Sabin
Pirate
Sightseeing's fun, isn't it?
Posts: 148
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Post by Sabin on Feb 13, 2012 23:31:49 GMT -6
The ship Sabin and his fellow travellers were on was just minutes away from landing at the port town of Axelaide. Their fight with Jay's group of pirates had been pretty rough- lot of them were injured, a few reckless, dimwit passengers were killed. Vashnar had remained unconcious for a while, and Weedy himseld was not in a good condition- he had many cuts on his back and shoulders. Not exactly a good situation for a passenger ship, but Weedy had his subordinates take over, and Sabin himself kept a lookout for any other dangerous signs.
Sabin sighed as he looked over his arm. He had applied a vulnerary over his shoulder after the battle. It was still stinging a bit, but not as much as a fresh wound. They would reach the port in about ten minutes, which was a sign of relief. While he usually enjoyed life at sea, this journey happened to be one of the worst sea voyages he ever experienced. He missed his crew. Those guys were a lively bunch, and really knew how to have fun. Perhaps he should meet up with them soon, and begin comandeering the S.S Figaro once again...
He decided to use the spyglass to take a look at the port... and to his shock he saw many armoured men standing guard at the docks. What the hell was this? This was not the Wester Isles he knew of! There was never any sort of military over here! What the hell had happened?
As he slid down, he found Dee and the others taking their luggage and waiting to get off. One of the sailors shouted, " Get your luggage ready! We're about to land in the Western Isles! Be ready for questioning, the Etrurian landlord's request!"
So, it was the Etrurian filth, eh? Who did they think they were, marching in and taking over the place? The Western Isles was for pirates and sailors alike, not soldiers! It didn't feel right, seeing those scum here! Sabin felt extremely angry, but he wasn't really showing it. He tried to control it. "Cool it, Sabin. Maybe they won't be a nuisance at all. Probably here for passenger safety." was what he tried to think of to keep himself cool.
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Mel
Thief
Posts: 187
Profession: Professional Asshole
Affiliation: Bandits and Tiger and Bears, OH MY!
Affinity: Wind
OoC Alias: Mel
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Post by Mel on Feb 14, 2012 0:28:56 GMT -6
Mel let out a soft sigh relaxing atop a barrel as the ship rocked this way and that. It was almost homely now, the gentle sway that followed beside them all day. It was surprising that she had gotten used to it so quickly, she had assumed it would take months, or even years for her to reach such a level of comfort similar enough to the one she had on firm ground. Though it was not as if the thought of her growing land sick did not cross her mind. To be truthful it was all that was on her mind silently eating away at her curiosity. If she did not get this land sickness she wondered if anyone else would, Dee on the other hand blatantly deserved it.
Frowning she rubbed at the bandages wrapped around her stomach and holding her would closed. She had lost much blood, enough to render her useless and light headed for the rest of the journey to the docks. She was feeling much better though she admitted at times.
Mel sighed softly pulling her notably heavier pack up onto her shoulder and heading back to the the railing spying Sabin out of the corner of her eye. With a sleepy grumble she stumbled over and suddenly jumped up wrapping her arms around his neck and legs around his waist securely.
Her lips were pressed into a frown as she nabbed the spyglass and took a look "they don't look awfully welcoming" she commented handing it back to him. "What are they doing there anyways?"
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Post by Dee Krisby on Feb 15, 2012 9:53:49 GMT -6
The bump on Dee's head where Rabbit viciously attacked her with an apple was still irritating her. Although the apple was delicious, there could have been a less-violent way of getting it to her.
She grabbed her bag, now empty of all food. The only thing it contained now was her mother's spellbook and a few other things from her mother she kept around like the hairbrush.
[white]"Finally back to land..."[/white] she moaned, [white]"...I could use a bath..."[/white] Dee didn't really question why there were Etrurian soldiers in the Isles. They were in close proximity enough, it didn't really matter. Politics always went over her head, so she just ignored it.
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Zerachiel
Assassin
To many you will simply be another fool of a bloody king, but to me you shall always be a friend.
