Clouds hung low and though the air was heavy with moisture left over from the storm, the deck of the strange, magical vessel had dried. Still, a morning chill touched Jack and Maverick as they stood bleary eyed and cold, waiting for Rezon to complete his business with small, pugnacious customs officials before departure. The two walked about the deck in a lively conversation. Rezon would point to pieces of the massive rigging, nondescript barrels, crates or coils of hawsers and the man would shake his head and then scribble on his pad. It was odd dance of duck, point and shake, and write. Finally, with an exasperated huff, Rezon had dismissed the annoying man and turned toward Jack and Maverick.
Hands clasped behind his back, Rezon approached the pair with determination and energy in his eyes. With a long, dark red coat that reached to his boots flapping in the wind and his hair blowing freely behind his neck, he seemed the very image of confidence. He smiled, but both knew there was no joy in his grin. He was pure business this morning and he was about to put them to work.
“Jack, Maverick, I have a task for you.†The lines in Rezon’s face grew deeper as he spoke.
“It seems I’ve forgotten a key skill in my little crew. The Marshall Fairmount neglected to tell me he was bringing his personal pony on this little voyage. You’ve just been assigned horse duty. I hate the damn things. Smelly, too big and too finicky. If I wanted that, I’d just find me a King’s Court woman!â€
He guffawed humorlessly at his own joke.
“I want to leave within the mark. Can the two of you go down to the livestock hold and make sure the horse is secured? I may not like it but Fairmount’ll be mighty peeved if this isn’t done right. And I’d rather not have a pissed off Marshal on the ship, so don’t mess it up.â€
He turned and headed toward his cabin at the rear of the vessel.
“If you have any trouble,†he said turning back, “find Luis, he’d be happy to lend a hand.â€[/i]
The Scillus, Upper Decks - Samheen 24 TT
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The Scillus, Upper Decks - Samheen 24 TT
Last edited by Guest on Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:32 am, edited 5 times in total.
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Jack Farrell
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Jack nodded and smiled. He knew horses to some extent, having tended them in his master's caravans for most of his natural born life. He figured that he could probably do this task easily - depending on the temprement of the beast in question. He hoped that Maverick had some skill as well, novices could end up panicking a horse and then it would take forever to settle.
"Aye sir." Jack voiced and glanced at Maverick, jerking his head towards the hold.
"So, you know horses much?" He had not seen the crewman in a while, he had been off doing family business or something. Jack envied that a little - having no family to visit. But hey, such was life.
"Aye sir." Jack voiced and glanced at Maverick, jerking his head towards the hold.
"So, you know horses much?" He had not seen the crewman in a while, he had been off doing family business or something. Jack envied that a little - having no family to visit. But hey, such was life.
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Maverick shrugged "No, not really, but I know my camels. Can't be that different. they can be quite excitable as well." He was no longer wearing a robe of the People of the Sand, chosing instead camel colored leather breeches that were tied close on his legs, and a white shirt with camel colored jerkin. He had even shaved recently, probably a by effect of visiting relatives.
Together they moved towards the hold and Maverick tried to see what was ahead of them, his eyes adjusting to the dark.
Together they moved towards the hold and Maverick tried to see what was ahead of them, his eyes adjusting to the dark.
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Moving between the decks was accomplished by two sets of fairly wide ramps. There were a pair port and starboard, running down from the quarterdeck and forecastle to a second full deck beneath the main and then into the hold. Since joining the crew of the Scillus, Jack and Maverick had been to various parts of the ships but had not been given any formal tour. Their tasks had kept them in common areas mostly and rarely were they given orders without an escort. Rezon had never been entirely forthcoming with their destination or their cargo and both had begun to suspect there was more to this trip than either had learned so far.
They reached the hold and maneuvered past the crates of supplies to find the makeshift stable in the bottom of the ship. Both were surprised at the amount of material crammed into the hold. Not only was it huge, easily the biggest ship either had seen, but it was also stuffed with all manner cargo. A path had been made to allow the men and obviously the horse access. They smelled the animal before they reached it.
He was a big, gray stallion with a flash of white down his neck and a look of total misery on his face. The horse was obviously meant to run and the tight confines of the hold’s stable did nothing to appease it. A bag of grain lay propped up against the wall next to a full barrel of water and a bucket.
They reached the hold and maneuvered past the crates of supplies to find the makeshift stable in the bottom of the ship. Both were surprised at the amount of material crammed into the hold. Not only was it huge, easily the biggest ship either had seen, but it was also stuffed with all manner cargo. A path had been made to allow the men and obviously the horse access. They smelled the animal before they reached it.
He was a big, gray stallion with a flash of white down his neck and a look of total misery on his face. The horse was obviously meant to run and the tight confines of the hold’s stable did nothing to appease it. A bag of grain lay propped up against the wall next to a full barrel of water and a bucket.
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It did not take Jack long to figure out the source of the problem. Indeed it should have been obvious to anyone who had the sense to put two and two together.
"He dont like being cooped up's my guess." Jack spoke in a low, calm voice. Walking slowly towards the horse, hand outstretched and palm flat so the beast could pick up his scent. Keeping his eye out for signs of vindiction, Jack nuzzled it a little and tried to comfort it.
