~bellatrix~ (reboot)

Vixie, relieved that the family of the baby troll were more gleeful now that they were "restored", followed the others closely.
"But that doesn't explain the disappearances." She spoke softly, as she handed Arisa her shield back.

 

Mordred turned his head slightly giving Trinity a curious look.
"Hmm? Was I thinking out loud? I suppose that sort of thing is bound to happen when one travels alone for as long as I have."
He then turned his gaze directly ahead once again, still whispering to Trinity.
"Feel free to ignore my ramblings. My plan is for you to inherit my skills, not my cynicism."
With a grim look on his face, he followed the others quietly as the idea of confronting Tyrcestus was slowly being pushed to the back of his mind.

 

Sean kept his eye on Mordred as the group continued on.
How did we end up with this hot head? If he does anymore rash actions like that we might as well just give the elfs the sword wrapped in fine silk...

Sean, you cannot at any costs let the half elf get to the lightnign sword first! They forged it for a dark reason and was taken from them for the greater good!

Alight, I'll make sure I die before I let them take it. I really don't have any intentions of giving it to them.... they'll have to fight me for it.

Sean walked with the rest of the group and kept a sharp eye on everything around him. As he walked along, he could sense the sword that they where racing for. it was sending out a energy that only those worthy, or ones of certain clans, could sense and follow.



Zerron took a step back and looked at the mark he made.

"Not even a deep cut..... but there was some give. " Zerron started thinking about this a different way.

Come on zerron, what else can you do? As he thought about it, he realized that he needed a more steady force to get thru.

He got into a sturdy stance and pushed himself to make his flame brighter and more intense. he smiled as he felt the heat on his hand.
"Guys, hold on. I think this might work."

He pushed the hot jet of flame into the bars of their cell and put all of his strength behind it. As he pushed the jet got even hotter and brighter as well.

"This better do the trick because I have a feeling that somethings comin'."

 

