Journey to Dort:The Pelagic Horse:Samheen 16th

[Isabella Florentina]

Isabella keenly felt the anger in the room. It was making it almost impossible to breath. Jacob was planning something. His sudden turn around from anger to seeming compliance seemed out of character, even though with all her manipulations she started having trouble seperating what was Jacobs and what was the stuff she herself put into the man.

"Please," Isa begged, instinctively trying to lower the tension, feeling how that would lead to an explosion she might very well not survive "It is alright Jacob, all you have to do is help me with my dress, do the little drawstrings and hooks and I'm decent again." Swallowing she turned her back to him, lifting her dark hair from her neck, revealing the perfect arch.

Isabella didn't stop talking, in a smooth, reassuring tone, her senses trying to muddle his mind enough so he would follow the command in her voice "I will make you happy Jacob, I promise. I will do you proud. Let's make this a happy moment, for this child and all that will come next. Just pull close my gown and take your breeches. You will look handsome regardless. I would marry you even if you were stark naked." It was an off joke, but Isa was desperately feeling how Jacobs anger was ready to give way to violence.

As soon as Isa felt the green impromptu weddingdress was anywhere near closed she almost ran towards the door, needing to close the distance between her and her roquish savior. She gasped, her olive skin somewhat flushed and for the first time she dared look Bill straight in the face, her eyes widening slightly before turning back to Jacob who hopefully was still fully enthralled "Come my love, the captain is awaiting our arrival."

[Guest]

OOC: I feel that you've pushed so much with your empath and feelings onto Jacob, its about time he realised 'something' was happening, and his anger has helped him reach that conclusion.


IC:
Jacob continued to stare at Bill while Isabella spoke, his mind became confused again, the anger was there but the direction it needed seem to waver.

Isabellas voice broke through the confusion and, for a short while, he lost control and dutifully started to do up her dress, loosely perhaps, and not completely but he started. He fought the confusion in his mind while he pulled his breeches and shirt on, that act alone, for himself helped him gain a measure of control again.

He looked at Isabella, understanding mixing with the anger in his mind,
she manipulates me, not just in words, but somehow, magic perhaps I know not, but I see now she does it.

He turned and looked at Bill, once again stepping towards him fist clenching. He was stopped by the arrival of Isabella inbetween them.

He did not see the look that she gave Bill, but as she turned towards him, he clearly saw the look on Bills face, missing the last things that Isabella said. All the anger and jealously suddenly came rushing out, and with a roar his fist flew past Isabellas ear and straight into Bills face, the blow knocking him back into the other two men and out into the passageway.

Had Jacob been thinking clearly he would have slammed the door and thrown the bolts, but his mind was full of rage.
Pushing Isabella hard to one side, he dived out of the room and laid into
Bill, using every ounce of strength he could.

This could be nothing but a one sided fight, Bill's helpers untangled themselves and managed to drag Jacob off holding him tight.

Jacob started to struggle a little and then calmed down, being held tightly by the two men.

He looked at Bill, still lying on the floor, unconscious and bleeding, then he remembered Isabella and what he had done. Unable to Free himself from their grasp, it was all he could do but scream her name, "Isabella".

[Isabella Florentina]

OOC: ROFL! Yes, I wondered when things would start to fall apart.. besides which I've always wondered if Jacob didn't have some small paranormal abilities himself, being such a charming politician with an apparant ability to read people. Though perhaps I should shut up... no 1 rule of PC survival: don't ever give your mod ideas

IC: Isabella felt her control snap, and there wasn't even a wick left to get out of the way. Jacob shoved her to the side and Isa lost her balance, falling to the ground hard. Ouch! and my marks were just starting to fade. Isabella lay sprawled on the deck just inside the door and looked on in horror as the bundle of rage and jealousy jumped on Bill, all reason gone.

