What Adventure Doesn't Start in a Tavern?

[DM-Delfon]

Mac matches the seriousness of your face with his own, "Honestly, I have no idea why I took the ruby. It certainly wasn't to keep it. If I had to put a reason to it, I would say jealousy." He twists the word, making it sound ugly. "I thought we were supposed to rescue your former crew, and return them to the Sea's Song." He begins pacing, his brow furrowed with concentration like he's trying to pick each word carefully, "Instead, we take on your childhood sweetheart as part of our crew. I mean seriously, you should have seen your father's face when you called Pete's name." His voice begins rising in intensity, but he manages to bring it back under control with some visible effort. He makes a waving motion with his hands, casting aside something. "As to the rest, your necklace went missing because I tried to exchange the leather thong for my gold chain but you woke up, and Maribel has been tending to your meals and clothing personally." The last bit comes out in a huff of words one after another, then he falls silent.

[Sugarphix]

Tsunami stares at Mac incredulously. The fact that her mouth is gaping open at him like a fish would perhaps be comical under different circumstances.
“Childhood sweetheart?” she repeats. She actually hasn’t heard anything after that, so mystified is she. “Pete and I be just friends. He has always been me closest companion, the only man on me old crew that I didn’t consider to be me father.” She considered adding that he was like her brother and even the idea of touching him repulsed her, but she didn’t want to ease his pain with a lie. The funny thing was, that up until he had come aboard, it would have been the truth.
“Mac, ye be the only man fer me, ye must know that. I live and breathe ye as surely as the sun will always set on yonder horizon.” She steps closer to him, laying a hand on his cheek. Most of our new crew aboard the Sapphire Rover be men or women that ye have sailed with in the past. They know yer worth, and so do I. But I can’t really call any of them me friend. I only asked Pete aboard because I was missing that feelin’ of havin’ real companionship. If his presence here really bothers ye, though, we can return him to the Sea’s Song when next we meet again.”

[DM-Delfon]

"No!" Mac says, perhaps a trifle too enthusiastically, "I brought this" he says touching the ruby, "to your attention because I wanted to expose my fault, not yours. I did take your jewel because I was jealous of the hugs and smiles that pass between the pair of ye. Of your closeness to another man." He looks down, clearly ashamed if his actions. "I claim to be an honourable man, but when faced with a competing gift from another suitor I fled behind theft instead of facing the problem head on." He flips his arms, and fans out at least six blades before a gesture makes them vanish, "and I don't mean with these." He approaches you, looking you dead in the eyes, "Tsunami Monsoon, I Mac Cutter do humbly apologize, but for my actions." His hand touches the ruby again, "and for not bringing you my concerns straight away. You do be my wife, and I should have come to you." He drops his gaze to the floor, and falls silent again, his shoulders slumped and his arms dangle listlessly at his sides. His whole demeanor seems downright downtrodden.

[Sugarphix]

“However bad ye feel, Mac, ye must be punished for yer theft. I say this as yer captain now, not as yer wife that loves ye and would be willin’ to keep this between us. We both put our mark on the Articles of Agreement like everyone else, and we must abide by it now. When a theft occurs, it is up to the crew to decide a fit punishment. I’ll not allow a runnin’ of the gauntlet, but the number of lashes you be likely to receive won’t be up to me.”

She spoke as if the words were sour in her mouth. She was torn between their love and the job she must do. They would elect a new captain if she wasn’t an effective one, so she couldn’t show favoritism or keep this from the crew. They were all in this together, and she had to be fair to every man. The thought of Mac’s back being split open distressed her. The cat o’ nine tails was a horrible invention, but it beat maroonin’ or being cut so the scar would forever be etched on the ears or nose as some ships did, to proclaim ye a thief to everyone. People were flogged for any number of crimes at sea, at least he would heal. She was glad that he had come forward and had returned the piece, otherwise whatever the crew chose would be much worse.

