Post by Joliette Thorne on May 11, 2008 5:31:00 GMT -5
-- On Board The Eternity--
Adair stretches and yawns, finally waking from the night before. Speaking to himself as he brushes those dreadlocks from his face, "Feels like me mouth be stuffed with a cat." To remedy this, he'd seek his flask, taking the few drops within to cleanse his mouth.
Tenebrae had already been awake, and been to town and back. Now she was sitting on the boards, peering intently - and rather redly - at the man who stirred on the deck. She'd pretend, of course, to have been doing something else entirely, when he sat up and reached for the hair of the dog. "Uh. Mornin' sunshine." The sky suddenly appeared fascinating to her. Oh look, a seagull! "So…" Her eyes slid sideways. Nonchalant-like. "Where's this surprise?"
Adair blinks, tossing the blanket aside then thinks for a moment, tying the thing around his neck in lieu of a cape or cloak. He looks to the sun, squinting, "Ah, aye, yer surprise. Sh..It should be 'ere shortly." Now he looked to her, and just stared.
Tenebrae noted him staring, and raised her fingers to her face, brushing her cheek, the tip of her nose. "... what? I have something..." Her teeth met in a cheesy grin. "…ing gy keek?"
Adair just shrugs and moves to lean over the rail, looking at the sloshing water. Soon he'd move to the far side and look out to the sea, the last of Tenebrae's words causing him to loft a brow in curiosity, "Bless yeh?"
Tenebrae made a face, and turned about, clambering to her feet to join him at the rail. What was he looking for? A ship? "So, is it bigger than a hobbit? Smaller? Does it have a scent? Ohhh... is it..." She grinned. "... slave cargo?"
Adair grinned, his eyes again scanning the horizon. Looking for something...Ah! There it was. A small craft came about the bend, rowing rather quickly, "There be yer surprise."
Tenebrae squinted out to the small craft. "You got me a rowboat?" She tried to look happy about it. "How.. lovely."
"Bah, no love. It be what's in it, that's the surprise." The thing was near enough now to see clearly, and in the middle, flanked by two men rowing was a dark skinned man. He was dressed in nothing, unless you counted hands bound in rope as clothing, "Admiral Netash. He's so kindly offered ter give yeh any supplies yeh need, from his own ship, might I add." The Captain himself grinned, his fingers dancing in a wave towards the bound man, who in turn made an attempt to spit at Adair, "Such a kind soul."
Tenebrae looked much brighter for this detail. She'd never been given a naked man before. Well, not in a boat. Anyway. "Adair, is this who owned the ship which sank the Perigrine?" Her eyes remained on the angry captive as the dinghy neared, finally turning back to the Captain. "How sweet of you." And you could tell she meant it.
Adair nods, "Aye, he be the dog me men and I was runnin' from. Glad he found me, me pockets be a tad more lined now 'cause of it." He leans over the rail, "Thank yeh, Admiral fer yer kind donation!" He shouted down. "Well Tenebrae, have yer men hoist him up, I need a drink."
Tenebrae motioned for her crew to bring the bound man aboard, a gaff hook sufficing to drag him by the ropes binding his hands up the ship's side like a slab of beef. Tenebrae had not heard such language since she was a child, on vailkrin's darker streets. The swart man glared in Adair's direction like a vicious hound, longing for attack. "Think I'll join you, in that drink." The vampiress ordered the man bound to a mast for the moment, and smiled him her most darling smile before making her way to the Captain's side. " How much did y'get?" There was one bottle left in the crate, which was fortunately quite near where they were standing. She'd have it first, if the dreadlocked pirate looked the other way.
Adair smiled, and allowed Tenebrae to grab the last bottle, his hand diving into his pocket, a muffled jingle being heard as he shook his hand about, "Oh, enough I be sayin'." He walked towards the Admiral, his dagger brought out and lain upon the naked chest of the man, "And if yeh be thinkin' the gold I too...Er, yeh gave me will be payment enough fer a sunken ship, think again." The blade was drawn across the chest to draw a faint red line in its wake, "Anythin' yeh be needin' in particular fer the Eternity, love?" As he was turned towards the woman, Netash fought hard against the ropes, trying to get at Adair, who acted as if the captive was not even there.
Tenebrae tugged the cork free, sipping from the bottle while keeping her sight pinned on the bound Admiral. "Aye, Adair. We'll need cannons, and sail fabrics, and timber. Oh, and foodstuffs, and rum, and charts." She let her gaze wander upward, a finger crooked under her chin. "... perhaps a -few- slaves, if there's any of his men left. Why don’t we..." She looked to Adair, eyebrows lifting. "... simply strip it all back and use the materials for the new ship?"
Adair reaches for the bottle, taking it from Tenebrae’s grasp and sucking down a generous amount, "Well Netash, I be thinkin' her proposal is fair, aye? As such, yeh have no reason ter exist." Another sip was taken before the bottle was handed back, "I do believe his ship be just beyond the other side of the cove, from what those lads from the town was telling me."
Tenebrae stepped quickly to the mast where Netash was tied, and a pale hand slid across the Captain's tattooed forearm as though to stay his hand from execution. The Admiral's eyes showed faint relief; trust a Lady to petition for his life, if not his freedom. Tene gave him another of those very-sweet smiles, and said to Adair, "Don't make a mess of him, will you? His corpse might be useful to me, also." Amid the enraged man's shouts, she might be heard to speak again, "And might I have that whisky back?" Her head needed clearing. There was work to be done.
Adair hands the whisky over, a hard look given to the Admiral, "Don't fret so, Sir. I'll make yer death a quick one." For now, he leaned against a crate, running a finger along the edge of his dagger.
Tenebrae gulped a few mouthfuls, wiping the liquor from her lips with the back of her hand. "Shall I send men to clear the ship of cargo?" Her eyes went back to the captive, a slightly feral gleam in them. "And I have a little surprise in store for you, too Adair. As a mark of my thanks." The Admiral had sustained more than his share of cuts and bruises. That new slice across his chest glistened redly. Tenebrae stood very still, her only motion the slip of her coral-pink tongue over her lower lip.
Adair raises his brows now, "A surprise fer me?" He moved closer to the Admiral, and Tenebrae, "And aye, let's clear that ship. Yeh have any qualms ter how I be killin' him?"
Isen climbs on board the ship, glancing around. Seeing Tenebrae and Adair, as well as their captive, he approaches, standing quietly alongside Tenebrae.
Tenebrae shook her head, and stepped closer to Netash. "Just don't..." Her tongue swept across the wound, eyes locked on the terrified man's face-- with all that smiling she'd done, surely he'd have seen her fangs. "... make a mess of the corpse." A quick look Adair's way. "Wouldn't you mind awfully if I, you know." She hadn't eaten yet today, obviously. "Less mess on the deck that way." Then she noticed Isen. He might notice a slight shift in the demeanour of his leader, the feral taint in her eyes, bloodlust, hunger. Might be wise to take a step back there, even if he was a lycan.
Adair shrugs, hardly caring for whatever Tenebrae fancied, "Shore. Just let me be killin' him after yer...Snack."
Isen raises his eyebrows, and steps back, standing closer to Adair, now. "The crew should be arriving in a quarter of an hour, so do be swift..."
Tenebrae wasted no time, Isen needn't worry. She bit into the Admiral's throat as though it were a ripe apple, her fingers clawing his shoulders to leave scarlet marks with the rest of his flesh wounds. The man struggled feebly against the ropes, screams fading 'til his mouth opened and closed as silently as a landed fish. Much of his vitae drained, he'd sag against the ropes, but Tene kept feeding. It'd been a while, and if Adair wanted that finishing stroke, he'd better drag her off Netash in short order.
Adair does indeed do that, the woman pushed aside, gently. His dagger was brought back, and plunged into the man's heart, left there to rest. Isen was noticed, and the murder of the Admiral was brushed off, as if it were an everyday thing, "Fancy a drink, First Mate?"
Isen watches impassively, the expression on his face suggesting that he rather enjoys the man's screams. As the man slumps in his bonds, Adair's words reach him. "No, thank you." Then, to the both of them, he asks, "Who exactly is this that you've killed?"
Portea scales the rope ladder and hops on deck. His somber gaze takes in each and every detail before he chuckles softly and makes his way closer to them. "Having a bit of fun before we set off, are we?" He comments humorously.
Dallon sits in his stool at the wheel, rather downcast.
Tenebrae's breath was ragged. Glutted, she made a bad attempt at wiping the remnant gore from her mouth. That the man was dead now was of no consequence, he'd been large enough to sate several days' worth of hunger. "Get..." The words seemed thick in her mouth, eyes casting wildly about as she noticed how crowded the deck was becoming. ".. the corpse below." To whom she was speaking would not be evident, as the vampiress then turned away, the hood of her cloak drawn about her face, and she hurried out of sight of the witnesses to the death, seeking a quieter place on the deck.
Adair said to Isen, "Just a kind soul who offered ter aid us."
Isen shrugs his shoulders, and begins to untie the bonds. "Very well, then...I just hope that I'll be notified of any future...aid." He begins to drag the drained body away, not minding the little dribbles of blood that ooze onto his bare chest.
Portea glances over at Isen. "Want some help with that?" He inquires softly.
Dallon shakes his head.
Adair said to Isen, "He did aid us. We got supplies and the like from his ship. He be the scoundrel chasing after me."
Isen nods to Portea. "Grab his feet, if you wouldn't mind." To Adair, he says, "I already purchased supplies. But, if his death reduces the risk of a pursuing fleet, then it is good that he is dead. What did you do with his ship, though?"
Portea nods in return as he reaches down to grab the man's feet. "I wouldn't mind at all." He replies quietly.
Dallon looks and listens intently, as he wouldn't mind a ship of his own to run, under the Cabal flag of course.
Adair only grins in reply to Isen, walking to join Tenebrae.
Isen shakes his head, a bit irritated. But, he continues carrying the corpse down below, setting it down near the 'cabin'. Gesturing to Portea to follow, he returns to the top deck, noticing Dallon and giving him a nod of greeting.
Portea follows Isen back up top after depositing the body. Swift steps carry him over to the nearest railing, which he proceeds to lean against.
Tenebrae was seated on a crate of beef jerky, at the far end of the ship. She'd regained her composure, scooped water from a rain barrel to wash her face which was now nothing less than radiant. Once more her gaze was cast to the horizon. She didn't even hear Adair's steps approaching, the presence of her people affording the vampiress the rare luxury of relaxed hyper-vigilance.
Adair sets the bottle of whisky in front of Tenebrae, who had dropped it amidst her frenzy and takes up a seat beside her.
