The Furry Forums
Creative Arts and Media => Roleplay => Serious RP => Topic started by: Aldrea945 on February 28, 2014, 10:03:16 PM
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Clockwork towers and old steam factories rose on either side of Mason Street, silent after four centuries of hissing and ticking. Paper and litter blew across the cobblestones, empty of people but for the worst off. Rachel sighed, heading back for the docks, and for home, from the market. Just two years back, this place had been bustling and busy with workers and merchants. Now, the cold and advancing glaciers had forced people to move into the new part of Ruinse.
Birds, nesting in the top floor of the old school, flew just above her in thick clusters as she turned in the docks. Of the old Ruinse area, only the docks and a few small businesses remained open. Every one of them overlooked the twisted canal and airship cliff, where the less fortunate runners still came for cheap ale and low dock prices. Rachel was among them, not that she minded. Old Cindy's had decent food, so it wasn't all bad.
Her own ship looked like a gem among the ships docked, even patched and scorched on one side. She gleamed in the sunlight and Rachel smiled at fond memories. Taneris. As dear to her as a sister, she worked and saved every dime she had for four long years for the old rust bucket. It took another three months for the engine and new rudder, but it never mattered. Taneris meant freedom. Safety. She meant life to Rachel, and once she got the new assignment from Creya, they'd be back to that life again. Rachel walked over to the old beauty and touched her metal hull. "Soon, we'll be out again."
(Note: We are still open for applications. :) )
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Directly across Rachel and The Taneris stood an older, more busted up airship, being worked on.
"Yes, sir...! Of course..." A semi-deep slight british voice uttered as Scout unboreded the busted airship.
Walking off of the airship, he noticed many workers and dockers traveling across the dock, ship to ship.
But this one particular Tiger seemed to catch his attention. Her face had sorrow in as she held the ships hull.
There didn't seem to be many people around her or on the airship she was holding. Should he approach her? Should he say something?
He slowly approached the Tiger from behind, the wind picking up, blowing his cloak slightly.
"Miss...?" Scout asked in a concerned voice. "Is everything alright...?" He paused.
"Is this your airship...?" He asked, taking a step closer behind the tiger.
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Friedrich sighed with relief. The end of the day had come for him. He'd just finished insulating the Silverstein family greenhouse. The steady cold had caused a great many of the plants to begin wilting. It was lucky that they'd had the greenhouse at all. Many other farmers and gardeners were struggling to keep their crops alive, let alone healthy. His elder siblings would be able to mind the young ones, so he could slip off to the tavern. He hungered for a meal, and thirsted for some booze. It was a bit of a routine of his, and his favourite haunting place was Old Cindy's, down by the airship docks. It was relatively cheap, and he loved to see the ships come in. There was always a new one in, carrying exotic goods or people. He wouldn't admit it to his parents, but he desired to sail off in one of those ships one day, and see the world. He shook his head; enough daydreaming, and began to walk down towards the docks.
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Abbygael sat at her desk by a window overlooking the tavern and the docks, the silence that had befallen this part of the city was almost sickening to her, no longer the sound of hissing steam and bustling people that used to make her feel cozy in the tiny apartment she called home. Not that she needed alot of space, just a place to sleep, cook and tinker was more than enough.She didnt move out when most others did, the docks paid her a fair amount of money to use her skills and that pay in turn funded her some would say obsessive need to tinker and construct.
Grabbing her tool bag she sighed softly and peered from her window seeing the new looking gem of an airship docked there. "What I would do to work on that beauty..." she said softly before walking downstairs tot he tavern to grab a bite to eat and ask any of the dockworkers if there was any repairs that needed to be done.
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Nettie watched from behind some old broken down crates at the different ship hands. She watched with a keen eye as she followed the motions of their hands waiting to see if they cast off anything. Anything at all that could be pawned off for money, for she was hungry. The money she boosted off of some rich snob was only enough for lunch. It was nice, but she was still hungry and needed to get some coin.
Nettie was thankful for her thick fur but she still needed to get cash to pay for some scraps of fabric. She didn't necessarily like stealing from people but the winters were getting even more fierce than they had been in years. The storms lasted longer and had gotten worse in intensity. She missed the old days when the docks were full of unsuspecting easy targets, now days it seemed everyone had landed on lean times. Nettie watched gleefully as a newer, shiny, ship docked. She was about ready to approach the Snow leopard/Tiger mix, who was lovingly patting the ships hull, but she noticed that there was someone else already approaching her.
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Friedrich had reached the docks. He decided it would be better to see the ships before he ate, before the light began to fade. Most of the vessels were in various states of disrepair. It seemed they got more beat up with every trip they made. He found it hard to imagine how they got so damaged when they could soar above the tallest mountain.
He was looking from side to side, watching the few remaining sailors unloading cargo and crew alike, when he bumped into someone. "Oof! Oh.. oh dear, sorry!", he said quickly, flustered at his failure to notice the small, scruffy, seemingly young cat he had nearly bowled over.
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Rachel looked up, not startled, but not expecting someone. She smiled as she turned. "Hm? Oh, yes, don't worry. I'm just thinking," she said, ears flicking as the wind picked up. The early winter sun was setting to the west, throwing gold light on the copper plated ships and shipmates coming and going from their ships to the bars. Alarm struck through Rachel. She hadn't even realized how late it was. She'd be late for her appointment!
Rachel covered her alarm with a smile. "I'm quite sorry, but I really must be going. I promised a friend I'd meet them before the sun went down. Happy flying, sweety," she hurried through, heading for the street and waving.
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Stepping out from the tavern before looking at the sun setting the lizard frowned a little looking at the airship still sitting in the docks. "A real shame I couldnt find the captain of that ship. I would have fixed those patches for free even. Oh well another day i guess." Walking though hte empty streets simply lost in thought as her tools hung from her belt and plans filled her mind. "I need to make modifications to her tonight..."
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"Yes, miss, my apologies...!" Scout responded to the Tiger as she hurried off. Watching the Tiger rush, he overheard the lizard. Calling out to her as he saw her turn around and walk away as well... "Uh...miss? The captain just--ah...she can't hear me..." He muttered to himself as he looked down, pulling his hood back down in front of his left eye, turning around looking at the sun set. His cloak flew in the heavy wind as he watched. He sighed to himself, turning to the small town. "Well...might as well get to know the place while I'm here..." He said to himself, starting to walk to the exit of the docks.
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Nettie mews in surprise as she falls face first into the ground. She quickly turns over and flattens her ears as she looks up at the looming figure. She though she heard him say something but she was caught off guard and she absolutely hated being caught off guard. She quickly reached into her pocket and held tightly to a small metal screwdriver she had found earlier in the day. Nettie really wanted to get away but she hoped she hadn't made to much noise to alert the tiger that she was there. She quickly sized up the newcomer and seamed to wilt. She knew if it came down to a confrontation she would have to run, so she let go of the small screw driver and withdrew her hand from her pocket. There was no way that she would be able to face off against someone twice her size in girth and in height. Nettie swished her tail nervously and made her eyes wider.
"I... I am terribly sorry sir.. if.. if these are your crates.. I.. I'll get going.. I was just curious about the new ship you see.. I didn't mean to trespass I promise."
If her normal trickery didn't work she knew there was going to be problems...
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Freidrich offered her a hand in helping her up. "Oh, dear, no, I'm just passing through. To be honest, I was looking at the ships myself.". Rich looked her up and down. "A bit down on your luck, are you?", Friedrich reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin purse. He fished out a few coins, and held them out to her. "Here, it's not much, but you can at least get a meal from it."
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Rachel panted as she ran, paws thudding on the cobblestone. Cold, deep red light from the setting sun set the buildings alight, reflecting in the windows and washing the grey stone in vibrant oranges. Under different circumstances, she may have enjoyed the light, but Creya was adamant she needed to be on time today. She hadn't said why, but the message had been clear.
The building Creya used as an office, two stories and worn heavily in the wind and rain, stood ahead. The bottom floor was actually the office. The top had been converted to her living quarters, to keep from having to spend more money on transit and pain in the cold. Rachel'd been invited up before, just once. She winced at the memory, slowly as she came to the stairs. It was so barren, like Creya had only just moved from her parents' house. Creya had mentioned she sold a lot of things during the hard times. It had showed.
Rachel pushed the heavy oak door in, wiping her boots on the welcome mat. The little waiting room, previously the foyer of a home, sat empty in the light of the white oil lamps and red sunset, now greying in the upper reaches. The receptionist, an old friend to Creya, sat at her little desk, typing away on her typewriter. De'sive.
