OOC: underlying uniforms of their order, does that includes boots?
IC:
Thrandil looked at William and said "Look Block (not using William nor Chips), I resent this as much as you do, so shut up unless you've got something useful to say. You can call me Hunter. And what would make us heroes? The loss of a boat and many of it's innocent crew? No thanks. I'm as much a normal person as you are.".
Turning to Dray he continued in Elven "Leave him be, Dray. I know I'm not, say... nice to the man, but I don't think you'd do much better now we're here. Try to get to the Magpie's crew and talk to them. See if they can give any information about this boat. And don't burn a thing. It's too hazardous for now. Too many armed men, hostile men, aboard.".
With that, he turned back to William, "How long have you been here?"
The Chase (Draydis and Thrandil)
Moderator: Mods
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Draydis Quinn D`Anorre
- Wolf, Commander Emerald Guard
- Posts: 1388
- Joined: Fri Feb 07, 2003 4:26 pm
- Location: Citadel
- Contact:
"I been here for four days. We'll be here for another five or six, I bet, locked up down here with the rats and this old hull that makes..." he responded, spitting at the wall of boards that held the sea water out. The boards were tightly joined and caulked, but even still a fine trickle of water worked it's way in to the ship with every new shift the vessel made. The floor was damp with this water, and the old hay that covered it had long since rotted or been feasted upon by vermin, leaving only their refuse in their wake. It wasn't long before the elves were damp from the trickle of water that seemed to permeate everything down here.
"But they won't kill us. No, not if'n we don't give 'em any trouble. They'll just put us ashore, I bet, as soon as they head back west for the straights. Have you mates ever seen Pirate's Duchy? I figure that's where they'll take us and drop us off, for good or for ill. Of course, you won't have anything to your name, but at least you might find work there. Honest work, and not that thieving piracy they do so much of."
(OOC: No boots, just the clothes)
(OOC: Next Scene, Timestamp indeterminate)
There's just no telling how long they were down in the locker rooms. Without a break to go on deck or stretch their legs, Draydis and Thrandil were left in the inky darkness for days, though how many they could not tell. They were fed irregularly, and their meals ranged from hard peas, weevil-infested biscuit, or salted beef that almost seemed hard enough to cut through the hull of the ship. Only water was plentiful, and the foul-tasting water they received was often washed down from at least two decks above them.
But their wait was not monotonous. Every now and again, the door to the lockers would open and the massive form of the half-giant would appear, reach in, and collect one of the prisoners for some fate up above. The prisoners so removed were never returned. When their turn came, the half-giant peeked his head in and actually spoke, something he had not yet done. "Emerald Guards. Are you two still alive? You can come with me...you're wanted up top..." declared the massive form, motioning for them to follow.
"But they won't kill us. No, not if'n we don't give 'em any trouble. They'll just put us ashore, I bet, as soon as they head back west for the straights. Have you mates ever seen Pirate's Duchy? I figure that's where they'll take us and drop us off, for good or for ill. Of course, you won't have anything to your name, but at least you might find work there. Honest work, and not that thieving piracy they do so much of."
(OOC: No boots, just the clothes)
(OOC: Next Scene, Timestamp indeterminate)
There's just no telling how long they were down in the locker rooms. Without a break to go on deck or stretch their legs, Draydis and Thrandil were left in the inky darkness for days, though how many they could not tell. They were fed irregularly, and their meals ranged from hard peas, weevil-infested biscuit, or salted beef that almost seemed hard enough to cut through the hull of the ship. Only water was plentiful, and the foul-tasting water they received was often washed down from at least two decks above them.
But their wait was not monotonous. Every now and again, the door to the lockers would open and the massive form of the half-giant would appear, reach in, and collect one of the prisoners for some fate up above. The prisoners so removed were never returned. When their turn came, the half-giant peeked his head in and actually spoke, something he had not yet done. "Emerald Guards. Are you two still alive? You can come with me...you're wanted up top..." declared the massive form, motioning for them to follow.
Last edited by Grant on Wed May 05, 2004 5:29 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Elevie
The bright sunshine makes both elves wince, convering their eyes until they have readjusted to the glare. But the fresh air smells and feels wonderful, as does the sun, which is peeking through a bank of clouds that show rain will be coming back soon enough.
Thran and Dray are escorted through the deck, which is crowded with sailors of all descriptions, all of whom seem to be busy with some task and pay the two little mind, except to exchange curious or knowing looks with one another. The half- giant ushers them up to the forecastle which is empty save for one or two others and a figure bent over a small table, looking at a chart spread out across it.
From behind, the figure is nearly indistinguishable from the others- but the cream colored moleskin breeches fit perhaps more snugly than they would on a man, and the quilted leather jerkin of deep blue is nipped in and tightly cinched around a narrow waist, with a heavy black leather belt, showing the flare of breast and hip. High black boots of supple leather have been folded over at her thighs and cross tied with strips of cloth, as if they might have previously had a larger owner.
Puffs of linen from a loose undershirt have been pulled through the dagged velvet sleeves laced to the jerkin and these are tied with fanciful ribbons ending in small silver bells. A thong of leather ties back hair that is noticable for its amazing color- a silky platinum, neither blonde nor gold nor white, seeming to catch all the light in its strands, although it is not much longer than the figure's shoulders, and seems to have been almost hacked off, although some attempt has been made to even it.
Turning to the half-giant a female voice issues from this person, saying crisply, but with a touch of humor,
"Thank you Mister Spyer, for retrieving them for me, that will be all for now. Take this chart down below for me, will you?"
Spinning abruptly about on black leather toes, a female elf confronts the two Emerald Guardsmen and says,
"Ah, yes... now we have the two of you. I am told you were aboard the Magpie when she keeled over. What were you doing there?"
She crosses her arms and waits for a reply. She is very beautiful, but there is a keeness to her; an eagerness as she leans forward. It is almost as if she had been expecting them- but is angered to see them, all the same.
Thran and Dray are escorted through the deck, which is crowded with sailors of all descriptions, all of whom seem to be busy with some task and pay the two little mind, except to exchange curious or knowing looks with one another. The half- giant ushers them up to the forecastle which is empty save for one or two others and a figure bent over a small table, looking at a chart spread out across it.
From behind, the figure is nearly indistinguishable from the others- but the cream colored moleskin breeches fit perhaps more snugly than they would on a man, and the quilted leather jerkin of deep blue is nipped in and tightly cinched around a narrow waist, with a heavy black leather belt, showing the flare of breast and hip. High black boots of supple leather have been folded over at her thighs and cross tied with strips of cloth, as if they might have previously had a larger owner.
Puffs of linen from a loose undershirt have been pulled through the dagged velvet sleeves laced to the jerkin and these are tied with fanciful ribbons ending in small silver bells. A thong of leather ties back hair that is noticable for its amazing color- a silky platinum, neither blonde nor gold nor white, seeming to catch all the light in its strands, although it is not much longer than the figure's shoulders, and seems to have been almost hacked off, although some attempt has been made to even it.
Turning to the half-giant a female voice issues from this person, saying crisply, but with a touch of humor,
"Thank you Mister Spyer, for retrieving them for me, that will be all for now. Take this chart down below for me, will you?"
