~bellatrix~ (reboot)

OOT: I know what you're thinking. You're thinking that I'm late for the party, but that's simply not the case. A Dungeon Master is never early nor is he late...he arrives precisely when he means to.


Leif walked up to Karma as the latter skillfully played his violin. With a wry smile, he leaned in and spoke up just loud enough for him to hear, looking towards the center of the group where Leon was standing.
"Well, I know someone who's gonna want to look for the princess. And he has this funny way of getting what he wants more often then not."
He laughed quietly.
"Still can't figure out if it's some kind of natural charisma or just plain stubbornness. Here, check this out, I'll give you the play-by-play. First he's gonna clear his throat nice and loud so he gets the crew's attention."

I take a look around at our group. Truth be told, we've been beat up pretty bad the last few days, but we can't let that stop us now! We're so close to finding the princess, I know it. I think it's time I gave them a little morale boost, the way only Captain Leon Dragonfang can. I clear my throat loudly to grab my crew's attention.
"Now he's gonna talk about how we've done pretty good so far."
"Crewmates! Comrades! Friends, allies and heroes alike! Long have we traveled the unforgiving isle of Levia Infernis, overcoming the fiercest obstacles imaginable and felling foes worthy of song and legend. Even if we left for our home now, we would have done more than enough in the king's service and I dare say that no sane man would hold it against us, should we retreat against such overwhelming odds."
"Then he'll talk a little bit about how hard things have been."
"Indeed, we have endured great sorrow throughout this journey. Our sweat and blood have run like rivers, our bodies and minds have been pushed beyond all reason and we have even lost precious allies and friends."
Both Leon and Leif take a brief moment to remember the Captain and Briarle. After the moment passes, Leif goes right back to commentating.
"Next up, he'll say that we still have a long way to go."
"But the journey cannot end here! In fact, it would be completely unacceptable to have come so far and be forced to run away, having accomplished so little. So I say, we stand and fight! If any of you wish only for safe passage back home, I can hardly blame you. You may return to the Sea Dragon while the rest of us ride out to claim the victory we deserve, that we have certainly earned after everything we've been through!"
I draw my cutlass and thrust it skyward! Now this...this should do the trick!
"Will you stand with me?! Will you fight with me?! Will you march upon the gates of the underworld to bring back the fair princess and the sword of legend waiting within?!"
I then point towards Leif because I know what he's been doing this entire time.
"Also, will you stop telling Karma everything I'm about to say? Seriously, I know you're doing it."
With a wide, slightly sheepish grin, Leif slowly nods and mutters under his breath.
"Busted."
Got him. Now, where was I?
"Once we take a short rest, I'm going back out there. I'll fight the whole elven army alone if I have to! Now...who's with me?!"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Once Leon had started his speech, Mordred quietly stepped away from the group. He knew that Leon was too stubborn to give up and he had a good idea of what would be said, so he saw no point in listening in. Mordred had every intention to see this through to the end, but for the first time since he arrived, he was beginning to wonder if that really was the best choice. If he were alone, he would have no problem whatsoever charging straight into enemy territory with the others. Things were different now. He had an apprentice to consider and he was starting to wonder if bringing her back onto the battlefield was a bad idea. Even so, he couldn't deny that this mission had taken on a great deal of importance to him; he knew that whatever the elves were planning, it could never be allowed to come to pass.

With his arms folded, he blankly stared out into the ocean, lost in his thoughts as he weighed his options.
"We could stay on the ship and wait for the others to return...but there is no guarantee that they will succeed. I could tell Trinity to wait for me on the ship, but there is still a slight chance that the elves could launch a surprise attack against us and I would not be there to defend her, so I would rule that option out entirely. Alternatively...she could come with me and I would continue to protect her, as I have so far. Hmm. None of these options are ideal, to be certain."
He let out a sigh.
"I suppose I really should ask what she thinks of all this. It seems unfair to make a crucial decision like this alone."
He turned and walked away from the beach, following the direction that he last saw Trinity heading towards.