The trolls rushed straight past Zerron as they herded not only the youngling, but the carcass of one of their own, deeper and deeper into the cave out of sight. A moment later...
“Zerron! Leon!” Tyrcestus came into view followed by the rest of the group. “CAPTAIN!!” the pirates as one unanimously howled in distress as they surrounded their captured leader. Tyrcestus had to resist the urge to facepalm. Hexy went up to the bars of the cell, and looked like she was considering leaving Leon in there until Jeru popped his head up. “Hi!” he smiled. “Savvie! Look!”
“I’m looking, I’m looking, kid...” Savvie made his way to the bars and looked the group up and down. “Can’t say I was expecting the whole king’s army...”
Tyrcestus placed his hand against the bar Zerron had been cutting. It didn’t budge. “Great. Any ideas how to get out?”
“I could pick the lock,” Savvie said, “if someone gave me a lockpick.”
Silence.
“A blackjack?”
More silence, with some awkward shuffling. Savvie sighed.
“What kinda pirates are you?! One of you hand me a dagger.”
A moment later, the cage door was open and as Savvie worked on the door of Leon’s cage, Jeru beckoned the others forward who hadn’t been able to speak to Leon earlier due to either napping or being trapped at the back of the cage – Savvie freed those second after himself.
The first to emerge was the strange purplish being Leon had spoken to. It bowed, respectfully. “My identity is labelled by the name “Stake,” it said, formally. A few pirates drew back warily, but it gave a very disturbing facsimile of a smile. “Do not be alarmed. I am a homunculus, designed for intensive manual labour. Thank you for rescuing us.”
Next came a beautiful young woman, brown eyes and brown hair, which was matted and thick with twigs and leaves. Her outfit was practical, trousers and a shirt, but she was clearly a priestess of some kind – you could tell from the walk. There were one or two wolf whistles, Vizard and Gizzard included, and she blushed. “Hello,” she said shyly. “I’m Briarle. I’m a plantaemancer. Nice to meet you all.” She and Tyrcestus locked eyes for a second then both looked away, faces red. She stepped to the side with Stake.
The man who emerged after that was tall, the tallest man there – nearly eight feet in size – and was built like a man of the woods, a hunter. His clothes were threadbare and worn through, though he seemed comfortable. Strapped over his back was a longbow that was almost as tall as he was.
“Brisk,” he said coldly. “That’s my name, don’t use it if you don’t have to, and if you’re expecting thanks, forget it. I’d rather go back in the cells than owe my life to a bunch of children and clowns playing dressup.”
Amid some grumbling from the pirates, he stalked off to the side and tested his bow string, one eye on Savvie.
The last two emerged together – one a young, energetic-looking man with a definite noble regal nature that shone through his serious yet heroic features. Every inch the knight – he even had armour, a kite shield and a sword, yet couldn’t have been older than Tyrcestus who was barely a man – he bowed with an audible clank. “Squire Hailbird, knight-in-training, at your service!” He saluted immediately afterwards. “I am in your most sincerest debt. As a knight-to-be, my life is thine!”
I think I like this guy, Martyris chuckled.
His partner was a woman who unlike the motley bunch before her looked EVERY INCH a pirate. An eyepatch with the Jolly Roger symbol painted upon it, a old but sturdy looking peg-leg that thunked when she walked, a cutlass that looked rusty yet sharp, she swaggered up to the crew carrying herself with complete confidence that she was the most badass there.
“Right, ship rats,” she smirked, “which one of you motley bastards has the nerve to call themselves captain of you miserable lot?” The crew wordlessly pointed at Leon, who was upside down, and she put her head in her hand. “Great. The great Captain Luceforvis, rescued by the world’s most ridiculous crew. I’m never living this down.” She bowed to Tyrcestus with a flourish of her hat and a wink. “Look, handsome, I take it you’re the unofficial leader of your little troupe? If that’s the case, then I strongly advise you ditch the actors. No offence, but they’re not ready for this little party.”
Before Tyrcestus could respond, she walked over to Leon’s cage and tapped her foot, taking her cutlass out and giving it a few practice swishes, getting her swordplay back in shape.
Hexy eyed the boy, Jeru. Something seemed not quite right about him.
Tyrcestus wondered where Clun had gone.
Vizard and Gizzard were wondering just what they’d have to do to get inside Luceforvis’s and Briarle’s panties, though this surprised no-one.
Hailbird, the knight, suddenly became aware of Sean and Zerron. “Ah! Swordsmen!” he beamed, and before either could react he’d levelled his own sword, a hefty broad blade, at the pair of them and raised his shield. “I do not wish to trouble the pair of you, but I have fears I might have fallen from my prime locked up in that accursed box. Might I trouble the pair of you for a sparring match, just briefly of course? I would much prefer my mettle tested against friendly opponents as opposed to more unmerciful monsters and such.”
Savvie finally got Leon down, then turned to face the newcomers. His eyes alighted on Mordred’s blade, and he whistled. “Apocrypha. Why did I get the feeling that thing would come find me down here?”
Leon found himself looking up the styled yet practical skirts of an amused pirate queen. “Captain, huh? Fine title for a man who runs with a pack of glorified boot-lickers.”
Brisk’s eyes never left Trinity on Mordred’s shoulder, watching her like a hawk sighting a vulnerable field mouse. His eyes narrowed the more he stared.
Stake suddenly moved forward, moving through the startled pirates, and walked around Vixie. “I have not seen a creature such as you,” he said curiously. “I do not understand – I have not seen women with tails before.” He poked it. “Does it come off?”

 

Vixie's eyes bugged slightly, as the fur on her tail stood on end. "I am a priestess of the fox deity." She pulled her tail from 'Stake's' curious poking. "I am his daughter and deserve some respect...even if you know nothing of him."
Vixie looked over at a small flame in the distance, and pulled it to her free hand. She placed the flame on her tail, her eyes reflecting the fire. "My name is Vixie...by the way."

 

Zerron dispersed his flames and put his dagger away as everyone found him and Leon, ignoring the fact that a bunch of trolls just ran by them.
He laughed as he heard what the Pirate lady had to say about Leon and his trope.
"Yeah, not the best group thats for sure. I think they came along as cannon fodder? I don't know..... but anyways It's a long story how Leon became their captain. What was your name..... "

As he heard and saw Hailbird draw out his broadsword and raised his shield. He rolled his eyes as he instinctively drew his knife, ready for anything. but before Zerron could do anything, Sean was already talking, drawing his own blade as well.

