• Closed • Sail & Saltwater

[Navyri]

• Common • Rakahi • Gravokian

"A greedy father has thieves for children."

Navyri tossed the compass idly between both of her hands, shadows of greedy sea birds playing across the slopes of her cheek. Gulls and albatross bickered above them all, landing upon barrels and sails, interested in every fish pulled upon the docks. The Naer wove through the madness, blue eyes bouncing upon any area of interest, inhaling the smell of rum and smoke while dipping beneath a giant crate being lugged around by a pair of men. It was effortless for her, and they were so busy arguing on how best to carry it, they didn’t even get to be surprised before she was on her way, weaving among the madness.

Sailors and smugglers, pirates and fishermen. These were the people of her father, and the ones she intended to have aid her – if not share a drink. Navyri was a proud woman, vain and selfish, but the songs and stories of the Biqaj were irresistible even to her. Times like this, she almost felt at home. As if such a place still existed.

“Stand fast to that sheet, ya dunderheads!”

Ah, the charm of seamen.

Navyri smiled at the command, always finding sailor colloquialisms odd and endearing. She cocked her head, watching from a distance at the source of the voice. When she found it, her brow rose in interest. He was younger looking than she had expected, tall and sturdy. The saltwater hadn’t yet blemished his face, she noticed, and continued to appraise the quality of his leather outfit. The men around him were adorned similarly, their weapons a nice fashion statement. Something about him looked familiar, but she mentally shook her head. White hair wasn’t easy to forget. In fact, it was hard not to notice. The Naer would have remembered.

She waited to see if he would bark more orders, and he did. Perfect; it meant he was in charge. Now, to look for an opening, and when his shoulders finally lost their tension, she pushed her hair back and prowled forward, leaning on a nearby barrel with casual grace, “Hey, Sailor.” Amusement played in her eyes.

There were always a few details one had to pay attention to when approaching someone busy. What was their demeanor? Were they frustrated, or simply distracted? Navyri observed as he turned to her, and when there was no scrunching of disdain on his nose, she beamed, “You wouldn’t be able to tell me if your ship was arriving or leaving, would you? I’m looking for some help if you’d care to give it. Unless you’re too busy...”

Her back straightened, preparing her leave. Navyri wasn’t much for fishing, but she had a good feeling he’d take the bait.

[Liam Low]

Not for nothing was Liam made to supervise the loading of the shipment. Whilst Captain Blackrose and her quartermaster were about the business of acquiring a new venture in the city, Liam was able enough when it came to keeping the men in line. He fingered the hilts of his twin blades and watching with a keen and weathered eye for mistakes. He shouted a few orders but mostly the men knew their business. The last half season had been good to them, with more then enough loot from raids to afford a nice comfortable stay in the city. However, they never wanted to lay in somewhere long, or at least Blackrose hated it. She was paranoid and only comfortable in the high seas with nota speck of land in sight, as a good captain should be. The crew appreciated a little whoring and drinking time, though.

“Hey, Sailor.” Liam heard and turned to the feminine voice. As the beautiful woman approached Liam felt his face break into a grin. When she spoke he slid his shoulders back and leaned heavily into his sword belt, striking a jaunty pose. The youthful man’s eye twinkled at her next words and he played his part of the dance.

“Ah, but could a man depart a city if he knew such beauty as you was there?” The tanned sailor said expansively. His words and grin were easy and his stance relaxed, but his hands stayed on the hilts of his swords. “For the gift of your presence and your voice I think I can spare some moments indeed.” Liam conceded.

He eyed her appraisingly, unabashed. She wore leathers and carried herself with grace. Liam’s eyes kept drifted down her front and back up. Each instance brought a renewed little grin, as if he was amused by his own boldness. “Name’s Liam Low, and we’ll be off once the pay is right.” He paused to turn and shout a command to another man.

The sailors around them were all wiry tough men and women. Each was armed and many bore scars that might be too deep or long for shipboard incidents. Although they were hard at work loading the ship, a keen observed would note that each man and woman kept an eye on the wharf. Liam himself watched every port guard as they passed the ship.

