and right forearms swung out against the necks of the two ruffians' bodies, slamming them against opposite walls before his fins slid free of their filmy sheath to stretch like blades across the dazed menâs throats. They felt the hairline cut of a knife stinging their flesh and their eyes bulged at the strange protrusions coming from the creatureâs arms. They danced upon the toes of their feet, trembling fearfully for one slip could have their throats slit.
The third one had wailed and drew his sword to stab it up at the beastâs face. From beneath the manâs hat, he heard a clang of metal and felt the vibrations reverberate throughout his hands. He grasped the hilt with both hands and tried to force the sword onward only to watch the cheap blade bend as Mako bent at the waist, lowering his gait so that his black, ghostly eyes could stare into the manâs face.
The ruffian paled, seeing his blade clenched between teeth that were large and jagged like a shark. His weapon had bent like a spoon and with the jerk of Makoâs head was stripped right from his grip and thrown against the wall.
âYe know the last bloke who puttaâ sword in me face I bit âis face clean off,â Mako shared as the corners of his mouth twisted into a malicious grin.
The man slowly stepped back in silent terror and looked to his pinned buddies before he turned tail and ran.
âMadame Aja!â the serving girl called as she moved around Makoâs hip to check on her employer. She reached a hand for her cheek not liking the harm she had faced.
Elizabeth watched the conversation between the girl and the strange bandaged man cooly, "Such an interesting day im having," she mused quietly to herself, "Thank you sir for your impeccable manners, but I am afraid you must leave us ladies to go freshen up," she said with a melodramatic wave of her hand as if it were hot, "The city does make a lady most untidy." She looked sharply at Nassara, who still held the cowering girl at bladepoint, "Nassara stop being so menacing and put those blades away, then escort our guest to the carriage." She looked back at the man, "Good day to you sir." And with that she climbed into the Carriage and with a whip crack Marcus jolted the horses onwards.
Once they were underway Elizabeth turned back to their odd guest, "Such an interesting day I am having, I should go out more often," she then looked down at her now dirty and dishevelled dress, "Though the city can be quite dirty when it desires." She looked back at the girl, her expression invisible beneath her porcelain white mask, "And what would your name be child?"
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Jarrak let Kalila run out of the cabin, he didnt follow her. She would be upset, she would go and be alone for a while, but deep down she knew that she was the closest thing to family Jarrak had ever had. He remembered back to that day in the market, him sitting on a ledge above on one of the clay walls with the other street kids, looking for good marks. Merchants were usually best, fat and easy to spot, they often carried a fair amount on them for pickpockets like himself. hough sometimes they had bodyguards, and they weren't always obvious. He had seen other kids who had been caught by a disguised bodyguard, the usual punishment for thievery was dismembered hand, he knew of kids who had gotten much worse. Another good target was women, usually merchants wives, or...
"Pregnant." he said under his breath as he watched a woman pick her way through the crowd. They were good marks because they couldn't give chase and often would give in to simple intimidation. Not from a child though. He slipped off the wall and melted into the crowd, nearing the woman who was clearly near to full term. He bumped into her nonchalantly, pretending he had just been running past, his hands expertly pilfering a jeweled bracelet from her wrist. He turned to speed off but suddenly found himself spinning backwards as something hard and metal careened into his face. He flew back and tumbled along the ground, dazed from the blow to the head. He felt someone grab him by the shoulder and roll him over, His vision spun as he looked up at the terrifying form of his capturer. Silhouetted against the sun, a mane of black hair and a dark mask obscured the mans face bar for a pair of merciless slate grey eyes. His left hand was a blade tipped claw and in his right was a large forward curving, scythe like blade. Jarrak couldn't move, he was rooted to the spot in absolute terror. This man wouldn't just take a hand, he would kill him, hack him to pieces with his curved sword and use his bones as ornaments. The man raised his blade and Jarrak screwed his eyes shut in anticipation, he didnt want to see the blade-.
"Da'Karro!" a woman's voice rang out in the crowd, he cracked open his eyes again to see the pregnant woman standing before the man, her hand held out and holding his sword hand high, "He is a child."
"He is a thief." The man growled darkly.
"And you were a slave. You did what you had to to survive. This boy is doing nothing different."
Jarrak stared up at the woman, he could see now she wasn't from Jeddah, she wore Jeddian clothes to keep the harsh sun off her skin but she was pale and her accent was strange. She wasnt from anywhere near Jeddah.
