Markel Vraas's Story

Boredom. No other word could describe the feeling the held Varsh in its iron grip. He was sitting on his hammock, cleaning his mighty blade for the umpteenth time, running a bit of rag down the steel over and over. With a growl of frustration he set the sword aside and began going through the Tes'Ar, a series of movements that Hashari warriors perform to prepare their muscles for action. He planted his feet shoulder width apart, and stretched, hands touching the ceiling of the small cabin he called home. Then, he moved into fluid motion. Rapidly going through a series of movements, mimicking the actions of war. At the end of it he leaped forward, slamming his bulk onto the floor and letting out a mighty bellow. He was lightly sweating as he sat down once more, and then sighing. How he longed for something to test his strength against! Then, he remembered the bottle of ale that he had kept in his chest. Here was something to test his strength against! A hard liquor said to defeat even the strongest of men with a few swallows. Eagerly pulling the chest into his lap, he pulled out the bottle, tearing the cork out with his teeth, and beginning to drink. After a few chugs, he was feeling rather boisterous. Thus, he decided to sing.

"Vish, so rask. Ha! So vir! Ha!
Torosk so! Ha! Me so! Ha!
Tulero da! Ha! Te do! Ha!
Amras ba! Ha! Qir lo! Ha!"

With each "Ha!" he would stomp his foot, his basso voice rumbling out in a tidal wave of sound that permeated the ship.

The supply room reeked of burning metal and rotting food. With the low supplies the Sebastian had to make due on some of the items. Scrap metal from junk was being melted using a slow burner he had made, filling the air with rustic odors, to form into bullets. Current virgin stock was only about fifty bullets, which spread between the entire crew, was nothing. He counted up the amount of recycled bullets he had made. Ten. There was enough gunpowder that he made the previous day to make another twenty. He put five cartridges, thirteen steel balls, and a small amount of gunpowder into a sack.

He turned his attention to the food being churned on the next table. He had been converting the kitchen scraps into a biofuel for several weeks, filling the air with a foul smell. It would be worth it to have extra fuel to keep both the ship and the Quartermaster running. Only a few more days until the barrel was finished. Lastly he turned to the food rations.

They were meager at best. There were several sacks of flour and salt, but little on terms of meat. A dozen potatoes, nine onions, one bulb of garlic, and four apples. Sebastian made sure that the supply room always had a few caged animals that could be slaughtered in emergencies. Once the crew stops getting a full meal, they start to question how much is actually available, once they find out the actual amount, problems start. He picked up a knife and looked the last swine in the cage.

After the squealing from the slaughter, Sebastian stuffed the pork into a sack along with half of the potatoes and all of the onions, apples, and garlic. He tossed a vile of olive oil and some rosemary too. That would be enough to satisfy the crew. He walked through the ship with the two sacks on his back. He stopped by the kitchen only to find that Alexandria wasn't there. So he left the sack in the kitchen and continued to the gunners quarters.

He came to the room that Rel'Kaz was in, knocked, and entered. The man was on the reloading bench. Smart. Sebastian set the sack of ammunition on the table. "Use it wisely." He nodded the the gunner. He left the room to find the captain.

When he got to the captains quarters, he found Alexandria in front of Caintry. No doubt about food rations getting low. He coughed a bit to make his presence known. "Captain, I need to talk to you about supplies. Alex..." He turned to the cook. "I've left some pork along with other things in the kitchen for you."

Caintry was thinking on what island he would be most likely to choose and waiting patiently for his little friend to come to his biffing when, rather rudely, Alexandria barged in to his cabin with a looked that readily helped him predict the rant coming, and he sighed as he prepared himself for the girl's latest complaint. Thinking on the first time he met her, he often forced himself to forgive her insubordination, seeing as a pirates do not demand the most discipline, but the outbursts that near challenged him could not be stood for. However, he could not help but to get attached to the small things that they do, just like the rest of the crew, and thinking on all the times he has gotten attached suddenly brought him into a pensive mood, remembering all the crew he has lost over the years, but he was soon snapped back into reality by the banging of a fortissimo voice on his barely awake head.

"I need more supplies Cainy! and unless you want a grumpy no good fer even swapping the deck crew, YOU need to get us docked to get them! And if one more of these good for nothin sissys complain one more time bout them not gettin enough food, I'll zap em myself! This is RIDICULOUS! Why we haven't docked yet I have no clue! Yer laking in your duties, lacky Mc lackerson!!!" Caintry winced as she spoke in a tone entirely to hostile and far too informal to be talking to a superior, but what he found the worst in all of that sentence was the nickname that she had placed for him, Cainy.