He caught up to her before long and saw her sitting on a rock. He stopped for a moment before approaching her, marveling at just how peaceful and innocent she looked as she looked up at the birds in the sky. Though his stoic expression hadn't changed in the slightest, the sight did give him pause for some time. The scene in front of him was simply so pleasant, so picturesque, that he couldn't bring himself to interrupt it right away.
"She really does have a pure soul, doesn't she? Even if I lived a hundred years longer, I would never meet someone quite like her."
With a slight shake of his head, he finally came back to his senses and approached her, speaking quietly so as not to startle her.
"Trinity, we should discuss our next move."
He sat down on the rock next to her and continued.
"I am almost certain that the rest of the group will head back into enemy territory soon enough. You know firsthand how dangerous these battles have been so far and I would guess that it will only grow worse from here. It would not be too difficult to return to the ship from here, so we should consider our options. What do you think? Should we wait aboard the ship for the others to return or do you want to continue on, despite the risks?"

 

"I know how to handle the judies lass, then again why woo a woman after a purse?" Donavan snapped while then a grin appeared on his face
"Cozy aye, but I'd be a pauper in days giving how we drink. Tell you what Lorena, ye give up this life fer a robe and cross and i'll donate Boar and every last spec of gold to that church ye be joining" He then laughed as he slammed his hand on the table.
The waitress had returned with their mugs and tried to quietly leave the two alone.
"Now hold on Miss, what happened to all that charm before? Don't tell little old us made ye scared, we don't bite" He then looked over to Lorena "Well much, it the case of that one Haha!"
Donavan had sailed with Lorena apart of his crew for sometime now and had always been informed of her adventures when they hit shore.
"What do you want then sir..."
"Tell me, who supplies ye rum? I don't think ye have enough?"
A shock came across her face "How much rum does one ship need?"
"Never you mind that, speak lass!" Donavan began to become impatience, the waitress mentioned a trader who regularly stocked them with rum was in port. With a new source in mind he drank his mug and looked to Lorena.
"Still feeling like sitting cozy or ye want to help 'inspect' this traders supplies? I'll even let ye hold the chest, It' would be just like ye said. Rum at the finger tips and a woman to aid me" He winked at her knowing well that would get under skin.

 

After hearing the click of Lorena's flint Donavan began to sweat
Getting bold lass, not just anyone would pull a gun on their own captain...
As Lorena ran her finger across the chest of gold Donavan unsheathed his cutlass from his belt striking the chest while narrowing missing her fingers, stopping just short of slicing her throat.
He leaned in closed and growled his words to her. "Don't touch the merchandise Blackwater, least ye want the last thing ye taste be steel"
After letting her eye the blade and himself Donavan re-sheathed his cutlass. He stood up grabbed the chest, then began walking out of the tavern with all the patrons nervously looking his way.
"Move it, Lorena we've got gold to spend"

"AHahahaha Did ye see the look on their faces? We had em scared with a we bit of horseplay!" Donavan was hunched over his chest of gold laughing.
"That should send plenty our way as far as rough and rowdy recruits, and make the idea of crossing us known to be the worst idea" Looking around making sure no one but Lorena could see he opened the chest to recount his gold. in the chest was but a few pouches the rest full of it was full of sand
"One, two, three.... ah there we go six pouches, enough to get the rest of the rum. And to think these fools though pirates are dumb enough to carry all their gold, they see a chest and let their imagination run wild." He gave a smile as he had just though of another quip. "Ye know Blackwater, when it comes to a chest, it pays to leave a little to the imagination. Ye show off just enough to spark a look of intrigue and leave the rest for the mind to wander"

 

Mordred nodded back to Trinity.
"Naturally. I could hardly call myself your mentor if I refused."
He then turned his head, looking out to the horizon as she was.
"So you wish to carry on despite the risks? I can respect that, your commitment to personal growth is quite commendable."
He paused for a moment and glanced in her direction, unsure of how to say what he wanted to say. Turning his eyes back to the horizon as he cleared his throat, he leaned forward with his head resting on his folded hands and continued.
"Though I will have to insist on this one condition, as it will be more important in the coming battles than ever before. You must stay close to me at all times. You are...not allowed to come to any harm."

His voice trailed off towards the end and there was a slight bit of hesitation before he continued.
"After all, it would reflect poorly on me as a teacher if something were to happen to my first student. Surely you can understand that line of reasoning."
With that matter settled, he leaned back, making himself a little more comfortable as he looked towards the horizon, captivated by the sight of the setting sun in the distance. He seemed enraptured by it, as one would be by a beautiful song or a masterfully-written play. Under the warm light of the waning sun, he looked nothing like the cold, professional assassin that he portrayed himself as. He was just a young man enjoying a lovely sight, taking it all in for as long as he could.
"I can hardly remember the last time I sat down simply to watch a sunset like this. I suppose it must be a few years, at least. It really is quite pleasant."