The endresult was of course a foregone conclusion. Bill bleeding and unconcious on the ground, while a furious, but also torn Jacob screamed her name as he was being held by two sailors. No doubt others would come as well, as this was not a silent affair and incidents do tend to attract attention on a ship.

Isabella's first instinct was to run to Bill and cradle his head in her lap. Well... that would have condemned her for all the world to see as having an affair with the roque. The darkhaired lady's urge to selfpreservation stopped her in time, putting her hand to her mouth and giving a ladylike shreek of horror, tears streaming down her face.

She managed to scramble up and pleaded with those around her "Please, somebody..." the woman stumbled " ...this man needs urgent care. He.. he shouldn't have to suffer for doing the honorable thing... for being a gentleman." Isa looked around for a bucket of water, and quickly returned inside her cabin to retrieve the small amount that was still there from this morning, and one of Jacob's white shirts. She splashed the water into his face, and then offered him the white shirt to clean his wounds with, careful not to touch him herself. Isa's dark eyes gave him the soft caress her hands could not offer him, before turning back to where Jacob stood.

Her face was streaked with tears, though the flow had stopped "Milord, you shame me, in front of all these men," Isabella said with all the painful dignity she could muster, once again trying to regain mental control of the situation, though now she was not just playing to Jacob, but to their audience as well, desperate not the lose the overhand "I beg of you, stop this insanity and let us go to the captain now. Do I not deserve some consideration, some measure of respect under the circumstances?" Her hand lay casually on her stomach, and she pretended not to be aware of the dramatic gesture " Or are the foolies of your youth returning and will you but brawl?"

Swallowing Isabella walked towards Jacob, her eyes dark, sad and huge as she tried to imprint her mark on him, before moving past him and towards the captain's cabin. Isabella did not, after all, intend to debate the issue, but to get it over with as quickly as possible. She'd deal with a murderous Jacob later. In fact she was starting to feel pretty murderous herself. Black was such a lovely color.

[Guest]

Sfein decided that he should bring his sword back to his cabin, as it became a bit awkward to keep the weapon all the time with him.

When he walked down he heard the sounds of a fight, and coming closer, he saw how the nobleman from Muchislie was held by two sailors.

Just as he was held the night before. The memory of that humiliation created a rage that he barely suppressed. So the bastards had found another victim for their one sided ‘games’? he almost drew his sword, but since that would not be honorable, he did not do that. Yet…

He sneaked closer, heard how Jacob shouted ‘Isabella’, and how the slave girl started to talk back. Then he saw Bill Irons on the floor. So the girl had moved?

With one step he stood next to the two sailors that held the count. A big, angry, very threatening presence.
“And what is the excuse they have found to hold you milord?” he spoke between clenched teeth.
He could lift them both at once, and hit the low ceiling with their heads.
“Kill them” shouted a voice in his head. “Kill them as they have no honour.”

[Guest]

OOC: All of you be careful - Remember IC actions WILL cause IC consequences, and should the situation demand it, You *could* be killed or thrown into the Brig or whatever!!!
Note: Isabella and Jacobs actions posted here already agreed.


IC:

* ALL *

In the midst of all this suddenly strode the Captain, although outside he was calm and controlled (as a captain should be) his eyes showed the anger at the events that just transpired. A small onterage of sailors behind him.

He held up his hand to stop Isabella then looked at them all in turn, noting in a few flickers what had probably transpired. His eyes frowned a little at Sfein standing with his hand on his sword ready and gave a sharp look at one of the men behind him followed by a look at Sfein.
He nodded at Sfeins sword, "That stays where it is lad, if you know what's good for you".

He then turned to the sailors holding Jacob, "Release the Noble", he said waving his hand at the two sailors, who dutifully did so.

Jacob upon his release just stood and stared for a flicker, then his bearing came to the fore and he stood straight, trying to tidy his clothes, he went to speak but was stopped by the captain, "Say nothing, I need to know what transpired here". His voice and look ordered nothing but acceptance of that. The Nobility in Jacob knew that this was a time to keep quiet.