"I would love to spar with you, if we where under different circumstances."
Sean drew his dagger underhanded and leaped at him quickly. He didn't know what this kid was gonna do. He stopped three feet before the knight with both his sword and dagger charged.

"For one I'd like to see how you'd react to my fighting style, but for now we're sort of in a race against time that if we lose everyone's as good as dead. You know of the Elves right? "


Zerron took the opportunity to use his speed and agility to come up from beside him and grabbed his shoulder.

" And really, do you have the agility or training to take on a pair of highly skilled elemental ninja's? And Sean, I'm sure he heard when I explained the situation, but if they heard me I have no idea. But anyways, like We've said we're short on time. I'm sure a place like this can offer you way more than what a simple sparring match could offer you. Hey maybe this place might help you improve as well! " Zerron smiled as he played with his dagger waiting for an answer.

 

OOT: May as well reply in stages.

Hailbird didn't look upset at their refusal - on the contrary, upon Zerron's mentioning they were "highly skilled elemental ninjas" the young knight's eyes positively lit up with excitement.
“Highly skilled! It fills my heart with great joy to know I am in the presence of warriors worthy of drawing blood alongside – I do sincerely hope that at some moment in the future I may reaffirm my offer with greater success. If you insist that time is short, then I shall most assuredly not become tracked upon the matter. Perhaps, my heart flutters at the thought, I may have finally found a pair who may truly taste my mettle – indeed, may hand me the bitter sting of defeat!” He seemed ecstatic at the idea of fighting them both at once. He was beaming like a child on his birthday as he turned to Zerron. “How many foes have you bested? Are legends spun of your victories?”

Stake bowed its head apologetically before kneeling at Vixie’s feet. “My most sincere apologies,” it said remorsefully, or whatever it had that passed for it – it even sounded artificial, though the closest it could get. “I was not aware. Please feel free to administer whatever punishment you see fit, Vixie,” it said calmly, as though making mistakes and earning punishments was just a morning routine. "Or, should you prefer, you may vent other frustations or punishments onto my frame. I sincerely do not mind," it said politely.

 

I want to greet all of these newcomers properly, but...there's only one thing on my mind right now. Where does this Luceforvis wench get off talking about my crew like that?! I think it's about time somebody put her in her place. Though I have to admit...she's a pretty scary-looking lady. She's definitely got the look of an experienced pirate captain. If I'm being honest, she looks like she could-- and definitely would-- tear my throat out at a moment's notice if she had the chance.

But none of that changes the fact that NOBODY talks about my crew that way!

I get back to my feet and stare down the captain, giving her a wry smile while I do.
"I get the feeling that you and me aren't gonna be the best of friends, but since YOU'RE gonna be traveling with MY crew from now on, I think it's time to lay down some ground rules. First of all, no matter what a certain brash, smug and annoyingly condescending ninja with a hugely inflated ego might tell you..."
I shoot a quick glare towards Zerron.
"...My men are nobody's cannon fodder. Second, they ain't anybody's boot-lickers either! They're a brave bunch of warriors who know the true meaning of loyalty, and you'd best not underestimate them if you know what good for you!"
I take a few steps forward, looking intently into her eyes.
"Finally...if you've got a problem with me, go ahead and let me have it. But I'm gonna have to insist that you treat my crew with the respect they deserve as long as you're in our company."
I chuckle a little bit, my serious expression giving way to a wide smile.
"Or we can tie you up and drag you along with us for the rest of the trip. Your choice."


Brisk's hawk-like gaze had not escaped Mordred's watchful eyes. Mordred turned his eyes towards the hunter and glared at him intensely, his eyes filled with murderous intent. To reinforce his point, he tapped the hilt of his sword twice with his left hand, which was now resting on it. He wanted to make sure the message was perfectly clear: "If you touch her, I will end you."

He then turned around when he heard Apocrypha mentioned by name and saw one of the former prisoners who was seemingly admiring it. He raised an eyebrow when he heard what the man had to say.
"You are no ordinary traveler if you can recognize this blade from a glance. There are few alive who even know of its existence; before I came to wield it, Apocrypha was locked away in a shrine since long before I was even born. Even so, you somehow "expected" to see it down here? How can that be?"