 

The sudden display had caught Donavan off guard, even as a seasoned captain and sailor. While Lorena wasn't exposing more than usual her position was such that few men could resist looking. As she straightened up he saw that she had not only swiped one of the pouches but dropped it back. She then said something that made Donavan smile wide and proud.
"Oh I know well what ye can do with a chest, done plenty myself. Large and small, melons, grapefruits, cherries all sizes can make a pirate smile" As Donavan listed sizes he put his hands to his own chest showing them.
"However I'd be lying if I said a Full chest didn't make any man happy" Just as she had put emphasis on large he put it on full.
At this point she reached in between her cleavage and pulled a pouch of gold out, throwing it to him.
Donavan nearly fell on the floor laughing as Lorena told him how she got it. "Seems doesn't matter if a chest is of wood or flesh, they all hold gold! As for the poor sap seems he was cheated this much for a simple talk?"
He got up and began walking with Lorena
"Aye, ain't no rest for the wicked" He sighed "Tho a nice brothel or little harlot would be nice, but a captain's work is never done it seems"


As the two walked Donavan encountered several of his crew.
"Go get the rum! We have barrels from the tavern comin, Well Snap to it lads! Ye don't wanna tell Blackwater we don't have rum because you lot didn't get it"
The crew surprised stammered and stuttered before running their way to the rum barrels.
They walked a while longer before arriving at the traders ship docked on the opposite side of the harbor. As they approached word as clearly spread about the two as they instantly became uneasy.
"Say Lads, ye would be willing to part with some barrels of rum would ye? We heard ye have a few to spare and what we have just won't last us"

 

As Lorena finished her intimation retinue Donavan sent down the chest, and spoke "Now of course ye will be compensated for the rum, these should suffice gentlemen"
He began throwing the six pouches from the chest, he paused and gave a grave look at the crew of the traders ship. "If not then I believe ye be trying to cheat me, and I'll have ye hide and heads for that!" He placed his hand on his cutlass and pulled on the hilt just enough for the steel to flash.
"Nnononononono This is more than enough it is it is!" The lead Trader spoke up from fear.
"Good" He then opened the chest and dumped the sand onto their deck "The fill this will bottles of rum as well, need something for mine and the lass's stroll"
The trader just gave Donavan a look as he poured sand onto his deck, the large chest supposedly full of gold was but sand. He looked to his crew with concern then back at donavan.
"Don't try it mate..." Donavan moved his long coat to flash several ceramic ball cases, small bombs, whether of smoke, grenade, or poison only Donvan knew.
After a few tense seconds they did as he said and filled the chest with full rum bottles.
"Now haul the rest of your barrels to the Regal Boar, opposite side of the dock. My crew will assist shortly"
Donavan began walking from the ship with his chest full of rum and a bottle in his hand, which he quickly opened and began drinking from.
In a low tone so only she could her he spoke to Lorena.
"Grapefruits" She looked puzzled for a moment until she realized he was answering her question. "ye have grapefruits, not quite melons but those on a girl your frame would only get in the way" He then took another gulp or rum to keep from finishing his sentence. But i wonder if they have the texture of them or more of peaches? It has been a while since That happened, its hard to say if.... Donavan's thoughts lead into an old memory

 

Mordred turned his head towards her, his expression showing just the slightest bit of surprise. But he found that he didn't dislike it, in fact, for the first time in what seemed like ages, he looked...content. So he turned his gaze back towards the sunset without saying a word.

Mordred stood up as well, looking to Trinity as he replied.
"Yes, I think that would be for the best. We will hardly be in any shape to rescue anyone or anything if we are all exhausted before the true battle begins. Since we are already so close to the ship, it would be foolhardy not to take a brief respite at least."
He lead the way as the two of them started to make their way back to the main group.
"Also, depending on how much time we have, we may be able to fit in a little more training before we head out. Of course we will have to train even harder than before. If you thought that it was difficult after we left the caves, you're in for quite a rude awakening."
After they escaped the caves, since they were under attack much less than they were before, Mordred managed to sneak in a few training sessions. He was a patient and even-handed teacher, but he was also quite strict in the little time they had. The idea that her training would be even more difficult from here could have very well sent a shiver up Trinity's spine.
"You have a lot to learn and so little time to learn it if you want to hold your own on this island. Just remember, you quite literally asked for it."
It would be difficult to tell from his deadpan tone, but that last line just might have been an attempt at humor.

