Fantasy Skyworld: Age of Sail

[Archie]

Robert wasn't able to enjoy the company of his cat for long. His old 'friend', Masaoka Tenryu approached him from across the room, setting two cups on the wooden table and taking a seat.

"It's been a quick minute" Tenryu started, his voice as hoarse and deep as Robert remembered it. It wasn't the appealing kind of deep either, but a permanent low growl - the biproduct of a lifetime of yelling at subordinates. Though a samurai of clan Masaoka by birth, Tenryu had lost his refined manners in a decade of de facto pirate service, first in the name of the Zhao and then in the name of their enemies. His hair was unkempt, his facial hair unruly, and his Yukata wrinkled and disheveled. It was impossible for a stranger to tell that here sat the third richest man in the tavern, behind only Lewis Nisbalt and Captain Mercer.

"Don't worry" he continued. "That isn't that disgusting rum the barbarians are so fond of" he added, evidently not considering Robert one of the barbarians. "This is 40-proof Zhao baijiu. I asked for sake but this shack had none".

Tenryu reclined in his chair, surveying his surroundings. He smirked as Captain Mercer ended his conversation with Silas Kade, and his eyes followed Mercer out of the tavern. A clever man like Robert could tell that his real business was not with his old friend, but with his captain.

"So, what made you leave the Tianhaijun?" he asked, using the Zhong term for sky fleet. "Where's your loyalty to the Son of Heaven?" he joked.

@Jackson123

 

[MrReaves]

"Smiles" Carmine

While the rest of her party conversed and schemed, Smiles began to get pleasantly buzzed on the few drinks she’d had. She could drink a few of her peers under the table, but that had more to do with wits and stamina than her fortitude; it truly did not take much to get her drunk, considering her slight frame. Her lofty dreams of spending the night with one, maybe two of the Emporium’s finest lasses faded from her mind’s eye as she was hit with waves of *tiredness*- the months of ceaseless work finally catching up to her.

Looking around the table, she swore she could see the same thing happening to others; at their first sitdown after all the hard work, there was simply too much rest to catch up to. A few of the more virile men, though, seemed eager to prove themselves still holding on to sanity. Mira was more open- following her rebuttal of Sterling’s typical snide, sardonic comments, the curly-haired surgeon collapsed into Smiles’ shoulder, causing the crewman’s heart to skip a beat at the mere genial touch. She followed Mira’s gaze to its destination- Edward Fawlk, who’d joined the Captains posse in what seemed like a deal-completing effort. Smiles simply hadn’t known what to make of Fawlk since he had strode aboard. The man carried himself with elegance and poise, almost equal in stature to Mercer himself, and with a sly knowingness about him.

She heard Mira mumble something about a bathhouse under her breath. Smiles, who felt about ready to collapse into the nearest chair and snooze away half a day, found that a grand idea. “Oh, a bath would do feckin’ wonders.” She agreed, leaning her head in closer to Mira. “There must be one around- they have water running through here. Hold on, I’ll ask.” She flagged down a barmaid bravely carrying a dozen pints on a board. “ ‘scuse me, love, is there a bathhouse in Altersdale still open this time of eve?”

The blonde maid thought for a moment, seeming unbothered by the weight of twelve tankards of grog. “Might try the Verdigris, in the Cliffside district. Heard they go on all night. Bit of seedy place, but-” She gave a wink and turned half towards the sailors eagerly awaiting her. “If you minded that you wouldn’t be here.” Smiles nodded appreciatively. It went without saying that she was smiling. “Caught all that?” She said to Mira. “I’m game if you are.” The premise of washing off the grime and sins of the last months in a stone-hewn bath seemed akin to paradise. On the Maiden, what passed for a bath was a wet towelling-down or the catching of rain in a tied-up sail until it filled and formed a pool, in which few of the crew could resist taking a plunge.

JoUhWrites

 

[JoUhWrites]

Almira Fjederborn
Gus’ stone-faced query made a rush of heat spread through Mira’s cheeks, the warmth making its way down her throat and into her chest until she felt like a human furnace. Her jaw clenched involuntarily as he finished his sentence by staring into both her face and that of Steel, and she shifted under his gaze. Gus was the gambler - Mira couldn’t even remember the last time she’d spoken to anyone outside her crew for anything other than necessities sake… but surely this counted as a necessity as well? Her chest heaved with a deep sigh as she threw her head back and let the last of the ale flush down her blazing throat, before she (gently) slammed it onto the table in front of them. Already the heat of nervousness made space for that of mild intoxication. “My poker face iss terrible, but-,” slender fingers subconsciously stroked against the almost-empty emergency medication pouch wrapped to her waist, “-maybe you could… kick me or ssomething… as a signal?” She was pretty good with pain. If she could just keep her gaze at the table and not look at anyone or anything, maybe no one would see her quivering mouth or flushed face.

And then Smiles spoke, and Mira’s eyes grew three sizes as she gazed up at the woman. “Really?,” she whispered, sides of her mouth slowly crawling upwards until it curled into a smile akin to that which adorned Smiles’ face. The soft glow of the tavern seemed brighter, sounded less threatening, and the sour smell more palaptable at the sudden prospect of a real bath - one that didn’t leave her skin itchy and her hair more crunchy than the deckhand Salvador’s back after a long day of scrubbing the deck. Smiles’ offer was more of an incentive to get done with her chores than any liquid courage could be, and Mira grasped the woman’s small-but-strong hands in her own as she turned back to the two silver tongued men with eyes sparkling. “Let’s gamble it up.” She glanced towards the poker-players - did the nobleman look at them or was it just her overactive imagination? - and swallowed, “But perhaps Ssmiles should back Steel up… just in case?”

Interactions: Archie Ticl MrReaves
Mentions: welian

 

[welian]

Salvador Hierro

Overview

Location	Aboard the ship like a pleb
Tags	Selee-01 Firelie Saturn_moon

((Sorry for the delay in posting – excuses, excuses!))

Sal shot a dark scowl at Addam when the brat laughed at him. Getting pooped on by birds was an occupational hazard, but his hair, really? It was funny, but only when it happened to other people!

“Damn it all,” he muttered through gritted teeth. He was too preoccupied with taking his threadbare shirt off and using it as a rag to wipe the birdshit out of his precious brown hair to bother with antagonizing Historia or Addam, at least not right away.

He heard Historia greet him, but all she got was a grunt in response.

He could have been on shore, in a bathhouse, spying on the women right now, but no…

No, wait… Yes, yes!

Salvador stood up and crumpled his soiled shirt in his hands. His bare chest was not particularly impressive in physique like some of the walls of meat that lived on this ship, and the only particularly noteworthy features that everyone on board had already seen time and time again were his hilariously strong tan lines, and some scars on his back from the “incident” with his old crew. Which, as far as the rest of Revenge had heard from Sal, came from a weekend with a spirited priestess graciously assisting Sal with his desire for “mercy”.

“Addam,” Salvador said, turning to face today’s victim. “You’ve been doing a solid job, swabbing the deck with me. It’s spotless. Let’s go take a quick break.”

He stroked his beard thoughtfully and used a phrase he heard from one of the officers. “I’m your current direct supervisor, after all. Consider this an order. We’re blowing this joint and going to shore. I need a shirt and you need… uh… what are you holding?”

 

[Selee-01]

“Addam,” Salvador said, turning to face today’s victim. “You’ve been doing a solid job, swabbing the deck with me. It’s spotless. Let’s go take a quick break.”

He stroked his beard thoughtfully and used a phrase he heard from one of the officers. “I’m your current direct supervisor, after all. Consider this an order. We’re blowing this joint and going to shore. I need a shirt and you need… uh… what are you holding?”

