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Post by Sellepa on May 28, 2010 21:57:39 GMT -5
Epilogue and Prologue. One beginning was the end of another story.
Calm seas.
Calm smooth seas. All the ocean rolls on soft waves, praising the clear heavens by reflecting its soft sky blue. It whispers. whispers to all that hear the sweet ocean call their name. It calls to the whales, and they ascend to breathe in the heaven of calm air, it waves at the fish and they circle and glide. No storm pushes them apart. No waves that pressure them to work together. Just the gentle cooing of the air as it presses against the water. The sea birds tremble at the slight unrest, shift their wings, and continue to glide.
The water. The water breeds all life. It breathes onto plants and they grow. It swirls down the throats of men to quench thirst and clean away past experience. Though here, the water has one more glorifying spectacular effect.
Weightlessness.
Here, everything is suspended. Everything moves with such speed and power. Everything is always in motion, Everything in sea lives as the sea, abides by the sea's rules, fights against the sea, and bonds with the sea. Everything here, always moves, always churns. Tons and tons of mass would lie immobile, but here, it flows, it surfs, it glides as uninhibited as the seabirds above it. This mass is free.
This freedom is exhilarating, allowing anyone who stows away on 8000lbs of wood and rope to experience this same freedom. These calm seas inspire anyone to glide. Inspires anyone to shift and churn. These seas, calm and inviting, these seas...
inspire freedom.
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Post by MJ on May 30, 2010 7:50:12 GMT -5
Klave grunted in his sleep, no doubt reliving the bloodbath he had only days before involved himself in. Hidden in the cargo hold below deck, the bulky male had taken to slumber against the side of the ship near a peephole. Be side him , a large axe, the blade chipped in some areas and stained on blood at others. One hand rested lightly on the handle of the axe as he slept, gripping and releasing it ever so often. All this quietness had gotten the better of him causing him to resign to sleep, the only place where he could relive those glorious moments on the battlefield. He was headed to another such field. Mave Agroth, Garve and Luthor Agroth, the Agroths of New Valeria had fallen. He had bellowed in laughter when he heard such atrociousness however the reality soon kicked in and war heralded him from his homeland. He would come to this land.Find this Logar Skullcutter, these bloody runners, he would see the man who had slain that family, the man who so boldly and foolishly signed a contract with the death gods the moment he spilled Agroth blood. He grinned in his sleep, a wild maniacal grin. Logar Skullcutter...Another grunt turned him over on to his stomach as he continued in slumber unawares of the happenings above him.
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Post by dilonovich on May 30, 2010 23:13:14 GMT -5
A bucket of water splashes over Klave's sleeping form as the Captain bellowed
"GOOD MOOOORNING!! Time to get up, Barbarian. No one gets a free passage on MY ship!"
The Captain hands the barbarian a mop and a now empty bucket.
"If you can wield this as well as your axe, this ship will be spick and span in no time, and I'm sure it would make my 1st Mate Lyre very happy!"
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Post by Jarome on May 31, 2010 0:44:21 GMT -5
Off in the distance there could be seen a ship flying the colors of the local port town, but unknown to the crew, that ship was part of a large fleet; The Bloodbane Pirates. Their leader, Armal, was young for a pirate captain but he had the respect that even the most sea hardened captains took years to obtain.
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Post by MJ on May 31, 2010 5:08:25 GMT -5
"GRRRAAAAH!" Klave rolled over bouncing his head on a couple crates while grabbing his axe about to swing when he realized who had accosted him. He glared at the man who had interrupted his slumber. Had this been any other person they'd have been sliced neatly in two without a second thought but Klave knew all too well that the seas did not agree with him. He had barely any sense of direction out here and absolutely no skill where sailing was concerned. If he were to make the mistake of killing the captain then he'd be left in the middle of wherever they were to find land. He lowered his axe as thoughts of the unimaginable feat revolved around his head. After a short moment of silence, with only the sound of the waves and the dripping of water from Klave's head to to floor to appease them, the barbarian reached for the mop with reluctance muttering under his breath. "Where?" He questioned
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Post by Kiri on May 31, 2010 13:48:27 GMT -5
"That be no way to talk to a captain..." A cool, controlled females voice stated from behind the captain. A captain and sailor herself, Enouska stood behind Fletcher loading her pistol. Her eyes focused on Klave. "Aye, captain... there is a ship headed for us... With experience in sailing these seas.... they be not friendly." She explained and clicked the loaded rounds in. She spun the barrel and slowly blinked. "I would say forget the cleaning for now... a fight may be at hand if ye aren't careful, Captain." She explained, turned and walked back up to go on deck.
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Post by Sellepa on May 31, 2010 13:55:31 GMT -5
Beneath the captain the ship shook. Not noticeably, but a small tremor. Just enough for the Captain to feel it. 1st Mate Lyre could not be seen in such a large gathering. She was a ghost on the ship, and wanted to stay that way. The small vibrations served as a summons to the captain's quarters, The place where lyre and the captain first met. There they could speak in private. The ocean was far to calm beneath them. . . A storm brewed, and Fletcher must be informed.
