|
Post by Fishtail Dirkslash on Jan 15, 2007 13:38:30 GMT -5
*Fishtail didn't have any problems with the ottermaid sitting at his table. Although he didn't think that she was very bright, that was only his first impression. He nodded when she introduced herself, showing that he was listening* Pleased t' meet ye. M' name's Fishtail Dirkslash. *The searat politely said in reply. Since he didn't have much to say himself, the corsair listened to the hare's conversation*
*As he sat there he drained his mug of ale. Staring regretfully at the bottom of it, he fished around in his pocket to see if he had any extra coins to spare on a second round. Unfortunately, Fishtail only came up with enough to pay for the drink he'd just had. Oh well, it's probably well 'nough. No point in drinking myself drunk anyway, the rat reasoned to himself. As he pondered the empty mug, he overheard something that the hare said*
Are you still fightin' vahmin everywhere you bally go, wot?
*If there hadn't been all the other goodbeasts in the room, Fishtail would have challenged the hare on that point. It was a fairly stupid thing to say. The searat knew that he wasn't the only so-called "vermin" in the tavern. In fact, another rat had just entered the tavern. Fishtail also thought it to be rather rude of the hare to use the phrase vermin when he himself, being a corsair, had been put into that category many times before. Deciding that he didn't need to listen to the windbag anymore, Fishtail spoke to Tasna* So, where're ye from anyway?
|
|
|
Post by Tasna and Willowtail Riverend on Jan 15, 2007 16:34:37 GMT -5
*Tasna couldn't believe it. The hare accually said that out loud in a corsair tavern* There are vermins in here. *The otter noticed another rat that had just entered* And more are coming. I hope he's careful about what he says or things could get pretty ugly. *She looked down at the table*
So, where're ye from anyway?
*The ottermaid looked up* Oh. Well, I'm from Mossflower. *She tapped the table* What about you? Where are you from? *She smiled which was a quick attitude change from her sticky situation earlier*
|
|
Commander Marie and Will
Ret. Commander
Head Warrior^#black%5Fstar
Meet the Commander: Champion of GOM's Second Sparring Tournament!
Posts: 967
|
Post by Commander Marie and Will on Jan 15, 2007 17:53:54 GMT -5
Hello. My name is Tasna DeRud. And you are? Pleased t' meet ye. M' name's Fishtail Dirkslash.
*Marie grinned, stepped back from the chair, and offered a casual salute.* C'mmand'r M'rie Yewbow o' the Guardians o' Mossflow'r, an' s'always a pleasure tae meet a stron' young ott'r like yerself. *Placing a firm paw on the back of the chair, she pulled it out, rotating it slightly in the same motion. She then sat on the seat's edge, leaning forward slightly. Her eyes were bright with interest, and her motions radiated energy and excitement -- the damper on her spirits seemed to have been removed in yet another of her sudden, drastic mood swings. Marie noted this change subconsciously, but the Tavern and the otter and the rat were at the forefront of her thoughts.
Although this pattern of thought allowed her to brush aside the worry, another consequence of this was that she missed the second rat's entrance, along with Rinafera's controversial and somewhat ill-chosen words. Will, however, as the one being addressed, was fully aware of them.*
Well, my flippin' jolly good ole fellow, how are you? Are you still fightin' vahmin everywhere you bally go, wot?
*The harvest mouse brushed off the reference to vermin-fighting with only a slight inward grimace at the reactions of both vermin and goodbeasts occupying the Tavern. Somehow keeping a perfectly straight face, he shrugged, his eyes glancing briefly towards his mate.* Ach, ye do wot ye must tae get by. There's actually not been much action back at th'Fort, 'cept fer a couple o' good members leavin' an' some returnin'. Fightin'-wise, s'been pretty quiet, y'ken. Mahself, ah'm doin' fine. Glad tae 'ave M'rie back, like ah said...
*Will shrugged again, letting his words trail off. Conversation wasn't a particularly strong point of his, and his answers were generally pretty concise and straightforward; he managed to lengthen it a bit for Rinafera, however. He glanced once more towards Marie, who appeared to be invested in a conversation with that Fishtail and the ottermaid, whose name he had not yet heard.*
So, where're ye from anyway? Oh. Well, I'm from Mossflower. What about you? Where are you from?