The wharf was mostly calm, however. A lull in the sea travel on this side of the docks meant there weren’t many pedestrians. Liam still wore his leather armor though. Blackrose had ordered any man with armor and weapons to have it on hand whenever they were in port. Ever since the run-in with the Rynmere Navy scouts she had been paranoid about ambush. Rightly so, Liam mused. He wondered idly if this beautiful woman was a threat at all. He found himself appraising her again, not unwillingly.

She was beautiful, and she seemed unafraid of traversing the city on her own. Liam scratched under his chin with his left hand, the red knotwork evident on the skin. “You a sailing lass?” He asked. “Cutter or sloop style, aye?” He waved his hand towards the ship. “Might be we ‘ave room for a lass who knows her way around a sheet and sail.” Liam watched her for a reaction.

[Navyri]

• Common • Rakahi • Gravokian

"A greedy father has thieves for children."

Navyri always loved a compliment, especially from a man in equal attraction to herself. Appeal to her vanity, and you appealed to her, no doubt the type of individual she wanted to be around. The brunette temptress returned his grin with her own, turning to offer one of her best angles according to the last painter to capture her likeness and she idly watched the ship hands shift around their cargo likes ants on a hill. Liam shouted another order and then went back to introducing himself, a casual impression.

“Navyri Vy’pyjr,” her name flowed with the smooth imprint of southern tongue, a hint of her youth in Augiery and then Desnind. She used the clan name her father had always called her, the identity he had taken after meeting her mother – Navyri… Weaver of Darkness.

“You might have room? Hm,” she found his intuition amusing, “Funny you should ask; you’re not a mind reader, are you?” the words were teasing but she watched his expression carefully before smirking and shrugging her shoulders. A dark water proof bag slipped free and she began to undo its clasp, windswept hair falling across her face, “Both? Sloop style primarily, I actually own one… Just a small little thing.” She paused, tucking her compass into her back pocket before producing a bottle of amber rum she had swiped from a different shipment the night before. So much more where it came from.

“I wouldn’t need much. In fact, all I’d ask is permission to travel alongside you and your group. I can feed myself. Fight for myself. But, you know…” Nav rummaged some more through her bag for a corkscrew, peering at the scarred and armed individuals guarding their goods. They were gruff and a bit worn. Strong. Mean. Pirates?

Always a fun lot, but they never knew how to keep their hands to themselves.

But then again, neither did she.

When Navyri couldn’t find the tool she was looking for, the Naer frowned and sucked her teeth, opting instead to pull a blackened dagger from her thigh holster, slipping it into the top of the cork at an angle, “You just never know who you can trust when you travel. So I try to make friends.” Try, being the key word. She began to twist the knife, working the cork loose, “Outside of some work, you won’t even know I’m there." she glanced up at him, a devious look in her eye as she gave a small wave of the bottle after yanking free the cork and taking a deep drink, "A hard worker such as yourself must be thirsty? What if I said I could get you more?" Her words were thick with meaning, and she arched a brow to see if he'd understand her meaning, "A lot more."

[Liam Low]

Liam took a swig from the bottle with a thankful nod. Rum, probably from Rharne, and probably worth a pretty penny. He shrugged a shoulder at her initial words. “No mind readers ‘ere, just wishful thinking.” Liam winked slyly, telling her is was meant to be clever more than seductive. Liam glanced around at the crew.

“Oi, Sam, go an’ fetch the Captain.” He yelled at a man hanging over the gunwale of the ship. Liam held the bottle back out to Navyri and his eyes once again roamed over her before flickering to the pedestrians beyond. “Now I may be young with a glint in me eyes, but did I smell a job opportunity in that tale you spun me?” The sailor hopped up to sit on a nearby barrel and tapped another with his foot, making it an invitation. He crossed his arms and sniffed, settling his athletic form forward eagerly.


“Ya ‘ave your own ship, but come to us for work.” Liam said, his tone musing and his phrase not meant as a question. “Ya aren’t interested in bedding me, so I’m smellin’ no lie.” Liam rubbed a thumb across the cat-o-nine-tails whip tucked at his belt, pondering. He reached out for another swig of rum, smiling through wrinkled eyes. “I just can’t figure what makes you need us.”