Isen, too, approaches Tenebrae, his eyes noting the position of the sun. The remainder of the crew had been making their way on board, and now it seemed that they were all there. Isen speaks, obviously to Tenebrae. "The medic is sleeping in the hold. Navigator is here, obviously, as well as the bos'n, and Portea. The lookout can find us at sea. All we are missing are Vael, and that priest, Kazixiss. We are a good half hour late. Should we set sail?"
Tenebrae said to Adair, "I hate my people seeing that." Her voice was soft, the whisky taken up, though she'd not drink 'til after her next word. "But.. thanks."
Adair shrugs, the sight obviously not have bothered him, " 'Ell, we 'ave ter do what we 'ave to do, eh?"
Tenebrae glanced up to Isen. "They were around earlier. Saiyah's sleeping below. You know, the mute naga?" Her pale fingers fluttered that way. "Not sure if they might be as well. Might we just go?"
Isen nods once, though the mention of the naga confused him a bit. He turns, bellowing orders to the crew. Quick steps bring him up to the helm, where he stands in front of Dallon. From his pocket, he pulls out a folded map, which he opens and shows to the navigator. It reveals a map of Rynvale and the Cenril coast, with the shipping routes marked in black. "Take us to any of those," Isen rasps. "We are going to come back with a haul, or not at all."
Tenebrae realised Adair had missed the point -- it wasn't that she feared their reaction to the gruesome sight as much as loathed them witnessing a moment when she was not entirely in control herself. But she wouldn't correct him, just nudged the bottle his way.
Adair takes the bottle, and sips gently as he feels the gently draw of the sea, that familiar tingle over coming him. He'd grumble into the bottle, " 'Ate not bein' on me own ship."
Dallon yell's "All hands, wear sails! Skipper, south by southwest, 12 degrees. Aye."
Portea simply stays where he is, with his back against the railing.
Isen returns to Tenebrae's side, a grin on his face as the ship begins to move, the anchors rising the last few feet, the sails unfurling. The black flag, tattered yet still visible, streams out in the wind. The lycan looks out over the prow of the ship, silent for the moment.
Tenebrae leant against the former Captain's shoulder with her own, her voice as quiet as his. "Well. You have one, now. Once it's refitted. No need to rush the Dog. We can just redecorate a bit, if the Admiral's suits us." Tene tugged on a dreadlock. "Call her the Sea Wolf, for me, though?"
Adair slides from the crate, "Well, there be work ter do." Walking along the edges of the ship, he'd shout various orders to some members of the crew to get things in the proper working order to sail properly. He also nodded at Tenebrae's request, "Aye."
Tenebrae grinned and looked to Isen. "We have that man to thank for the second in our fleet. Soon we'll have three."
Dallon turns to Isen and Tenebrae, do you mind if we have so drills of the gunners? I've yet to see them in action... My job is to keep this ship whole and successful, it'll cost a little, but I'll put some of my share into the cost.”
Portea meanders closer to Tenebrae, eventually ending up beside her. "Glad to see her sailing again?" He asks softly, recalling the condition the Eternity was in the first time he was aboard.
Tenebrae would let Isen answer Dallon alone, and nodded to Portea, though was not a great deal of joy evident in her eyes. "I've missed her, yes. How are you settling in?"
Isen turns to Tenebrae and nods again. "Easier to find us, the more ships we have. But...harder to catch us." To Dallon, he says, "You may, but remember that we are trying to sneak up on our foes...we don't want to alert them."
Portea shrugs slightly, turning his head to better make eye contact. "As good as can be expected, I suppose. Thanks for having me aboard, even if I'm not the more useful at regular sailing."
Dallon nods "No more than a half hour drill. Do I have the Skippers permission? Then we go to silent running,"
Tenebrae said to Portea, "You'll have your uses." Her smile was almost genuine. "In the meantime.. are you any good at fishing?"
Isen said to Dallon, "You have my permission. Just make sure that you steer us to those routes I showed you. Preferably the ones nearer to the island."
Portea chuckles softly. "I'm decent enough at it." He answers quietly.
Tenebrae elbowed him softly. "There's a job for you. Fresh meat's always appreciated."
Adair gives a quick thwap upside the head of one of the crewmen who had tied a knot wrong, a quick hand lashing out to grip the thing before it uncoiled wholly. As a result, a slew of words that would cause the ears of any in hearing range to bleed.
Portea nods slightly before looking about for the means to accomplish his job. Once he finds everything he needs, he sets up near the back of the ship, casting his line in the water and letting it trail behind.
Isen walks below to check on the supplies, then makes a round or two of the deck, just making sure that no major malfunctions were evident. He ends up standing at the prow, enjoying the feel of the wind.
Dallon turns the wheel two points to leeward, "Starboard captain, run 'em out!"
Tenebrae -- even she of the wicked tongue -- winced at Adair's language. And then, pretty much useless on the ship as she always had been, wandered about, getting in the way.
Dallon feels, more then hears, the guns being run to the braces, and hears the gunner report ready, "Fire" he yells. The starboard side lurches as the broadside is released. The ancient bard notices the scatter of the pattern and is obviously pleased.
Dallon yells, Starboard side stand down, Port side, Run 'em out!"
Adair who saw everything -for now anyways- was running fine and took up stride beside Tenebrae, reaching for the whisky.
Isen 's grin spreads, and he releases a hoarse laugh as the guns rock the deck. He turns around to look out over the crew, noting the efficiency with pride.
Portea simply continues to fish, periodically reeling the line in as he catching fish of various sizes.
Dallon listens and yells to fire again, and is equally pleased with the results. "Port side stand down. Turning to Isen with a smile broad on his face, "Skipper, I don't know where you recruited these folk, but I know navies that would pay a lot for these.... I have no doubt, we could take out a ship of the line with this gunmanship. *nods*
Tenebrae handed Adair the bottle, looking a tiny bit sheepish. Her fingers plugged her ears at the cannon's discharge, and she looked to him again. "Never did find what I was good at, at sea."
Isen smiles to Dallon, saying, "I just found 'em running about in the taverns and inns. Friends of friends, and the like. I'm glad they do well."
Dallon smiles and nods enthusiastically, "More than well skipper, if the marines are half as good, we could take any small city you wish."
Adair guzzles a bit of the liquor before handing it back, "Well, not very often that there be a woman on deck." He shrugs.
Isen seems most pleased with that prospect. "In due time, Dallon. In due time. Especially once we have our fleet assembled. All the foolish power struggles of those 'nobles' will amount to naught, as we'll take what we want."
Dallon smiles, "Aye skipper"
Tenebrae's ears perked at the navigator's words. She said, her voice strident against the sounds of busy man and snapping sails, "Here..." The vampiress lifted her bottle. "Is to the first of the Eldritch Fleet!" Eyes shining at the thought, she gave the bottle back, feeling a bit more.. useful, somehow.
Portea just keeps fishing until he fills a few buckets with the numerous fish.
Adair catches a passing crewmember by the arm, "Oy, lad. Tell the cook ter prepare a meal. Can't run a ship on empty stomachs. Off with yeh!" He continues to walk beside Tenebrae, casting his gaze here and there to make sure things were shipshape.
Dallon reaches into his pouches, and takes the idle moment to approach the lady of the ship. He lays a package of parchment out to her. "Here are the charts I promised Ma'am, you now have about 400 miles around the known lands, well pretty much, there is more to the south, then north. I hope they meet your approval."
Isen gestures to the ship's cook, who, along with a couple others haul the buckets of fish down to the galley, where they'd presumably begin to clean and prepare the fish. Isen, meanwhile, moves to join Tenebrae again.
Tenebrae paused in her strolling and took the offered charts with a polite nod. She perused one or two, making faces of approval before handing them back. "Dallon, you've done remarkably well." That she hadn't a clue about what any of the squiggly lines meant, or why each page had a pretty star in one corner, she thought them all very well-drawn. "You have my thanks."
Portea returns the pole to its rightful place before making his way over to Tenebrae. "That should do for now." He says softly, his somber gaze resting upon her.
Tenebrae nodded to Portea, and smiled. "Perhaps Adair can find something for you to do.. or Dallon, if you're any good with charts?"
Tenebrae said to Adair, "Might we go to see the Admiral's ship, when we return?"
Dallon said, "Carpenters with guts will be needed, Never think that our guns will keep fire from us as well, we'll need carpenters that can work under fire as well. Anyone interested.?"
Adair said to Tenebrae, "But o'course love."
Tenebrae smiled happily. "Do you feel better now, that your revenge has been taken?"
Adair said to Portea, "If yeh be needin' somethin' ter do, take a job to the aft and check the lines fer me. Lords knows them blasted twits couldn't lace their boots proper, let alone rigging.""
Adair said to Tenebrae, "Aye, I do. Damnable man. Serves him right fer comin' after me."
Portea nods to Adair. "Will do." He responds quietly before making his way to do just that. He gives each line a firm tug and a detailed look over to make sure that everything is sound.
Tenebrae arced a brow his way. Something, no doubt, she'd have reason to do often. "You -did- rob his ship, Captain.” Very tongue-in-cheek, and her eyes glinting.
Dallon sits back at his stool, seeming even more irritated.
Adair grins, "That I did, love. That I did. But, what was I s'posed ter do? Just sail by 'im, with 'im flauntin' how 'great' 'e was, and all them glitterin' things?"
Isen gestures to Alexei, the sailor who had fixed the ship's boards before. He moves to Dallon, volunteering as the carpenter, for the time, at least.
Tenebrae laughed lightly, her own avarice sparked and fired by the wicked grin. "You'd have gotten along famously with... you know." She looked to Dallon then. "Somethin' wrong, dear?"
Portea walks back towards the bos'n and nods slightly. "Everything is secure."
Adair thought it was his turn to loft a brow, "With who?"
Tenebrae said to Adair, "My Cap'n." Her eyes didn't meet his, and she'd change the subject. "What do you think of the new ship's name? Does it suit you?"
Dallon glances her way, "No lady, nothing at all." *his lips slam shut, as he watches the waves.*
Adair shrugs, sensing it was a topic the woman didn't want to discuss, "Aye, it be a fine one. Suitable to stop 'earts with fear, I say." He then turns to Isen, "Since we seem short a lookout, I'mma head up ter the nest."
Tenebrae didn't believe Dallon, but wouldn't press the man. She found herself wondering where Ary was, though, and looked to the unhappy sky.
Isen 's head perks up, suddenly, and he looks up to the sky. Dark clouds had begun to form, and now seemed to cover the sky, obscuring the sun as it begins to set. The lycan frowns as the winds pick up, blowing the ship ever faster.