Just as he was about to speak sense into the former pirate, his door creaked open once more, but this time the intruder was entirely welcome. Markel, being carried by the padding of his small feline feet, walked in the room for being summoned, and Caintry could not help but gleam smile at the young Khajiit. Denacmen live a very long time, but not forever. So, he would need a successor to his throne as captain when he decided to retire, no doubt he could choose to out-live the boy if need be, and he could not of hoped for a better piece of clay to happen upon, to mold into what he would want out of him. Sure, there were more serious, less idealistic, and just smarter choices, but Caintry saw the fire that burns for wander-lust and adventure in young Markel's heart that he had in his heart as a boy and still now, upholding the Phoenix's reputation of finding twice as more trouble than gold and liking it that way. Although he had many years to go, Markel would make a fine Captain one day, and Caintry thought to give him another lesson, how to assert authority.

"You called sir?" Markel asked, his bright eyes gleaming as he looked to the man before him. Good lad, thought Caintry.

However, just as he was going to try a second time to talk to Alexandria, his door opened a third, and Sebastian strolled in rather official. He looked upon the man, or automaton he guessed, with pride on the old friend that assisted him in making his dream of captain come true, but to Caintry, he could still claim senior. For all he knew, Sebastian could have been older, but he is technically dead so Caintry has been alive longer, thus his loop-hole.

"Captain, I need to talk to you about supplies. Alex..." He turned to the cook. "I've left some pork along with other things in the kitchen for you." Good, now she can leave to let the headache heal, but first to make an example. Only half the ship is here! He politely gave him a genteel smile, but he was already well aware of the supply problem. Out of the keenness of his ear, Caintry thought he heard Varsh in drunken dance, but he waved it off by determining no one is brain dead enough to be drunk so early.

Then, now unexpectedly so, another soul found its way into the Captain's cabin, but at least it was another official he actually needed to see, his first mate Mitsuhide, who seemed to be as jolly as ever. It did not take Caintry long to deduce that was a false front, for if everyone else was so agitated, it too odd for him to be merry, but Caintry would have to bring it up later. He would need the reliance that he put on Mitsuhide for only until the ship reached shore, Caintry depending on the rock that he has always trusted, and it actually heavily distressed Caintry to learn of something wearing on the man.

"Forgive my intrusion, I heard some shouting... ?". Mitsuhide began, but scanning the room seemed to want to retract his statement.

"Oh my, I am not interrupting anything am I?" He said with genuine concern. Nothing really important.

Caintry paused for a moment, expecting another entrance, but after a few moments he deemed it safe to continue. Holding up a finger to everyone but Alexandria, signifying to wait, he he pulled out his pistol. Dramatically and histrionically, he made a great deal of checking his gun, inspecting the down the barrel, and the sarcastically pointed it at Alexandria, a stern face that he wore as a mask. Caintry spoke with power and authority, but also with light humor.

"While we may be running out of food, I seem to have plenty of bullets, so I would watch your tone with your captain. First of all, my name is not Cainy, it is captain, or Mr.Captain, or God of the Skies for all I care. Not. Cainy. And second, insubordination can get you the plank, and most say Hell is the only thing beneath those clouds. Finally, while I will not be making you take the long jump for your out-burst, your welcome, I will be stripping your right of say in the upcoming vote. You are dismissed." With that, he waved her away.

Now, turning towards Markel, he spoke soft and fatherly, yet with a firmness that showed some strength. "Markel, go fetch Blue; I have many things to discuss with her."

Then he turned to Sebastian, knowing the turmoil of the ship's supplies ,and replied, "Thank you Sebastian, I am informed. If you would be so kind as to wait on the deck; I am going to be making an announcement."

And finally, he turned to Mitsuhide, speaking as gently as possible in fear of him being fragile, but that was somewhat of an awkward thought for Caintry. "Mitsuhide, assemble the rest of the crew to the deck as well, Alexandria may be present but I need to speak to Blue first. I would much appreciate it."

With that, he sat back down. It is going to be one hell of a morning.

"hmmph" was Alex's only response to the Capt.'s display of authority, She hadn't expected everyone to show up, and hear her shouting. Looking around her eyes rested on Sebastian.

"Thanks Sebby, I'll get to work prepping it right away." as she stalked out of the the Captains quarters she patted the top of Markel's head and leaned in to whisper to him. "You got a good teacher there lad, learn well from him" she said and smiled at him.

Once she was back on the deck and out of earshot she burst into laughter. "Oh Cany, good show good show!." she whispered to herself. I have to apologize to him now, no one was supposed to show up. she thought to herself.

Walking into the kitchen she went through the supplies in the bag Sebby gave her. "Oooh A little spice!" she shouted happily. She sat down and snapped her fingers watching as everything was removed from the bag and being prepped. "Ah the joys of magic!" She then propped her feet up and began singing a soft tune smiling all the while. She poked her stomach, she didn't even feel the hunger anymore. She figured so everyone could have a little more she would share her portion with everyone. She had been doing it for the past 4 days but she wouldn't tell anyone that. She loved her crew and was willing to sacrifice her happiness for theirs.

