Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Aug 18, 2017 18:55:41 GMT -6
The group of sailors spent the night here in the little port town. This was their only pit stop for months, provided that things went smoothly with the rest of the voyage. Belinda did what she needed to do in order to keep the ship running smoothly. Plus she actually enjoyed the little trinkets the port had to offer. Like the various assortment of shell decorations that the women made and hung on their windows. --
One Week later -
The day had started as it normally did. The sun rose on a clear cloudless day. The night crew changed shifts with the day crew, Belinda was up early in order to do stock. She was also supposed to hand the daily food supply over to the cook so he could prepare a lunch. Their supplies were at a point where they were starting to turn. Which was understandable, they had already spent a considerable amount of time out at sea. But, partially rotting food was still edible. And the preserved foods like the pickled vegetables and fruits still had a good three more weeks to them. The hardtack was still hard. Belinda hated hard tack due to its sturdy nature. She was accustomed to eating it with a cup of hot tea or coffee so she could dip the mass in a vain attempt to soften it. She usually traded her ration of it for another pickle or fish when it was available. Ah yes.. speaking of tea. I should check our water supply.
Unbeknownst to the young Shaman, trouble was brewing upon the horizon. The man at the crows nest rang a bell, which called out the captain. The crew man alerted the captain to an unknown ship with darkened sails heading their way. The ship appeared to be a caravel. A ship made for long voyages with decent speed under a good wind. Belinda knew this ship. She and captain had ran into it before. Back, when Bel couldn't fight and relied on her mother and father to defend Cid's ship.
"Pirates! Everyone prepare to defend!" The captain shouted as he peered at the vessel through his spy glass. He knew this ship and her captain well enough. Crockett. He lost a ship to him once. Back, when he was a simple sailor. He escaped because he was one of the few boatmen who knew how to swim.
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Post by Kayla on Aug 24, 2017 15:00:58 GMT -6
Kayla and Polly returned to the ship refreshed. It was time to hit the high seas once more. It was unfortunate that the Pegasus would have to be penned up again. But on the bright side, Polly was significantly more comfortable boarding the ship the second time around. A week passed. No one needed any messages delivered, so Kayla’s job involved cleaning up after Polly. That was until the ship was approached and boarded by pirates. Weee. Pirates! Hmmm. Not as fun as I imagined. Kayla quickly saddled up and hopped on her mount’s back. “You ready? Let’s show these suckers a thing or two.”
Kayla took to the clear sky with her iron lance in hand. Only then did she remember that she wasn’t a great fighter. If she dove in too quick or too deep it would spell disaster for her and her mount. So instead of doing that, she scanned the ships from above. All the while, she had to be certain there weren’t any archers to shoot her down. Kayla gathered information from above and descended to her employer.
The Pegasus dove and flapped its wings hard before hovering slightly above the deck next to the purple haired shaman. Kayla leaned slightly off Polly’s side and hollered to the woman. “Belinda! We’re dealing with umm.. a long ship. With pirates!” Sure, it wasn’t the greatest reconnaissance but she was still new to the job. Also information was information. Either way, Kayla was trying to be helpful. She could still try to fly to the coast for help, depending on how far it was. Or she could try to slice up the other ships sails to try and make a get-away.
“Awaiting your orders!”
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Sept 3, 2017 9:01:40 GMT -6
Belinda fought the urge to let out a defeated sigh. Young Kayla's information wasn't at all useful to her presently. The shamaness could SEE the long ship. Heck, she and Cid knew the ship. What she really needed to know was what sort of crew was on board. What weapons they carried? If the ship had any modifications? Any sort of NEW information outside the obvious would be greatly appreciated.
"Get more information! How many of their crew? Weapons? And if the ship has a means of shooting us with fire?" Last time the Crockett had catapults that launched flaming debris at them. Sticky balls of what she perceived to be blackened tar that destroyed the structural integrity of the boat. They had to drift back to the coast line for some emergency repairs. But, Belinda knew those catapults and their ammo were heavy and expensive. The grapevine had told them that the Crockett and her crew were on hard times due to a storms wiping out their targets. And massive amounts of debts from docking fees.
Cid ordered his crew around. A chunk of them were sent down below to bolt down the cargo. Half of that group was sent to guard the entrance to the passenger's quarters. They couldn't retreat, Crockett's ship was faster then theirs. The defenders on Cid's crew were actually competent individuals. Cid liked to employ a multitude of fighters for his crew. He had a few deck hands that doubled as archers. Former wood cutters who were handy with axes and maintenance. And former fishermen who used spears as lances and knew how to keep the pointy ends from hitting themselves. Cid himself was a fine swordsman. The cutlass on his hip was not just for decoration. And Bel, was the only magician in the group. She would have to consult Cid later on the finer details of hiring more mages.
