Fantasy Arva: Tides of Darkness [IC] [Closed]

[joshuadim]

"Nice to meet you." Arnas said as he observed Volog for a moment before quickly glancing to Waylond and then looking back once again. "Not gonna lie, it's hard to tell the two of you are related." he then said with a chuckle, "I don't suppose you're a Ser like Waylond are you?"

---

The Utterlin quickly walked off to the kitchen with what Drokos had given, returning a few minutes later with a very large portion of pan fried crispy fish with a savory brown sauce poured over it as a topping along with some kelp salad in a bowl nearby.

---

By now, Hughin hadn't really found anything of interest to purchase for himself from the markets and vendors and so opted to start making his way back to the barge. The crowds were a bit of a hassle to navigate, as the number of people traversing around had grown in the early afternoon. Out of the corner of his eye however he did spot an unusually helmed character manage to steal a coin purse from a well-to-do gentleman. Better than the lad I caught earlier. he thought to himself with amusement before discreetly making his way over to the thief. As he approached, he gave the man a good look over before chuckling: "You're better than most of the thieves around here." Hughin spoke, "You're not from around here are you?"

 

[Breadman]

"I'm no knight, no." Volog turned to Arnas "I am something more flexible and lucrative. A privateer, currently on vacation between work. My crew are scattered all over currently. All over the place, like crabs in a cheap brothel."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"You're better than most of the thieves around here." Hughin spoke, "You're not from around here are you?"

"What the-"

The thief spun around to face Hughin so quickly that the carpets draped around him nearly whipped a few others behind him in the face. Realizing his reaction just gave him away, he rubs his hands as he tries to play it off as something else.

"A thief, you say? Where is he?"

 

[joshuadim]

"Relax." Hughin said as he raised his hands up to his shoulders, "I'm not a guard. I saw the whole thing. Just an impressed onlooker is all. Well, more impressed than the other thief I came across earlier today." Hughin then gave off a chuckle, "Both of you remind me when I was young. Had to steal bread just to get by without going hungry."

---

"Uh huh..." Arnas got out as he looked over Volog again. He certainly doesn't share the good demeanor Waylond has, that's for sure. he thought to himself. "Well then, I'll uh... leave it to you both then." he said before awkwardly walking down below deck. He made his way towards the mess, where he found both Drokos and Cain sitting near each other along with their prepared meal. "Well that sure looks good. Need to get myself something to eat, I'm famished!" he said as he quickly made his way over to the kitchen on board. He poured himself a bowl of soup before heading back to the table. "So... you're an exile, right?" Arnas asked Drokos as he took a healthy spoonful and downed it. "Mind if I ask what for?"

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Both of you remind me when I was young. Had to steal bread just to get by without going hungry."

The supposed thief clears his throat, not pleased with Hughin's calling him that. "Well firstly, I am no thief. The blood that I come from is too proud to be labeled in that way." He holds up the bag of stolen gold in his hand. "This accepting of donations is merely, ah... 'customary', from where I am from, you see?"

 

[Infab]

It wasn't long before Drokos was chowing down on the cooked fish the utterlin had brought. And just as she said she would do, she shared her food with Cain. She eyed him for a few moments, making sure he was actually eating it and not letting food (and her kindness) go to waste. As she ate, she soon heard Arnas come up and comment on their meal before fetching some soup for himself.

And then came a question similar to the one the other demon had asked.

"Morganthi have a code of honor. I broke the code of honor." she said, before gulping down a piece of fish. "Think like the code of a knight. A knight disgraces himself by breaking his code, and shows he is not worthy to be a knight. I broke my clan's code. I am without honor, and no longer fit to live among my clan. And so, I was cast out."

 

[joshuadim]

"Oh..." was all Arnas could get out at first. Breaking a code was serious business, Arnas knew firsthand several accounts of knights losing their titles in a very public fashion for whatever misdeeds they had committed. But of course a chance to repent and prove themselves was given, and he wondered if the same held true for Drokos. "And I suppose you're looking to regain your honor?" he then asked the demon.

 

[Infab]

Drokos paused her eating for a moment, glancing to Arnas. "...Maybe." She finished eating what was on her plate afterwards, before setting it aside. "...Maybe not." She shifted, returning to her previous seated position. "...Survival matters most. Eventually that may change. But for now, honor is trivial."

 

[Fauxs]

Cain sat along with the two having yet to witness another serious discussion, however, he decides not to interfere as he was not in the position to discuss such matters.

"Thank you for the meal." Cain responded as gratitude for the demon providing him a filled stomach. "I'll repay you somehow." he followed with an innocent smile.