 

Luceforvis genuinely looked impressed. “A captain that sticks up for his men... I like that.” She flicked his chin in a companionable fashion. “Alright, “sir,”” she winked. “I’ll tell you something, mate.” She leaned forward and gently whispered in his ear.
“I’ll travel with your crew, and I’ll teach them how to actually BE pirates. Maybe you can learn a thing or two while you’re at it. In exchange for this, I’ll tell you something as sure as the tides come in – if you ever have the pickled-onion balls to make a threat in my general direction again, I’ll gut ye bow to stern before you can even gibber like a powder monkey.” All this was said in the most conversational tone of voice. “Now, don’t get me wrong – I think you’re an alright kinda lad. And your boys... as unconvincing as they are, did get me out of that cage, so I’m inclined to be generous. That said, I don’t care if you’ve got the Jolly Roger tattooed on your arse, you’re a rank amateur and if you screw up the first thing you’ll feel is my peg-leg rammed up your poop deck!” She laughed heartily and patted Leon on the back. “I think we’ll be good partners, eh? Just give me a share of the loot, and some skulls to crack, and we’ll get right along!”

Brisk met Mordred’s stare for only a brief second, and smirked as if to say “Bring it, weakling.” But as Mordred addressed Savvie concerning Apocrypha, his expression changed to one of seriousness, and his finger curled tight around his bow string.

Savvie chuckled, as Jeru hugged his leg, staring at the sword. “Oh, yes, I know Apocrypha almost too well...”
He extended a hand, and suddenly Apocrypha faded off Mordred’s hip and into Savvie’s outstretched palm, pointing downwards as though ready to be drawn. Savvie’s fingers curled around it and darkness enveloped his arm up to the elbow like shadowy spectral armour. The old thief spun the blade through the air and Apocrypha whizzed, seemingly cutting the air it sped through. “Did you miss me, old girl?” Savvie said fondly, and the blade seemingly glowed with black light. “Ah, yes – you always did like me, didn’t you? Go on, off with you,” he chuckled, flicking his sword-hand. The dark weapon faded from reality and reappeared on Mordred’s hip as though nothing had happened. “Let’s just say me and Apocrypha have a special relationship,” Savvie remarked while ruffling Jeru’s hair. “Now’s not the time or the place to get into a tale that long – we don’t know how long we have until those trolls come back.”

Tyrcestus had been carefully watching the group, making sure first contact went well, until the word “trolls” entered his consciousness and he remembered.
“Was there another troll with you?” he asked. “A short one? Could talk eloquently enough?”
“Oh, I saw that one getting carried further into the cave,” Savvie told him. “Looked mighty important too. They were handling him real gentle-like.”
“Were they going to eat him?” Jeru asked excitedly. Savvie patted him. “No, Jeru – trolls don’t eat trolls. Not that I know much about troll eating habits.”

We need to get moving.
I agree, Clun can’t be that far ahead.
Not what I was thinking about...
That thing from earlier?
Yeah. Tyrcestus, I will not lie to you right now, I am scared out of my damn mind.
... That is the first time I have ever even heard you vaguely swear.
Then take note of it and let’s get the hell away from here!

Tyrcestus took point. “People, come on, we need to move. Savvie’s right, we’re too exposed like this.”
The others nodded, but Hexy was distracted. She moved forward to touch the small excited boy who was goggling at all the pirates – until Brisk suddenly was at her throat with a twisted piece of steel. “Eyes off the boy, witch.”
A split second later, Tyrcestus was at Brisk’s throat with a glowing red hand.
“Hands off the witch, boy.”
The look Brisk gave Tyrcestus was pure, undiluted hatred. He didn’t make a move and just when things looked like they’d escalate -
“Brisk. Back off.” Brisk spat on Tyrcestus’s shoes before stalking back to Savvie’s side, glaring at Hexy who was rubbing her throat uncomfortably. The pirates and Vizard and Gizzard were suddenly wary of the newcomers, in particular giving Brisk dirty looks. Brisk muttered something under his breath, but a scowl from Savvie made him look away. As if on some unspoken signal, Luceforvis, Hailbird, Stake and Briarle who had been watching Tyrcestus curiously suddenly moved back to Savvie’s side, protecting the boy. Savvie’s stern eyes met Hexy’s.
“Listen, miss. I understand that if this group keeps you around, your intentions must be noble enough. But this little pack I got here, we got a few rules. Don’t tease Stake, don’t piss off Brisk, don’t steal from Luceforvis, don’t lie to me, don’t make Briarle cry, and don’t. Touch. The boy.”