Bel braced for battle. She wasn't a strong fighter like her parents used to be. She preferred to study the mechanics of dark magic rather then actually use it. She knew the cost of dark magic. And how it slowly poisoned the mind and drove the caster into insanity. But, this was an emergency. And she couldn't afford to sit around below deck like the rest of the passengers. She was a member of Cid's crew and she needed to act like it. So she calmly grabbed her flux tome and mentally prepared herself for what would need to be done.
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Post by Syana Flamberge on Sept 16, 2017 23:19:25 GMT -6
Syana strode quietly across the deck. She had heard the bell begin to ring and understood what it meant. She also understood that it would take some time before the ship approaching them would actually reach them. So, she didn't rush and instead took her time to gather a few of her weapons. The sound of preparations sounded all around her told her that the others were getting ready as well. Good. Of course, she was the best fighter aboard this ship, but the more bodies the better. Especially when the number of approaching enemies was unknown.
Coming to a stop next to Belinda, the redhead stayed quiet for a few moments as she stared at the oncoming boat. There was only one boat, which was already a good start. She had a quick flashback to the time her and Saturos had been on a boat attacked by four other ones. Now THAT had been a fight. One ship she could handle. From the sails, she guessed that they were pirates, which would make things slightly more difficult. But she still wasn't worried.
Finally looking over at Belinda, she met the woman's eye. "Stay close to me. No one on that ship shall harm you while I protect you." She knew that her employer could use magic, there was still no way that she was going to let her leave her side. She'd help as many of the other fighters and passengers on board, but at the end of the day her loyalties lied with the woman next to her. And she wasn't about to let her fall.
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Oct 7, 2017 17:49:04 GMT -6
It wouldn't be long now, the pirate's ship inched ever closer to the Cid's ship and her crew. The sailors did what they could. The passengers were hunkered down below deck. Belinda took a deep breath, she held it in for a while before letting it out through her nose. Part of her was terrified at it all. The thought of losing a piece of yourself to the nether. But, these people needed her magic. They needed her strength. They needed her brains. She needed to focus. She needed to remember her father's teaching, her mother's advice, her studies in Khan Yunis. Do not fear the dark. Do not fear the nether. Do not fear it's power. You must stay.. as strong and resistant as you can.
Syana spoke to her. She reassured her that no one on that ship would harm her. That was reassuring. Unfortunately, the woman could not do anything with regards to what would be considered self harm. Bel the effects will be slow. Subtle. The shamaness shook her head.
"Thank you Syana." She spoke with sincerity. Of course you would protect me. That is what i'm paying you for. Ah right. This is all part of your job. And with that reminder of the truth to the world Belinda, felt better. Like, weirdly better. She turned her head to look up at the young pegasus rider. Right. She saw how close the enemy ship had gotten. She closed her eyes once more and braced herself for impact. The ship rattled with loud crash and the pirates swung over onto their deck.
Belinda was knocked to the ground. She groaned lightly then picked herself back up. Five pirates were on board at least those were the ones she could see. Three with swords two with axes.
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Post by Kayla on Oct 9, 2017 20:46:46 GMT -6
Kayla placed a finger to the side opf her brow and flicked it to the side. "Sure thing! Gotcha!" She took her orders and returned to the air. Her eyes narrowed as she looked downward upon the invading force. She saw what she was looking for. Axes and swords. Forunately, no bowmen as far as she could see.
Furthermore, there were no torches. No means of throwing fire at the ship. A number of the crew seemed to stay aboard while the others went in to fight. Perhaps, they weren't fighters. Still, she counted them on her fingers and toes. Around twenty, maybe a little more or a little less. Kayla wasn't the greatest with numbers. Probably due to all the schooling that she skipped, but she got the general idea of how many troops they were up against.
Kayla and Polly circled in the air for a few more moments, waiting for the engagements to begin. She wasn't much of a toe to toe fighter. The best way for her to help would be gathering information, picking off enemies who are previously engaged or maybe rescuing allies in danger. Currently, she was in the information gathering role. She returned to hovering at Belinda's side. She cupped a hand around her mouth to help project her voice.
"Around twenty bad guy. I dont think they all are fighters though. The ones that boarded are swordsmen and axemen. And they uhh.. look.. strong.." Kayla trailed off a little bit. She regained composure and spoke again. "I'll provide aerial support. Holler if you need anything."
