Post by Joliette Thorne on Jul 17, 2008 6:39:40 GMT -5
--In The Hold--
Terra carefully made her way down the stairs, a carefully arranged stack of crates keeping her from seeing what awaited her in the underbelly. They're placed near the locked boxes, neatly situated as not to be in the way. With hands on hips, she'd admire her work, waiting on Shishi's bundle.
Myrall, jolted into semi wakefulness by the noise of close by movement, groans once a again, the deep mournful sound of a being in pain.
Shishi waddles down below the deck to the underbelly, following behind Terra, a barrel held in his arms with a couple crates balanced atop it. Speaking form behind his white mask he'll ask, "Where do you want these?"
Terra gestured him over to where she stood, easing the weight by taking the crates and stacking them atop one another. It was during that moment she'd hear the groan and pivot, glancing towards the source --Myrall. "Queen?" The vampiress would approach the dwarf to see what ailed her. "Are you alright?" To Shishi, she'd whisper, "Poor thing got a bit drunk."
Shishi nods, setting the barrel down where he was directed by Terra. The vampire's gaze follows Terra over to the sick dwarf and he replies without much interest, "I see..." his thoughts still on his children. Little does he notice that the 'poor thing' is the healer that had replaced a lost chunk of bone in hand a few weeks before.
Myrall turns her aching head and opens her bleary eyes, blinking furiously against the light of the cabin, she tries to remember where she is and why. Her cracked dry lips can not quite manage to frame any coherent sounds, so instead of the much desired questions her mind was trying to process all that came forth was a very weak and pitiful. “Huh?”
Terra smiled softly at the apparent hung-over Myrall. A light, cool hand was pressed to her forehead. "You'll be fine. We'll be home in days, I'm sure. Shi - you mind watching her? I'm going to get the rest of the things." Never one to sit still, she'd venture to the upper deck.
Terra exits up.
Terra appears from above
Shishi blinks and repeats, "Days..?" he doesn't have time to protest as she exits and leaves his gaze to fall back onto Myrall while his mind wanders miles away to worry about his little ones.
Myrall's brow furrows as the word 'home' filters through the bemused haze that is her reality. "Wh...wh...what do you mean....home?"
Terra was careful as she came down the stairs once more, carefully balancing the items in hand. The last thing she needed was for Leoxander to be upset over the loss of these items - whatever they may be. As the others, they were stacked against the wall, neatly arranged. She'd then collapse into one of the nearby seats, her harlot disguise cause her to be careful of the position as she'd watch Myrall and Shishi.
Terra grinned at Myrall. "Back to the lands, of course. We're on the Eternity. I'm supposing Leo was nice enough to pick you up after your drunken collapse, Ma'am."
Terra was assuming that's where they were headed, anyway...
Shishi huffs lightly, plopping into a chair himself. His mask is removed completely and placed gently onto his lap. The vampire is at a loss for words due to how quickly he was swept up into this heist and boarded the ship without much thought, afterall he had pleanty of chances to get out, but all had been passed. A nervous glance is sent towards Terra followed by a thoughtfull look towards the bat on his shoulder...
Myrall tries to struggle into a sit as the word ‘Eternity’ echoes violently like a Claxton in her mind, but her cloak still tightly wound round her body prevent this, and she slumps back again. Licking her still parched lips she stutters “D…d…did you say E…e…e.eternity? That damnable bark? That torturous vessel, that accursed hell on earth he calls a ship? How? How could that be?” Leo would ne’er bring me here he knows I detest the very sight of it.”
Terra looked sideways to Shishi as the fellow Cabal member sat next to her. She'd give his knee a gentle squeeze and offer another smile. "You okay, Shi?"
Terra scowled at the description of the Eternity, afterall, it was also a part of the Cabal - a placing that she regarded highly. "Aw, c'mon, it's not that bad. And really ... shouldn't you have been more careful? All that drinking would just leave you in trouble... and now look at you!" She'd sulk back into her seat now.
Shishi gives Terra a forced smile, he is unable to hide the worry on his features. He offers a weak laugh, but that too does nothing to mask his concern, "Heh... the kids'll expect me back by morning... but I'm sure they'll be alright..."
Terra winced at the man's obvious concerns, and offered yet another reasuring smile. "Leo will go as fast as he can. He'll likely not want to be stuck on here too long with all of us, y'know?" Shi's bat is also given a glance. "Send a note?"
Shishi nods once to Terra, his smile shifting into a more sincere one, "Yes, I was considering that... It'll make me feel a little better, at least..." Wakka is given a sideways glance, "You're going on a trip, pal!"
Shishi squirms, "Well... a trip away form me... we're already on a trip, I guess."