A light tremor again as the ship summoned its captain
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Post by Jarome on May 31, 2010 14:47:53 GMT -5
Meanwhile on the other ship, Armal was gathering his crew for the meeting that was about to take place. "You there, send up a white flag and you, send word to the cook to prepare food for our guests." He stood at the bow of his vessel looking through a spyglass towards the other ship.
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Post by dilonovich on May 31, 2010 22:47:23 GMT -5
The Captain hiked up his trousers and took back the mop and bucket from the barbarian. "Looks like we be expectin' some company, lad, let's be on our best behaviour" The Captain said with a chuckle as he started to walk away. He turned around and over his shoulder he said in a low, gruff voice "Let's hope for the best....but prepare for the worst. Meet me on the deck in 10 mins, I 'ave to put away this 'ere mop and bucket in the Captains quarters." The Captain hobbled up the wooden stairs as they creaked under his weight. Lyre had some urgent news, for she never was so prudent to shake the ship twice in such short succession to gain the Captains attention before.
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Post by Sellepa on Jun 1, 2010 0:12:06 GMT -5
"Seven things" 1st Mate Lyre said even before the captain reached his quarters. Lyre coursed through the captain's desk and from the inside engraved the following list. It was urgent.
"1. New planks needed for the ship. Several were damaged some time ago and the structure of the ship depends on a timely upkeep.
"2. I am happy that you found the Stowaway where I had told you he was. Though he is strong, he is not one to be feared. Please redirect your attention elsewhere.
"3. Enouska is not to become First Mate on the ship. Ever.
"4. The outer hull needs waxing. A new coat will increase the ships speed by 16%
"5. Seas are trembling with shakes underneath. Calm will last about seven more days. Gather supplies while able.
"6. The wood in the approaching ship moves very smoothly upon the water. Sailors are experienced.
"7. In order to maximize efficiency, please in the next seven days dwindle the crew down to those you can trust. Those You trust I will as well."
1st Mate Lyre knew all this must be straightened out in the next seven days time. Calm seas causes the most stress on the crew and the least on the ship. Rough seas force everyone on board to work together, but stressed the planks and posts. Lyre wanted both crew and ship to be in peak condition while the seas where still calm. All conflicts resolved within the crew as well as give the captain time to rest. "Rest" was a concept new to Lyre. She had observed her captain for a while and tried to tell when he needed it. She needed him at full steam when the calm ended.
In the corner of the room Lyre materialized.The ghostly eyes of the small girl shot up and stared into the captain. Anywhere on the ship she could be heard,but for a select few the Khona would make her physical body to make communications more natural for the humans. "1, 3, and 4 can be done by me if you are too busy captain." she said. Her voice was deep, like the vibrations echoing in a hollow log. Awkwardly low and creepy, her mouth moved to shape the words. It was new, though Lyre figured it would calm the captain down a bit more. her safety depended on his well being. They were interdependent, Ship and captain.
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Post by Jarome on Jun 1, 2010 0:26:28 GMT -5
As his ship moved closer to the other ship the white flag was raised under the Bloodbane flag and the ship began to slow and Armal moved to his room. "Angie what can you see about that ship?"
Angie sat in the captain's chair and was scribbling down some notes before she looked up at Armal. "Well, Captain, it seems that their ship is in need of repair. If we are to make them allies, it would be wise to offer them one of our newer ships. Preferably one of the Schooners." She stood allowing Armal to sit in his chair as she took the chair next to his. Being close to the captain had allowed her to become first mate of the ship while the other had taken command of one of the Warships that had recently been build.
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Post by MJ on Jun 1, 2010 8:20:24 GMT -5
Klave grunted at the sudden appearances of the others on the ship but the thought of an approaching battle soothed his ire. He gripped his axe with a wide grin leaning his neck left and right to stretch his neck muscles. "Point me in the right direction." Klave stated in a low guttural tone. "I'll cut down as many as you need." His eyes glinted with bloodlust looking to Eunosaka.
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Post by dilonovich on Jun 1, 2010 10:32:39 GMT -5
The Captain sat down in his chair behind his great desk. It screamed under his weight. He looked at the walls and floors of his cabin where boards were in great need of repair. The faint bloodstain on the floor in front of his desk pulled Fletcher deep into his mind. The time that he slayed the Captain of this ship and took his form using Ilusion magiks. The whole crew was under his spell, expect for his trusted daughter....Lyre.
"Daughter.....why do I call her that...." Fletcher thought to himself, brow furrowed.
He swivled his chair to face Lyre "I know you need repairs, but that is money that I do not 'ave. We need to start doing more than babysittin' passengers and goods."