Posts: 99
Profession: Etrurian Assassin
Affiliation: Etrurian Inquisition
Affinity: Light
Profile: Zerachiel
OoC Alias: Elias
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Post by Zerachiel on Feb 15, 2012 13:54:20 GMT -6
Roland was exhausted. His entire body ached with tire, as he laid one his back and with each breath allowed the relaxation to soak into his bones. It was never enough, mind you, it probably would never be enough. Still even this momentary respite was a relaxing break from the onslaught of menial tasks and chores he had been committing. It all started with the first aid, somehow he became a sailor. Sure some of the sailors had gotten themselves killed, and the captain ended up short handed, but but the series of events that led to Roland becoming a deck hand were a blur. A carefully constructed blur, since he got exactly what he wanted out of it. But a blur all the same. It was worth it, in the end of course, it always was. He never did anything for free, even if he only expects repayment in favors. Favors can be powerful tools if used right.
Enough about that, they were weighing anchor, or whatever the nautical slang was, He had a feeling that one of the many dead sailors were rolling in their graves. The point was they were almost in a port. All of his stuff was already packed up, his outfits his gold his mirrors, all of it gently tucked away like it was some kind of logic puzzle and he was the champ. With a groan and a grumble, and all too many rumbles, his hoisted his self from his loft. Carrying his pack along with him, he trudge up the stairs and unto the deck where the thick sea breeze mingled with the smell of steel and commerce, it was a nice smell, beat the smell of fish which he was subjected to for so long. Of course this was only temporary, since he's gonna need another boat to get his self to Etruria, but might as well enjoy it while he can.
He held some papers in his hand, looking at them and scanning them over and over, making sure they were correct. With a shrug, he shoved them into his pockets, looking around lazily as he spotted the tufts of hair belonging to the other members of the ship that weren't simply faceless masses. With a sly grin he trotted up to them, catching the tail end of whatever they were talking about. He wasn't sure. since he missed the beginning of it, but he could make guesses. "They're Etrurian soldiers, Etruria controls the Western Isles now a days." He shrugged as he walked closer, his voice casual and perhaps a bit unfettered by the development.
"And with all the tension floating around, what with Bern and Ilia and Ostia, I'm guessing security has been beefed up. To weed out refugees looking to escape." He chuckled with a wide grin. "In a way they're like the famous pirates of these isles, except they use rules and regulations to rob people blind instead of axes."
"It shouldn't be too hard to get in, especially if you're good at lying and aren't afraid to make some bribes. It's getting out that'll be the doozy." Good at lying and making bribes? It was like he was describing his self! "Might need some paperwork forged."
"Personally I wouldn't worry too much about it yet, I'm just relieved to finally be back on land."
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Vashnar
Knight
I will have my revenge
Posts: 75
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Post by Vashnar on Feb 15, 2012 17:30:24 GMT -6
As the ship wa closing in on the port, Vashnar could see there were indeed soldiers. Looking about, he saw Dee standing nearby and looked down at himself. All these bandages and chipped armor was to protect her, by it doesn't really matter. When they touch down in port he's going to find a forge and mend/create a set of armor for himself. Walking over to Roland, he stands besides him and says casually "so, why weren't you helping me protect Dee?"
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Zerachiel
Assassin
To many you will simply be another fool of a bloody king, but to me you shall always be a friend.
Posts: 99
Profession: Etrurian Assassin
Affiliation: Etrurian Inquisition
Affinity: Light
Profile: Zerachiel
OoC Alias: Elias
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Post by Zerachiel on Feb 15, 2012 23:16:11 GMT -6
Before anyone else could really responded to his witty, but insightful overview of the situation, he noticed a certain heavily armored man trudge his way over, a small smile spread on his face. Not because it was good to see him, or any sentimental gush like that, but the feeling of satisfaction of doing his job well made him have a small swell in mood. "Oh good day Vashnar, it's good to see you finally up and walking around again. I guess I did my job pretty, you were really messed up when I found you. I'm happy we were able to stop anything severe from happening like infecti-" Then his happiness died.
Seriously?
Seriously?
Was he seriously calling him into question. Roland nearly broke his back hauling his ass, and not to mention all the blood he had to wash off his hands. Roland saved him from dying, but nope that wasn't good enough. He just finished walking up, and now he needed to accused Roland of being lazy. A small flash of anger flooded his mind, but with calm and practiced ease he prevented it from even showing on his face. Instead he just laughed it off. "Because you were there Vashnar." He said with a wide grin. "You see, unlike you, I'm weak. I can't fight all too well, if I had stayed there, I would of died, but you. You are strong, even to your almost dying breath you protected Dee, I knew I could count on you. Trust you, so to speak. It's not something I do often. The fact of the matter is, I left so I could kill pirates before they came to you guys. I was assisting from afar, taking on archers before they could notch their bows and pirates before they could swing their axes." He nodded as he spoke, looking pleasantly happy.