Cain then jolted out of shock shuffling under his cloak as if he lost something. Upon further searching, he let out a sigh of relief revealing that he had a satchel worn underneath his cloak. In it, there was a journal. he pulled it out for a quick second to check its condition and put it back in. "Sorry about that!" Cain said to the two people with him that witnessed his panic. "It's just something important." he said.

 

[joshuadim]

"Right, and do 'donations' mean taking money from unwitting folk where you're from?" Hughin replied with a chuckle. He then pondered for a quick moment, realizing the potential use that his company might have for such a skillset. "Say, would you rather make coin with more honest work than by scrounging the streets for unfortunate folks purses?" he then asked. "If you're interested, head for the barge at the far end of the docks. Can't miss it. We'll be leaving soon, so decide quickly."

And with that, Hughin walked off to leave the stranger on his lonesome and made his way back to the vessel. Upon arriving he noticed Waylond's new companion and raised an eyebrow: "I don't believe we've met." Hughin spoke to Volog. "I'm Hughin, head of this company you see here."

---

Before Arnas could give a reply to Drokos, he was interrupted by Zakala who had entered the mess now: "Your clan's notion of 'honor' also got every human realm to practically hate our kind." she stated bluntly as she took a seat next to Arnas. "Who would've imagined that attacking anything that moved would basically lead to such a horrible war?" she then spoke with a tone of sarcasm.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"If you're interested, head for the barge at the far end of the docks. Can't miss it. We'll be leaving soon, so decide quickly."

Rubbing his hands again, the thief pondered Hughin's proposition in deep thought. Honest work, he says? Hardly anything is honest these days; certainly not the thief's fellow people back at home. Though it's been a long time since he'd done any serious travelling with any sort of people. Pick pocketing random passersby has become so boring lately that maybe he ought to take Hughin up on his offer just to have a change of scenery at least. He might even stick around if the pay's any good and if the job's easy too. Who knows, maybe during it he'll find a new helmet to replace the rusted one he has now! That only makes the sneer on his face grow a little bigger. With thoughts of money and other goodies to be made, he follows Hughin back to the vessel he mentioned while also 'accidentally bumping' into others along the way. The carpets and rags around his body trail behind him as he walks on board.

 

[Infab]

Drokos eyed Cain for a moment, watching him fumble around till he located his book. Once he settled back down and spoke, she nodded. "Keep that which is precious close to your heart." she replied.

Drokos glanced up to Zakala as she arrived, sitting next to Arnas. The glance turned to a glare. "...Even the humans understand my clan's notion of honor, demon of Lusvon. They themselves practice something similar. Knights practice chivalry, as they call it. Humans are willing to hate and kill others, as well as one another, for far less, from what I've seen over the years."

She shifted, standing up from where she had been sitting. "Money, land, religion, simple feelings and differences...humans kill for anything. Morganthi defend ourselves from all aggressors. And the others of my clan take pride in the honor and victory found in combat." She gripped her poleaxe, letting it rest on floor on its butt spike. "Honor means far less to me. If engaged in true battle with me, you have resigned yourself to die. No quarter is given, no prisoners taken. I do all that is needed to emerge truly victorious, regardless of what is deemed honorable or not. Honor is not needed when it comes to survival."

 

[Dmaster]

The Aervis' stroll back to the barge was taken quite leisurely, the towering bird shuffling through the streets as he nodded at passerby who would look upon him with confusion and awe. Da'Vost normally did not acknowledge such gazes, but seeing as he had finished his errands in the market he felt it right to engage with the local populace somewhat before setting off again with the company. In time he found himself on their ship yet again, arms held within the sleeves of his robes as he began to descend to the lower decks in search of Lanya. The Fateseeker was aiming to give her the book he had purchased for his apprentice before he would forget. Curiously, he managed to pass by a wrapped in rags that got on before him, though he was only given a bow of greeting before the bird departed.

On the way he stepped into the mess hall, stopping just shy of the tables as he stared at the other two new faces that had been chatting. With several twitches and tiny turns of his head he looks at them curiously, trying to see if any familiarity could be gleaned from these faces. The visions of the calamity were not particularly vivid when it came to those he was with at the time, but some details may possibly be drawn out upon seeing something particularly striking. A few clacks of his beak and he was already moving on, determined to see his apprentice before any proper mingling.

 

[joshuadim]

Zakala gave a glare to Drokos that was laced with annoyance before leaning in closer: "I don't call attacking for land and razing entire towns being 'defensive'." Zakala spoke through gritted teeth, which prompted Arnas to laugh nervously as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Alright Zee lets just... calm down, yeah?" he said as he alternated his gaze between the two demons. Zakala maintained her gaze at Drokos for a few more moments before silently getting up and walking off to where the hammocks were. By now, she had lost her appetite and resigned to just get away for the time being. Arnas gave off a sigh as he watched Zakala walk off before looking to Drokos: "Well, in any case. Maybe one day you'll regain your honor." he said, lifting up a cup filled with some alcohol. "To a fortunate future for all of us then."