Liam sighed expansively and took another swig. He shook the slightly damp, bone-white hair from his face. “Rum’ll help me think.” Liam chuckled lightly, his full voice more delicate than most sailors. There was a commotion as a woman in black came strolling down the gangplank, hips rolling and lips tucked in a slight frown. “Ah well, Cap’ll sort it.” Liam said dismissively, handing the rum back to Navyri before standing.

“Captain Blackrose, this ‘ere is Navyri Vy’pyjr.” Liam said, indicating Navyri and only slightly mispronouncing her name. “Miss Vy’pyjr, this is Captain Blackrose, most beautiful and deadly woman to grace the Orm’del.” He chuckled and the captain gave him a tight smile and a kicked her foot out at him. He dodged back and continued. “The lovely lady ‘ere says she’s sitting on rum, rum of quality.” Liam leaned forward and winked. A look passed between the captain and Liam before she reached out and took a swig from the bottle as well.

“Well, Miss… Vy’pyjr? Where is that from?” Blackrose asked. “What have you got for me, and why is it that my man Low here thinks you’re interesting enough to warrant passage on the Blackrose…other than the obvious reason.” The captain rolled her eyes at Liam. The sailor did not look embarrassed, but gave a peel of laughter and stepped past the two women to stand on the other side. He looked casual, but the keen observed would note that Liam stood directly in the path of any pedestrian who might wander too close to the private conversation. He also let his hands rest on sword hilts.

Blackrose smiled and looked to Navyri expectantly.

[Navyri]

• Common • Rakahi • Gravokian

"A greedy father has thieves for children."

“Work?” Nav turned to watch the Sam fellow do as he was told, disappointed this man wasn’t the Captain. Wasted breath, even if he was easy on the eyes, “Need?” she gave a scoffing laugh, considering his musings, “I don’t need anyone, love. I’m simply looking for… Symbiosis.”

Would a sailor even know the meaning of such a word? “A mutual partnership. I scratch your back, you scratch mine…” She gave a slight sigh as she went to lean against the barrel he had kicked, however she made no move to climb upon it as he took a drink. If things went sour, she didn’t want to get caught off her feet.

Although as the lovely Blackrose came sauntering through, the Naer nodded in respect. Always good to see a woman in power outside of Augiery. Introductions were begun and she gave a curt smile, “The South. Father was Biqaj,” she shifted seamlessly to Rakahi, “Some of your men are as well?” She watched the expression of the woman closely, gauging the reaction and then peering past to see how many pairs of pointed ears there were. She was far from fluent, but she knew her share. The perks of speaking the language at such a young age. It would be good to practice.

The blue eyed Naer let her attention bounce back and forth between Liam and the Captain as they passed around her drink, “As I was saying, I’d like to simply travel beside your ship. Safety in numbers and all that…” Navyri always debated how much to share about herself when meeting new people, especially if doing so could benefit her in the long run. Keeping track of what stories she told and to who was the real challenge, “If I can be blunt, some arcs ago I was betrayed. Naturally, I killed the man. In the complications I was lost at sea and the last time I asked for something it didn’t bode well, so I’ll make an offer instead.”

She straightened, pushing from the barrel and put her hands on her hips. Now it was time to steer the conversation to the stuff that really mattered, “That rum you’re drinking has been aged for a good twenty arcs. Smooth, isn’t it?” she paused, smiling, “I can get you barrels of the stuff, I just need two strong workers after dark, preferably with the good sense Delroth gave a goose,” she glanced at Liam and then to the other men, not sure who fit the bill. A brief conversation said very little as to their competencies. As far as she was concerned the Captain was the only one that mattered now.

“In return, I sail beside your ship, break bread every now and then to stave off insanity,” she grinned wolfishly, hinting that perhaps it was too late for that second part, “I’ll provide for myself. Offer my hands when you need them, and in the chance my little sloop sinks, or I’m out of commission from injury or illness, I am allowed rest beneath your deck.”