"You're right, I could of been there more, and that is my fault. I hope you'll accept my apology, I just simply was relying on you. I know you're a strong man, and I knew you'd do a much better job then I could of ever done." There was a truth to this, Roland wasn't one skilled in protecting others. He was good at taking advantage of people's weakness and distracting them to get the upper hand. That's not really easy to do with a partner. Still, seriously? Last time he patches up some ungrateful knight.
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Sabin
Pirate
Sightseeing's fun, isn't it?
Posts: 148
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Post by Sabin on Feb 16, 2012 8:49:27 GMT -6
Sabin was taken by surprise when mel had just cuddled him so suddenly. Sabin winced as her arm went on his injured shoulder. He gave a low grunt, trying to endure the pain. He knew Mel was injured too. If that girl did not get off of him soon, it would not mean well for her.
"Girl, that's a very uncomfortable hold there. I'll tell you now: If you don't let go, I'm going to throw you off my back. it won't be very pleasant." Sabin warned the girl.
"It seems the Etrurians decided to make the Western Isles a place for more than just markets. I still don't like it. There was no military here when I last left this place." Sabin said warily.
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Mel
Thief
Posts: 187
Profession: Professional Asshole
Affiliation: Bandits and Tiger and Bears, OH MY!
Affinity: Wind
OoC Alias: Mel
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Post by Mel on Feb 16, 2012 9:25:53 GMT -6
As Dee appeared Mel instantly hissed like a cat glaring down at the child. It would be easier to toss her into the sea. Though people seemed to think that they needed to protect her for some reason, The child was spoiled and needed to learn how to take care of herself or she would never be able to. By her age she was...well she supposed her circumstances were different but...
Mel sighed softly looking away from the annoyance the girl caused and stared at the odd item she had found on the ship. It was a rune of sorts yet...she did not know what to do with it...maybe she could find someone to ask.
Quickly she pocketed it before anyone else could see and glanced to Roland, she would have to pick his pockets before he left. Now only if she could find a time that he was not alert...
Mel jumped as Sabin spoke staring down to his bandaged shoulder and moving the center of her weight to his back as to not strain his wounds further and retracting her hands to wrap around his chest instead keeping her taller than Dee. "So...why not drive them out? She asked I did not think that the people of the isles would allow them to stay without protest."
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Zerachiel
Assassin
To many you will simply be another fool of a bloody king, but to me you shall always be a friend.
Posts: 99
Profession: Etrurian Assassin
Affiliation: Etrurian Inquisition
Affinity: Light
Profile: Zerachiel
OoC Alias: Elias
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Post by Zerachiel on Feb 16, 2012 10:16:33 GMT -6
"Sabin, you can't be serious. This is Etruria we're talking about, to simply leave a land NOT under it's iron fist is simply out of character to the point I would assume that Kraft finally became senile and is shouting random bits of insanity that everyone follows without even realizing that wearing a shoe on your head might be a silly idea." He crossed his arms and frowned, gesturing lightly as he spoke, even though their backs were to him and they simply couldn't see his hands at work. "Of course they aren't going to leave it a simple market, they're going to seize power whenever possible. Obviously that possible came and went, and what you're seeing now is the aftermath of said seizing."
He shrugged, bringing his hands up in a very 'I don't know' type way, his face twisted into a dry smile. "There's not much that can be done about it. There's hundreds of reasons why they aren't simply 'just driven out' that would probably take far too long then I desire to spend talking and probably involving political lessons like I'm a private tutor. To put it simplest, however, they can't. This is Etruria, probably the most dangerous military power in Elibe, and by far the most extreme and unhinged. You've heard of what happened to Ostia. Well the first thing that happened to Ostia, the whole sinking into lava bit I don't think they had a hand in. I'm about 50/50 on the zombie part."
"It would probably be best if you didn't say things like that as well while we're here. I have no love of Etruria myself, but you'd be surprised how seriously they take insubordination, and just how far the definition 'treason' can stretch when it's behind the hands of patriotic zealots." He thought for a moment about the situation, trying to form out the 'smart' way to go about this. Weighing it in with the situation, he was entirely certain no matter what he did he'd get out of it somehow. He was good at that. He cupped his hands in the air, pantomiming a scale and weighing the two invisible weights.