"Stupid thing to do, bringing a horse onto any kind of ship. Cant even let it onto the deck or he'd panic." Jack looked around for a brush and maybe a nose-bag. A bit of grooming might cheer the stallion up and food was always welcome. With any luck they wouldnt be in the air for too long at a time.
"Maverick, can you see a nosebag anywhere? or a trough? Even a bail of hay would be good - giving him somet to do."
Jack started brushing his coat a little, speaking softly as he did so - this usually worked on all but the most tempremental of beasts. Or those war-trained to respond only to their handlers.
Jack brushed and mused, perhaps he might explore the vessel a little more thoroughly later - see what was onboard.
"He dont like being cooped up's my guess." Jack spoke in a low, calm voice. Walking slowly towards the horse, hand outstretched and palm flat so the beast could pick up his scent. Keeping his eye out for signs of vindiction, Jack nuzzled it a little and tried to comfort it.
"Stupid thing to do, bringing a horse onto any kind of ship. Cant even let it onto the deck or he'd panic." Jack looked around for a brush and maybe a nose-bag. A bit of grooming might cheer the stallion up and food was always welcome. With any luck they wouldnt be in the air for too long at a time.
"Maverick, can you see a nosebag anywhere? or a trough? Even a bail of hay would be good - giving him somet to do."
Jack started brushing his coat a little, speaking softly as he did so - this usually worked on all but the most tempremental of beasts. Or those war-trained to respond only to their handlers.
Jack brushed and mused, perhaps he might explore the vessel a little more thoroughly later - see what was onboard.
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Maverick nodded and looked around for any material he needed. He filled the bucket with water, handing it to Jack "Speak calm soothing words," he advised, allow the horse to smell his hands before he softly rubbed its nose "all sights and sounds must be scary."
Carefully he moved off, trying to find something to put the grain in. This was an interesting area of the ship. He picked up a few cases, looked behind sacks.
"Are you very experienced with horses?" He called out to Jack while he worked.
Carefully he moved off, trying to find something to put the grain in. This was an interesting area of the ship. He picked up a few cases, looked behind sacks.
"Are you very experienced with horses?" He called out to Jack while he worked.
Last edited by Guest on Sun Oct 30, 2005 11:56 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Jack smiled and vigorously rubbed the beast's hind quarters with the soft grooming brush. It tended to be quite relaxing for the horse - it provided more stimulus at least than the bleak interior of the hold. Which must have been numbing to the extreme. He could think of few worse things to do to a horse short of actual cruelty.
"Yeah a little." Jack said, moving up the creatures body to the shoulder. "Used to care for a few of em back on the caravans. Though this is a good horse. Better than most of the beaten up old nags trawlin the desert floor." Jack's mind went back to Ithica, his own stolen horse. She had been the best - the jewel in his master's crown. And he had rode it off into the night. Jack smiled.
"Animals are easy. Just give em their due respect, a little love, they'll take you in as one of their own. Same with most things except men."
Jack slowed his grooming, slower circular motions to massage the tense muscles. He looked reflective, as if his mind was preoccupied.
"What do you reckon to the Scillus Maverick?" He looked at the man with a measured gaze. "Myself, I reckon she does more than haul salt to the mouth. What that be I cant say, but im feelin mighty curious."
"Yeah a little." Jack said, moving up the creatures body to the shoulder. "Used to care for a few of em back on the caravans. Though this is a good horse. Better than most of the beaten up old nags trawlin the desert floor." Jack's mind went back to Ithica, his own stolen horse. She had been the best - the jewel in his master's crown. And he had rode it off into the night. Jack smiled.
"Animals are easy. Just give em their due respect, a little love, they'll take you in as one of their own. Same with most things except men."
Jack slowed his grooming, slower circular motions to massage the tense muscles. He looked reflective, as if his mind was preoccupied.
"What do you reckon to the Scillus Maverick?" He looked at the man with a measured gaze. "Myself, I reckon she does more than haul salt to the mouth. What that be I cant say, but im feelin mighty curious."
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The horse responded positively to Jack’s rubbings and nuzzled him playfully. It was the first time since being brought aboard that the beast had been treated properly and he showed his participation.
Finding the something for the grain was easy enough. Maverick’s search led him away from the horse, almost around the corner. A nosebag lay next to the wall, hastily thrown behind one of the boxes and next to a large pile of sacks. Whoever had secured the horse beneath deck hadn’t paid much attention. Things that might normally have normally have been stacked orderly were strewn about carelessly.
Maverick found it odd that so many things were out of place, but not so odd as what he saw beneath the sacks. His rummaging had moved the boxes and crates just enough that the pile of sacks had shifted. And there, peeking out as if to say hello, was the tip of a worn and dusty boot.
Finding the something for the grain was easy enough. Maverick’s search led him away from the horse, almost around the corner. A nosebag lay next to the wall, hastily thrown behind one of the boxes and next to a large pile of sacks. Whoever had secured the horse beneath deck hadn’t paid much attention. Things that might normally have normally have been stacked orderly were strewn about carelessly.
Maverick found it odd that so many things were out of place, but not so odd as what he saw beneath the sacks. His rummaging had moved the boxes and crates just enough that the pile of sacks had shifted. And there, peeking out as if to say hello, was the tip of a worn and dusty boot.