A larger ship was better suited for a Naerikk when it came to rest. More shadows to sink into.

“Now, shall we pick my partners in crime?” Navyri laced her hands before her, patient for the answer. Whether she was turned away or accepted, there was no doubt in her mind that there would be others more than happy to accept the offer of good drink and even better company.

[Liam Low]

“My people are from all over.” Blackrose responded in choppy Rakahi. She switched back to common. “Rhakros is where me mother squeezed me out, though.”

While she had been speaking, Blackrose stared at Navyri with a keen eye. Blackrose grinned as Navyri took on a brusque tone. “Aye, it’s a smooth age, this.” She agreed when Navyri remarked on the rum. “It sounds like a interesting proposition. Now, I’m just a simple sailor but I’m wondering here what need there is for two of my boys to man a ship that aren’t rightly mine.” Blackrose tilted her head in mock contemplation. “You come up ‘ere to my ship with a promise and a wink and you got one o’ my saltiest blushing.” Blackrose jerked her feminine chin towards Liam, who hadn’t stopped grinning. “But where is the proof and why might you not just partake of our ‘ospitality during this auspicious venture?” Blackrose’s eyes remained friendly but her smile faded slightly.

Before Navyri could say anything Liam raised a hand. “Steady Cap’, where’s the ‘arm in ‘aving a second hull on the water, eh? Mayhaps we’ll need such a pretty face to draw attention?” Liam cut in, giving Navyri a look that concealed none of his attraction. His eyes were bright and his white-grey hair caught the sunlight. It looked like an innocent face touched by youth, but the eyes were not those of an innocent.

“If I need a pretty face, Low, I’ve got you.” Blackrose rolled her eyes. The comment was clearly meant as an insult but Liam grinned a wide smile. He did not seem to be one to take insults seriously.

“Now, way I see it all ‘as to be clarified is this ‘get’ word. The looker ‘ere says she can get us more rum. That’s all breezes and sunshine, fine fine, but ‘ow exactly does the getting get done?” Liam continued, swirling the bottle and taking another long pull. “See, the Blackrose don’ sail to spend Nels. No, not the business we’re in, Lass. So, way I see, you best be singing a differen’ shanty to get us a dancin’.”

Liam flexed the fingers of his hand in a rolling movement and it almost looked as though the red tattoo moved, but just for a moment. “If’n tha’ be the case, well.” He set a hand upon his cutlass with meaning. “Might be Blackrose’ll find it in ‘er big ‘eart to be lendin’ yer craft a man or so.” He flicked his keen gaze towards his captain with complete confidence. They made the briefest of eye-contact before her hand flicked in a curt gesture. Liam’s own hand responded quickly.

“Aye. I don’ like parting with my money.” Blackrose said slowly. “You get us a cargo an’ mayhaps I apologize ‘or my trepidation.” Blackrose said, rubbing her chin again and staring coldly from Liam to Navyri. “Low, grab Redshanks an’ be about the lass’s ship. I wan’ you in sight, mind, not tearin’ off ‘cross the crests like a madman.” She chided her younger sailor. Liam looked slightly abashed. It seemed to be a comfortable warning, as though he had a certain history when sailing.

Liam walked away to fetch the sailor named Redshanks, tucking the bottle of rum into Navyri’s hands as he brushed past. Blackrose turned her full attention back to the Naer. “He ain’ jus’ a pretty face, lass. There bes’ not be no shade over this venture.” She warned.

Liam returned with a bent older man in tow. He was tanned from sea-sun and had a braided, whisky beard clinging to his jutting chin. The man had a foggy eye and wore no shirt but a rusty pair of britches. He carried a curved dagger in his belt and a crossbow across his back. He had a faded scorpion tattooed on his belly and what looked to be ritual scarring patterns on his forearms, many of them.

“Navyri Vy’pyjr, meet Rohn Redshanks.” Liam said jovially. “He’s a def’ ‘and at the sheet and shroud.” He put a hand on the older man’s shoulder and smiled.