"There's a very good chance that Etruria has cut deals with many of the pirates around here." He muttered lightly. "They wouldn't just allow them to roam free with no retribution if they were serious about stomping it out. I'm willing to bet that those pirates we ran into were on Etruria's payroll." That added another dimension of complication. He had a feeling Sabin or Mel were going to suggest something silly like 'Lets lead the people to revolt for their freedom guys! That always works!' without really realizing how impossible such a task is. Of course no one actually said that, so it wasn't necessary to try his best to put it down. He wasn't trying to be jerk, but he was simply an incredibly realistic and cynical man. Always been.
"It's especially apparent here since this is a port town. If you go into the islands you might find the Etrurian presence lighter, until you hit Valor, then it just get stupid high." That's probably where the governors live. Security would be really high there. Of course, he hasn't been to Western Isles since before the occupation and he was admittedly more uniformed on the situation as a whole then he deemed comfortable. You can only pump so much information from sailors and dockhands, he'd get a better picture in town.
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Post by Dee Krisby on Feb 16, 2012 19:33:27 GMT -6
[white]"Now, now, Vashie,"[/white] Dee said, reverting to her nicknames now that the crisis was over. It no longer felt appropriate to call him "Shiny" after his outburst when they first boarded the boat. [white]"It was only your job to protect me and you were awesome. It's my fault that I wasn't useful at all during the fight..."[/white] she looked down trying to not make eye contact with anyone.
What had she done? Scream out of fear, then cast a spell that may have hurt a teammate more than help them. Well, it was only Blueberry, he didn't matter much.
[white]"Also, you would've died if it weren't for Red,"[/white] she said, facing Roland. Dee quickly wiped a single tear as she relived that moment briefly.
Other than that, Dee just stood on the deck, swinging her arms back and forth, bored. She wondered if there were any libraries at all in the Isles. The scruffy-looking guy seemed to have been here before, so she would have to ask him later. After she figured out a nickname for him. Maybe just "Scruffy" would work...
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Vashnar
Knight
I will have my revenge
Posts: 75
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Post by Vashnar on Feb 16, 2012 19:43:17 GMT -6
"Actually, I don't remember a thing during the fight. All I really remember is rage building inside me and a strong feeling to protect you" Vashnar told Dee before turning back to Roland. "Sorry if I overstepped a line there with my question. I'm really grateful that you saved my life" he told Roland before giving a quick bow. Turning back to Dee, Vashnar gave her a pat on the head and smiled as he told her "It's not your fault, I would've acted like that if it was my first fight. I'm just glad you're alright, and I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier". Vashnar then punched Dee lightly in the head before adding "And don't give me nicknames. My name is just plainly Vashnar".
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Zerachiel
Assassin
To many you will simply be another fool of a bloody king, but to me you shall always be a friend.
Posts: 99
Profession: Etrurian Assassin
Affiliation: Etrurian Inquisition
Affinity: Light
Profile: Zerachiel
OoC Alias: Elias
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Post by Zerachiel on Feb 16, 2012 23:33:52 GMT -6
That little anger that swelled in his chest, the little rage that buried it self firmly in the back of his mind and making a home for itself amongst all his other unspeakable emotions, of which there were a lot, it slowly shrunk. Like pressing a cold ice pack to swelling, and watching as that bump on your head disappear. Now now, he couldn't rightly hold a grudge over someone who just apologized, especially like that. You don't hear heartfelt apologies anymore, everyone is too busy being fake about everything, himself included, he had a bit of respect for such a undiluted show of emotion.
"It's alright, like I said it's also my fault." He was about to say 'I'm sorry for being so passive aggressive on you' but he didn't think Vash caught on to that. Which is good, because he was incredibly skilled at lying and hiding his emotions and flattery and all that, so it was good that he didn't catch it, since that would mean he was losing his touch. Which was impossible, since his touch is like everyone else's wistful glance.
"Also I wouldn't really worry about it Dee, everyone turned out alright. No one was asking you to somehow become a siege engine of untold death and destruction. The first few times you see battle are terrifying, I understand. But you'll only get better with time and practice, and next time you'll be able to help more, and then more the next time." He smiled, his somewhat tired face looking pleasant for a change. "All things take time, but I assure someday people will be asking YOU to protect them." Well he wasn't entirely sure that was true, mages were tricky like that. He wasn't one for protecting people his self, he had a hard time fighting with a partner and did better on his own. He had the ability to hide in the shadows that could probably be compared to a thief rather then some kind of mercenary, but he didn't take enjoyment out of stealing thing. Well unless they were really important to his mission or something. Still, he moved more like an assassin in training then the heroes of lore.