Bill meanwhile struggled to his feet with the help of one of the sailors, giving a glance of thanks to Isabella he, adding to Jacobs fury, started to clean the blood off using Jacobs shirt that Isabella had given him.

Realising that Bill was still a little unsteady, and that the woman, noble and Trothgarder most likely would tell their own view of the events, he stabbed his hand at one of the sailors that had been holding Jacob, "You, tell me what happened here".

He listened carefully to what was spoken, very basic (as of course the sailor did not know why they(Isa and Jacob) were being summoned, nor did he see Bills' reaction to Isabella's look).

He mused over what he had been told while all watched him.

"You alright Bill", Bill nodded, still using the shirt to dab the blood trickling down his face. "Go see the cook and get that seen to, then report to me in my Cabin". Bill nodded again and with a sad look at Isabella followed by vicious look at Jacob, and threw the now bloodied shirt down at Jacob's feet, and left the area, accompanied by one of the sailors.
Jacob watched him go, and if looks could kill, Bill would have died on the spot.

The captain pointed to Jacob and Isabella, "You two please go to my cabin".
Although Isabella, with a coy look at Jacob, started to walk that way, Jacob was not inclined to do so.
"You have no right to order me about Captain", Jacob started to say, but before he could continue the captain interrupted. "My Lord Jacob, on this ship I have the authority to do what I like, and that includes ordering you". He paused for a flicker and looked Jacob straight in the eye, "Now I would like you to take that as a request, however if you do not do so, I will have you escorted, forcibly if neccesary".

Jacobs further protest died on his lips as he knew the captain meant what he said. Not wanting to arrive as a common man, he nodded once to the captain straightened himself out once again, and stepped in behind Isabella. Both were followed by a couple of sailors.

Turning back to Sfein, "I suggest you either go to your cabin or back up on deck and not stand about here". He called over Christopher who had, amongst many, been standing watching, "Go into the Nobles cabin and tidy it up", then to the rest of the crowd that had gathered, "On about your business, nothing here to see now".
He then turned and followed Isabella and Jacob, waving two sailors to follow him, and the rest to leave.

[Isabella Florentina]

Isabella had stopped her walk towards the cabin at Jacobs refusal, half turning to see what was transpiring behind her back, feeling restless by all the high emotions flying around. This was a tiring tradetide.

When the captain, outwardly calm, reasserted his authority, Isabella was quick to obey, giving the half giant a respectful nod, and trying to radiate the image of being merely embaressed and shamed about this whole incident. Her back straightened by pride Isa walked into the cabin of the captain and then calmly waited on the things to come, her hands folded in her lap, and aware of how her tearstreaked face added a dramatic touch to her appearance.

Bill would come, and the plan would continue, Isabella reassured herself. There was no way that she would allow Jacob to escape her clutches.

[Guest]

* Sfein and Airedell *

As the onterage started to go, Alazais appeared close to Sfein.
"I have to go to the captain's cabin now, to witness a ceremony, however I have decided that you both need some tuition in control and calmness. If you are interested, come to my cabin in about a mark".

With that he continued down the passageway, only stopping to talk to Airedell giving her the same information, then onto the captain's cabin.

[Guest]

The spectacle of the nobles was amusing though not at all out of character, as far as she knew. Such tempers! The lady, to Airedell's pleasure, looked less like the beauty that she was while tears coursed down her face. Why she bothered to talk wasn't apparent. Airedell wasn't listening and she doubted anyone else was. The small passageway was full of tension that came from sudden violent actions.

Airedell stood beside Sfein while his hand lay on his sword. She felt the tension in his arm as if he really meant to fight. She looked up at him; surprise showing plainly on her face. This was a new side of him that she had not seen. What had happened since last night?