 

That flirtatiousness, her strength, and fierceness.... Damn that woman
"Aye, need to drop this off anyways" He walked behind her a small distance as they made their way back to the Regal Boar. As they walked Donavan raised his brow as he noticed something, every few feet or so Lorena would change the way she walked if but for a second. Donavan wasn't sure if this was on purpose or not but assumed so given Lorena's nature.
The soon came into a market filled with the villagers, traders and few of his crew. Donavan glanced around the market till something caught his eye and ear. Several people gathered around a board that had various posted notes, and bounties.
"Ya see that? The King set a reward fer the return of is daughter!" "Ya know I thought i heard some travelers mention something about that!' "I heard a ship sailed toward Levia Inferis, only the mad sail there!" "Nah can't be who would be mad enough to take the princess there?"
"And what are you good folk speaking of?" Donavan approached the group of men who all went pale.
"Nothin" "Nope not a thing" "Ye musta had a bit to much rum we didn;t say nothing"
"Hmmm" Donavan moved them out of the way grabbed the poster, ripping it from the board. He read it carefully and then grinned "Seem's we just found a treasure map Haha, now to find the treasure"

As Donavan said this one of his new crewmen approached him. "Uhh sir, I know ye said have fun before ye get back, but uh there anyway we can visit a brothel sir? the Judies sir, they uh don't really like me hehe" the crewman nervously said.
A grim face appeared on Donavan's face and the crewman nearly jumped back
"S-ss-sorry sir I just I" Sighing heavily he interrupted the man "Ain't your fault lad, if you can find one aye, but beware!"
The crewman had a strange look at the captain. "Them lasses could have ye broke of a years pay if ye ain't careful." Donavan finished and dismissed the crewman. Once he was out of earshot Donavan pick up a grapefruit from a near by stand looked to Lorena.
"Ye know Blackwater, lotta today's been reminding me of that day.... The day a certain captain found a certain rum drinker.... care to walk down memory lane?"
Donavan began to grin as the old memory from earlier came back.

It had been over a year and a half ago, Donavan and his crew had ample gold, with little time to spend it. As they sailed they heard rumors and whispers of a brothel, who's girls were so good you lost your memory. Curious as to if the rumors had any merit and female company being few and far between living on the open sea The Regal Boar set sail for the famed brothel. As Donavan and his crew got there they where amazed at the beautiful women there, the crew couldn't decide which one they wanted. Donavan approached the Madame of the brothel, he knew who he wished to spend the night with

 

Despite what happened last time, Mordred wasn't all that concerned. Still, he could tell that the idea of hurting him was a very real fear for Trinity, so he tried to put her mind at ease.
"What happened last time was simply the result of some rather...unfortunate circumstances. Once we are able to practice in a more controlled environment, I believe the result will be much more favorable. Try not to worry about what happened in the cave, it will not come to that again."
He stroked his chin in thought.
"As for ideas, I am still trying to come up with something for the time being. Unfortunately, I have no experience to speak of with shapeshifting abilities. I can change my form somewhat using my sword but it is nowhere near true shapeshifting and I have never had any difficulty controlling it. That is, no more difficulty than I normally have when I draw out its power."
He mulled it over for a few moments. There was something he'd been meaning to ask, but he hesitated to say it because he knew she wouldn't like it. Still, he didn't have any other ideas at the moment, so he decided to try asking.
"There is something I need to know. Can you...change forms at will? I've seen you change into a cat before, so I was wondering if you can change into that creature again through conscious effort. I know this is a difficult question for you but I need you to answer truthfully; it might take us one step closer to learning about and controlling your power."

 

Vixie sat at the edge of the water. She closed her eyes, and let the breeze flow over her. She missed the smell of the wind. She had not realized how long they were under ground. Her ears twitched to the sound of Leon rallying everyone to finish their quest.
Vixie stood up and walked over to Leon. "You're right." She said. "If we abandon everything now, those Elves will kill the Princess as soon as they get the sword, then they'll return to the mainland, and kill everyone in their path."