Spinning abruptly about on black leather toes, a female elf confronts the two Emerald Guardsmen and says,
"Ah, yes... now we have the two of you. I am told you were aboard the Magpie when she keeled over. What were you doing there?"
She crosses her arms and waits for a reply. She is very beautiful, but there is a keeness to her; an eagerness as she leans forward. It is almost as if she had been expecting them- but is angered to see them, all the same.
Last edited by Elevie on Thu May 06, 2004 2:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Thrandil
Thran took a good look at what was happening and held an eye out for anything unsuspected.
As the pirate lady turned around, the most unsuspected happened. His jaw dropped and he was staring at the woman, his mind working at the speed of a hare. That hair... that face... I know her, but from what? he thought and a moment later it all fell in place.
Of course! The dream I had about a few days ago, back on shore. It's her... our goal. It's Elevie, with the same beautiful hair and the delicate face... But what is her outfit good for and why is she commanding these men? he thought and frowned.
He took a step forward, giving her a nod to greet her and spoke "Let me introduce us. I am Thrandil Mael-Muire and this is Draydis Quin d'Anorre, of the Emerald Guard. We're at your service, lady, or do you prefer to go by the name of Elevie?". He waited for the expression on her face on the mention of the Emerald Guard and her name, looking if she got angry or was somewhat shocked by it.
Before Draydis got a chance to open his mouth or for Elevie to reply to this, Thran continued "So why this masquerade? Why commandeering these sailors... these pirates? Why did they take you or did you go along willingly? Don't you want to marry to Balthasar?". He kept looking in her eyes to see if there was any emotion when he spoke his words.
OOC: I think we can assume that Dray and Thran know about Balthasar's and Elevie's to be marriage, right? If it has been told IC already, never mind this.
As the pirate lady turned around, the most unsuspected happened. His jaw dropped and he was staring at the woman, his mind working at the speed of a hare. That hair... that face... I know her, but from what? he thought and a moment later it all fell in place.
Of course! The dream I had about a few days ago, back on shore. It's her... our goal. It's Elevie, with the same beautiful hair and the delicate face... But what is her outfit good for and why is she commanding these men? he thought and frowned.
He took a step forward, giving her a nod to greet her and spoke "Let me introduce us. I am Thrandil Mael-Muire and this is Draydis Quin d'Anorre, of the Emerald Guard. We're at your service, lady, or do you prefer to go by the name of Elevie?". He waited for the expression on her face on the mention of the Emerald Guard and her name, looking if she got angry or was somewhat shocked by it.
Before Draydis got a chance to open his mouth or for Elevie to reply to this, Thran continued "So why this masquerade? Why commandeering these sailors... these pirates? Why did they take you or did you go along willingly? Don't you want to marry to Balthasar?". He kept looking in her eyes to see if there was any emotion when he spoke his words.
OOC: I think we can assume that Dray and Thran know about Balthasar's and Elevie's to be marriage, right? If it has been told IC already, never mind this.
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Draydis Quinn D`Anorre
- Wolf, Commander Emerald Guard
- Posts: 1388
- Joined: Fri Feb 07, 2003 4:26 pm
- Location: Citadel
- Contact:
Dray was about to reply when Thran launched into his questioning of the woman. ~Elvie????~ Dray looked at Thran like he was crazy, and just waited for the woman to reply. He had no idea if what his friend said was true, but he could feel his face heat up from a bit of anger. ~She was commanding this ship all along and we could have died!~ Only the fact that she might be the member of royalty that they had searched for kept him in check....well, and the three hundred pirates that would readily kill him and dump him into the waters below.
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Elevie
At Thrandil's outburst, the elf's face grows a touch cooler and she says in a low but carrying voice,
"Mr. Spyer? If you should keep everyone OFF the forecastle until I am finished here, I should consider it a very great favor."
Waiting until the half giant has taken the chart and gone off, she just stares at the two elves in front of her, giving them a chance to observe her more closely as well.
The first thing Thrandil and Dray might notice is the edge of a fine red line marring one high cheekbone. It looks as if the skin had split slightly under some blow, and although the scar will most likely fade to nothing in time, the skin under and around it is the ugly ochre of a faded bruise.
There are also marks around the lady's neck, reddish and sensitive looking, as if the skin is but newly healed and was recently raw and swollen. The silver torque of a member of the royal family does not rest upon her collarbones either- it is nowhere to be seen.
The blue eyes are as brilliant and lovely as Thrandil recalls from his dream- and the face is lovely too- but thinner, honed down by some privitation, her cheekbones stark and her skin more tanned by the sun than the pale delicacy he recalls from his dream.
Once the half- giant is gone, she says quietly but with some urgency,
"You may call me Elevie. My title is not completely unknown here, but to mouth it about freely will not earn me any credit here and may endanger us as well. I command nothing here- I do NOT wish it said that I seek command here-ever! Do you understand? I am merely a member of the crew who has proved to have skills of some value to the Captain, that is all."
She looks at the two of them, two spots of color appearing on her cheeks as her mouth snaps shut and she attempts to encompass some raw emotion before responding further. Finally she replies, spitting the words out softly and distinctly,
"I am here- now- of my own free will yes. Do not dare imply that I left Kings Court in such a way!" There is barely controlled rage and anguish in her icy voice.
"Who has sent you? My aunt? The Prince? They command me no longer- I renounce any claims I had upon them. By the blood of my kin and of my friends, I have had enough of them. If your task was to seek me- at last! you have found me out. Someday there shall be vengance upon those who slaughtered my friends and kin. But until that day...myself, I will live a free life."
She swallows hard and shakes her head slowly, the raggedly cropped hair fluttering in the breeze like a tattered platinum flag.
"This is no masqe, sir Guards. You speak with a mate of the black ship Attitca and I have recieved a fairer treatment since I came aboard her than I had gotten in many a long day" She glances down the short steps where the tall half giant stands, and smiles faintly.
" There are some things which you cannot judge evenly enough- until you have other, darker measure to reckon them against."
"Mr. Spyer? If you should keep everyone OFF the forecastle until I am finished here, I should consider it a very great favor."
Waiting until the half giant has taken the chart and gone off, she just stares at the two elves in front of her, giving them a chance to observe her more closely as well.
The first thing Thrandil and Dray might notice is the edge of a fine red line marring one high cheekbone. It looks as if the skin had split slightly under some blow, and although the scar will most likely fade to nothing in time, the skin under and around it is the ugly ochre of a faded bruise.
There are also marks around the lady's neck, reddish and sensitive looking, as if the skin is but newly healed and was recently raw and swollen. The silver torque of a member of the royal family does not rest upon her collarbones either- it is nowhere to be seen.
The blue eyes are as brilliant and lovely as Thrandil recalls from his dream- and the face is lovely too- but thinner, honed down by some privitation, her cheekbones stark and her skin more tanned by the sun than the pale delicacy he recalls from his dream.
Once the half- giant is gone, she says quietly but with some urgency,
"You may call me Elevie. My title is not completely unknown here, but to mouth it about freely will not earn me any credit here and may endanger us as well. I command nothing here- I do NOT wish it said that I seek command here-ever! Do you understand? I am merely a member of the crew who has proved to have skills of some value to the Captain, that is all."