[DM-Delfon]

Mac shrugs, seemingly unconcerned about his coming punishment. “Lashes will be a welcome relief after what I’ve been feeling lately.” His eyes seem distant, and his words jar your mind. “Pete came into our lives, leaving you gemstones as presents, and we stopped talking. Looking back I can see that it was just a coincidence of timing, but at the time...” his words drift off, and he sits down right in the middle of the floor, “At the time, jealousy, and fatigue clouded my mind. I wasn’t thinking straight, and I’m sorry.” He smiles up at you, slowly getting to his feet. The eighteen hour shifts he has been putting in show in the care he takes to stand, “Before I address the crew, I have a question.” He waits until you give permission, “Do you like the new chain? The leather thong frayed loose while you were fighting the guards, I found your coin on the deck.”

After you and Mac talk for a while, plugging the leak in your marital ship he heads out on deck. Raising his voice, he shouts, “Attention! I need everyone on deck, a punishment needs to be handed down for thievery.” Mac waits as crew tie things off and the crew below are gathered. “Pete, come up here.” The crew stare daggers at the man they risked their lives to save. For his part Pete looks justly outraged, you can almost see his mind shouting the words, ’He’s falsely accusing me of theft because he’s jealous!’ Mac makes soothing motions to the crew, “Easy now, easy.” Putting his hand on Pete’s shoulder as he arrives, Mac raises his voice for all to hear, “Pete has stolen nothing.” Confused looks cross the crew’s faces, but Mac continues to quickly for further comment, “I have.”

The crew erupts in shouting, everyone talking over one another until it’s all just a jumbled mess to your ear. The general feel to the shouting is disbelief. Almost all the crew has sailed with Mac before, and dispite being a pirate, he has a strict code of honour that is more than just guidelines to him. Mac raises his hands to quell the storm of noise, and the shouts dwindle immediately, “Pete here returned a ruby broach from the Sea’s Song to my wife when he helped her to our cabin. I didn’t know why the man was leaving my wife gifts, so I took it.” Mac preemptively holds his hand up to stop the crew from speaking just yet, looking to Pete he says, “I returned the piece just now, and admitted what I had done to the Captain. I’m sorry Pete.”

After hearing Pete’s reaponce Mac slowly uncoils a long, leather cord. The whip’s last foot and a half stained red from previous use, “As quartermaster I would lash any one of you for theft, and I hold myself to the same standard.” He hands the whip to Pete, and takes off his shirt “In this case you all get to decide how many lashes I am to take.” Mac moves to the mast, wrapping his shirt around his fist, and encircling the mast with it. He wraps the other hand in his shirt too, basically tethering himself to the stout pole. He takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly, ready for his punishment.

[Sugarphix]

“Do you like the new chain? The leather thong frayed loose while you were fighting the guards, I found your coin on the deck.”
Tsunami’s hand goes to the coin as her face breaks into a smile as bright as the sun’s rays bouncing off the waves.
“Aye, Mac, When I first saw me necklace dangling there I was in awe. I couldn’t believe that the fine chain could hold me gold phoenix. But it seems sturdy enough. It be truly a wonder of craftsmanship. I thank ye from the bottom o’ me heart, Mac. This gold coin did be the start o’ me legacy. I hold it dear as a close second to how much I love ye.”
As she said the last, she laid her hand on his cheek, and looked deeply into his eyes. Stepping closer, she brings her lips to his in a slow kiss so deep that for a moment the rest of the world ceased to exist, as they felt as though they were the only ones in it. As they kissed, Tsunami leaned into Mac, and in his tired state, he took the weight by leaning his back on the door jam. As their kiss intensified, Tsunami’s hands pulled him closer, and Mac’s arms wrapped around her, his elbow knocking the door that had been ajar opened for the crew to see. Both pirates were oblivious to it, so caught up in their embrace were they, until Toby started cheering and clapping at the display. The others on deck took up the cheer, some whistling, as Tsunami and Mac broke out of it, slightly dishevelled, and reddening from the attention. Mac recovered easily, giving the crew a half-cocked smile, and formally bowing to kiss the back of Tsunami’s knuckles.
“Captain.” he said to dismiss himself, and he climbed the steps to the helm to get the crew’s attention.

