I'm going to need a captain [Open]

[Gar]

Gar chuckled at the sheer confidence the woman had. He enjoyed how she talked to the shop owner.She's kind of a badass. As he felt the air get colder, Gar shivered. He turned to notice a few flakes of frost falling to the ground. It took him a few more moments to recognize Minerva's silent chant. I guess you can say she's as cold as ice. Impressed and excited, Gar smiled at the woman and said "Sure thing Captain! Just follow me."

Gar turned and started walking up the road the way they had come. A few people were still stirring in the night, but that was unavoidable in towns like this. There were always going to be ruffians who were up to no good at all times of the night. This night he happened to be one of them. The poor lighting made it somewhat difficult to walk but Gar appreciated it. The closer they got to their destination, the less people there were. He noticed a drunken sailor passed out in the street. If it were another time Gar would've chuckled, but Gar knew the time for business was close and he would have to focus. As they neared the destination Gar turned to Minerva and claimed "It's probably best if we don't walk right up to the front door. We'll take the side paths." With that Gar ducked down an alleyway and continued on toward the bar.

As he reached his destination he quietly peered into a dark window. Gar noticed nothing and then walked around to the back of the building where he knew there was a cellar. He saw the two cellar doors locked with a new, study lock. This displeased him, but he was not one to give up after such a small setback. He bent over and looked at the corners of the doors closely. He removed his axe, slid it under the frame and lifted the hinges off the door. After a few quiet creaks Gar smirked. It'll take more than a lock to keep me away from alcohol. Gar lifted the door and peered into the darkness below. He whispered to Minerva "You can either follow me below or stay up here and keep watch." He took one step in and slowly descended deeper into the dark. It reminded him of working below decks at night. Dark and reeking of rum. His eyes soon adjusted to reveal the shelves of barrels stacked in the room. He had expected more barrels. Some of the barrels were smashed and others looked previously emptied. It was almost as if someone had beaten them to the punch.That explains the new lock, I guess Nonetheless there were still some barrels left intact. He placed his axe back into his belt and picked up two barrels holding them against his chest. Gar took care and slowly climbed the steps up out of the cellar.

[Minerva]

As Gar expressed his approval and invited her to follow, Minerva fell in beside and slightly behind him, her eyes flickering from side to side as she watched the surroundings. The dim and murky light obscured all but the outlines of the few others on the streets, who soon faded away until it seemed that all was as still as a crypt. After a bit more strolling, the pirate turned to her and made a small joke before leading her into an alley.

By default, the mage gathered some energy, prepared to cast just in case she had somehow misread her new assistant. But her fears were unfounded, and Minerva relaxed as they arrived at the bar. Gar set to work, using his axe to stealthily pry the hinges off, and Minerva listened as he told her the scoop - "You can either follow me below or stay up here and keep watch."

The mage knew she wouldn't be much use carrying barrels a long ways, and so she stood nonchalantly near the dark and gaping entrance, watching for any sign of trouble. None appeared. As Gar appeared, holding two barrels, Minerva nodded, impressed at his strength. A sudden thought struck her, and she looked around, trying to find something her eyes had glazed over earlier - there.

A peddler's cart, able to hold a sizable collection of wares and easy to move on foot. Perfect. Quietly wheeling the large wagon-like apparatus over to Gar, Minerva whispered "We can use this to bring the goods to the ship..."

[Gar]

Edgar was relieved to see the cart being wheeled up to him as he exited the cellar. He didn't want to carry the barrels all the way to the docks, especially not multiple times. He placed the barrels in the wagon and turned to grab the remaining barrels in the cellar. After his third trip to the cellar he replaced the door. Gar moved toward the cart and lifted the handle. He began pulling the cart back the way they had come when he thought he noticed movement a few meters away. He attempted to focus his eyes in the dark to see what was there. After a few moments of seeing nothing he decided to confirm his thought. " Did you see anything move over there?" Gar lifted his hand and pointed at the area in question. He eventually determined it was nothing too important and resumed pulling the cart. He hoped he wouldn't be followed and harassed about his newly acquired cargo.

As he made it back to the main road he turned to Minerva. "Looks like it's going to be smooth sailing from here on out." Gar was happy that his plan had gone off without a hit thus far. He was even happier to start his new adventure to Ilia and begin the next chapter of his life. However he again noticed a motion in the darkness. He stopped where he stood and focused once again. There is no way my eyes are playing tricks on me right? Gar decided he would check verbally to see if anyone was around. " Is anyone there? You should probably come out of the shadows. It sure is late and this isn't the nicest of towns I hear." Gar awaited a response, but got none. I guess I'm just being paranoid...