Like a man that had been put into a metal garbage can, only to be beaten with a few bats- was quite similar to the dazed expression that befell the naga. Her eyes slightly opened wide and her brows arched high, her blinked several times while she slithered carefully, and slowly up the stairs. The thunderous 'boom' of the guns being tested had did their worst on the peaceful sleeping woman that had taken refuge just under the stairs of the lower deck; the figured it would be best to keep out of the way while aboard the ship. So, with a lazily half-hearted shove of the door, Saiyah slithered right out onto the deck- though to her surprise (and to add more of a daze to her) it wasn't empty like it had been when she last left it before falling asleep down below. Dumbfounded. Almond shaped green eyes blankly gazed at the new faces about the ship's deck.
Isen said to Adair, "Very well."
Tenebrae snickered as half the crew ground to a halt to stare at the nagish woman emerging from the hold. "Ello, Saiyah!" She'd give a cheery little wave, and tucked her cloak about her a bit more tightly. Sure was getting cold of a sudden.
Isen , too, diverts his gaze from the ominous clouds, staring with surprise (and a bit of distrust) at the newly arrived Naga. He relaxes a bit as Tenebrae greets her, and he remains silent.
Portea glances over to where most of the people now stare, offering a warm smile to the naga woman. "Hello." He says softly, magnifying his tones so that they can carry over to her.
Adair doffs his hat towards Tenebrae, "If yeh be needin' anythin', I'll be up there." He points to the nest before moving towards the rigging and passing by the Naga woman without a second look. Would seem it would take a lot to startle the man. Slowly he climbed the ropes in an expert fashion until he reached the nest, settling in just fine. Though as opposed to the deck, the winds up here were far stronger, his dreadlocks whipping to and fro, his hat nearly blown off.
Tenebrae shouted, "Adair, do be careful up there!" The man was very high up, with the wind blowing hard and all. "I think a storm's coming!"
Adair saw the wicked winds before them, and the haze of rain upon the horizon and placed his hat beneath his arm as he leaned over the edge to shout.
Adair shouted, "Strom abrewin' due nor'east! Looks ter be heavy rains."
Isen 's brows lower as the storm grows imminent. Rather than shouting to turn the ship around, he mutters to himself, something about not being robbed of his haul by a bit of weather.
Saiyah was half tempted to just flip a 'U' and slither right back on down to her little -nook- of the ship to hide away- now thanks to half a ship staring at her! But it was the friendly familiar voice of the vampire that kept her from making a hasty retreat, and so for that, the naga-woman would keep about the deck. A weak lift of her hand would give a very un-enthusiastic, and even shy, wave to those who had greeted her.
Adair grins with delight as he notices the course being held and rises to the edge of the nest, a hand latching tightly to the ropes as the first torrent of rain pelts them. He was soaked in a matter of moment, "Inter the storm we sail, maties." The words were whisked off by the winds and rain.
Tenebrae, satisfied that Adair wasn't going to be blown out to sea, and with a puzzled look at Dallon, stepped across the deck towards Saiyah. "G'mornin..." Though it was dark. "How's your head, pet?" The Captain wasn't the only one she drank with. "Come. meet the crew."
Portea casually walks up beside Tenebrae. "Want me to try and keep a portion of the foul weather from us?" He asks softly, figuring that she'll probably be the only one to hear him.
Tenebrae was almost gusted sideways by the wind, and gripped the naga's arm. That tail was heavy enough to act as an anchor, alright. She was soon drenched, and shouted over the squall to Portea, "That'd be a treat, pet."
Isen moves past Tenebrae and the naga, greeting the latter with a nod. He moves to take the wheel, holding it steady as they sail on.
Adair kept his eyes on the horizon, peering through the haze as best he could and notices a slight glow out in the distance. A small fire. Taking up a looking glass, he saw it to be correct, a ship caught in the storm, its mainmast snapped, "Oi, yeh be wantin' ter look out ter the east a bit, mates!" He shouted as loud as he could, the point of tearing his vocal cords just a few decibels away.
Saiyah lifted both an arm to block the heavy gusts of wind, and the other to keep the woman from being taking up a new profession as a kite. She continued to blink, both wind and rains making it hard to see as she slowly began to slither forward, not really sure if meeting the crew at this particular time was a good thing.
Dallon yells at an idle sailor, "Coil that line right under your feet! Think your on a pleasure cruise?”
Tenebrae said to Saiyah, "Maybe later?" She grinned, and even though she hated being wet, the storm was thrilling. Though she had no idea how they might achieve it, she said,” Maybe we should make ourselves useful?"
Portea nods once to Tenebrae before making his way to the bow of the ship. He lowers himself down, sitting on the deck cross-legged as he closes his eyes. His breathing soon takes on a slower rhythm as he slips into a deeper and deeper meditation. His mind doesn't go blank this time, but instead works with the sole purpose of halting the worst of the storm. While he obtains a small amount of success in the sense that the rain isn't pounding -as- hard, and the wind isn't gusting -as- much, the storm still remains a rather large factor.
Eyren clambers bleary-eyed from below, where she'd opted to procure a bit of rest before the ship was scheduled to set sail. However, the turbulent lurchings had ripped her rather cruelly from her slumber and she'd awaken with the corn of a barrel wedged in to her side, and that ever bothersome rat peering at her, the little vermin once assured of her lucidness darting off again, no doubt with some treasure that he'd managed to dig loose of her pack. Upon reaching the deck Eyren blinks, as a rain-filled gust wind sent the cape which she'd hurriedly thrown about her shoulders fluttering about her in a rather comical way; her hair obscuring her vision of those assembled there for a moment. With an impatient swipe at her face she looks about and shakily moves to stand beside Isen, her nose wrinkling as another gust brought the sea splashing at her feet. "Lovely weather for sailing" she mutters with a wry smile.
Isen 's tendons stand out like cords on his arms as he fights the wheel, keeping the ship on course. He spares a wry smile for Eyren, though he is mostly preoccupied. A loud thud is heard, and a crack by those close, as a sailor who had been climbing up to fasten a loose rope is dislodged by the wind, plummeting to the deck. One arm lies bent beneath him, the angle all wrong. Isen looks to Eyren again, hoping that she'd be able to do something.
Tenebrae would have responded better to Saiyah, or given Eyren as cheery a wave as the naga, had the wind not erased her breath, and the ship lurched dangerously to one side. Water gushed over the deck -- once more she was thankful for the weight of Saiyah's tail -- and suddenly the storm was less a thrill than a sheer terror. While Portea's magics saved them from utter wreckage, sail-ropes snapped and timber splintered. Gripping the naga harder, and whoever or whatever was closest then, she suddenly realised that they were out at sea... on a boat... which could sink, really at any moment. The rain was almost horizontal now.
Saiyah really didn't know what to do as far as making herself useful- especially on something to alien to her as a ship. She wouldn't argue though, simply shuffle off to the side and look for any orders to be directed to her.
Tenebrae was finding Saiyah pretty useful, right now. The vampiress shrieked as a wave crashed over them. Oh yes, a pirate's life. Was the naga having fun yet?
Portea is, by now, in far too deep a meditation to be roused from it without consequences. His failings remain largely unknown to him as he continues to try and avert the brunt of the storm, though he gains little headway, just enough to keep them afloat it would seem. As water gushes over the deck and things start rocking more violently, the psion gets thrown this way, and that, still not aware enough to keep himself steady.
Saiyah quickly tightened her grasp on the woman’s frame and kicked her tail back and forth, propelling her across the deck and away from the side. The last thing they needed right now was a 'man-overboard' to be called out- or for that matter, 'woman-overboard'? None the less, she shook her head as a wry grin slipped past her thin-serpentine lips. She did not even try to think of pulling out a blank piece of parchment to voice out what her lips could not.
Adair was still upon the edge of the nest, though a sudden lurch sent him forward. A single word entered his thoughts before he collected them and threw his arms forward to grab the rigging, before he ended up like the poor sailor below, and the one who passed by him who had been tending to the lines of the sail. Slowly he fought against the wind to climb awkwardly back into the nest, the spyglass again taken up to scan the horizon. In the far distance and nothing more than a dark rise, was the peak of a mountain, "Land ho!" He shouted, again. With the instrument tucked into a pocket, he'd opt to take the quickest route down, which was a slackened length of rope hanging from the main sail. Aided by the rain, he wrapped both hands about it and slid down, dropping with a splash next to Tenebrae. "Fancy a drink?" His voice was calm, and his face grinning.
Tenebrae had grabbed Portea by the collar of whatever drenched garment he wore, and was dragging the man along the deck while the naga dragged her to a safer position. Unless her fingers slipped, he'd not be going over the side. As the Captain spoke, she spluttered sea and rain from her mouth, coughed up the water in her lungs and said to Adair, "Got one, thanks.."
Eyren braced herself against the side of the ship, hastily tying her hair in to a stern knot at the nape of her neck, her stomach lurching ever so slightly as the ship tipped dangerously to one side. With an inward groan her eyes watched with mesmerized fascination as an unfortunate sailer was ripped free of his occupation to plummet with a sickening thump upon the sea-soaked deck. The rain was pouring down now in an almost imponderable curtain of moisture. Yet there was the call as she observed the angle upon which the unfortunate fellow had fallen. Motioning to the silent elven girl who had been acting her shadow she gingerly made her way over to the man, seeing what could be done for him, though with the shipping bucking and tipping as it was a stable working space was out of the question. "Hand me my bag Sahtya" she murmured to the elven girl, her brow wrinkled as she gingerly ran trembling fingers over the offended arm. What could be done when the ship was tipping as it was and the rain, made almost any connection to the man's energy almost impossible. She looked up at Sahtya and with a slight motioning of her hand the girl set to work pacing about the man, her luminous gray eyes settling upon the man with an intensity that was almost frightening. "Yes, we can at least start with a shielding spell over him, that we might repel the worst of the rain" she says to the girl, then turning to the Naga woman she motions for her to come closer as well. "I'll need you to help me turn him over if you please."
Isen 's teeth grit, the wind raging about him. He manages to hear Adair this time, though, and yells out an affirmative. Turning to Dallon, he surrenders the wheel, still yelling to make himself heard. "Steer us toward the land! We'll wait out the storm, there." He then heads back to where Tenebrae was, the going slow and treacherous on the rain-slicked decks.
Adair scoffs at the woman and puts on his hat, which lets out a squishing sound, along with water pouring out the three corners. He is filled with a sense of excitement as he feels the ships motions, his flask of whisky taken in hand and nursed from, "Suit yerself, love."