“Avast! I need all hands on deck. A punishment needs to be handed down for thievery.”
Tsunami stepped out of the doorway to her cabin, shutting the door, and taking enough steps to watch the speech Mac was giving. She stayed near a group of lines, reaching up to hold onto the riggings as she watched. When Mac named Pete, the man initially looked confused, then angered. As he walked toward the stairs, he shot Tsunami a questioning look, to which she nodded, and mouthed “It be ok.” to him.

As Mac spoke to the crew, Tsunami whispered to the nearest man to go get a length of rope. Mac handed Pete the cat o’ nine tails, and proceeded to wrap his shirt around his fist and approach the mast. Tsunami stepped forward then. To speak with him quietly.
“I know what ye are about to do. Although ‘tis noble, Mac, ruinin’ a perfectly good linen shirt be not the best way to take yer penance. I’ve sent for a rope. Besides,” she says regretfully, “if ye black out from the pain, the shirt won’t hold ye. Ye must be lashed to the mast like the rest. I’ll patch ye up later, my love.”

[DM-Delfon]

Mac shakes his head, "Not needed. This do not be the first time I've taken a lash. The shirt do be for something to brace against, unless of course Pete gives me a dozen or more." He looks back at you and smiles wolfishly, "Or he gives the scourge to Gregor." He winces at the mention of Gregor's name. "That would bloody well hurt I do imagine." All in all he seems in better spirits. Maybe it was coming clean about the theft, or maybe it was that kiss. "Go on now love, there is no need for you to witness this." Pete and Embros both approach where Mac is standing, Pete holding the scourge like a poisonous viper, while Embros wears his normal unreadable mask.

Embros steps between Pete and Mac, and raises his voice for the entire crew to hear, "I don't like this." The crew start to protest, but Embros continues speaking louder to be heard over them, "We're about to enter the Wyvern Straight while being pursued by the Somerset Navy, and you want do carry out the punishment now?" The entire time Embros speaks, his tone of voice and manner stay the same. Not quite monotone, but almost bored of the situation, "Why not keep the warrior able bodied until after we have to potentially fight a dragon or four." Embros looks to the Captain, "Captain? What say you to delaying the punishment until we're in the clear?"

[Sugarphix]

The muscles in Tsunami’s jaw clench as she grits her teeth in frustration. Whether or not Embros notices isn’t apparent.

“There do be somethin’ about ye and the Wyvern Straight.” she remarked quietly. “Both times we’ve been about to enter it, ye take it upon yerself to take command o’ me vessel, in the guise of a suggestion. Do ye remember what I told ye the last time?”

Either he remembers or she reminds him of the speech she gave him when he started giving directions about clearing the decks: "The next time ye wish to educate me on how to conduct me ship, I would ask that ye request to speak with me in me quarters. I be not a stupid woman, and I won't ignore sound advice, however I can't be seen to be taking orders from a guest upon me ship neither."

Remembering her part of it also reminded her of his. She ordered the rest of the crew to see to clearing the deck before any possible attacks from the wyverns. Included in those orders were Pete and Mac, although, she didn’t outwardly say that the punishment would be postponed. She merely busied them up with other things instead. She really wasn’t relishing the idea of watching Mac get whipped with the cat o’ nine tails, especially since a typical lashing was 40 lashes, and the man normally passed out from the pain. However, he had returned the item before it was even known to have been missing, so perhaps the crew would only see fit to give him a dozen or two.

“Ye be not used to a life at sea, Embros. The situation changes as constantly as the weather. It do be easy to come up with reasons not to punish a man; there may always be another ship on the horizon, or a storm brewin’, or ropes that need pullin’. All require a man to be as able bodied as possible. But without the articles of agreement—or code of conduct if ye ken—there would be no discipline on board. Without discipline, we’d go down faster than a whore given a golden ‘nix.”