Myrall manages to disentangle herself from her cloak and struggle to a sit, swing her legs gingerly over the side of the bunk. Fear and anger now replacing her previous malaise and returning her voice to her. “I mean no disrespect to those meant for the sea, but I am not one such being. The caves of Craughmoyle, the Mountains of Xalious, these are where I belong, not set adrift in a leviathan infested pond on nought but a floating splinter.”
Terra scowled, always quick to defend those in the Cabal -Leo especially- "Mayhap you should be grateful 'twas Leo and company that found you in your previous state and not someone looking to take advantage. We'll return you to your ... caves, Ma'am, but until then, if all your comments will be against those that aid you, I don't want to hear it."
Terra said to Shishi, "I'm sorry to have dragged you into all of this. You can go to the upper deck and pen a notice. I have parchment in my satchel up there."
Shishi looks towards the stairs back up to the deck before plucking his mask from his lap and replacing it atop his head for no other reason than he has nothing else to do with it. With that, the vampire stands and ventures back up to the deck, snatching Wakka off his shoulder on his way up and whispering something to the bat.
Shishi exits up.
Myrall’s brow knits together in consternation and fury, her previously fogged eyes become bright with anger. Shaking her long mane vigorously she hisses. “Nay, no mere ale could cause me to be rendered insensible, nor would those I was in the company of think it a good idea to consign me to this floating coffin. There are other forces at work here, mark my words, and I’ll find out what they be afore I drown, then Sven help the soul behind it, for he will breathe his last afore I do.”
Terra is not any happier with the dwarf than she appears to be with her. Terra's fist clench and she's had just about enough! "That's it. You can just ... just sit here by yourself for a bit. I hope you get sea-sick, you mean old woman!" Her arms cross over her stomach as she prepares to return to the upper deck. "Until you find this 'grand conspiracy' behind your words, you'll not speak badly of the captain of this ship or the Eternity. The more you do, the less I'll feed you. Hmph!"
Shishi returns to the underbelly, the black bat gone from his shoulder, cast off back towards land, who knows if the note will be delivered properly despite how many threats Shishi provided the black bat with. The vampire lets out a light sigh as he flops lazily into a seat, nervously removing the mask from the top of his head again.
Leoxander was enjoying this leisurely time, drifting out from the cove to catch the first wind that should offer itself to their cause. He and Jack came trudging down the steps in time to hear the argument happening down below. A dangerous glance cast through those enclosed quarters where they would all be stuck together, and his mismatched gaze landed on Myrall. "Oh good, you're awake. It's about damn time..."
Terra murmurs, "Awake and on the wrong side of the damned bed."
Myrall gives a very dwarven “Hurumph” to Terra’s outburst, before turning her anger on Leo. “Do you think you could possibly manage to do me the curtsey of explaining exactly what I am doing on this god-forsaken craft?” She pauses glaring venomously at him. “And do not sir, try and fob me off with platitudes and excuses. You know as well as I that I would have been quite safe where I was, that there was no need to remove me to this hell hole. So I ask you, in Sven’s name why?”
Terra glares at Leo as well, awaiting his answer.
Terra said to Leoxander, "Tell her she's senile in her old age... And that beards don't always make you smart! "
Terra frowns at the dwarven lady, now glaring at the wooden floors.
Shishi nervously scratches the back of his neck, watching the three converse. Now without his bat he feels quite alone on the ship and the hostility between Myrall and Terra isn't much helping his nerves.
Leoxander was a little bit amused to see this side of Myrall. Oh she was a fighter, that one. She'd do just fine on the ship. "Well bloody hell, healer. Don't you remember what happened last night? You wouldn't stop goin' on about your want to sail the seas, live the good life, maybe do a bit of explorin'. Jess' so happened I could use a hand, myself." An award winning grin offered her way as he went for the stash of rum, and of course, some of Fertangle's private reserves. "Well I sure ain't a magician but looks like a dream come true t'me." He'd busy himself, conceal his smirking expression by enjoying a drink of that rum. "Sit back and relax. Should be the trip of the century..." This added with a slight roll of his already glazed eyes. They still had another vampire and a corpse to deal with, somewhere aboard the floating vessel. The god-forsaken craft, as Myrall would refer to it.
Terra looked to Myrall, and it seemed to say 'See, you paranoid indiviual!' All the while, she'd settle on the floor near Shishi, shrugging up at him. "Tired, yet?"
Shishi sends a shrugs right back down to Terra, "A little bit... although the reason I was in that city and ran into you has left me with a good amount of energy to burn..."
Myrall slithers off the bunk, landing on the wooden deck with her legs planted firmly apart, though even this precaution does not serve to aid her balance as the ship gently rolls from side to side. Reaching behind her she grasps the edge of her erstwhile bed before continuing with her diatribe. “Sir! That is the biggest load of hogwash I have heard since the gnome Vuryal tried to tell me that he was invading Gaulon in the name of peace, and I did not believe him either!” She stops momentarily to draw breath and calm her rising temper. “There is not enough ale in the whole lands as to render me so insensible as to think that putting to sea in this monstrosity a good idea, so I ask you again before I fling myself over board and consign myself to the mercies of the gods and the beasties, who is behind this vile crime?”