"Ishka would want you to save this boy, like your priestess saved you." She said, and man reluctantly lowered his sword. The woman turned to Jarrak and knelt down to where he lay, "Hello, my name is Scarlet, a pleasure to meet you."
Then Jarrak passed out.
A sudden commotion on deck brought JArrak out of his reverie, He could hear the telltale voice of one of the twins yelling, "Kalila..." Jarrak muttered and scrambled up to the deck, barging past a pirate who had apparently been sent to fetch him. He ran up onto the deck to seem Kalila out cold in Sebastians arms. "Dont touch her!" He screamed at the boy as he barrelled across the deck, he shouldnt have left her alone, he shouldnt have let her out of his sight, her father would have had him killed for such oversight, he had grown lazy without the fear of repurcussions. "I said dont touch her!" Jarrak yelled pulling Kalila out of Sebastians arms and crouching down to the deck with her, one arm wrapped around her shoulders, the other against her face, trying to sooth her as she convulsed, " Its alright Kalila, you're alright, listen to me, listen to my voice. Its all going to be alright, we'll get through this, you're going to be ok."
Once they were underway Elizabeth turned back to their odd guest, "Such an interesting day I am having, I should go out more often," she then looked down at her now dirty and dishevelled dress, "Though the city can be quite dirty when it desires." She looked back at the girl, her expression invisible beneath her porcelain white mask, "And what would your name be child?"
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Jarrak let Kalila run out of the cabin, he didnt follow her. She would be upset, she would go and be alone for a while, but deep down she knew that she was the closest thing to family Jarrak had ever had. He remembered back to that day in the market, him sitting on a ledge above on one of the clay walls with the other street kids, looking for good marks. Merchants were usually best, fat and easy to spot, they often carried a fair amount on them for pickpockets like himself. hough sometimes they had bodyguards, and they weren't always obvious. He had seen other kids who had been caught by a disguised bodyguard, the usual punishment for thievery was dismembered hand, he knew of kids who had gotten much worse. Another good target was women, usually merchants wives, or...
"Pregnant." he said under his breath as he watched a woman pick her way through the crowd. They were good marks because they couldn't give chase and often would give in to simple intimidation. Not from a child though. He slipped off the wall and melted into the crowd, nearing the woman who was clearly near to full term. He bumped into her nonchalantly, pretending he had just been running past, his hands expertly pilfering a jeweled bracelet from her wrist. He turned to speed off but suddenly found himself spinning backwards as something hard and metal careened into his face. He flew back and tumbled along the ground, dazed from the blow to the head. He felt someone grab him by the shoulder and roll him over, His vision spun as he looked up at the terrifying form of his capturer. Silhouetted against the sun, a mane of black hair and a dark mask obscured the mans face bar for a pair of merciless slate grey eyes. His left hand was a blade tipped claw and in his right was a large forward curving, scythe like blade. Jarrak couldn't move, he was rooted to the spot in absolute terror. This man wouldn't just take a hand, he would kill him, hack him to pieces with his curved sword and use his bones as ornaments. The man raised his blade and Jarrak screwed his eyes shut in anticipation, he didnt want to see the blade-.
"Da'Karro!" a woman's voice rang out in the crowd, he cracked open his eyes again to see the pregnant woman standing before the man, her hand held out and holding his sword hand high, "He is a child."
"He is a thief." The man growled darkly.
"And you were a slave. You did what you had to to survive. This boy is doing nothing different."
Jarrak stared up at the woman, he could see now she wasn't from Jeddah, she wore Jeddian clothes to keep the harsh sun off her skin but she was pale and her accent was strange. She wasnt from anywhere near Jeddah.
"Ishka would want you to save this boy, like your priestess saved you." She said, and man reluctantly lowered his sword. The woman turned to Jarrak and knelt down to where he lay, "Hello, my name is Scarlet, a pleasure to meet you."
Then Jarrak passed out.
A sudden commotion on deck brought JArrak out of his reverie, He could hear the telltale voice of one of the twins yelling, "Kalila..." Jarrak muttered and scrambled up to the deck, barging past a pirate who had apparently been sent to fetch him. He ran up onto the deck to seem Kalila out cold in Sebastians arms. "Dont touch her!" He screamed at the boy as he barrelled across the deck, he shouldnt have left her alone, he shouldnt have let her out of his sight, her father would have had him killed for such oversight, he had grown lazy without the fear of repurcussions. "I said dont touch her!" Jarrak yelled pulling Kalila out of Sebastians arms and crouching down to the deck with her, one arm wrapped around her shoulders, the other against her face, trying to sooth her as she convulsed, " Its alright Kalila, you're alright, listen to me, listen to my voice. Its all going to be alright, we'll get through this, you're going to be ok."