[DM-Delfon]

Embros maintains his unreadable mask, but something about his manner that you can't put a finger on reads as angry. He doesn't say anything, only nodding to show he both heard you and that he remembers. That might need a conversation later. That man doesn't seem to be used to taking orders, and you wonder if it's because you're a woman or some other reason. No time for that now though, this conversation has cost you precious minutes and the Navy ships are still closing in. When you talk about situations changing like the weather, He nods again, "We can discuss this in your cabin at your leisure." There is an undercurrent to his tone there, but with that damned unreadable mask it's impossible to get context to place it. Whatever it is, you don't think it poses a danger to you, your position as Captain, the Sapphire Rover or it's crew so you put it out of your mind. If you don't continue the conversation, he moves off to lend a hand where he can.

[Sugarphix]

“Aye, we’ll continue this parlay in me cabin later. Fer now, please make sure every man on deck is armed with a crossbow, and that we have plenty of bolts close at hand.”

He moved away to see to the task, and as men began to awaken either for their watch or to grab some grub in the galley, she apprised them of the situation at hand. They weren’t far from the Wyvern Straights now, and she didn’t want anyone to be surprised or unarmed if one attacked the ship as they had done before.

[DM-Delfon]

Having prepared for the Wyvern Straight before, the crew sets a quick pace getting everything set. Nobody wants to be attacked by a Wyvern before they've had a chance to prepare. Before too long you can see the spires of rock, and the silhouettes of Wyvern's lazily circling. You set a hard course, dodging this way and that to avoid being attacked by Wyverns, each time you circle around a Wyvern's territory you watch as the Somerset Navy ships get closer and closer. That's when the first Wyvern attacks their lead ship, and your lead grows. The Navy manages to fend off three separate Wyvern attacks before they break off and head back toward Somerset. Congratulations on escaping the Somerset Navy.

[Sugarphix]

The crew celebrates, and their cheers rise to the heavens above. Now they just have to navigate the rest of the way through the Wyvern Straights safely and meet up with the Sea’s Song on the other side. The journey for Embros’ group will soon be at an end. Tsunami is going to be sad to see the fighting skill of the he and Orellow go, but she will breathe a sigh of relief to have the insolent man off her decks the next time her crew conduct their business in a way that the man wouldn’t see fit. Her biggest regret would be in loosing Meribel. The woman had been so kindly and soft, so helpful and skilled at the help she gave. And all done in such an unassuming way. She was going to have to give her something nice for her efforts. She would have to check to see what she had on board of worth that she could give the woman. The only thing that she could think of was the ruby broach that had caused so much contention. She would have to press it into her hand before they disembarked. For now though, Tsunami turned her face to the watery path before them.

[DM-Delfon]

The rest of the journey to Clifton goes relatively uneventful. Your ship is attacked twice, and buzzed twice by Wyverns. The first actual attack is by the Wyvern that is missing it's stinger. It dove from on high before a shout could be raised it was on deck. The fighting was fierce, but it only had eyes for Orellow, leaving itself open to attacks from other crew. Each deep impact of Embros' blade drew fountains of blood that steamed on the deck planks, but the creature ignored him completely in favour of smashing Orellow around. Between your magic, and his own healing the wounds were manageable. The second attack was another Wyvern pup trying to steak a claim on your ship before it was ready, a dozen crossbow bolts sent him home in a hurry. The two flybys could have been a problem, one of the Wyverns was bigger than any you had ever seen before. It's body alone was fifteen feet across, and the downbeat of it's massive wings nearly split sail seams with the force of it. The other you swear was the same old veteran you saw last time, and unless you're mistaken it nodded once at you. You could just be seeing things though, it could have just been a head motion. That would make more sense.

Arriving at Clifton, the city spans along the edge of the cliffs for miles. The harbour itself and the docks are both bustling with activity, but you don't see the Sea's Song. Your ship takes it's place at the docks, and most of the crew scatter inland to spend their pay. Other's set to work on the ship itself, making sure everything is secure in this town known for thieves.