As the passageway emptied Airedell backed out of the sailor's way. Alazais confronted her and told gave her an invitation. It was a strange request. Control and calmness? The elfess nodded, "Yes, of course. In a mark." Before that she intended on getting some answers. She moved over and grabbed Sfein by the hand and tugged him to her room. She opened the door, pushed him in first and closed the door behind her. "What's going on? What did I miss?"

[Guest]

Being at least mentally 'dominated' by a woman felt natural to Sfein, so he simply let himself be pushed into Airedelles room.

"They did it again" he said. "I came down, to bring my sword back into my room, when I heard the sounds of fighting. The first thing I noticed is that the nobleman was hold by two sailors, while the third, that big fellow I warned you against, was lying on the ground, probably hit by the nobleman. As far as I could determine, the fight was over that dark skinned wench. She was arguing with this so called 'count' and meanwhile seemed to try to protect the fallen sailor. I do not know what led to it, so it would all be speculation, but I feel that this woman is absolutely unlike you. She might be competitive with you in terms of outward beauty, but you are stable, honest and reliable, and my impression of her is different. But that is just my so called 'uncivilized' intuition. My impression is that she was scheming together with the big sailor, and I guess that this count Jacob discovered them."

[Guest]

* Isabella, Jacob, Bill, Alazais *

The captain followed Isabella and Jacob, flanked by sailors, into his cabin.

He indicated that they should stand in front of the desk, his face still full of thunder. A few flickers later, there was a knock and in entered Alazais followed moments later by Bill.

The captain stared at them all for a moment, then sighed, and indicated that the sailors should leave, but Bill stay.
"Before we start, I have Bill Irons and Alazais here to act as witnesses to ensure all is done properly".

He looked at Jacob, "My lord, I am sorry that this had to happen, I will explain. The Lady Isabella tells me that you promised to marry her, and that you have reneged on that promise. She believes she is with child also, and yet that has not persuaded you to do the honorable thing. Can you give me any reason why this is, and why I should not perform a handfast ceremony now as the law allows me, and on the wishes of the lady Isabella"?

[Guest]

Jacob stood, still a little disheveled, but he just couldn't believe his ears, for a flicker or two he was speechless.

Then with an angry look at Isabella, he took a deep breath, and in a angry voice replied.

"Captain, I do not know what is going on here, but on my word of honour as a noble, I assure you I have never offered Isabella marriage. She is a member of the rose, and I have her contract, that is all. She is here for my pleasure, and as for a child, I doubt that very much".

He leaned closer to the captain, "I think she is mage or something, I have just come to realise that she has been manipulating me" he gave an angry glance at Bill, "Perhaps others as well".

Standing straight again he continued, "So captain no, I am not willing to accept Isabella's wishes. Now I know you are master here, and can force the handfasting to take place, but be assured, as soon as we dock I will have it annulled".

He looked at Isabella, "Now my lady what do you have to say to that".

Nobody in the room missed the sneering way 'my lady' was said or the insult in not calling her 'Lady isabella' earlier.

The captain also looked expectantly at Isabella, "Well, my lady"?

[Isabella Florentina]

Isabella heard Jacob sign his own deathsentence with the claim he would seek a quick annullment. Let me see you try when you are feeding the fish. It was the time of reckoning. Isa could not back down now, for there was nothing to gain by it.

Isabella's dark large eyes, shimmering with yet more unshed tears gave the captain a pleading look "Sir, was I not truthful to you? I never claimed to be other than I was... a Rose. To be accused of using ... magick.. " Isa reached for a lacy handkerchief in the folds of her green dress and pressed it to her mouth for a moment, as if unable to continue, then whispered "That is such a low blow. I am the fool that was manipulated, taken away from all that was familiar to me, from a place where I was held in the highest regard working at the palace as one of the assistants of the Office of Protocol... all that on whispers of love, and promises of marriage." Her voice rose a pitch "Yet all he has done since we left is to treat me as his personal property, and forget his word."