She flicked her ears, waiting for when everyone was out of the Capt.s cabin. She wanted to apologize but she didn't want anyone there when she did so. Seeing as everything was prepped she decided to make it into three meals instead of one, so as the crew had food throughout the day instead of one meal. As she cooked she thought, about her past and how far she had come. "At least from that experience I know how to take a little and make a lot.

Once the first meal was done, though she used her magic to get it done fast, she divided it out and put the bowls on the platter. She first went to the door to the engine room and placed the bowl on the shelf she had installed for Amelia and picked up her communication horn, "Am Am,your food is out here" she then went to Blue's room to discover that Selitos was there to. "Well here you guys go, pork stew. Odd to see you here Seli." whistling she place their bowls on a shelf that wasn't covered in maps and continued on. Opening Varsh's room she wrinkled her nose "If I didn't know any better I would say you were a Pirate drinking this early!" then she placed his food on his small desk. The last person she visited below deck was Rela Kaz. "Here Kazie! your portion." she said and whisked to the top deck, she had seen Elwise waiting and Aurea pacing, "Here guys meal in done." Then she sighed and entered the Capt.s cabin once more. "Here ya go Sebby, Mitsie, young Markie, and Capt." she set his bowl on his desk. Tucking the now empty platter under her arm she smiled. "Breakfast is served, enjoy." she went back to her room to lay down.

Varsh's drunken revelry ended with the entering of the cook with a bowl of food whose scent triggered a ravenous hunger that had been hiding. At the end of Alexandria's comment he responded with "Nothing else to do on this ship. Might as well drink to pass time." His words were slurred, and he tottered over to the desk, slamming his bulk into the seat and quickly snatching up the bowl, devouring the food within a matter of a minute or three. Then, he decided to leave his cabin to get some air. Moving onto the deck, he quickly breathed in a few breaths of the clean fresh air of the open sky. The drunken haze with which he viewed everything faded somewhat, and he decided to visit the captain to see about when they were going to get to kill something.

He knocked on the door frame (Missing the door) and then moved in. Varsh made it to the captain's desk and said "Captain. When we going to fight something? My blade thirsts for blood! I need battle! This endless sailing grows dull fast!" As he spoke, a huge waft of alcohol stained breath hit the captain directly in the face..

"So what's all that about then?"
Blue looked up to meet the face of Selitos, the Ship’s Silver Tongue. Not only was he a smooth talker and quite charming, the man’s face was above average and Blue could’ve sworn it was one of the other reasons as to why he was so excellent at his job.
"Apple?"

She stared at the red apple for a bit, obviously not seeing how he had pulled it out of his shirt and while she tried to prevent her face from showing any type of awe, Blue knew that since it was Selitos, he’d be able to tell that she was in wonder. Blue took the apple, taking a bite of the fruit before re-reading the sentence she had been on when he arrived. “If I am not mistaken, I believe that the ship’s kitten has become temperamental, although it seems to be resolved by now.” She said, referring to the silence that had now embraced the ship once more.

“This apple is pretty tasty. Did you ‘commandeer’ it from the kitchen?" She looked over at Selitos and smiled at him with her crooked smile as she finished checking her work. It didn’t take long before someone else popped in- the voice of the hissing cat, Alex, who was now in a chipper mood and was handing out bowls of stew. Blue was quite happy that Alex was in a better mood; no one wanted to travel with a sourpuss, especially one like Alex (although she was quite enjoyable when in a positive mood).
"Well here you guys go, pork stew. Odd to see you here Seli.”

Blue took the bowl of stew and thanked Alex. In all honestly, Blue didn’t have the stomach for stew this morning and knew that the apple would suffice. Blue turned towards Selitos and handed her bowl to him. “As repayment for the apple, kind sir.” She joked, giving him another crooked smile before taking an additional bite of her apple and then setting it down on the desk. She continued to shuffle through her papers, keeping the planned routes propped underneath her arm before she stopped and looked at Selitos, opening her mouth as if she was going to say something but before she could, Markel walked into her room and causing Blue to forget whatever it was she wanted to say.

While Blue thought of Markel being quite odd as he seemed a bit lost at words whenever she was around him, she always seemed to treat him with gentle care. Blue chalked it up to him being a child, but Blue knew very well within her that it was because Markel’s sense of adventure and imagination had reminded Blue of her brother when they were younger and spent their days exploring. Because of this fond memory Blue seemed to picture within Markel, she was quite oblivious to his feelings that he had about her.