De'sive smiled brightly as she looked up. "Rachel, darling! I was beginning to think you'd taken a wrong turn. How are you, sweetheart?" she nearly cooed. Rachel smiled. She always loved being around De'sive. She was like a mother, in an odd sort of way. So happy to see Rachel every time they met up, always open to tell and hear stories...
Rachel set her coat on the rack. "I'm good, thank you. I heard Creya was expecting me?" she said, motioning habitually to hall. She noted in the back of her mind that the job board on the wall was rather empty. She must have dodged the rush.
De'sive nodded. "Right on into the office. Don't keep her waiting. It sounded urgent, darling." She glanced at the door as Rachel signed in, setting a few dollars on the counter for De'sive. "And please, do be careful. I know you're something of a target to those down on their luck."
Rachel started for the office, smile still in place. "Thanks for the worry, De'sive. I'll watch my back."
The old carpet had long since been torn up, and the wood floors left instead. Her boots thudded on the wood floor, somehow making the silence all the more deafening in the rooms around her. Wall sconces - filled with candles instead of oil - lit the hall just barely. Cold light filtered into the remade bedroom ahead, into the office where she could hear indistinct mumbling from Creya. Likely pouring over reports and such, Rachel thought. Creya had several runners that worked for her and usually spent hours figuring everything out from them.
Rachel stopped in the doorway and knocked softly on the doorframe. The bull inside startled at her desk, dropping her pen and whipping around. Bloodshot eyes softened only when they seemed to recognize the furred face gazing at her in concern, reflecting the train of thought racing through Rachel's head. Rachel strongly considered getting her a mug of warm tea and helping Creya over to the chair in the corner, warmed by the lit fireplace. Creya smiled tiredly as Rachel approached. "My favorite runner. I was getting worried. Why don't you sit, Rachel? I have much I want to discuss," Creya said, motioning to the chair across from her. Rachel instead took the chance to rub Creya's shoulders.
She gazed down at the older woman, longing to hug her instead but knowing Creya hated that. "Creya, you look awful. Have you rested at all?" she said softly.
Creya shook her head. "I have too much to do, sweetheart. This new offer is too important to rest on. Please, sit." Once again, Creya motioned to the other chair, putting some papers in their folders. Rachel sighed and did as told. Creya took the chance to speak a bit more on the topic. "Sweetheart, you know you're my best runner. You've always made a veritable fortune for what you're given, and always come back in one piece," she said. Rachel saw her wince at the mention and looked away. Tanner had always been clumsy, but to fall over the railing in battle... It was still a sore spot to bring up his recent death in the lower reaches of the continent. Creya took a deep breath to steady herself and took Rachel's hands. "This is going to put even you to the test, if you accept. You'll be fighting people off like crazy, you'll be dealing with the weather..."
Rachel tried to give a reassuring smile. "Whatever it is, you already know I'll take it," she said, squeezing Creya's hands.
Creya smiled. "I know." She let go of the tiger's paws and pushed the documents forward. Rachel had to strain to read the lettering in the dim light of the office, even with the fire nearby. "Lucinda Tresina: Prison Transfer", it read. Creya continued on. "You will be moving a dangerous prisoner, a mass murderer and cutthroat, from the local prison to a remote secondary transport in Trival. The Taneris will be fitted with proper quarters, holding cells, and flightsail at no cost to you, and yes, the pay is more than substantial. A worthy crew is being found as we speak. You were the last piece," she said. The tiredness in her eyes dulled a bit, enough to let her relief shine through. Everything was in place.
Rachel couldn't stop herself, hugging Creya across the table in joy. "I'll do everything needed. Thank you," she said, only barely managing to keep her voice from carrying.
Creya didn't pull away this time, smiling softly and patting Rachel's back. "There's one more thing. Because I have been the most heavily informed and have training in subduing enemies, I've been asked to join your ship. I hope that's-"
"Never. That's never a problem. You can stay in the captain's area too," Rachel said, sitting back and smiling brightly. Creya chuckled.
"I don't know about that, but we'll jump that hurtle when we get there. Right now, it's late, I'm tired, you're probably tired... Why don't I make us something warm before you head to your ship? My treat before this hell starts up." She stood, motioning Rachel up as well.
Rachel stood and walked over beside Creya. "We both can, and something for De'sive, too." Things were going so right, even with the danger ahead. Creya chuckled.
"Of course. De'sive too," Creya said. Rachel followed Creya out. Nothing could ruin this night. Nothing.
Outside, not yet illuminated by lamplight or moonlight, tall reptilian figures moved out, careful to stay out of sight of their targets till they got the call. Each had a separate figure in mind and in eye. All that remained was to get the call.
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Nettie smiled softly as she looked up at the goat and excepted the offered hand. Her hands were about a third the size of his, the pads on her hands were worn, chapped, and calloused, not the pads expected to be on a young lady. Nettie swished her tail nervously as she saw him reach into his pocket. Her expression changed from one of nervousness to a look of embarrassment when she was offered the coins.
"I.. uh.. thank you sir.. " She smiled at him again and held tightly to the coins. She glanced back to see that the tiger had gone off some time during the little confrontation and she flicked one of her ears in annoyance. "mmm now where did that tiger go on off too.. " She seemed to startle herself in saying that aloud as Nettie looked up at the goat. "mmmm" she thought to herself, as she sized him up again. "I bet I wont get thrown out of any of the pubs if I'm with him... and I have money to pay for a hotcake and no one in their right minds would harass someone with him.." Nettie put up a hand and scratched the back of her head "Excuse me... I... I really don't mean to impose or anything.. but.. but could you perhaps come with me to one of the p-pubs so.. I don't get tossed out? The bakers closed down about half hour ago.. I mean I hate to bother you because you have done me a big enough favor already..."
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Friedrich smiled warmly. "Well, I can't see why not! I like having someone to chat with anyways! My name's Friedrich, by the way. Everyone just calls me Richie though. How about yourself?", this last he asked as they both walked towards the pub. He was already imagining what sort of meal he'd get. Night was fast approaching, and the cold that came with it. Having a warm meal in one's belly helped dispel the cold, though.
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Scout turned off the of the dock, looking around a bit at the building and scenery that surrounded. He felt his pockets, and noticed he had a small amount of coin left for helping out with the small vessel he worked on just before unboarding.
His stomach growled lightly, as he has not eaten since about mid-day, and see as though night was growing fast, he hasn't eaten for almost 12 hours. He spotted a small pub, didn't seem to busy, and it smelt quite nice from just outside of the door.
He walked in and approached the counter, tossing the coins on the table, ordering some food that would take his lingering hunger away.
He sat down at a small table and started slowly eating, examining the decor and others surrounding him.
He thought to himself.
"Man...I'm surprised this small town has people and buildings still running and alive around here with this chill and wind..." He kept eating, still thinking.
"I guess there's still something to do around here, but I might as well keep looking around from the ground once I'm done, no need to get blown off a roof in this wind..." As he finished up his meal, he didn't leave right away, but still sat at his table, still thinking along about what to do, where to go, and what to do to get some extra coin.
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Looked at the sun setting before sighing softly she hadn't found the captain she was looking for, but it was getting colder and colder and she wasn in no way going to be able to do well in the cold. She retired to her small apartment. Lighting the fireplace and putting a small pot of soup to start heating it up. Walking towards her desk she opened a large drawer and pulled out a small crossbow, it was heavily modified and had several gears and parts on it. "Nearly there....just need to modify the auto loader and auto winder some more..." She started to focus a tiny point of intense heat developing on her finger as she welded a few more gears into thier correct positions.
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Nettie smiles as she easily follows along side Friedrich. She is still keeping an eye on her surroundings, after a bit of silence she decides to be truthful. "My name is Netra'senaa... I.. don't really have a shortened version of my name because I don't normally.... associate with others." They get to the entrance of the pub and Nettie pulls her clothes a little closer. the last time she was in this pub she ended up getting tossed back out into the street after only a few seconds of entering. Looking a lot younger than she actually was tended to be a problem when she wanted to actually get things.
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Friedrich bit his lip after Nettie said that she didn't associate with many people. There were always lonely people somewhere, and every time he met one, he felt it his responsibility to befriend them. "Netra'senaa," Friedrich repeated, sounding it out carefully. "That's a lovely name. Maybe I could just call you Nettie, though?" He smiled at her, as they entered the tavern. There were a relative few patrons, some at the bar, some near the back. Friedrich thought he saw a reptilian or two, which was unusual for this district. As they found a table, a barmaid looked suspiciously at Nettie. Friedrich waved her off. "It's okay, she's with me."