She looks at the two of them, two spots of color appearing on her cheeks as her mouth snaps shut and she attempts to encompass some raw emotion before responding further. Finally she replies, spitting the words out softly and distinctly,
"I am here- now- of my own free will yes. Do not dare imply that I left Kings Court in such a way!" There is barely controlled rage and anguish in her icy voice.
"Who has sent you? My aunt? The Prince? They command me no longer- I renounce any claims I had upon them. By the blood of my kin and of my friends, I have had enough of them. If your task was to seek me- at last! you have found me out. Someday there shall be vengance upon those who slaughtered my friends and kin. But until that day...myself, I will live a free life."
She swallows hard and shakes her head slowly, the raggedly cropped hair fluttering in the breeze like a tattered platinum flag.
"This is no masqe, sir Guards. You speak with a mate of the black ship Attitca and I have recieved a fairer treatment since I came aboard her than I had gotten in many a long day" She glances down the short steps where the tall half giant stands, and smiles faintly.
" There are some things which you cannot judge evenly enough- until you have other, darker measure to reckon them against."
Last edited by Elevie on Sun May 09, 2004 9:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Thrandil
Thran had fire in his eyes and said "First of all, don't call us sir Guards. We're mere trainees. Second of all, keep us out here and set us ashore as soon as possible near King's Court. If you give us your royal belongings, Dray and I will make sure they will arrive with your cousin, Draesl, who is hurt deeply by the fact you had been taken away.".
He took a short stop and continued "I do not say you are doing the wrong things. You are trying to find yourself and real love instead of the prearranged marriage with Balthasar. Go for it, but stay ashore. Not for your kin, nor our court. Do it for us, or quite frankly, me. At least give a way to contact you, Elevie.". By the memory of what had happened in his dream, tears welled up in his eyes.
"Mr. Spyer, I think our business is done here." Thran called out at the half giant, looking at Elevie. "It's your choice. The rolling sea or the waving grasslands." he said and turned to Dray. "Time to leave, boy. She has spoken." were his last words before turning around and moving slowly for the deck.
Just before leaving the castle he turned around and said "Maybe you can arrange that we get our belongings back? We would be grateful for that.".
His hair loose, he let his head hang down, trying to hide his eyes and the pain on his face. She could've done so much... it could've been so great... he thought and strolled further to the deck.
He took a short stop and continued "I do not say you are doing the wrong things. You are trying to find yourself and real love instead of the prearranged marriage with Balthasar. Go for it, but stay ashore. Not for your kin, nor our court. Do it for us, or quite frankly, me. At least give a way to contact you, Elevie.". By the memory of what had happened in his dream, tears welled up in his eyes.
"Mr. Spyer, I think our business is done here." Thran called out at the half giant, looking at Elevie. "It's your choice. The rolling sea or the waving grasslands." he said and turned to Dray. "Time to leave, boy. She has spoken." were his last words before turning around and moving slowly for the deck.
Just before leaving the castle he turned around and said "Maybe you can arrange that we get our belongings back? We would be grateful for that.".
His hair loose, he let his head hang down, trying to hide his eyes and the pain on his face. She could've done so much... it could've been so great... he thought and strolled further to the deck.
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Draydis Quinn D`Anorre
- Wolf, Commander Emerald Guard
- Posts: 1388
- Joined: Fri Feb 07, 2003 4:26 pm
- Location: Citadel
- Contact:
Dray finally spoke...remembering the motivating speeches he and Thran had given to the men of the Magpie to encourage them to risk their lives to rescue the princess.....how they valiantly strove to make the Magpie fight against the wind as they began their attack of the Attica. How they now appeared to die for a cause which never really existed...how Dray and Thran had led them to their deaths only to find the princess was a willing member of this pirate crew. His nerves had calmed, and his temper had subsided...a calm had replaced the heated thoughts that tumbled around his mind.
"Many men died helping us to find you, m'lady." Gesturing towards Thran, "They did so upon our request...they died at our command. The captain of the Magpie watched as his vessel and cargo sunk below the waters...all to help us facilitate your rescue." Dray shook his head. "The families of those men...who once could have been heroes for helping to return you from your captors are now no longer so." The wood elf looked sad. "I failed in protecting them from harm as I had intended." Dray looked down for a few moments, then returned his gaze to Elvie. "Have the survivors of the Magpie been released? Would it be possible to have Tom compensated for the loss he suffered today?"
Dray scowled at Thran's comment of, boy...."I'm a year older than you, Thran mind you." ~Why does he try to command me...we're both the same rank...same experience in the Guard.~ Dray looked back at Elvie and didn't move to follow Thran. He didn't care about his own equipment, but wanted to make sure that the men that died did not do so in vain...he wanted to make sure that those that survived would see their families again, and that his word to lead them to reward would not be untrue. When Thrandil looked at him, Dray simply placed his finger first on his rune tattoo for 'honor' and then moved it to 'duty'...hoping his friend would understand why he was not yet finished with the conversation.
"Many men died helping us to find you, m'lady." Gesturing towards Thran, "They did so upon our request...they died at our command. The captain of the Magpie watched as his vessel and cargo sunk below the waters...all to help us facilitate your rescue." Dray shook his head. "The families of those men...who once could have been heroes for helping to return you from your captors are now no longer so." The wood elf looked sad. "I failed in protecting them from harm as I had intended." Dray looked down for a few moments, then returned his gaze to Elvie. "Have the survivors of the Magpie been released? Would it be possible to have Tom compensated for the loss he suffered today?"
Dray scowled at Thran's comment of, boy...."I'm a year older than you, Thran mind you." ~Why does he try to command me...we're both the same rank...same experience in the Guard.~ Dray looked back at Elvie and didn't move to follow Thran. He didn't care about his own equipment, but wanted to make sure that the men that died did not do so in vain...he wanted to make sure that those that survived would see their families again, and that his word to lead them to reward would not be untrue. When Thrandil looked at him, Dray simply placed his finger first on his rune tattoo for 'honor' and then moved it to 'duty'...hoping his friend would understand why he was not yet finished with the conversation.
Last edited by Draydis Quinn D`Anorre on Mon May 10, 2004 3:14 am, edited 3 times in total.
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Thrandil
Thran looked at Dray, tears in his eyes, and followed the finger to the tattoos. "Sorry Dray, this time not for me. Something personal got in the way, and that would mean for me to take this course of action or desertion. Go on, I'll ask someone to return me to where I'll have to stay, whether it's down there again or a more comfortable place." he said, and started walking up to Mr. Spyer again, unless there are more interruptions.
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Elevie
Elevie's mouth drops open in shock and in three quick strides- she is tall for an elf- she has crossed the deck between them and reached out to grab hold of Thrandil's arm, her grip surprisingly strong as she says with desperate intensity,
"My cousin Draesl? How can that be? She is dead- wounded beyond saving, I saw her fall! She was the last to defend myself and-" her voice breaks and she chokes out,
"Myself and Treis... they shot Draesl down and then..."
Elevie stops speaking and makes an obvious effort to get herself together, but does not release Thrandil's arm, looking from one of them to the other before saying softly,
"You make it sound as if I had a real choice. To be set free once more- with the bastards-" she does not hesitate to use the word- "that took me? To place myself in their hands once more? Or to stay here and work for a time? It is the same choice all are given- the one you and your crewmen will be given as well."