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Xandra smirked as she took the glass from Draed. "Let's see, where to begin..." She mused. Typically, she wasn't one to market herself, her reputation usually proceeded itself but this was a different case.
"I'm not one to talk about myself...Actions speak louder..." She said and stood.
"I found it best to learn a man, through his steel, same goes for me, you want to know me, fight me...you'll know all that you need to..." She said and pulled his blade from the wood, and tossed it to him, and removing her own cutlass from her hip. "How about it then?" She said and her eyes flickered to the girl. "Don't worry lass, we'll take it outside." she grinned wolfishly and looked back at Draed.
Aja stood up, as the young barmaid came up to her after the Mer like man attacked the men.
To most, he would have seemed strange, but to Aja, he reminded her of the many different fae back in Anansai...before the Unrest...
"Dedria." Aja smiled.
"Are you alright Ma'am?"
"Yes, yes, only a scratch," Aja said sweetly, touching the girl's face. Aja was a kind madame, she made sure her girls were treated properly, and safe, sure this wasn't the most lavish of work places but they weren't slaves, they worked here of their own volition.
Aja pulled herself from the floor and turned to the man, she gave a bow.
"D'ank you, Messieur, You've done me a great kindness," She said to the man. "You are welcome 'ere anytime you like, free of charge, with your pick of any girl you wish, myself included." She said and bowed graciously. "Messuier, May I ask d'e name of my saviour?"
Kalila seized hard as Sebastian held on to her, his memories flashing into her mind along with the visions.
Finally, She was in Jarrak's arms. She heard him shouting and tried to focus on his voices as the visions played before her eyes.
"It's alright, Kalila, you're alright, listen to me, listen to my voice. It's all going to be alright, we'll get throught this, you're going to be okay" He said and Kalila looked at him, her body convulsing but no longer beating on the hard deck.
After what seemed like eternity, Kalila finally stopped seizing. Her body calmed and she looked up at Jarrak, her eyes fading back into their slate grey color.
"Men are going to take me away..." She breathed.
"You all have to let them...you'll die if you don't." She said softly.
"I'm not one to talk about myself...Actions speak louder..." She said and stood.
"I found it best to learn a man, through his steel, same goes for me, you want to know me, fight me...you'll know all that you need to..." She said and pulled his blade from the wood, and tossed it to him, and removing her own cutlass from her hip. "How about it then?" She said and her eyes flickered to the girl. "Don't worry lass, we'll take it outside." she grinned wolfishly and looked back at Draed.
Aja stood up, as the young barmaid came up to her after the Mer like man attacked the men.
To most, he would have seemed strange, but to Aja, he reminded her of the many different fae back in Anansai...before the Unrest...
"Dedria." Aja smiled.
"Are you alright Ma'am?"
"Yes, yes, only a scratch," Aja said sweetly, touching the girl's face. Aja was a kind madame, she made sure her girls were treated properly, and safe, sure this wasn't the most lavish of work places but they weren't slaves, they worked here of their own volition.
Aja pulled herself from the floor and turned to the man, she gave a bow.
"D'ank you, Messieur, You've done me a great kindness," She said to the man. "You are welcome 'ere anytime you like, free of charge, with your pick of any girl you wish, myself included." She said and bowed graciously. "Messuier, May I ask d'e name of my saviour?"
Kalila seized hard as Sebastian held on to her, his memories flashing into her mind along with the visions.
Finally, She was in Jarrak's arms. She heard him shouting and tried to focus on his voices as the visions played before her eyes.
"It's alright, Kalila, you're alright, listen to me, listen to my voice. It's all going to be alright, we'll get throught this, you're going to be okay" He said and Kalila looked at him, her body convulsing but no longer beating on the hard deck.
After what seemed like eternity, Kalila finally stopped seizing. Her body calmed and she looked up at Jarrak, her eyes fading back into their slate grey color.
"Men are going to take me away..." She breathed.
"You all have to let them...you'll die if you don't." She said softly.
Neviah
She looked sharply at Nassara, who really was getting rather frustrated with the lady. "Nassara stop being so menacing and put those blades away, then escort our guest to the carriage." She looked back at the man, "Good day to you sir." And with that she climbed into the Carriage and with a whip crack Marcus jolted the horses onward. So the girl with the knives was called Nassara.