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(Alright, we're going to move ahead. Thamir, when he can get on, will need to contact me via either PM or OOC. He won't be dropped, so long as he's here before we get another three pages in, but I may ask him to delete his post and join up later.)
A single buzz, from a radio at the hip of each watcher, alerted them to move out. At the pub, a large female snake and smaller male lizard approached the goat and cat. Another, a large female komodo, knocked at the door of the bearded lizard. She smiled brightly while she waited. Still more approached those at the docks, smiling and tapping the husky and Velociraptor on the shoulders.
It had begun.
Rachel slipped through the door out of Creya's office building, smiling as she carried a small pack of cookies and a thermos of tea. She'd insisted on leaving them for Creya and De'cive, have them much on the food, but Creya hadn't taken no for an answer, followed closely by the mouse working at the desk to straighten up before bedding down. She smiled. They were so good to her, like another family. Her own family was... dysfunctional, to say the least, but the people she worked for were always so welcoming.
Her paws turned down the main street, moving almost of her own accord as she got lost in her thoughts. A crew... Her bushy tail swished on the cobblestones. Rachel'd been without a crew for so long after they'd moved on. It wasn't that she didn't want one, just that good crewmates were hard to come by that hadn't been taken up by others.
She was so lost in her thoughts as she walked she never noticed the eyes watching her from the second story of Creya's building, following her toward the docks.
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Walking to her door as there was a knocking from it almost surprised to see the komodo waiting for her with a smile. "May I help you?" she asked rather softly before listeneing to the komodo telling her that she was beining called to be part of an airship crew, but no details were given. "I guess I can go check it out. Let me grab a few things." Folding her crossbow up before slinging it over her back and grabbing some clothes and tools she walked out her apartment and locked the doors. "lead the way."
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"um... sure.. I guess Nettie will work.. " She says the name a few times to herself testing it out. "It may take me a while to get used to having someone calling me that.."
Nettie was about ready to pull out her coins to get a mug of tea and a hotcake when she noticed a pair, a lizard and an adder that didn't quite belong in the pub. Nettie's tail twitched nervously and she quickly steered Fredric to an empty table near the back exit of the pub. She glances up at Fredric then discreetly toward the lizard and snake that were dressed enough akin to hunters that it made her uneasy.
"Do you have a bounty on your head that you know of?" Nettie quietly asked as she looked him in the eye. Her eyes were not the big and wide innocent ones from earlier, but cold and calculative. Her whole demeanor changed from one of mild relaxation and trying to appear non threatening, to a more standoffish posture. "I appreciate your help but I would like to know why two reptiles started eying us the moment we walked past them, and if it has anything to do with you.. "
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Scout felt a tap on his shoulder, not expecting anyone at the moment, he was slightly startled, jumping.
"Ah...!" Scout yelped as he flinched. "*Please* don't sneak up on me like that...! About pulled my blade...what is it you need?"
He stood there giving the fur that tapped him a look of interest as they explained to him about being part of an airship crew.
"I've been looking for a permanent crew for a little bit of time, this could be good for me, I'll follow. Lead on, stranger."
He followed close behind the fur as they led on.
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Friedrich looked at Nettie with surprise. She had instantly turned from a lost kid into a possible force to be reckoned with. He looked at the reptiles she had indicated. "Bounty? No, of course not! I don't know why they're looking.."
As he was speaking, they looked over to them, and stood up. "Are.. are they dangerous?" Friedrich asked Nettie, suddenly afraid.
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Nettie looks back to the pair in the pub. They were walking towards Fredric and her. She did not like this at all but she knew this was one of the safer pubs and that, if they were smart, would not attack her and Fredric while they were inside.
"I don't THINK they are dangerous... I don't mean to scare you but they are dangerous... Dangerous to us right now, on that point, I am not so sure. We are in a crowded, public place, so I doubt they will try anything in here... "
She looks away from Fredric and straight at the Adder, then to the Lizard, locking eyes with them both to let them know she has seen them. Nettie growls softly her fur bristling as they are now close enough to the table to over hear Nettie and Fredric talk.
Nettie turns on her seat to face the pair "What do you want? Neither of us have bounties on our heads, nor have we done anything to warrant one. state your business or leave... " She growls, abet it looks rather comical, with her fur standing practically on end trying to make her self appear larger, more threatening.
The adder, the elder one and certainly female, clearly ignores her words. "We've heard you're both good ship-hands."
"Do I look like a ship hand to you?" Nettie starts picking dirt out from under her claws and starts flicking the little clumps at the Adder to gauge her reaction as well as the lizards, they didn't look like patient creatures. She wanted to see just how patient they were. "I may be a ship hand I may not be, all depends on who's asking and what they are paying..." Nettie seems to have forgotten that Fredric was siting across from her at the table.
The adder narrows her eyes, staring down the cat like a piece of steak. It doesn't come through in her voice, however. "You look like a thief in need of a pardon," she says, careful and somewhat cheerily, as she curls her long tail up, under her heated black coat. She is wearing no hat, but she does seem to have gloves on. Her partner is dressed rather similar, with a thick black coat and pants. It was safe to assume they were likely heated as well.
Nettie smiles a bit at the observation made by the Adder and then seems to relax a bit. She looks at Fredric and smiles sheepishly. "Heh... I hate to admit this but... She's kinda right on that front.." Nettie looks back at the pair "Seems like you came well informed."
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At the mere mention of ships, Friedrich's eyes lit up.
"A.. A ship hand? Me?" He had dreamed of this sort of adventure for years. He had never expected that someone would actually come up to him and ask him to join their crew. "I'd love to! Oh my goodness.." The two reptilians smirked at his enthusiasm. "But.. oh no! I'll have to tell my family, I can't just leave!" Friedrich was getting flustered. "I.. I have to go tell them first. I'll be back though!" The two recruiters nodded, and Friedrich ran off, right after giving Nettie a rushed 'seya'.
About ten minutes later, Friedrich arrived at home. It would not be long before his parents would be heading for bed. "Mother, Father!" he addressed them as he entered.
"Friedrich, you're home early.", commented his mother.
"I.. I have to ask you two something."
"Well, goodness, what is it?" asked his father.
"You two both know I've always wanted to see the world. Well.. an opportunity has come. A shipping company has approached me to be a ship-hand. I'd like to take this opportunity." Friedrich cringed, expecting to be told no.
"Well, I can't say we haven't seen this day coming.", his father replied. "You've helped us a lot throughout the years, but I think we'll get along fine without you. You have our blessing if you desire to go. Just make sure to say goodbye to everyone before you leave."
Friedrich had never felt so excited in his life. "Really? That's wonderful!" He quickly ran to hug them both, promising to be careful when he left, and to bring back fantastic tales of his adventures. They also gave him some money for his journey. It was lucky that none of his siblings had fallen asleep yet. He gathered them together, telling them all of what he was going to do. Each sibling was torn between excitement for his upcoming adventure, and grief for his leaving. He assured them all he would bring them all back a souvenir, and hugged each of them. His elder brother and sister of 2 years younger approached him afterwards to give him more personal congratulations and warnings to be careful. They each had a gift for him as well. His brother, a well-honed knife he had traded for many summers ago. "Just in case.", he said. From his sister, a jar of herbs. "You taught me these ones were medicinal." She said, with a smile.
Friedrich had tears in his eyes by the end of it. It had only really dawned on him that this would be the longest he had been away from his family. He would miss them, but he would be back someday, he was sure. He had grabbed his messenger pack, and a suitcase full of clothing. He had everything he would need, he was sure. He said his final goodbyes, and headed to where the two recruiters had said to meet.
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Each of the agents took the lead, heading for the docks. They don't share much more about the assignment, keeping to only answering questions as needed. Many had only the barest of smiles to them. One thought crossed all of their minds.
Soon.
Rachel tapped along over the cobblestone, food and drink in her bag. It was so late and so cold, she couldn't wait to get into bed and sleep. She assumed the work on Taneris would start the next day. Until then, she'd just relax and make sure she had everything she wanted unharmed.
As she reached the copper beauty, Rachel stopped and watched nearby figures move closer. If they were people out to hijack her baby, she would give them more than a run for their money. She couldn't fathom Creya gathering a crew so fast.