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"Aye," Maverick agreed "Salt is not so profitable that it needs an airship to haul it in. Camels will do just fine." Spices on the other hand, now that could proof interesting though one would have to take care not to saturate the market. "I've heard that airships are mostly put to military use, the Condotierre they calls 'em. Makes ya wonder, doesn't it?"
He reached down to pick up the nosebag, frowning at the disorganized way in which the stuff was strewn about, as if they could care less. This was an expensive horse was it not.
Maverick stopped in his tracks when he noticed the boot, sure that the mystery was bout to reveal itself. Slowly he drew his knife, not calling out to Jack for fear of alerting the person laying there. He could still have bad intentions. Careful to stay out of reach he kicked against the boot, his knife at the ready. "YOU THERE, GET OUT!" he yelled.
He reached down to pick up the nosebag, frowning at the disorganized way in which the stuff was strewn about, as if they could care less. This was an expensive horse was it not.
Maverick stopped in his tracks when he noticed the boot, sure that the mystery was bout to reveal itself. Slowly he drew his knife, not calling out to Jack for fear of alerting the person laying there. He could still have bad intentions. Careful to stay out of reach he kicked against the boot, his knife at the ready. "YOU THERE, GET OUT!" he yelled.
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At the yell, the boot slowly slipped back and the pile of sacks began to move. The first thing to emerge was a spear point followed by the hand that held the shaft as its owner used the weapon to propel their body upright. With a grunt, a middle-aged man emerged from the pile of bags. Neither Jack nor Maverick felt threatened by his actions. He was slow and deliberate and did not point the spear at either of them.
The man before them was dressed strangely, all in black, and in style unfamiliar to them both. To Jack, the man appeared dressed like a thief in dark cloak with an oversized hood, trousers and boots. Trinkets, pouches and even a feather hung from various points on the intruder’s body. His face was tanned and deeply lined as if he’d been in the desert a very long time.
To Maverick, the man seemed even stranger. He was no stranger to the Shamans of the People. They were frequent enough in the communities he’d visited in his treks across the desert. He knew instantly that this man was one. But, his manner of dress was strictly . . .guarddi. Despite the traditional, yet entirely practical face cloth, the man was dressed in the manner of a city dweller, not in the native garb of his people.
“Calm, young one,†said the intruder.
“My name is T’kil. I am looking for one called Jack.â€
The man before them was dressed strangely, all in black, and in style unfamiliar to them both. To Jack, the man appeared dressed like a thief in dark cloak with an oversized hood, trousers and boots. Trinkets, pouches and even a feather hung from various points on the intruder’s body. His face was tanned and deeply lined as if he’d been in the desert a very long time.
To Maverick, the man seemed even stranger. He was no stranger to the Shamans of the People. They were frequent enough in the communities he’d visited in his treks across the desert. He knew instantly that this man was one. But, his manner of dress was strictly . . .guarddi. Despite the traditional, yet entirely practical face cloth, the man was dressed in the manner of a city dweller, not in the native garb of his people.
“Calm, young one,†said the intruder.
“My name is T’kil. I am looking for one called Jack.â€
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Maverick did not relax, backing up. From the rubble there appeared the strangest figure. He backed up far enough so that the emerging stranger could not reach him with the spear that revealed itself. Of the People, and yet he is ... guarddi? What kind of shaman is that?
"Tell me about your tribe, or lack there of, for you are clearly of the Sands" he growled low under his breath, his knife still at the ready but he stood up straight again, certain there would be no attack just now "and tell me why you need Jack."
"Jack," he called without looking back to where his crewmember stood taking care of the horse "You better come out here. You have a visitor."
"Tell me about your tribe, or lack there of, for you are clearly of the Sands" he growled low under his breath, his knife still at the ready but he stood up straight again, certain there would be no attack just now "and tell me why you need Jack."
"Jack," he called without looking back to where his crewmember stood taking care of the horse "You better come out here. You have a visitor."
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Jack Farrell
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Jack made a vague noise of agreement, spices would make more sense than salt. Salt was useful in preserving goods and was a valuable commodity, but there would surely be local sources rather than importing it all the way from Sabata…. Then again, the Mouth was a land bound city, perhaps the sheer amounts traded made it a viable investment. Jack did not know.
He brushed the Stallions coat in a more reflective mood, getting a little behind the ears and whispering softly as he did so, reassuring the beast.
Jack spun and looked quizzically over at Maverick, blade drawn. Jack was not quite sure what to do - seeing nothing but a pile of sacks, but his mind raced. Amica. His mind raced , It was her fault if she got caught this early into the trip. Jack could hardly cosh Maverick and tip him over the side - they had not even left the ground. As it was, he gripped the horse brush hard in his hand and walked slowly over to where the young man was standing.
In all honesty It was a crap place to hide. He hoped his stowaway had been more imaginative than that.
He moved quietly, if the prone figure rose suddenly, he (or she) might be more surprised to meet two opponents rather than one.
As the figure shifted, Jack stepped forwards slowly, if the spear had threatened maverick Jack would have closed the distance quickly. As it stood he just held his brush as a potential cosh and waited for the man to rise.