Addam Kirtle​

Addam blinked at Sal’s statement. It wasn’t like he’d been doing anything. But Addam was not planning on being contradictory. That would be rude, to say the least.

Going to shore? He looked at the clean deck, and decided that wasn’t such a bad idea. He wasn’t dumb enough to try and run, after all.

“Um, okay,” he said. “I c-can go to s-shore, I guess."

“I’m... n-not sure what I’m h-holding,” Addam said hesitantly. He unrolled it, and took a look. Firelie

 

[Saturn_moon]

INEJ BAYAUT
On board the Maiden's Revenge​

The door to the navigation room had been left wide open, allowing a much-welcomed draft to pass through. Inside, Inej was bent over the large ebony wood table in the center, charting different courses out of Altersdale in preparation for the Maiden’s Revenge scheduled departure. Although considering the nature of their work and the crew’s uncanny ability to find themselves in tight spots, she’d found it never hurt to have an escape plan or two on standby. Inej was in the midst of calculating their longitudinal position when she heard light footsteps ascend the steps to the helm, announcing Historia’s arrival before the girl even spoke.

“You’re not supposed to be up here, Historia,” Inej said plainly, not bothering to even look up from her work. “If the Captain finds out, don't expect him to be lenient. It's not in his nature.” When she finished tabulating the last of the numbers, Inej straightened her back and slowly stretched her neck, tilting her head first to the left then rolling it over to the right. Only then did she turn and meet the Historia’s gaze. Arms folded across her chest, she carefully considered the girl. From the way Historia spoke and held herself, it was easy to forgot that she was still just a girl, barely on the cusp of adulthood.

"Why would you think that?" Inej asked in response, her face impassive. "Only children and trouble makers need watching over." The words hung in the space between them, an obvious jab to see if Historia might react. She rarely ever did. Unsurprisingly, the girl's eyes had trailed away from hers before she even finished speaking to survey the room, attention already captured by a new curiosity. With a sigh, Inej pushed herself away from the table and firmly ushered Historia towards the door. The girl might have no qualms about getting trouble but Inej knew better than to test the Captain's patience.

Firelie
Mini mention: Darth

 

[Archie]

Gus chuckled when Mira said the signal should be to kick her.

"Naw, nothing like that. I'll just tap the table three times". Mira and Smiles were talking about going to a bathhouse after. The thought made Gus smile. Being the Bosun, he had a no shipcest rule for himself so he wouldn't be accused of favoritism. That meant shore leave was the only place he could unload his burdens, and for a hot blooded young man like him they were some heavy burdens. A bathhouse was a particularly appealing setting - probably the only place where burdens could be unloaded onto multiple docks in quick succession. Gus also didn't have to pay docking fees at a bathhouse, which made offloading there far cheaper than at a tavern.

Still, eager as he was, Gus knew there was work to do. The ship was criminally low on provisions and there was a very rich man to fleece and a few drunkards at a gambling table to press into service.

Mira suggested that Smiles back up Steel. She was a tough girl who could handle herself, not that Steel needed any backup when it came to a negotiation, even a negotiation where everyone's hands hovered over their pistols. Still, with Smiles there, more could be done in less time. Not only could Lewis be relieved of some of his wares, those two strapping lads at the table would make excellent deckhands.

"I like it" Gus said. "Smiles, you're about to learn how this ship gets its crew" he said, starting to walk towards the table.

"Follow me. You two can play if you want - we'll split all our winnings so it don't matter if you win or lose. Otherwise, hang back and look scary" he finished.

When Gus took a seat at the table, some of the patrons who knew him exchanged glances. The mighty "Sir" Lewis Nisbalt was obviously above knowing commoner rifraff like this, even if he was a somewhat legendary gambler around these parts. The other gamblers couldn't afford the luxury of dignified ignorance and clutched at their wallets, as if Gus was the type to fleece a man by cutting his purse and not beating him at cards. Sir Nisbalt, who fancied himself a proper Aeternian country aristocrat despite not being Aeternian since the Altersdale secession, not living in the country, and not being an aristocrat, did honor Gus with a puzzled glance - it wasn't common for a ranchero to take to the skies, much less to leave the two colonized continents.

"Well, that's enough for me" said a balding, portly man to Gus's left, glaring at the "lucky man" who had just taken his seat.

"You boys have fun"

"No, please, stay a while and have a drink. On me. It's been a while since I've seen you" Gus pleaded. He swore he had never met this man in his life. The middle aged man obliged.

"Rum for all of us. Your best wine for the lord. Put all their drinks on me from now on" he beckoned to a nearby barmaid and pretending he didn't know who Lewis Nisbalt was. "Sir" Lewis straightened his back, clearly glad to be called a lord. Free drinks, Gus reasoned, would keep the more nervous gamblers at the table, have them make increasingly stupid bets, and pollute them with the fallacy that they could bet small and make back their money in free drinks. Often, Gus thought he should start a casino.

"Much obliged, mister..." Lewis started, his practiced upper class inflection coming across as stale as it was fake.

"Durango, my lord. Guzman Durango. Pleased to make your acquaintance"

"Likewise" Lewis said before taking his attention away from the unworthy commoner and towards his massive pile of cash.

It was one of the country lads' turns to deal. Gus used the opportunity to size up his new recruit. Both boys seemed to be brothers, and looked flat broke. The fact that they had a respectable pile of pence in front of them meant they must have had a lucky streak. The dealer was Addam's age - no, Gus couldn't think of that little twat - while the other was a few years older. Both had unruly red hair, which was good because they bore no resemblance to Gus's death brothers - unlike that little twat Addam - but at the same time made them somewhat unfit for work above deck, on account of sunburns. Still, both looked hardy and accustomed to farm work. Gus's gut wrenched at the thought of recruiting them the normal way, however. They didn't look like Sal. These were no tavern drunks who had dug their own holes through extravagance and alcoholism - they were just desperate lads. Maybe getting them drunk and taking their hard earned pile of cash wasn't necessary - they could be convinced to join through promises of excitement and pay alone, and perhaps through offering help out of a hole which Gus figured they might be in.

The youth dealt cards. Gus had a 10 of hearts and 9 of clubs. On the table face up were a 7 and ace of hearts, jack of spades. Mira's hand was an ace and queen of clubs. Gus knew his hand was good, with chances to form a flush or straight, but unless Lewis started betting, he had to fold and not let Lewis on to the fact that he was a 'winner'.

Interactions: Ticl MrReaves JoUhWrites

 

[II-CinderRadcliff-II]

As Cinder watched Gus from afar start gambling his ears perked up to what Mira and Smiles had been talking about, a smirk forming on his face as he imagined the feeling of a nice hot bathing. He oh so missed the feeling of being clean, though he personally kept up his looks and hygiene through the help of his habits. He usually woke up much earlier than a majority of the crew to get started on repairs, prioritizing the more urgent fixes before Tavish would be awake and call for the crew to gather. It also meant that he could potentially have time to freshen up before the head count, though with so many repairs to do he rarely got free time despite the early start. The thought of the bath was tantalizing alone, but it wasn't the only thing getting him excited. His shoulders seemed to relax as he became entranced in his own mind, reliving the feeling before snapping back to reality. He stopped leaning against the wall and started making his way towards the door, planning on dropping by the ship to get prepared for the bath house later. The streets weren't really his favorite place to be in this pirate cove, as his attire got him odd glares from those who didn't recognize him. Those that did politely smiled and waved, though the only people that did know him in town were either merchants or other carpenters; with the occasional child wandering up to him to ask if he was a knight. Children. The one thing in the world he despised more than anything, though he kept his nefarious side in check to avoid public outcry. A pirate dressed as a knight slaughtering a child wouldn't look so great for his image after all.
Before long he arrived at The Maidens Revenge, boarding the ship and looking around for the crew. No one in immediate sight, but he did notice that Historia and Inej were up at the Helm after a more dedicated glance, walking on up the stairs in his heavy armor.
"Well now, am I intruding on something important?" Cinder asked as he leaned against the wooden railing behind him, looking towards the two in a curious gaze.