Tyrcestus stepped forward, keeping his voice even – they needed to defuse this before this caused another fight they didn’t need.
“My group has rules too. Just one, actually. Don’t. Threaten. My. Friends.”

For a moment, the old thief and the young Wingmender locked eyes and each held the other’s gaze. After a tense thirty seconds Savvie stepped forward, away from Jeru who was watching him curiously, and held out his hand. “You shake this, boy, and that means that you tell me everything about your little gang. Everything I wanna know and maybe a little extra. But, in exchange, I give you my word that none of my people will lay a finger on one of yours without letting me know why beforehand. I see anything I think of as suspicious or untoward, I’ll tell you. You tell me one fib or break one of those rules, I will skin you alive.”
Tyrcestus shook without hesitation. “I’ll be honest, candid, straightforward and truthful as you want. I find out one of your people’s hurt one of mine or the other way around, they’ll wish I’d skinned them alive.”
Savvie chuckled. “Cheeky... impetuous. You and Jeru gonna be best friends. Come on then!”
Savvie and Tyrcestus walked down the passage deeper into the cave, talking quietly at low volumes. As the group followed, Hexy shot a dark look at Brisk, who openly sneered at her, and she hurried to stand next to Sean. “He was going to kill me,” she said shakily. “I don’t – there is something seriously weird about that boy. The child, I can feel it – like... like he’s sick. He feels sick to me.”

Stake fell into line walking next to Vixie. “I still await your punishment,” he said seriously.
Hailbird moved next to Mordred, his eyes on Apocrypha. “I had heard Lord Savvie tell tales of this weapon... never did I dream I would see the blade with mine own eyes!” His gaze moved to the cat, and he petted it generously. "Your cat is adorable, by the way. Truly, a gorgeous specimen of felix cattus!"
Briarle moved next to Hexy. “I’m sorry about Brisk,” she said quietly to her, Sean and Zerron. “He’s too hostile for his own good.”
Leon felt someone tug at his leg, and Jeru looked up at him shyly. Brisk's eyes were practically burning into Leon's back.
"Hey," Jeru said, sheepishly. "I'm sorry for taking the pi-"
"JERU!" Savvie's voice resounded. "I HOPE THAT WAS A SLIP OF THE TONGUE!"
"I - I mean, I'm sorry for teasing you while you were tied up. Thank you for rescuing us with your men." The pirates all grinned and oohed and arrhed and the boy was almost starstruck with delight - he may have been a surprisingly wise seven-year-old, but he was still seven years old surrounded by pirates. "What's your ship called?" A few feet away, Luceforvis was having fun teasing Vizard and Gizzard, both of whom were practically leaving trails of drool behind them staring at her bottom as it swayed seductively like a dancing cobra.

 

Sean watched Jeru and kept a eye on Brisk. If it wasn't for Tyrcestus acting so quickly, He might have been the one issuing the treats. Sean couldn't put his finger on what was with that boy, but from the reaction that this other group just showed this kid had something to him.

"Yeah. I'm not sure whats up with him ether but there must be something to him. For one someone his age couldn't survive down here and can't be down here. That alone is concerning me. And I'd stay away from that Brisk guy as well, he seems way off."
And if he touches you again, I'll be the one issuing threats not Tyrcestus. that tall guy's pretty unstable and could be hard to predict. Sean said in his mind.

As they where talking, Briarle moved next to them and apologized. Sean looked at her as he put his sword and dagger away.

"Thank you for saying that. normally I'd stay away from someone like that, but in this place he could be helpful." He said as they made their way thru the cave.

Zerron Smiled at Hailbird.
"I'm sure that there's legends floating around some tavern for I've bested many a man and many more demons. I'm more or less of a expert on demons and the tricks that they tend to use."
then he heard what leon said and decided to take a shot.