Jack watched him warily, he was a strange figure, something jack was unused to. At his name his eyes narrowed. He had not been in Sabatta long enough to truly get his name around, merely hanging around the dragon or the markets for the most part.
Jack's mind instantly thought back to Dejarek, perhaps he had sent a bounty hunter to collect his horse and his pride. Perhaps some hired blade to finish his little slave. Jack could not tell.
"I know" Jack said, one hand gripping the brush, the other sliding imperceptibly towards the dagger at the small of his back. He stood a happy distance from the figure, just out of a pace’s range. He could be struck by the spear if the man was swift enough but spears were awkward weapons in close confines. If the man went for him jack would have a little notice as it would take two strides to reach him. Jack left one hand on the hilt of his dagger.
“Ok T’kil… you have found him. Now why do you think you can hid in our hay?â€
ooc: sorry its a bit late, went home for the weekend
He brushed the Stallions coat in a more reflective mood, getting a little behind the ears and whispering softly as he did so, reassuring the beast.
"YOU THERE, GET OUT!"
Jack spun and looked quizzically over at Maverick, blade drawn. Jack was not quite sure what to do - seeing nothing but a pile of sacks, but his mind raced. Amica. His mind raced , It was her fault if she got caught this early into the trip. Jack could hardly cosh Maverick and tip him over the side - they had not even left the ground. As it was, he gripped the horse brush hard in his hand and walked slowly over to where the young man was standing.
In all honesty It was a crap place to hide. He hoped his stowaway had been more imaginative than that.
He moved quietly, if the prone figure rose suddenly, he (or she) might be more surprised to meet two opponents rather than one.
As the figure shifted, Jack stepped forwards slowly, if the spear had threatened maverick Jack would have closed the distance quickly. As it stood he just held his brush as a potential cosh and waited for the man to rise.
Jack watched him warily, he was a strange figure, something jack was unused to. At his name his eyes narrowed. He had not been in Sabatta long enough to truly get his name around, merely hanging around the dragon or the markets for the most part.
Jack's mind instantly thought back to Dejarek, perhaps he had sent a bounty hunter to collect his horse and his pride. Perhaps some hired blade to finish his little slave. Jack could not tell.
Jack, you better come out here. You have a visitor."
"I know" Jack said, one hand gripping the brush, the other sliding imperceptibly towards the dagger at the small of his back. He stood a happy distance from the figure, just out of a pace’s range. He could be struck by the spear if the man was swift enough but spears were awkward weapons in close confines. If the man went for him jack would have a little notice as it would take two strides to reach him. Jack left one hand on the hilt of his dagger.
“Ok T’kil… you have found him. Now why do you think you can hid in our hay?â€
ooc: sorry its a bit late, went home for the weekend
Last edited by Jack Farrell on Sun Nov 13, 2005 1:51 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Maverick nearly jumped out of his skin when Jack appeared behind him so softly that he didn't notice till the man spoke up. "Dammit Jack," he muttered, "Don't do that when I'm tense."
He kept his eyes focused on the barbarian before him, ready to jump on him the moment a battle started. However, he got the impression this shaman of sorts wanted to stay on their good side. What is the connection with Jack? Are you smuggling people?
He kept his eyes focused on the barbarian before him, ready to jump on him the moment a battle started. However, he got the impression this shaman of sorts wanted to stay on their good side. What is the connection with Jack? Are you smuggling people?
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T’kil looked from Jack to Maverick.
“I was told you would be aboard this vessel,†said the shaman cautiously.
“And that you might be willing to help my . . . wife and me in our dilemma. I had thought to hide until a time when I could search this trip to find you. The spirits have been kind to guide you to me so soon.â€
T’kil was obviously being vague and by the look in his eyes, Maverick knew it was because he didn’t trust him. The strange tribesman had a previous connection with Jack, whatever it was, and he didn’t have it with young merchant.
Their decision on what to do with the stowaway would, unfortunately, have to be rushed. A loud whistle pierced the air, followed by a man’s shout.
“All hands! Launch in ten! Secure yourselves for launch!â€
“I was told you would be aboard this vessel,†said the shaman cautiously.
“And that you might be willing to help my . . . wife and me in our dilemma. I had thought to hide until a time when I could search this trip to find you. The spirits have been kind to guide you to me so soon.â€
T’kil was obviously being vague and by the look in his eyes, Maverick knew it was because he didn’t trust him. The strange tribesman had a previous connection with Jack, whatever it was, and he didn’t have it with young merchant.
Their decision on what to do with the stowaway would, unfortunately, have to be rushed. A loud whistle pierced the air, followed by a man’s shout.
“All hands! Launch in ten! Secure yourselves for launch!â€
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Maverick could understand why T'kil didn't trust him. HE didn't trust T'kil, not lowering his weapons yet. He eyed Jack and made a splitflicker decision as the voice up deck called out the launch was imminent, pocketing his knife.
"You will have to tell me all the important details Jack," he grunted, indicating with a look that if the man got paid for his efforts he would certainly learn to share, but for now he would have Mavericks trust "but right now I think we should report for duty after securing the horse. I will report on deck so you can.. chat... without drawing attention." This did sound like a military ship more and more, and they would likely place high emphasize on routine and following orders. If they did not give notice they would be sought out.