Saturn_moon Firelie

 

[Obsidian]

Edward Fawlk​

"I have always been partial to Rimizzo," Edward lies, before gracefully stepping over to one of the red silk sofa's opposite Lady Matilda, and then taking a seat on one. While Edward listened to Matilda, learning the rules of her little game, Luke returns and presents the wine in a fine crystal glass, one that would sparkle brilliantly in the light. After taking the glass, and waiting for Lady Matilda to finish, Edward would take a sip of his wine, before looking to her through his narrowed eyes.

Gandolfini could become useful. A nobleman, a skilled warrior, and an accomplished military commander. Not to mention that Gandolfini would have connections in the Empire, connections that would be most useful to Edward right now. While Edward never met him in person, Gandolfini's reputation preceeds him. And if he were to know the truth...

"Very well." Edward begins, "You have peaked my interest. A secret you wished for a secret, yes?"

"Then the secret I have is a curious one," Edward goes on, "Faces are such a distinctive thing, are they not? From one day to the next, many believe the image they see in the mirror to be truly their own, and yet sometimes we see others that are alike to our own. Not perfectly, but enough to mistake the untrained eye. But sometimes, rarely perhaps, the looks of one is seemingly indistinguishable from looks of another. Twins, people might call them. Brothers or sisters, usually. But in more spectacular cases, you might find another, a stranger, with your perfect likeness, as impossible as that might seem. And that incredible thing did happen. To none other than the Emperor of Ridolfo."

"One darkened night, traitory spread through the halls of the Imperial Palace, not so long ago in fact," Edward recounts the tale, "The Emperor's own Praetorian Guard stormed into his private quarters and ran him through without a second thought. Such a malign act, I am sure you will agree, to be butchered by one's own 'loyal' servants."

At this line, Edward glanced at Luke, before returning his gaze to Matilda, an unspoken question behind his eyes.

"Why is it, then, that no one knows of this? The Emperor, slain by his own guard, is not something one can keep secret. Unless, of course, one has an imposter at hand." Edward explains, "A puppet, one that looks as if he is the Emperor, but who is soft-willed and malleable, a tool of others who covet the Imperial Throne. Can you make an informed guess as to who might have done such things, my lady? Who would have that kind of access to the Emperor? Who might have the means to replace him? Who might have the power to push the Praetorian Guard into murdering their own Emperor in his own Palace?"

Archie animegirl20

 

[Archie]

Luke uncorked a bottle of Rimizzo as soon as Edward ordered, pouring a glass both for Edward and his boss. Matilda's eyes widened as Edward told his secret. Midway through, she waved Luke out of the room - this was something too big for him to hear. When Edward finished, she was silent, raising her chin at him as if wondering whether to believe him. Her demeanor calmed shortly after - she had learned to trust her instincts, and her instincts told her that Edward was a legitimate nobleman, and someone of great influence - present or former.

"None other than Galeazzo Amalfi, prefect of the Praetorian Guard" she replied, guessing the obvious culprit.

"An Emperor has often been murdered by the commander of his own bodyguards, but never in total secret. But then, perhaps past faces have changed, successfully so, and we simply did not know of it. Amalfi, a true scoundrel if I've ever met one"

She stood up and looked out the window. The sun had set, and the sky was overcast. Lightning was visible in the distance - flashes of the clouds. It was about to rain, and a great gust would sweep over this island. A storm was coming, and everyone moored here would be stuck for quite a while.

"The secret you've shared with me" she started, "is far more valuable than the one I've shared with you. It's only fair I not only finish that story, but tell you two others" she continued.

"Gandolfini is here to arrest a friend of yours. He bullied the new sovereign prince, that sheltered, soft young fool, into arresting Captain Mercer on threat of naval bombardment and the revocation of Ridolfo's guarantee of Altersdale's independence. I learned of this and tried to complain, but the prince is too scared".

Gandolfini claims he wants to trade Mercer to Admiral Conroy, his old rival, if Aeternia evacuates Quinqueria" she went on. Quinqueria was something of a reverse-Altersdale - a Ridolfite island which had seceded, and was garrisoned by Aeternian troops per the Peace of Strongsong.

"That'll be quite an achievement. It would even earn him a promotion to Doge, ruling a much larger province"

She turned to her guest, squinting.

"It's strange to me, though. While our prince doesn't know it, what he's about to do will trigger a revolt. This town thrives on pirate trade and smuggling, and none of the notables will put up with the arrest of a captain. Not me, not Lewis, not Silas... unless he knows that."

Matilda's gaze locked with Edward's.

"The prize isn't Mercer. It's Altersdale"

Obsidian animegirl20

 

[JoUhWrites]

Almira Fjederborn

Location

Trying to keep her sanity at The Royal Emporium's poker table

Mira stared into the cards as if willing them to explain themselves to her. She’d played poker a few times - Abel had enjoyed the game, and the crew onboard the Maiden’s Revenge took any and all opportunities to increase their wages - but that did not make her any kind of expert at it. At least her visible confusion would mean that there’d be no need for her to act the part of a naive, non-threatening girl… although it might lead the veteran players to wonder why someone like her would even play to begin with. Thankfully Gus had appropriately set up an excuse for her.

“...ooh, free rum?! Hehe, I'm not that used to playing but-” Mira’s laugh was a little too shrill for it to seem completely genuine, but hopefully it just came across floozy-esque as she swiped one of the glasses from the overencumbered barmaid. "gotta stay for that!” She glanced up to see if Gus seemed to approve of her acting, but the man seemed preoccupied. Following his gaze, she noticed the two farmboys, and her heart jumped into her throat for a second before falling back into her narrow ribcage. Despite the freckles and mops of curls, the boys were far too pale and human to be related to her in any way - and Almira’s siblings were that age the last time she saw them, after all, which meant that they probably were much older by now - but she still smiled warmly at them, even if it made the older boy narrow his eyes slightly at her. Oh, shit, poker. He thinks I’m trying something weird. Play poker. Poker playing. Stop. Smiling.

She looked back at the cards and hoped that the rancher would do the same. Despite them not ever having spoken of siblings - the way both of them seemed to freeze and search whenever the crew encountered a boy around that age was way too similar for Mira to ascribe any reason other than the one she herself had; loss, and perhaps a bit of hope. Nope. No time for those thoughts. Poker.
What was it Gus had asked her to do, again? Fold?

The older brother’s nostrils flared, his grip tight around the cards. Mira recognized the gesture, pain? “2 gold.” he said while pushing chips of equal value towards the middle - perhaps the pained gesture had been a feint. In which case the boy’s acting was superb.
Still, 2 gold was not much compared to what they’d need to properly extort anyone, would Gus want her to drive up the bet? She met his eyes over the rim of her glass, ready to follow whatever order he had for her. That’s when the noble who’d asked Gus for his name dropped his cards to the table, leaning back on his chair while sniffing the wine which had been procured for him. He looked all too pleased with the situation, despite having folded.

“Say, mister... Durango, what’s a man like you,” he gestured towards Gus’ garb, wine almost slushing out of his glass, “doing in a place like this? So very far away from...” he sniffed, "home."