"I'll give that part to them, but they still have a ways to go to become true pirates!" Zerron looked back at the Hailbird and continued talking.

"You see, me and Sean over there have dealt with demons more often than your normal warrior. All I can say about him is that he was the last student of the legendary lightning master of the east. That should be a legend on itself."
Zerron smiled as the young knight ran to morbid to look at his sword.

 

I grin back at Luceforvis and give her a firm nod.
"Easily done, good to have you aboard!"
Then I wait.

...

...

...Okay, she's gone. I let out a sigh of relief and wipe off a small drop of sweat from my forehead. That woman's gonna be trouble. Lots and lots of trouble. But if she can give us a few pointers, I suppose I'd be willing to learn from someone with a little more experience in the trade! Just then, I feel something tugging at the back of my leg and I turn to see...Jeru? Then I hear something that I never thought I'd hear in all of my days. He's actually...apologizing! Sincerely! I kneel down to eye level with him, a calm and content smile firmly planted on my face.
"Think nothing of it, lad! And as for my ship, I'm sure you'll love her at first sight. We call her the Ultimate Golden Sea Dragon-- or just the Dragon for short-- and she's certainly a sight to behold! Shining brightly like the sun above the clouds, armed with enough weapons to destroy an army and big enough to match any battleship in the king's navy, the Dragon has no equal on the sea! I'll be sure to give you a full tour after we're done here! How's that sound?"
I laugh proudly, not even trying to hide the fact that I'm very much enjoying the boy's newfound enthusiasm. I might just make a pirate out of him yet!


Mordred turned his head towards Trinity, still giving the occasional glance towards Brisk.
"It seems you have an admirer, Trinity. You really are quite the charmer."
Underneath his cold exterior and dry, sarcastic tone, there was a very slight hint that he might have been having just a little bit of fun with this. Or at least the closest he's come to "fun" in quite some time. He then turned his attention back to Hailbird, fairly convinced that he was not a threat for the time being at least, though he stayed on his guard and kept a close eye on both him and Brisk.
"When you speak of Apocrypha, you make it sound as though you are admiring a statue or a painting in a museum."
He subtly motioned towards the sword on his hip.
"Do you fully understand that it is a weapon of war? A weapon both ancient and powerful that has taken countless lives, precisely as it was intended to. Such an artifact often inspires fear and dread, but never this naive admiration that you seem to have for it. It is an unholy creation, an implement of murder and harbinger of chaos. Knowing this, can you still admire it as you would a precious gemstone?"

 

Briarle looked ahead, though she still addressed Hexy, Sean and Zerron. “Brisk is just like that. Jeru... is very important to us. He’s practically my little brother and everyone else sees him as their child. I – I can’t tell you why he’s like the way he is. It’s not my place.”
Hexy shot another glance at Brisk, who was giving Leon a gaze that could have drilled through steel.
“What’s his problem?”
“Brisk...” Briarle sighed. “He’s pretty touchy about most things. But don’t worry, he won’t try and hurt you again. Savvie’s orders.”
“So this Savvie thief... he’s the boss?”
“Less a boss, more of a father figure.” Briarle looked rather fondly at the back of the older man as he listened intently to Tyrcestus. “He found each of us at our lowest and we’ve survived through hell at his back. Far as I know, he’s the only man Brisk has ever taken orders from without question. He found me after I was cast from my priesthood.” She paused, then changed topic, addressing the two swordsmen. “This leader of yours that you have... Tyrcestus, I think his name was. You two seem far fiercer and more capable warriors than he, yet you two follow without question. Do you owe him a bond?”