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Post by Syana Flamberge on Oct 16, 2017 23:51:59 GMT -6
Syana braced herself for the oncoming impact. Some of the other guards of the ship looked nervous about the upcoming fight, but not the redhead. Some might view it as strange, but she was actually smirking. This is what she lived for. Not only did Syana enjoy fighting, she was good at it. Like, really good. These pirates thought they would be in for a quick few pieces of gold and move on with their lives. Perhaps that's what brought such a smile to her lips. She couldn't wait to prove how wrong they were.
Soon enough there was a crash as the pirated began to board. Belinda had been knocked to the floor, so Syana slid over in front of her. While she was looking forward to the fight, she knew that defending the people on board the ship came first, Belinda most of all. A group of the pirates jumped aboard their ship, a type of scouting group as it were. Kayla swooped down and let them know there was about twenty fighters in total. Good to know, so this party was a fourth of their whole force. This was getting easier and easier. And they were kind enough not to use lances. How thoughtful.
She gave Kayla a nod in thanks for the information. "Looking strong and being strong are two different things. Don't be afraid, you have me on your side." She winked at the girl before taking a few steps towards her foes. The two with axes noticed her and grinned. Clearly, they thought she was some sort of reward for them. They started towards her before they noticed that she wore a sword on her hip. Before they could properly react, Syana had drawn her sword and was dashing towards them. And before they could raise their axes, she had easily cut through them. As the pair fell to the deck, dead, the redhead wiped a bit of blood off of her cheek. "So. Who's next?"
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Nov 5, 2017 17:39:01 GMT -6
Belinda stood there ready to attack. She knew Cid was behind her somewhere with a small group of his best mates. Two pirates stepped forth to oppose her. But, Syana true to her word, ensured that those men would not harm her. The red haired maiden charged forward and cut them down. If she keeps that up she's getting a raise. The shamaness thought to herself. One pirate decided to charge at her. He slinked off to the side while his mates were being sliced by the red head.
Belinda had braced herself for this. She focused her mind and quietly thought of the words to her tome. A black orb of nether magic materialized in her hands then slithered to the ground. She kept it there for a moment. When the pirate was within arm's length only then did she release the power of the black mass. Three tendrils of nether magic emerged from the floor and impaled the man in various spots. Two hit his legs crippling him and the other went up his torso. The tendrils of nether vanished once they hit the man's flesh. Belinda was too inexperienced with the actual application of the tome to keep it in place for very long.
The man collapsed to the ground crippled but still alive. Screaming in agony and cursing out the purple haired shamaness for being a "damned witch!".
"Shut up." Belinda spoke as she picked up the man's weapon. She didn't have much in her to cast a second spell so quickly after the first. So she mercy killed him by slitting his throat with his own weapon. She pulled herself back together and tried to refocus on the battle.
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Post by Kayla on Nov 8, 2017 15:40:05 GMT -6
Kayla watched as her companions engaged the enemies with skill and prowess. There was certainly something to be said about the redhead as she cut through two foes. Kayla could hardly hold her excitement. " Wooo! Polly did you see that? Shes so cool!" Then Belinda poked dark holes into her enemy with magic. Again, Kayla was impressed. "Whoa! Does she even need a bodyguard?" Kayla decided to stop gawking and actually assist with the battle.
She guided her Pegasus through the sky with grace. She looped around the two ships once, again examining the battlefield. Still no archers as far as she could see. That meant she could be a little more active in the battle. It was a lot easier to attack when one didn't have arrows flying at them from all over. Kayla took a breath and drew her iron lance. She set her sights on a pirate near her two companions. " Avast ye scallywag!" Kayla had heard that before, but didn't know what it meant. She did know it was something pirates had said before.
Kayla shifted her weight forward, indicating her mount to dive downward toward the target. Kayla decided to put a bit of a flourish into this one. She spun her lance above her head as she descended, ending it just as she came into reach of the man. She thrusted the lance and the man's center of mass and managed to hit nothing. The pirate hadn't dodged or anything. It was just a good old fashioned whiff. Kayla's heels quickly clamped the winged horse indicating, get out of here before that axe cuts us into pieces.
Polly did just that, ascending just in time to make the man's strike hit the deck harmlessly. Kayla let out a breath of relief before sticking her tongue out at the man. "Heheh missed me!" She had also missed but that wasn't the point.
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Dec 7, 2017 22:52:35 GMT -6
The repercussions of killing a man would hit her later. Belinda needed to focus her efforts on keeping her mind and focus intact. She drew herself away from the power of the nether and gave herself a moment to breathe. The nether put pressure on her body and mind in a manner similar to that of holding's one breath. She wasn't actually holding her breath during her casting. There was a slight twang of pain in her chest and she did feel a little light headed.