Portea is startled from his deep meditation by the sudden lack of air, the collar of his black shirt tugging back against his throat, constricting the air passage. As he might have predicted, the sudden jarring from such a deep meditation does indeed have dire consequences: this time being that of a concentrated blast of his mind's own energy headed straight where he is gazing. Thankfully, that happens to be bound towards the sky, and just as thankfully, the blast happens to blow away a few of the darker looking clouds, literally dissolving them back into their component parts. He glances up at Tenebrae, wide eyed as he struggles to get back to his feet. "Thanks." He manages to get out after drawing in a much needed breath.
Dallon follows his orders, but shakes his head, leeward is asking for a crash along the rocks. To windward would be rough waves, but safer by far.
Tenebrae had an arm free now, and so reached for the flask. "Somethin' harder than water'd go down a treat..."
Adair grins, an arm placed securely about Tenebrae's waist as he handed over the flask, "That's what I thought." One arm about the woman, another wrapped to an anchored rope. They wouldn't be going anywhere, unless his arm happened to get ripped off.
Isen finally makes it to Tenebrae, paying no mind to the rain running from his sodden hair and down his face.
Saiyah 'stood' only a few feet from Tenebrae and the Captain of the ship, and now it would seem Isen as well. Her jade-green scales glistened as both sea water and rain dripped off her body, she seemed un-phases by the water- the naga actually rather taking to 'wet' environments. Still, now that she was well woken up and alerted to everything around her, she still didn't know what in Davey Jones locker was going on. It still did not dawn on her that she had been out to seas this whole time, and away from the cove that she had been at only hours back. Saiyah looked to Tenebrae with a questioning look to her eyes.
Dallon winces, like any of his courses would head towards a reef, regardless of orders, he jerks the wheel to make it seem like something major was just avoided, but pulls it all straight.
Tenebrae felt a bit more secure, and the familiarity of the whole scene -- the storm, the Captain at her side -- wouldn't have the opportunity to make her mopey since there was so much to worry about immediately. Saiyah was given an apologetic look. "Seems we're a bit off-course!" She shouted it over the wind, and her eyes fell on Eyren and the girl helping the injured man. At Isen's approach, she'd allow the first hint of fear to show as her gaze widened his way.
Saiyah by now had slithered over once more to the side of the boat, curiously eyeing the mer-folk bobbing about in the water.
Portea finally managing to steady himself in an upright position, he glances over at Tenebrae. "Sorry I wasn't able to do more..."
Adair held back the strong urge to begin shouting commands as he held tightly to Tenebrae. The panic in some of the crew made him cringe, but he bit his tongue. "What a lovely first voyage, love." He'd mumble into Tenebrae's ear, reaching for his flask.
Saiyah would glance over her shoulder at Tenebrae and shrug. She didn't mind- she was quite rather use to such conditions. Wandering and traveling around, to her this was just a new place she hadn't been- thusly giving more of an opportunity to explore about.
Eyren looks up from her ministrations over the fallen man, her eyes tugged to the horizon, a thin sigh escaping her lips as she spotted the solid suggestion of land perhaps; a welcome sight in light of the fact that she hadn't been able to do much for the groaning man on the lurching deck of the ship. "Here" she murmurs softly slipping a flask from her hip. "this is an old-fashioned remedy used by sailors such as yourself for years" with a quirking her mouth she slips the lip of the flask past the man's cracked lips and allows for the warm burning of scotch minister to his aches and pains in a manner that she herself had been thus far unable to do. "I'll patch you up with a wave of my magic wand as soon as I'm sure I won't be interrupted by another lurching of the ship."
Isen smiles, relieved, as the winds seem to abate, the rain slowing considerably. He nods to Dallon, gratefully. He moves once more to the prow, staring ahead at the approaching land.
Tenebrae gave Portea a grateful nod. "You did well enough, and your share, too." Adair's murmur had her grin and pinch his waist. "Let's hope it's not an omen." She wondered what Saiyah was so occupied with.
Dallon looks around as the port draws near, and starts picking up his things.
Portea nods in return and takes the opportunity to look about and analyze just how much damage had been done. "We're not back at port yet, though." He replies softly.
Adair laughs and at the slowing of the storm ventures a look over the edge, "Reef, portside. 'Bout ten feet off." The words were meant for Dallon.
Saiyah , truthfully, had been eyeing the mer-folk's tridents and palming her newly acquired one in her hands. She thought to herself if hers was better then theirs or not- silly really. But now- now she was up at the front of the ship, eyeing the port as it drew near.
Tenebrae had snatched the flask that was inevitably in Adair's hand, her spirits higher now the storm had abated, and dashed to where Saiyah was standing. She'd been about to say something, but her mouth seized up at sight of the merfolk.
Saiyah looked to the side at Tenebrae and offered a soft smile. She gave a nod and eyed her very questioningly, a sort of 'what's up?' look to her face.
Isen peers over the railing, glaring angrily at the creatures swimming below. The rowboats were gone, save for one small, three- or four-man boat. He turns to Dallon, saying, "Once we've made it as close to land as we can, let me know. We'll drop anchor, and swim to shore. The women can take the boat, if they'd like. I'll row them."
Dallon looks absolutely stunned! Shaking his head forcefully.... "If I am so incapable, I will leave now, keep my pay as I've been a disappointment."
Tenebrae tugged the naga's garment-hem, and pointed at the slightly green - and blue-tinted people bobbing in the waves. "What..." But Isen's words had her attention, then, and she'd peer over the side at the ruined boats. "Oh dear. I'm -not- swimming."
Portea blinks a few times as he glances over at the bard.
Dallon plays a slow arpeggio on his harp strings and fades from view.
Tenebrae points at the shore, which isn't far away, but through a treacherous reef. Through which she isn't going to swim.
Isen glances around, and says, "I'll wager we can all squeeze into that boat, if necessary. Someone will have to help me row, though."
Portea meets Isen's gaze and nods. "I'll help you."
Saiyah poked Tene's shoulder and pointed to herself, then the water, then does a wavy motion with her arm- her way of saying that she'd swim. She didn't mind- besides, she wanted to take a closer look at the merpeople.
Tenebrae said to Eyren, "That wounded man - we should take him ashore, if he can be moved?"
Adair said to Isen, "A swim sounded refreshin' but, I s'pose I'll lend yeh a hand."
Tenebrae patted Saiyah's shoulder, though gave the woman a look that suggested Tene doubted the wisdom of that. But she shrugged, figuring Saiyah was tough.
Arysel , not having found the ship in port, flew as fast as her snowy wings could carry her, over a great expanse of water. It was such a relief to see the ship, that great speck of white among the froth of waves, that the avian nearly faltered mid flight and went for a swim. Landing lightly on the deck after a few customary circles, Arysel folds her tired wings against her back and takes a moment to catch her breath. Finally, she'd call out among the scurrying of sailors and planing of crew to Tenebrae, "Forgive my lateness boss-lady. What do you need me to do?"
Eyren simply sighs and motions for Shatya to cease the spell as she could tell that keeping it stable was draining on the girl. Turning to Tenebrae she nods, touching a hand to the mans arm for a moment, a faint opaque light brushing vaporous fingers over the mans flesh. "Well, that should keep most of the pain at bay until I get him ashore."
Isen begins to herd the various persons down the rope ladder, and into the boat. To Adair, he says, "If you fancy swimming through those...things, then be my guest. Portea will help row. If not, then I'm sure we can fit one more in." He looks back at the injured sailor. "Though perhaps two trips will be necessary."
Portea nods slightly, glancing over at the injured man. "Two would probably be better... Just to insure he isn't hurt any more."
Adair said to Isen, "Go on ahead. I'll swim."
Isen said to Adair, "Good luck to you...we'll meet you at the shore."
Tenebrae was really very relieved to see the avian. She gestured toward Eyren and the injured crew member. "Could you help our medic bring that man ashore? I was a bit worried about getting him into the boat, down the ladder." She looked to Eyren, and nodded. "Hopefully Ary here can figure a way to get him there. Good work, both of you." She included Shatya in the compliment.
Saiyah’s jade-green eyes narrowed at the avian in curiosity. She gave Tenebrae one last nod and smile before her serpentine tail could writhe back and forth, propelling her body across the deck towards Arysel. Saiyah pause roughly 8 feet back from her and slightly smirked. Sure enough, it was the same avian that she'd 'bumped' into at the Corpse during the fire that took place a few days ago. The naga shrugged and slithered past, not really giving a second though before she happened upon the edge of the ship; she would wait here until everyone was loaded up into the small dingy.
Tenebrae cast Adair a worried look. What if there were... suddenly she blinked. As the dark night cleared, this place was starting to look familiar.
Eyren rocks back on her heels and shrugs in the direction of Isen and Portea. "Very well then, I'll wait unless" she turns to Arysel then, "she has the strength to lift him though I'd rather he remain lying flat if at all possible."
Tenebrae said to Isen, "I have a funny feeling I know this place." She'd make her way to the rope ladder, and said as she prepared to descend, "Might be best to stay on the beach, for now.
Isen nods to Arysel, figuring her help in with his plans. "Alright. So, the boat will take Tenebrae, Eyren, Portea, and I. Arysel will carry the injured, and Adair and the naga...Saiyah, was it? will swim. Any objections?"
You made her way down into the boat, eyes sharp for Adair. She hoped there weren't sharks about.
Portea shakes his head as he makes his way closer to the group. "None from me." He replies softly.
Arysel nods to Tenebrae, a wary eye is cast to the snake woman as she gets rather close. Turning up her nose to the scaly one, Ary'd simply ignore the naga and make her way towards Eyren. "I can make him light and fly with him to shore if you like."
Saiyah looked to the ladder- oh how she loathed that thing. The naga would give one last glance to Adair while her brows arched. Seems she had a swimming buddy she thought, and with that, the woman leaned over the edge of railing and dove into the water with a small splash.
Adair dove into the water, and moved towards the boat, handing Tenebrae his soaked hat, " 'Ere, don't wanna be losin' this."
Tenebrae grasped the dripping item, patting wet dreadlocks. "You bet." She shook the water out as best she could and sat it on her lap.
Eyren nods to Arysel and smiles gratefully at the woman. "Thank you kindly." Then hurriedly, she swings from the rope ladder to land with a less than graceful thunk in to the boat between Isen and Portea.
Isen waits until the others were safely in the boat before descending himself, leaving the ship in the hands of one of the crew. He takes up an oar, and gestures to Portea to do the same. Should the psion do so, Isen would begin a steady rhythm, heading toward the land.
Portea drops down into the boat and starts rowing with the same steady rhythm that Isen started.
Adair begins swimming, finding the surest path he could and allowing the gentle waves to carry him inland, along with his strokes.
Saiyah bobbed in the water next to the boat, her trident held ready just in case there were in fact sharks about. She kept somewhat close to captain, but just far enough to give him his space while her long serpent tail lashed back and forth- propelling her through the water with ease.