Giving both of them a last look he went outside to report for duty "All is secure down there, sir. Horse is calm so far. Jack is with the animal." Maverick looked around, unsure what would be involved with a launch. Would there be a jolt of sorts?
"You will have to tell me all the important details Jack," he grunted, indicating with a look that if the man got paid for his efforts he would certainly learn to share, but for now he would have Mavericks trust "but right now I think we should report for duty after securing the horse. I will report on deck so you can.. chat... without drawing attention." This did sound like a military ship more and more, and they would likely place high emphasize on routine and following orders. If they did not give notice they would be sought out.
Giving both of them a last look he went outside to report for duty "All is secure down there, sir. Horse is calm so far. Jack is with the animal." Maverick looked around, unsure what would be involved with a launch. Would there be a jolt of sorts?
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Jack agreed with Maverick and let his friend leave.
"Ok, ill stay here and steady the beast. Dont want it panicking and doing something stupid." Jack watched him go and then turned his full attention to T'kil.
"Your wife informed me that you would both be hidden. Lying under a few sacks is not hidden." Jack shook his head, if word got out about his familiarity with the stowaways any chance he had of a life in the sky was about to crash down about his head.
Jack walked over to the horse and began securing the bridal down, he did not want the creature bolting as soon as the ship juddered into the sky. He soothed it as he worked but kept his eyes on T'kil. This was not how he had planned the trip. Now Maverick was involved. Jack liked the guy but he had a certain mercinary edge that meant Jack was not sure whether to trust him implicitly.
"Wait a moment, Amica is not with you? Where is she?" Jack's head was suddenly filled with images of the young shaman stuffed in a barrel somewhere. The thought was not comforting.
"Ok, ill stay here and steady the beast. Dont want it panicking and doing something stupid." Jack watched him go and then turned his full attention to T'kil.
"Your wife informed me that you would both be hidden. Lying under a few sacks is not hidden." Jack shook his head, if word got out about his familiarity with the stowaways any chance he had of a life in the sky was about to crash down about his head.
Jack walked over to the horse and began securing the bridal down, he did not want the creature bolting as soon as the ship juddered into the sky. He soothed it as he worked but kept his eyes on T'kil. This was not how he had planned the trip. Now Maverick was involved. Jack liked the guy but he had a certain mercinary edge that meant Jack was not sure whether to trust him implicitly.
"Wait a moment, Amica is not with you? Where is she?" Jack's head was suddenly filled with images of the young shaman stuffed in a barrel somewhere. The thought was not comforting.
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“Amica is on board to the best of my knowledge. She snuck aboard the day before yesterday, as did I, but we did not board together. I had drawn suspicion watching her sneak on and had to find another way in,†he explained.
“And my hiding place was fine until the first dolt that came down here to care for this horse. He couldn’t find his head from his arse. It is fortunate,†he said, nodding approvingly at Jack’s care of the horse,†that you can.â€
At that moment, the trio felt a slight lurch and then heard the winding of the propellers. The hull creaked and screamed until the young sailors were sure the boards would snap. Fortunately, none did, but as the vessel lifted off the ground, loose items began to slide with abandon. The grain spilled, the sacks completely fell over and a few unsecured crates slid dangerously across the floor. Then, a great whirring sound arose from the rear of the ship and a deep throb began that seemed to originate close to the group.
Deep within the Scillus, they did not know how high they’d lifted and neither Jack nor Maverick seemed to notice physically when they were airborne. It only felt like a lessening of strain on the ship’s hull and structure. The screaming wood eventually calmed down.
Distracted by the strange sense of ascension, Jack had turned briefly away from T’kil. Upon glancing back he saw in horror that the Shaman had collapsed, gripping his chest in obvious pain. His face was grimace of painful determination; teeth and eyes clenched and blood vessels straining against his weathered skin.
“And my hiding place was fine until the first dolt that came down here to care for this horse. He couldn’t find his head from his arse. It is fortunate,†he said, nodding approvingly at Jack’s care of the horse,†that you can.â€
At that moment, the trio felt a slight lurch and then heard the winding of the propellers. The hull creaked and screamed until the young sailors were sure the boards would snap. Fortunately, none did, but as the vessel lifted off the ground, loose items began to slide with abandon. The grain spilled, the sacks completely fell over and a few unsecured crates slid dangerously across the floor. Then, a great whirring sound arose from the rear of the ship and a deep throb began that seemed to originate close to the group.
Deep within the Scillus, they did not know how high they’d lifted and neither Jack nor Maverick seemed to notice physically when they were airborne. It only felt like a lessening of strain on the ship’s hull and structure. The screaming wood eventually calmed down.
Distracted by the strange sense of ascension, Jack had turned briefly away from T’kil. Upon glancing back he saw in horror that the Shaman had collapsed, gripping his chest in obvious pain. His face was grimace of painful determination; teeth and eyes clenched and blood vessels straining against his weathered skin.
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Maverick did not get a response from any superior officer. They just run along and left Maverick to his own defences. The young man just shrugged and let it happen. Then the strangeness happpened and Maverick.. felt insecure, watching the others. He cursed under his breath, only just keeping to his feet. To distract himself he kept a close eye on the deck
OOC: I ah.. assumed Maverick was ignored?
