I'm going to need a captain [Open]

[Gar]

Edgar opened his eyes to a burning sun and soreness in his neck. The pier on which he awoke was not a friendly reminder of what occurred the past night. Edgar reached for his coin pouch to find that it was missing. He sighed and struggled to stand. As he lost his balance he fell to his knees and regurgitated all that he had consumed the past night. He watched miserably as the chunks of shrimp and bile washed away in the tide. The sight provoked a few more futile upheavals. His stomach turned and for a moment he considered rolling into the ocean. Gar rolled onto his back to avoid getting sick once again. He shaded his eyes from the sun and noticed the sunburn he had acquired. I’m going to have to treat this huh… First I should figure out where I am though.

Edgar sat up and searched the pier for anything familiar. He slowly came to the realization that he was utterly lost. It wasn’t the first time he woke up in an unfamiliar place. Gar tried to stand once again, this time holding onto both his balance and yesterday’s supper. Sweat dripped off his nose and ran uncomfortably down his cheeks. He sighed once again and shambled back toward the port town that was his home for the night.

Gar eventually came across an inn. He knew nothing looked familiar. I have no money, no memory and worst of all no idea where I am. He turned to the gate of the town to hopefully find a landmark or a clue as to where he was. He shaded his eyes and squinted to read a nearby sign. Gar was upset by what he found. Everything slowly came back to him. So I ended up here once again. I knew that last drink would be killer. One of these days I’ll learn to be more discerning about the company I keep. That lady was being far too friendly to me.

Edgar reached for his hip and felt his old rusty axe. He unhitched it from the sash on his belt and gave it a close look. The sun reflected off the sections of the axe that weren’t covered in rust. The axe was once a sharp, strong weapon, but its use had run out. He smirked and reminisced about the times that axe saved his life. He kissed the flat of the axe and gathered his strength. With one swift motion he threw the axe into the ocean. He would need a new axe as well.
Edgar contemplated the best way to get money and entertainment. Edgar smirked again and decided he would become a mercenary. Ilia is a good place for mercenary work. The only question is how am I going to get there? Edgar looked back toward the coast. He convinced himself he would need to work on a ship to earn his passage to Ilia. As per usual it would probably require piracy, sailing, fighting and possibly killing. Gar was comfortable with this line of work, he even enjoyed it. The only question was who he would work for.

[Gar]

As Gar slowly strolled along the boardwalk he attempted to recall who, if anybody was at war with whom. War never really affected Gar as he never had any allegiance to a nation. He never cared for the nobles and lords; they could all be assassinated it wouldn’t affect him at all. At this particular moment all he cared about was getting past his hangover and finding passage to Ilia. Perhaps there were other solutions to solving his financial problems, but none came to Gar’s mind.

A swift breeze swept by, cooling the sweat upon Gar’s face. Gar spread his arms and allowed the refreshing sea breeze to envelope him. Gar chuckled aloud and decided to walk along the beach; perhaps he would have better luck there. After a few steps, Gar sat down in the sand to relax. While basking in the warm heat of the sun, he contemplated the classic pirate’s dream. Hidden treasure. Maybe someday I could find some. Gar allowed his mind to wander as his eyes closed and the wind gently caressed his body to sleep.

Gar awoke a few hours later, refreshed. That was great. Living here wouldn’t be too bad. The sky was lit a bright orange by the setting sun. Gar stretched out his arms and yawned loudly. He pushed himself off the sand and took note of the tide level. Gar brushed the sand off his back and bottom. I’m not getting anywhere strolling around lazily and taking naps. I’m going to need to make a few connections. Maybe I could find someone to show me around. Gar then turned his back on the ocean and proceeded back to the town.

Gar came across a bench outside of a tavern and decided to take a seat. If I know anything about pirate towns, it is that the tavern is where everyone goes at night. All I have to do is wait here until I see someone who looks like they know what goes on around here. Gar grinned as he figured out his plan of action. After a few moments of waiting his grin faded to a smile. A few more moments passed and his smile turned to a scowl. "What’s going on? Is there no one in this town who likes a nice drink?" Gar stood up and angrily kicked the wooden bench. The kick left a crack in one of the wooden panels on the bench. Gar blushed lightly and looked around. Hopefully no one saw that.

[Minerva]

"Western Isles... What a dump this place is."