"It was... so long. They put a slavers' collar around my neck and kept my head in a bag. I was drugged much of the time and had... the strangest dreams. I did not - I grew to think that no one was coming at all. That is what they taunted me with, over and over again..."
She meets Thrandil's eyes and says evenly,
"And is that what you think? That I - who have never had a life NOT bounded by duty or the knowlege of my responsibilities- seek independence or-" she almost snorts-"love? Do you really think my reasons so small, or so personal?"
Then she addresses Dray with a nod, saying
"Yes, and as you failed the responsibility you took on, so too did I fail my folk as well. The people of Kings Court and its Prince care not for me- any elvish lady would do for their next queen. And my own folk... I think that perhaps they too will be better off without me. I was... not enough to prevent what happened to them, and I have changed since my... captivity."
She gives a short and bitter laugh and then says,
"Perhaps they would be even more shocked and horrified than the two of you are now, yes? But I cannot change what has happened- only move on from it and try to cobble together a life as I may."
"My cousin Draesl? How can that be? She is dead- wounded beyond saving, I saw her fall! She was the last to defend myself and-" her voice breaks and she chokes out,
"Myself and Treis... they shot Draesl down and then..."
Elevie stops speaking and makes an obvious effort to get herself together, but does not release Thrandil's arm, looking from one of them to the other before saying softly,
"You make it sound as if I had a real choice. To be set free once more- with the bastards-" she does not hesitate to use the word- "that took me? To place myself in their hands once more? Or to stay here and work for a time? It is the same choice all are given- the one you and your crewmen will be given as well."
"It was... so long. They put a slavers' collar around my neck and kept my head in a bag. I was drugged much of the time and had... the strangest dreams. I did not - I grew to think that no one was coming at all. That is what they taunted me with, over and over again..."
She meets Thrandil's eyes and says evenly,
"And is that what you think? That I - who have never had a life NOT bounded by duty or the knowlege of my responsibilities- seek independence or-" she almost snorts-"love? Do you really think my reasons so small, or so personal?"
Then she addresses Dray with a nod, saying
"Yes, and as you failed the responsibility you took on, so too did I fail my folk as well. The people of Kings Court and its Prince care not for me- any elvish lady would do for their next queen. And my own folk... I think that perhaps they too will be better off without me. I was... not enough to prevent what happened to them, and I have changed since my... captivity."
She gives a short and bitter laugh and then says,
"Perhaps they would be even more shocked and horrified than the two of you are now, yes? But I cannot change what has happened- only move on from it and try to cobble together a life as I may."
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Thrandil
Anger and pity for the princess were the emotions Thran tried to conceal for her. He now took a hold of her himself and looked in her eyes.
"You are my superior, as being the princess, for as long as you haven't given me any order to tell my commander and your queen you have stepped out of the family. I have learned to be honest with my superiors and can brag to anyone outside the Guard about my doing. Do you think I would lie to you about Draesl Grittain? It was her who used her amulet to shape a bond between Draydis, you and me. A bond which gave me a few visions of you in captivity, visions that kept us going for I couldn't bear the suffering you had to withstand. She is alive and waiting for you to return." he said, hoping to convince her of those facts. "Many have died and we've seen the bodies, but she wasn't among them. You still have your chance to return, Elevie." he continued.
"If all get that choice, make the same as we do. To get off the boat at a good point. Come with us and return to those who care much about you. To Draesl and..." he hesitated for a moment, "others."
"Did you ever believe that your kinsman would not go after kidnapped royals? That you would be left to die? Nay! Never shall the Emerald Guard do that, unless it would mean the destruction of our kingdom."
"I don't say your reasons are that small or personal. What do you think of the reason that you would have to marry Balthasar and carry the responsibility for two kingdoms in the future? You might think that you are not good enough to be a queen of Tel'Aranae Quessir, nor that of King's Court, but you can. You need to believe in yourself, and, most important, try changing. You know that our kingdom can't stay the way it is now. Change is what will do good for the future, but only you can do that. It is you who can try to talk the queen into changes, not us, the common folk."
"You might have changed, Elevie, but the people need you. It was not your fault what has happened and it was not you who should protect, but the Guard. Our kinsmen would be inspired once more upon your return. If we can bring you back alive, and you will come willingly, they'll see that we, Elves, can overcome anything that comes in our path. Be there for them, for us, and for yourself. Don't let your head hang down. Tell your aunt that you won't marry Balthasar. He can't do anything against us. His kingdom is disorganised and not all of his folk support him. Convince your aunt that it would be better for Tel Aranae Quessir to keep to their own. I would support you."
"You want to move on? Come back to the kingdom with us. Sure the people will be shocked, but they will also be confident of what all of us can do. More important, they see that they have an heir to the throne that's strong physically as well as mentally. Do it, Elevie. Come with us for your folk, for Draesl, and for..." he stopped to sigh and continued "for me...".
A tear ran down his cheek as he let his head hang down again. He blushed and tried to hide it, once again, with his hair, hoping the princess wouldn't notice.
"You are my superior, as being the princess, for as long as you haven't given me any order to tell my commander and your queen you have stepped out of the family. I have learned to be honest with my superiors and can brag to anyone outside the Guard about my doing. Do you think I would lie to you about Draesl Grittain? It was her who used her amulet to shape a bond between Draydis, you and me. A bond which gave me a few visions of you in captivity, visions that kept us going for I couldn't bear the suffering you had to withstand. She is alive and waiting for you to return." he said, hoping to convince her of those facts. "Many have died and we've seen the bodies, but she wasn't among them. You still have your chance to return, Elevie." he continued.
"If all get that choice, make the same as we do. To get off the boat at a good point. Come with us and return to those who care much about you. To Draesl and..." he hesitated for a moment, "others."
"Did you ever believe that your kinsman would not go after kidnapped royals? That you would be left to die? Nay! Never shall the Emerald Guard do that, unless it would mean the destruction of our kingdom."
"I don't say your reasons are that small or personal. What do you think of the reason that you would have to marry Balthasar and carry the responsibility for two kingdoms in the future? You might think that you are not good enough to be a queen of Tel'Aranae Quessir, nor that of King's Court, but you can. You need to believe in yourself, and, most important, try changing. You know that our kingdom can't stay the way it is now. Change is what will do good for the future, but only you can do that. It is you who can try to talk the queen into changes, not us, the common folk."
"You might have changed, Elevie, but the people need you. It was not your fault what has happened and it was not you who should protect, but the Guard. Our kinsmen would be inspired once more upon your return. If we can bring you back alive, and you will come willingly, they'll see that we, Elves, can overcome anything that comes in our path. Be there for them, for us, and for yourself. Don't let your head hang down. Tell your aunt that you won't marry Balthasar. He can't do anything against us. His kingdom is disorganised and not all of his folk support him. Convince your aunt that it would be better for Tel Aranae Quessir to keep to their own. I would support you."
"You want to move on? Come back to the kingdom with us. Sure the people will be shocked, but they will also be confident of what all of us can do. More important, they see that they have an heir to the throne that's strong physically as well as mentally. Do it, Elevie. Come with us for your folk, for Draesl, and for..." he stopped to sigh and continued "for me...".