OOC: I ah.. assumed Maverick was ignored?
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The shock of the initial takeoff, causing him to stare in fear at the hull holding onto the stallion's reigns like a newborn child, was quickly overruled by the confusion as the man, T'kil collapsed to the floor.
Jack stood, stunned for a few seconds, waiting for the hull to cease its torturous screaming and then, as his higher senses overruled him he knelt by T'kil's side. Jack did not know the first thing about medicine, nor about afflictions of the heart other than it often killed. He grabbed the man by his hair, sliding his palm beneath his skull to prevent his thrashings injuring his mind and spoke clearly to the man.
"You dare die you bastard, I aint gonna explain a body. What's wrong?" Jack tried to get eye contact, give the man something to focus on. It could be the shock and stress of takeoff had seized his chest. It could be that he man was having his very soul tore from him - Jack could not tell the difference and could do little in either case.
He slid his knife out and cut open his jerkin and hood a little, letting him get air into his lungs without restriction then, tossing the blade away he tried to calm the man, tried to stop his seizure causing him more damage through physical injury.
"Comon T'kil, talk to me."
Jack stood, stunned for a few seconds, waiting for the hull to cease its torturous screaming and then, as his higher senses overruled him he knelt by T'kil's side. Jack did not know the first thing about medicine, nor about afflictions of the heart other than it often killed. He grabbed the man by his hair, sliding his palm beneath his skull to prevent his thrashings injuring his mind and spoke clearly to the man.
"You dare die you bastard, I aint gonna explain a body. What's wrong?" Jack tried to get eye contact, give the man something to focus on. It could be the shock and stress of takeoff had seized his chest. It could be that he man was having his very soul tore from him - Jack could not tell the difference and could do little in either case.
He slid his knife out and cut open his jerkin and hood a little, letting him get air into his lungs without restriction then, tossing the blade away he tried to calm the man, tried to stop his seizure causing him more damage through physical injury.
"Comon T'kil, talk to me."
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Guest
OOC: Well played Maverick! My mistake. By the way, you have ascended three levels if you are on the top deck. I should have included this in your initial descension. I will assume you are near the entrance to the ramps leading between decks.
IC: As the ascent of the vessel eased, so did T’kil’s breathing. As Jack slid his knife into this clothing a clenched fist swatted it away and he opened his eyes slightly.
“Do not touch me, guarrdi†warned the shaman. Even stricken with pain, his face held a threat which Jack deemed palpable. Slowly, T’kil’s breathing returned to normal and his face relaxed but he did not rise. He lay there, contemplating his situation and the strange surge of power he’d just experienced.
“There is a powerful magic aboard this ship. It surges through like the wave of an ocean. These guarrdi sorcerers are adept to wield such power.â€
With a grunt, the aged tribesman rose upon his elbows and looked about.
“Now, I suggest we find Amica. What happened to your friend?â€
~
Riding out the launch between decks was an experience few sky sailors would recommend. At first the feeling was pleasant for Jack but as the bow tipped skyward, he realized his predicament. Hanging on for what could be dear life, but most likely just embarrassment , Maverick felt his arms and legs strain heavily to keep himself rooted.
On the top deck, the more experienced sailors had either lashed themselves to deck rigging or had secured stable positions near the forecastle. Very few seemed to be above deck during the launch. Maverick surmised that this could easily be a deadly place to be if something went wrong.
The one figure Maverick did recognize was the dashing form of Rezon, resplendent in red, standing confidently near the stern and inspecting the rigging with concern. In the air, this was his ship, he was king, emperor, god even and he looked the part. Only a divine force seemed capable of moving him.
Upon hearing Maverick’s shout, he nodded briefly but Maverick had little time to register the motion. Rezon had assumed the men would do their duties and was not overly concerned about the horse regardless. That Maverick had taken the time to report status showed him what he wanted to know. Maverick would do his job and could follow orders. This was exactly the kind of man he liked aboard his ship.
IC: As the ascent of the vessel eased, so did T’kil’s breathing. As Jack slid his knife into this clothing a clenched fist swatted it away and he opened his eyes slightly.
“Do not touch me, guarrdi†warned the shaman. Even stricken with pain, his face held a threat which Jack deemed palpable. Slowly, T’kil’s breathing returned to normal and his face relaxed but he did not rise. He lay there, contemplating his situation and the strange surge of power he’d just experienced.
“There is a powerful magic aboard this ship. It surges through like the wave of an ocean. These guarrdi sorcerers are adept to wield such power.â€
With a grunt, the aged tribesman rose upon his elbows and looked about.
“Now, I suggest we find Amica. What happened to your friend?â€
~
Riding out the launch between decks was an experience few sky sailors would recommend. At first the feeling was pleasant for Jack but as the bow tipped skyward, he realized his predicament. Hanging on for what could be dear life, but most likely just embarrassment , Maverick felt his arms and legs strain heavily to keep himself rooted.
On the top deck, the more experienced sailors had either lashed themselves to deck rigging or had secured stable positions near the forecastle. Very few seemed to be above deck during the launch. Maverick surmised that this could easily be a deadly place to be if something went wrong.