 

Donavan followed the woman he had chosen up and in to the room; closed the door behind him. As she poured them both drink he took of his long over coat and placed it on the chair. Picking up the drink he spoke softly to the woman "If ye think ye can keep up sure, just don't go passing out before I get what I paid for"
He slowly sipped the rum till his first glass was gone. He poured himself another expecting girl to be well on her way to stopping, but he was surprised she poured another glass and laid on the bed. Deciding to make sure the girl was drunk he chugged his second glass, to which she gracefully finished hers, while beginning to flirt with Donavan. As he drank Donavan became more relaxed and removed his boots.
"Let's make this interesting, a drinking contest. I'll throw in double yer fee if ye keep up" Donavan grinned as he knew he would out drink the girl. One bottle was soon finished and he was recounting various deeds he had done to impress the girl while she continued to flirt. A second and third bottle pasted and he began to feel the effects of the alcohol. After five bottles there seemed to be no stopping the woman and Donavan had became drunk. She began teasing him as the drank one more bottle before Donavan got up shakily.
Stammering his words he moved to the bed "I think we have waited long enough Dear, time to show me if those rumors are true"
He grabber her by the waist and pulled her body close to his.

 

"That does explain quite a bit."
Mordred let out a heavy sigh.
"I see. Indeed, it's quite understandable that you would be hesitant to take that form after a traumatic experience such as that."
He stopped walked towards the others, turning to Trinity and looking right into her eyes to make sure she knew the full weight of what he said next.
"Even so, you will have to take that form once again if you wish to control it. I am more sure of that now than ever. You will never master your power if you live in constant fear of it. You must temper your fury, overcome your base instincts and face the darkest parts of your inner self. You told me that you would do whatever it takes. I plan to hold you to that."
Although it wasn't the sort of thing he was used to, he put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her, as he thought she would need it right about now.
"And I will be there to guide you every step of the way. I've told you before but I will say it again. I will not resent you, I could never hate you and I certainly will not abandon you."
He then took a step back and gave her a firm stare with folded arms. He wanted to make absolutely sure she was committed to this.
"Now, let me hear you say it one more time. Will you do absolutely anything to become stronger, even if it means taking that form once again?"
Deep down, he worried that he might be acting too harsh towards her. Still, he felt that this was necessary.

I look over to Vixie and smile.
"That's what I'm talking about! We've been given a quest of the utmost importance and we must see it through to the end. Who else is with me?!"

Leif raises his hand.
"I never did get the full story, but it sounds like if these elves get what they want, it's gonna be bad for everyone. I'm not about to let that happen. Besides, those guys had me locked me up in that prison and I can't just let them get away with it without a little payback, can I?"
He then draws his rapier and raises it up, smiling at Leon.
"You know I'm in! It'll be just like old times."

I nod to Leif. It really is good to see him again...who would've thought we'd meet in a place like this? I guess this journey hasn't been all that bad, after all. I call out to the rest of the crew.
"Well? Speak up, will you?! I know that no crew of mine is about to back down from a challenge!"
Slowly, with a little hesitation, I hear some scattered clapping coming from the crew. It slowly turns into full-on applause, then the crew begins shouting and cheering. What a beautiful sight it is! I knew they wouldn't lose the will to fight that easily! I hear them chanting my name which is still something I'm not quite used to, but I smile and enjoy the moment all the same. Then I hear one of them call out above the crowd.

"We should go give those elves the old what for right now!"

The cheers die down and quickly give way to dead silence. The crew turns to me as if to say "are we really doing that?" I quickly put their fears to rest.
"Of course we're not going right now, are you mad? We're already here at the ship, so we're going to rest up and resupply before moving out. There's a difference between being heroic and being careless!"
"Wait, so does that mean you finally learned the difference?"
"Of course! I mean, I always knew-- you know, I should really throw you in the brig!"
I groan a little at Leif's interruption and shake my head. Once I take a moment to collect myself, I continue on.
"For now, we'll rest and make preparations. Then...we will strike like thunder and scatter our foes like dust in the wind! We will take the princess, the sword and any other spoils of war that suit our fancy! Crew of the Sea Dragon...let me hear your battle cry!!"

A loud roar erupts from the crew as they shout, cheer and chant "Captain Leon!" to their heart's content. Fortunately, the elves were nowhere near the beach, so it went unnoticed.