Leoxander would lick the inside of his cheek thoughtfully, watching Myrall. Oh she was a whole rant of fire and spice as far as he was concerned, and probably a problem, later on. Not one he would deal with just yet. "Healer, you know I like you alright, but you keep on at it like you're goin' and I'll bloody help you right over the side. Now we're a good ways in, and I guarantee you won't make it passed the eels an' cove sharks with those lil' feet and that fancy armor. So sit, be a good passanger, tell Jack a bloody story. Just keep your trap shut for five minutes and give your Captain a break, will ya?" And that was that. She could fling herself over the side if she really wanted. They had fishing nets.
Leoxander picked up 1 rum.
Leoxander drank a rum.
Myrall, not trusting herself to say another word, merely stands there nostrils flaring and eyes glinting with pure fury.
Leoxander will busy himself with making certain final preparations, and last minute fixes are in order, as the Eternity is to set sail once more.
-- LATER--
Leoxander had taken the time to stock some supplies, but for most of that first day adrift at sea not far from the cove, the pirate Captain had spent the time at his desk. Charts and maps of past discoveries were now property of the thief, as he'd plotted a similar but more sensible weather-abiding course with lines of red ink (or maybe not ink at all) right on top of them. Enough time for a convenient escape, the chance to enjoy the open sea, maybe even a few sights that would help Myrall appreciate her ocean tour. The end of a charcoal carpenter's marker was chewed raw, and the rogue had a suspicious black mark at the corner of his mouth to indicate who'd found the need to gnaw amidst his pondering. Leo was hungry, but when would it be safe for a lycan to enjoy a meal around a team of vampires? Instead he fed his thoughts with a bottle of rum retrieved from Tenebrae's stock, working by the light of a lantern that always tipped precariously near the edge of the worn oak surface. All that studying and plotting and he only half knew where they were going now. A hand fell absently to thick black coat at the side of the dog's head, rough fingers curling to scratch into his furry jaw, just as Jack preferred it.
Tenebrae had been... well, where? She was rather scarce during the whole process of setting to sea. Missed going to shore, too. Maybe she'd had to take time to conquer that sensitive stomach of hers. Whatever the case, she descended the stairs to the hold now, quietly, and if the new door to the Captain's personal area was open, she'd pause to watch him a moment, enjoying the sight of him back where - in her mind, at least - he belonged. If it wasn't, she'd likely be aware of his presence by the soft light that'd fall between the jambs. Either way, she knew he was there and liked it, and would offer timber a soft knock to alert him to her presence. "Evenin'." The hold was oddly vacant of people, for a ship with a deal of crew aboard. They were probably all up on deck. Wasn't really anywhere else to be, on a ship.
Leoxander was more anxious, more calm, than he'd ever been. Ironic, but that's how he would appear. Being in the middle of a rocking ship was comforting, the smell of the salt in the air was what he preferred to taste with his senses, but the wolf in him was becoming quickly restless, with so little space to roam. There was never a moment's peace and quiet; if Myrall wasn't hollering and Jack wasn't barking than Terra and that new guy were chattering over the maps nailed to the walls. He was a little spooked, then relieved, having missed Tenebrae's approach enough that the sudden feeling of someone over his shoulder caused him to flinch, feral eyes gleaming like green-gold coins in lantern light. Just a second before she knocked. "Ahoy, fair Mistress..." He'd murmur in a gruff, amused tone, a smirk seen on the shadowed side of his face. Of course, Jack would get the opportunity to greet her first because frankly, he was less lazy. Her fingertips were doused in doggy slobber with happy licks and he'd swat her legs with his tail in a joyous passing to see if maybe anyone else was coming. No? Good. Even the dog could use some family time. "Kind of an early departure, I know. Cabal had a lil' trouble in Cenril..."
Tenbrae knelt to greet Jack properly, white arms wrapping around his shaggy neck after she'd wiped the inevitable saliva off her hands on the hem of her skirt. Her smile at Leo's greeting was hidden a moment, buried in not-so-stinky-now black fur, but was lifted when the dog tried to circle around, no doubt to try lathing his unhygenic tongue across her face this time. "Oh?" Brows raised, but not too high-- Cabal was ever the thorn in Cenril's side, so the news was hardly a shock. She rose to her feet, scruffling the mutt's ears as she did so, and would take the liberty of shifting a chart or two -- and that unsteady lamp-- over a few inches so she could perch herself on the edge of Leo’s desk. She licked her thumb, reached out to spot-clean his face, if he kept still for it. "Do tell."