"Cap'n wishes you to go an' see 'em in his quarters Madam."
Blue smiled at the boy, nodding. “Alright, thanks Markel.” Blue said, now holding her plans in one hand as she gently ruffled Markel’s hair, her hand lingering a bit on his head as she turned towards Selitos. “Well I guess I will see you when the Captain calls us out for a vote, Selitos.”

Blue left the navigational room and headed towards the Captain’s quarters, seeing Elly on her way towards the room. She smiled and nodded at her before stopping outside of the Captain’s door frame, knocking first and then waiting several seconds before entering, watching Varsh's drunken movement. While somewhat violent, Blue had nothing against Varsh and usually didn't mind his presence. Nonetheless, Blue ignored the man and walked towards him, lowering her head a little before straightening back up.

“Good morning Captain.” She said, paying no mind to whoever else may have been in the quarters and partially closing the door behind her, leaving it cracked just in case Elweise wanted to follow her inside the Captain’s room. “I am assuming that you have called me for the route plans.” Blue took the planned out routes and handed them out in front of her waiting for the Captain to take them.

 Mitsuhide heard all that was said and noted the changing tones in Caintry 's voice, how gentle he was when addressing him. It struck him as odd but if something was amiss he knew Captain Osborne would tell him sooner or later. Upon receiving his orders, Mitsuhide bowed but before he exited Alexandria entered with a bowl for him. Mitsuhide was not hungry, his appetite had been ruined simply because of the day it was and what had occurred on this day so long ago. However he thought it rude to decline the food and so he bowed and accepted it. "Thank you."  He said plainly before exiting and going below decks to muster everyone on the Deck for his announcement, but not before dropping off the food in his own room.

 Much like the captain, Mitsuhide's room had a "can on a string" comms system. It was not very clear, he honestly preferred to go door to door, knocking, and to search the ship but despite this, he wanted this all to be done quickly so he could return to mourning the memory of those he had lost.

"All hands, all hands, this is the First Mate speaking. Report to the Deck at once for an important announcement from your captain. I say again report to the deck for an important announcement from your captain.".

 He spoke loud and clear but knew that it would still be come out as if he had his hand over his mouth. With that he exitted, not even looking at the food he had been given and stood at the deck, ready to give clear instructions to anyone who came up to the deck, and ready to go and fetch anyone who paid no heed to that obnoxious horn in their mind. As he waited he decided to remove the hair pin from his katana 's guard and just stood there at a daze for a few moments, the sorrow showing on his face momentarily before he came to and collected himself.

After some formalities, most of the people had left the room; all save for Blue and Varsh.

Caintry could feel his skin crawl as the stench of alcohol filled his nostrils, causing his stomach to lurch, and he gave a face of disgust when he looked upon Varsh. He had remembered the day when he first met Varsh, he indirectly saved him from slavers and saved his life, and he had proven to be the most handy of a comrade in a multifarious array of brute ways. He may of even been First Mate if it was not for his stupidity , and not just that but his endeavor to not even learn another wrinkle into his brain. Also, Caintry thought that Varsh and he could have been good friends, even though Caintry likes to think he is at least a pleasant companion to his entire crew, but he would not socialize with a drunk. Caintry despised drunks, not understanding why anyone would sacrifice the clarity of their mind to just have the ability to be slurred and make stupid decisions, and he was thankful that his people back home were pushing for deeming alcohol illegal, although he never did catch up on how things were doing in Denauc since he left. There was not much information on a nation that prefers isolation, but then suddenly Caintry’s deep thought was interrupted by the entering of Markel.

He watched as Markel escorted the walking stench of whatever intoxicator he drunk out of his cabin, and he thanked the Muses, a common saying that popped up in Denauc, that Varsh was gone. And here I was, afraid I would have to shoot someone.

Now, Blue and Caintry were alone in the shaded room, the lamp throwing flashes of red and yellow light on and around them, and Caintry let silence fill the space in between them, creating a heavy haze that was building like a growing blanket. It almost seemed like one could touch the silence, the lack of noise, and without causing a sound, he took the papers and set them down on the desk as he started to stand.

“Thank you,” his words were kind but the potent silence made his voice cut through the air with power and immovable authority, “I will look at these later, but I have something I would like to speak with you about.”

Caintry slightly strode towards Blue with a grace that seemed off put by the mood, and his face held his signature smirk. However, his smirk seemed more intimidating than welcoming, and he began to speak again with the powerful kindness.

“I trust you, Ms.Samson, but you hold more power on this ship than you probably know. I hold the wheel that steers the ship, I command the crew, I am the Captain, but you, Ms.Samson, you are the one that could easily…” Caintry paused as if carefully choosing his next word, "mislead me. Now, I have been to the Islands of Sharnown, and the Togani are peaceful people.” Caintry now spoke softer and slower, “However, the people do not make a person, I am a prime example of that, so I must know. Will you mislead me?”