Interactions: Archie

 

[Obsidian]

Edward Fawlk​

When Lady Matilda would rise and walk to the window, Edward would rise too and join her, keeping a respectful distance and yet keeping her company. Listening to her, Gandolfini's scheme almost makes Edward smirk.

"Of course." Edward says, staring out of the window himself, "The Count wishes to use the outrage of your prince giving up Captain Mercer to plunge Altersdale into civil war, just before he wipes away all those who might resist him, in one single sweep. Clever. And it would have worked, too."

He is clever. Is he clever enough? Perhaps. Either way, there is only a limited window of opportunity available right now, and Edward must make use of it.

"You said that you knew where Count Gandolfini is located?" Edward looks back to Matilda, "Do you have an exact location? Perhaps we may not yet be too late..."

Archie animegirl20

 

[The Dark Wizard]

A'miel vi d'Amaris

~Noble, Kind, Handsome, Cruel​

​

A'miel sighed as he stared out the window of his cabin of the ship he had booked last-minute passage on under his uncle's instructions. He was to meet with one Captain Mercerand his crew of The Maiden's Revenge. His mission was twofold and simple, deliver the shipment which was a gift for Mercer and stay around to overlook his investment. The Duke spoke greatly of this captain, and it wasn't often that his uncle held anyone in high regard, so he was curious to meet this Captain and the people he surrounds himself with. The ship eventually made it to its destination Aldersdale, an interesting port with an even more interesting location set in prime land.

He wondered what mistake forced his nation to agree to a peace deal for this place to remain independent. He left his cabin and slowly approached the ship's exit, watching as men unloaded his shipment. He looked around and spotted The Maiden's Revenge in the port and figured they must have been here for a few hours already. With a smile, he knew he was in time but before he disembarked, he made sure all the paperwork to have his shipment transferred to the maiden was intact, and he left it to them to handle. Disembarking he proceeded to ask for some directions towards the tavern and began to head that way.

Eventually, A'miel seemed to find himself in what appeared to be an alleyway with three thugs surrounding him. "I guess I took a wrong turn huh?" he expressed with a warm smile to the people who were going to most likely rob him. "Could any of you gentlemen please tell me where I can find The Royal Emporium?"

"Look at this boys, someone seems lost" he said walking up to A'miel and circling him. "Mighty fine clothes and jewelry you have their boy, what are we, a noble?"

A'miel continued to smile and politely began to respond. "Yes, I am A'miel vi d'-" he was interrupted however by a small shove from the brute. "I don't care who you are boy, but if you value your life, you'll give us everythi-"

"Boss?" asked one of the other thugs who was a bit further back as something came out of his boss' skull. A'miel had unclasped his sword and gently slid it into the man who touched him from the bottom up.

"Boss?" he asked again, his voice shaking as his boss made a gargling sound and A'miel gently pushed him forward and off his blade after skewering his brain as simple as one would cut a loaf of bread. The cut was clean, so the blood didn't really spill on him except for what the brute gargled on him, but he fixed that with a cloth he pulled out and gently wiped his face and blade. "Now then, as I was saying. I am A'miel vi d'Amaris" he stated as the shocked one slowly raised his weapon. A'miel sighed. "I don't have time to play with you" he expressed and reached into his attire and pulled out some coins and tossed them to the third thug, which was calmer. "Kill this one for me, and there is employment in your future, I don't have time to deal with this right now". Between his presence and the money, the thug didn't need any more convincing as he drew his dagger and slew the one that raised his weapon who had previously called out for his boss. "Of course my lord" the smart one expressed. A'miel watched satisfied as he clasped his sword back to his side and proceeded to approach his new hire. "Make sure to clean this all up, and next time we meet, there will be more in it for you" he expressed as he patted a few more coins against the thug's chest. "Now where can I find The Royal Emporium? I don't like to repeat myself a third time"

Getting the right direction from a shady alleyway where he made a new friend, he reached the The Royal Emporiem and pattered his attire one last time to make sure no dust and dirt was on it before he entered, looking around and offering a warm smile to anyone who looked in his general direction. Thankfully he had gotten the descriptions of what the captain and some of his crew looked like and slowly began to approach them. "Goodday everyone, I'm looking for your Master of Arms to finalize my passionate on The Maiden's Revenge or Captain Mercer" he stated while looking over the gambling table and the people around.

(Anyone who wants to participate with me but particularly Ticl MrReaves )

 

[Archie]

Gus tried to conceal his grin when Mira approached the table and came up with the perfect excuse to play. Clever he thought. Clever, and she could pretend she wasn't, just like Gus. Also like Gus, she seemed to get uncomfortable seeing the farmboys. Maybe, Gus figured, she'd had bad experiences with their type before. Yes, that must have been it.

One of the farm boys bet with a pained gesture. Either that was good acting, an ache, or a terrible hand. If it was acting - which Gus would find out on the flop - he might very well make a good addition to the crew. He needed another worthy opponent, since Steel was the only person on deck who could beat him at this game once in a while.

Lewis folded, seeming all too pleased with himself. He sniffed his wine like a true faux nobleman - this man, unlike Gus, Mira, and perhaps this farmboy - was not an actor. One wondered how he made it so far in life with such a deficiency in cunning, but then Gus reminded himself that there were honest paths to success as well - honest paths like fencing stolen cargo for pirates. Gus was annoyed when Lewis set his cards on the table, but maintained his poker face and pretended not to care.

"Fold" Gus stated as the order came around to him, taking a sip of his wine and shaking his head, as if he had a bad hand. The bet continued round the table, two of the other five players folding while two called and one - the balding man - raised by two gold pence.

"Call" said the brother who bet.

Lewis turned to address Gus directly, but Gus's answer was addressing someone else.

"I grew up on a farm. It was boring, hard, and full of tragedy. I grew up every day hating the men who kept me down" he said, taking a swig of his rum. The barmaid came over to refill it, but he put his hand over it.

"Rimizzo, por favore" he said, ordering the most expensive Ridolfite wine.

"Now, I'm the boatswain on the fastest pirate ship in the skies. Me and all of my new brothers and sisters get to strike back at the man and make a killing doing it"

It was a strange answer to give to a polite man like Sir Nisbalt, but he wasn't addressing only Sir Nisbalt. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the country lads were staring at him, rapt.

"But, you my lord are clearly making an even bigger killing. How did you earn your fortune, sire?" he asked, flattering the presumably self-made man as if to apologize for the gauche answer he gave earlier.

At that point in their conversation, the older brother, acting as dealer, revealed the river. The bets reached a total of 62 gold pence by the final round. The bald man had a flush, but the older brother took the pot with a straight. Gus smirked and tipped his hat at him. The younger lad couldn't contain his excitement at the idea that this pirate officer might take them aboard, but the older lad held his composure and just nodded back. Good, very good Gus thought. These recruits would be no issue after the game, which meant he could turn his attention to everyone else - the gamblers who were down a handful of coins from that round.

"Another round please" he called to the barmaid, his tab growing with every passing moment, but it was all worth it. The best way to recruit these men was to get them drunk.

Interactions: JoUhWrites

 

[Ticl]

Like a punch in the gut, Mira suggested Smiles help with their negotiating, before they’d even cornered the prey and reaped them of their gold. Steel sneered at the idea, did their sweet surgeon not know him well enough? He had the grit to take whatever they wanted and more if he were given the space. And fittingly, Gus was the best at setting up their game. Feeding and taking again, making them think they were on an easy playing ground. But once things went sour and shrewdness was shrouded by drunkenness, Steel slipped in and offered his deal. A deal usually only favourable to inebriated pigs looking for a way out.