Adair stretches and yawns, finally waking from the night before. Speaking to himself as he brushes those dreadlocks from his face, "Feels like me mouth be stuffed with a cat." To remedy this, he'd seek his flask, taking the few drops within to cleanse his mouth.
Tenebrae had already been awake, and been to town and back. Now she was sitting on the boards, peering intently - and rather redly - at the man who stirred on the deck. She'd pretend, of course, to have been doing something else entirely, when he sat up and reached for the hair of the dog. "Uh. Mornin' sunshine." The sky suddenly appeared fascinating to her. Oh look, a seagull! "So…" Her eyes slid sideways. Nonchalant-like. "Where's this surprise?"
Adair blinks, tossing the blanket aside then thinks for a moment, tying the thing around his neck in lieu of a cape or cloak. He looks to the sun, squinting, "Ah, aye, yer surprise. Sh..It should be 'ere shortly." Now he looked to her, and just stared.
Tenebrae noted him staring, and raised her fingers to her face, brushing her cheek, the tip of her nose. "... what? I have something..." Her teeth met in a cheesy grin. "…ing gy keek?"
Adair just shrugs and moves to lean over the rail, looking at the sloshing water. Soon he'd move to the far side and look out to the sea, the last of Tenebrae's words causing him to loft a brow in curiosity, "Bless yeh?"
Tenebrae made a face, and turned about, clambering to her feet to join him at the rail. What was he looking for? A ship? "So, is it bigger than a hobbit? Smaller? Does it have a scent? Ohhh... is it..." She grinned. "... slave cargo?"
Adair grinned, his eyes again scanning the horizon. Looking for something...Ah! There it was. A small craft came about the bend, rowing rather quickly, "There be yer surprise."
Tenebrae squinted out to the small craft. "You got me a rowboat?" She tried to look happy about it. "How.. lovely."
"Bah, no love. It be what's in it, that's the surprise." The thing was near enough now to see clearly, and in the middle, flanked by two men rowing was a dark skinned man. He was dressed in nothing, unless you counted hands bound in rope as clothing, "Admiral Netash. He's so kindly offered ter give yeh any supplies yeh need, from his own ship, might I add." The Captain himself grinned, his fingers dancing in a wave towards the bound man, who in turn made an attempt to spit at Adair, "Such a kind soul."
Tenebrae looked much brighter for this detail. She'd never been given a naked man before. Well, not in a boat. Anyway. "Adair, is this who owned the ship which sank the Perigrine?" Her eyes remained on the angry captive as the dinghy neared, finally turning back to the Captain. "How sweet of you." And you could tell she meant it.
Adair nods, "Aye, he be the dog me men and I was runnin' from. Glad he found me, me pockets be a tad more lined now 'cause of it." He leans over the rail, "Thank yeh, Admiral fer yer kind donation!" He shouted down. "Well Tenebrae, have yer men hoist him up, I need a drink."
Tenebrae motioned for her crew to bring the bound man aboard, a gaff hook sufficing to drag him by the ropes binding his hands up the ship's side like a slab of beef. Tenebrae had not heard such language since she was a child, on vailkrin's darker streets. The swart man glared in Adair's direction like a vicious hound, longing for attack. "Think I'll join you, in that drink." The vampiress ordered the man bound to a mast for the moment, and smiled him her most darling smile before making her way to the Captain's side. " How much did y'get?" There was one bottle left in the crate, which was fortunately quite near where they were standing. She'd have it first, if the dreadlocked pirate looked the other way.
Adair smiled, and allowed Tenebrae to grab the last bottle, his hand diving into his pocket, a muffled jingle being heard as he shook his hand about, "Oh, enough I be sayin'." He walked towards the Admiral, his dagger brought out and lain upon the naked chest of the man, "And if yeh be thinkin' the gold I too...Er, yeh gave me will be payment enough fer a sunken ship, think again." The blade was drawn across the chest to draw a faint red line in its wake, "Anythin' yeh be needin' in particular fer the Eternity, love?" As he was turned towards the woman, Netash fought hard against the ropes, trying to get at Adair, who acted as if the captive was not even there.
Tenebrae tugged the cork free, sipping from the bottle while keeping her sight pinned on the bound Admiral. "Aye, Adair. We'll need cannons, and sail fabrics, and timber. Oh, and foodstuffs, and rum, and charts." She let her gaze wander upward, a finger crooked under her chin. "... perhaps a -few- slaves, if there's any of his men left. Why don’t we..." She looked to Adair, eyebrows lifting. "... simply strip it all back and use the materials for the new ship?"
Adair reaches for the bottle, taking it from Tenebrae’s grasp and sucking down a generous amount, "Well Netash, I be thinkin' her proposal is fair, aye? As such, yeh have no reason ter exist." Another sip was taken before the bottle was handed back, "I do believe his ship be just beyond the other side of the cove, from what those lads from the town was telling me."
Tenebrae stepped quickly to the mast where Netash was tied, and a pale hand slid across the Captain's tattooed forearm as though to stay his hand from execution. The Admiral's eyes showed faint relief; trust a Lady to petition for his life, if not his freedom. Tene gave him another of those very-sweet smiles, and said to Adair, "Don't make a mess of him, will you? His corpse might be useful to me, also." Amid the enraged man's shouts, she might be heard to speak again, "And might I have that whisky back?" Her head needed clearing. There was work to be done.
Adair hands the whisky over, a hard look given to the Admiral, "Don't fret so, Sir. I'll make yer death a quick one." For now, he leaned against a crate, running a finger along the edge of his dagger.
Tenebrae gulped a few mouthfuls, wiping the liquor from her lips with the back of her hand. "Shall I send men to clear the ship of cargo?" Her eyes went back to the captive, a slightly feral gleam in them. "And I have a little surprise in store for you, too Adair. As a mark of my thanks." The Admiral had sustained more than his share of cuts and bruises. That new slice across his chest glistened redly. Tenebrae stood very still, her only motion the slip of her coral-pink tongue over her lower lip.
Adair raises his brows now, "A surprise fer me?" He moved closer to the Admiral, and Tenebrae, "And aye, let's clear that ship. Yeh have any qualms ter how I be killin' him?"
Isen climbs on board the ship, glancing around. Seeing Tenebrae and Adair, as well as their captive, he approaches, standing quietly alongside Tenebrae.
Tenebrae shook her head, and stepped closer to Netash. "Just don't..." Her tongue swept across the wound, eyes locked on the terrified man's face-- with all that smiling she'd done, surely he'd have seen her fangs. "... make a mess of the corpse." A quick look Adair's way. "Wouldn't you mind awfully if I, you know." She hadn't eaten yet today, obviously. "Less mess on the deck that way." Then she noticed Isen. He might notice a slight shift in the demeanour of his leader, the feral taint in her eyes, bloodlust, hunger. Might be wise to take a step back there, even if he was a lycan.
Adair shrugs, hardly caring for whatever Tenebrae fancied, "Shore. Just let me be killin' him after yer...Snack."
Isen raises his eyebrows, and steps back, standing closer to Adair, now. "The crew should be arriving in a quarter of an hour, so do be swift..."
Tenebrae wasted no time, Isen needn't worry. She bit into the Admiral's throat as though it were a ripe apple, her fingers clawing his shoulders to leave scarlet marks with the rest of his flesh wounds. The man struggled feebly against the ropes, screams fading 'til his mouth opened and closed as silently as a landed fish. Much of his vitae drained, he'd sag against the ropes, but Tene kept feeding. It'd been a while, and if Adair wanted that finishing stroke, he'd better drag her off Netash in short order.
Adair does indeed do that, the woman pushed aside, gently. His dagger was brought back, and plunged into the man's heart, left there to rest. Isen was noticed, and the murder of the Admiral was brushed off, as if it were an everyday thing, "Fancy a drink, First Mate?"
Isen watches impassively, the expression on his face suggesting that he rather enjoys the man's screams. As the man slumps in his bonds, Adair's words reach him. "No, thank you." Then, to the both of them, he asks, "Who exactly is this that you've killed?"
Portea scales the rope ladder and hops on deck. His somber gaze takes in each and every detail before he chuckles softly and makes his way closer to them. "Having a bit of fun before we set off, are we?" He comments humorously.
Dallon sits in his stool at the wheel, rather downcast.
Tenebrae's breath was ragged. Glutted, she made a bad attempt at wiping the remnant gore from her mouth. That the man was dead now was of no consequence, he'd been large enough to sate several days' worth of hunger. "Get..." The words seemed thick in her mouth, eyes casting wildly about as she noticed how crowded the deck was becoming. ".. the corpse below." To whom she was speaking would not be evident, as the vampiress then turned away, the hood of her cloak drawn about her face, and she hurried out of sight of the witnesses to the death, seeking a quieter place on the deck.
Adair said to Isen, "Just a kind soul who offered ter aid us."
Isen shrugs his shoulders, and begins to untie the bonds. "Very well, then...I just hope that I'll be notified of any future...aid." He begins to drag the drained body away, not minding the little dribbles of blood that ooze onto his bare chest.
Portea glances over at Isen. "Want some help with that?" He inquires softly.
Dallon shakes his head.
Adair said to Isen, "He did aid us. We got supplies and the like from his ship. He be the scoundrel chasing after me."
Isen nods to Portea. "Grab his feet, if you wouldn't mind." To Adair, he says, "I already purchased supplies. But, if his death reduces the risk of a pursuing fleet, then it is good that he is dead. What did you do with his ship, though?"
Portea nods in return as he reaches down to grab the man's feet. "I wouldn't mind at all." He replies quietly.
Dallon looks and listens intently, as he wouldn't mind a ship of his own to run, under the Cabal flag of course.
Adair only grins in reply to Isen, walking to join Tenebrae.
Isen shakes his head, a bit irritated. But, he continues carrying the corpse down below, setting it down near the 'cabin'. Gesturing to Portea to follow, he returns to the top deck, noticing Dallon and giving him a nod of greeting.
Portea follows Isen back up top after depositing the body. Swift steps carry him over to the nearest railing, which he proceeds to lean against.
Tenebrae was seated on a crate of beef jerky, at the far end of the ship. She'd regained her composure, scooped water from a rain barrel to wash her face which was now nothing less than radiant. Once more her gaze was cast to the horizon. She didn't even hear Adair's steps approaching, the presence of her people affording the vampiress the rare luxury of relaxed hyper-vigilance.
Adair sets the bottle of whisky in front of Tenebrae, who had dropped it amidst her frenzy and takes up a seat beside her.