Minerva was here on 'business'; she had a local customs official that she worked with to extort extra tariff and freight money from merchant vessels in exchange for protection. When she was forced to, she traveled by pirate ship out to the Isles to visit her contact and discuss their business arrangements - but she only came when she was forced to. The Isles were awful. So heathen and decrepit. It was such a stark contrast to the beauty of Ilia. Plus, it was damned hot here too. Minerva liked fire, but she preferred fire from her hands, not from the sky. This heat was ridiculous.

"So now... Now it's... Cold beverage o'clock."

The mage turned a corner, walking briskly. If it wasn't for the slight breeze, it would be absolutely unbearable. In lieu of her normal heavy casting cloak/dress attire, Minerva was wearing a light summer dress, which was a silver that contrasted nicely with her blue hair. Her tome was tucked safely in a purse-like bag she had slung over her neck and side; there was an additional precaution from pickpockets, as a belt hooked the purse to her dress, in a fashionable and secure manner.

Then she saw in front of her a man who seemed angry. Then she saw him kick a bench with surprising ferocity. See? This is why she didn't like the Isles - so many nutcases.

"Hey, hey, cool it... What's going on? Customs got you down? Down on your luck? Lucky for you, I have enough coin for a drink or two... What say we head in, kick back, and then unwind? I can probably solve a lot of the problems you've got - but be warned, I'm no damn shrink."

[Gar]

Edgar's eyes locked onto a young, blue haired woman in a silver dress. As she approached him he turned see what she wanted. Gar gave her a quick once over to assess her motives. Unfortunately for Gar he has never been too insightful. As she began speaking the scowl that Gar wore left and became a grin once again. He had forgotten why he was mad to begin with. Gar put a hand on the back of his neck and remembered how the day had began, how last night ended. "Last time a pretty girl offered to buy me a drink I ended up broke, passed out on the pier. But what are the chances of that happening twice?" Gar chuckled at his own proclamation. "Anyone who offers me a drink before even asking my name is alright in my book. I'm Edgar, but I prefer Gar. Whats your name?" He extended his hand in the manner of a proper greeting and then turned to enter the tavern, leaving the slightly broken bench behind him.

Gar's eyes took a moment to adjust to the light of the tavern. Not too crowded, not too empty. A nice place if you ask me. Gar scanned the room for a place to sit. He sat down in a corner and slid one of the other chairs out with his foot. Gar then gestured toward the bartender for service."Now then what brings you to the fine city of... uhh wherever we are?" He considered sharing his plans for the future with the lady in his company. After deciding sharing these details couldn't hurt he proceeded to explain his situation. "So here's the deal I'm a broke pir-... sailor looking for passage to Ilia, I don't suppose you would have a vessel I could work on do you?"

Gar politely awaited the woman's response. He again gave the lady a look over, this time he noticed the woman's purse. Maybe my luck is turning around... Let's see how this plays out. Gar smirked as he sipped his drink. He swallowed with a grimace. "Whew, that shark had a bit more bite than I expected. Haha"  Gar decided to down the remainder of the drink and gestured for another. One way or another he was going to get his time's worth out of this conversation. Maybe this lady could solve all his problems. What all do I need again? Axe, Gold, Boat. If I'm lucky she could provide them all. I'd be in some serious debt if that happened though.

[Minerva]

Minerva laughed heartily. She had chosen wisely - this man was a good chap, it seemed. He was affable, and it seemed as if he had a fiery spirit. That was a plus in her book. Anyone worth his salt would always be ready to banter.

"Gar it is, then. I am Minerva. I am a... trader, of sorts. I work with my mind and my wits, and, of course... My flames."

Minerva smiled, raising up her arms and summoning a small wisp of blue fire before letting it fade away into nothingness.

"Yes, of course. Let's head on in."

After the two were seated and had received drinks, Minerva chuckled at the man's evident confusion. He was as out of his element here as she was.

"The city's called Degenport, I believe. Not much here for me, actually, save a friend in customs... But you said you need passage... To Ilia?"

What an interesting turn of events this was. Perhaps she'd have a traveling companion, and one with whom she could start up a new enterprise... This Gar could be quite a catch. Especially since the fall of her old Sharks... This Gar could be for her what Fang was. But smarter, faster... With a little training, this Gar could be a force.