*Marie followed the conversation with interest, yet didn't comment. Mossflower seemed to be home to the majority of creatures in the land; she herself had lived there for most of her seasons. She turned her misty gaze towards Fishtail, curious as to his answer. As far as she knew, he was simply a corsair -- his home was the sea, and anywhere near it. However, she awaited his response quietly; perhaps he had a more specific answer than what her knowledge provided.*
|
|
|
Post by Kryshana Pyr on Jan 15, 2007 21:24:24 GMT -5
* Kryshana listened to the conversations with half an ear, wondering whether to comment or not. That idiot hare better not say the word vermin again though. *
OOC: I ought to stop posting now. Nothing to really say.
|
|
|
Post by Fishtail Dirkslash on Jan 16, 2007 17:41:47 GMT -5
*The searat nodded at the ottermaid's response. He'd always known the Mossflower area to be full of goodbeasts, which would account for her ignorance of vermin in general. It was a vague response, but Fishtail figured that she wouldn't trust him anyway. He didn't have a much better response himself* Oh, here and there. Y'know, bein' a corsair, ye don' stay in one place for long. *The searat said with a vague gesture of his paw* Howe'er, recen'ly I've been stayin' in the port of Adael on an island. *He added to be a bit more specific*
|
|
Darter
Ret. War Commander
Ret. Head Boundary Guardian
Posts: 1,337
|
Post by Darter on Jan 16, 2007 18:01:05 GMT -5
"Twen'y gold pieces! All I'm askin' yer!
Darter's brow furrowed. His attempts at lowering the price of acquiring a ship were lost on the stubborn harbourmaster. Not that he was short on money, but the otter had recently taken to haggling and at first sight the old corsair had seemed an easy target. Again he had been proved wrong. He eyed the aged rat with a half-annoyed glare as his paw reached for a small cloth pouch sewn onto his belt.
-an' she's a gud boat, too! Not like sum-"
He silenced the rat's grumblings as his paw slammed down on the beaten driftwood table, releasing a pawful of dull golden coins to clatter noisily around until they settled, lying flat agianst the wood. For a moment the former corsair stared slack-jawed at the table, for indeed there were more than double the asked price in coins lying there, but he was soon brought back to reality by Darter's voice cutting crisply through the morning air. The otter lifted an eyebrow.
"'Ave 'er ready ter sail termorrer."
He shot a meaningful yet friendly look at the rat as he turned to exit the small cabin, a trace of a humourous smile playing on his lips. The rat opened his mouth to say something but shut it again hastily as he found he was talking to an open door. The otter had left.
Darter turned a corner and shielded his dark brown eyes against the blinding sun with his left paw. He preffered to keep his right on the hilt of his broadsword hanging at his hip. Squinting, the young commander could make out the old wooden sign of the tavern hanging at a crazy angle from an overhead beam. It appeared so different now, in broad daylight, than when he had first glimpsed it from the feeble light emitted by his torch when he and a few score of other beasts first raided the settlement. Though the beasts under his command were small in number, it was easy to cut down a corsair when he was completely drunk.
Yet Darter felt no guilt at mercilessly pillaging the corsair village, for he knew the place to have been a haven for murdering and bloodthirsty vermin of the worst kind. His patrol had of course spared the lives of those who declared their allegiance 'neutral' or 'goodbeast', which explained why so many corsairs still inhabited the settlement.
The otter shrugged off his thoughts about the recent past as he creaked open the massive wooden door and slipped inside the already crowded tavern. A few members of his own fort appeared to be already inside and mingling with the other beasts.Good, he thought while inwardly sighing with relief, at least we won't be hostile towards each other. He managed not to attract much attention as he made his way to one of the tables nearby to where he spotted a few other Guardians sitting. Sitting down quietly, the otter stretched his arms with a casual yawn and settled down to observe the beasts around him. After all, he hadn't come to such a social place for nothing, and planned to accomplish his goal of putting together a crew for his planned voyage out to sea.
The commander figured he would need at least one sharp-eyed lookout, a ship's medic and of course first and second mate's in addition to the potential rest of his temporary crew. By watching the others he attempted to figure out who would be likely to want to head out on an expedition - he didn't care whether they came from Mossflower or if they were a corsair. Besides, it might be handy to have some so-called 'vermin' on board should their mission require spies going into enemy ranks.
To look at, Darter could have easily passed for a corsair in his current attire. He wore a reasonably tight blue sleeveless tunic for freedom of movement coupled with baggy tan trousers which boasted plenty of pockets in which the otter could store his numorous odds and ends. A red cloth encircled his brow to keep the seaspray out of his eyes while a broad belt was buckled around his waist. A battered and apparently well-used broadsword rested at his right hip. As usual, twin bone bracelets circled his right wrist while a black woven band hid the wickedly sharp belt knife pressed against the flesh on his left forearm.