Isen, too, approaches Tenebrae, his eyes noting the position of the sun. The remainder of the crew had been making their way on board, and now it seemed that they were all there. Isen speaks, obviously to Tenebrae. "The medic is sleeping in the hold. Navigator is here, obviously, as well as the bos'n, and Portea. The lookout can find us at sea. All we are missing are Vael, and that priest, Kazixiss. We are a good half hour late. Should we set sail?"
Tenebrae said to Adair, "I hate my people seeing that." Her voice was soft, the whisky taken up, though she'd not drink 'til after her next word. "But.. thanks."
Adair shrugs, the sight obviously not have bothered him, " 'Ell, we 'ave ter do what we 'ave to do, eh?"
Tenebrae glanced up to Isen. "They were around earlier. Saiyah's sleeping below. You know, the mute naga?" Her pale fingers fluttered that way. "Not sure if they might be as well. Might we just go?"
Isen nods once, though the mention of the naga confused him a bit. He turns, bellowing orders to the crew. Quick steps bring him up to the helm, where he stands in front of Dallon. From his pocket, he pulls out a folded map, which he opens and shows to the navigator. It reveals a map of Rynvale and the Cenril coast, with the shipping routes marked in black. "Take us to any of those," Isen rasps. "We are going to come back with a haul, or not at all."
Tenebrae realised Adair had missed the point -- it wasn't that she feared their reaction to the gruesome sight as much as loathed them witnessing a moment when she was not entirely in control herself. But she wouldn't correct him, just nudged the bottle his way.
Adair takes the bottle, and sips gently as he feels the gently draw of the sea, that familiar tingle over coming him. He'd grumble into the bottle, " 'Ate not bein' on me own ship."
Dallon yell's "All hands, wear sails! Skipper, south by southwest, 12 degrees. Aye."
Portea simply stays where he is, with his back against the railing.
Isen returns to Tenebrae's side, a grin on his face as the ship begins to move, the anchors rising the last few feet, the sails unfurling. The black flag, tattered yet still visible, streams out in the wind. The lycan looks out over the prow of the ship, silent for the moment.
Tenebrae leant against the former Captain's shoulder with her own, her voice as quiet as his. "Well. You have one, now. Once it's refitted. No need to rush the Dog. We can just redecorate a bit, if the Admiral's suits us." Tene tugged on a dreadlock. "Call her the Sea Wolf, for me, though?"
Adair slides from the crate, "Well, there be work ter do." Walking along the edges of the ship, he'd shout various orders to some members of the crew to get things in the proper working order to sail properly. He also nodded at Tenebrae's request, "Aye."
Tenebrae grinned and looked to Isen. "We have that man to thank for the second in our fleet. Soon we'll have three."
Dallon turns to Isen and Tenebrae, do you mind if we have so drills of the gunners? I've yet to see them in action... My job is to keep this ship whole and successful, it'll cost a little, but I'll put some of my share into the cost.”
Portea meanders closer to Tenebrae, eventually ending up beside her. "Glad to see her sailing again?" He asks softly, recalling the condition the Eternity was in the first time he was aboard.
Tenebrae would let Isen answer Dallon alone, and nodded to Portea, though was not a great deal of joy evident in her eyes. "I've missed her, yes. How are you settling in?"
Isen turns to Tenebrae and nods again. "Easier to find us, the more ships we have. But...harder to catch us." To Dallon, he says, "You may, but remember that we are trying to sneak up on our foes...we don't want to alert them."
Portea shrugs slightly, turning his head to better make eye contact. "As good as can be expected, I suppose. Thanks for having me aboard, even if I'm not the more useful at regular sailing."
Dallon nods "No more than a half hour drill. Do I have the Skippers permission? Then we go to silent running,"
Tenebrae said to Portea, "You'll have your uses." Her smile was almost genuine. "In the meantime.. are you any good at fishing?"
Isen said to Dallon, "You have my permission. Just make sure that you steer us to those routes I showed you. Preferably the ones nearer to the island."
Portea chuckles softly. "I'm decent enough at it." He answers quietly.
Tenebrae elbowed him softly. "There's a job for you. Fresh meat's always appreciated."
Adair gives a quick thwap upside the head of one of the crewmen who had tied a knot wrong, a quick hand lashing out to grip the thing before it uncoiled wholly. As a result, a slew of words that would cause the ears of any in hearing range to bleed.
Portea nods slightly before looking about for the means to accomplish his job. Once he finds everything he needs, he sets up near the back of the ship, casting his line in the water and letting it trail behind.
Isen walks below to check on the supplies, then makes a round or two of the deck, just making sure that no major malfunctions were evident. He ends up standing at the prow, enjoying the feel of the wind.
Dallon turns the wheel two points to leeward, "Starboard captain, run 'em out!"
Tenebrae -- even she of the wicked tongue -- winced at Adair's language. And then, pretty much useless on the ship as she always had been, wandered about, getting in the way.
Dallon feels, more then hears, the guns being run to the braces, and hears the gunner report ready, "Fire" he yells. The starboard side lurches as the broadside is released. The ancient bard notices the scatter of the pattern and is obviously pleased.
Dallon yells, Starboard side stand down, Port side, Run 'em out!"
Adair who saw everything -for now anyways- was running fine and took up stride beside Tenebrae, reaching for the whisky.
Isen 's grin spreads, and he releases a hoarse laugh as the guns rock the deck. He turns around to look out over the crew, noting the efficiency with pride.
Portea simply continues to fish, periodically reeling the line in as he catching fish of various sizes.
Dallon listens and yells to fire again, and is equally pleased with the results. "Port side stand down. Turning to Isen with a smile broad on his face, "Skipper, I don't know where you recruited these folk, but I know navies that would pay a lot for these.... I have no doubt, we could take out a ship of the line with this gunmanship. *nods*
Tenebrae handed Adair the bottle, looking a tiny bit sheepish. Her fingers plugged her ears at the cannon's discharge, and she looked to him again. "Never did find what I was good at, at sea."
Isen smiles to Dallon, saying, "I just found 'em running about in the taverns and inns. Friends of friends, and the like. I'm glad they do well."
Dallon smiles and nods enthusiastically, "More than well skipper, if the marines are half as good, we could take any small city you wish."
Adair guzzles a bit of the liquor before handing it back, "Well, not very often that there be a woman on deck." He shrugs.
Isen seems most pleased with that prospect. "In due time, Dallon. In due time. Especially once we have our fleet assembled. All the foolish power struggles of those 'nobles' will amount to naught, as we'll take what we want."
Dallon smiles, "Aye skipper"
Tenebrae's ears perked at the navigator's words. She said, her voice strident against the sounds of busy man and snapping sails, "Here..." The vampiress lifted her bottle. "Is to the first of the Eldritch Fleet!" Eyes shining at the thought, she gave the bottle back, feeling a bit more.. useful, somehow.
Portea just keeps fishing until he fills a few buckets with the numerous fish.
Adair catches a passing crewmember by the arm, "Oy, lad. Tell the cook ter prepare a meal. Can't run a ship on empty stomachs. Off with yeh!" He continues to walk beside Tenebrae, casting his gaze here and there to make sure things were shipshape.
Dallon reaches into his pouches, and takes the idle moment to approach the lady of the ship. He lays a package of parchment out to her. "Here are the charts I promised Ma'am, you now have about 400 miles around the known lands, well pretty much, there is more to the south, then north. I hope they meet your approval."
Isen gestures to the ship's cook, who, along with a couple others haul the buckets of fish down to the galley, where they'd presumably begin to clean and prepare the fish. Isen, meanwhile, moves to join Tenebrae again.
Tenebrae paused in her strolling and took the offered charts with a polite nod. She perused one or two, making faces of approval before handing them back. "Dallon, you've done remarkably well." That she hadn't a clue about what any of the squiggly lines meant, or why each page had a pretty star in one corner, she thought them all very well-drawn. "You have my thanks."
Portea returns the pole to its rightful place before making his way over to Tenebrae. "That should do for now." He says softly, his somber gaze resting upon her.
Tenebrae nodded to Portea, and smiled. "Perhaps Adair can find something for you to do.. or Dallon, if you're any good with charts?"
Tenebrae said to Adair, "Might we go to see the Admiral's ship, when we return?"
Dallon said, "Carpenters with guts will be needed, Never think that our guns will keep fire from us as well, we'll need carpenters that can work under fire as well. Anyone interested.?"
Adair said to Tenebrae, "But o'course love."
Tenebrae smiled happily. "Do you feel better now, that your revenge has been taken?"
Adair said to Portea, "If yeh be needin' somethin' ter do, take a job to the aft and check the lines fer me. Lords knows them blasted twits couldn't lace their boots proper, let alone rigging.""
Adair said to Tenebrae, "Aye, I do. Damnable man. Serves him right fer comin' after me."
Portea nods to Adair. "Will do." He responds quietly before making his way to do just that. He gives each line a firm tug and a detailed look over to make sure that everything is sound.
Tenebrae arced a brow his way. Something, no doubt, she'd have reason to do often. "You -did- rob his ship, Captain.” Very tongue-in-cheek, and her eyes glinting.
Dallon sits back at his stool, seeming even more irritated.
Adair grins, "That I did, love. That I did. But, what was I s'posed ter do? Just sail by 'im, with 'im flauntin' how 'great' 'e was, and all them glitterin' things?"
Isen gestures to Alexei, the sailor who had fixed the ship's boards before. He moves to Dallon, volunteering as the carpenter, for the time, at least.
Tenebrae laughed lightly, her own avarice sparked and fired by the wicked grin. "You'd have gotten along famously with... you know." She looked to Dallon then. "Somethin' wrong, dear?"
Portea walks back towards the bos'n and nods slightly. "Everything is secure."
Adair thought it was his turn to loft a brow, "With who?"
Tenebrae said to Adair, "My Cap'n." Her eyes didn't meet his, and she'd change the subject. "What do you think of the new ship's name? Does it suit you?"
Dallon glances her way, "No lady, nothing at all." *his lips slam shut, as he watches the waves.*
Adair shrugs, sensing it was a topic the woman didn't want to discuss, "Aye, it be a fine one. Suitable to stop 'earts with fear, I say." He then turns to Isen, "Since we seem short a lookout, I'mma head up ter the nest."
Tenebrae didn't believe Dallon, but wouldn't press the man. She found herself wondering where Ary was, though, and looked to the unhappy sky.
Isen 's head perks up, suddenly, and he looks up to the sky. Dark clouds had begun to form, and now seemed to cover the sky, obscuring the sun as it begins to set. The lycan frowns as the winds pick up, blowing the ship ever faster.