"Say, Gar... What type of jobs do you take on? I have plenty of work, but it's... Tough work. Work for men who aren't afraid of anything, be it law, militia, or bounty hunters. I have work in dubious areas, Gar... But so does everyone on these forsaken Isles.

What interests you is undoubtedly not the type of work, but the pay.

I pay well. You'd be a right-hand man of sorts - and I have a ship, bound for Ilia. A fast ship, one that will be carrying some valuable cargo. I could hire you to protect that cargo for me. You're a pir-sailor, a man of the sea... So you'd be at home, yes?"

Things were definitely looking up.

[Gar]

Gar enjoyed the quick display of fire magic. He never had any ability for magic or reading in general so he appreciates a person that can use it so effortlessly. He also enjoyed the thought of a woman of the flames working with a man of the sea. A smart, pretty woman is deadly to begin with, but pair her with a loyal mass of muscle and they are nearly unstoppable. Nice. She’s the brains, I’m the muscle. Gar thought of the past jobs he had worked. The things that came to mind involved sailing and a lot of boring days, a number of stormy days and a few battles. He enjoyed the storms and battles as they were events that broke the monotony. If he was lucky he also came out of the situation with a few gold to spend and a few stories to tell. Gar figured out the best way to respond to the woman’s question.

The underhanded jobs never phased Gar, he was fine with working outside the law. The only thing he resisted was being caught. “I’m the type of man who does what needs doing. I sail, I lift, I fight, and when necessary I kill.” After this statement Gar felt the need to lighten the mood. He smiled and continued “And if nothing else I’m good for morale. So I’ll be something like your first mate huh? Tough work for a tough man. You can count on me.”

Working for Minerva wouldn’t be bad at all. Gar grinned. He could see it already the inflated sails, the axe on his hip, the deck under his boots, the rope work and of course the water below. It would be good for the soul. “I’d be more than at home on the sea. I’ve lived my entire life there. The ocean knows my name, weeps when I am away and eagerly awaits my return. We belong together.” Gar made this declaration with an air of arrogance to bolster his worth. Perhaps his drinks gave him a little extra liquid courage. He turned the conversation to the future. “I’m assuming you want me aboard so when do you think we’ll be ready to leave?” Gar picked up his drink and awaited the woman’s answer.

[Minerva]

"Ah, Gar! I knew I could depend on you. A man with a spirit as lively and vigorous as yours will be a great boon to my cause. You're the man, Gar."

The mage leaned forward conspiratorially, grinning slyly and looking at Gar with a twinkle in her eyes. She could see it already... There would be a great deal of profit for both of them. What a great catch. When she began to speak, it was in a hushed tone, but she still stayed in her lean, talking excitedly while covertly watching the man's gaze to see where it would drift. After all, the V-neck of her dress plunged sharply, as was the 'latest in style and fashion' according to one of her girl friends, with whom she had met earlier when she arrived.

"So here's the deal... I have a friend in customs who lets me take whatever I want from here back to the mainland. And since spices fetch a pretty penny in Ilia, I usually load up the hull with spices, silks, and liquor. I'm a trade vessel... But I pay no tariffs. And while there's usually no trouble, you can't be sure of anything these days.

So Gar, I name you my first mate. You'll have command over the other sailors, and will answer only to me. Upon safe arrival of the ship in an Ilian port, I'll pay you - you'll have all the food and drink you want on the ship, provided you can still do your job.

From there, if you want to leave, you may, but if you want to stick with me... I'd be more than willing to have you. A good melee fighter and a strong man is a necessity in today's world. And you seem like a good chap.

Cheers, Gar. To our future!"

Minerva raised her glass exuberantly. Gar was the man.

[Gar]

Gar was smiling happily, partly because of the work he found and partly because of the alcohol. He turned his ear to listen better as the woman leaned in. Of course he stole a peek at Minerva’s assets beforehand. Gar didn’t care too much if she noticed his glace but he didn’t want to be disrespectful toward his new partner. Of spices, silks and liquor Gar knew of one. He didn’t know where to get spices or silks but as one could plainly see by the slight red coloration in his cheeks, he knew where he could find liquor. Gar would gladly take care of procuring the spirits. Gar scanned the bar quickly and looked for any security. He didn’t see anyone who was particularly well armed, but he had to keep one thing in mind. Anyone in a pirate town is a threat. Gar’s eyes moved back to meet Minerva’s.