A tear ran down his cheek as he let his head hang down again. He blushed and tried to hide it, once again, with his hair, hoping the princess wouldn't notice.
Last edited by Thrandil on Mon May 10, 2004 10:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
Elevie
Elevie drops Thrandil's arm and stands straight and cool , looking ahead as the ship runs with the waves, the wind blowing back her hair to reveal her profile clearly as she listens to Thrandil, not looking at either him or Dray.
Her brilliant eyes close as if in pain when Thrandil assures her that the Emerald Guard would never have abandonded her, and finally she whispers,
"Draesl is alive then, and whole. I- I will believe you since you say this is true. But what of Ceruien? What of the Avatar? They- did not come to look for me as well? Tell me that aught has befallen them as well?"
She continues to keep her eyes tightly shut, as if the pressure of seeing as well as hearing of her loved ones is too great to bear.
"You want to move on? Come back to the kingdom with us. Sure the people will be shocked, but they will also be confident of what all of us can do. More important, they see that they have an heir to the throne that's strong physically as well as mentally. Do it, Elevie. Come with us for your folk, for Draesl, and for..." he stopped to sigh and continued "for me...".
She presses one hand hard to her temple and finally gives her ehad a quick shake and then holds the hand up to the guardsmen.
"Enough! Your very appearance here has overset me more than I care to say. I - I cannot give you any sort of answer now. I must ... think on what you have said."
Although her tone is cool and dispassionate, Elevie cannot quite hide all of the gleam of emotion from her blue eyes as she says,
"At any rate, we are far from Kings Court or any familar ports just now. I must take you down to the captain and make you known to him. I-"
She hesitates and then goes on, her voice a hint warmer as she says,
"I have no right to ask anything of you- but I will give you a word of advice, do you allow it?"
She pauses and then says,
"The society here is much like any other and is governed more strictly than you might expect by codes of conduct. The men of your former ship will be given the option of joining with the crew here or being set ashore later. For the time being, if you should work amonst the crew, you will find it greatly to your advantage."
She looks a little discomfited and then admits,
"I can do but little for you here- you will rise or fall upon your own merits and mettle. But should you choose to join the crew, you will find the voyage infinitely better than if you should be hostile."
Elevie straightens her cuffs a bit and looks almost chagrined- as if she feels she
ought to be more help to them- almost as if she feels some responsibility towards them. But then she spins around once more and walks lightfootedly and surely to the steps where she addresses the half giant in a friendly voice, saying,
" Mr. Spyer, my thanks. I should like to take these men and make them known to the Captain. Is he in his cabin, do you know?" Her manner is easy and confident as if the emotion of the previous conversation has been completely locked away.
Her brilliant eyes close as if in pain when Thrandil assures her that the Emerald Guard would never have abandonded her, and finally she whispers,
"Draesl is alive then, and whole. I- I will believe you since you say this is true. But what of Ceruien? What of the Avatar? They- did not come to look for me as well? Tell me that aught has befallen them as well?"
She continues to keep her eyes tightly shut, as if the pressure of seeing as well as hearing of her loved ones is too great to bear.
"You want to move on? Come back to the kingdom with us. Sure the people will be shocked, but they will also be confident of what all of us can do. More important, they see that they have an heir to the throne that's strong physically as well as mentally. Do it, Elevie. Come with us for your folk, for Draesl, and for..." he stopped to sigh and continued "for me...".
She presses one hand hard to her temple and finally gives her ehad a quick shake and then holds the hand up to the guardsmen.
"Enough! Your very appearance here has overset me more than I care to say. I - I cannot give you any sort of answer now. I must ... think on what you have said."
Although her tone is cool and dispassionate, Elevie cannot quite hide all of the gleam of emotion from her blue eyes as she says,
"At any rate, we are far from Kings Court or any familar ports just now. I must take you down to the captain and make you known to him. I-"
She hesitates and then goes on, her voice a hint warmer as she says,
"I have no right to ask anything of you- but I will give you a word of advice, do you allow it?"
She pauses and then says,
"The society here is much like any other and is governed more strictly than you might expect by codes of conduct. The men of your former ship will be given the option of joining with the crew here or being set ashore later. For the time being, if you should work amonst the crew, you will find it greatly to your advantage."
She looks a little discomfited and then admits,
"I can do but little for you here- you will rise or fall upon your own merits and mettle. But should you choose to join the crew, you will find the voyage infinitely better than if you should be hostile."
Elevie straightens her cuffs a bit and looks almost chagrined- as if she feels she
ought to be more help to them- almost as if she feels some responsibility towards them. But then she spins around once more and walks lightfootedly and surely to the steps where she addresses the half giant in a friendly voice, saying,
" Mr. Spyer, my thanks. I should like to take these men and make them known to the Captain. Is he in his cabin, do you know?" Her manner is easy and confident as if the emotion of the previous conversation has been completely locked away.
-
Thrandil
"Ceruien and the Avatar you say? I haven't seen them with my own eyes, but we haven't heard any bad news about them either. As for looking for you, I think the Avatar was the first to order this search."
Rather pleased he replies to what she says. "Think, Elevie, but do keep in mind how much better you could make the kingdom for your kin. You don't want the throne as it is now, do you? I am sure if one of the others who do want it will be the next to rule, darker times than these will come."
"Advice? You are my superior, so yes, advice you can give."
After listening to all she said, he gave a curt nod. "Bring us, or at least me, to the captain. I would be happy to have a talk with him too. As for your advice, I will choose to be part of the crew at least until you have given us an answer. We have no set time to bring you back, but I think they'd like you back as soon as possible. I guess, we can wait a few days or even weeks."
"Oh, Elevie, one more thing. How long have we been down there?"
As she walks away, he patiently waits and says to Dray "Well, friend, we might be able to get her back, but I don't think we'll have an easy time with her."
Rather pleased he replies to what she says. "Think, Elevie, but do keep in mind how much better you could make the kingdom for your kin. You don't want the throne as it is now, do you? I am sure if one of the others who do want it will be the next to rule, darker times than these will come."
"Advice? You are my superior, so yes, advice you can give."
After listening to all she said, he gave a curt nod. "Bring us, or at least me, to the captain. I would be happy to have a talk with him too. As for your advice, I will choose to be part of the crew at least until you have given us an answer. We have no set time to bring you back, but I think they'd like you back as soon as possible. I guess, we can wait a few days or even weeks."
"Oh, Elevie, one more thing. How long have we been down there?"
As she walks away, he patiently waits and says to Dray "Well, friend, we might be able to get her back, but I don't think we'll have an easy time with her."
-
Draydis Quinn D`Anorre
- Wolf, Commander Emerald Guard
- Posts: 1388
- Joined: Fri Feb 07, 2003 4:26 pm
- Location: Citadel
- Contact:
Dray nods at her..."Joining the crew it is then." He doesn't look pleased, but knows it is perhaps the best way to make sure that Tom and the others are properly looked after. ~I will join the crew, but I will never forget the mission and my promises.~
"Elevie, I will not forget my promises to the men of the Magpie...they have family, children, and friends that they risked losing to help us rescue you. I intend to honor my word." He was now calm and spoke with a friendly, but serious tone.