Like a man that had been put into a metal garbage can, only to be beaten with a few bats- was quite similar to the dazed expression that befell the naga. Her eyes slightly opened wide and her brows arched high, her blinked several times while she slithered carefully, and slowly up the stairs. The thunderous 'boom' of the guns being tested had did their worst on the peaceful sleeping woman that had taken refuge just under the stairs of the lower deck; the figured it would be best to keep out of the way while aboard the ship. So, with a lazily half-hearted shove of the door, Saiyah slithered right out onto the deck- though to her surprise (and to add more of a daze to her) it wasn't empty like it had been when she last left it before falling asleep down below. Dumbfounded. Almond shaped green eyes blankly gazed at the new faces about the ship's deck.
Isen said to Adair, "Very well."
Tenebrae snickered as half the crew ground to a halt to stare at the nagish woman emerging from the hold. "Ello, Saiyah!" She'd give a cheery little wave, and tucked her cloak about her a bit more tightly. Sure was getting cold of a sudden.
Isen , too, diverts his gaze from the ominous clouds, staring with surprise (and a bit of distrust) at the newly arrived Naga. He relaxes a bit as Tenebrae greets her, and he remains silent.
Portea glances over to where most of the people now stare, offering a warm smile to the naga woman. "Hello." He says softly, magnifying his tones so that they can carry over to her.
Adair doffs his hat towards Tenebrae, "If yeh be needin' anythin', I'll be up there." He points to the nest before moving towards the rigging and passing by the Naga woman without a second look. Would seem it would take a lot to startle the man. Slowly he climbed the ropes in an expert fashion until he reached the nest, settling in just fine. Though as opposed to the deck, the winds up here were far stronger, his dreadlocks whipping to and fro, his hat nearly blown off.
Tenebrae shouted, "Adair, do be careful up there!" The man was very high up, with the wind blowing hard and all. "I think a storm's coming!"
Adair saw the wicked winds before them, and the haze of rain upon the horizon and placed his hat beneath his arm as he leaned over the edge to shout.
Adair shouted, "Strom abrewin' due nor'east! Looks ter be heavy rains."
Isen 's brows lower as the storm grows imminent. Rather than shouting to turn the ship around, he mutters to himself, something about not being robbed of his haul by a bit of weather.
Saiyah was half tempted to just flip a 'U' and slither right back on down to her little -nook- of the ship to hide away- now thanks to half a ship staring at her! But it was the friendly familiar voice of the vampire that kept her from making a hasty retreat, and so for that, the naga-woman would keep about the deck. A weak lift of her hand would give a very un-enthusiastic, and even shy, wave to those who had greeted her.
Adair grins with delight as he notices the course being held and rises to the edge of the nest, a hand latching tightly to the ropes as the first torrent of rain pelts them. He was soaked in a matter of moment, "Inter the storm we sail, maties." The words were whisked off by the winds and rain.
Tenebrae, satisfied that Adair wasn't going to be blown out to sea, and with a puzzled look at Dallon, stepped across the deck towards Saiyah. "G'mornin..." Though it was dark. "How's your head, pet?" The Captain wasn't the only one she drank with. "Come. meet the crew."
Portea casually walks up beside Tenebrae. "Want me to try and keep a portion of the foul weather from us?" He asks softly, figuring that she'll probably be the only one to hear him.
Tenebrae was almost gusted sideways by the wind, and gripped the naga's arm. That tail was heavy enough to act as an anchor, alright. She was soon drenched, and shouted over the squall to Portea, "That'd be a treat, pet."
Isen moves past Tenebrae and the naga, greeting the latter with a nod. He moves to take the wheel, holding it steady as they sail on.
Adair kept his eyes on the horizon, peering through the haze as best he could and notices a slight glow out in the distance. A small fire. Taking up a looking glass, he saw it to be correct, a ship caught in the storm, its mainmast snapped, "Oi, yeh be wantin' ter look out ter the east a bit, mates!" He shouted as loud as he could, the point of tearing his vocal cords just a few decibels away.
Saiyah lifted both an arm to block the heavy gusts of wind, and the other to keep the woman from being taking up a new profession as a kite. She continued to blink, both wind and rains making it hard to see as she slowly began to slither forward, not really sure if meeting the crew at this particular time was a good thing.
Dallon yells at an idle sailor, "Coil that line right under your feet! Think your on a pleasure cruise?”
Tenebrae said to Saiyah, "Maybe later?" She grinned, and even though she hated being wet, the storm was thrilling. Though she had no idea how they might achieve it, she said,” Maybe we should make ourselves useful?"
Portea nods once to Tenebrae before making his way to the bow of the ship. He lowers himself down, sitting on the deck cross-legged as he closes his eyes. His breathing soon takes on a slower rhythm as he slips into a deeper and deeper meditation. His mind doesn't go blank this time, but instead works with the sole purpose of halting the worst of the storm. While he obtains a small amount of success in the sense that the rain isn't pounding -as- hard, and the wind isn't gusting -as- much, the storm still remains a rather large factor.
Eyren clambers bleary-eyed from below, where she'd opted to procure a bit of rest before the ship was scheduled to set sail. However, the turbulent lurchings had ripped her rather cruelly from her slumber and she'd awaken with the corn of a barrel wedged in to her side, and that ever bothersome rat peering at her, the little vermin once assured of her lucidness darting off again, no doubt with some treasure that he'd managed to dig loose of her pack. Upon reaching the deck Eyren blinks, as a rain-filled gust wind sent the cape which she'd hurriedly thrown about her shoulders fluttering about her in a rather comical way; her hair obscuring her vision of those assembled there for a moment. With an impatient swipe at her face she looks about and shakily moves to stand beside Isen, her nose wrinkling as another gust brought the sea splashing at her feet. "Lovely weather for sailing" she mutters with a wry smile.
Isen 's tendons stand out like cords on his arms as he fights the wheel, keeping the ship on course. He spares a wry smile for Eyren, though he is mostly preoccupied. A loud thud is heard, and a crack by those close, as a sailor who had been climbing up to fasten a loose rope is dislodged by the wind, plummeting to the deck. One arm lies bent beneath him, the angle all wrong. Isen looks to Eyren again, hoping that she'd be able to do something.
Tenebrae would have responded better to Saiyah, or given Eyren as cheery a wave as the naga, had the wind not erased her breath, and the ship lurched dangerously to one side. Water gushed over the deck -- once more she was thankful for the weight of Saiyah's tail -- and suddenly the storm was less a thrill than a sheer terror. While Portea's magics saved them from utter wreckage, sail-ropes snapped and timber splintered. Gripping the naga harder, and whoever or whatever was closest then, she suddenly realised that they were out at sea... on a boat... which could sink, really at any moment. The rain was almost horizontal now.
Saiyah really didn't know what to do as far as making herself useful- especially on something to alien to her as a ship. She wouldn't argue though, simply shuffle off to the side and look for any orders to be directed to her.
Tenebrae was finding Saiyah pretty useful, right now. The vampiress shrieked as a wave crashed over them. Oh yes, a pirate's life. Was the naga having fun yet?
Portea is, by now, in far too deep a meditation to be roused from it without consequences. His failings remain largely unknown to him as he continues to try and avert the brunt of the storm, though he gains little headway, just enough to keep them afloat it would seem. As water gushes over the deck and things start rocking more violently, the psion gets thrown this way, and that, still not aware enough to keep himself steady.
Saiyah quickly tightened her grasp on the woman’s frame and kicked her tail back and forth, propelling her across the deck and away from the side. The last thing they needed right now was a 'man-overboard' to be called out- or for that matter, 'woman-overboard'? None the less, she shook her head as a wry grin slipped past her thin-serpentine lips. She did not even try to think of pulling out a blank piece of parchment to voice out what her lips could not.
Adair was still upon the edge of the nest, though a sudden lurch sent him forward. A single word entered his thoughts before he collected them and threw his arms forward to grab the rigging, before he ended up like the poor sailor below, and the one who passed by him who had been tending to the lines of the sail. Slowly he fought against the wind to climb awkwardly back into the nest, the spyglass again taken up to scan the horizon. In the far distance and nothing more than a dark rise, was the peak of a mountain, "Land ho!" He shouted, again. With the instrument tucked into a pocket, he'd opt to take the quickest route down, which was a slackened length of rope hanging from the main sail. Aided by the rain, he wrapped both hands about it and slid down, dropping with a splash next to Tenebrae. "Fancy a drink?" His voice was calm, and his face grinning.
Tenebrae had grabbed Portea by the collar of whatever drenched garment he wore, and was dragging the man along the deck while the naga dragged her to a safer position. Unless her fingers slipped, he'd not be going over the side. As the Captain spoke, she spluttered sea and rain from her mouth, coughed up the water in her lungs and said to Adair, "Got one, thanks.."
Eyren braced herself against the side of the ship, hastily tying her hair in to a stern knot at the nape of her neck, her stomach lurching ever so slightly as the ship tipped dangerously to one side. With an inward groan her eyes watched with mesmerized fascination as an unfortunate sailer was ripped free of his occupation to plummet with a sickening thump upon the sea-soaked deck. The rain was pouring down now in an almost imponderable curtain of moisture. Yet there was the call as she observed the angle upon which the unfortunate fellow had fallen. Motioning to the silent elven girl who had been acting her shadow she gingerly made her way over to the man, seeing what could be done for him, though with the shipping bucking and tipping as it was a stable working space was out of the question. "Hand me my bag Sahtya" she murmured to the elven girl, her brow wrinkled as she gingerly ran trembling fingers over the offended arm. What could be done when the ship was tipping as it was and the rain, made almost any connection to the man's energy almost impossible. She looked up at Sahtya and with a slight motioning of her hand the girl set to work pacing about the man, her luminous gray eyes settling upon the man with an intensity that was almost frightening. "Yes, we can at least start with a shielding spell over him, that we might repel the worst of the rain" she says to the girl, then turning to the Naga woman she motions for her to come closer as well. "I'll need you to help me turn him over if you please."
Isen 's teeth grit, the wind raging about him. He manages to hear Adair this time, though, and yells out an affirmative. Turning to Dallon, he surrenders the wheel, still yelling to make himself heard. "Steer us toward the land! We'll wait out the storm, there." He then heads back to where Tenebrae was, the going slow and treacherous on the rain-slicked decks.
Adair scoffs at the woman and puts on his hat, which lets out a squishing sound, along with water pouring out the three corners. He is filled with a sense of excitement as he feels the ships motions, his flask of whisky taken in hand and nursed from, "Suit yerself, love."