Caintry left the last sentence with a warm tone, but that would not help the ominous tone that he had used. The room’s dimness seemed darker, and the shadows the single light casted seemed more menacing. He looked at Blue. Gods, what a beauty! She looked sweet to Caintry, innocent in a way, but he had the lives of many in his hands. While that would not stop him from getting in a wonderfully dangerous adventure, he could not let self interest get in the way of such an important job such as navigator, the entire reason he did not take the role himself. Well, that and he would hate the extra work. He hoped to become better known to Blue, however, so he decided that his usual smirk would be a warm smile.

She covered her surprise well, but it was always fun to arrive with a surprise up ones sleeve and Sellitos was a consumate preformer. However upon hearing her statement about the cook he could only roll his eyes. He was totally unsure of how to deal with that cat. She seemed to bounce all over the place and he had a hard time deciphering what was going on with her. A confusing and frustrating situation to find himself in, considering he accounted himself a rather good people person.

"This apple is pretty tasty. Did you 'commandeer' it from the kitchen?" she inquired with ever so slight a smirk?

"I am shocked that you should think such things of me!" he said with mock indignation. However he couldn't quite hold it together and broke into a mischievous grin. "They say the forbidden fruit tastes best. he said with a wink, then shrugged and spread his arms wide in appeal "How else was I supposed to find out"

Just then however Alex popped into the room and Selitos was forced to make his apple disappear briefly into his cloak. Thankful that he hadn't yet taken a bit of it.

Well here you guys go, pork stew. Odd to see you here Seli."

"Mmm the soups smells great Alex and I figured the captains cabin seemed quite crowded so I came to offer our lovely lady navigatrix some company and make sure she has the map the right way up" he replied smiling in jest.

She handed him her bowl with a mock courtly address "As repayment for the apple, kind sir' He decided to play along, taking the bowl in his free hand and attempting a courtly leg "M'lady is too kind" The effect was only slightly ruined when he spilled some of the steaming hot stew on his wrist and let out a muffled oath in Avenesian and licked the soup off his wrist.

Markel came in and summoned blue to the captains cabin. The little fuzzball seemed somewhat frazzeled but Selitos hadn't know him long enough to decide what to think

“Well I guess I will see you when the Captain calls us out for a vote, Selitos.”

"Pick us somewhere nice' he chuckled. She exited, and he followed soon after, leaving the spare apple on her desk. Her not eating the soup had concerned him slightly so he figured she'd want something later.

Upon being summoned on deck Sellitos sauntered his way over and took up a seat on the capstan waiting to hear what would happen next.

Pacing, Aurea's eyebrows drew down furiously, creating a solid line on her forehead. The light-colored hair blended in quite well against her pale skin; despite the time Aurea had spent out in the open, sit was almost never without her cloak on. Without it she felt naked most unless she was assuming the role of a different person. Situational psychology was an interesting matter but one that she had never cared much to study, especially as it would do nothing to help her with her problems. While seemingly many, they stemmed from one source: herself. Always herself. If she hadn't decided to snag that one jewel, plant that one document, embezzle that one man. If. Quite an important word despite its size. Hardly a word at all. More so than single letter words. Not much use in them.

Perplexed at her sudden interest with the nature of words, she turned that confusion into anger, baring her teeth silently before pounding on a wall of the ship. Damn that bitch, her mother! "Rot in hell you forsaken maggot!" she screamed. Or would have had she been alone or somewhere sufficiently loud to drown out her voice. Instead, she muttered it before once again punching the wall. Scrapes appeared on her hand, revealing the pinky flesh beneath the skin. Snarling, she pulled out her crossbow, cocked it, and shot a bolt into the wall. Half the head dug into the wood, splintering the material. Ripping the bolt out of its target, she inspected the tip before it. placing it in her cloak. She would need that damn engineer Amelia or the Rel'Kaz bastard in order to fix the piece of ammunition.

Hearing steps upon the stairs from the lower deck, she swirled around, crossbow coming up to take aim at the opening. Her head took sight first and upon seeing Alex, the crossbow went back into her cloak with nary a flourish or rustle. Breathing deeply in order to calm down, she forced a smile onto her face as the bowl of soup was placed near her. Why must I put up with this insufferable fare. Where- Her mental rant ceased as the aroma of the concoction wafted to her nose, tingling the sensory nerves. It smelled good. Quite good. Bending tentatively, she picked up the bowl, scanning the outside for any form of tampering. Seeing none, she dipped her finger into the liquid, before lifting it to smell. Never hurt to check for poison or acid. Too many times such things had found their way into her food.