He then looked at Thran, "Let's go meet the captain."
"Elevie, I will not forget my promises to the men of the Magpie...they have family, children, and friends that they risked losing to help us rescue you. I intend to honor my word." He was now calm and spoke with a friendly, but serious tone.
He then looked at Thran, "Let's go meet the captain."
Last edited by Draydis Quinn D`Anorre on Tue May 11, 2004 3:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Mister Spyer didn't pay any attention to the conversation near him. In truth, his eyes had turned to gaze upon the broad, blue horizon far off to the starboard bow, looking for the same thing sought by virtually all idle hands aboard. When Elevie finally managed to get his attention, a flash of irritation crossed his face before he glanced back at the quarterdeck and nodded. "Layt's goo, tehn..." he said, his accent thick and brutal and almost indecipherable, a trait that made him seem dull or stupid.
The Attica did not rest easily in the water. She fought against the wind, and reached into it with all she had, her starboard tacks aboard and her hull leaning severely to that side. Even her starboard catheads were under the water as she rose up and crashed down into the water, the wind coming in from just before the port beam and coming in quite strong. It seemed an almost impossible situation for sailing, but none of the three elves had too much experience with sailing to know exactly what such weather would truly mean.
Rising up to the quarterdeck, Mister Rames intercepted them, accepting Spyer's knuckled salute casually. "Cap'n do say ta bringem beck anon..." announced the dark half-giant. Turning, he gave the two new elves a look of grim irritation before he stood aside. Mister Rames in turn called out for the Captain. "My compliments, sir, and the prisoners have been brought abaft per yer orders, sar," hollered Rames.
Captain Ryelock was clearly a typical product of World's Mouth tainted by many yahren of service in the Mer. His dark complexion and deep, brown eyes went well over his prominent bones, and his tall, strong frame was not hidden at all under the finely-cut sea coat he wore. A heavy sabre hung at his side, and a broad belt of black circled his narrow, strong waist. At this time, the Captain wore no shirt at all under his coat, which hung open such that his bare chest might peek out from within.
"Aye aye, mister Rames, you've the helm..." bellowed the Captain, as he handed his glass to a young boy just at hand and turned to cross the quarterdeck, rising up to the high side as he did, to join the elves. He stood near the port railing lifted high up from the water due to her leaning, and stared out into the South, the crisp wind blowing his long, peppered hair out behind him. "Mister Spyer, please stand by, if you would," he commanded, bringing the half-giant up to stand just nearby, his hulking form massive to a human and positively immense to an elf. "Now, hun...you wanted to speak to me about these two? Let me hear it. We'll be making landfall soon enough, so we better have them squared up nicely before too long."
The Attica did not rest easily in the water. She fought against the wind, and reached into it with all she had, her starboard tacks aboard and her hull leaning severely to that side. Even her starboard catheads were under the water as she rose up and crashed down into the water, the wind coming in from just before the port beam and coming in quite strong. It seemed an almost impossible situation for sailing, but none of the three elves had too much experience with sailing to know exactly what such weather would truly mean.
Rising up to the quarterdeck, Mister Rames intercepted them, accepting Spyer's knuckled salute casually. "Cap'n do say ta bringem beck anon..." announced the dark half-giant. Turning, he gave the two new elves a look of grim irritation before he stood aside. Mister Rames in turn called out for the Captain. "My compliments, sir, and the prisoners have been brought abaft per yer orders, sar," hollered Rames.
Captain Ryelock was clearly a typical product of World's Mouth tainted by many yahren of service in the Mer. His dark complexion and deep, brown eyes went well over his prominent bones, and his tall, strong frame was not hidden at all under the finely-cut sea coat he wore. A heavy sabre hung at his side, and a broad belt of black circled his narrow, strong waist. At this time, the Captain wore no shirt at all under his coat, which hung open such that his bare chest might peek out from within.
"Aye aye, mister Rames, you've the helm..." bellowed the Captain, as he handed his glass to a young boy just at hand and turned to cross the quarterdeck, rising up to the high side as he did, to join the elves. He stood near the port railing lifted high up from the water due to her leaning, and stared out into the South, the crisp wind blowing his long, peppered hair out behind him. "Mister Spyer, please stand by, if you would," he commanded, bringing the half-giant up to stand just nearby, his hulking form massive to a human and positively immense to an elf. "Now, hun...you wanted to speak to me about these two? Let me hear it. We'll be making landfall soon enough, so we better have them squared up nicely before too long."
-
Elevie
A flash of frustration moves across Eevie's mobile features at Thrandil's words and she gives him a shrug in answer to his query, moving over to look at Dray once again and nodding as she meets his eyes, saying softly,
"I would expect no less of you, Guardsman. I shall... if I can be of help there, I shall."
She gestures to them to follow her and moves towards Mister Spyer. She seems to have found her sea legs and steps as lightly and surefootedly as she might once have walked a woodland path or branch. Her keen eyes flicker to the point on the distant horizon which Spyer's seem to be seeking out and then back to catch the irriatation on his face and in his voice.
But rather than being cowed by the half-giant's tone or manner or indeed his very appearance, Elevie crosses lightly over to him against the list of the deck, and gives him a contrite smile, with a lift of her brows that seems to say 'sorry for the bother- but what else can I do?'
On the other hand, when they encounter Rames, Elvie gives him a wary nod but does not speak to him, nor make any move or gesture towards him. Her face now set and soberly focused - assumably upon the meeting about to take place.
As Ryelock comes up towards them, Elevie stands at her ease before the much taller figure, nothing in her upright posture suggesting any sort of servitude, but she gives him a respectful nod and murmurs, "Captain..." as he calls for Mr. Spyer.
There is perhaps a slight tightening of the skin around her eyes in response to his mode of address, but she gives no more outward sign of irritation than that and says concisely,
"Two Emerald Guardsmen dispatched to find me, Captain. They were contracted with the Magpie and came aboard with the rest when she foundered. They tell me Kings Court is in disarray and it seems the Prince was still gone when they left it."
Her voice is calm and even, but the wind has brought two bright spots of color to her cheeks and some of her cut hair has come loose to blow back around her face as she turns her head slightly into the lee of the wind to give Thrandil and Dray a significant look as if to say
It is yours to take from here.
"I would expect no less of you, Guardsman. I shall... if I can be of help there, I shall."
She gestures to them to follow her and moves towards Mister Spyer. She seems to have found her sea legs and steps as lightly and surefootedly as she might once have walked a woodland path or branch. Her keen eyes flicker to the point on the distant horizon which Spyer's seem to be seeking out and then back to catch the irriatation on his face and in his voice.
But rather than being cowed by the half-giant's tone or manner or indeed his very appearance, Elevie crosses lightly over to him against the list of the deck, and gives him a contrite smile, with a lift of her brows that seems to say 'sorry for the bother- but what else can I do?'
On the other hand, when they encounter Rames, Elvie gives him a wary nod but does not speak to him, nor make any move or gesture towards him. Her face now set and soberly focused - assumably upon the meeting about to take place.
As Ryelock comes up towards them, Elevie stands at her ease before the much taller figure, nothing in her upright posture suggesting any sort of servitude, but she gives him a respectful nod and murmurs, "Captain..." as he calls for Mr. Spyer.