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Nettie walked after the Adder, and the Lizard keeping an eye on them as she walked with Fredrich. She didn't ask him where he ran off to so quickly, she assumed it was his family by how excited he seemed. Nettie glanced up at him as they re entered the dockyard. As much as she felt at home when she was there, it still made her feel uneasy, being that she was up and about, at night, with strangers. She saw other looming figures and shifted, getting herself ready to bolt if there were any signs of treachery on the parts of the Adder and Lizard.
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Abbygael kept walking something seemed a little strange...it was colder than usual and the komodo dragon with her didnt do anything to ease that uneasy feeling growing inside of her. Small sparks of flame dances over her fingertips as she was getting more tense by the minute. If push came to shove she would have to fight but close range wasn't her strong point and she knew it. Once again her eyes glanced up at the copper airship, it was truly magnificent to look at even if it could use some repairs.
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Scout kept following the leader, reaching the ship docks yet again. He's been here, what did this random person suddenly want? If he was here before, why didn't they catch him then? Questions filled Scouts mind as he approached the docks. When he finally arrived, he noticed similarly dressed others, leading more to him just as well. Feeling of slight unease, and bad experiences, he gently gave pressure to his wrist blade ejector and softly clenched his fist, it starting to weakly glow. He awaited patiently as he examined the others approaching.
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Friedrich had made his way down to the docks, panting. He had ran a good portion of the way, and he was a bit more burdened with his luggage and supplies than he usually was. There was a small crowd gathered together by the time he had arrived. He looked back and forth between them all; there seemed to be some tension. Friedrich shifted uncomfortably, and decided to break the silence.
"Good eve, all! I suppose this is the crew?"
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Rachel furrowed her 'brow, confused. 'No way... Creya, you are some sort of goddess,' she thought. She smiled at the gathered group, discretely smoothing a wrinkle in her red coat. "Well, hello there. How may I help you?' she said, her fluffy tail curling lightly over her ankles.
The crowd gathered in the dim light of the street lamps' oil flames was... odd, to say the least. Mismatched in size and outfittings, but not impossibly unhealthy. Privately, she worried about accommodations for the bearded dragon. The others seemed to be warm blooded and could likely be kept warm with the regular heater and blankets, but she might have to add a small personal heater for a cold blooded woman. Hardly expensive, just a bit trying in the already small crew quarters.
One of the escorts, the adder woman that had helped lead Friedrich and Netty, spoke in a pleasant tone. "Ms Rachel Tunsss? We've been sssent by Ms Creya Sssummersss to provide you with a proper crew asss soon asss possssible for the mission. Should you find thisss group unsssatisssfactory for your job, we will quickly replace any trying members," she said, tongue flicking on every 's'.
Rachel nodded and bowed slightly. "I'm quite sure we will have no problems, but thank you anyway, Ms...?"
The adder chuckled. "Ms Tarna, thank you. Now, I do hate to sssay thisss, but we mussst keep moving. We will be watching carefully, and will essscort Ms Sssummersss when the time comes. Good night, Captain. Do be careful," she said. Ms Tarna turned to leave, her associates following her like a herd. Within a minute, even with close watching, the group disappeared into the streets.
Rachel, not unnerved in the least, smiled again at the group. "Well, can't stand here all night. If Creya trusts you, I do too. Come in and get warm by the boiler," she said, pulling the rope for the gangplank down and starting on. The cookies shifted in her bag, reminding her she should offer them some on board. Hopefully it'd stay as pleasant a night as it had been.
-
Nettie just stared in bewilderment. What the heck is ... I cant believe it.. well.. this is going to be easier than sneaking on board I guess... she thought to herself. She watched the others waiting to see if any of the others were going to blindly follow the tiger mix onto the ship. Nettie glanced around and just noticed that the group, that were the escorts, suddenly disappeared. She looked over at Freddric and the others that were gathered. When no one else moved she started up after the tiger. "um.. excuse me miss.. would.. would you happen to have a shower?" As soon as Nettie said that she started mentally kicking her self. 'do you have a shower' my god i am so lame... why couldn't I think of something cooler to say.. great... I had one chance to make a good impression and I go and ask if she has a shower.. I'm a blithering idiot....
-
Abbygael kept looking at the ship as she relaxed the tiny flames disappearing from her fingertips as she looked back at the escorts heading back into the streets. She nodded towards Rachel before taking a few steps closer her excitement clearly building as she almost blurted out "This ship is amazing...There must be so many pieces to it...How big is the boiler system? How many pipes does it have? How much thrust does it produce? The hull.... how thick is it? What is the primary drive system?" She quickly blushed before going quiet. "I...I apologize...I get a weird around amazing machines like this...My name is Abbygael by the way and you are Captain...?" Her voice trailed off a little as she started to walk on board.
-
Friedrich looked over to Nettie. "That's actually a good question. Do they have a shower?" It was something simple that had never occurred to him. What if they didn't have a shower? Would they go without? How long until everyone started to stink? His nose wrinkled at the thought. This trip could start to go bad very quickly, he suddenly thought to himself. He tried to simply push the thought from his mind as they climbed the ramp onto the ship.
-
Taking pressure off the blade ejector, and dimming the glow to nothing, he lowered his hand back down to his side. Staying quiet, he let the others introduce themselves while adjusting his hood back over his left eye. He quietly examined the others as they spoke, making small mental judgements. How would he introduce himself? Should he even say anything? How would he say it? Questions started filling his mind as he started growing slightly nervous. He let the others finish speaking.
-
Rachel chuckled. "There's a shower, yes, but one of the stalls needs repaired at the moment. As for my Taneris, I'll let you explore to find out. I'm not good with measurements," she said, smiling.
Nettie still had a paw over her face because of the stupidity of the question. “I don't know why I asked that question,” she mumbled.
She smiles. "Eh, we all ask silly things. Come on, I have cookies and a warm boiler. Shouldn't stand around here when our tummies are telling us otherwise."
Nettie smiled. “That would be great. I never got to finish my dinner at the pub,” she said.
Rachel trotted up to steep ramp, paws finding every helping board along the length. The Taneris seemed to tip toward her invitingly as a gentle, icy wind blew toward them.
The Taneris was like a small galleon in the air, especially among the other vessels, with large sails and air balloons to keep her aloft. Copper covered the outside, lining the portholes. One of the large side sails, latched in off the starboard side like a bird's wing, was inches from the door, furled up for dock. She really was a beauty, but the repairs she needed were so much more apparent too. Scorch marks played across the glass of nearby windows, and claw marks lined the side, barely patched up right. One sail had been ripped and patched in the same manor, and it looked to be burned as well. They'd need better repairs, for certain.
Inside the Taneris was decidedly more barren. The hall stretched before them into the ship proper, lit by steam lit lights. Pipes ran along and through walls, warmed with steam. It wasn't especially warm inside, but there would be no wind when the door was closed, so Rachel never minded. She waited near the doorway to shut it behind the new crew, smiling.
Nettie looked around happily. It was barren but it was clean. Smelled nothing like the places she usually slept. She stared poking about, looking at all the piping and although she didn’t know what any of it was for, she was curious. Everyone else seemed to loom over her, so she quickly moved to the outskirts of the group and watched the reactions play across their faces. It was evident that the captain loved her ship, and even though it was in disrepair, Nettie could see that it was patched up to the best of her abilities. “She is quite beautiful miss,” Nettie said quietly, afraid to touch anything lest she make it dirty.
Rachel smiled, running her hand along the door as she closed it behind them. "Thank you. She's like my baby."
(Sorry this is so late. School. Kaya and I RPed this out, so if there are any mistakes, feel free to say so.)
-
As Scout followed the others and entered, he looked around, but didn't touch. He was very impressed.
"She kept all this in *this* good of condition by herself? Man, I already feel I have a good captain..." Scout thought to himself.
His eyes followed Nettie as she poked around. Curious to look around himself, he took some peeks in some rooms.
He already felt a sense of safety with these people and he doesn't even know them yet. As he looked around one room, he came back to the group.
Still not saying anything since he's arrived here, he plans on keeping it brief until he gets to know them better.
He readjusted his hood back over his left eye as he made his way back the group.
"Apologies for snooping..." His accent seeming a little strong, he said this quietly, looking at the floor.
-
Nettie looked around some more then she stops. She never got the details of the misiion other than someone just wanted to have a crew. "excuse me.. i dont want to stomp on any toes here.. but why exactly did you send out those .. those recruiters of yours, and why did you need a crew so fast? What happened to the last one.. you didnt eat them did you?" Nettie shifts nervously glancing at everyone wondering if they were as in the dark as she was.
(posting from phone...please forgive any spelling errors...)