Scarfing down the meal, the bowl quickly emptied into her stomach, scraped clean. Sighing somewhat contented Aurea proceeded to the kitchen, leaving the bowl near the entrance. Done with that, she decided it was time she talk with the captain. Making her way to the captain's room, she spotted Varsh and Markel standing outside the door. Alcohol, the smell of it at least, permeated the air around the large man, a harsh, stinging stench. Stopping as the announcement came on over the jury-rigged communication system, Aurea sighed. Finally getting somewhere.

"Clean yourself up, Varsh. Your appearance is filthy, your odor worse, and I do not care much for alcohol in the morning. Excuse me," she stated, voice perfectly neutral the entire time through. Perhaps not the best idea to threaten the man, but she could get out if need be. A bolt in the chest would put him down. Passing to the door, she examined Markel out of the corner of her eye. A most interesting addition to the crew. Fondling a needle with her left hand Aurea stood there for a moment looking at him. Some new fur gloves wouldn't hurt, she thought, grinning softly. Opening the door, she slipped in quietly, standing at the back of the room as Captain Osborne finished his conversation with Blue. Perhaps it wasn't the best idea to tell him the trouble she was in but it would help guide them away from Paradiso. Damn place most likely contained several, if not dozens, of people searching for her. Bowing her head, Aurea waited until she was addressed.

As soon as Caintry got situated , he heard the muffled voice of Alexandria.

" Captain Caintry, I would like to have a private word with you before the meeting, I understand that ye, err, your quarters may be full fer, I mean For awhile so please visit me in me, err, my own please." He almost cringed at the attempt to be formal, but he appreciated the decent try at it. A meeting before the vote? That would be rather queer considering that Caintry called the meeting himself, but he determined that if he got it over quickly, he would be able to do away with before anyone was forced to wait too long. Standing, he began to gracefully walk past Blue, giving her a kind smile, and made his way towards the door.

“The day she speaks proper common-tongue is the day that a Denaucman talks like a pirate.” He said it as a sly joke to Blue after shortly looking back, and when he turned his attention back forward, he nearly jumped at the site of Aurea.

She was silent and unseen, the entire reason he hired her on, but he always found that he enjoyed her nonetheless. She was smart in the most devious way, most like him, and she was calculating with less emotion, all though he wish she would at least socialize a bit more. He looked her up and down, and thought that maybe he should include her in more of Markel’s training, he would possibly pick up on the fact cheaters always win, and then for sure Markel would be a clone of Caintry, as cunning as Aurea and himslef. The thought of two Caintry’s made him shudder, but it would be perfect. Giving a kind and welcoming smirk, he spoke to her as informal that someone of his intellect could bare, attempting to maybe be-friend the excellent sneak.

“I am terribly sorry to miss you, but maybe when I am done meeting with Ms.Alexandria- uh, I mean Alex, you could ambush me in the halls to discuss whatever you needed.” And with that, he opened the creaky door, making a mental note to ask Amelia to maybe fix the annoyance, and made his way across deck.

As he walked by everyone that were currently congregated for his announcement, he saw Mitsuhide being crowded as Caintry just was not but a moment ago, so he shot him an understanding glance that said I know right. After another short examination of the group, he delve into the corridors and hallways of below-deck, counting his graces that his cabin was only a doorway away from fresh air, and within but seconds he found himself at the kitchen.

He politely knocked on the doorway, but right before he hesitated, still unsure what to expect even after three years. He gave a cautiously kind smile, and began to speak with a soft curiosity.

“I do believe you called, if I am not mistaken.”

He could not help but to be a bit scared on what awaited, and he faced many sky-serpents or worse without a blink. Caintry was over two-hundred and something, he never counted, years old, definitely having his fair share of women, but being alone in a room with one still go to him.

The last time Blue had saw her brother was when she had ‘ambushed’ the black ship which took him. While it was rather stupid of her to board the ship alone, Blue was unable to think straight as the thought of rescuing her brother fully took over. She found Willsih locked in a room where the trash had been thrown. Blue assumed he was tied up and tried everything in her power to break open the door but before she could even do so, the crew had surrounded her.

While Blue is no girl in combat as she had successfully took out more than several men who were twice her size, Blue was still a young woman who had been outnumbered by over thirty men; even at the time Blue knew she wouldn’t be able to beat them and in the end, she had focused her energy on breaking the door to give Willsih a chance to escape while she occupied them. Even though she broke the door, Blue was unable to free him as the crew had secured her and the captain of the black ship raised his sword and anchored it down on her back. It was only luck and determination that during his slashing, that she wiggled out of the crew’s men who held her (the reason why she has such an odd scar that extends from her shoulder to front thigh area).