“Let’s kick her.” He snapped sharply, running an icy finger over the rim of the glass. Gus would definitely say no but how Steel wished he would. He flashed a golden grin at the girls before a stranger approached the table, just in time before Sterling slithered off to collect some winnings.
Dressed finer then any scrub stalking the Emporium, he was striking and Sterling knew exactly who he was before he had the chance to introduce himself. “Actually, call on me when you need me, boatswain, I’m obviously more popular than I thought.” He quipped before urging the not so scruffy man to sit beside him. Still in view of the game if things went not so according to plan.

“I heard we’re going to be good friends, once that shipment comes that is.” He rambled absentmindedly, leaning in close so he could take the other in. His visage, the way he carried himself, tawny eyes that just screamed beware. Sterling wasn’t easily fazed but he felt like this man knew what he was doing. Or liked to pretend he did. What he’d heard from their oh so generous captain was that this one was their help, mainly his help. The contribution of his Uncle would prove dire, supplies they desperately needed in exchange for… what exactly? That was Captain's business, of course. Sterling shouldn’t pry, but he oh so wanted to.

“Your uncle is a clever man, he knows what he wants, would you say you take after him?” Steel prodded, dragging his dark gaze down to the fine garb the other was wearing, even reaching over to flick off non existent dust. “Or do you just eat the dinner?”

Archie The Dark Wizard JoUhWrites

 

[Archie]

Matilda nodded approvingly when Edward offered his assistance. She still did not know his name, but her gut told her he was a legitimate man of stature in Ridolfo, someone who might be able to intercede. To what end no one could know, but all other options short of revolt had been exhausted.

"I do. This way. Luke!" she called, before her servant entered the room.

"We need a ride"

The four descended down a flight of steps. The distinguished persons entered a black carriage while Luke played driver.

It was already starting to rain. The youth had no time to grab a hood - if Matilda needed him to drive, it must have been urgent.

Through the cobblestone streets the carriage's four increasingly drenched horses plodded. Matilda looked out the curtains.

"Gandolfini has been living in the castle since his arrival. We should catch him and the young prince at dinner" She looked at Joan, eyeing her weaponry and squinting. Without a doubt, it might come in handy if these talks ended poorly.

"I can tell you more about the prince. Reese is nothing like his father. A sheltered boy who grew up on one of his father's plantations. They say he's nice but he doesn't know the first thing about governing a rough town like this" she paused for several seconds, then shook her head.

"I promised Rutherford I'd never bring this up, but Rutherford is dead" she continued, referring to the old prince, the founding father of independent Altersdale.

"There's something you can blackmail Reese with. He's likes men, and not men like Luke. That wouldn't be a problem for a powerful man. He likes men like Amalfi, like Gandolfini" she started, citing people she guessed an aristocrat like Edward would know.

"Like the First Mate of your ship.

Call it a double standard, but it's unbecoming in these parts for men in power to bend over. If you threatened to tell, you might be able to convince him to delay the arrest, at least for a few hours. That is, if you even want the arrest delayed"

Matilda could sense that her mysterious guest wasn't in league with the Ridolfite government anymore - otherwise he wouldn't be travelling aboard a pirate ship. However, she knew that even exiles could be patriotic. Gandolfini's plan was first and foremost good for Gandolfini, but it was also good for Ridolfo.

"As for Gandolfini, you know him. His only secret is that he poisoned Xhalarbay before their match, but that's a hard allegation to prove". Gandolfini's toughest fight in the ring was with a mountain of a man who was even larger than him, a Talarcid whom Ridolfite nobles scoured the world to find.

animegirl20 Obsidian

 

[Firelie]

Historia Vinheima
​

“I know I’m not allowed.” She said calmly, her eyes drifting to the ceiling as inej moved to usher her out. Historia wasn’t exactly resisting, but she wasn’t submitting either. The small girl simply stood there as Inej pushed her out of the room. “I also know what I am, Inej.” Her gaze drifted to Inej. “Are you trying to make me angry?” Dhe aaked as the other girl pushed her back to the door from whence she came.

Historia bumped into the arriving Cinder as she was shoved out. Sheturned her head up to look at the carpenter behind her. “Oh, hello Cinder. Are you allowed in the helm?” Historia cocked her head to the side curiously. “Oh, and this is nothing. I just wandered up here and Inej is telling me to get out.” She gazed curiously up at the armored man with a distant gaze.

Spoiler: TORN CANVAS

About a foot in length and six inches in length. A painting of a cityscape was situated on the canvas, ir more accurately, the space around it was painted. The sky in the background was a strangely inky deep black. Crooked buildings stood beneath the blackened sky, outlined by it. Empty space defined the shape of the buildings. The inky and crude outlines of people roamed the streets below, featureless faces turned upwards to the sky. Addam could have sworn the people below were staring at him. Sal would have no such feeling.

Saturn_moon Selee-01 welian @cinderwhosnaneicantfknpingright

 

[Captain Hesperus]

Earlier

The shadows watched as the tall, slender aristocrat was confronted by three lowly thugs.

They coiled, ready to move with serpentine speed, as the leader squared up to the aristocrat.

They maintained their tension as the leader, his brain fatally pierced slumped to the floor.

They continued to watch as the aristocrat tossed coins to one of the remaining thugs and they watched as he gutted his erstwhile companion.

They eased into stillness as the aristocrat handed more coins to the last thug, received the directions he had asked for and walked away.

Otto figured today was turning out to be a fairly strange day. Klaus and Reiner were both dead, Klaus by his hand and Reiner by his new employers. Both of the cooling corpses were unimportant enough that their deaths wouldn't stir up any trouble in the criminal underworld and Otto would now be able to get his hands on the fat purse he knew Reiner kept hidden in the concealed pocket of his jacket. He paused when he heard the sound of wood striking stone slowly getting closer. He turned to look in the direction of the sound and saw a tiny woman in a long flowery robe walking toward him. The sound she made was from the wooden sandals she wore. He frowned as he wondered why she was here and why she was not apparently disturbed by him rooting through the pockets of two obvious corpses. She drew closer, her hands tucked into the wide sleeves of the pretty robes, then stopped no more than ten feet away.

"You are a very wise man.", she said, simply.
Her voice was rich and sultry, her accent marked her as foreign even though her Aetherian was perfect.
"If you had refused my master's offer and tried to attack him, things would have gone poorly for you."
Otto rose to his feet. His senses were screaming that something was wrong, but he couldn't figure out what.
"However, you were foolish in choosing to accost my master, and even more foolish in accepting coins that you had no right to. You should have killed yourself for affronting my master."
Otto's hand pulled his knife out of the back of his belt. It had been a meat cleaver, Otto had been a fairly good butcher in his previous life, and he'd lightened the heft by drilling out a couple of extra holes beyond the one originally added to hang the knife when not in use. As he did so, she took her hands out of her sleeves and he saw her extract a metal disc on the end of a length of dark blue rope.
"But it does not matter, I shall do you the honor."
Otto heard a whistle, then something like a small bell ringing. He blinked and saw the disk on the rope was now half-covered in blood. Then the pain hit him. Blood, hot and sticky gushed from the ruin of his throat and even more flooded down his windpipe to fill his lungs. The sudden drop in blood pressure took his legs from under him and he crashed to the ground. The woman drew closer, daintily stepping around the growing pool of blood running from his mortal wound.
"In your next life, become a dog. Perhaps you will learn loyalty.", she hissed, as she wiped the blood from her weapon on his shirt and scooped up the coins the aristocrat had just given him.

