I will try to help. Mako responded.
Rook turns towards him, grins, and bows. A bow was a bit formal for his liking, but clapping Tharos on the back didnât seem like a good move either.
âAnd you, a fine Caelin! Many thanks.â
Nico, thus far had done nothing little to upset Rook. At the very least, he appeared to be a competent young man. An intellectual too, perhaps.
Rook awards him the right to speak without getting glared at.
A blatant lie. Count Coal was an infamous prisoner, yes, but he was never known to be a seafarer.
Rookâs eyes narrow.
[OOC might add a short filler paragraph here in the next couple of days, I was having trouble wording it]
âItâs rather disappointing. Youâve decorated yourself with armor and a worthy blade, yet youâre the least prepared for what is to come. At sea, looking NICE is nobodyâs concern â and if you think it is⌠perhaps you wouldâve been better off staying behind.â
He pauses for a moment, and then adds a final remark:
âSurely, the bartender at The Drunken Mule would have been delighted to hire a performer for the night.â
Rook grunts and sharply twists his body to face away from the rest of the group.
He had made his case. There was nothing to do now, but to wait. My fate rests in the hands of imbeciles.
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I will stay near to your ship. I can offer assistance when you need. However, knowledge of my existence by the wrong people could put me in danger, so call on me sparingly. The South Guardian withdraws his presence.
Mariner stopped moving towards the door, staring at the conversationâs participants. Ready to step in and break up the fight he was sure was about to start.
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Hmmm, this could be tricky, Jade thought. She scanned the room, and counting herself, there were eight people - no, seven, that odd man with the bandages covering his face had swiftly left the cabin almost as soon as she sat down. Jadeâs eyes narrowed. The rest of her shipmates, save for steely-eyed woman whom everyone else seemed to referring to as âAlexisâ and the fiery one who led her onboard, were all male, or at least appeared to be. A small detail, but one that might prove important later on. Meanwhile, the lot were busy conversing over who would be the new captain. Jade considered for a bit, but ultimately decided to stay out of this conversation, at least for now.
Probably better to use the time to study, and with that thought, Jade let her eyes wander about the room, and they fell on the strange armored being who had begun the conference. He seemed to have some semblance of command, perhaps he owned the ship? Either way, he didnât seem to be making much contributions to the talking, so Jadeâs eyes flicked to the next one, a hooded fellow who was apparently a Caelin, according to another man who looked as if he had knives coming out of his arms.
After analyzing the hooded man for a bit she turned her attention to the rest of the crew. These are the trickier ones, especially the remaining three.
First on the list was the aforementioned older weapon-handed man, âRookâ or âCount Coalâ as the others called him, whose hair and beard were grizzled and scraggly. But based on the conversation the rest were having, he seemed to have experience with this type of job. Note to self: make sure never to shake hands with him.
Next, there was a younger man, who had a cane and wore white gloves. Curiously, he had an X-shaped scar located on his left cheek, as well as a heavy black coat. He looked quite suspicious, but then that wasnât anything new. Odd, but then I donât suppose anyone on this crew would qualify as ânormalâ.
The final person Jade had yet to look over besides the one who had left was another younger man, but he looked much more dangerous than the rest. Or rather, because of his look. Scrutinizing and critical, Jade very much doubted he - or really, anyone else on this barge - was a slouch at combat.
She looked him over again. Like the man with the white gloves, he also carried a cane, but in a sheath at his side she noticed a rapier, and it was highly likely it wasnât just there for show. His clothing appeared very fine, navy-style, but rather interestingly his entire left arm was enshrouded in a short cape, completely obscuring it from ocular view.
Interesting. It seems theyâve all got something to hide, Jade thought, smoothing her cloak slightly and leaning back, her face remaining in a neutral expression.
Though Iâm not quite a stranger to that sort of mindset.
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Thank you. Mako replied. His head was full of thoughts.
He took a calming breath. I hope the winds smile upon us today.
He decided to descend into the ship, deeper down.
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As she looked at Dolphus, his expression of cool and calculated superiority over the situation slowly shifted into a defensive suspicion of his surroundings. While he did show some sign of his reactionary expression, he turned slowly to the right to share the expression with those away from Jade, curious if any of them had further comments to make on the topic.
Or, at least, curious outwardly. He didnât possess the ability to name what was happening, or the knowledge to describe what events lead him to possessing this ability, but perhaps it, like so much else, was a byproduct of being a Gorov. Iâm being looked at.