Blue remembered how much she bled and how shaky the world seemed as she still continued to try and fight, her fingers just barely wrapping around the door-frame before the captain of the black ship tossed her aside. She wouldn’t allow her vision to fail as the blurry image of the captain walked near her, his sword raised over his shoulder with a twisted smile on his face- the image was so clear that it sent shivers of anger down Blue’s spine, even now, years later. It didn’t take long before the captain of the black ship kicked her like garbage and pushed her off the ship to fall to her death.

Blue’s eyes fluttered and she looked upwards. Hearing Alex’s broken formal speech had pulled her out of her memories completely which caused Blue to make a mental note on appreciating Alexandria more than she had done so before. A slow but dull ache seemed to resonate from her shoulder, back and thigh where the grotesque scar hid behind her clothing; this caused Blue to become uncomfortable so when the Captain had told her the sly joke about Alex, she didn’t react but only stared at him, seemingly confused. Blue looked at him for a short while more before bowing her head to excuse herself and dismissed herself entirely, walking into the corridor and leaving the Captain and Aurea together in the room.

Her fingers ever so lightly touched her left shoulder, feeling the deep scar that still remained underneath her shirt. Blue bit her lip slightly as her pace slight increased towards the deck, now regaining the importance of this vote. She must find her brother, she had to. The sleepless night was starting to take a small toll on her body as memories flooded her head once more; they seemed to all collide at each other and became rather loud, making Blue hold onto her head as she appeared on the deck, the sun’s bright rays making her squint slightly at it. It was quite fortunate that the warmth of the sun seemed to dim the chaotic thoughts that still appeared to clash in her head.

Blue made her way slowly pass the deck and into her quarters, locating a small glass of water Blue would always keep for the night so she could refrain from entering the kitchen after hours; she gulped it down eagerly before sitting in her chair at her desk, closing her eyes and allowing the thoughts to shatter one by one, releasing the tension of her headache. She placed her arm over her head and breathed calmly, the silence from her quarters soothing her as a memory seemed to continuously play within her mind- the memory of Willsih and her playing pirates when they were younger. The memory was so profound and sweet, it made Blue smile at the ache of her heart.

“Ah, how sweet.” She whispered, sitting back up as the thoughts seem to quickly dissipate. Blue rested her head on her desk for several moments, watching the cloudless sky in silence. To Blue’s surprise, it helped a lot to sooth her aches and pains that was caused by the sudden thrash of memories. She smiled a little bit, a red apple now appearing in her view to block out the sun’s rays; it was odd that she hadn’t seen it before- perhaps the headache caused her to ignore everything around her. Blue knew that it was the reason and picked it up, looking at the little red fruit before placing it back down on the desk, thinking it would be smart to save it for later.

With that, Blue stood from her desk and exited the navigation room and headed back out on the deck, quickly locating Selitos and waving up at him as a thank you for the apple he had left in her room. Instead of heading towards him, Blue headed towards a barrel that use to hold some sort of liquid and made her seat on it, waiting for the Captain to begin the vote.

As Aurea stepped into the room, Alexandria's voice came over the communications system, requesting a meeting with the captain. From the slight tremor in her voice and the hesitance with which it had been spoken, Alexandria was obviously uncomfortable about something. Perhaps that happy demeanor presented earlier had simply been a temporary state acquired during the preparation of food for others. On with the psychology again. Perhaps I should have chosen a different job, she thought, curious as to the random obsession. The boredom really was getting to her in ways that she didn't like. Though there was nothing wrong with messing with an opponent's mind. Quite enjoyable actually.

A small smile creased one corner of her mouth as Caintry jumped slightly upon seeing her. Despite the insufferable time spent on the ship, her skills still had not lost their touch. He really should have expected this from her. Stealth was something ingrained in her, surprise more so. She had been on the ship long enough for him to know that. Nodding silently at his words, she tapped her foot, staring at the wood paneling on the floor and walls. Quite glossy yet soot-stained and worn. A strange combination. Where did he find the time to keep-

Whipping her head up, Aurea realized that she was left standing alone in the cabin. Fumbling inside the heavy fabric of her cloak, she extricated the hand crossbow before rushing out the door. Seeing no one, she shot a bolt down the hallway, hoping it would do something. The head slammed into a door. Whose, she did not know nor did she care. "How could I have lost myself so?" she muttered, miffed at losing her chance to talk with him before the vote. Striding quickly to where the bolt remained, she tugged it out, this time more easily than on the upper deck. At least this head did not need to be repaired like the other one.

Cloak swirling behind her as she spun, Aurea proceeded slowly up the stairs, seeing no reason in hurrying to reach the top. It was only a few scant feet as it were. Nothing of note. Spotting the others assembled around the deck, Aurea tucked the crossbow back into her cloak before settling in near the stairwell, watching.