Isabella's tears flowed again and she bravely dabbed at her eyes with the handkerchief before finishing her plea "Captain, I beg you.. all I want is justice, for myself and my child. I want to erase this shame, and restore what is right, before it continues much further. I will try to be a good wife to Jacob" .. try widow.. " yet if he seeks an annullment I would have to stop that by taking my grievances to the Ceasar. Surely Jacob" she turned to her lover "You realize that such an annullment would not work if I am carrying the De Bessnie heir? Why do you fight this so much? Would it not be for the best of all concerned?"

Isabella prayed this was enough to convince the captain, though she didn't hold any hope towards Jacob. Pan was a whimsical god and he might be amused by this practical joke though. Did he not give her a personal good luck amulet at the end of the Pan's festival? Yes, fate and luck where Pan's children and she hoped they would be true. Isa was a firm believer in her own abilities but never too humble to call in extra help.

OOC: *grins* I nearly forgot about the amulet till I checked my skills and found it on my sheet. Shae has info on it.

[Guest]

The Captain listened intently, and held up his hand to forestall Jacob's obvious retort.
"My Lord Jacob, that you do not want this handfasting is obvious, that the Lady Isabella does is equally obvious. It is a difficult decision that I must make".
He took on a distant look, then sat down and began to write. They all watched in silence as he wrote four letters. The first three looked identical, and were fairly short, the last was different and quite long.

He signed each and then indicated both Bill and Alazias to come over, "Will you two witness these please, full name and title". Alazias signed first with a flourish, then Bill came over, Looked at the documents, then at Isabella and Jacob. Then in neat delicate handwriting signed his name and title on each sheet.

The captain quickly blotted each, and was about to fold the longer letter when he stopped, as he saw what was written on it. His eyes widened and he looked at Bill, who gave a slight nod. He finished folding it, and placed it in an envelope. The other three he put to one side.

He paused for a moment, "I have decided, on my moral grounds, that the ceremony should go ahead". Bill was suddenly there with a covered tray.
"Thank you Bill, The reason I am doing this is I believe that no woman with child should be without a husband and the child without a father. Yes, you may be able to get this annulled Lord Jacob, however, I would doubt it if indeed Lady Isabella goes to Caeser, or if not, while she is with your child".

He threw off the cover from the tray, and all saw the items, a simple piece of rope, water, salt and a knife.

"Would you Lady Isabella put out your left arm, and you my Lord Jacob, your right hand, and if you have anything to say, you can do so now"?

Bill meanwhile had moved behind Jacob.

OOC: I've put Isabella on Jacobs right.

[Guest]

Jacob stood quietly watching Captain LeBlanche write his letters and say his piece, and of course did not miss the look he gave to Bill or the nod of reply. I must see what he signed on that, he thought.

However he was shocked at the captain's conclusion and could only shake his head when the captain asked for his arm.

"Never, I will not succumb to this", he angrily spoke, and went to turn away, but before he could move, he found himself in a grip of iron.

Bill had stepped forward and pulled his left arm behind his back, and holding his right arm, forced it out, over the desk towards the captain.

Jacob then heard Bills voice whisper in his ear, "Resist and I'll break your arm, you caught me unawares before, this one you won't win".

Jacob struggled for a flicker or two, then relaxed and looked at Isabella, a pleading look in his eyes, Bills grip stayed steady upon him.

[Isabella Florentina]

Isabella was as curious as Jacob to the content of the letters and she did try unobtrusively to read upside down what the captain was putting down. From the short reaction of the man to Bill's signature Isa concluded he must have used his real name and title and that pleased her. It did give the handfasting so much more class, and for certain it made an annullment more difficult.That is, should I fail in my other ambitions.

This was not the wedding most girls dream about during childhood, but then Isabella was not like most girls. Her dreams centered on security, freedom and power, all of which were brought just one step closer with this daring move. Avoiding Jacob's glance but giving the captain and Bill both a grateful look Isabella put forward her left hand, putting it on the rough rope.