Keiko returned to the other end of the alleyway and recovered the small bag she had been carrying. Of course, she had seen A'miel approach the three muggers and she had moved with speed to get around behind them to be ready should he need her. She would have slaughtered all three had they so much as ruffled her noble charge's coat without so much as a second thought. But his skill with the blade had made her intervention unnecessary. WIth her bag in one hand and the recovered coins in the other, she turned out of the alley, reasserted her taiyō-jiko and made her way to the 'Royal Emporium'.

Now
The door of the Royal Emporium exploded open and a flustered-looking young woman in a brightly-colored yukata staggered in. She carried a small paper bag brimming with strange yellow balls and her green eyes swept the establishment. They settled on the seated newcomer at Almira and Marie's table and she bustled her way through the throngs of bar patrons with a chorus of "excuse me"-s, "I beg your pardon"-s and even a "Buy my a drink if you want to touch that".
"My lord,", she said breathlessly, "I made sure the porters carried your baggage aboard the Maiden's Revenge. But look what I found in the market! Persimmons! I shall make you a fine dessert from them this evening. Oh, and here's your change back."
She dropped a handful of coins on the table before A'miel, then recoiled from them. Several of them had dried blood flecks on their burnished surface.
"Eww!", she gasped, looking from the coins to her hand, "I didn't know that was on them. Forgive me, my lord."
She bowed to him, a deep bow from the waist and awaited his response.

 

[welian]

Salvador Hierro

Overview

Location	Aboard the ship like a pleb
Tags	Selee-01 Firelie Saturn_moon II-CinderRadcliff-II

“Not ‘you guess’,” Sal gently corrected Addam. “You know, because I told you so. And when has ol’ Pape Hierro led you wrong?”

He looked down at the unfurled canvas.

“… Hunh.”

It wasn’t very big, but it was… it was interesting. Pretty, even. The ink soaked through in a way that Sal would consider wasteful, but he had been curtly informed before that few things in art were wasteful, and if they were, they were intentionally wasteful, which means not wasteful at all. Art, he thought, was bogus, and therefore good for scamming rich people.

“Histy’s something else, isn’t she? That almost feels like I’ve been there before, and those folk don’t even have faces, ha! Do you think we could sell it? No, no, she’d get mad, probably, If she even feels anger, haha…” Sal trailed off, realizing that he could faintly hear Cinder’s voice. He was supposed to be on shore with the others! Did he come back early? Damn it all, if Sal wanted to sneak off the ship, it was now or never!

“Alright bucko, let’s head out for our break, before anyone decides we got more shit to do.” He jovially slapped Addam on the back and strolled to the pier, with the aura of a man who totally knew what he was doing and was totally not abandoning his post to defy his superior officers to go shopping and kiss women.

 

[Rage]

Tavish 'Bloodbeard' McConors

Location(s) - Flashback: The Maiden's Revenge | Currently: The Royal Emporium
​

Unlike the Captain of the Maiden's Revenge; Tavish was far more accustom to the environment of the Royal Emporium. His years spent prior had lead to him visiting taverns in number so plentiful that he lost count and so... alongside ports in even higher number. Overall... The Royal Emporium was... Better than average in terms of it's surroundings and decorated with neat things. Old mantles pieces and some trophies; the occasional scratches in the wall with a blade to signify something and the like. Despite all of this 'averageness' - His hand rested on his sword. Some of the onlookers looked and saw the stoic face of the bearded-giant pass through the Tavern.

Barmaids shuffled out of his way instantly as they heard his footsteps and easily saw him coming; lesser pirates tuckered their outstretched legs in underneath their tables and would-be thugs adjusted themselves as to not appear too inconspicuous to the wandering, lazy glances made from the walking man. Upon reaching the side of the older man; Tavish noticed in the corner of his eye as The Captain proceed to fix himself slightly and take a sit at the table where the meeting was to be done. That look of disdain... It wasn't the environment... but.. If a meeting was to be done with 'Captain Nathaniel Mercer.' It had better been in a place fitting of a man his caliber... sadly... The Royal Emporium was lacking in all regards. Perhaps the one of the many more prestigious, business partners of a wealthier sort had 'spoiled' the poor Captain alittle bit too much. Those meeting places were very impressive... Only some of the Crew's elite were allowed to come however but they seemed to overstay their welcome whilst Captain Mercer & Himself conducting the much, needed business which has allowed for supplies and coin to become abundance only to be blown away by paying off ports for a quick escape, paying off the numerous debts that the crew raked up or engaging in boarding actions between rival crews, navy ships & bounty hunters.

Deep, brown eyes traced the hard-pressed look to follow it as the large First-Mate's eyes sparkled with a faintest of memory at the person who had garnered the sight of the Captain. Silas Kade. That scarred, dark-haired, sweating like a lying pirate sonvua bitch. A twinkle of a grin formed as a corner of his tightly-closed mouth raised as a mocking huffing expelled from the giant who looked towards the 'drug-dealer.' Despite his slow-headed demeanor and inactive boredom that he displayed casually to the crew when off-duty; he was far, far, far smarter than a life-long pirate with no education should've been. He'd remember that name which that face was attached towards 'The Brokers' - Sold Conduits' for temporary or full-time stay to Pirate Crews; Conduits sold like wildfire on the market considering how unpredictable the skies are... One of Tavish's good mates from a long-time ago was actually sold his previous Captain from those 'gifted' traffickers'. Tavish even had business deals as well

Look straighter; Tavish noticed something. Two bodyguards stood near Kade, both of them were suited not as much as Tavish but they carried their armaments' consider that they were wearing such boorish coats... It didn't matter where they tensed up as they noticed Tavish lookin' at them which they responded in kind with a sneer. Not a singular bit of change came from Tavish as they lazily yawn where his other hand came to block his opening maw to prevent spit from flying out and to muffle his sudden noise making. His attention was more or less to hear the finer bits of the seated men's conversation.

...

'Interesting... A Single Head Worth 600 on Completion... Must be of 'Thick-Blood' .... Interesting.' A hand shifted to caress the dense beard which grew from the First-Mate's robust chin. His mind pondered as why the 'The Brokers' would seemingly spend that much one Conduit... The term 'Thick-Blood' was attached to Conduits' in certain sky-fairing circles where it's meaning was vast and varied but it generally meant a particular Conduit' who seemed to be of a 'higher' caliber in terms of brethren... In Tavish's opinion... One of them was atleast worth twice the price offered... Maybe Tavish wasn't good at the counting stuff but he knew of someone's value.

The two then bid themselves a 'goodbye.' It was more tense than a man on the can by the way the two address one and another but alas, Tavish knew that the Captain conducted his business in a way that was profitable. Obtaining half upfront was always nice yet the Captain desired to leave? A brow was raised as he excused himself and went onward to exit. The shorter of the two then told Tavish about what he was to do.

Get the advance... and met up with 'The Brokers.' Simple enough - Heading over towards the table; Tavish smirked and said.

"Fight with a Fox... You will loss, Kade." Speaking up as the scar-faced man gave a grin which was barely noticeable.

It then became a plain-look as Kade smoothly said.

"Yes... But a Fox shouldn't bite the Hunter with his Dog." That got an even bigger grin.

"Yet the Hunter doesn't enter the woods when the Wolf hunts." The two men look at one and another...
...
...

"Pfthahahahahahaaha!/Raaaaaaahghahgah!" They then broke out into a small fit of laughter where Tavish shuffled into the booth and sat down as Kade laughed at their small insults.