[Sugarphix]

As their fares make ready to depart, Tsunami thanks Meribel for all she has done while aboard. She thanks Orellow and Embros for their efforts with the sword as well, and when Embros attempts to pay either Mac or her for their safe crossing, she tells them that she will take a slightly smaller amount in lieu of all of the matronly services that Meribel has provided while on board.

Being here makes her heart swell as she remembers the Wayfarer’s Rest, and meeting Mac there. She asks him if he wants to go share a meal with her there for old time’s sake. Tsunami decides to take the opportunity to visit the local apothecary to replenish some of her medicinal supplies. She also wants to visit different establishments to acquire new barrels of rum, and foodstuffs that have been consumed during their trip. Lastly, she asks Gregor to either go with her or on his own to find whatever may be necessary to repair the ship to it’s good-as-new state.

[DM-Delfon]

The list of supplies was drawn up before you even hit port, and passed off to the guild at the docks upon arrival. Within hours everything that needed to be fetched was already on board. This place might be teeming with thieves, but the harbour crews are really quite efficient. Gregor stays on board, carefully mending and checking every last detail about the woodwork, or just smoking a pipe and making his massive frame a determent for those with an eye for larceny.

Mac laughs when you say old times sake, "My love we've been gone less than a month! Do your sea legs tire so easily?" A wolfish grin crosses his face, and he looks at you like he could eat you right up, "Maybe we should go by the Wayfarer's Rest, and get you off of those legs." His oily smile does not hide his intentions well.

As your guests leave, Embros refuses to pay less than agreed upon. "A deal is a deal Captain. If you wish to pay the lady for her services, that is your choice." When you get stubborn about it, he actually laughs, "Besides you're not my Captain anymore, I don't have to take orders from you." He bows to you then, a right prim and proper bow fit for a palace. When he comes up from the bow, he gives you a smile to match. When the man smiles he's actually really handsome, like dry your mouth handsome. Tongue too big to fit in your mouth handsome. (A bit of his 18 Cha slipping through.) "I bid you safe travels Captain." His normal unreadable mask slips back into place, and whatever spell was cast is broken. Orellow is boisterous in his leave taking, but you can tell that something is bothering him. He has been overly protective of Ann while on board, and now he's forced to part ways. Ann seems equally upset. You overheard them figuring out a way to communicate whenever your ship is docked at Clifton below decks this morning.

Maribel bids you farewell, and steps in and hugs you. She holds you close in her motherly embrace for a full minute. You can feel the strength of her heart beating even through her layers and your own, and when she steps back she has tears welling in the corner of her eyes, "Be well my child. Without you I would still be stuck in that Som-" She cuts off, realizing that she is in a public setting, "In someplace I'd rather not be." she corrects smoothly. When you try to pay her, even the Ruby she shakes her head, "No Child, you keep your bauble. Keep it to remember the hurt of that punishment." She mumbles something about flogging being awful, and barbaric, but it's under her breath and you have trouble hearing her over the noise of the docks. "Remember to communicate about everything, even the hard stuff." She says the last lashing Mac with her eyes for foolishly keeping his feelings hidden. "I live to serve others, it brings me joy. My ward has been exiled from his homeland, falsely accused of murdering his own mother with poison. Since I can't serve him, I was happy to serve you." She leans in conspiratorially, "You had enough to deal with with that one." She says loudly enough for Mac to hear easily. She smiles at him then, and hugs him good bye.

With the mission accomplish, and all the tasks that need doing being done. The day is yours Captain.

Embros' Story continues here

[Sugarphix]

Tsunami was sad to see the old woman go. It was such a change to have someone wait on her as if she had been a real lady. She could have gotten used to that quiet easily. Since she grew up in the rough world of piracy, every man had to fend for himself, and she had learned at a young edge that no one else was going to do anything for her. She was proud of being entirely self-sufficient, but she had to admit that it had been nice to be pampered. Perhaps when she became rich enough, she would hire a maid, she mused.