“First mate Gar. I like the sound of that. Finally someone who treats me with the respect I deserve.” Gar tried to remember what his old crew told him to do whenever you board a new ship. It had something to do with respecting the ship and the commander at all times. Gar was slightly embarrassed that he had forgotten the whole code, but hopefully it was well enough ingrained that he didn’t have to worry about it. He wasn’t even sure if this lady knew of the pirate code, let alone followed it. Nonetheless, the deal seemed legitimate and beneficial to Gar’s needs. Gar nodded as Minerva went over the terms of the arrangement. He would have to see how this voyage turned out to determine if he would stick around or go his own way.

Gar was flattered by the woman’s speech. She was quickly earning his favor. She’s much nicer than my previous crewmates. She isn’t hard to look at either, unlike those old, ugly drunkards. Gar grinned widely as Minerva raised her glass. He followed suit and claimed “To our future indeed. May it be prosperous and full of adventure… Captain.” With that he moved his glass toward Minerva's and took a hearty gulp. Afterward he leaned in once more and whispered " How would we got about obtaining these spices, silks and liquor? 'Cuz I have a few ideas in mind." Gar glanced again around the room. His plan hadn't been fully thought out, he was likely operating under bravado and excitement.

[Minerva]

"How would we go about obtaining these spices, silks, and liquor? 'Cuz I have a few ideas in mind."

Minerva laughed. This was the kind of man she needed - one who was actively thinking, who had no qualms about morals or any of that nonsense. He was a man who would do what was necessary, do it fast, and do it well.

"I have about half of a hold at the moment - rum, mostly, and spices. The spices sell well, and are expensive, but I don't want to jeopardize my business relationship with the spice tycoon around here. He and I are good friends, and robbing him would destroy a mutually profitable venture. I'm new in the silk trade, so I don't know much about acquiring them - if you have any good ideas, I'm more than willing to listen to them.

And as for the liquor? I hate dealing with the brewers around here. The Ilians love rum, but these Isles merchants charge an arm and a leg and are about as trustworthy as a hungry barracuda. I hate dealing with them. They'll slip you bottles of water or really terrible stuff. Absolute nightmare working with them. So if you know how to get cheap, good liquor, or a good way of stealing it... I'm game."

Minerva smiled at First Mate Gar. He was a sturdy fellow, and he clearly had an active spirit. Not afraid of decisions or danger. That was what she liked to see. He'd be a good help.

[Gar]

Gar took the information provided with a smile on. Even if they couldn’t be as boisterous as he would’ve liked with the silks and spices, there was always the bars around town. He had a few spots in mind but the one that would be the easiest to hit was a little bit away. Knowing how things typically worked on the Western Isles security wasn’t the responsibility of the town. Rather, it was every person for themselves. This fact is what Gar was hinging his plan upon.



“I’ll have to get a new axe on the way but, there is a small tavern on the outskirts of town. Only a few patrons and the owner seemed like a meek old mate. The rum there was good... Good enough to get me plastered last night anyway. I say we wait until around midnight. Roll out a few barrels of the good stuff and sail away before anybody is the wiser." Gar wasn’t the best at making foolproof plans but he was proud of himself for this one. Everyone got what they wanted and in a reasonable amount of time and effort. Gar did wonder what would happen if he underestimated the defenses of the bar. Gar chuckled and added "And of course if things get messy well... that’s what I’m here for isn’t it?"



Gar was clearly happy with his plan making skills but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t open to input. He still didn’t know where the ship was or when it would be ready to leave. No matter. I’m sure she can handle the logistics. I’m just here for my strength. He was fine with this, in fact, he was excited to show the mage woman what a man of the sea was capable of. Gar also was interested to see what she could do with that book in her purse. Gar smiled at the thought of them fighting together, even though this plan called more for stealth than battle prowess. He looked at Minerva in the eyes. “How does that sound to you Cap’n?”

[Minerva]

"A new axe? We can easily get one of those. I'll pick up the tab - call it an advance on your wages, or, better yet, a bonus. In anticipation of good service. I think we'll go places, Gar. So..."