Once they were underway Elizabeth turned back to Neviah who was watching the town out the window, "Such an interesting day I am having, I should go out more often," she then looked down at her now dirty and disheveled dress, "Though the city can be quite dirty when it desires."
She looked back up at Neviah who felt rather uncomfortable around the lady. Neviah couldn't read her expression under the lady's mask and it was unnerving. "And what would your name be child?" The lady asked as if this was a totally normal encounter.
Neviah hesitated, looking down at her hands in her dirtied dress, her fingers playing with the uncommon fabric. "Neviah," Neviah says softly, looking back out the window. She didn't want to look at this lady, the mask making her uncertain about whether this lady was good or not, like that bandaged man appeared to be.
Neviah looked over at Nassara, then back at the lady who seemed to be in charge. "Do you live here in the city?" Neviah asked, curious considering the lady seemed to not like the dirtiness. How could she live in such a pirate town?
Damien & Sebastian
" Its alright Kalila, you're alright, listen to me, listen to my voice. Its all going to be alright, we'll get through this, you're going to be ok." Damien, his vision becoming unfocused, his hand holding his stomach.
"Hey, Sebastian, I need... I need some blood," Damien managed, being serious though Sebastian shook his head, watching Kalila worriedly before he caught the slight slur of Damien's word.
Looking over, he saw his brother's hand coated in blood. "What did you do?" Sebastian demanded as he got a bandage to hold over his brother's stomach. Damien shook his head. "Someone stole the money I earned," Damien whispered defeated.
Sebastian slapped his brother, hard. "We don't need it anymore... We have enough we can use," Sebastian demands, angry that his brother fought to defend money.
"Just... just in case," He managed breathing tiredly. As Sebastian began to bandage his brother, he heard Kalila speak.
"Men are going to take me away..." She sais softly. "You all have to let them... you'll die if you don't." She said making Sebastian feel sick to his stomach.
"Like hell we'll let them" Damien says, beating Sebastian to it. "Idiot, you're going below deck where you can rest," Sebastian says.
"Kalila, who's coming?" Sebastian asks as Kato takes Damien with the rest of the crew to the hold where they would protect him from whoever these men were that were coming for Kalila. At least he could be there to help see who it was and if he could help Jarrak, even if Jarrak was a jerk.
As much as he had rather slit the humansâ throats, the shark retracted his fins and the two ruffians slumped exhaustedly to the floor. Their legs had for a moment given up on them but as soon as they were able, the men were on their feet and turning tail. The girlâs employer was safe, and somewhat unharmed. As she recovered to her feet, she thanked him and rewarded him by opening her doors and her legs as well as those of any of her girlsâ to him. The emotion that he had felt was unusual but not foreign. It had pleased himâmade him feel accepted. The madame didnât seem at all intimidated by his appearance, which was unusual for a humanâif she was human. She asked for his name.
The Mercos turned to head back toward the steps without a smile to convey the emotions that he had felt. He wasnât good with such sentimental situations. He wasnât normally a do-gooder, and though he would never admit it, it did feel nice. Before the madame could suspect that he was ignoring her, the pirated answered, âIf ye wanna know me name, yeâd join me below.â
It had been his invitation. The sun-kissed beauty had his curiosity. Why had she felt so comfortable around him when others felt only fear?
Eyes were on the fish as he descended the staircase back down to the ground floor and walked over to the small lounge Dedria had originally offered him. He set down his sack before he sank into the couch, spreading his legs comfortably. The canopy offered a dim and almost sensual cover, and had spared his eyes from much light. Crossing his arms before his chest, he waited patiently for the woman to join him; however, if she had preferred it, he would join her wherever she desired.
The Mercos turned to head back toward the steps without a smile to convey the emotions that he had felt. He wasnât good with such sentimental situations. He wasnât normally a do-gooder, and though he would never admit it, it did feel nice. Before the madame could suspect that he was ignoring her, the pirated answered, âIf ye wanna know me name, yeâd join me below.â
It had been his invitation. The sun-kissed beauty had his curiosity. Why had she felt so comfortable around him when others felt only fear?
Eyes were on the fish as he descended the staircase back down to the ground floor and walked over to the small lounge Dedria had originally offered him. He set down his sack before he sank into the couch, spreading his legs comfortably. The canopy offered a dim and almost sensual cover, and had spared his eyes from much light. Crossing his arms before his chest, he waited patiently for the woman to join him; however, if she had preferred it, he would join her wherever she desired.
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"If ye wanna know me name, ye'd join me below."
The Shark man stated after walking away.
Dedria looked at Aja.