[Guest]

OOC: I am going to assume you do speak your name in this Isa, seems illogical to stop the post just for you to do that
Jacob's reactions already agreed.

IC:
* Jacob & Isabella *

Captain LeBlanche ignored Jacobs look and what Bill was doing, bowed to them both and spoke, "This is not a church or handfasting place and our capability of performing such are limited, however there is an old ships custom that will do our purpose".

He paused and looked at them both, "When I ask you to, you have to speak your name, no titles or anything, simply your name". He looked at Jacob, "You may refuse my lord, but this ceremony allows for someone to speak for you, and I will have Bill do that if you do not answer. If you give me your word of honour that you will allow this ceremony to complete, I will have Bill release you".

The look on Jacobs face turned to anger, then resignation and it was all he could do but nod in acceptance, "My word of Honour Captain, I will not disrupt this ceremony in any way", Jacob replied and kept his arm outstretched as Bill released his grip. However the look he gave Bill, the Captain, but most of all Isabella, showed the annulment was still going to happening if he had anything to say.

The Captain stood straight and spoke.

"The sea is a mistress of many things, and the binding of a man and woman are just one of these. The Sea can make mighty cliffs fall, swallow lands like they had never been, yet bring life and joy to many people. It can hate and love you at the same time. Yet the sea is eternal, the sea was here before, and it will be here when all has gone".

He paused and picked up the rope, then continued speaking as he tied the wrists of Isabella and Jacob together.

"Let this rope symbolize the eternal sea, that the joining of these two people will be an eternal one that cannot be put asunder".

"Let these two be joined with their names", he nodded to Isabella, who spoke, "Isabella Florentina" she replied. He then Nodded at Jacob, who hesitated for a flicker then spoke, "Jacob De Bessnie".

He picked up the salt, "Salt, the life giver in the sea, I cover this joining", and sprinkled it liberally over the rope.

"Water, the true lifegiver, for without it, there would be no sea", he then poured the water over the rope.

He picked up the knife. "The knife is the evil in this, evil cuts through all, let it not cut through this bonding, so easily". With that he slammed the knife through the rope into the desk, cutting it as if it were paper.

"I call upon the gods that protect Isabella florentina and Jacob De Bessnie, to accept this bonding, coming from the eternal sea".

Isabella Only: As the Captain called upon the gods, Isabella felt a faint but deep stirring inside of her, in her womb, and Pan's touch that disappeared almost as soon as it came.

The Captain paused, bowed his head for a flicker, then looked up.

"Well your are now bonded as man and wife. It is normal for the husband to kiss the wife, but I guess we can skip that".

"These three letters here are what you would call handfasting certificates. You are not required to sign them as they have been witnessed by Bill and Alazias and signed by myself, but it is normal to do so".

He pulled the sheets out and layed them in front of Jacob and Isabella, "There are three, one each for you two to keep, and one that will be going with the letter in this envelope. The envelope will be sealed and given to Alazias to give to the courts in Dort. It basically covers the events, as I know them, that have occurred here and ask them to look into it".

Alazias called out then, "I must go and prepare for my two charges", bowed to them all and left.

The Captain nodded to Alazias then turned to Isabella, offering the pen to her, "Would you like to sign my Lady"?

[Isabella Florentina]

This was her moment of triumph. Isabella took great pains to keep it out of her expression as she softly spoke her name during the ceremony. Then, as the captain called upon the gods she felt something stir deep inside her and her dark eyes grew larger still.

Pan has heard my prayers. What is it the old wise man said.. be careful what you wish for? There was no going back now. Isa has a deep suspicion of what that stirring ment, and it, coupled with this handfasting, ment that from this moment onwards she was no longer a Rose. Countless people would stir with anger and perhaps sadness when they heard the news. An image of a dark sorceror floated before her for an instant. Leave the guild, yes.. he would rejoice in that, but like this? No doubt his jealousy would be soaring.