Redshanks ignored him and Navyri, looked apprehensively to Blackrose. “Cap’, don’ make me go with the Saltdrinker. ‘E’s not got ‘is ‘was on right, I say.” Redshanks winced as Liam laughed behind him. “Send ol’ Mave, she can ‘andle it.” He pleaded, stepping away from Liam slightly.

Liam simply walked past him and gestured for Navyri. “The only thing I love more than a pretty lass is a pretty lass with a pretty ship.” Blackrose seemed to ignore Redshanks’ pleading, instead shoving him after Liam.

“We’ll be ridin’ yer wake, Captain Vy’pyjr.” Blackrose said ominously, nodding to Navyri before shouting for the crew to ready the ship. Redshanks followed behind Liam with a helpless look back at the safety of his own ship and muttering oaths.

“Stow tha’ mutterin’, Redshanks! There’s profit on the wind!” Liam said to the man as he caught up.

[Navyri]

• Common • Rakahi • Gravokian

"A greedy father has thieves for children."

Navyri watched Liam’s hands. A pickpocket herself, she found herself eyeing finger’s closely, and looked between the Captain and the sailor, not sure what she was seeing, “Hmm,” she hummed, arms crossing. The Naer wasn’t a fan of being followed, especially since it meant more to hide, but understood the hesitancy. She respected it to a degree and nodded, the bottle of rum being placed back in her hands. Liam went roaming beneath the deck and Blackrose gave a very clear warning.

(More than a pretty face.)

“That’s what I’m hoping for,” the Naer admitted, chin lifting slightly, “I don’t put my neck out without reason and when there’s a job, I get it done. No shade. I respect the reluctance, I do.”

Navyri herself was feeling a bit of unsure in her decision. The problem with being a criminal and approaching other criminals… You never knew who to trust. Liam and Redshanks came up quickly and she eyed the shirtless man, grinning. Old sailors were always amusing and she liked seeing such a tough looking fellow whine at the pairing. Blue eyes bounced back to the “Saltdrinker” - an interesting name. Perhaps he was a strong swimmer? A sturdy alcoholic? The truth did not strike Navyri - Blackrose spoke again.

The Naer smirked, “Aye, aye.”

She took a drink from the bottle that had been placed in her hands earlier and turned on her heel, watching the shadows of the men as they trailed along. It would be dark soon, and then they could really get to work. As they headed down the docs, Navyri lifted two fingers to her mouth and gave a long, sky splitting whistle. It was a call, but for what? She said nothing, coming to a stop before a modest sloop.

It was upkept well. The sails were strong, the deck and detailing scrubbed. Clearly cared for by a vigilant hand, it looked freshly varnished, but signs of age were still prevalent. Its title, The Deceiver, was sun faded, written in a dark and rare imperial violet. The handles of the steering wheel were wooden and showed the signs of mankind’s touch over the arcs. It bobbled playfully at the dock and Navyri clicked her teeth. On the wheel, where it most certainly had not been before, a white owl glared at the trio with soulless eyes, head spinning to watch them as they boarded the little boat, “Not-so-gentlemen,” she teased in greeting, allowing Liam and Redshanks to board, “I present my humble beginnings.” A flourish of her hand and then she joined them.

‘Watch them,’ she ordered Curio, pushing the will through the mental bond.

Navyri disappeared into the tiny cabin, ducking her head as she bounded down the stairs. It was quaint, more of an office than a living quarters, with a hammock and a desk. Beneath the structure a lock box was under a floorboard at her feet, with her savings inside it, should Liam sense the wealth. A compass, spyglass and a few books were scattered about, but she went to business, pulling out a parchment with the layout the the city’s coast. It was detailed well, and she eyed it a moment while chewing on her bottom lip in thought. Navyri set the bottle down and leaned over the desk. A few x’s were delicately marked on the page, the sightings of the merchant ships and where they would be docking and leaving. One was scheduled to set sail by sundown, from what her investigation had produced the night before; The time was not far off. They could easily intercept it shortly after it was outside the care of any imperial navy, and she had a good idea of where it would be. With Curio's invisible eyes, she would be able to scout the men, their wares, and take to the skies to watch for any law enforcement.