"Ma'am?"
"I'll go, Should you be requested, I'll send for you." She said and Dedria nodded, looking relieved. She was grateful for him rescuing Aja but he was still scary.
Aja however wasn't afraid.
She followed him to the small lounge toward the back of the brothel.
She smiled running her fingers lightly across the canopy cover as she rounded the chaise and sat beside him. "My name is Aja, I am forever grateful for what you did today." She said, her hand resting on his knee, with a soft smile. Most human looked down upon such things, but Aja was Fae, her social standards were different, it was how she was able to run a business like this without so much as a second thought.
To Fae, specifically the type she was, sex wasn't as important as most believed. It was an act, nothing more, unless it was made to mean more.
"'Ow may I d'ank you, properly, Messiuer...?"
The Shark man stated after walking away.
Dedria looked at Aja.
"Ma'am?"
"I'll go, Should you be requested, I'll send for you." She said and Dedria nodded, looking relieved. She was grateful for him rescuing Aja but he was still scary.
Aja however wasn't afraid.
She followed him to the small lounge toward the back of the brothel.
She smiled running her fingers lightly across the canopy cover as she rounded the chaise and sat beside him. "My name is Aja, I am forever grateful for what you did today." She said, her hand resting on his knee, with a soft smile. Most human looked down upon such things, but Aja was Fae, her social standards were different, it was how she was able to run a business like this without so much as a second thought.
To Fae, specifically the type she was, sex wasn't as important as most believed. It was an act, nothing more, unless it was made to mean more.
"'Ow may I d'ank you, properly, Messiuer...?"
The madame appeared before the lounge curtains and sashayed inside. She moved smoothly, adding to the mystery she carried like a shawl. The sharkâs glimmering eyes watched her as she stepped around him, but hadnât followed her over to the seat she had taken next to him. His eyes had been on the nosy couples that had been watching them, perhaps wondering what the owner of the brothel would do with such a creature, or vice versa. Her small hand settled upon his knee, and he regarded it for a moment, hearing her question and smirking all the same. He reached over to the soft rope that had held the curtains apart and undid it. The pink fabric came together like water, granting them some privacy against the prying eyes and ears of the other patrons.
Mako sat forward to light the small table candle with the charcoal in the water pipe, and answered the mysterious lady, âI wanna know whot ye are. Yer not âuman. I know âcuz âumans donât accept whot scaresâem. If I be wrong, then yeâve might âave gone and changed me opinion ovâem.â
Setting the red candle upon the table, the mood was gilded in warm, golden light. Mako turned to the madame to gently trace his forefinger and thumb along the soft line of her jaw to her chin where they came together. His face was inches from her own, his eyes scrutinizing her plump lips and dark eyes. He was a big guy. He knew that he was and wasnât going to overwhelm her. They werenât in the proper chamber for anythingâŠdirty. But there were more subtle ways of giving and receiving pleasure.
Since being exposed to land and the many creatures that thrived on it, he still preferred the exotic beauty of Mercurian women, but there have been other creatures that had proven equally as pleasing in their own unique way.
âI be Mako, Madame,â he answered her. âI be from a city in the sea in the tropics; I be a pirate and a slayer of sea monsters; anâ I âad once been a prisoner anâ a game to the âumans âereâŠâ
His eyes continued to rove over her body before his hand lowered from her chin to slip beneath her robes.
Mako sat forward to light the small table candle with the charcoal in the water pipe, and answered the mysterious lady, âI wanna know whot ye are. Yer not âuman. I know âcuz âumans donât accept whot scaresâem. If I be wrong, then yeâve might âave gone and changed me opinion ovâem.â
Setting the red candle upon the table, the mood was gilded in warm, golden light. Mako turned to the madame to gently trace his forefinger and thumb along the soft line of her jaw to her chin where they came together. His face was inches from her own, his eyes scrutinizing her plump lips and dark eyes. He was a big guy. He knew that he was and wasnât going to overwhelm her. They werenât in the proper chamber for anythingâŠdirty. But there were more subtle ways of giving and receiving pleasure.
Since being exposed to land and the many creatures that thrived on it, he still preferred the exotic beauty of Mercurian women, but there have been other creatures that had proven equally as pleasing in their own unique way.
âI be Mako, Madame,â he answered her. âI be from a city in the sea in the tropics; I be a pirate and a slayer of sea monsters; anâ I âad once been a prisoner anâ a game to the âumans âereâŠâ
His eyes continued to rove over her body before his hand lowered from her chin to slip beneath her robes.