The one figure Maverick did recognize was the dashing form of Rezon, resplendent in red, standing confidently near the stern and inspecting the rigging with concern. In the air, this was his ship, he was king, emperor, god even and he looked the part. Only a divine force seemed capable of moving him.
Upon hearing Maverick’s shout, he nodded briefly but Maverick had little time to register the motion. Rezon had assumed the men would do their duties and was not overly concerned about the horse regardless. That Maverick had taken the time to report status showed him what he wanted to know. Maverick would do his job and could follow orders. This was exactly the kind of man he liked aboard his ship.
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Jack Farrell
- Civus
- Posts: 296
- Joined: Sun May 22, 2005 1:05 pm
- Location: Citadel
- Contact:
Jack knelt back, watching the man recover himself. Strange to have had an ailment recover so swiftly. Perhaps it was something he was used to. Jack listened to what he said. Sorcerers. Great, that was just what he needed, magic users on board. He cursed, of course that meant that T'kil was a shaman if he was able to percieve their power and Jack mentally put him a little higher in awe and mistrust. Jack regarded him cooly as he composed himself.
Jack did not even turn about. "He went on deck, he has to explain why I have stayed with the horses." Jack caught T'kil's eyes and hoped the nuance would be conveyed.
Jack stood to his feet smoothly, rising from his haunches.
"Shaman, you are gonna stick out like a fat camel. Unless you can become one with the shadows you will not be able to wander around the deck. This is a tight knit crew, you cant' walk as one of them. I can walk freely, to a certain extent, perhaps it would be better If I looked for her alone." Jack sighed and resheathed his boot knife.
"It is up to you son, but Id think of a better hiding place."
"Now, I suggest we find Amica. What happened to your friend?â€
Jack did not even turn about. "He went on deck, he has to explain why I have stayed with the horses." Jack caught T'kil's eyes and hoped the nuance would be conveyed.
Jack stood to his feet smoothly, rising from his haunches.
"Shaman, you are gonna stick out like a fat camel. Unless you can become one with the shadows you will not be able to wander around the deck. This is a tight knit crew, you cant' walk as one of them. I can walk freely, to a certain extent, perhaps it would be better If I looked for her alone." Jack sighed and resheathed his boot knife.
"It is up to you son, but Id think of a better hiding place."
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Guest
Maverick held on for dear life, struggling to come on deck. He had been used to ships but they didn't behave so violently except in the heaviests of storms.
When he finally come on deck he was not so sure it was appropriate. Certainly none of the other sailors did so. The image of the captain however as reassuing and he even gave Maverick a small, pleased look.
The knowledge of the shaman burned into his chest, and almost made him turn and walk back. He simply enjoyed the sight of the captain, lingering on dek to get his money's worth of this site. He let his green eyes wonder about the deck, trying to see if he was the only one stupid enough to venture out.
When he finally come on deck he was not so sure it was appropriate. Certainly none of the other sailors did so. The image of the captain however as reassuing and he even gave Maverick a small, pleased look.
The knowledge of the shaman burned into his chest, and almost made him turn and walk back. He simply enjoyed the sight of the captain, lingering on dek to get his money's worth of this site. He let his green eyes wonder about the deck, trying to see if he was the only one stupid enough to venture out.
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Guest
OOC: Guys – my apologies on the delay.
IC:
T’kil eyed Jack cautiously. This young man had quite the knack for pointing out the obvious but he thought it wiser to keep his mouth shut.
“It is not my intention to wander around the deck, sir. I believe you know exactly what I’d like to accomplish here. I am content to wait here while you look for Amica but if I understand this contraption well enough, we will not be airborne more than a few days. This vessel moves quickly and the more time we spend going north and east, the more we’ll have to spend going west. I think that logic should be simple enough. Do you agree? If so,†he said rising to his feet, “I suggest you begin your search.â€
~
Maverick was indeed not the only one on deck, but he did not recognize the other sailors other than the captain. As the ride stabilized, the men began to unlash themselves and start about a myriad of tasks. Several continued upward, securing the riggings they passed while others began to mill about on deck. He was even passed by a few sailors who’d come from the mid level which appeared to be the majority of the crews quarters.
At first glance, the group on deck and the sailors seemed normal. Though Maverick had never been on an airship journey before, the congregation of men on deck to marvel at the sites and talk with their friends was normal and expected. But, as he watched the groups mill about, he realized there were actually two groups of men that were staying separate. It was difficult to say how he was able to determine which was which but he knew instinctively that the men in the first group were not welcome in the second group.
The first group of men was the ones on deck, wandering about and enjoying the beauty of magical air travel. Suddenly, Maverick realized that’s what made them different. They weren’t working at their duties, they were roaming about almost lazily. . .almost like tourists.
IC:
T’kil eyed Jack cautiously. This young man had quite the knack for pointing out the obvious but he thought it wiser to keep his mouth shut.
“It is not my intention to wander around the deck, sir. I believe you know exactly what I’d like to accomplish here. I am content to wait here while you look for Amica but if I understand this contraption well enough, we will not be airborne more than a few days. This vessel moves quickly and the more time we spend going north and east, the more we’ll have to spend going west. I think that logic should be simple enough. Do you agree? If so,†he said rising to his feet, “I suggest you begin your search.â€
~
He let his green eyes wonder about the deck, trying to see if he was the only one stupid enough to venture out.