Varsh allowed himself to be led away by the small cabin boy that he could crush with one hand. Wandering down the hallway he felt the alcohol beginning to depart his system, burned by the fantastically high metabolism common to his race. As the unlikely duo walked down the hall, Aurea stopped briefly, saying "Clean yourself up, Varsh. Your appearance is filthy, your odor worse, and I do not care much for alcohol in the morning. Excuse me," . Varsh's eyes widened, and then a basso growl rumbled out from deep within his throat. He wheeled, brushing Markel's hand off his arm, muscles beginning to prep themselves for the joys of battle. His battle hormones were singing now, and they were only enhanced by the fact that Aurea seemed to wander off, not seeming to care to stay behind and see what she had caused.

"Coward! You insult a son of Terask and flee!" Varsh prepared to pursue, but the small voice of reason in his head made him remember the oath he had sworn upon boarding the ship. To defend all members of the crew as clan, to protect the ship as home, and to serve the captain as chief. Frustrated, he slammed his fist into the wooden wall, making a dull thud that reverberated throughout the hall. Splinters stabbed into his knuckles, leaving a dozen embedded. Little beads of blood appeared. Facing Markel, he said "Sorry. Anger is hard to control sometimes, specially after I drink. But I am no longer drunk. Promise. Anger burns it away. Like fire burns water and makes steam. So come, and I will tell a story. A tale of heroes!"

”Seb, you've managed to ruin half the wires in your forearm. What exactly were you fiddling with to cause this, must have been a mighty battery. Since your skin isn't that conductive from what I remember.” Sebastian smirked. The battery burst while he was patching it up, splattering acid onto his forearm. He had thought that it was fine, but as it turned out, it wasn't. He messed around with his arm after Amelia left, until he heard noise above deck. He thought it be a good idea to check that out.

When he came to the top deck, the bright sun glared into his lenses. He tapped out his current lenses for new ones that adjusted to the light almost immediately. Nearly the entire ships inhabitants were there, were with the exception of the rats. They were going to vote. A vote that could, rather would determine whether or not they would survive another voyage or die at sky. He walked over to the edge of the ship and leaned against the wall, waiting for the vote to start.

"Oh, one more thing. Please promise the crew will be kept safe?"

The question caught on Caintry as he prepared to leave, stalling him halfway through the door, for he did not know if he could promise that. In the many years he has spent on this planet, he has seen many die, and he remembered one of the many times as his memories came flooding in.

“Come boy! Do you want to live or not?” The man, his former captain, was tall and rough, towering over the younger Caintry who was shorter and skinnier, and his voice was a booming coarse shock wave that could cause even the most iron-statured man to shudder. All around them, the smuggling ship burned into an inferno, the screaming of several men and some women in complete agony shot through the fires, and sweat bulleted down both of their faces, drenching their shirts. Suddenly, like demons appearing out of a void beyond scorches in existence, twelve or so pirates swung onto the deck, swords and smug looks drawn to the ready, and the captain drew his own saber in a screeching scraping of metal against metal.

“Which one of yer wants to be sent to the Hell beneath the Skies first?” he shouted with the confidence of a charging bear, but he turned round with a concerned look to Caintry for an aside.

He softly spoke, “Run and get cover boy, I still need a legacy.” Caintry’s boyish heart sank as he realized the meaning of those words. Out of nowhere, the first pirate lunged and-

Caintry turned to reality once again as the soft sobs of Alexandria brought him back, and he thought what curious creatures Nekos are, one minute mad, then energetic, then apologetic, and finally sad. He thought of his past, and finally decided he could not promise something he could not keep. So, with a new grimace on old wounds, he turned without a word heavily to begin the vote, and he finally reached the above deck. Examining the grounds, he saw Varsh about to begin telling Markel a story, and he sighed for his concern that that man might bring down Markel’s intellect down to his own level. He strode over properly as a captain should.

“Varsh, we all do so indeed enjoy your tales, but Markel must take my side.” he turned to Mitsuhide, “As well as you First Mate.” He spoke friendly to both, and he walked up top the upper-deck so he could look down onto all the others and be heard by all, expecting the two to follow.

“Attention! As all of you can clearly see, we are in dire need of land, sooner rather than later. So, we have two possible courses, Perodo and Paradiso, and you no doubt have knowledge of these places already and pre-existing opinion. Since I am from Denauc, I am familiar with the notion of Democracy, so I will rule as my forefathers did! Let me hear your voice and your opinions! I will listen!” He spoke powerful, unusual to his usual formal and genteel voice, but as captain he has his duties, even if his duty was rabble-rousing.

As he looked at his crew, he thought At least I love my rabble, so he waited eagerly for their opinions.