She didn't like drawing power on the nether. She didn't like fighting. But, she knew she HAD to fight. Fighting was part of life, it was a part of nature. She took in a deep breath of the salty air and turned to focus on her next target. Don't let the nether control, you Bel. She heard her father's words in her. It is like a sea tide to a wall. No matter how strong the wall. The wall will crack. The water will seep through with enough time. There is no stopping it. The words of another mentor.
A bit of distance away Belinda could see Kayla and Polly taunting a pirate. She had to give the girl some credit she was doing her job. She was keeping the pirates distracted and away from her own purple-haired head. She focused on the flux tome again. A shadowy blob of condensed nether formed slightly over her palm she let it sit there for a moment and waited for her time to strike. Her target needed to be close enough for the spell to achieve maximum efficiency. Kayla just needed to guide her pirate back a few more paces towards her so she could strike at the man's body with the shadowy tendrils.
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Post by Kayla on Dec 8, 2017 12:39:38 GMT -6
Kayla and Polly hovered above the pirate for a couple moments. The man waved his axe over his head threateningly. Kayla rolled her eyes at the corsair. Now that he was focused on her, any attack she could throw his was would likely be ineffective. So, Kayla remained in the air, circling and scanning the area around this problematic person.
Then Kayla saw Belinda’s plot. She immediately knew what had to be done. Those dark tendrils had enough power to take down a pirate for sure. Kayla had seen that much already. And while Kayla wouldn’t be able to take the pirate in a straight up fight, she could knock him back into the dark magic. Kayla nodded and winked in Belinda’s direction. There was no way of telling if she had seen that small gesture, but Kayla advanced regardless.
Polly started to dive, the motion brought a crooked smile to the pirate’s face. He raised his weapon above his head and prepared to strike. Kayla pulled up on the reins early, she leaned off to the side of her steed’s saddle and hung her lance out one handed. She had enough reach to negate the foe’s weapon while she could still make contact. The Pegasus knight did just that. It wasn’t a strong strike, but it was enough to leave a shallow cut on the man’s face. The man covered his eye with his off hand and backpedaled two steps. Kayla and her mount swooped upward. She was smiling as the pirate let out a chain of expletives. She knew what came next.
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Jan 2, 2018 10:44:37 GMT -6
Belinda glanced up briefly at Kayla. Come on. Come on.. And that's when Belinda saw it, the nod, and wink. The young Pegasus rider got the message and now all the shamaness had to do was wait until the pirate was knocked back towards her. Belinda kept herself still and as quiet as possible. If the pirate heard her he might turn around and strike her down while she had the orb in her hand. She could hear the faint buzzing noise of the nether as she kept it in it's ball like shape.
Kayla and Polly made their attack and the pirate was plenty pissed at them for it. Belinda could hear the series of curse words that made up a good portion of a sailor's vocabulary. She'd been around Cid and his crew long enough to remain unphased by the pirate's lexicon. Belinda took two silent steps behind the man, raised her palm towards the backside of the pirate. Her hand was probably about six inches away from his back. She moved her wrist then pushed the orb of darkness forward. The ball of Nether magic responded to the movement, the ball of nether erupted into a series of dark tendrils, which stabbed straight through the man's chest. Silencing him forever. Most normal people would have made an effort to let out some sort of corny pun before the killing strike. Probably, something along the lines of telling the pirate those were his final words. But, Belinda couldn't. The cost of using the Nether magic and sheer amount of concentration needed to keep the orb in it's shape prevented her from doing so. The body hit the floor and his blood spilled out onto the deck. The orb of nether dissipated from her hands and Belinda let out an exhausted sigh.
She could feel the back of her head pounding and her heart racing. She took two steps back in order to give herself some space from the body she had just back stabbed. She put a hand to her head. She could feel beads of sweat condensing over her brow. Could use some cold water and a place to sit down right about now. She glanced up to see if there were any other pirates heading her way. The initial horde of pirates seemed to be dying down. The rest of the crew seemed to be holding their own for right now.
"Good.. we.. can take a bit of a breather." --
Cid's crew continued to fight, eventually, they overtook the other ship. Successful with their victory, they swiftly went about sabotaging the other ship. Then Cid threw the pirates back on board. They would live but they were stranded upon the sea. Cid's ship went off without a second glance. Those pirates were left to their fate. There was a chance they could live. Trade ships passed by all the time. They could salvage the ship and drift into land. There were options for those poor sods. The rest of the journey went about without a hitch. The ship eventually docked in Badon, Belinda delivered her payment to the two guards and went about her way. --
End thread
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