[Minerva]

Minerva wheeled to look at the spot Gar had mentioned. She saw a sudden flicker of movement, but realized that it was nothing more than a stray alley cat.

"Just a cat. Carry on..."

Minerva was on guard, watching carefully and treading lightly as Gar pulled the cart of rum closer and closer to the dock. As they were about to arrive, her First Mate again stopped, this time calling out in a lightly veiled threat. Minerva stayed silent, standing in the shadows near Gar. There was no response, and the man moved forward again, as suddenly the soft sound of metal being drawn echoed through the eerily quiet streets. Without another warning, three men stepped out of the shadows. One held a sword, another a lance, and the third an axe.

"Dammit. Well, this is the Isles..."

The mage looked at her book, mumbling briefly, and then thrust her palm out towards the man with the sword, sending a thick stream of clear water at him with strong force. But this was no ordinary water; as the liquid slammed into his torso, it crackled and solidified until he was frozen in mid-stride inside an inch of solid, crystal-clear ice.

In the meanwhile, however, the lance-wielding thug had closed much of the distance between himself and Minerva, and the axe-toting man followed. Well, it was time for an impromptu test run of Gar's combat skills, it seemed. And a playground for the mage to test out the power of ice. Perfect, if not for the danger of being skewered or beheaded. Those weren't so pleasant.

[Gar]

The enemies came from the shadows. Gar was more relieved than surprised. Good. At least I'm not crazy. He laughed aloud as he watched Minerva freeze one of the rookie thieves. He moved quickly, dropping the cart and closing the distance between him and the swordsman. Gar's axe was suddenly buried in the back of the swordsman's neck. The man was surely paralyzed, more likely dead. The two other men charging toward Minerva slowed their approach. Gar attempted to withdraw his axe from the swordsman's neck. Stuck...

Gar moved to square up with the axeman. "I'll bet everything in that cart. You can't hit me with you're axe." The provoked axe user swung at Gar with a downward strike. Gar responded by leaning back out of range, then tackling the foe to the ground. He wrestled over the weapon and came up with the double sided axe. He naturally wanted to send it into the man's face but he knew his captain could be in trouble. Gar turned and swiftly sent the axe toward the lance-man's legs. Gar didn't see if his attack connected as he turned back to his opponent.

Gar and his opponent both managed to stand up. Both were unarmed. Gar circled to his right aware that if his captain had the chance she could send a spell against the enemy. The enemy prepared up for a strong punch from Gar's right side followed by a left side body blow. Gar exhaled harshly and stepped back. Damn, this asshole might put up a fight. Gar hit his fists together as he decided to close the distance. Gar struck his enemy with two quick blows to the face, followed by a slick shift to the side. A third strike was delivered to the man's gut knocking the wind from his lungs. Gar laughed. Maybe not.

[Minerva]

The axe-wielding pirate proved to be worthy of his boasts. His skill, with axe and fists, was enough to impress Minerva, and she nodded, appreciative, even as the lance-wielder approached. Suddenly, though, he fell, lunging forward unexpectedly, and the mage barely had time to moved to the side to avoid the sharp point of the lance as it jerked towards her. The stick, however, still contacted, and Minerva winced as it smashed into her side, causing her to bend and stagger backwards. But the lance-man was on the ground. It appeared as if an axe had tangled itself in his legs, causing him to fall forward.

Smiling, Minerva looked down at her book, muttered, and then looked at the man rather quizzically, pointing at him. A stream of water, no wider than an arm's thickness, gushed from her outstretched limb, but splashed harmlessly on him. Glowering, the mage flared her nostrils and pushed more power into the spell. The water fountain dried up, and from her finger suddenly a thick spear of ice emerged, dropping to the ground like an arrow released from a bow without tension.

Swearing angrily, the mage grabbed the icicle and slammed it into the gasping man's neck. Hm. Maybe the water had been cold, but it surely hadn't frozen on contact, like she planned. That was disappointing.

Now all that remained was the man Gar had just punched out. Grabbing her first mate's axe, she called his name, lobbing the axe gently, with as little spin as she could -

"Here, Gar! Finish him!"