Leoxander tipped his head and wiped the edge of his mouth with the corner of his thumb, doing what he can for the smudge of charcoal staining the corner like decay. Fortunately she would help him once she slid into a seat within reach, and he'd lift his whiskered chin for it, letting her. "Can't tell you what I don't know. I ran into them planning some trouble in the 'Corpse that night. More of 'em there but only three made it to the ship. I can almost promise you they've got somethin' illegal stocked aboard, but the important thing is.. it's aboard." That's as much information as the thief would give, even the boss, for now. He leaned back in his chair, lifting his arms off his knees and making it clear with a dusty pat of ragged pants that she had other options for a more comfortable seat. "Could'a used Isen. I s'pose it ain't worth the risk to make a stop near Cenril and get him aboard..." This was mused while the vampire took the time to groom him, but she'd find it a lot more difficult to keep the lycan and stray clean at sea for days at a time.
Tenebrae ignored the plume of grime that rose at his invitation, getting once more used to the shelflife of her clothing being greatly lessened when the rogue was around, and slid into his lap. She rubbed at the pencil-mark until it was gone, and put a brief kiss in its place. "Sounds exciting. Wonder what it is. And ... Isen. Y'think they've stirred things up too much for a stop?" Her gaze slid to the charts she had shifted, her brow furrowing at her lack of comprehension of its squiggles and numerals. "How long til we reach the island, then?" She could feel the tension in his frame, and she wasn't so utterly vain as to think it was all her own fault. "Dare say Myrall'd love to get her feet back on dry land again."
Leoxander let go of a sigh from his nose when she settled in to share the seat with him, eyes moving to the glowing lantern. "A stop would put an extra day on the water. We'd better just move on. You're just gonna have to help me since we don't have a navigator, I've never been wh-"... About then, the pirate would stop and turn his attention toward that first door, nose twitching to scent the air. Listening for several heartbeats of time, he would only continue when satisfied that whoever had disturbed the peace had decided against that idea."...We'll catch what winds we can and pray the sail doesn't rip. Don't exactly have a spare."
Tenebrae nodded, trusting the Cap'n to know best when it came to matters at sea. She turned, briefly, when he stilled, a quick look given to the empty stairwell. Not a lot of privacy on a ship, no wonder he'd had the door installed. Jack trotted across the boards to investigate, and whether Tene had to temporarily vacate his lap or merely stretch a leg out to nudge it closed with her foot, she did so and without the manners of asking. Jack could be heard snuffling along the bottom of the door, then ticking away on clawed pads. Even for the best of parents, there were just some times you didn't want to kids around. Leather creaked, as she got comfortable again. "Think anyone'd mind, if we got a little... stranded, out there? It's a wonderful place. Except for the pygmies." She'd scowl lightly, at thought of the dart-weilding maniacs. Pity Saiyah wasn't along for the trip, to give the a goddess' orders to lay off.
Leoxander seemed to agree with her decision to close the door, judging by the way he sat back more relaxed to look up at her, once there was some more privacy in those quarters. They didn't have many calm, collective moments together, and he was taking the moment to enjoy that one. "Three days. We'll try for two. That's taking a few shortcuts I haven't tried before, but we're likely to crash into land, sooner or later..." Like the womanizing pirate he is, he'd take some advantage of the necromancer's seat, weather worn hands admiring the texture of raptor-skin pants. "Doesn't anybody else know how to steal a ship? What're they teachin' these damn kids..?" His head fell heavy against the back of the chair to look toward the planked ceiling, cornered with cobwebs. He'd sigh the last of his words, warm lycan breath sweetened with rum fogging slightly in the cool night air. "Gonna have to go back for them if we stay..."
Tenebrae narrowed eyes that were cast downward as she thought. "Or.. we could send word. There's another ship..." She hadn't had the chance, or the inclination, to burden the rogue with news of the Labyrinth, which lurked off the coast of Cenril, probably not all that far from where they were, in nautical miles. Not that she'd know a nautical mile from an iguana. If he had any questions about the other craft, they'd have to wait for his lips to be free of hers, after she'd shifted to make sure she was facing him, feet planted to the boards and body leant forward for a kiss when he let out that ceilingward, rum-scented breath.
Leoxander was silenced, the rest of his concerns and questions a mystery, as she kept his whiskered mouth well occupied with her own. He was too invigorated by the scent of the sea, too comfortable in his own ship, to let a moment like that flit by without some effort on his part. Simply put, two lovers would kiss. But descriptively speaking, and impact like symbols would clash, unseen fireworks might erupt in the sky above the Eternity, and Jack would hear the clatter when Leo leaned too far back in his chair, so lost... and accidentally brought Tenebrae to the floor in an embrace that planned to take her down with him. Yet there was no laughter or apology to follow, which might indicate that a kiss like that wouldn't end any time soon. Outside the recently built door, the dog perked his ears cute and tilted his head, staring at the crack at the base near the floor. Behind a closed door, no doubt wicked plans were in progress, though his maps were entirely forgotten.