The rest of the otter's supplies, namely his cloak, sling, breastplate and round spiked shield, had already been stored upon his acquired vessel in his sailor's chest. Though he could see the impracticality of wearing armour and using a heavy shield on board a ship, he found he was extremely reluctant to leave his belongings at the fort in Mossflower and so had decided to bring them along instead. It didn't hurt, after all.
The commander finally tired of waiting for an opening in the conversation to voice his inquiry and instead shifted in his chair as he turned to face the main body of beasts. He didn't raise his voice much, figuring that anyone who was truly interested would be able to make out his words easily enough.
"Anybeast 'ere up fer a voyage out ter sea?"
|
|
|
Post by Kryshana Pyr on Jan 16, 2007 21:04:17 GMT -5
* Kryshana immeadietly looked up at the otter, as soon as he walked in the door. Though she hadn't been here long, she had heard stories about the ones who had come to the corsair village, killing all who resisted joining their fort. And as far as she could recall, from that conversation with that rat at the harbor, an otter led them. Perhaps this would be the one. Well, if so, she had better be careful.*
"Anybeast 'ere up fer a voyage out ter sea?"
* The young rattess thought for a moment. She was nearly out of money, and she needed to do something for work. Why not?* We gonna git paid? Either way, I'll come aboard.* She smiled a bit, to perhaps give the idea that she wasn't a evil vermin, however much she thought herself as neutral.*
|
|
|
Post by Fishtail Dirkslash on Jan 17, 2007 15:50:14 GMT -5
*Fishtail hadn't noticed the otter come in at first. He was paying more attention to his own conversation. The searat's mind was also on the fact that he was pretty much penniless and only had enough to pay for the drink that he'd just finished. However, when he heard the words voyage and sea spoken in the same sentence, it caught his attention before he could hear Tasna's reply*
*It was then that he saw the new otter. Fishtail didn't recognize him any more than he did the hare, but it didn't matter to him. He knew that he would need some more coin to make his way back to Adael, none of which he had at the moment, and was more than ready to join a voyage. The corsair was more eager than Kryshana was to join a voyage, not only because of his lack of money, but because he had not yet realized that the corsair port had been attacked by the Guardians of Mossflower*
A voyage, did'ye say? I'd be more'n willing to join yer crew. *Normally he would have waited to see the ship and get to know the captain better, but as said, Fishtail didn't have much of a choice and the otter looked perfectly capable of managing a ship*
|
|
Commander Marie and Will
Ret. Commander
Head Warrior^#black%5Fstar
Meet the Commander: Champion of GOM's Second Sparring Tournament!
Posts: 967
|
Post by Commander Marie and Will on Jan 17, 2007 18:17:29 GMT -5
OOC: Here we go... Post version 2.0 *sob*
BIC: Adael, eh? Ne'er actually been t'port there, but ah've 'eard o' it. Figger we sailed near t'it a few times back in the days o' the Win'surfer.
*Marie's voice was perfectly attentive, but her actions proved that she was clearly not as alert as usual. She was tiring of the conversation, getting the feeling that it was slipping away into chilly quietness. Her distracted gaze flicked to the wall behind Fishtail, then to the wooden tabletop, then finally she leaned back in her chair and glanced over her shoulder. She caught the figure of her mate some feet off, and found him watching the entrance to the Tavern intently. Curiously, she followed his gaze, and smiled. The tall, trim form of an otter slipped through the crowds, accompanied as always by his simple but powerful weapon, that ever-present broadsword. War Commander Darter Seastreak of the Guardians of Mossflower approached the area occupied by the Guardians, Fishtail, and the ottermaid.*
Jes‘ yew two be‘ave yerselves, noo. Ah‘ve got somethin‘ tae attend to.
*Decidedly out of the conversation now, she muttered a quick excuse and rose from her seat. In a couple strides she stood beside her mate, who acknowledged her arrival with a glance. Marie seemed to relax, shifting her weight confidently onto her right boot, placing her scarred right paw comfortably on the sapphire pommel stone of the dirk that dangled from her hip. Her eyes were intelligent and aware, and she cocked her head every so slightly, as though it were weighted down by the silver ring which glittered in her right ear. Will’s stance was stiff and alert, his paws folded across his chest, his weight spread evenly between both paws -- a sturdy position that reflected his personality as well as his fighting style. His eyes were focused and curious, his brown drawn slightly on his forehead.