"Three-Hundred advance isn't something that we would normally perform... But Captain Mercer has been a great ally, Hm?" Replying smoothly as he gestured for one of the guards to leave for a moment. Heading around only to travel behind the counter and disappear into the mysterious 'back-area.'

Tavish looked as he saw them head off where he heard something; the sounds of a hand shuffling into a coat that he slowly twisted his head to face Kade & the other Bodyguards. Ruffling around as he pulled out a rolled-up piece of paper - It was sealed with a wax-stamp of purple. 'Pricy.' Happens to be the first thought that came to mind where it was pushed forward.

"A run-down ship which contains a symbol; grafted into the wood near the mast which is identical to the one on that seal. That shall be the place where we will give further information." Explaining to Tavish where the body-guard from earlier returned with a hefty bag in hand that was place down onto the table.

"The coin for our deal." Kade grinned where Tavish's eyes narrowed and shuffled opening the bag - Coin which was numbered high as can be was bundle plenty of times. Shaking the bag as it jingled slightly before reaching in and grasping a coin to examine. Kade's smile grew larger as Tavish took a firm look at the coin.

...

Hmmmm... It was real. Bearing marks of Aeternia Royalty on one-side & an Aeternia War-Ship on the other.

"Good... Ya didn't bullshit this time; Kade." Gruffly speaking up as he proceed to tighten the bag as Kade made a hurt gesture.

"O' Tavish; you wound me, my good man." Moving around in the booth, Tavish stood and boldly spoke out as he replied.

"Oh; you don't have to worry about me. Those two seem to keep 'wounded.'" The smile upon Kade's face vanish whilst the two body-guards tensed in anger as the Maiden's Revenge's 'Bloodbeard' went to leave.

Hmmm.

"OH! IF YA LOT AREN'T DOING NUFFIN', YA COMIN' WIT' ME!" Bellowing out - The First Mate shouted as he exclaimed for the inactive members who were not gambling to come after him. Numerous pirates stopped and the entire tavern quieted down after an ear-rattling roar from the large pirate. It didn't mattered who could; they would help him with transporting the crates alongside heading to the meeting spot. Heading out of the door in a moment; Tavish greeted the fresher air with a deep inhale and exhale.

'Hm... This feels... Like A Good Day.' He thought to himself as he awaited for those who he beckoned to come.

Interactions:

Darth

The Dark Wizard

Ticl

MrReaves

(Or No One; Just PM if you're doing stuff already.)

Minor Interactions:

Archie

JoUhWrites

Captain Hesperus

 

[JoUhWrites]

Almira Fjederborn
The group of gamblers were slowly but surely getting more sauced; Sir Lewis' narrow face having blossomed into a gentle lilac shade and his already narrow eyes turning into slits focusing on the cards - the rest of the players becoming more vocal with every win or loss. There were far more yells about the latter.
The only two people who seemed almost unaffected by the drink were Gus and the younger farm boy; Gus, since his stomach seemed made of iron, and the farm boy since his older brother dutifully swiped the drinks away from him whenever they arrived. The boy had quite the stack of chips in front of him, and his smile was bright both from the winnings and from the attention lavished on him from the impressive rancher.
“My fortune,” Lewis started as he pushed a few more chips into the middle of the table, “is the product of a few important... relationships, dear sir.” Though slightly slurring, his gaze was focused as he turned it to Gus. “It’s important to have friends in this world, no? I’m sure you, with your brothers and sisters, are well aware of that.”

Mira hated him. Though usually preferring to keep her impression of other people detached, something about the nobleman’s cocky smirk and fancy clothing made her want to swipe that small chip mountain of his off the table, throw herself across it and slap him across one plum-colored cheek. No rich person was good. Maybe it was hypocritical for her to reason that way, seeing how she was part of a pirate crew, but at least pirates took from those deserving (...most of the time). Sir Lewis with his slick-backed hair and pristine coat seemed the type of man to see a beggar and throw him the butt of his cigar.
Perhaps the young woman was simply projecting prejudice onto him, but when she turned to look at Gus it was with the determination of someone ready to fleece someone out of their last penny. “Friends?,” She asked coolly, the usual anxiety seemingly gone, “What kind of friends?”
When Mira had met up with the crew at the beginning of the night, Gus had seemed unusually unsettled. Perhaps there was something in The Royal Emporium air which made people change their behavior. Perhaps she just really wanted that deep, long soak Smiles had spoken about.

The game continued - the boys kept winning, the mountain of chips in front of Lewis grew smaller by every round. Mira kept folding, and glanced towards their two con-men to see if they were ready to intervene. They were, in fact, definitely not - seeing as Steele was currently flirting with some other (decidedly way prettier than the one seated with Gus and Almira) nobleman. What was up with these fancy people coming from everywhere? Edward - with his luscious locks and creepily clever eyes - had been bad enough for the elven woman, and now they were crawling up wherever she looked. Hells, the noble whom Sterling was speaking to, seemed to have him wrapped around one pretty finger, seeing as their Master at Arms was already feeling him up.

Gus’ and Almira’s noble, however, seemed less pleased with what was going on - tossing cards down with an ungentlemanly growl. “Well, gentlemen and-,” his gaze swiveled to Almira’s bloodied shirt, narrow nose scrunching, “lady, it seems you got me all dried up. What do you say, we settle this with a friendly handshake - this game was just for laughs, no?” He did not seem pleased with the prospect of being that deep in debt to the gambler, obviously having had a different notion of how the game was going to be played out.
Mira again looked to the people in charge of fixing the damn situation, only to discover that the only change had been the appearance of one tiny woman. Aw darn it. “Well, actually…” Mira’s sentence finished as soon as it had started, her gaze finding the amber liquid sloshing in between her fingers and firmly staying there as her cheeks heated up.

Interactions: Archie
Mentions: Obsidian Ticl MrReaves The Dark Wizard Captain Hesperus

Guzman Durango Written by Archie

“One more round” Gus insisted as Lewis’s chips started dwindling, covering his face in his palm. He had the appearance of a man who had been drunk under the table. In the corner of his eye, he could see the disappointment of the older farmboy, who thought he had somehow drank this mountain of a man under the table.

“I’m folding too much because my hands have been awful. My luck’ll turn! I swear it!” he yelled, slurring his words.

He started dealing without another word, deliberately dropping the pile of cards on the table. They scattered, and he picked them up again, shuffling in the clumsiest manner possible. He held his breath so his face turned bright red, then dealt his cards without another word.

Lewis smiled as soon as he saw his hand. Little did the other gamblers know that the “drunken” cowboy had slipped two aces into his hand. For himself, Gus gave himself a jack and a nine and on the table he ensured the cards would land; Ace, Jack, nine, six, four, with no chances of forming a flush.
“What do you say we lose the rest of our money, friend?” Gus asked as the boys and the other gamblers placed their bets, most holding their heads in their hands, the alcohol clearly affecting them. Lewis bet cautiously at first, but Gus raised by twenty pence. On the second round, both Lewis and Gus raised - as did the older brother. On the third, the pot grew even larger, Gus betting almost the entirety of the pile of cash in front of him. When it came to the flop, Lewis of course won, and Gus, the brothers, and the bald man were either totally wiped out or almost were.

The younger brother looked at the older in exasperation. The boy could clearly gamble - he was counting cards this whole time, but this was not a fair deck - Gus had rigged this round for Lewis. He facepalmed, his newfound fortune ruined.

“Wait for the right opportunity, I always say” Lewis concluded, grinning ear to ear and about to stand up.

“You cheated!” the older brother exclaimed, rising.

“Yeah, he did!” shouted the bald man, doing the same.

“Do you know who I am?” Lewis replied.