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Sabin
Pirate
Sightseeing's fun, isn't it?
Posts: 148
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Post by Sabin on Feb 16, 2012 23:45:08 GMT -6
Sabin listened to what Roland had to say carefully. He hated to admit it,but Roland was right. Etruria had a scary, unshakable military. Going head on would be nonsense, and any pirate trying to resist would have been dead meat by now. Still, even if the Western Isles were colonies of Etruria, they were another nation. If the people actually made an effort to form a strong administrative setup, the Western isles could become a wealthy, safe nation for markets and stuff. But no, it was either pirates or Etrurian lords who wrecked havoc amongst the people. Sabin gave pirate life for a reason- he had no right to take the life of another man who did no crime. A travelling monk had taught him what it means to be a good man, and Sabin had learnt well from that. Yet he couldn't stand by and watch as pirates and corrupt officials did as they pleased. So Sabin was ok to run his axe through these sorts of people. Self defence was first important, and then justice and honesty were next.
" Roland, I completely agree with what you say, but this doesn't sit right with me. If I can only do something to help my homeland truly flourish. I know that without the Etrurians occupying the place, pirates would be running about freely. But if only people could take matters into their own hands and had an actual administrative setup. What these islands need are an actual military to defend the people from pirates. I know its not easy, but it pains to see my homeland always in chaos..." Sabin turned around, telling Roland this.
" I had always wanted to go into Etruria and go sightseeing. Of course, the past couple of years have not been very pleasant, and with the way things are going about, who knows? I fear dark times are about to come down upon us. Perhaps once we arrive at the port, we could investigate but..." Sabin stopped as he thought about it. Etrurians, the cause for the zombie attacks on Ostia, and countless pirate attacks? What was going on in that damned country?
" I might be thinking too much. Well whaddya know, we've landed!" Sabin exclaimed. There was a pretty big shake as the ship landed in the docks. Sabin almost stumbled.
"Now if you would Mel, please get off my back!" Sabin yelled at Mel, as he saw the Etrurian soldiers enter the ship minutes later. It seemed they were guarding some eminent person. Well, well, time to assess this new face.
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Mel
Thief
Posts: 187
Profession: Professional Asshole
Affiliation: Bandits and Tiger and Bears, OH MY!
Affinity: Wind
OoC Alias: Mel
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Post by Mel on Feb 17, 2012 0:22:31 GMT -6
Mel stared from Roland to Sabin listening intently to what the two were discussing her chin resting on the elder man's shoulder. She moved around from place to place often and never did she pay attention to the happenings in the world unless they affected her directly in some way. In the back of the lass's memory she did recall a few whisperings about Etruria's state of affairs. Through the information could be as reliable as saying that wyverns breathed fire.
Though from what she could recall Etruria was being ruled by a man considered a deity called the prophet. Was he even a prophet? She really knew so little about it... Just some people worshiped the man dedication their lives to him. Yet others stared at him with disapproval...Roland and Sabin seemed to think so.
It was no concern of hers anyways, money was her only concern to her. The more she got the quicker she got the faster she could achieve her goals of conquest.
Sighing softly Mel stared at Sabin slightly irked by his raised voice and such a violent tone. "I don't wish to walk" she said simply pulling up her hood as the boat docked clinging tightly so the jolt did not knock her from her newly found perch. "I would rather stay up here for now" she mumbled tying a cloth around her head covering the points of her ears before pulling her hood back up securely.
The girl seemed slightly nervous as she bit into an apple trying to look as small as possible "I'll get down later..."
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Vashnar
Knight
I will have my revenge
Posts: 75
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Post by Vashnar on Feb 19, 2012 13:37:28 GMT -6
(hey guys, sorry it took a bit for me to post again. This entire week I'm in San Francisco, so I won't be able to post right away.)
As the ship docked and the gangplank was rolled up, soldiers started to run onto the ship. Bewildered, Vashnar stood up straight and to attention like when he used to train in Bern and commanders usually visited his mentor. As he looked around, Vashnar counted all of the soldiers; about 30 in all and all wearing the insignea of Etruria. When one of the soldiers walked by he gave Vashnar a odd look then went on with his duties. When all the soldiers got into position, there was soft footsteps as a single walked up the gangplank. "ALL BOW IN THE PRESENSE OF VLAMIR VON RAUKOV, GOVERNOR OF THE WESTERN ISLES!" One of the soldiers shouted as the man set foot on the ship.
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