[Gar]

Gar kept his fists up as Minerva shot and proceeded to end her opponent's life. Remind me never to piss her off... He went hit for hit with the fighter for a couple more strikes before knocking the man out with a right hook. Gar leaned back to check on his captain. She had already decided what he would have to do with his foe. Gar was able to catch the thrown axe with ease and finesse.

Gar smiled and squatted over the fighter's body. He widened his grin."Hahaha, captain's orders..." Gar dropped his axe between the attacker's eyes. Afterward he withdrew the axe from the skull and shook the blood off, before stashing it back the sash on his waist. He leaned toward Minerva again "Well fought haha, You're stronger than you look." The pirate walked slowly toward the cart that he left behind and checked the contents. Gar looked around himself for other assailants and asked "But, do you have any idea what that attack was about? Not that it bothers me none."

Gar was no longer sure what he was getting himself into. Maybe she's a fugitive that was looking for someone to fight for her... wouldn't be the first time. He didn't care too much, but he would rather have some more information before he died serving his new captain. Gar looked over his shoulder to wait for his new captain's response.Either way, she is my captain now... and I would die to protect my captain. The true mark of a pirate." You know what? who cares... just tell me where to take this cargo. Har har."

[Minerva]

"Nicely done."

As Gar tossed the compliment to her, loosely and without any sort of obsequiousness, she smiled, nodding to him.

"Thanks. I try. Pretty hard, actually. Have to always pack a surprise, you know? But anyway... I could say the same about you. Steady of hand and quick on the draw. Accurate and loyal. I like it. You're a good guy, Gar. Just the kind of person you want sailing with you."

The next question was a bit more serious. What had it been about?

Bending down and looking at the 'leader' of the pack, she rifled through his cloak for anything that would give him away. Nothing. Literally nothing. It was as if he'd been planning to die, or... Was taking expert orders.

"They're carrying nothing. No identifying documents, no coins, not even a purse. They weren't seeking to rob us, or anything like that. They were clearly hit men of some sort. Which bothers me. I was unaware that I had anyone that angry at me. Either that, or we were mistaken for someone else.

Either way, best suggestion is to haul out. Harbor's close. Let's move."

They set off, quickly, and soon arrived in the deserted and dark harbor. Minerva looked at her ship - small, fast, and guarded by one hired man. An old friend. He was, to say the least, quite competent. She knew no attackers would have gotten by him.

"Pat."

"Ma'am."

The two nodded, and the mage motioned for Gar to bring the wagon onto the ship and over to the entrance to the hold. Walking briskly ahead of him on the gangplank, she quickly relayed the situation to the Yeoman, who moved from her path to stand near the side of the ship, bow in hand as he watched the harbor with the ease and assuredness of a professional.

"Got attacked on the way over with the goods. Three. All neutralized. Nothing to differentiate. All black. Presumably hit men. We're taking off."

The mage turned to leave, then wheeled around once more.

"Oh, yes. Pat. This is First Mate Gar. He's trusty and true. And good with that axe. A real sailor. Gar, this is Pat. He's not really a sailor. More of a watchman. He can help out, but mostly he does the cooking, and shoots people if they get too close. And his sword is quite the help against the axes at sea. I think you two will get along. Perhaps it'll be good for both of you.

With that, the Ilian moved over to the wheel, beginning her pre-voyage checks in preparation for departure.

Pat, while he also moved to work, talked jovially to Gar as he pulled up the anchor.

"So you got on Minerva's good side, did you. Congratulations. She runs a tight ship, fast and clean, but the liquor's good, the barrels are always available - long as you do good work - and she pays well. Does good business, that Ilian."

[Gar]

Gar was happy to have a deck below his feet once again. He felt more comfortable than he should have seeing as he was still covered in blood. Gar expected to be greeted with some disdain as the new first mate, but he was relieved to find his new crew mates welcoming and refreshing. Gar watched as Minerva wasted no time getting the crew ready to move. Looks like she runs a pretty tight ship. Just as it should be. Minerva commanded a respect from the crew that Gar wasn't familiar with. Even his past captains dealt with insubordination from time to time. He moved to bring the barrels aboard and was given a hand by a new friend named Pat. Gar introduced himself.

"Hey there friend. The name's Edgar, Gar for short. Thanks for giving me some help with the goods. Haha" Gar stored the goods below deck. Pat led Gar back above deck and motioned to the new first mate to introduce himself to the rest of the crew. Gar turned toward his captain to make sure he could give orders with her regards.