Portea is startled from his deep meditation by the sudden lack of air, the collar of his black shirt tugging back against his throat, constricting the air passage. As he might have predicted, the sudden jarring from such a deep meditation does indeed have dire consequences: this time being that of a concentrated blast of his mind's own energy headed straight where he is gazing. Thankfully, that happens to be bound towards the sky, and just as thankfully, the blast happens to blow away a few of the darker looking clouds, literally dissolving them back into their component parts. He glances up at Tenebrae, wide eyed as he struggles to get back to his feet. "Thanks." He manages to get out after drawing in a much needed breath.
Dallon follows his orders, but shakes his head, leeward is asking for a crash along the rocks. To windward would be rough waves, but safer by far.
Tenebrae had an arm free now, and so reached for the flask. "Somethin' harder than water'd go down a treat..."
Adair grins, an arm placed securely about Tenebrae's waist as he handed over the flask, "That's what I thought." One arm about the woman, another wrapped to an anchored rope. They wouldn't be going anywhere, unless his arm happened to get ripped off.
Isen finally makes it to Tenebrae, paying no mind to the rain running from his sodden hair and down his face.
Saiyah 'stood' only a few feet from Tenebrae and the Captain of the ship, and now it would seem Isen as well. Her jade-green scales glistened as both sea water and rain dripped off her body, she seemed un-phases by the water- the naga actually rather taking to 'wet' environments. Still, now that she was well woken up and alerted to everything around her, she still didn't know what in Davey Jones locker was going on. It still did not dawn on her that she had been out to seas this whole time, and away from the cove that she had been at only hours back. Saiyah looked to Tenebrae with a questioning look to her eyes.
Dallon winces, like any of his courses would head towards a reef, regardless of orders, he jerks the wheel to make it seem like something major was just avoided, but pulls it all straight.
Tenebrae felt a bit more secure, and the familiarity of the whole scene -- the storm, the Captain at her side -- wouldn't have the opportunity to make her mopey since there was so much to worry about immediately. Saiyah was given an apologetic look. "Seems we're a bit off-course!" She shouted it over the wind, and her eyes fell on Eyren and the girl helping the injured man. At Isen's approach, she'd allow the first hint of fear to show as her gaze widened his way.
Saiyah by now had slithered over once more to the side of the boat, curiously eyeing the mer-folk bobbing about in the water.
Portea finally managing to steady himself in an upright position, he glances over at Tenebrae. "Sorry I wasn't able to do more..."
Adair held back the strong urge to begin shouting commands as he held tightly to Tenebrae. The panic in some of the crew made him cringe, but he bit his tongue. "What a lovely first voyage, love." He'd mumble into Tenebrae's ear, reaching for his flask.
Saiyah would glance over her shoulder at Tenebrae and shrug. She didn't mind- she was quite rather use to such conditions. Wandering and traveling around, to her this was just a new place she hadn't been- thusly giving more of an opportunity to explore about.
Eyren looks up from her ministrations over the fallen man, her eyes tugged to the horizon, a thin sigh escaping her lips as she spotted the solid suggestion of land perhaps; a welcome sight in light of the fact that she hadn't been able to do much for the groaning man on the lurching deck of the ship. "Here" she murmurs softly slipping a flask from her hip. "this is an old-fashioned remedy used by sailors such as yourself for years" with a quirking her mouth she slips the lip of the flask past the man's cracked lips and allows for the warm burning of scotch minister to his aches and pains in a manner that she herself had been thus far unable to do. "I'll patch you up with a wave of my magic wand as soon as I'm sure I won't be interrupted by another lurching of the ship."
Isen smiles, relieved, as the winds seem to abate, the rain slowing considerably. He nods to Dallon, gratefully. He moves once more to the prow, staring ahead at the approaching land.
Tenebrae gave Portea a grateful nod. "You did well enough, and your share, too." Adair's murmur had her grin and pinch his waist. "Let's hope it's not an omen." She wondered what Saiyah was so occupied with.
Dallon looks around as the port draws near, and starts picking up his things.
Portea nods in return and takes the opportunity to look about and analyze just how much damage had been done. "We're not back at port yet, though." He replies softly.
Adair laughs and at the slowing of the storm ventures a look over the edge, "Reef, portside. 'Bout ten feet off." The words were meant for Dallon.
Saiyah , truthfully, had been eyeing the mer-folk's tridents and palming her newly acquired one in her hands. She thought to herself if hers was better then theirs or not- silly really. But now- now she was up at the front of the ship, eyeing the port as it drew near.
Tenebrae had snatched the flask that was inevitably in Adair's hand, her spirits higher now the storm had abated, and dashed to where Saiyah was standing. She'd been about to say something, but her mouth seized up at sight of the merfolk.
Saiyah looked to the side at Tenebrae and offered a soft smile. She gave a nod and eyed her very questioningly, a sort of 'what's up?' look to her face.
Isen peers over the railing, glaring angrily at the creatures swimming below. The rowboats were gone, save for one small, three- or four-man boat. He turns to Dallon, saying, "Once we've made it as close to land as we can, let me know. We'll drop anchor, and swim to shore. The women can take the boat, if they'd like. I'll row them."
Dallon looks absolutely stunned! Shaking his head forcefully.... "If I am so incapable, I will leave now, keep my pay as I've been a disappointment."
Tenebrae tugged the naga's garment-hem, and pointed at the slightly green - and blue-tinted people bobbing in the waves. "What..." But Isen's words had her attention, then, and she'd peer over the side at the ruined boats. "Oh dear. I'm -not- swimming."
Portea blinks a few times as he glances over at the bard.
Dallon plays a slow arpeggio on his harp strings and fades from view.
Tenebrae points at the shore, which isn't far away, but through a treacherous reef. Through which she isn't going to swim.
Isen glances around, and says, "I'll wager we can all squeeze into that boat, if necessary. Someone will have to help me row, though."
Portea meets Isen's gaze and nods. "I'll help you."
Saiyah poked Tene's shoulder and pointed to herself, then the water, then does a wavy motion with her arm- her way of saying that she'd swim. She didn't mind- besides, she wanted to take a closer look at the merpeople.
Tenebrae said to Eyren, "That wounded man - we should take him ashore, if he can be moved?"
Adair said to Isen, "A swim sounded refreshin' but, I s'pose I'll lend yeh a hand."
Tenebrae patted Saiyah's shoulder, though gave the woman a look that suggested Tene doubted the wisdom of that. But she shrugged, figuring Saiyah was tough.
Arysel , not having found the ship in port, flew as fast as her snowy wings could carry her, over a great expanse of water. It was such a relief to see the ship, that great speck of white among the froth of waves, that the avian nearly faltered mid flight and went for a swim. Landing lightly on the deck after a few customary circles, Arysel folds her tired wings against her back and takes a moment to catch her breath. Finally, she'd call out among the scurrying of sailors and planing of crew to Tenebrae, "Forgive my lateness boss-lady. What do you need me to do?"
Eyren simply sighs and motions for Shatya to cease the spell as she could tell that keeping it stable was draining on the girl. Turning to Tenebrae she nods, touching a hand to the mans arm for a moment, a faint opaque light brushing vaporous fingers over the mans flesh. "Well, that should keep most of the pain at bay until I get him ashore."
Isen begins to herd the various persons down the rope ladder, and into the boat. To Adair, he says, "If you fancy swimming through those...things, then be my guest. Portea will help row. If not, then I'm sure we can fit one more in." He looks back at the injured sailor. "Though perhaps two trips will be necessary."
Portea nods slightly, glancing over at the injured man. "Two would probably be better... Just to insure he isn't hurt any more."
Adair said to Isen, "Go on ahead. I'll swim."
Isen said to Adair, "Good luck to you...we'll meet you at the shore."
Tenebrae was really very relieved to see the avian. She gestured toward Eyren and the injured crew member. "Could you help our medic bring that man ashore? I was a bit worried about getting him into the boat, down the ladder." She looked to Eyren, and nodded. "Hopefully Ary here can figure a way to get him there. Good work, both of you." She included Shatya in the compliment.
Saiyah’s jade-green eyes narrowed at the avian in curiosity. She gave Tenebrae one last nod and smile before her serpentine tail could writhe back and forth, propelling her body across the deck towards Arysel. Saiyah pause roughly 8 feet back from her and slightly smirked. Sure enough, it was the same avian that she'd 'bumped' into at the Corpse during the fire that took place a few days ago. The naga shrugged and slithered past, not really giving a second though before she happened upon the edge of the ship; she would wait here until everyone was loaded up into the small dingy.
Tenebrae cast Adair a worried look. What if there were... suddenly she blinked. As the dark night cleared, this place was starting to look familiar.
Eyren rocks back on her heels and shrugs in the direction of Isen and Portea. "Very well then, I'll wait unless" she turns to Arysel then, "she has the strength to lift him though I'd rather he remain lying flat if at all possible."
Tenebrae said to Isen, "I have a funny feeling I know this place." She'd make her way to the rope ladder, and said as she prepared to descend, "Might be best to stay on the beach, for now.
Isen nods to Arysel, figuring her help in with his plans. "Alright. So, the boat will take Tenebrae, Eyren, Portea, and I. Arysel will carry the injured, and Adair and the naga...Saiyah, was it? will swim. Any objections?"
You made her way down into the boat, eyes sharp for Adair. She hoped there weren't sharks about.
Portea shakes his head as he makes his way closer to the group. "None from me." He replies softly.
Arysel nods to Tenebrae, a wary eye is cast to the snake woman as she gets rather close. Turning up her nose to the scaly one, Ary'd simply ignore the naga and make her way towards Eyren. "I can make him light and fly with him to shore if you like."
Saiyah looked to the ladder- oh how she loathed that thing. The naga would give one last glance to Adair while her brows arched. Seems she had a swimming buddy she thought, and with that, the woman leaned over the edge of railing and dove into the water with a small splash.
Adair dove into the water, and moved towards the boat, handing Tenebrae his soaked hat, " 'Ere, don't wanna be losin' this."
Tenebrae grasped the dripping item, patting wet dreadlocks. "You bet." She shook the water out as best she could and sat it on her lap.
Eyren nods to Arysel and smiles gratefully at the woman. "Thank you kindly." Then hurriedly, she swings from the rope ladder to land with a less than graceful thunk in to the boat between Isen and Portea.
Isen waits until the others were safely in the boat before descending himself, leaving the ship in the hands of one of the crew. He takes up an oar, and gestures to Portea to do the same. Should the psion do so, Isen would begin a steady rhythm, heading toward the land.
Portea drops down into the boat and starts rowing with the same steady rhythm that Isen started.
Adair begins swimming, finding the surest path he could and allowing the gentle waves to carry him inland, along with his strokes.
Saiyah bobbed in the water next to the boat, her trident held ready just in case there were in fact sharks about. She kept somewhat close to captain, but just far enough to give him his space while her long serpent tail lashed back and forth- propelling her through the water with ease.