Terra carefully made her way down the stairs, a carefully arranged stack of crates keeping her from seeing what awaited her in the underbelly. They're placed near the locked boxes, neatly situated as not to be in the way. With hands on hips, she'd admire her work, waiting on Shishi's bundle.
Myrall, jolted into semi wakefulness by the noise of close by movement, groans once a again, the deep mournful sound of a being in pain.
Shishi waddles down below the deck to the underbelly, following behind Terra, a barrel held in his arms with a couple crates balanced atop it. Speaking form behind his white mask he'll ask, "Where do you want these?"
Terra gestured him over to where she stood, easing the weight by taking the crates and stacking them atop one another. It was during that moment she'd hear the groan and pivot, glancing towards the source --Myrall. "Queen?" The vampiress would approach the dwarf to see what ailed her. "Are you alright?" To Shishi, she'd whisper, "Poor thing got a bit drunk."
Shishi nods, setting the barrel down where he was directed by Terra. The vampire's gaze follows Terra over to the sick dwarf and he replies without much interest, "I see..." his thoughts still on his children. Little does he notice that the 'poor thing' is the healer that had replaced a lost chunk of bone in hand a few weeks before.
Myrall turns her aching head and opens her bleary eyes, blinking furiously against the light of the cabin, she tries to remember where she is and why. Her cracked dry lips can not quite manage to frame any coherent sounds, so instead of the much desired questions her mind was trying to process all that came forth was a very weak and pitiful. “Huh?”
Terra smiled softly at the apparent hung-over Myrall. A light, cool hand was pressed to her forehead. "You'll be fine. We'll be home in days, I'm sure. Shi - you mind watching her? I'm going to get the rest of the things." Never one to sit still, she'd venture to the upper deck.
Terra exits up.
Terra appears from above
Shishi blinks and repeats, "Days..?" he doesn't have time to protest as she exits and leaves his gaze to fall back onto Myrall while his mind wanders miles away to worry about his little ones.
Myrall's brow furrows as the word 'home' filters through the bemused haze that is her reality. "Wh...wh...what do you mean....home?"
Terra was careful as she came down the stairs once more, carefully balancing the items in hand. The last thing she needed was for Leoxander to be upset over the loss of these items - whatever they may be. As the others, they were stacked against the wall, neatly arranged. She'd then collapse into one of the nearby seats, her harlot disguise cause her to be careful of the position as she'd watch Myrall and Shishi.
Terra grinned at Myrall. "Back to the lands, of course. We're on the Eternity. I'm supposing Leo was nice enough to pick you up after your drunken collapse, Ma'am."
Terra was assuming that's where they were headed, anyway...
Shishi huffs lightly, plopping into a chair himself. His mask is removed completely and placed gently onto his lap. The vampire is at a loss for words due to how quickly he was swept up into this heist and boarded the ship without much thought, afterall he had pleanty of chances to get out, but all had been passed. A nervous glance is sent towards Terra followed by a thoughtfull look towards the bat on his shoulder...
Myrall tries to struggle into a sit as the word ‘Eternity’ echoes violently like a Claxton in her mind, but her cloak still tightly wound round her body prevent this, and she slumps back again. Licking her still parched lips she stutters “D…d…did you say E…e…e.eternity? That damnable bark? That torturous vessel, that accursed hell on earth he calls a ship? How? How could that be?” Leo would ne’er bring me here he knows I detest the very sight of it.”
Terra looked sideways to Shishi as the fellow Cabal member sat next to her. She'd give his knee a gentle squeeze and offer another smile. "You okay, Shi?"
Terra scowled at the description of the Eternity, afterall, it was also a part of the Cabal - a placing that she regarded highly. "Aw, c'mon, it's not that bad. And really ... shouldn't you have been more careful? All that drinking would just leave you in trouble... and now look at you!" She'd sulk back into her seat now.
Shishi gives Terra a forced smile, he is unable to hide the worry on his features. He offers a weak laugh, but that too does nothing to mask his concern, "Heh... the kids'll expect me back by morning... but I'm sure they'll be alright..."
Terra winced at the man's obvious concerns, and offered yet another reasuring smile. "Leo will go as fast as he can. He'll likely not want to be stuck on here too long with all of us, y'know?" Shi's bat is also given a glance. "Send a note?"
Shishi nods once to Terra, his smile shifting into a more sincere one, "Yes, I was considering that... It'll make me feel a little better, at least..." Wakka is given a sideways glance, "You're going on a trip, pal!"
Shishi squirms, "Well... a trip away form me... we're already on a trip, I guess."
Myrall manages to disentangle herself from her cloak and struggle to a sit, swing her legs gingerly over the side of the bunk. Fear and anger now replacing her previous malaise and returning her voice to her. “I mean no disrespect to those meant for the sea, but I am not one such being. The caves of Craughmoyle, the Mountains of Xalious, these are where I belong, not set adrift in a leviathan infested pond on nought but a floating splinter.”