It was the work of an instant – a blink would have missed it – but Hailbird’s eyes flickered to Jeru as the boy’s eyes widened in awe at Leon’s legendary descriptions. “A weapon’s use and purpose is not determined by history or design,” he said firmly. “As a work of art, the blade stands out for its incredible presence, sheer power and intimidation. Its history adds an aura of threat.” He returned his attention to the front of the procession. “I am not one to judge, merely speak my mind.” He held himself high. “Perhaps one day I will see as you do, my lord. But in the meantime, I am content to believe my liege – if he may wield the blade you carry, I refuse to believe its nature is inherently malicious.” Brisk suddenly appeared at Mordred’s right hand side, and Hailbird saluted. “Hello, brother!”
Brisk completely ignored him and jerked a finger at Trinity, perched on Mordred’s shoulder. “The shifter always that lazy?” he asked curtly. “She’s annoying me. And I’m kinda hungry, too,” he smirked, his eyes glinting. “Cat’s not bad, cooked right. Little bit of salt if you’ve got it, some cheese to compliment the tender parts...” He laughed darkly, fingers playing with his bowstring although right now he was bereft of arrows. “Never figured out if that was cannibalism or not.”
Hailbird blinked. “The cat...?”
“She’s a shifter,” Brisk said, exasperated. “Come on, Hailbird, how many times do I have to tell you? You need to watch the animals more. I don’t know what her deal is – I’m hoping she’s just inexperienced rather than just flat-out stupid – but if she thinks she knows how to blend in, she’s wrong. Cats don’t relax the way she does. Amateurs...” he scoffed. “I don’t know what you’re all doing here, but the gods must really like watching you blunder about if you’ve all survived this long with people like her on board.” He gave Trinity a glare. “Just gonna tell you this, furball. I don’t like you, in case that didn’t filter through. Matter of fact, your whole little rat pack just gets right under my skin. As it stands, we have to work together, and I get your whole little band-of-heroic-companions thing, but in the Animal’s name please don’t embarrass yourself. You’ll just piss me off.” Hailbird was left spluttering apologies as Brisk stalked off, distancing himself away from the bulk of the group though one eye never left the boy talking to Leon.
Hailbird bowed stiffly. “My brother... he is anti-social, to say the least. He despises creatures of magic on principle, though to say why is not something I feel he would forgive me for.” He swallowed. “I do most sincerely apologize for his rudeness. I am sure with time he will warm up to you. I think. I hope. Maybe?”

Jeru was awestruck. “I’ve never been on a pirate ship before,” he said excitedly. “Can I fire the cannons? Can I try an eyepatch on? Ooh, ooh, can I wear the hat!? PLEEEASSSE can I wear the hat?” he begged, practically clasping his hands in prayer. “I promise I won’t break it or get it dirty! I swear!” Suddenly he looked very shy and scuffed his feet. “Also... can... can I please get a piggyback ride?” he said softly. “My feet hurt.” His vulnerability as a child suddenly shone through the excitement. “I mean,” he said hurriedly, brushing it off and making his voice deeper, “I don’t need one. You know what, forget I asked, it’s fine.”

 

Vixie's expression fell from her face. Not knowing how to respond, she moved towards Arisa, whom seemed to be watching everyone intently.
As the group moved, Vixie 'fell' in line...so to speak...until Stake reminded her of his punishment. "It's far too small of a space for anything like that." She spoke softly, and moved a head a bit.

Arisa followed Leon, for some reason, she got the feeling that she would have to watch his back a bit. "It looks like the boy really likes you." She said to Leon with a gentle smile. "Maybe you could start up a band of little pirates; hmm?"

 

Prison ID: 284679
Life: Werewolf Exile
Powers: Blood Contract

Voices...
She sat in the corner of the cell, the one that shaded her from the pale moonlight. Hugging her knees to her chest she felt the pounding thrum vibrating from the cold light. The cold stone of the floor and wall had warmed slightly from the contact, but she still shivered from the contact. The metal wrist irons and heavy leather collar dug into her skin in an oddly satisfying way. A small whimper escaped from her frail looking body as she sat alone in the semi darkness of her cell.

The voices were coming closer. There had been combat earlier, the scent of blood heavy on the rank air. Of course, there was always blood on the air. But maybe, just maybe. Whoever these people were, they'd let her out of this cell.

 

name: Sparrow
age: 20
sex: Male
weapons: Bo staff
ability: Combat Magic
extra: Once a great swordsmen, and combat magician. After some questionable deaths he gave them up for a less deadly style of combat, involving a bo staff and lesser forms of combat magic.
weaknesses: His combat magic can put an immense strain on his magical energy and his life. Depending on how or what kind of combat magic he uses it could result in death. His magic does not always work. Not as proficient with a bo staff as with a sword so much so that it can cripple him in combat.