Navyri gathered the paper, and turned, ready to bound back up the stairs.

[Liam Low]

Liam stepped down onto the sloop and his face seemed to relax, as if the mere drop from dock to deck had put him at ease. The Deceiver, a good name. Auspicious beginnings to a journey started with a well named craft. Liam set two fingers against the mast and grinned back at Redshanks. “I do love a slim lass.” He said and laughed a hearty peel. He turned his attention to the owl, not a natural bird of the sea. He was curious and stepped forward, never having seen one so close. “An’ where did the beautiful cap’n find such a wonderful bird out here on the salt?” He reached out to touch the soft feathers, but thought better of it and let his hand drop.

His sea-grey eyes followed Navyri’s back as she disappeared down into the sloop.

“We gon’ die out on this bit o’ ol’ driftwood.” Redshanks said, spitting over the edge of The Deceiver and glaring at Liam.

Liam scoffed. “Death ‘as been bitin’ at your crusty arse for arcs, Red.” He breathed in deeply, but no quickening came, as he knew it wouldn’t. His mysterious power was tied to the open sea, and the port protected him from all that tantalizing need for treasure. That wild hunger did not consume him… yet.

Liam set his palm against the slightly frayed strands of the mainsail sheet and the red ink quivered on his skin with his eagerness to set away. The youthful sailor seemed to emanate an eager vitality since setting foot on the rocking deck of the sloop. This change was apparent to anyone, and moreso to Redshanks who knew him.

The old sailor saw the eagerness and stared at him with apprehension. In the past this type of eagerness had often led to violence. Liam did have a eerie reputation. But the old sailor tore his gaze off of Liam when Navyri returned.

Liam also turned to grin at her, moving his hand quickly to stop the quivering of the red mark on his hand. “Hail, Cap’n. Yar fearless crew be ready an’ all accounted for.” Redshanks shook his head. As Liam moved to the prow and watched for the drifting presence of the Blackrose’s lean hull Redshanks shuffled over to Navyri.

“Hope ya know wha’ yar doin’ lass. Tha’ one be wily as they come.” He pointed a crooked finger at Liam, who did not notice the exchange.

“Ah my true love! There she is dancing out to the dark, Cap’n.” Liam said, leaning against the gunwale and grinning. He pointed out at a dark ship sliding across the open water of the harbor. “The Blackrose.” He pushed off and walked over to them again. Liam stared expectantly at Navyri. “I ‘ope this job is as sweet as you say. Shall we weigh anchor and tack out?” Liam asked, glancing around for the anchor chain.

Redshanks glanced at Navyri before shaking his head and stomping off to stand by the mainsail rigging, apparently accepting his lot. Liam watched him go with a faint smile. “Don’t mind ol’ Redshanks, tis part of ‘is charm. All the macabre and melancholy. Makes for dreary skullduggery does Red, but ‘e’s a right true hand at any sheet.” He turned and breathed in deeply as the wind picked up from the stern. “Ah, ol’ Delroth be givin’ us a push. Best be on our way, aye?”

[Doran]

Navyri:

Knowledge:
Linguistics x3
Persuasion x3
Socialization x2
Negotiation x1

Loot:
Lost: -
Wealth: -
Injuries: -
Renown: -
Magic XP: -
Skill Review: Appropriate to level.
Points: 15

Liam:

Knowledge: -
Loot:
Lost: -
Wealth: -
Injuries: -
Renown: -
Magic XP: -
Skill Review: -
Points: 15

- - -

Comments: I couldn’t find a date for this thread. I assume that this is not a memory thread though …

With that being said, you described the atmosphere at the docks quite well in my opinion. I was amused by Navyri finding sailor colloquialisms odd and endearing, and I like how Liam played his part of the “dance” and was so charming to Navyri. I found myself quite interested in the symbiosis that Navyri talked about, and I wish the story would have continued. With that being said, I enjoyed what I read in this thread regardless!

Enjoy your rewards!