As Da'Vost returning to look for his pupil he found Lanya reading over one of the texts, although she did look quite bored and immediately perked up as Da'Vost approached this little corner of the barge. "Vost! Yer back!" she said with a grin. She then turned her attention to the empty tome that Da'Vost had been carrying with him from his purchase, looking at it with curiosity for a moment. "Is that another book ta read from?" she asked, a bit cautious.

 

[Dmaster]

He smiled at her excitement, even though it was disheartening to see how she had looked bored with her curriculum thus far. Hopefully this gift would be enough to lift her spirits slightly. Getting down on a knee he brought the tome in front of her, shaking his head slightly. "Not quite. Up until now I've realized that you're lacking a rather important item to assist with your studying." Da'Vost begins, allowing her to take it from his hand. "The book's pages are empty, but they are rife with potential, no? Once you've mastered writing spells down, you can record them in this - or even perhaps jot down entirely new spells." The smile he carried fades slightly after a few moments, and he croons before looking between her and the current repertoire of reading material.

"I cannot help but notice the... lack of excitement for the written material. Is there any way I may assist with that? I must admit it is not terribly engaging, though I am hoping that we may start performing the more complicated, ehm... what is the term? 'Flashier' spells in time. I imagine we will not be able to manipulate fire so loosely here on the barge, but there are other spells of interest to learn."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

Curiously, he managed to pass by a wrapped in rags that got on before him, though he was only given a bow of greeting before the bird departed.

And the thief did bow ever so slightly in return. Though he gave the giant bird-man-thing a good look as he walked him by, thinking to himself how he’d taste garnished in spices, slow cooked and marinated, and served over rice. The thought of a nice curry reminds him he’s not eaten much today and is rather hungry; hungry enough that he might as well take a look around their barge starting with their mess hall to see just how well off these people are. The cleaner it is, the better.

He descends below deck and follows the faint scent of food to the hall. Once there, he stands at the doorway and scans around, looking at the people inside.

 

[Breadman]

"I think that one rather liked me." Volog said to Waylond as Arnas departed.

"I'm sure." The knight responded while crossing his arms. By that time, Pottrey was already coming back from his tasks. The squire tried to avoid Volog's eyes as best he could, thankfully, he was saved by Hughin "This is..."

"Captain Volog of the Silver crow!" His cousin announced "I chanced upon my cousin Waylond in the market and once he told me he was working with a band of mercenaries, I simply had to see who he had deemed worthy of his time." Volog walked around the barge, observing the different members he could see "You don't look very sea worthy I have to say. First time on the waves?" He stopped to look at Hughin again before continuing "No, you're not. Man like you? You've seen many things. But them? Uncertain, soft..."He eyed Pottrey "Incapable."

"I tried to get rid of him before coming back."

"Short of physically battering me, but his knight's honor wouldn't allow it." He pointed to his belt "Unarmed you see. But he did try to stop me all the same. Trouble is...I've never listened to any advice he's given me. For the better I might add! You should probably do the same."

 

[Fighting Monk]

Krasso looked in the direction of the fleeing chickens before looking back again to Ellas and waving them off. "They won't get too far, damn birds are too stupid to get too far." He looked over the elf once more. "For a gardener you've got mystery written all over ya. Hard to make heads or tails about what's behind those star filled eyes of yours." he said crossing his arms with a smirk.

 

[joshuadim]

"They held up quite well during an ambush on a convoy we were escorting. I think they'll do fine on this job." Hughin replied to Volog, crossing his own arms in response. Already he didn't like Volog, and was wondering how in the hells he was related to Waylond of all people. The two couldn't be more different, yet here he was standing before them with his unlikable presence. As he listened to Volog, he saw the thief he had encountered before arrive on board, much to the pleasure of Hughin. Looks like he made up his mind rather quickly. he thought to himself before returning his attention to Waylond's cousin. "We're leaving soon for the seas anyhow. I don't suppose you have any intention of coming along with us through the Shimmering Sea?" Hughin then stated with a bit of a smirk.

Below deck, the newcomer got the attention of Arnas as he looked over the strangely clad man over before chuckling aloud. "Welcome stranger, who might you be?" he asked aloud.