Countess. She tasted the word mentally, and decided it quite fit her.
No doubt the gods and others would make her pay, but Isa was confident enough to think she would find a way around that.

For the first time Isabella dared look at Jacob, radiating a memory of love and hapiness at him, tinged purple with a reminder of their passion. "Thank you, my love," she murmurred with a modesty that she imagined was appropriate for a wife, "I know what this has cost you, but you made me happy and content." She then accepted the quill from the captain and signed her name with a flourish on all three documents.

[Guest]

OOC:

ALL
Note: Timestamp is Early Tradetide on the 16th

SFEIN and AIREDELL:

If you wish to take up Alazias offer of training, please go here to post

https://tazlure.nl/board/viewtopic.php?t=6381

Otherwise you may stay on this thread.

End OOC

[Guest]

Jacob, apart from saying his name, had stood silent during the ceremony.

He watched as Isabella signed her name, and although he heard the words she said, he did not really take them in. also there was that faint tinge of feeling for her, but it went as quickly as it came, for his anger was too strong to be overcome.

He saw the captain take the quill from Isabella and offer it to him. He did not touch it, but lifted up one of the sheets and read the details. His eye widening slightly at the signature bill had done. I recall the name, chamberlous, but not the why, it will come to me he thought.

Reading the document once more he threw it back on the table, "I will not sign, I gave my word not to disrupt the ceremony, and I kept that. However I will not sign this, this, Travesty".

he turned to leave then looked back at the captain, "I will take one of your other cabins if I may Captain, the Lady Isabella may keep that one".

The Captain sighed and nodded, "Take the one next door, it is empty, there is no connecting door".

Jacob turned back and went on his way out of the cabin.

It took but a burn or two to collect his things, and soon had them stowed away in what was now his cabin, nearer the hatchway and identical in every way to the one he had come from.

He latched the door and sat on the bed, his mind going through the many possibilities of what he could do. Although the bravado in him talked of annulling the handfasting, deep inside he knew, especially if she was with child, that an annulment would be almost impossible to achieve.

His mind raced, he was an intelligent man and soon came to the only conclusion he felt was possible, Yes, that was the answer, obvious really.

He pulled out pen and paper and wrote a quick note, "Come to my room as soon as you can, I am now in the cabin opposite where I was, Jacob De Bessnie". he then opened the door and looked out. When the way was clear, he dashed over, slipped the note under Sfeins door, and quickly returned to his cabin, and latched the door.

Only answering "Who is it" to any knocks, and ignoring them until Sfein knocked, if he ever would.

OOC: Sfein, your choice, either answer Jacobs note Before going to Alazias, or after, or not go to Alazias, not answer the note. whatever

[Isabella Florentina]

Isabella noticed how she was not getting through to Jacob who was simply stiff with anger as he refused to sign the documents. In a strange way she admired him for it. It would have been such a disappointment if he simply rolled over and gave in. These last tides, despite their misery had been exhilirating.

"Jacob," the darkhaired countess cried out with precisely timed drama as her husband walked out of the cabin without looking back, "don't leave me like this." She pressed her handkerchief to her mouth again, letting her tears run freely, caught up in the moment more than in any real feelings of despair.

The former Rose turned back towards Bill and the captain. She gave them a shaky smile "Thank you gentlemen, for being true to a lady in need." Her dark eyes caressed Bill, William as he was now in her mind, for a moment, the glance saying all she could afford right now. She washed him in both gratitude and passion... a promise. Isa knew she would need her protector now more than ever.

Isa coughed and recovered herself "Excuse me captain. I ... I have no wish to return to my cabin right now. I think I'd best leave my... husband.. . to cool down for a few burns. With your permission I'll be on the quarterdeck for the next mark."

With a nod Isabella picked up her green dress that once again had served its purpose despite the fact it ruined her skintone and apparance. At least it added to her dramatics. With a careful move Isa pocketed the letter that was hers, proving her marriage, before turning once again. With all the flair and ladylike elegance the new countess could muster she left the captains cabin and stepped out into the fresh air.