-
Friedrich looked Nettie's way. It had never occurred to him to question what the mission at hand was. The accusations she had put forth seemed ludicrous; he'd never imagine anyone to be so terrible as to turn to cannibalism, but it was well within possibility that he could be in over his head. Friedrich felt that he'd have to stick around Nettie, she was a sharper cookie than he.
-
Abbygael was in her element as she walked into the ship her eyes tracing and following the pipes, even going as fast as she place her hand on one of the heated steam pipes clearly not being affected by the heat. "She is a beauty." She smiled a little before giggeling and looking at the others. Her eyes turning towards Rachel before speaking up once more "I already ate...but tell me do you have some raw materials in the cargo bay to work with? I can start patching her up a little, or rather the gash on the outer copper shell needs to be patched up correctly or she wont fly effectively and that would also be like a giant target of we do get into a fight."
-
Rachel sighed as the group came to a four way bend. Two halls stretched to the left and right, hidden behind thick doors while a third door, the thickest and coldest to the touch, lead to stairs to the upper deck. It was deliciously warm in the corridor, heated by the steam pipes on all sides. "I'd assumed you'd all been informed. I'm sorry for the minimal information," she said, turning right and opening the door. Another hallway, a little wider and pecked with doors, led onward. Wood floors ran the length of the hall, rough as if cut by an inexperienced hand. Lights illuminated every inch as Rachel motioned the group to follow her.
"I'm transporting a criminal for a rather large sum of money, and looking for a new settlement area. Not my usual line of work, the former, but it pays. I haven't had a proper crew in a while, so it was more a matter of finding one quickly. You'll be paid and given rooms and food, don't worry. They just, uh, got eaten..." she said, chuckling a bit, knowing they were likely honestly considering the cannibalism idea. It was the truth, though, and she couldn't lie to them simply to have a crew. "It wasn't me, I assure you. A dragon. Left that nasty gash, too. And, to answer your earlier question, feel free to have your way repairing her. There are spare supplies in the cargo hold, though not much, and I'll do what I can to buy what you need. I just suggest waiting till tomorrow. It's a cold night." Rachel led them past the crew quarters, surprisingly large all considered, and into the galley. An old table, clearly second hand, stood in the middle of a wrap around wooden bench. It wasn't especially lavish in the room, with a work station, old wood stove, sink, and two or three cupboards on one end. With how much of the ship was second hand, it was rather clear Rachel couldn't always afford the best. A bit of a shame, for such a lovely ship.
Rachel smiled tiredly and motioned they could sit down as she set the cookies and tea on the worn surface. "If you're hungry, I can make you something while we talk and make arrangements. I haven't had guests in a while, though, so please forgive my cooking," she said. She hung her red coat on a hook and set to work in taking out some food supplies. Perishables stayed in the galley instead of with the nonperishables in the cargo hold, so she always had something to cook without having to head back there.
-
Scout stuck to the back of the group as he moved in the room with the rest, watching them all sit down.
"If nobody minds, I'd rather prefer standing." He said, standing behind one of the seats.
"I also have eaten, apologies." Scout says, putting his paw out as he aplogized.
He placed his arms behind his back as he awaited discussions to start.
-
Nettie listened to everything the captain was saying. It sounded like it was true, and from what she picked up on the street, the captain was either really good at lying or she was telling them the truth. Nettie nodded and she chuckled nervously as her stomach growled at the mention of food. Nettie watched as Rachel started taking out some other things and glanced at the others.
"um.. where, where would you like me to put this stuff? Or.. or do you need any help with anything? I... I feel bad siting to eat, when you know... you look to be about just as hungry, and you look worn out... I mean you did hire us so what do you want me to do captain?"
Nettie glanced at everyone else and smiled slightly at Friedrich before turning back to Rachel.
-
Friedrich was happy to sit and just chat. At least the ride would be somewhat comfortable. He nibbled on a cookie or two, talking between sips of tea. "So, a Dragon, you say? I've never seen one up close. It must have been terrifying!" Friedrich noticed Nettie's smile, and smiled back. "I'm sure everything will be fine, Nettie. No need to fret when things seem to be going so well!"
-
Abbygale nodded before looking at the hull from the inside. "You are right,it wouldnt be wise to head outside at night to do repairs...Too cold to work with the metal, and well the cold is dangerous for me." she shrugged before moving her hands over once of the pipes again, eyes closing as she simply felt and listened to the ship.
-
Rachel smiled at the group, stoking the fire and setting a pan with small onion pieces, bits of salted meat, and vegetables on to cook. She had learned quickly how to forage and hunt and preserve food on her trips, a needed skill when she needed money for repairs. "Go ahead and eat and rest. Tomorrow I'll divvy up work and sort out that sort. For now, you will need to get your strength up," she said. The scent of food quickly filled the little a stir fry of sorts. "As for that dragon," she said, winking, "It was terrifying only so far as it's breath."
Around them, the lamps cast a gold glow out the open door, allowing them to count then small doors, including the one they'd peaked out of. Every one of them had a plaque, most just crude wood. Two, the closest, were open, revealing books and mapping materials in a room hardly bigger than a broom closet. Another, a bedroom, revealed a similar sized room with a set of bunks and a chest bolted to the end. The beds were well blanketed in all colors, but impersonalized otherwise.
A ticking sound came from a boiler pipe nearby, heating and expanding to the steam and water rushing through. Rachel looked up. "I'll have to check that tonight. The boiler's been giving me problems in this cold."
Creya sat back in her seat, going over her agents' news. Four people... She'd need at least five for this, plus Rachel. It'd never do. She turned to her agents, still lined up in front of her, awaiting orders. "Find another person, male this time. Then you may rest. He doesn't have to be very old, just have plenty of spirit," she said, sipping some tea. The clock struck midnight beside the door as she turned back to her desk and the agents left. Soon this would all be over, and she'd finally be free.
-
"G-g-g-g-guh!" The voice floated through the area, bouncing off of every surface about as energetically as it's originator. It had been a vain attempt to curse the bitter cold but sadly the jaws that had produced the noise had, despite being used to the cold for the most part, been nonetheless clamped fairly well shut.
"Dah!" This time the voice was strained and was accompanied by a clatter as a white wolf emerged from a pile of used palettes and a scarf into the frigid night air. A white furred paw whipped the scarf up and around until the long red and black fabric covered the wolf Anthro's neck and upper torso. Sharp but playful eyes scanned the dark alleyway. Nothing moved. The white wolf's homeless companion, for all of his snow laden rags, was dead. Enigir had heard his compadre's breathing falter and stop some time ago. The rags, palettes and shared scarf had done naught.
Knowing that further stillness would see the white wolf Enigir dead as well he had risen with the strained noise with the intention of moving about at the cost of sleep but he gain of a few extra seconds of life. Enigir's long pants were tied off with some string at the bottom if each leg in an effort to retain some body heat but his tight blue jersey wasn't doing him any favours.
"Lies!" Enigir blurted aloud into the darkness ion that thought. "My cold jersey will ensure I look good alive or dead! Brrrrr!"
Silence.
"God it's so cold the snow's gone all shy. How'm I s'posed to live up to my abandoned clan's name now...?" With a reproachful and bemused tone Enigir mused. He stopped and his eyes fogged over. He wondered...then shook his head. "Gotta move. Gotta stay alive."
Enigir hopped over the debris in the alleyway even in the oppressive darkness with ease and grace. He made to the adjacent street and squinted as the moonlight subdued his eyes. The moon laid bare his youth. Enigir looked like a pup a few years away from being mature in any sense, but at the same time his pose presented a haunting figure. Haunted, even...? It mattered not. There were no onlookers that Enigir was yet aware of and his permanent smile tended to distract people anyway, putting most folks at ease.
"I must siiiiiing~!" Sung Enigir, badly. He chuckled at his own silliness as he jogged on the spot. He did this for a while, then moved to push-ups. When the cold of the earth began to sting his hands he sat and began on sit-ups. Anything to stave off the cold. In the middle of the frigid and lonely streets he did this, laughing all the while.
-
Nettie smiled at Rachel's jest about the dragons breath, and looked toward Friedrich. I think I should stay close to him.. I mean he was nice enough to accompany me before hand..[\i] she ought as she finished up the small portion of food she had taken. She tried to stifle a yawn as she got up to wash her plate. She wasn't really sure what to do. She felt so weird eating with everyone else and noted that the others didn't really eat as fast as she did. She grimaced inwardly at her rudeness. man I really need to relax... This is going to be a nice change from living on the streets. I just hope I can earn my keep..[\i]
After taking care of her plate she sat down next to Friedrich and asked in hushed tones " so what do you think of everyone else?"