Terra scowled, always quick to defend those in the Cabal -Leo especially- "Mayhap you should be grateful 'twas Leo and company that found you in your previous state and not someone looking to take advantage. We'll return you to your ... caves, Ma'am, but until then, if all your comments will be against those that aid you, I don't want to hear it."
Terra said to Shishi, "I'm sorry to have dragged you into all of this. You can go to the upper deck and pen a notice. I have parchment in my satchel up there."
Shishi looks towards the stairs back up to the deck before plucking his mask from his lap and replacing it atop his head for no other reason than he has nothing else to do with it. With that, the vampire stands and ventures back up to the deck, snatching Wakka off his shoulder on his way up and whispering something to the bat.
Shishi exits up.
Myrall’s brow knits together in consternation and fury, her previously fogged eyes become bright with anger. Shaking her long mane vigorously she hisses. “Nay, no mere ale could cause me to be rendered insensible, nor would those I was in the company of think it a good idea to consign me to this floating coffin. There are other forces at work here, mark my words, and I’ll find out what they be afore I drown, then Sven help the soul behind it, for he will breathe his last afore I do.”
Terra is not any happier with the dwarf than she appears to be with her. Terra's fist clench and she's had just about enough! "That's it. You can just ... just sit here by yourself for a bit. I hope you get sea-sick, you mean old woman!" Her arms cross over her stomach as she prepares to return to the upper deck. "Until you find this 'grand conspiracy' behind your words, you'll not speak badly of the captain of this ship or the Eternity. The more you do, the less I'll feed you. Hmph!"
Shishi returns to the underbelly, the black bat gone from his shoulder, cast off back towards land, who knows if the note will be delivered properly despite how many threats Shishi provided the black bat with. The vampire lets out a light sigh as he flops lazily into a seat, nervously removing the mask from the top of his head again.
Leoxander was enjoying this leisurely time, drifting out from the cove to catch the first wind that should offer itself to their cause. He and Jack came trudging down the steps in time to hear the argument happening down below. A dangerous glance cast through those enclosed quarters where they would all be stuck together, and his mismatched gaze landed on Myrall. "Oh good, you're awake. It's about damn time..."
Terra murmurs, "Awake and on the wrong side of the damned bed."
Myrall gives a very dwarven “Hurumph” to Terra’s outburst, before turning her anger on Leo. “Do you think you could possibly manage to do me the curtsey of explaining exactly what I am doing on this god-forsaken craft?” She pauses glaring venomously at him. “And do not sir, try and fob me off with platitudes and excuses. You know as well as I that I would have been quite safe where I was, that there was no need to remove me to this hell hole. So I ask you, in Sven’s name why?”
Terra glares at Leo as well, awaiting his answer.
Terra said to Leoxander, "Tell her she's senile in her old age... And that beards don't always make you smart! "
Terra frowns at the dwarven lady, now glaring at the wooden floors.
Shishi nervously scratches the back of his neck, watching the three converse. Now without his bat he feels quite alone on the ship and the hostility between Myrall and Terra isn't much helping his nerves.
Leoxander was a little bit amused to see this side of Myrall. Oh she was a fighter, that one. She'd do just fine on the ship. "Well bloody hell, healer. Don't you remember what happened last night? You wouldn't stop goin' on about your want to sail the seas, live the good life, maybe do a bit of explorin'. Jess' so happened I could use a hand, myself." An award winning grin offered her way as he went for the stash of rum, and of course, some of Fertangle's private reserves. "Well I sure ain't a magician but looks like a dream come true t'me." He'd busy himself, conceal his smirking expression by enjoying a drink of that rum. "Sit back and relax. Should be the trip of the century..." This added with a slight roll of his already glazed eyes. They still had another vampire and a corpse to deal with, somewhere aboard the floating vessel. The god-forsaken craft, as Myrall would refer to it.
Terra looked to Myrall, and it seemed to say 'See, you paranoid indiviual!' All the while, she'd settle on the floor near Shishi, shrugging up at him. "Tired, yet?"
Shishi sends a shrugs right back down to Terra, "A little bit... although the reason I was in that city and ran into you has left me with a good amount of energy to burn..."
Myrall slithers off the bunk, landing on the wooden deck with her legs planted firmly apart, though even this precaution does not serve to aid her balance as the ship gently rolls from side to side. Reaching behind her she grasps the edge of her erstwhile bed before continuing with her diatribe. “Sir! That is the biggest load of hogwash I have heard since the gnome Vuryal tried to tell me that he was invading Gaulon in the name of peace, and I did not believe him either!” She stops momentarily to draw breath and calm her rising temper. “There is not enough ale in the whole lands as to render me so insensible as to think that putting to sea in this monstrosity a good idea, so I ask you again before I fling myself over board and consign myself to the mercies of the gods and the beasties, who is behind this vile crime?”