Her husband was staring at her with his most libidinous grin plastered to his face. His sentimentally devoid comment about not wanting a date except to get a room saddened her a little. Their first date had been one of the sweetest and romantic nights of her life. It had been the only one if truth be told. It was sad that now that he had ‘bought the cow’, he wasn’t willing to even feed it some hay before he attempted to milk it! She sighed tiredly. If that weren’t bad enough, he had made a dig at her prowess as a true sailor to boot. ‘Do my sea legs tire so easily’, indeed. That decided it; she was going to have to torture him.

She stepped closer to him and clasped her hands behind her back, straightening her arms to make her already ample bosom seem to swell a little. She let the ruby broach ‘accidently’ slide from her fingers.
“Oh, no! Me broach!” she exclaimed while turning her back to him.
Then she slowly bent at the waist to retrieve it, making sure that her bottom rested against the front of his pants as she went. She took her time, and felt him begin to stiffen behind her. She retrieved her jewelry and rose with a coquettish smile.
“Oops, how clumsy o’ me.” She played the fool. She hoped that it was stoking his ardour. “I think I should be puttin’ this in me cabin before it do become lost.”

[DM-Delfon]

Your ploy works perfectly, and Mac looks uncomfortable with the fit of his pants, but seems reluctant to fix his ailment on deck with all the potential eyes that could see him. He watches your sultry walk to the cabin mesmerized by the sway of your hips, or thereabouts. You think he might even follow you into the cabin, but he only takes a single step. You watch him raise an eyebrow, smirk and turn away in the reflection of the glass on your cabin door. Peeking out from inside you see him gather up his own travel gear, and yours. Now when did he pack that? He speaks to a few crew as they disembark, but mostly just waits for you near the gangplank.

When you've finished plotting and planning from your cabin, making sure that Mac packed everything you will need you join him at the gangplank. "That do be a dirty trick you played upon me Wife." He says it with mock seriousness, a smile plain on his features, "A trick you do be welcome to play anytime it suits your fancy." He laughs then before taking your hand and leading you away from the ship. As usual while in the Harbour district with Mac, sailors and labourers alike call out greetings as he passes. Some inquire about you from Mac, others he takes the time to introduce you to them. Each time as you walk away he explains who they are, what they do, and often times he adds a secret about them. That man is an excellent sailor, that one ties the best knots he has ever seen. That one can vanish in a crowd, potentially with your purse. That one is sleeping with a nobleman's wife and daughter. One merchant he says secretly deals in stolen goods for the Shadow Hand. That labourer he warns is never to be trusted alone with a woman. (his manner, and tone add a silent, "especially you")

He points out the best merchants to buy this and that from. That one is slightly more expensive, but his goods are always top quality. That one can source exotic materials. That one charges a lot, but can deliver almost any amount of most things within a day. He also carefully mentions which to avoid. Those five report to the Shadow Hand, and that one is a Night Blade. Those three inns are run by the Shadow Hand, and those two inns might as well be brothels. He points out several Shadow Hand that provide the best services, but warns caution in what one says around them. Those men and women will report back anything they think can gain something by to the Shadow Hand. By the time you leave the Harbour district, your head is swimming with years of hard earned knowledge of the inner workings of Cliften's docks. He has tried to make you as knowledgeable as he is, which can only help you as a Captain of a ship that makes port here. Guardsman Jackson nods to you, with a smile as you pass through the Harbour Gate, "You look quite a bit less salty than the last time I saw you, and unless I'm mistaken you have a new hat." Turning to Mac, he adds, "Quite a prize you've got yourself there Mac." After a pause he adds with mock sternness, "You're staying out of trouble I hope?" Mac looks put out, and jokingly adds, "Who me? I do be an honest businessman." He smirks then, making it obvious just how truthful that comment was. When you're finished chatting with the Guardsman that suggested the Wayfarer's Rest when you first arrived, you head into the middle class area of town. Mac seems to be plotting a course straight for the Wayfarer's Rest.