Turning the other way, Dolphus took extra care to see he did not properly acknowledge Jadeâs presence as he scanned the eyes present for a retort to his suggestion. He couldnât say for certain, but it seemed⌠Likely.
She would have to be watched very closely.
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The ship creaked and swayed as he descended. Moving in the powerful ocean currents Ghost Sailors passed Mako without too much of a glance. Politely moving out of the way to let him by. Below the cabin decks he reached the oar decks. Where ghost sailers sat in loose order. A small group of them playing some sort of game with cards.
Mariner felt slightly amused. Watching Jade spending so much time examining the other members, but passing over him with the barest of glances. It was refreshing to say the least. Already he liked the newcomer.
Mariner strode over to the door, opened it and walked back to his Cabin
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As Mariner departed, Dolphus could not help but watch him go.
âif you wish to hire a Sailor, Iâd try the docks. If however, you wish to talk to he who claims that as his name. You would do well to not mention his name again here. He is unwelcome here, as is his name.â
Had he been too calm, too trusting of his gracious host? Had he allowed his guard to drop once too often around this mysterious neâer-do-well, who desired the party to reach what they believed would be a decided union independent from the whims and wishes of Tharwin?
Or, perhaps, the designation had been faulty, and now that Mariner was away from the watchful eyes of the magic userâs unholy bodyguard, he had offered the vote to see how hands were played. It would make sense if the fellow were as conniving and corrupt as he could be, Regardless of his intent, however, the level of danger he presented was a completely unknown variable, and in Dolphusâ eyes, erring towards the side of caution meant he was extremely dangerous. At any point, this armored individual could turn, and then-
âA hand of a Hand⌠I suppose thatâd be a⌠Finger, yes thatâs the word.â
Dolphus frowned briefly as his eyes abandoned their quest of following the mysterious Mariner. I hope to high heaven heâs evil and plotting against us so I can gut him like a fish. âA Finger.â How utterly intolerable.
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Tharos rubbed his eyes. Somehow this twenty minute conversation felt as if it had been dragging on for the course of months. Unbeknownst to him his eyes were glowing softly again. Bringing his hands down firmly, but not violently, onto the table. Tharos stood up.
âLook, all of you have made some excellent points about who should be captain. However this matter has been dragged out far too much for its minimal import.â Tharos looks around. âI wish to express myself as well as I can. Being Captain comes with no extra privileges on this voyage. Only burdens.â
Settling himself back into his seat he took a moment to straighten his robes. âNow, as Caelin and highest ranking Armada representative on this ship, I shall proctor a vote. I will raise my hand and announce the name of one of our hopefuls. If you wish to vote for this hopeful simply raise your hand. You will have until I lower my hand to cast your vote. Majority wins. Now, needless to say I shall abstain.â
Tharos scanned the group. Raised his hand and in a clear voice called out. âAlexis.â
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Dolphus did not bother looking at Tharos as he began to speak.
Something else was on his mind, something he was sure he had felt only a moment ago, lost in the convoluted arguments of the moment. Something he had felt a few hours ago, knocking on the doorframe of parlor three of the Drunken Mule.
Was somebody there?
And now that the feeling had passed, as if it had never occurred, brought back uncomfortable memories of interactions with the same root which had caused his first feeling this strange presence⌠Magic.
That insufferable pox on the universe, which seemed to permeate every surface and every facet of life, demanding that all the uninfected associate themselves with this acursed idea that such nonsense is not only normal and socially acceptable, but beneficial for society as a whole and should be practiced at every turn, every waking moment, until thereâs nothing left in all of the universe except magic.
Dolphus pushed away the reminder that he was greatly hyperbolizing.
The instance of Hethilaâs wings came back into his consciousness. Why did the world have to have such obscenities and defiances of natural order like systems of Magic? and bizarre, unnerving winged people like Her? and-
Like me?
Dolphus swallowed hard to scrape the mask back together, hoping that nobody got a good look at him with a gieving expression looking into the grooves of the table. With an attempt at a casual air he turned, hand raised, towards Tharos, only to visibly recoil at the sight of his eyes apparently glowing? It was subtle enough, but the shadows of the room enhanced the mild glow to be impossible to miss.
And why? Had this condition occurred before here? It didnât seem so, but maybe⌠No, Dolphus was sure. He knew exactly what was going on. Maybe itâs the same stunt that Hethila tried to pull back in the Drunken Mule, and both of them, having the audacity to raise their hands against a Gorov? Well, ignore the inconsistency for a moment, as Dolphus was really just seeking a reason to be offended.