Leoxander would lick the inside of his cheek thoughtfully, watching Myrall. Oh she was a whole rant of fire and spice as far as he was concerned, and probably a problem, later on. Not one he would deal with just yet. "Healer, you know I like you alright, but you keep on at it like you're goin' and I'll bloody help you right over the side. Now we're a good ways in, and I guarantee you won't make it passed the eels an' cove sharks with those lil' feet and that fancy armor. So sit, be a good passanger, tell Jack a bloody story. Just keep your trap shut for five minutes and give your Captain a break, will ya?" And that was that. She could fling herself over the side if she really wanted. They had fishing nets.
Leoxander picked up 1 rum.
Leoxander drank a rum.
Myrall, not trusting herself to say another word, merely stands there nostrils flaring and eyes glinting with pure fury.
Leoxander will busy himself with making certain final preparations, and last minute fixes are in order, as the Eternity is to set sail once more.
-- LATER--
Leoxander had taken the time to stock some supplies, but for most of that first day adrift at sea not far from the cove, the pirate Captain had spent the time at his desk. Charts and maps of past discoveries were now property of the thief, as he'd plotted a similar but more sensible weather-abiding course with lines of red ink (or maybe not ink at all) right on top of them. Enough time for a convenient escape, the chance to enjoy the open sea, maybe even a few sights that would help Myrall appreciate her ocean tour. The end of a charcoal carpenter's marker was chewed raw, and the rogue had a suspicious black mark at the corner of his mouth to indicate who'd found the need to gnaw amidst his pondering. Leo was hungry, but when would it be safe for a lycan to enjoy a meal around a team of vampires? Instead he fed his thoughts with a bottle of rum retrieved from Tenebrae's stock, working by the light of a lantern that always tipped precariously near the edge of the worn oak surface. All that studying and plotting and he only half knew where they were going now. A hand fell absently to thick black coat at the side of the dog's head, rough fingers curling to scratch into his furry jaw, just as Jack preferred it.
Tenebrae had been... well, where? She was rather scarce during the whole process of setting to sea. Missed going to shore, too. Maybe she'd had to take time to conquer that sensitive stomach of hers. Whatever the case, she descended the stairs to the hold now, quietly, and if the new door to the Captain's personal area was open, she'd pause to watch him a moment, enjoying the sight of him back where - in her mind, at least - he belonged. If it wasn't, she'd likely be aware of his presence by the soft light that'd fall between the jambs. Either way, she knew he was there and liked it, and would offer timber a soft knock to alert him to her presence. "Evenin'." The hold was oddly vacant of people, for a ship with a deal of crew aboard. They were probably all up on deck. Wasn't really anywhere else to be, on a ship.
Leoxander was more anxious, more calm, than he'd ever been. Ironic, but that's how he would appear. Being in the middle of a rocking ship was comforting, the smell of the salt in the air was what he preferred to taste with his senses, but the wolf in him was becoming quickly restless, with so little space to roam. There was never a moment's peace and quiet; if Myrall wasn't hollering and Jack wasn't barking than Terra and that new guy were chattering over the maps nailed to the walls. He was a little spooked, then relieved, having missed Tenebrae's approach enough that the sudden feeling of someone over his shoulder caused him to flinch, feral eyes gleaming like green-gold coins in lantern light. Just a second before she knocked. "Ahoy, fair Mistress..." He'd murmur in a gruff, amused tone, a smirk seen on the shadowed side of his face. Of course, Jack would get the opportunity to greet her first because frankly, he was less lazy. Her fingertips were doused in doggy slobber with happy licks and he'd swat her legs with his tail in a joyous passing to see if maybe anyone else was coming. No? Good. Even the dog could use some family time. "Kind of an early departure, I know. Cabal had a lil' trouble in Cenril..."
Tenbrae knelt to greet Jack properly, white arms wrapping around his shaggy neck after she'd wiped the inevitable saliva off her hands on the hem of her skirt. Her smile at Leo's greeting was hidden a moment, buried in not-so-stinky-now black fur, but was lifted when the dog tried to circle around, no doubt to try lathing his unhygenic tongue across her face this time. "Oh?" Brows raised, but not too high-- Cabal was ever the thorn in Cenril's side, so the news was hardly a shock. She rose to her feet, scruffling the mutt's ears as she did so, and would take the liberty of shifting a chart or two -- and that unsteady lamp-- over a few inches so she could perch herself on the edge of Leo’s desk. She licked her thumb, reached out to spot-clean his face, if he kept still for it. "Do tell."