[Guest]

** Bill Irons **

It was but a few burns after Isabella had left that Bill came to her, "The captain asked me to make sure you are alright Countess, and Jacob as well, but he is not answering his door to anyone part from asking who is there".

He took her arm, and walked her to the deck, "The captain said I was also to ensure you needed for nothing".
He paused for a flicker, "Oh, I should tell you that I have agreed with the Captain that unless Jacob decides to make it known, I am still Bill Irons, while aboard the ship".

He smiled at her his eyes twinkling, "And by the captains orders, are you in need of anything Countess, and personally I ask are you happy now your the Countess"?

[Isabella Florentina]

Appearances are everything. Isabella knew this to be an iron rule when she was running one of her little games. So she made sure that she kept a proper distance from the sailor. Yet up close he could see her eyes twinkling back and once again she allowed a wash of passion and gratitude wash over the noble in disguise. "Thank you," the newly married Countess breathed, "Without your help I wouldn't have known what to do."

Out loud, for any nearby spectators the ravenhaired seductress said "Tell your captain I am grateful for his concern. I am certain that the Count will come around though his pride will not allow for it to be soon. Yet it is a wife's duty not to criticize, and only accept. I honor that." It was bravely said, though there could hardly be any doubt that this Countess would not be content to led things happen to her without a form of control.

In a softer tone Isabella added "His behavior worries me somewhat. I am afraid he will try and do me an injury. Once I'm in Dort I will be alright. I'll go straight back to the capital and appeal my case to the Ceasar. Yet... out here... I am still vulnerable."Her voice caught for a moment, and real fear mingled with her dramatic performance of the distressed lady." She gave Bill a watery, brave smile "Do not worry Wil... Bill. I am sure I can handle things."

[Guest]

* Bill Irons *

Bill nodded at Isabella's words, a lump came to his throat as he looked at her. "Very well Countess, I will tell the captain. As for you being in danger, I can arrange for a crew member to be outside your cabin when your inside, and to follow, at a discrete distance, when you are not".

He smiled and gave a sly wink, "I might even take a turn, or two, myself"

He hesitated for a flicker and was about to say something when Christopher appeared and suddenly spoke up.
"My lady, I have tidied your room up and you can now go back. There was a loose flooring to one side. I was going to have it nailed back down, when I saw a scroll of somesort underneath. I presumed it is something that rolled away earlier, so I have left it on the bed, and then fixed the flooring".

With that he bowed and ran off again.

Bill Watched him go, "Bright lad that, honest to, there are a few here who would rob you blind, thats why the captain chose him to do your room".

He turned back to Isabella, "You wish to stay on deck my lady, or should I escort you back to your room"?

[Guest]

She leaned forward as he explained. Nodded and urged him to go on. "Your intuition is probably right. What other explanation could there be? but...They did what again?" All of this was... interesting but it wasn't what she wanted to know. Airedell was still puzzled by the alarming remarks he had made up on deck. She had no intention of dancing for her employer or for anyone.

[Guest]

"They grab you for no real reason, with at least two sailors at once, then tell that it is all your fault, because they are afraid that you might hurt yourself or something. Meanwhile they are taunting you to fight, but if you do, they promise to attack you with all sailors at once and lock you up" the Trothgarder said.
He stared for a moment at her. Would she perhaps be willing to teach him to sing?
"I go back to my room" he said. "See you later."
While leaving her cabin he added.
"you are of coarse welcome to come in and teach me to sing."

Opening the door of his cabin he noticed the note lying on the ground and picked it up.
So mister Jacob De Bessnie wanted to see him. Why was the man now in another room? And why should he, Sfein so'Waelkyrige, stuck his nose into this?
No, the man was attacked, just like him.

So he stuck the note with him, and knocked at the door of what should be the Counts current location.
"It is me, Sfein" he growled.