The mage tapped her nose a few times idly, thinking through the plan. It seemed sound and seaworthy - sneak in, sneak out, and set sail. She'd finished her business, and the ship was already 'cleared' to leave... So the sooner she could get on with her life, the better. If that meant sneaking out of town, she was fine with it. She could fit about a dozen more barrels in the hold of the ship. She wasn't a large vessel, but she was fast. Just what a smuggler needed.

"That plan sounds watertight to me, Gar. We'll head on and pick up an axe for you. Then we'll hit the tavern, roll the barrels to the ship, and make waves before anybody finds out.

And if things do happen to take a turn for the worse, I too can help you. I'm not as strong, so I'm not sure how much use I will be carrying barrels of rum... But I can fight. Hohoho, that I can."

The mage flagged the waiter, ordering one more round, and then paid off the tab. After taking the small glass of liquor and emptying it in a smooth motion, the mage rose to her feet, running a hand through her hair idly.

"Whenever you're ready, we can head to the armory. We have a bit of time to kill before midnight, so while we walk, why don't you tell me how you came to end up here? Your life story, all that good stuff."

Minerva smiled. He'd probably have a few stories to tell, if she could go by past experience with men of the sea.

[Gar]

Gar smiled widely as he flexed the fingers of his axe arm. The thought of a brand new axe in his hand gave him shivers. He simply could not wait for a new axe and better yet, it was free of charge as far as he was concerned. Gar was even more proud of his plan after Minerva agreed to it. He was relieved that he wouldn't need to do all the heavy lifting, at least when it came to fighting. Gar took up his final drink and poured the remaining liquid into his mouth. He grimaced once again and smirked afterward. Soon it would be time to work so he enjoyed what was left of his free time. Gar waved a hand to the bartender as a thanks for the service and with that it was time to leave.

As Gar exited the tavern he realized that much more time had passed than he thought. It was dark out but the stars shone brightly. A little too bright for smuggler's work. At least it's a new moon tonight, otherwise we might have had to postpone our little operation. The target was up the road a bit, but the armory was in the other direction. Since they had some time to kill he turned toward the armory and started walking. He slowly formulated a response to Minerva's inquiry.

"My life story huh?" Gar considered whether is was a good plan to inform the lady of his heritage. He came to the conclusion that she seemed like a fair person so he continued. "Well it isn't anything too special. My father and mother moved from Sacae to Badon. They didn't see it fit to be moving around with a small child. Gar smirked. "Unfortunately for their plans, Sacaen blood doesn't stay still for long. My old man bought a ship and began trading. He was successful enough to settle down with my Ma in some town outside of Badon. As for me... Well I stayed on the ship and the new captain had his own way of doing things."

Gar looked toward the sky. If he still had a drink he would've poured some out it out in respect for his departed captain. Gar laughed as he spoke "That old captain -they called him Reckless Rod- he would capture two ships every day and spend all the spoils in whatever town he stayed in that night. He died about four years ago from some sickness he caught while sleeping with a girl they called the wyvern." Gar chuckled heartily. " Apparently you had to be trained to ride, if you catch my drift." Gar wondered if the vulgarity of the joke would be too much for the lady, but decided a little pirate humor never hurt anyone. He continued his story regardless. "But after that the crew disbanded. I've been on seven ships under twelve captains since old Rod. None of them were half the fighter he was." Gar turned to face his new captain. "But for my newest, most generous, captain... that remains to be seen."

Gar knew the mage had some skill simply by the way she presented herself. He was just eager to see the magic up close. He had never had a mage on his side of the fight before. As they walked Gar saw the armory up ahead."Well, there it is. I feel as if I talked your ear off. I know a lot of people don't like to talk about their past, so I tend not to ask. Feel free to tell me all about it if you want though." If they were on a pirate ship he probably wouldn't have said anything at all about his past. Both asking and obliging were against his old pirate's code.

[Minerva]

"Sacae, hmm. That's remarkable."

So Gar's family had moved from Sacae to the port city, Badon... And the man himself stayed on the ship and gotten some experience. That was good; it was like an outside reference. He had qualifications, and presumably skill. Minerva felt comfortable.

Then, when Gar told his joke, Minerva couldn't help but chuckle for a while. The creativity of the joke overcame the lewdness, and impressed her with her new hire's wit more than anything.