Regardless, it seemed most logical that Alexis would cheer him for taking a stand against the tyranny of these lunatics and their schools and systems, so with an eye roll and an irritated collapsing of his hand on the table, he groaned âMust we be using magic at a time like this?â
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âIâll count your vote⌠But whoâs using magic?â Tharos tilted his head to look at him curiously. As he does so thereâs a flick from beneath his hood, something small quickly darting out and back in. No larger than say a piece of string. But the way it moved, the motion, was more akin to a reptiles tongue. âI havenât detected a spike in residual energy levels.â
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Dolphus blinked.
Then he blinked again. Slower.
âI hope I donât appear as inept as that.â He tried very hard to pretend he didnât see any sort of indicator suggesting Tharos might actually be a very tall iguana putting on an act and instead handle issues one at a time, if such a thing is even possible. But he brushed the thought aside. âI was referring to you, and your usage of magic in this moment.â
âWhy else would your eyes be glowing?â
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Alexis chose to remain quiet. For obvious reasons, voting for herself would surely indicate to the crew that she was only pursuing the position of captain for the higher rank and potential glory. However, in truth Alexis simply did not care, for the glory that is; What she wanted was to just get this whole ordeal over with, and get the information she wanted.
Then again, is that really all too different from seeking glory?
Perhaps, but the only other person in this room vying for the position is⌠Well, the best way to put it is Eccentric.
Alexis was more than aware of the conversation currently taking place, and while she too was quite intrigued to see where this interaction was going, this was not the time to have. Alexis delivered a quick snap of her fingers under the table and glanced at Dolphus, hopefully he would correctly interpret the request for him to focus.
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Tharos scoffed, âMy eyes do not glow, human. That is why Iâm in this realm to begin with.â He shook his head slowly. âIf I were using magic it would be obvious.â
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Dolphusâ cool, confident attitude and demeanor fell on the ground and shattered across the floor in a sweeping crash so loud it was almost audible. The callous eye and tone with which he surveyed and commanded the world around him was gone, and the eyes which turned to meet Alexisâ were not the same that had stared down Mariner at the dock. They were shaking, mortified. The implication of the snap was clearer than if the words were written down and read aloud.
He screwed up.
His head turned back, both relieved and distressed at no longer looking at Alexis. The words were processed, along with the peculiar implications. His face did not change, nervously frozen as his eyes traveled between his hands and his face repeatedly, to see if perhaps they might strike him.
Motherâs wouldnât. But, that wasnât her, was it? Only a poor lookalike with no interest in such a selfish thing. And yet⌠She had corrected him. Gone out of her way to do so, perhaps even embarrassing herself in the process. Was this a comfort? If it was, it was a conflicting comfort.
Dolphusâ neck had tried to turn his head back towards Alexis, but the tugging muscle did little to move him. Finding minimal strength in the conflicting thoughts, he presented enough effort to squint at Tharos suspiciously and turn back to studying the table, the grooves appearing to grow deeper and deeper the longer he looked.
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Mako walked over towards the small group of Sailors playing their game, before asking politely: âWhat game is this?â
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The four sailors looked up at him. One spoke, âItâs called Fleet, ever played?â He looks back at his cards, âI do believe I win lads, shall we play another hand?â
Tharos glared at Dolphus freely from beneath his hood, how had he known? Such a specific jab, but Tharos was sure no one else knew. Well besides Tharwyn, and now the entire crew
âDonât forget us.â Came the sleepy voice of one of his eternal tormentors.
Tharos wasnât listening, he was too wrapped up in memories.
Raising his hand against a sudden harsh light, Tharos blinked slowly and looked around. He was sitting in an alley, like many that could be found around his home. This alley however was filled with more light than Tharos had seen in his life. He took a breath, the air tasted⌠Strange.
A sudden noise alerted him to a creature watching him from the rooftops. It was a curious beast, it possessed two thin legs, and a small rounded head that bobbed as it paced trying to get a good look at him. Tharos slowly got up, then gaining his feet, broke into a run. Trying to get away from this terrifying monster.
It was then Tharos ran right into a second monster, literally. As Tharos fell to the ground again he looked up. What he saw was familiar, but alien. It looked like an person, but bigger, bulkier and far uglier.
The creature made an equally ugly sound of Delight. âDolv! Come here! I found a little freak.â As it spoke, it reached for him with a hand the size of Tharosâ head
Tharos tried to get away but the giant was quicker. Hand closing about his wrist, it wrenched him up to itâs eye level. His shoulder feeling ready to tear, Tharos could do nothing but dangle there as a second giant examined him.