-
Rachel smiled to Netty. "Don't worry about cleaning that. I'll get it tonight. Tomorrow you will start chores," she said, tail lightly brushing the floor as she set everything out a bit better.
She leaned against the wall after, tiredness dragging at her limbs. When they were full, she would show them their rooms. It would never be fair to keep them waiting for sleep after they finished. She highly doubted she could wait much longer. In fact... She shoved herself to her feet. "If you all don't mind, I will go ready your rooms. I don't want you cold tonight. You can personalize them later," she said, smiling as she moved to the door. Later, she'd find enough soap to ready the showers...
Creya's agents, scouring the streets like cats after a meal, worked through alleys and between the buildings. They'd found many that had, at a distance, seemed alright, but were not of the right needs. Frustration was building among them, even spread out as they were. Creya would be furious if they didn't find the one they needed.
It wasn't for another hour that one found a lonely looking wolf wandering about, singing. The agent smiled, forked tongue tasting the air. He would be perfect.
-
Enigir stopped singing in his eastern language and pressed himself against the wall. The cold immediately shot through his joints and spread from there - all his work undone. A group of lizard anthros were eyeing him off. He poked his head out of the darkness. They didn't look like they were on the attack. At any rate the cold would've seen to that at the moment he guessed. He unwrapped his scarf, jogged to the group and proffered it.
Back home the dragon species were revered for various reasons, less of them spiritual than westerners would believe. Such respect passed, albeit less intensely, down to chimaera, the odd bat and most reptilian species. Although he had renounced his clan Enigir still upheld most of his native customs except for when it might lead on to revealing his bloodline. Custom or no custom, he mused as he extended his scarf holding arm as far as it would go, it seemed needlessly cruel to turn a blind eye to a cold-blooded creature in the snow. Worst come to worst and they all died...hmph. At least it might provide some final comfort.
"Please, take my scarf!" He called with a hint of desperation in his voice.
-
after not getting an answer from Friedrich Nettie looked down at her hands and then at her feet, witch dangled a rather large distance from touching the ground. she stifled yet another yawn and decided to hop out of her chair and she looked around at everyone else. she cringed slightly noting that she would most likely have to talk to everyone to gauge their abilities. She looked over and decided to wander over to the huskie that was standing a little farter away from the group. She tried to make her way over without being too obvious. She had her hands clasped in front of her as she spoke quietly, eyes downcast.
"hi...so... um..what..what do you think of the ship?"
Nettie asked lamely not knowing how to strike up a decent conversation.
-
Scout was waiting just a little ways away from the group when he saw Nettie approach him. He looked down at her and listened to her question.
"Well hello there, little miss..." His accent a bit strong. "I guess I can't really have much of a fair judgement due to only seeing a small portion of the undermost part of the ship..." He crosses his arms and looked around. "...but it seems this ship has taken a chunk of it's history already...I-I'm sorry, I'm starting to ramble again..." He looked back down at Nettie. "So far, from what I've seen, it seems like a well put together place...and I can't wait to have you accompanying me and the other as partners..." He gave Nettie a lite warm smile and stuck out his paw. "I'm Scout. What's your name?" He finished, still looking down at her.
-
Rachel relaxed back on her heels, trying to force her mind to work long enough to think ahead. Sleep seemed to still run away from her, and it would continue to do as such so long as they still needed shown around. She smiled tiredly. "I'll show you around. Your rooms are nearby," she said in the doorway. So close to her bed, yet so, so far.
The agent in front of Enigir tilted her head, amused but not insulted. She gingerly took the scarf, tongue flicking out. "Thank you, sssir," she said. "Perhaps I can offer a fitting payment? We are currently looking for another crewmate for our ship, and getting out of thisss cold is always a worthy goal. What do you sssay?"
The other agents gathered in from close streets. This would be wonderful.
-
Enigir beamed at both the willingly received scarf and at the prospect of a job - and with said job freedom from the oppressive cold.
"I would be honoured!" The white wolf closed his eyes and bowed deeply. "I am a fine swordsman where I come from and I know varied techniques both common and rare to these lands. I also cook and have a way with making things well presented, flavoury and nourishing. Dunno how to work an airship but. Um. I'm a fast learner!"
Enigir stood erect and gazed fondly at the assorted characters before him. What kind of ship exactly would he be working on? It mattered little. Even if he was out of his depth it would likely be warmer than the now densely snowed-over streets. Enigir paused.
"A...a moment?" He turned back to the alleyway and again bowed deeply. But his stance was different. Sad. "Rest in piece, friend."
With that and a short prayer in his eastern tongue Enigir turned back and approached the scalies before him.
"I am ready. I will not fail you."
-
-Nettie shook scouts offered hand firmly but avoided direct eye contact.- my name is Nettie... And.. Well. -she heard Rachel say something about showing them around and she turned happily thinking of the prospect of having a warm bed to sleep in.- good. Now we get to see the ship and our rooms. - she looked happy and glanced at scout.- you as interested as I am in seein what our rooms 'I'll look like?
-
Scout looked over at Rachel when Nettie did, then looked back down at Nettie. "Well...I have my thoughts..." He said, noticing her sudden happiness. "B-but uh...yes of course! U-uh...shall we...?" He said, as he motioned her to go over to Rachel first. She seems a bit on edge...let's try to stay on her good side... He thought to himself.
-
(I LIVE!!! For now. Kaya says hi, and that she wants the people of the RP to PM for a picture of her in her special clothes. ^_^ Sorry it took so long. Real life sorta snuck up on me. Hard.)
Rachel smiled and set off down the hall, past her first shipmate's chosen abode. Her smile turned adoring as she passed. She still considered him a bit like a younger brother. Even so, she often lied about having a shipmate. Twice, she'd accidentally driven people off with mentions of him being on board, and they needed help running the Taneris.
She was quick in showing the new crew their rooms, tiny bunk areas with a small chest to each. Not luxurious, but better than many other ships, admittedly. Each had a robe to wear, though large enough for a bison, and an extra blanket, but they'd have to collect other belongings as they went.
Rachel waved them goodnight and smiled to each, smiled, and headed for the captain's quarters. Only a foot larger on each side and sporting a book chest, she was luxury either. However, as Rachel settled into night clothes and slipped into bed, she was content. The lights were flicked off as sleep threatened to overtake her, and her final thoughts were toward the next eventful day.
The snake smiled again. "Darling, do not worry about learning. You will have plenty of time on the journey to find thossse ssskillsss. Sssimply follow usss," she said. It as entirely true. Time would be nothing on the trip, and if the planning was as solid as thought, he'd find no other job he was better suited for.
-
Abbygale would nod and wave goodnight to the captain before walking over to one of the bunks closest to the hull and steam-piping system. Pulling out a few clothes from her back she placed them in the chest, only for her to pull out the folded up crossbow and place it on top of her clothing. Seemingly not minding about the others in the room she pulled off her shirt and slipped into the robe, before getting onto her bunk a hand reaching up and resting on the warm pipe.
-
Friedrich got caught up in the discussion, the tea and the novelty of his experience so much so that he hadn't even noticed Nettie's disappearance until much later. It certainly wasn't that she was lost, he saw her occasionally in the small crowd every so often. Eventually, though, it was time for everyone to retire to their quarters. Friedrich set everything in its approximate place, and looked out of the small window by his bed. The town certainly looked odd from this end of the docks. He settled into sleep not long afterwards, dreaming of undiscovered lands and great treasure.
-
Nettie looked around her room in awe . It was warmer than outside and she couldn't even begin to remember the last time she even slept in a bed. She snagged the robe and hurried off to the shower.
After she finished her fur was a light grey almost white with strands of silver. She smiled as she lay in her warm bed and was out in a matter of minutes.
-
Scout followed the pack as they all turned off to their rooms, he took the next in line. He noticed he had a small port window next to his bed. He sat down on the edge of the bed and seemed to stare at the floor, still in his basic wear, hood still up and all. He sat there looking at the floor for what seemed like many minutes. He snapped back and blinked a couple of times. "...it's in the past...it wasn't even my fault..." He said to himself. He put his paw in his pocket and pulled out an eye patch. He slipped it on under the hood, covering his bright eye. He pulled his hood down then lifted the cloak off of him and hung it on a post of the bed. He pulled off his shirt and wrist blade, laid it next to his bed, and hung his shirt on the same post, then laid down on the bed. He rested his paws on his stomach, fingers intergrasped with each other, then looked out the small window into the cold night sky. He turned on his side and closed his eyes, slowly, and eventually drifting off to sleep.