And then he'd done some wandering. Ship to ship, captain to captain... Wandering was the mark of an adventurer and an active spirit. Minerva approved.

"I can assure you you haven't talked my ear off. Just to be clear, though, I feel that I should make you aware of some of the details of my own.

I was born as the bastard daughter of two Ilian nobles. Why they just didn't marry, I have no idea, but I grew up with my father, believing that my mother had, as he put it, 'died.' But in fact it turned out she was embarrassed of her fall - a fact that I exploited as leverage to get training as a mage. Then I got sick of the wedding talk and the search for eligible males. So I turned to wandering, adventuring, banditry, and smuggling, and I'm proud to say that as of today I'm a capable and independent woman who's doing quite well for herself.

So if we ever go inland in Ilia, you'll notice that I do have some clout. Not a lot - I'm of middling nobility - but enough to get my way, much like a petulant child."

Minerva sighed and pushed the door to the armory open.

"Anyway... Find an axe that suits your fancy, Gar. After this, we'll stop briefly at that shop next door and then head on down to the tavern."

[Gar]

Gar listened closely as Minerva told her story. There is a lot to be learned from someone's past, that is why it is both dangerous and incredibly valuable. So she's Ilian and nobility. Sounds like shes rich. But she doesn't seem like one of those stuffy, look down on you types. She is much more bearable, even likable. Gar liked her style, getting what she wanted with whatever strategy was required. Gar also was somewhat proud of his new connection to nobility. He smiled and turned to enter the armory.

He scanned the store and saw exactly what one would expect. The store owner looked up as he entered. the man seemed somewhat displeased as Gar entered, likely because of the time. The owner probably was almost closing the store for the night. "Swords are for the greedy, lances for the loyal lapdogs, bows for the cowards and books for the... intellectuals." Gar smiled as he walked over to the axes. He saw the smaller lighter ones,the extra sharp ones, and the ones that were way too expensive for him. He smiled as he picked up a simple axe. "But axes. Axes are for the strong man, the fighter who doesn't have time to learn any fancy tricks. Yes axes are for the man who needs to get a job done quick."

Gar flipped the axe in the air and caught it by the handle. He liked the weight distribution well enough. After a thorough check of the axes construction and durability he made his decision. "This one will do the trick." Gar slid the iron axe into the sash on his waist. He headed to the clerk at the counter. He smirked and said "This one's on that lady behind me." Gar pointed over his shoulder with his thumb and stepped to the side of the counter to make room for Minerva to pay.

[Minerva]

Minerva smiled at the man's little adage. It was true - swords were the weapon of choice of the money-grubbing mercenaries, lances were the armament of soldiers, and bows were the hallmark of someone who feared the front lines of battle, preferring to stay away from any chance of bodily injury and instead pick others off.

Now the statement about books for the intellectuals... That was interesting. She didn't consider herself as a major intellectual, but, if that was a compliment, as it sounded to be... She'd accept it. Praise was never a bad thing. It made her happy to know that Gar considered her as having enough brains to run a successful smuggling operation.

When the man selected his axe, Minerva didn't even blink at the price. It was a solid, durable axe, clearly made well - one of the few things one could count on in the Isles. Good quality weapons - a bum axe could cost you your life.

Another? The prices. The weapon was by no means cheap, but Minerva paid in silence, nodding to the shopkeeper and smiling at Gar as they exited and entered the shop next door. This had a smell of mildew and shelves of medicines, staves, and a shelf of tomes - hardcover, newly bound Fire spellbooks, golden yellow Thoron volumes, and... There. A book, light blue, sitting amidst a few others of its kind. Pulling it off the shelf, the mage looked at it, smiled, and opened it, looking over the lines of writing and the bold, well-written runes that graced the crisp pages.

"That axe suits you well, Gar. But I think that this might suit me just as well."

Throwing a small bag of gold on the counter, Minerva tossed an offhand comment to the shopkeep as they exited.

"There's 2000 in there. Count it if you want."

Outside, Minerva raised her right hand, her left holding the book open as her lips moved almost noiselessly. Suddenly, the air seemed to grow colder, and if Gar looked at his axe, he would see frost condensing on it.

"Fimbulvetr. The magic of ice."

Minerva smiled. All preparations were complete... It was time to steal some rum and disappear on the sea.

"All right, First Mate Gar... Lead me to the booty!"