There is perhaps a slight tightening of the skin around her eyes in response to his mode of address, but she gives no more outward sign of irritation than that and says concisely,
"Two Emerald Guardsmen dispatched to find me, Captain. They were contracted with the Magpie and came aboard with the rest when she foundered. They tell me Kings Court is in disarray and it seems the Prince was still gone when they left it."
Her voice is calm and even, but the wind has brought two bright spots of color to her cheeks and some of her cut hair has come loose to blow back around her face as she turns her head slightly into the lee of the wind to give Thrandil and Dray a significant look as if to say
It is yours to take from here.
-
Thrandil
"Sir, this is Wolf and you may call me Hunter. We were following a quarry on our way here and it seems that ill things have come upon us. We heard from Elevie what choices were given to others and, in trade for our belongings, we would be willing to join up with your crew and help out the best we can until we can set foot on a shore to our liking. We will not ask for a share of the loot we will find on our way, just for lodgings and food. Do you think you can use two extra hands on this boat, Sir?" Thrandil said, trying to convince him of his neutral feelings towards the man, so he could at least be granted some freedom on this forgotten boat and be free to talk to Elevie if the need would arise.
"Our training have made us capable fighters, but no seamen. With the proper commander though, we could accomplish a lot for you and your crew. Maybe even with the most simple jobs." he added, just to have a bigger chance for succes.
"Our training have made us capable fighters, but no seamen. With the proper commander though, we could accomplish a lot for you and your crew. Maybe even with the most simple jobs." he added, just to have a bigger chance for succes.
-
Draydis Quinn D`Anorre
- Wolf, Commander Emerald Guard
- Posts: 1388
- Joined: Fri Feb 07, 2003 4:26 pm
- Location: Citadel
- Contact:
As Elevie spoke to him, Dray smiled. "M'lady, my primary mission is to ensure your safe return. I would ask that you do nothing that would endanger yourself. If you need anything, I am at your service." He gave her a nod as if it were hopefully enough to replace the proper bow she deserved. ...and then the smile faded. "If another dare touch you, they will have to go through me."
Dray didn't speak as the pirates made their comments, and waited for Elevie and Thran to speak before offering his own words.
"Additionally, we have seen many days of battle, and could lend our skills towards teaching your crew to fight as a uniform unit with greater skill, which would certainly aid in obtaining your goals. I know very little of the ways of the waters, but do know a few things about sticking metal into soft things and making them feel uncomfortable." A slight smile crossed his face as he thought of the gratification of cleaving the captain's head with his bladed staff...and then looking down upon the severed head and seeing the captain's final expression caught on it for all time.
Dray then allowed a quick thought to go through his mind, and though amused with the thought, he let no sign of it appear on his face...
~Captain, if it is ok with you, we will temporarily masquerade as pirates among your crew long enough to learn where our weapons and armor are stored and affect their return to our possession, learn where the prisoners are, and grant them liberty, find members of your crew who dispise the very deck upon which you stand and encourage them to mutiny, and finally, find a weak point in your hull to exploit so that we may sink this termite den to the bottom of the waters or burn the thing to the surface of the water and piss on the ashes as we sail on our way....anyway, I'm Dray, and I'm reporting to duty, sir...heh...you have invited death upon your deck.~
"I am stronger than my appearance may indicate, so perhaps if you lack the time and resources to train me in the ways of sailing, I could help below with arranging supplies and other stores. But I will submit to your command while I am here, and will work at your direction." His eyes were fixed on the captain and his words were calm and steady.
~You are a blemish on these waters...a petty criminal hiding behind your conscripted crew...a little man hiding behind the fear you attempt to instill in your men...I have been trained to rid the world of ones such as you, and I will be the implement of your death...~
Dray's attention focused on the captain and awaited his reply.
Dray didn't speak as the pirates made their comments, and waited for Elevie and Thran to speak before offering his own words.
"Additionally, we have seen many days of battle, and could lend our skills towards teaching your crew to fight as a uniform unit with greater skill, which would certainly aid in obtaining your goals. I know very little of the ways of the waters, but do know a few things about sticking metal into soft things and making them feel uncomfortable." A slight smile crossed his face as he thought of the gratification of cleaving the captain's head with his bladed staff...and then looking down upon the severed head and seeing the captain's final expression caught on it for all time.
Dray then allowed a quick thought to go through his mind, and though amused with the thought, he let no sign of it appear on his face...
~Captain, if it is ok with you, we will temporarily masquerade as pirates among your crew long enough to learn where our weapons and armor are stored and affect their return to our possession, learn where the prisoners are, and grant them liberty, find members of your crew who dispise the very deck upon which you stand and encourage them to mutiny, and finally, find a weak point in your hull to exploit so that we may sink this termite den to the bottom of the waters or burn the thing to the surface of the water and piss on the ashes as we sail on our way....anyway, I'm Dray, and I'm reporting to duty, sir...heh...you have invited death upon your deck.~
"I am stronger than my appearance may indicate, so perhaps if you lack the time and resources to train me in the ways of sailing, I could help below with arranging supplies and other stores. But I will submit to your command while I am here, and will work at your direction." His eyes were fixed on the captain and his words were calm and steady.
~You are a blemish on these waters...a petty criminal hiding behind your conscripted crew...a little man hiding behind the fear you attempt to instill in your men...I have been trained to rid the world of ones such as you, and I will be the implement of your death...~
Dray's attention focused on the captain and awaited his reply.
Last edited by Draydis Quinn D`Anorre on Tue May 11, 2004 10:27 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Leaning against the rail, Captain Ryelock strained to hear the elves speak. While his hearing was good, the Attica fought against the eastward blow, and as the waters raced by underneath her hull she lept upward and crashed down again time and time again, sending a healthy spray of water over the starboard catheads and all along the lower side of the ship. The thunderous din of the parting seas, the cutwater shouldering aside the water with a broad, high plume of white, roared continuously, making the very slight words of the small elves somewhat difficult to hear.
"I'm sorry, mates, but I thought I heard you ask to join the crew!" shouted the Captain in response, clearly disbelieving his own ears amid the thunderous din. "You can make that decision later, mates. You aren't prisoners, nor are you hostages, so when we make land for watering, you can leave or stay as you like, if the crew will take you. It's all a one to me. But to stay, you must vow to the ship and to me as her captain, and you must listen, learn, and obey. I have three hundred men and women that excel at the art of killing, but that matters little to me if they can't master the art of sailing this here barky. War at sea ain't like war on land, mates: at the end of the day, the victor is the one with more wit and better sailing..."
"LAND HO! Three points off the bow to starboard!" came the call, a harsh growl from the mainmast crosstrees, a point so high up on the mast that with the current lean of the hull it hung precariously out over the water by over a dozen paces. In response to his call, every man on the quarterdeck took up their glass and peered through it to the right of the ship's sharp bow.
"There's the land now. In another couple marks we'll be at anchor off a little watering hole I like to use," continued the Captain, though he had retrieved his glass from the boy and peered out through this even as he spoke. "We'll go ashore, and then we might talk. Until then, perhaps you might show them below, Puddin Jane? It might be wisest if they were out of our way for the mooring. Things can get rather hectic on deck."