-
(Sorry I'm so inactive guys. School's mixing up my day, you know? Also, if I start writing poetry, shoot me. I've been in that little roundabout track for a while...)
The snake leading Enigir watched him as they walked, touching the scarf again and again. Kindness wasn't foreign to her, just confusing coming from one so young. And amusing, honestly, in what they were taking him to.
The Taneris floated silently above the dock ahead, her crew already deep in their dreams. Danny already knew she'd be getting as many crew as Creya liked, so the snake felt no oddness in simply pulling a key out to let the wolf inside through a small door. It would be his home now anyway, for better or worse, and they couldn't wait till morning. Night's cold had already set into his fur. She stepped aside beside the door, motioning to the inside of the ship. "You may find your room alone. It isss sssecond down the hall opposssite the ssstorage," she said, offering his scarf back. "Thank you for your gift. You will need it on your journey. Please, go sssleep. Captain Rachel will meet you in the morning." She hustled him in out of the cold as she spoke, watching for a moment before saying her good byes and good nights and shutting the door.
As it shut with a soft clang and she moved to join her small group again, she smiled and tasted the air. Tonight she'd sleep sound. Her part was all but done.
The next morning, sun barely risen over the snow and ice glinting pale gold, Rachel stretched like a kit in its mothers nest. Ships were well into their activities around them, and the sounds of skycrews meant to her that she'd get little more sleep. Besides. The alter crew would be here soon and she'd be needed.
She hurried up and into her clothes, and left to the cargo.
For many hours into that day, Rachel bustled along with Creya's workers while her new crew slept. She had no ill will of them, but didn't want to wake them for something they likely could help much with. Bars and shelves went into place where there'd been none, forcing Rachel to reorganize and move her small haul around. Hammers and fire mages hurried about, making such a din she worried it'd wake her new crew. And through it all, she worried.
This would be the first prison move she'd ever done. Without Creya there, Rachel doubted she would be able to handle it all alone. How much security would she need? What did they need to give her? How dangerous was it? Every question flooded through her, and more. She could only hope for the best now, though.
Three long hours into the remodel, Creya made her entrance. Light green coat flaring in the breeze and brown boots clicking, she'd simply strode up and smiled. "Work well underway, Rachel?" she said, playing with the pocket watch in her left pocket.
Rachel smiled back, relieved she'd made it. "Better than thought. At this rate, we may very well leave today, before the sun falls." She led Creya inside and into the hold, where a door was already being framed in iron. "Think you'll be ready by then? I'm sure you have things you'd like to bring," she said.
Creya simply surveyed the progress and nodded slowly. "I have everything I need on route now. Our passenger will be here within the hour, and my case of items with her." She smiled softly. "I even packed something special for you, dear," she said. Rachel blushed a bit beneath her fur. She hadn't expected anything of the sort. Creya laughed at her blush. "Oh, nothing fancy. Simply your favourite spiced meat and vegetables. I thought you might need something in here for your new crew. I doubt you have much to pay for food," She said, glancing at the scant packs of dried foods. Rachel winced inside. With the repairs from the last trip, she really didn't have much money for that. She'd hoped to do some hunting and foraging once out.
She didn't elude to those thoughts, though. "Don't worry. I have enough for you and the crew to stay in at least mild comfort. I wouldn't want you all hungry on such a trip. Thank you, though. It's much appreciated." She smiled. 'Very much so,' she thought.
Breaking them from their conversation was the creak and groan of the boiler demanding attention. Rachel sighed. She'd need more fuel for the trip too...
Creya tipped her head to the door as the workers hustled with their own door, fitting it to hinges. "Perhaps we can check the rooms for one to talk. No sense distracting these young women and men from their work," she said, already leading the young tiger out. That and, although she didn't want to pull attention to it, she wanted to at least glance at the crew and rooms. Make sure they were right for what she had planned.
Rachel nodded and stepped out with Creya, nudging the hold door closed. "Right, good idea," she said, before a thought occurred to her. "Oh, and I can show you the room you'll have. It's not huge, but I figured you'll be most content in the captain's hold. And before you fight over it, I won't take no for a answer," she said, smiling brightly. "I want you to have the best for this trip, as you should in my ship."
Creya couldn't help but laugh. "You are stubborn, aren't you dear?" she said quietly, passing the open and closed doors of the various crew. She glanced in as they walked, but with all but the last - the young wolf her agents had found - closed, she found herself looking in only on empty rooms.
At the end of the hall, they turned into the galley. Rachel grabbed a teapot and skillet out to start breakfast for the crew. "Why don't you sit and I'll work as we talk? Can’t have the crew wake to nothing,” she said, smiling. She filled the pot as Creya sat on the worn booth.
Creya watched her for a moment, then sighed. Quietly, she said, “Darling, I’d prefer you sit so that I may talk to you about a more pressing matter than food. I feel I did little justice to the danger in what I’ve asked of you,” she said. Guilt rose in her throat, but was squashed before it could take a stronger hold. There was no time for those feelings, not so far into this. As Rachel set the pot to boil and did as asked beside her, Creya continued. “Lucinda is incredibly dangerous, de-powered or no. She is smart, cunning. She’ll twist every word she hears and many never said to turn you against one another.” Quieter, and below the noise of the stove’s pops and creaks, she said further, “If she is given even the slightest chance, she will break you, darling. I couldn’t bear to see you hurt like that.”
Rachel was silent as Creya spoke, worry clear on her features. “We need to feed her, Creya, care for her. Can’t let her starve on the way over. I can tell my crew to let me handle it, but someone has to go in,” she murmured.
Creya nodded slowly, hands clasped on the table to keep them still. “I know. That is why I will be doing such duties. I know, you are already thinking of why nots. And before you mention accompanying me as a guard, I assure you. I have already thought of such things. I have asked one of my agents to accompany me for exactly that reason. She will be at my side whenever I must speak to Lucinda, and yours otherwise to keep you safe from any inside danger. She will join us within the next two hours, with the transport bringing Lucinda over.” Creya grasped Rachel’s hands. “I know I should have said this before, to warn you. It’s my fault this must come out now. I’m sorry, darling. Please, though. Please be careful with Lucinda so close. Promise me you will,” she said.
Rachel looked down at Creya’s hands and squeezed them tightly. She had no problem with another guest, but Creya’s safety on the ship was another. She was practically a mother to Rachel, family. “Will you at least promise you will say if there is trouble in return?” Creya nodded slowly. “Then yes, I promise. I promise.”
Creya let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you. Now then, we-“ The teapot, boiling finally, started to shriek and the lid to shudder, interrupting her words. Creya chuckled. “We should get some tea before the transport arrives. It’s cold out there,” she said.
Rachel laughed and stood to gather the mugs. “Of course. I think it’d be appreciated.” With that, she pulled the pot aside and poured two cups for them, and they sat to drink.
For nearly another hour, the two sat in silence, Rachel eventually putting together a stack of pancakes for her new ‘mates. It was only as she covered them and set them on the table that they heard the roar of the transport whistle to alert them, and the builders filing out. They glanced at each other. Lucinda was there.
-
Enigir Shosa, the young runaway 'prince', woke up slowly. Banging and crashing signalled the beginning of his adventure - or had it been the soft falling of snow the night before? Either way it didn't matter - he was escaping his homeland that little bit more.
The snow wolf was really rather hot in this environment, and it took him a full minute to disentangle himself from his bedding. The same groggy thoughts kept going around in his head...freedom...adventure...new friends...
It was too much to bear in this sleepy state.
Enigir had also been thinking about getting himself a new set of threads and maybe a new sword. Once his place had been established in the 'pack' - assuming there were even any other wolves aboard - he figured he'd ask the captain.
The wolf finally got to his feet and yawned expansively, walking into the door and yelping loudly. He glanced around embarrassedly at the empty room before waddling out into the ship. The scent of food washed over him. His tail wagged.
Lost, Enigir decided to follow the sounds of conversation. After all, he needed to know his rations before he dived in. If he made a mistake like that he'd surely be flayed and sent away. Either that or tossed in the cargo hold to starve.
Enigir smiled. Such grim thoughts for a just-woken wolf.
Having mentally prepared himself, Enigir finally started the long, perilous quest to the next room.