---

Lanya took the small tome in her hands and looked at it intently for a moment before returning her gaze to Da'Vost. "I... I dunnae what ta say Vost." she spoke with some surprise in her tone. The thought of being able to make her own magic in her own tome similar to what Da'Vost had... it was exciting after all. "Thank ye!" she said as she gripped the book closely to her chest. When asked about her lack of enthusiasm in regards to the studying she tapped her foot on the floor as she tried to think of a good answer as she didn't want to make Da'Vost feel upset in some way. "I'm hoping fer more... er, more of ta practicing." she said with some embarrassment, diverting her gaze from Da'Vost.

---

Ellas remained quick for a moment before giving Krasso a smile. "And a mystery I shall remain I suppose." she replied in a teasing manner, "Farewell Krasso." As she walked off, Krasso would try to follow but soon found that Ellas had disappeared completely into the crowds, as if she had vanished into thin air altogether. Yet another strange encounter for the bard as it left him scratching his head in wonder as well as confusion.

Soon enough those that had been around in the city made their way back to the barge one by one as Gerwin and his crew brought back loads of supplies and began stashing them below deck. Everything from essential foods, supplies, equipment, and anything in between would be brought aboard. Gerwin looked mighty pleased at this new haul as he stayed above deck, and shouted out: "We be leavin' soon! Get everythin' ready fast!"

 

[Dmaster]

The Fateseeker's smile returned upon seeing Lanya's reaction and a passion igniting within her, to which Da'Vost nodded in turn even through her hesitation to respond. It was warming to see that such a young utterlin cared for an old bird's feelings like that. "Ah, well that is only natural. Currently you are surrounded by pages upon pages of instruction, yet we have done little to put such pages to use. It's like looking at nothing but recipes and never preparing a meal." he states as an analogy. "We shall get true practicing in quite soon, but you agree that knowing the basics is quite important, yes? I ask for just a bit more patience on your part, and we can be getting some spellweaving done as early as tonight or tomorrow morning, depending."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Welcome stranger, who might you be?"

"Nobody in particular." came the blunt reply. "I was invited on board for a certain prospect I was told I might be interested in."

 

[Breadman]

Waylond perked up when he heard Hughin say that. Bad idea, really bad. But before he could say anything.

"I had mere intentions just to see what my dear family was doing in this part of the world, but to sail was not in my plans." Vaolog grinned at the prospect "I was planning on taking a vacation between privateer raids and the like. But a ship that sails into the dark heart of the sea all with the company of my dear family? Of course I'll join!"

"Wait, you don't even have a weapon, but want to join one of the most perilous journeys one can make? Surely a seasoned seaman like you would know how bad of an idea that is, ser." Pottrey responded much to both Waylond and Volog's surprise.

"Good point, little pig!" Volog pointed towards Pottrey "I will require a new sword at least. Waylond, you're a walking armory what with being a knight and all, can I borrow one of yours?"

"Absolutely not!" The knight gave a cold response "And if you were to take one, I'll have enough cause to break your arm."

"Touchy. Ah well. I'll be off to the market to get a replacement for the one I lost. And probably should pick up something else. I will return shortly." Volog walked off the barge and back to the market. Waylond walked closer to Hughin.

"What are the chances of us getting ready and leave before he gets back?"

 

[joshuadim]

Hughin gave a nod to Waylond before turning his head to Gerwin, silently asking what Waylond had asked him just before. The Utterlin captain took a good look at the progress his crew was making and laughed aloud: "We're just about ready to head off now then." Gerwin replied with a grin before walking off to help quickly secure the few crates of supplies that remained unsecured. Hughin returned his gaze to Waylond: "There's your answer. If I'll be honest, I didn't expect him to... jump on this as eagerly as he did. Most sailors would be terrified of such a prospect." Hughin said, finishing his words with a sigh. "Alright then, you ought to head below deck. We're in for a long voyage." Hughin spoke before making his way downstairs to the mess. As he arrived, he saw that his new arrival had begun to make his rounds about. "Welcome aboard then. Good to see you took me up on my offer. I'm Hughin, that's my boy Arnas." Hughin spoke to the stranger, introducing himself and his son to the helmed man.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Welcome aboard then. Good to see you took me up on my offer. I'm Hughin, that's my boy Arnas."

“Pardon me, Mister Hughin, but I do not recall explicitly accepting...” responds the thief, rather condescendingly. “... Though I suppose now is a good time to discuss it, yes?” The mocking tone drops as he sits by one of the tables, looming over it as he stares at Hughin.

“So! By the armor you all are wearing, I take it this is some sort of guard of soldiers, group of privateers, or band of mercenaries, or...?”

 

[joshuadim]

"Indeed we are mercenaries. This is my company and we are escorting this here barge," Hughin stated as he took a seat, "On its voyage to find Pengiros, the lost continent. Perhaps you've heard the many different tales of it?"