 

Prison ID: 000012
Name: Penelope
Nickname: Death's Daughter
Age: 14
Sex: Female
Weapons: Katana with the words "Mommy & Daddy" etched into either side
Ability: N/A

Appearance: Pale skin, dark red eyes, white hair with black tips.

Life Story: Orphaned almost at birth Penelope blames herself for the deaths of her parents. Penelope is completely mute and only shows what she feels with her facial expressions. Shows no mercy when fighting any foe, and has been known to kill first and forget to ask questions. Aside from her well hidden inner rage Penelope is rather shy and isn't fond of social interactions of any kind.

Reasons for Imprisonment: Genocide of many looking for her parents killer

Penelope sits in the darkest corner of her cell thinking about her last kill. A ugly man that liked to prey on the young girls in the area. She remembered how good it felt to take his life, feeling her sharp blade slice through his neck spilling his blood all over the street. Smiling to herself Penelope remembered her beloved sword, taken by the guards after she had been taken. She slams her fist into the ground in anger, she had to have her sword back. Her thoughts and the silence she'd grown accustomed to were suddenly broken with the sound of footsteps and voices from outside of her cell. She thinks for a moment then charges the door giving it a hard kick hoping for a reaction from the faceless voices...

 

I rub my chin and give her a wry smile.
"Not a bad idea. If you start training them while they're young, they'll become the best of the best!"
I laugh loudly, but I get the feeling from those eyes burning into the back of my skull that the joke didn't go over well. I clear my throat and turn my attention back to Jeru.
"Well, it's too bad you don't want that piggyback ride after all. I might have just gone along with it!"
With a slight chuckle, I reach for my hat and carefully take it off, presenting it to Jeru in both hands like it's some kind of sacred artifact. It's just a hat, but it sure sounded important to him so I might as well go along with it. It's more fun that way!
"The hat's still yours if you want it. What do you say? You wanna feel like a real pirate for a while?"

Mordred replied in a cold, detached tone.
"I could hardly care less whether or not he "warms up" to us. The man speaks and behaves like a wild dog. Rather than apologizing, you should tell your leader to keep a tighter leash on his pet; a feral beast is equally dangerous to ally and enemy alike."
Not bothering to wait for a reply, Mordred walked off and spoke quietly to Trinity as they made their way to the front of the group.
"Do not let that man's words bother you. Instead, use it as another opportunity to learn. For example, in that short exchange we learned a great deal about him and his weaknesses. Simple fools who feel the need to flaunt their strength at any given opportunity are often prideful, arrogant and under the right conditions, relatively easy to manipulate or destroy. Their boastful nature is often their downfall. When you become strong, be sure that you do not become like him."
As they passed by Tyrcestus, Mordred briefly turned towards him and spoke up.
"I will scout ahead. While the rest of the group engages in idle chatter, someone should make sure we are not in any immediate danger."
With that, he made his way forward into the next part of the dungeon.

As he carefully made his way inside the next main room, Mordred immediately noticed that the area was a little brighter than many of the previous rooms. Moonlight had made its way inside from far above and there were a few scattered torches hanging on the walls. It was still quite dark in the rather large room, but at the very least it was easier to see the surrounding area. The one feature that immediately stood out were the prison cells which seemed to be completely unguarded, presumably because whomever was guarding them retreated further into the dungeon as many of the other guards had done. Mordred heard a loud thud as he walked closer to the cells and noticed that at least the first two were occupied. He made his way to the cell where the strange noise came from and saw a young girl with pale skin and red eyes trapped inside.
"...Prisoners. We should set them free and inform the others."
He muttered this under his breath to Trinity before stepping away. Cold-hearted and cynical though he may be, even Mordred would not leave these people to their fate. Besides, even if he were capable of such a thing, Tyrcestus would immediately insist on breaking them out. He made his way to a nearby table and started sorting through the small pile of assorted items for a key. He soon found it and came back to the cell door, unlocked it and addressed the girl.
"All will be explained in time. For now, follow me."


OOT: Don't worry, Lully. You're next up on the "characters getting busted out of prison" list.