Gar nodded. "Alright mates, we're setting sail. The wind is strong but we will need a few strong hands to push off from shore. In the mean time feel free to unfurl the sails and batten down the hatches." Gar took a few steps toward the captain's wheel. He slipped on a puddle of salt water. "Har Har. And someone needs to swab the poop-deck." Gar moved to stand by Minerva's side and awaited any remaining orders.

[Minerva]

The best part about a small ship based on often slightly illegal dealings, and a captain who was, to say the least, a spitfire, was that there were strong bonds that existed, a sense of community and family. They were brought together by the cause, and it made them able to accept First Mate Gar without so much as a murmur. They knew to trust Minerva's judgement, and if she felt that Gar was the right man for the job, he probably was. So there were no grumblings, no envenomed glances - instead, there were welcoming mumbles, pats on the back, and smiles all around.

"Well then, Gar, it's a real pleasure to meet you. I sure do think that we'll get along well. You look like a solid fellow to me, so I'll be glad to have you working with me. Indeed."

The older man nodded, bow and axe hanging on his belt. He'd done a fair amount of sailing, and he prided himself on his ability to pick out an honest man and a talented fighter from a few glances.

Minerva, meanwhile, had prepared herself to flee, and was ready, the wind blowing her hair out behind her. Gar appeared on the deck, and after brief introduction, spoke in a clear and knowledgeable tone. No airs, no condescension. Perfect.

"Alright mates, we're setting sail. The wind is strong but we will need a few strong hands to push off from shore. In the mean time feel free to unfurl the sails and batten down the hatches."

Gar was ready, and the crew moved into action, preparing the ship and then departing. As the vessel slippd out of the harbor and onto the sea, Minerva smiled, chuckling, and looked out at the dark horizon.

"Ready, Gar? The next great adventure is beginning..."

[Gar]

Gar was delighted to see how well the crew responded to his presence and orders. It seemed as if he was working with some solid professionals. Gar scanned the coast one last time to make sure they weren't being followed. I guess those three were just some no named thugs after all. Gar shrugged and familiarized himself with the layout of the ship. Things were all set, it was time to set sail. The wind was strong to make for a swift, quiet departure.

Gar stood facing the town as it slowly disappeared into the darkness. Hopefully, I don't end up in a town like this anytime soon. Gar placed his thumb into the sash on his hip and turned his head toward the stars. "Now I know a little about star charts and what not, but I would gladly appoint a navigator if they could get us safely to Ilia. With our captain's approval of course." Gar scanned the crew and picked one that seemed to know his stuff. Hopefully he chose correctly.

"Ready, Gar? The next great adventure is beginning..."

Gar grinned widely. He couldn't remember the last time he had this amount of excitement. Between the heist, the fighting and the sailing Gar was pleased with how the night went. Gar could only hope that things continued this way for the remainder of the trip. The surf was shooting mist into the air and some managed to collect on Gar's face. He took this bandanna off the top of his head and used it to wipe the seawater away from his eyes. Afterward he tied the bandanna loosely around his neck. He turned to Minerva.


"I'm always ready for an adventure cap'n."

[Minerva]

The appointed navigator nodded, his eyes scanning the gleaming points of light that began appearing on the oily canvas of the nighttime sky. In almost no time at all, the course was set, and the vessel shot off into the distance, leaving the town far behind, the lights of the dock lanterns fading into nothingness and the only sounds becoming the crash of waves and the murmur of men, playing cards over barrels as the Avalanche darted over the slightly choppy sea.

"I'm always ready for an adventure, cap'n."

Aye, Gar was a find... a loyal mate and a sailor tried and true. Minerva smiled, looking at the sailor, who stood at home on the deck, and moved to the rail, grasping it with two hands and staring out at the sea that rushed by, the expanse of water that hid so many secrets. Her hair blew out behind her, and she looked in pensive thought out at the endless flicker of the starlight on the waves.

The world was turning, turning on with no regard for anyone, with no thought for the trials of their lives or their history. The sun rose and set and the clouds dropped down rain... The rain fell on all, the rich and poor alike. The rain fell upon the glad and the melancholy, the sick and the hearty, the men and the women, the living and the dead.

The sun rose and set... How many more sunsets would she live to see? How many Ilian blizzards?

Life was short... Better to live on the edge and die on the edge than cower from excitement and danger.

Aye, better to live fast. Better to enjoy the days one had.

What would tomorrow bring?

[End Thread]