Fletcher stood up, with some difficulty, and carefully took the two heavily stylized pistols from his mantlepiece above his chair. "Is there anything else ye can tell me bout that ship, Lyre? Where's it from judgin' by the wood and is it armed or carrying loads of goods judgin' by its weight? We can't trust its flag or its peace hail just yet.....especially not in these times."
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Post by Sellepa on Jun 1, 2010 16:33:13 GMT -5
"Sir, all I know I have told." Lyre began to sink into the ships hull. "If desired, I can travel and gather more information"
Lyre was already preparing the ship's bow to launch her towards the unknown ship. The wind outside whistled between the holes on the boards of the ship. These would have to be repaired and soon. Seven days till the storm. If Lyre could get a hold of the materials she could fix the ship herself.
She stood there. Waiting for the order.
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Post by dilonovich on Jun 1, 2010 17:17:47 GMT -5
Fletcher walked towards the window of the cabin and opened it. The mist of the waves crashing against the side of the boat helped calm him. Turning back to Lyre he said "Let's not keep them waiting, but I want you to keep yer good eye on them."
The Fletcher walked towards the door, morphing back into the Captain. Turning back to Lyre, he gave a nod and dismissed her. Tensions filled the air as the Captain ordered the peace flag to be raised and the men to be on standby.
Hoping for the best........but expecting the worst....
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Post by Sellepa on Jun 1, 2010 17:32:25 GMT -5
"Aye" Is all Lyre said as she folded into the wood of the cabin.
From the Bow of the ship she flung herself toward the other vessel, though careful not to use the ships cannons to do so. she swam towards the ship. If something was amiss she would soon know. Paddled her feet faster as she checked the rope that was secured in her waist. An umbilical cord of sorts, she made her way towards the other ship. It would take the two ships about fifteen minutes to accost one another, plenty of time for reconnaissance. How strong the ocean was, even as calm as it is. It kept pushing her body towards the surface yet she kept below water best she could and continued to approach the ship.
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Post by Kiri on Jun 1, 2010 22:01:34 GMT -5
Enouska looked Klave up and down, briefly smirked, turned and walked back up to the deck. The heels of her boots clicked upon the rough wood. She watched the flag being raised and shook her head, "Something is nagging me about that ship..." She muttered to herself and leaned on the railing, looking out to the other ship. "Keep your eyes open, sailors... this one be tricky..." She murmured, pushed off the railing and walked up the stairs to the wheel.
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Post by Sellepa on Jun 2, 2010 1:02:43 GMT -5
Lyre grabbed onto the bottom of the ship. Using her shifted plank ability, ghosted through the wood of the ship. It was older wood, all of it soaked with blood. She shifted and moved throughout the Cargo bay, going through the wooden crates and barrels. There were supplies, Weapons, Gold, all that they had, she knew. Then she counted the people. Not many for a ship this size, though there still was a formidable amount of them.
She saw the kitchens as they boiled and cooked a meal. They mumbled about guests and Lyre assumed that they were talking about her ship's captain. Her comprehension of language was still a bit off. She instead just took bits of all the food that was prepared, all the ingredients and spices, and rushed them out to the bottom of the ship. There she opened her mouth, released some white sap, and snapped it into her mouth. She let it digest. In about ten minutes she would know if any of the prepared food was poisoned.
Some people got wind of her, but not enough to even guess what she was. Like she was a breeze that just blew past, you're sure it was there, but you have no evidence, no drive to confirm that it exists, and all that you tell other people is that you felt it.
Finally, she climbed into the captain's quarters. While a strong looking person, Lyre was sure that her captain was better. Being careful to fully blend into the wood, she waited. She would wait here five minutes, see if she could get any useful information, then travel back to the captain and relay all the information she had gained. By the time the relay was completed, she could tell him if the food had been poisoned as well. While Lyre enjoyed making people feel as though there was a ghost on board, she never played with captains. They carry too much authority on a ship. One sighting and the whole crew will believe the ship is haunted. Or The crew will think the captain is crazy and Mutiny. She had received no order to cause an uproar so she just stay there, silent.
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Post by MJ on Jun 2, 2010 5:20:24 GMT -5
Following Enousaka, Klave made his way up to the deck of the ship for the first time since he had come aboard in the first place, his only motivation being the impending battle on board the other vessel that was supposed to be out there. He searched around quickly spotting the white flag and the ship which flew it. He moved lower down the deck away from the captain and the others to where he had noticed some loose ropes tied to the deck. He ran his fingers over the rope testing its strength with a grin. Only a few more minutes, his fingers itched. Sea Salt always smelled best right before a battle.
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Post by dilonovich on Jun 2, 2010 9:23:16 GMT -5
Though the distance was still great between the ships, the Captain could still make out some figures from his eyeglass. Thankfully, he didn't see the other ship's crew making any hint at battle preperation.
"The last thing this ship and crew needed was a battle, especially in this condition...... I bet that barbarian is thinking differently though." Fletcher thought to himself with a chuckle. "I sure hope Lyre gets back soon, we are running out of time to decide if we want to greet them with handshakes or canons."
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