“A man who’s about to have that grin reach his ears unless he gives me and mine our money back!” the bald man, clearly drunk, threatened, drawing a knife.

“Caaareful now” Gus warned, his pistol drawn and aimed at the man’s chest, still slurring his words.

“Winning’s nooooo crime”

Gus was still putting on his drunken act, but a man with a pistol was a man with a pistol. The bald man grunted, storming off, while the boys started to walk away in disappointment.

“Come see me after this is oooooover” Gus called out to them.

“I appreciate your intervention good sir. Now, I’m about to call it a night” Lewis stated after the incident, rising from his seat and collecting his pile of cash.

“No! Anooother round!” Gus moaned, taking a paper out from his jacket and slapping it on the table. It was a blank contract, stamped with the seal of the Maiden’s Revenge - the kind of contract Gus signed when he recruited new crew members, but which could be theoretically valid for any transaction.

“I don’t have no more cash, but I knooow I’m cleanin’ you out”

He started to scribble words on the paper, deliberately misspelling and messing up his handwriting.

Thisse bille hereby sertifise that the partyes will issue each other credite for gamblinge uppe to ten thousande Ayyturnyan pounds. Captaine Mercere of the Maiden’s Revenge shalle make goode on any debt incurred by Guzman Durango throughoute this game.

“Sign it! Sign it!” Gus beckoned, waving the paper in Lewis’s face. The Maiden’s Revenge was an on and off customer of his, and Lewis - the man of relationships - likely had no plan to collect such a large debt in cash. However, he could use it to convince Captain Mercer to stop being an on and off customer, and to fence his goods primarily with his own business.

The businessman smirked. He had just won big, and the cowboy was drunk. Surely this was his chance to place Captain Mercer in his debt.

“As you wish, mister Durango” he replied, signing the bill of exchange and returning to the table. It was Mira’s turn to deal, but before Gus handed off the deck, she noticed he had replaced two of the cards and put them in his sleeve under the table.

 

[Selee-01]

Addam Kirtle​

“Not ‘you guess’,” Sal gently corrected Addam. “You know, because I told you so. And when has ol’ Pape Hierro led you wrong?”

Addam briefly considered, and ultimately decided to shrug ambivalently. He wasn’t going to challenge Sal in this regard, no sir. Sal may have never led him wrong, but then again, he’d never led him before.

Addam then considered the painting, and saw the pure black sky. The silhouettes of buildings, and of people... and they were staring right at him.

He swiftly closed it up, and shivered. For some reason it struck him as deeply unnerving.

“Alright bucko, let’s head out for our break, before anyone decides we got more shit to do.” He jovially slapped Addam on the back and strolled to the pier, with the aura of a man who totally knew what he was doing and was totally not abandoning his post to defy his superior officers to go shopping and kiss women.

“O-okay,” Addam said, wincing as Sal slapped him on the back. He didn’t like that at all, he decided. Not one little bit. But he also didn’t mind going onto solid land, and so Addam followed Sal to the pier. Not to kiss women or go shopping, just to get a break. And maybe see something interesting.

 

[The Dark Wizard]

A'miel vi d'Amaris

~Noble, Kind, Handsome, Cruel​

​

Amiel smiled and took a seat at the other's urging and did nothing as the other man briefly leaned in and spoke. "Oh?" was all the noble could reply with, a small serpentine smile forming across his lips. "I'm surprised that no one came to tell you already since I did take my time in finding the Tavern, but the shipment arrived an hour ago when I did, it had already been released to the care of the Maiden's Revenge" he expressed, reaching out into his attire and pulling out port papers and gently placing them down on the counter that was to their side. "For you Master at Arms, I'm sure you'll find everything is in order" he expressed and listened to the other's attempt at a sly comment. "My Uncle is definitely driven and knows what he wants, I think I can safely say I know what I want as well, but who wouldn't mind a good dinner eh?"

He leaned into the other now to return the favor and gently whispered. "The real question is if you don't mind getting messy while you eat" but leaned back again once the tiny woman approached him. "Ah, I see you managed to catch up my dear, I look forward to your dessert" he expressed giving her a warm smile, his brown eyes scanning and studying her as she dropped the coins on the table. "Ah, so you did find my change, it is not a bother at all my dear, money is made to exchange hands you see, and by it's very nature, means that it is supposed to get dirty. The dirtier a coin is, the better spent it was, would you not agree?" he asked of her as he took out a cloth from his shirt and began to gently clean the coins and pocket them.

He briefly looked over at the loud man and figured that had nothing to do with him.

Ticl Captain Hesperus Rage

 

[Obsidian]

Edward Fawlk​

The nobleman would follow his host through her secret passageway, out of the Royal Emporium and into a carriage, Edward taking a seat within opposite Lady Matilda. As the carriage bolted off, Edward would take in what his host spoke of, about young Reese and of his tastes. Perhaps these next few steps will go easier than Edward first expected.

"Do not worry yourself about Gandolfini. I can handle him." Edward said confidently, before adding, "The conversation we are about to have is not for the rank and file. If you have any pull with the castle guard, use it to get rid of them, and keep them from interrupting us. This matter is a delicate one, and much stands to be lost should anything go wrong. We must mitigate--"

Edward is forced back against his seat, his hand grasping upon the handle of the carriage door, as they careen around a corner at speed, the carriage shuddering from the forces it endures. Once the carriage is on a straight road again, Edward relaxes and continues.

"You may not know me, and you may suspect my loyalties due to my heritage. And you would be wise to do so. But understand that I have no desire to see bloodshed this day." Edward told Matilda sincerely, "If all goes well, everyone will live to see the next sunrise, without one shot being fired. For such a thing to happen, I need you to follow my lead, and to trust me, even if your instincts tell you otherwise. But once this is over, you will stand to gain much, more than you might imagine."

Archie animegirl20

 

[Ticl]

Cocking his head slightly, Sterling listened to Noble's reasoning. His words were very carefully placed, could a man like him really enjoy a hands on feast such as he was suggesting? “You?” He jested, jutting his chin forward roguishly, “I thought pretty boys were taught to use their knife and fork, but please, feel free to prove me wrong.” And with that, Sterling almost mimicked the other, except when he leaned back he kicked his boots up onto the table swiftly.

It didn’t take long for the noble’s attention to falter, the culprit being a fetching young girl. Meaning it didn’t take long for Steel to jump into action, quick as a snake, snatching up the papers their new passenger so beautifully provided. “An hour ago, really..” he drawled to himself, black eyes scanning mostly wanky writings, noting the name of their new glorified deckhand. ‘A'miel’. When he opened his mouth to speak again it seemed like their new friend wasn’t done talking to the fille de joie, perhaps they knew each other? Some sort of handmaiden? Like what a princess would have? Sterling pulled his brows together into a frown. Except this hand maiden wasn’t so put together, in fact she looked quite rushed, like she’d escaped some murderous lowly’s.

His dark gaze drifted between the thin coins presented, painted with minute crimson droplets. Very interesting. “Who thought persimmon juice was so… dark.” He mused before folding the papers under his arm. “Well, A’miel, I don't like it, but my hands are tied. I do what Captain says and Captain says you’re a good one. Lucky boy.”
Suddenly, like a cannon, Tavish blatantly cut off their conversation from afar. Nursing what looked like more goods. Great. Hard labour. Sterling huffed, leaning his head back, closing his eyes, crossing his arms and pretending like he couldn’t hear his beasty second in command. Silently praying he wouldn’t come and batter him for ignoring.

“There’s plenty of less important tenants aboard the ship.”

Rage The Dark Wizard Captain Hesperus