âYeah, thatâs a Sunthralli all rightâ the one called Dolv chuckled, âIâll get the kids to prep some stones. Should be fun for them.â It leaned in real close to Tharos. " Hope you can run little one, donât wanna spoil the game too quickly."
Tears began to form in Tharosâ eyes, as it hit him. This wasnât a dream, heâd failed his father somehow. This was his punishment. He recognized these creature now, the subject of every scary story heâd been read. Humans.
He knew they were going to hurt him. He tried to kick, and fight. Working every muscle he had to get free, but it was pointless. The large brute held firm, and kicked him in return.
As the air was driven out of Tharosâ body he began to cry freely. Trying to catch his breath he felt something welling up inside. An intense heat that kept building hotter and hotter. It hurt, but it didnât stop. More and more this agony until eventually it disappeared. Tharos felt himself fall.
He hit the stones on his knees, not wasting this opportunity he pushed himself up and ran. Readying himself to duck under a grasping arm, but it never came. Tharos made it to the end of the alley safely. Looking back he saw the human that was holding him flailing around in a panic, somehow it had caught fire. Thinking his luck had turned for the better, he turned back towards the street.
His jaw dropped, he started to hyperventilate. The street was packed with more humans. Tharos hesitated, one human had been bad enough. There was no way he could get away from them all. Sudden heavy footfalls from behind told him the first human had managed to extinguish itself. Tharos had no choice, he ran out into the street.
Ducking and weaving his way through the crowds, he kept his head down, hoping he wouldnât be noticed. He glanced up and saw another alley opening, his only chance. Tharos ran for it, slipping around the clumsy humans with ease. Halfway now, he could almost see the end of the crowd, when he collided with something solid.
Noise from the crowd told him heâd been noticed, but strangely they sounded concerned? Perhaps they thought he was one of their young. A cool shade fell over him, and a surprisingly gentle voice spoke to him. "Are you alright little one?â
Tharos tried to nod without looking up, but as he tried to push himself up, he felt another large hand close on him. This hand was as gentle as the voice though, and Tharos found himself back on his feet.
âYou know, you should watch where youâre going. Where are your parents?â
Tharos fought back tears, where were his parents? Certainly not here. He risked a quick glance at the Human, and his eyes widened This Human had a shapeless face of metal. To scared to speak he tried to back away.
âNo need to be afraid little one, I wonât hurt you. My name is Tharwyn. Iâll help you find them.â
Tharos blinked back tears, eyes no longer glowing. Looking back now, he had found his real father then. He just couldnât see it.
Taking a breath to calm himself, he cleared his voice, âIf there are no further votesâ he brought his hand down. Then raised his other. âRook Andreasâ
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Dolphus seemed to notice his being stared at, for his head had begun to move before Tharosâ reverie, and was looking at him before he called the next vote.
Dolphusâ mask was having a difficult time reclaiming its rightful place in the room. Concern danced out of his eyes, as the realization struck that Captain Alexisâ title and position was hanging by a very fine thread.
Why had she not voted for herself? Did she not want the position? No, surely, or she would have objected in some manner when it was taken for granted. She must have abstained for professional reasons. Yes, thatâs what father would do. When he had the room in his control and called a vote-
No. He could feel his knuckles tighten. She would be better than that.
And no one else had voted, either. Were they paying any attention at all? Didnât they realize the utter disaster that lay before them - that the whim and fancy of the shipâs course and their own actions were at risk of dictation by this disheveled devil? Worse, too; if Rook became captain, he would be free to step all over any navigational advice he himself may have to offer, or take out a petty vengeance against him for making the case against him.
It would be Sickle Setroth - but with power.
Dolphusâ head stayed in position, aimed somewhat towards Tharos. But his eyes, fearfully, were looking between the table and the edge of his peripheral vision, picturing the people just beyond it⌠And Rookâs arm just in view.
I donât imagine I will sleep tonight. No matter the vote, Iâve made myself an enemy.
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Rook, his back still facing the crew listened silently.
Dolphus was like a child complaining about needing to tidy their room. No, a childâs willingness to live in a filthy hovel is but innocent ignorance. In a way, it demonstrates personal dignity. At least, it had felt so when he was a young boy.
Rather, it was like a child complaining about receiving for their birthday a silver coin instead of a gold one.
Rook raises his arm and cranes his neck back to survey the lot. A thick lock of hair drops and settles between his black eyes as he shifts his hawk-like gaze to meet those of each crewmate.
In the hands of imbeciles. Who, then, will raise their hand?
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âHow does it work?â Mako asked, appreciating the friendliness of the sailors.
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