Leoxander tipped his head and wiped the edge of his mouth with the corner of his thumb, doing what he can for the smudge of charcoal staining the corner like decay. Fortunately she would help him once she slid into a seat within reach, and he'd lift his whiskered chin for it, letting her. "Can't tell you what I don't know. I ran into them planning some trouble in the 'Corpse that night. More of 'em there but only three made it to the ship. I can almost promise you they've got somethin' illegal stocked aboard, but the important thing is.. it's aboard." That's as much information as the thief would give, even the boss, for now. He leaned back in his chair, lifting his arms off his knees and making it clear with a dusty pat of ragged pants that she had other options for a more comfortable seat. "Could'a used Isen. I s'pose it ain't worth the risk to make a stop near Cenril and get him aboard..." This was mused while the vampire took the time to groom him, but she'd find it a lot more difficult to keep the lycan and stray clean at sea for days at a time.
Tenebrae ignored the plume of grime that rose at his invitation, getting once more used to the shelflife of her clothing being greatly lessened when the rogue was around, and slid into his lap. She rubbed at the pencil-mark until it was gone, and put a brief kiss in its place. "Sounds exciting. Wonder what it is. And ... Isen. Y'think they've stirred things up too much for a stop?" Her gaze slid to the charts she had shifted, her brow furrowing at her lack of comprehension of its squiggles and numerals. "How long til we reach the island, then?" She could feel the tension in his frame, and she wasn't so utterly vain as to think it was all her own fault. "Dare say Myrall'd love to get her feet back on dry land again."
Leoxander let go of a sigh from his nose when she settled in to share the seat with him, eyes moving to the glowing lantern. "A stop would put an extra day on the water. We'd better just move on. You're just gonna have to help me since we don't have a navigator, I've never been wh-"... About then, the pirate would stop and turn his attention toward that first door, nose twitching to scent the air. Listening for several heartbeats of time, he would only continue when satisfied that whoever had disturbed the peace had decided against that idea."...We'll catch what winds we can and pray the sail doesn't rip. Don't exactly have a spare."
Tenebrae nodded, trusting the Cap'n to know best when it came to matters at sea. She turned, briefly, when he stilled, a quick look given to the empty stairwell. Not a lot of privacy on a ship, no wonder he'd had the door installed. Jack trotted across the boards to investigate, and whether Tene had to temporarily vacate his lap or merely stretch a leg out to nudge it closed with her foot, she did so and without the manners of asking. Jack could be heard snuffling along the bottom of the door, then ticking away on clawed pads. Even for the best of parents, there were just some times you didn't want to kids around. Leather creaked, as she got comfortable again. "Think anyone'd mind, if we got a little... stranded, out there? It's a wonderful place. Except for the pygmies." She'd scowl lightly, at thought of the dart-weilding maniacs. Pity Saiyah wasn't along for the trip, to give the a goddess' orders to lay off.
Leoxander seemed to agree with her decision to close the door, judging by the way he sat back more relaxed to look up at her, once there was some more privacy in those quarters. They didn't have many calm, collective moments together, and he was taking the moment to enjoy that one. "Three days. We'll try for two. That's taking a few shortcuts I haven't tried before, but we're likely to crash into land, sooner or later..." Like the womanizing pirate he is, he'd take some advantage of the necromancer's seat, weather worn hands admiring the texture of raptor-skin pants. "Doesn't anybody else know how to steal a ship? What're they teachin' these damn kids..?" His head fell heavy against the back of the chair to look toward the planked ceiling, cornered with cobwebs. He'd sigh the last of his words, warm lycan breath sweetened with rum fogging slightly in the cool night air. "Gonna have to go back for them if we stay..."
Tenebrae narrowed eyes that were cast downward as she thought. "Or.. we could send word. There's another ship..." She hadn't had the chance, or the inclination, to burden the rogue with news of the Labyrinth, which lurked off the coast of Cenril, probably not all that far from where they were, in nautical miles. Not that she'd know a nautical mile from an iguana. If he had any questions about the other craft, they'd have to wait for his lips to be free of hers, after she'd shifted to make sure she was facing him, feet planted to the boards and body leant forward for a kiss when he let out that ceilingward, rum-scented breath.
Leoxander was silenced, the rest of his concerns and questions a mystery, as she kept his whiskered mouth well occupied with her own. He was too invigorated by the scent of the sea, too comfortable in his own ship, to let a moment like that flit by without some effort on his part. Simply put, two lovers would kiss. But descriptively speaking, and impact like symbols would clash, unseen fireworks might erupt in the sky above the Eternity, and Jack would hear the clatter when Leo leaned too far back in his chair, so lost... and accidentally brought Tenebrae to the floor in an embrace that planned to take her down with him. Yet there was no laughter or apology to follow, which might indicate that a kiss like that wouldn't end any time soon. Outside the recently built door, the dog perked his ears cute and tilted his head, staring at the crack at the base near the floor. Behind a closed door, no doubt wicked plans were in progress, though his maps were entirely forgotten.