-
-Nettie started awake as she heard a loud whistle and practically catapulted out of her bed. Her heart was thudding in her ears as she sunk into a crouch ears flat against her head. it took her a moment to realise that she was no longer in the streets and she shivered at a memory that flitted through her mind. Nettie stood and straightened up her clothes and wandered out not bothering to fix her hair or the sort. She looked about and made her way toward the main door. Her eyes narrowed as she saw the guards..-
-
Rachel and Creya rose and dawned their coats, anxiety blooming in their stomachs. She was there, and there was no turning back from this, no matter whether they wanted to or not.
Trotting down the hall to the hatch, Rachel noted the creaking springs and yawns as her new crew stretched and woke, the snores of those still enjoying a warm bed. It was comforting to hear, to not be alone on her baby. But she couldn’t focus on such things right then. Rachel had to be ready to deal with anything that came her way from this prisoner. No distractions.
Outside the hatch and at the end of the lowered ramp, the two greeted Nettie with a nod and a smile, Rachel ruffling her ears to try and dispel any apprehension. Creya watched the Persian carefully, assessing her for a moment before turning to the procession of transports and soldiers. She’d do fine for the trip.
Toward the Taneris, gleaming in the morning light, four armored vehicles rumbled forward. Soldiers in part metal, part Kevlar suits cleared paths among those already out and about and looking to watch the show. Show it seemed, even to Creya’s eyes. Every six wheeled mini tank shown bright copper with black accents, slim tops crested with the insignia of Ruinse’s army, the blue fox. The insignia was reflected on the breastplates of those that walked, sapphire against reddish brown. It even showed in the helmets, breathers and masks shaped to reflect the sharp nose and large eyes of the animal. It was impressive to see – and unsettling for many. Why so much protection for one prisoner?
Rachel tilted her head, heart sinking as the largest mini tank rolled forward. The rear half of it was wide and high, large enough to accommodate soldiers with the prisoner. Could anyone really be that dangerous?
All four rolled to a stop at once, the soldiers forming up around the group. An older woman, bright blue feathers showing at the openings of her specially made coat and pants, stepped out to greet them. General Zinick. A woman Creya knew well from her travels and trips. Not exactly a pleasure, but amiable.
Zinick nodded to the three, and the gesture was quickly returned. “Morning, ladies,” she said, a professional half smile on her face. “Lovely day for a trip to start. Of course, before we start, I do need you to sign a few wavers. Formality, of course.” She pulled a clipboard of papers out of her leather messenger bag, pen already clipped to the side. Rachel already knew what they were. Liability wavers for the military. She hated when those got dragged out. Long, tedious, and unfortunately necessary anymore.
Creya was already working to sign them as Rachel glanced at them. “Of course,” Creya said, eyes turned to the forms as she spoke. “We all know how the military loves writing.” As she finished and handed them back, she said, “Now then. May I ask where our guest of honor is? The longer we stay to chit-chat, to shorter our window of best weather will be for getting aloft. We’d like to have her settled and sails out before another chance gale blows in.”
Zinick motioned to her squad. “Getting her wits about her, I think,” she said. Even as she spoke, Rachel listened more to the locks being undone on the double doors. Two, three, four, five… She counted until the bolts stopped at nine. Each sounded heavy enough to seal an airtight door on a gale rider, out in the worst weather. She barely knew so many locks could fit on a single door.
Her attention changed as the crowd went soft, speaking in tones hushed up as Lucinda disembarked. Chains clanked and rattled, attached to her wrists, upper arms, ankles, shins, from her waist to her cuffs, and most strikingly, from her neck to her holders. Two sharp staves pressed into her back, urging her soft steps forward. And yet, nothing quieted the crowd so much as the broken look in those green eyes, the ragged edge to that once beautiful black and red fur. Even her large, soft ears drooped low. She shook with every step, shivering in her threadbare prison suit. Her tiny feet slid along in old flats. And yet, to the crowd’s disbelief, not a single soldier faltered in their treatment of the woman, forcing her forward even when she whimpered in pain. Zinick certainly didn’t bat an eye.
Rachel watched Lucinda, gaze softening. She knew that Creya had never lied to her, never told her lies about what sat in the hearts of those she didn’t know, but how could someone so fragile ever be so cruel? She knew already she would never let that harshness pass in her ship.
Creya looked on in seeming disinterest. “I’m sure we can load her up from here. I doubt she could cause much trouble in her state. Thank you for your help, though, Zinick. I’ll be sure to give a hefty donation to cover the cost of the transport,” she said, mentally judging the best way to go about it without letting the others meet the woman. Rachel was plenty. Even Nettie seemed too many for her tastes, but it couldn’t be helped now.
Zinick smiled. “You know we wouldn’t ask that. It is much appreciated, however,” she said. A soldier, gender and species indecipherable, approached and awaited permission to speak. She nodded assent.
“Ma’am, transports are ready to head out. May we ready to head back to base?” they said, hands behind their back and feet together.
Zinick nodded again. “Of course. Prepare to move out as soon as the prisoner is in her new living quarters.” And off they were, readying the tank to close again.
Creya nodded. “I have only to wait for one other crewmate to join us first,” she said, glancing at the gathered crowd.
No sooner had she spoken than a reptilian figured moved out of the people and through the wary guards. She carried two bags, one for Creya and one for herself, and although Rachel did not recognize her, Nettie did. The agent from before. Shouldn’t they have mentioned her joining the crew?
The woman nodded to her leader. “Sssorry for being late, Miss Creya. I had some busssinesss to attend to before I joined you here,” she hissed quietly.
Creya simply nodded slowly. “Of course.” She turned to the waiting soldiers. “Now then. Rachel and I will lead you to the hold. Nettie, you go get some breakfast, and we’ll join you shortly.” She didn’t wait for a reply before she had started up the ramp. Rachel gave Nettie an apologetic glance, silently promising to fill her and the rest of the crew in later, and trotted up after her adoptive mother. Best to hurry and get everything ready.
The small cell had been fitted well, with enough room to move, but not enough to be considered spacious. Thick steel bars, nearly four inches thick per, ran to the deck above and below, and cross pieces made it possible only to stick a hand out, though even then it was far from the door. Plates were welded in place at top and bottom of the cage, and the door followed suit. Pieces had even been welded around the frame of the door, on the edges, and in a thick strip around the middle. Rachel glanced at the woman again. A bit… overkill, in her mind, though Creya’s earlier words kept her from letting the thought have too much room. Too much was better than too little. At least it had been fitted to the back corner, near the warmth of the boiler and away from the cargo racks.
Creya nodded at the workmanship, watching the soldiers lead Lucinda inside the enclosure. She couldn’t complain about anything with that cage. It’d work for the trip, and that was all that mattered for the time being. They could supply any blankets or clothes as needed. She glanced at the snake beside her. “Shuni, make sure they she is comfortable. Only release her of the most necessary chains for now,” she said.
Shuni nodded slowly, not saying a word as she slid into the cage for just a moment with key in hand from one of the soldiers. Her long tail curled around where she stopped.
Rachel watched on, more an observer than anything for the time. It was the first time she’d gone about something like this in a run. Would have been nice to have that cage for bringing back animals, but animals were animals. This was… If Creya was right, this was as dangerous as trying to drag a hatchling dragon from its mother. Not a comforting thought…
The soldiers waited as Shuni slid back out, four sets of manacles in hand, before locking the three bolts on the door. Directly after, with a short nod from Creya, they disappeared back through the door and down the hall. Rachel could hear their boots thudding on the ramp, and barely heard the transports start and leave. ‘That was… fast. Thought military were more time-wasting than that…’ she thought, but shrugged mentally. Either way, worked for her.
Those jewel like eyes caught hers once more as she looked over at the cage. Lucinda’s shoulders slumped like a great weight had settled there, and tears glittered in those pretty eyes. A soft, desperate whimper snuck past her muzzle. “P-please, I-I know I’m not your own, but… C-can I just… just have a small touch of food? P-please, they fed me nothing for three days, and…” Lucinda whimpered, near sobbing. Her loose clothes hid her figure, but Rachel doubted that was much of a lie.
Rachel glanced at Creya. Creya waved it off. “I’ll get her something to keep her alive and find a few blankets. Go tend to your new crew and get your own breakfast before it’s gone, darling. I’ll meet you in the galley later,” she said to the tiger. Rachel couldn’t be around Lucinda for long. Wouldn’t be, if she was careful.
Rachel nodded and smiled. “I’ll keep some aside for you and Shuni too, and get a plate for Lucinda. Don’t take too long though, alright?” Rachel said, already hearing the tap of claws in the hall. Creya simply nodded and playfully shooed her out.
Creya looked over at her companions. Now for the preparations to begin.