"I'm sorry, mates, but I thought I heard you ask to join the crew!" shouted the Captain in response, clearly disbelieving his own ears amid the thunderous din. "You can make that decision later, mates. You aren't prisoners, nor are you hostages, so when we make land for watering, you can leave or stay as you like, if the crew will take you. It's all a one to me. But to stay, you must vow to the ship and to me as her captain, and you must listen, learn, and obey. I have three hundred men and women that excel at the art of killing, but that matters little to me if they can't master the art of sailing this here barky. War at sea ain't like war on land, mates: at the end of the day, the victor is the one with more wit and better sailing..."
"LAND HO! Three points off the bow to starboard!" came the call, a harsh growl from the mainmast crosstrees, a point so high up on the mast that with the current lean of the hull it hung precariously out over the water by over a dozen paces. In response to his call, every man on the quarterdeck took up their glass and peered through it to the right of the ship's sharp bow.
"There's the land now. In another couple marks we'll be at anchor off a little watering hole I like to use," continued the Captain, though he had retrieved his glass from the boy and peered out through this even as he spoke. "We'll go ashore, and then we might talk. Until then, perhaps you might show them below, Puddin Jane? It might be wisest if they were out of our way for the mooring. Things can get rather hectic on deck."
-
Thrandil
Now shouting himself too, Thrandil told the captain "Your hearing hasn't diminished, Sir Captain. Indeed we asked to join the crew, that is until we want to get off the boat. My friend and I are used carry out orders. It'd be no difference whether they would come from a guardsman or you, Sir Captain. If we are no hostages nor prisoners, give us the choice now and we will accept duty on your boat. You want us down because it can get hectic here, but why not letting us stay with Elevie for a moment, I bet she has a lot of news about her home country to catch up on. With her, we won't be a hindrance to you and your crew while you moor.".
With that, he straightened his back, looked up, hands folded behind his back, staring into the sky and waiting for a reply.
With that, he straightened his back, looked up, hands folded behind his back, staring into the sky and waiting for a reply.
-
Elevie
Elevie seems to recognize that the Captian is done with them for now and decides to retreat prudently. Turning to Thran and Dray she says,
"Come along below with me, and I will find you both a berth for the time being." Nodding to the captain, she murmurs to him politely, not wanting to seem as if she owes him a favor now and then also looks to Mr. Spyer with a nod.
They make their way down the hatch on a narrow ladderlike stair and into a hold belowdecks that is hung with hammocks all around. Elevie moves over to a corner berth near the bow of the ship and points to a small leather seachest sitting beneath one hammock.
"This is my berth. If you care to bed down nearby, you are welcome to it. Just dont take a space that has someone else's things beneath it."
She speaks just loudly enough to be heard over the creaking of the planks and the rush and press of water against the hull, for at least a quarter of the hammocks seem occupied and a young boy sits in a corner, sleepily cleaning an enormous pile of rope.
Elevie stands at ease with the rocking of the deck, and folds her arms almost definantly, as if she is daring one of them to comment upon her lowered estate and megre possessions.
"Come along below with me, and I will find you both a berth for the time being." Nodding to the captain, she murmurs to him politely, not wanting to seem as if she owes him a favor now and then also looks to Mr. Spyer with a nod.
They make their way down the hatch on a narrow ladderlike stair and into a hold belowdecks that is hung with hammocks all around. Elevie moves over to a corner berth near the bow of the ship and points to a small leather seachest sitting beneath one hammock.
"This is my berth. If you care to bed down nearby, you are welcome to it. Just dont take a space that has someone else's things beneath it."
She speaks just loudly enough to be heard over the creaking of the planks and the rush and press of water against the hull, for at least a quarter of the hammocks seem occupied and a young boy sits in a corner, sleepily cleaning an enormous pile of rope.
Elevie stands at ease with the rocking of the deck, and folds her arms almost definantly, as if she is daring one of them to comment upon her lowered estate and megre possessions.
-
Thrandil
Thran didn't say a word as he followed Elevie, only nodding at what she said.
As he was looking for a berth near hers, he said, loud enough to be heard, "I guess that you won't want to hear of how our country is doing in the war against the orcs then, miss?".
He starts to whistle an old tune he once 'found' when he sat against a tree, feeling defeated in a forest together with his friends.
As he was looking for a berth near hers, he said, loud enough to be heard, "I guess that you won't want to hear of how our country is doing in the war against the orcs then, miss?".
He starts to whistle an old tune he once 'found' when he sat against a tree, feeling defeated in a forest together with his friends.
-
Elevie
Elevie spins around to look at Thrandil with heat and then visibly forces herself to a greater composure as she says evenly in a low voice,
"My brother fights in the woodlands against the orcs daily, guardsman. I would be- grateful for any word you might have had of him."
Although she remains composed, her hand is clenched tightly at her side and there is something still that might stir pity in her expression- as if she had given up so completely on having any sort of news that she dares not hope for it now.
Of course, Thrandil and Dray both know that her brother is Earebrion, the other heir to the Queen, and leader of the Emerald Guard. He is reknowned for his tactics and killing of orcs and spends most of his time in the field.
"My brother fights in the woodlands against the orcs daily, guardsman. I would be- grateful for any word you might have had of him."
Although she remains composed, her hand is clenched tightly at her side and there is something still that might stir pity in her expression- as if she had given up so completely on having any sort of news that she dares not hope for it now.
Of course, Thrandil and Dray both know that her brother is Earebrion, the other heir to the Queen, and leader of the Emerald Guard. He is reknowned for his tactics and killing of orcs and spends most of his time in the field.
-
Thrandil
Thrandil smiles. "So you haven't abandoned us that much? Anyway, as for word about your brother, when we left Tel'Aranae Quessir, he was still out in the field. In the orcish territories from which we had just returned. Let me be straight with you, I can't say anything about how he is faring. His fighting skills are much better than that of the unit Draydis and I were in, but I bet he won't have an easy fight with the orcs. The camp we attacked to free a few POWs, from our own unit even, was quite normal, but some shaman or priest or something there called upon demonic powers. If it wasn't for the fact that Atara Arda had blessed our weapons as we prayed during the fight, we would've been long dead now. Furthermore, we also encountered 'wandering' orcs, magic wielders I believe, who were demons in disguise or something like that." he said as his voice gradually lost it's vivacity.
"As for what I've heard through the grapevine in the Elvish camp we passed through, Earebrion was alive last time they checked and he wasn't far from our position if I recall correctly. More than that, I can not offer, Elevie. I can only say, that after our attack on that orc camp, we probably exhausted their resources that made them stronger. In my humble opinion, I think that we are currently winning, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did one last all out attack that would overcome us. Even barbarian tribes can unite, you know." he said and yet again looked into her eyes to see if she would show any emotion.
"As for what I've heard through the grapevine in the Elvish camp we passed through, Earebrion was alive last time they checked and he wasn't far from our position if I recall correctly. More than that, I can not offer, Elevie. I can only say, that after our attack on that orc camp, we probably exhausted their resources that made them stronger. In my humble opinion, I think that we are currently winning, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did one last all out attack that would overcome us. Even barbarian tribes can unite, you know." he said and yet again looked into her eyes to see if she would show any emotion.