Maverick was indeed not the only one on deck, but he did not recognize the other sailors other than the captain. As the ride stabilized, the men began to unlash themselves and start about a myriad of tasks. Several continued upward, securing the riggings they passed while others began to mill about on deck. He was even passed by a few sailors who’d come from the mid level which appeared to be the majority of the crews quarters.
At first glance, the group on deck and the sailors seemed normal. Though Maverick had never been on an airship journey before, the congregation of men on deck to marvel at the sites and talk with their friends was normal and expected. But, as he watched the groups mill about, he realized there were actually two groups of men that were staying separate. It was difficult to say how he was able to determine which was which but he knew instinctively that the men in the first group were not welcome in the second group.
The first group of men was the ones on deck, wandering about and enjoying the beauty of magical air travel. Suddenly, Maverick realized that’s what made them different. They weren’t working at their duties, they were roaming about almost lazily. . .almost like tourists.
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Guest
They are not part of this crew, Maverick realized, They are more like.. soldiers. So what is this mission they are on? Where will we bring them? Maverick of course WAS part of the crew and he better not lazy about, lest it invoke questions. There would be enough time to ask questions of his own later. Nodding a final time, and scratching his chin that already had a bit of stubble growing since this morningtide, Maverick shrugged and went down stairs.
He stayed to the shadows, not knowing what he would find below decks, and not wanting to make an easy target. What if the shaman overpowered him? Perhaps I should not have let him alone with that strange man. Of the people and yet... its off.. not quite right. His style is different.
Maverick found the two talking, even if cautiously, and Jack no longer had his knife anywhere visible. He decided that was a good sign, and stepped out of the shadows "Well, you'v eprobably noticed we are airborn," he said with a shrug, "Looks like the crew is real busy. Them soldiers are not. Say Jack.. are you sure you didn't catch anything on a mission or something? Any specific port of call? I wonder .. the Mouth is not at war with any nation right now, last I heard.. what does an airship filled with soldiers in the middle of Sabata, eh?"
He stayed to the shadows, not knowing what he would find below decks, and not wanting to make an easy target. What if the shaman overpowered him? Perhaps I should not have let him alone with that strange man. Of the people and yet... its off.. not quite right. His style is different.
Maverick found the two talking, even if cautiously, and Jack no longer had his knife anywhere visible. He decided that was a good sign, and stepped out of the shadows "Well, you'v eprobably noticed we are airborn," he said with a shrug, "Looks like the crew is real busy. Them soldiers are not. Say Jack.. are you sure you didn't catch anything on a mission or something? Any specific port of call? I wonder .. the Mouth is not at war with any nation right now, last I heard.. what does an airship filled with soldiers in the middle of Sabata, eh?"
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Jack Farrell
- Civus
- Posts: 296
- Joined: Sun May 22, 2005 1:05 pm
- Location: Citadel
- Contact:
"Soldiers?" Jack asked confused as he put away the horse kit. The animal seemed stable considering the screaming the hull had just made. Perhaps it was not the creature's first time on an airship, Jack did not know.
Dragging his mind back he remembered a few words spoken in jest between Badar and Rezon. He filed that away for future reference, other than that he could not remember there being any talk of cargo other than Salt and the various other miscellania that was often carried on cargo ships.
"Nothing concrete. As to our bearing..." Jack scratched his head. "The Mouth was it as far as I could remember. We could either be going through the Mountains, past Dragon-keep or north and into the forests before doubling south. Are either of those locations warring?"
Jack's thoughts resolved into the image on an Adhiel, a man in the desert that told him of conflict to the north
He shook his head, a dream he had had two nights ago, nothing more.
"If we can get on deck we can tell whether we head due north or west, from there we can probably puzzle it."
What T'kil and Amica would do if the airship was headed north he did not know. Wresting it by force was not something he liked the sound of. Either way he had to find Amica.
"We had better both head on Deck, report for duty." Jack inhaled deeply. "T'kil, hide well." Jack exhaled. How in the seven hells was he going to explain their little stowaway to Maverick.
Cross that bridge when you come to it.
Dragging his mind back he remembered a few words spoken in jest between Badar and Rezon. He filed that away for future reference, other than that he could not remember there being any talk of cargo other than Salt and the various other miscellania that was often carried on cargo ships.
"Nothing concrete. As to our bearing..." Jack scratched his head. "The Mouth was it as far as I could remember. We could either be going through the Mountains, past Dragon-keep or north and into the forests before doubling south. Are either of those locations warring?"
Jack's thoughts resolved into the image on an Adhiel, a man in the desert that told him of conflict to the north
"Taquar has unfortunately seen many evils as of late."
He shook his head, a dream he had had two nights ago, nothing more.
"If we can get on deck we can tell whether we head due north or west, from there we can probably puzzle it."
What T'kil and Amica would do if the airship was headed north he did not know. Wresting it by force was not something he liked the sound of. Either way he had to find Amica.
"We had better both head on Deck, report for duty." Jack inhaled deeply. "T'kil, hide well." Jack exhaled. How in the seven hells was he going to explain their little stowaway to Maverick.
Cross that bridge when you come to it.