Together they awaited whatever news Darter would bring. It was clear to both of them that he had not come here merely to relax, and they were equally curious as to what his purpose was -- although Marie already had an inkling of what the announcement would be, having been involved with some of the preparations for the voyage. When the understated words reached their ears, their reactions were equally clear on their faces. The sea. It brought a burst of song to Marie‘s heart and a wisp of challenge to Will‘s soul. The sea. Will had never been out to sea, though his mate‘s tales of her days on the Sea Patrol sometimes made him feel the foamy spray bead on his fur, taste the salt in the food and the water and the very air, smell the promise of freedom and adventure carried on the sea breeze. In his eyes energy awakened, and his vibrant soul longed to cry out, “Yes! Take me with you!” But yet…* No. We cannae go, M‘rie.
*He turned to the smaller mouse beside him, meeting her shocked and angered gaze with his pleading eyes. Seeing a sharp and furious retort forming on his mate‘s lips, Will spoke again -- quickly, desperately.* We both ken yer not well, lass! Ye ‘ave tae stay ‘ome, or ye’re on‘y goin’ t’get worse. S‘not safe fer ye tae be out there, doin‘ things -- ye need tae see an ‘ealer. They‘d tell ye the same thing. Ye need rest an‘ ye need quiet; ye aren‘t goin’ t’find either out on the sea. *Will paused for breath, seeing indecision in Marie‘s eyes. Yes, she knew that he spoke the truth. But no, she wanted the sea more. He reached out for her paw and took it in his own, begging her with voice and eyes to listen to his pleas.* M‘rie, ah… Ah donnae want tae lose ye tae somethin‘ like this, somethin‘ we kin do somethin‘ about. Ah‘d ne‘er survive without ye.
*The fiery warrioress swallowed her anger then, finding it impossible to feel indignant over this anymore. Such an emotional display was out of character for her Willem, and she knew then that only severe feelings would have caused such an effect. Sympathetically she placed her free paw on top of his, and spoke quietly.* Will, listen t‘me. Ah ken somethin‘s not right, an‘ ah ken ah should get ‘elp. But ah cannae jes‘ sit back an‘ let mah seasons slip by, all because o‘ a bitta discomfort. Ah‘ve wanted tae go back tae sea fer so long… Yew ken ah ‘ave. This is the chance ah‘ve been lookin‘ fer, an‘ Darter can use me. Ah’ve survived worse. Please, Will. *She clutched her husband‘s paws tighter, pulling them close to her chest.* Ah‘ll stay if ye really cannae allow me tae go, but ah want this so much…
*She trailed off, finding that it was her turn to plead with her eyes. Will‘s resolve weakened, and he closed his eyes momentarily, willing away the moisture there. When he opened them once more, decision had formed, and he nodded, releasing her paws and embracing her firmly.* Very well, Marie. *He stood back, smiling gently at his grinning wife.* But ah‘m comin‘ wit‘ ye.
Wouldnae ‘ave it any ot‘er way. C‘mmand‘r, we‘re comin‘, too! *Marie declared this proudly, stepping forward confidently, her husband‘s comfortably heavy paw on her shoulder and his sturdy, warm body at her side. The sea had called them, and they had answered. But for good or ill? That thought still tugged at Will‘s mind, but he brushed it aside for once, happy just to see the pleasure on Marie‘s face. They were going to sea -- together.*
|
|
|
Post by Tasna and Willowtail Riverend on Jan 17, 2007 18:58:57 GMT -5
*Tasna's eyes flicked over Fishtail's shoulder. She saw an otter enter the tavern. She didn't acknowledge his arrival because of her conversation. Suddenly Marie stood up.
Jes‘ yew two be‘ave yerselves, noo. Ah‘ve got somethin‘ tae attend to.
*Tasna nodded to Marie leaving the table. In her conversation she had forgotten about what happend earlier. When she heard the new otter ask is anyone was up to a voyage, Tasna's heart lept* The sea? I've always dreamed about sailing the sea. What luck. I won't let this opportunity pass me by. *The ottermaid stood up* I'll be willing to take a voyage out to sea.
|
|
Finnerator Rudderbow
Ret. War Commander
Ret. Head Ranger
Also known as Fishtail Dirkslash
Posts: 298
|
Post by Finnerator Rudderbow on Jan 18, 2007 14:07:21 GMT -5
So this is the Western Settlement. *Finnerator Rudderbow said to herself as she approached the periphery of the village. She looked around her with curiosity as she made her way down the main road. There weren't as many people around as she would have expected, but she supposed that the troop from GoM that made the attack on the port had probably cleared out a lot of the vermin that had lived there*
*Eventually, she came across a tavern on her walk and pushed open the door. When the sea otter entered the room, she immediately recognized quite a few beasts from the fort. Apparently, she wasn't the only one who had come to check out the new place. Finnerator headed over to a table where most of the Guardian's were sitting, including Darter, Marie and Tasna. The otter also noticed a few rats in the room, one of which was sitting with the rest of the guardians. As she neared the table, she heard part of a conversation*
I'll be willing to take a voyage out to sea.
*Finnerator's attention was caught at that* Ahoy there, did I hear somebeast say voyage? *The sea otter said to nobeast in particular. She was certainly not about to pass up a chance to go back to the sea for a time. All the time that she had spent in GoM, an inland fort, made her all the more anxious to get on a ship and go sailing*
|
|
Rinafera Woxwitty III
Ret. War Commander
Head Boundary Guardian
Head Boundary Guardian && Retired War Commander
Posts: 696
|
Post by Rinafera Woxwitty III on Jan 18, 2007 20:07:37 GMT -5
*Rinafera zoned out for a minute, and he heard Will speaking to him. The hare smiled, and then realized the offended looks from the vermin in the area. As more vermin entered he sighed, and then lifted his cloak a tad to put a paw on his scimitar. Turning, he once again lit up the room with conversation.*
Well, Will, it's nice to hear that the bally fort isn't swarmed with vermin these days, wot!
*Rinafera sat down at the table, his eyes locking with Fishtail's, and the hare almost knew what he was thinking. The Tavern started to get boisterous, and the hare felt a bit uneasy and out of place.*
|
|
|
Post by Kryshana Pyr on Jan 18, 2007 22:07:29 GMT -5
* Kryshana grew tense at the hare's words. Rather rashly, she called to him.* If'n ye don't like us, then why dont' ye just leave? * The rat realized that he may not have been making those remarks to her. But still, it was offensive. * Stupid hares.* She muttered under her breath.*
|
|
|
Post by swill on Jan 22, 2007 19:00:35 GMT -5
*The wind whistled, the street was covered with yelling merchants. It was a bustling night. A ferret walked across the plain. He continued down, his black boots making a loud 'thud' with every step. He twirled the brown, rusty old cowboy hat between the fingers of his paw. His black tunic was covered in mud, and his scabbard was almost slipping off his belt. It hung off, coming back and tapping him every moment he moved. The ferret had just been in a brawl with a mouse, in which he won after kicking him down. Swill was thirsty, and knew of a good tavern that served very tasty drinks for low prices. He moved forward, finally spotting the building. He turned to open the door, and pushed foorward, walking in menacingly. He was indeed a fearsome sight. Lean tall, and evil in his eyes. But something sparked Swill's interest and puzzled him. Many goodbeasts in the corsairs' Tavern? The ferret rubbed his eyes, and walked to the bar.
He looked over to the bartender, and gave her a few coins for a sharp ale drink. He took a big gulp, and then looked back. Still, many goodbeasts. A baffling buffoon of a hare, two mice, and an otter sitting next to him. A searat sat at a table, a familiar sight. It was Fishtail, he had seen him many times before. Swill wanted a little voyage, when another otter entered. It was a goodbeast, but a rough looking one and he offered a voyage. He yelled out something extra, and Swill did not care, and then a voice came. The hare, dumbly, yelled out the word vermin twice and scum once. He growled, and knew that the hare and the otter must have been comrades. If he could get on a boat with that fool, he could make the hare eat his own words.
Turning away from the seat, he stood up, glaring ferociously at all the beasts at the bar. Then he saw another rat, Kryshana. He knew she was attempting to go as well. Swill approached the otter, and looked at him. The ferret was not afraid, but did not want to look threatening.*
I was t'inkin', mebbe I could join yer ship!
|
|
Rinafera Woxwitty III
Ret. War Commander
Head Boundary Guardian
Head Boundary Guardian && Retired War Commander
Posts: 696
|
Post by Rinafera Woxwitty III on Jan 22, 2007 19:04:18 GMT -5
*The hare was done talking with Will, as Marie and him had just accepted to join Commander Darter on a voyage. Rinafera was tired, and his eyes were drifting, but he raised his paw and approached his leader with a smile.*
I will, chap, I mean sir, wot!
*He waited as his otter commander answered, but then a ferret walked in. The ferret looked baffled at the thought of goodbeasts swarming the place, and obviously heard the hare's last remark about the 'scum'. He looked evil, but Rinafera was puzzled when he agrred to join Darter on the voyage. Rinafera would have to watch his back.*
|
|