Tye's expression was unwavering as he turned his dagger in his hands. He'd heard what Rin had to say to Taff regarding her class but the thief would have to see more before he could truly trust her. After all; she could be genuine about escaping with them, but it didn't mean she wouldn't abandon them if it meant saving her own hide. It was unsurprising to hear of her inexperience with weaponry. Actually, it relaxed him a bit; at the very least he knew she was less dangerous off the bat. He was going to have to do something about it, though. "I'm gonna need help out there. Y' think ye're up fer some sparring?"
Even then the boy could feel tenderness in his rib. His nerves warned him against more than just a few demonstrations, but someone had to teach her and he didn't think it would be Taff. Tye glanced in the direction of the entrance. Mark might be better for this than Tye. Where was he?
He turned to listen to Taff once again. As the druid moved to erase his brand, the slave narrowed his eyes. It seemed sparring might have to wait, though he didn't like the idea the manservant had. "..Why? Iffin this Morgan sod finds it, we migh' not 'ave a chance t' do anythin'." He sighed, irritated by what was either his own lack of understanding or Taff's lack of a plan. "Right. Well." He looked back at the princess. "When Mark gets back y' should talk with him. 'E's got experience fightin', whether 'e likes folks to know or not. Never know when you'll need what 'e has to teach." The boy fidgeted with his dagger and turned toward Taff. "Oh, don't you worry. Roldan's mine."
"Lead on, then."
_
Mark couldn't hide his smirk anymore, so he didn't try. He chose to cherry pick from the questions this stranger posed. "You want to give me the sword? I'll take it, then." Though the older man's mirth was real, he felt a twinge of uneasiness around this woman. Her flamboyance was a front, he suspected, and trusting a man as big as he was to handle her own weapon was its own indication that she had nothing to fear from him. There was a chance it was a bluff but he'd have to keep an eye on this one. "I was thinking, if our hands were occupied we'd have less chance of killing each other out of paranoia. But if you'd prefer this instead, I won't complain."
The older slave extended his arm, moving to take the weapon gingerly from her hand. With all the druid questions she posed, it was very difficult not to jest about it.
_
When Tris whipped the royal slave the first time, exuberance washed over him. The second time it flooded his thoughts, filling him with manic glee. Time was a blur to the sadistic master-at-arms; he was so thoroughly enjoying himself that Goff could hardly bring his mind from the damage his tool inflicted. The parting skin where the tails rent the king's back, the blood which seeped from increasingly large wounds, the cracking noise each infliction made. He was in his element. If Merthyr were not a man of relative import to his master, he'd have kept going until his victim was no more.
He'd have to make an example of someone else, later. While the master-at-arms contemplated who he might choose he lowered the hand holding the cat-o-nine-tails and paced around the wounded. "Consider this a reminder to all of you who ever think of betraying the good will of our captains." Tris turned to the pirate who'd assisted him earlier and spoke in a softer tone. "Have his wounds treated. Then he will be brought back to my office for questioning."
The brigand nodded and tried to bind Merthyr's hands in front of him with a leather band. If nothing happened to impede him, the pirate would take the king from the fire pit, winding through the hidden den.
_
The messenger entered the room the captains used to plot. "My captain--" he panted, bowing specifically to Henry but keeping his back bent to show deference to all of them. "Merthyr is in our custody, but he left his signet with a servant who is still on the island, somewhere. Tris is sending more search parties to find him."
Even then the boy could feel tenderness in his rib. His nerves warned him against more than just a few demonstrations, but someone had to teach her and he didn't think it would be Taff. Tye glanced in the direction of the entrance. Mark might be better for this than Tye. Where was he?
He turned to listen to Taff once again. As the druid moved to erase his brand, the slave narrowed his eyes. It seemed sparring might have to wait, though he didn't like the idea the manservant had. "..Why? Iffin this Morgan sod finds it, we migh' not 'ave a chance t' do anythin'." He sighed, irritated by what was either his own lack of understanding or Taff's lack of a plan. "Right. Well." He looked back at the princess. "When Mark gets back y' should talk with him. 'E's got experience fightin', whether 'e likes folks to know or not. Never know when you'll need what 'e has to teach." The boy fidgeted with his dagger and turned toward Taff. "Oh, don't you worry. Roldan's mine."
"Lead on, then."
_
Mark couldn't hide his smirk anymore, so he didn't try. He chose to cherry pick from the questions this stranger posed. "You want to give me the sword? I'll take it, then." Though the older man's mirth was real, he felt a twinge of uneasiness around this woman. Her flamboyance was a front, he suspected, and trusting a man as big as he was to handle her own weapon was its own indication that she had nothing to fear from him. There was a chance it was a bluff but he'd have to keep an eye on this one. "I was thinking, if our hands were occupied we'd have less chance of killing each other out of paranoia. But if you'd prefer this instead, I won't complain."
The older slave extended his arm, moving to take the weapon gingerly from her hand. With all the druid questions she posed, it was very difficult not to jest about it.
_
When Tris whipped the royal slave the first time, exuberance washed over him. The second time it flooded his thoughts, filling him with manic glee. Time was a blur to the sadistic master-at-arms; he was so thoroughly enjoying himself that Goff could hardly bring his mind from the damage his tool inflicted. The parting skin where the tails rent the king's back, the blood which seeped from increasingly large wounds, the cracking noise each infliction made. He was in his element. If Merthyr were not a man of relative import to his master, he'd have kept going until his victim was no more.
He'd have to make an example of someone else, later. While the master-at-arms contemplated who he might choose he lowered the hand holding the cat-o-nine-tails and paced around the wounded. "Consider this a reminder to all of you who ever think of betraying the good will of our captains." Tris turned to the pirate who'd assisted him earlier and spoke in a softer tone. "Have his wounds treated. Then he will be brought back to my office for questioning."
The brigand nodded and tried to bind Merthyr's hands in front of him with a leather band. If nothing happened to impede him, the pirate would take the king from the fire pit, winding through the hidden den.
_
The messenger entered the room the captains used to plot. "My captain--" he panted, bowing specifically to Henry but keeping his back bent to show deference to all of them. "Merthyr is in our custody, but he left his signet with a servant who is still on the island, somewhere. Tris is sending more search parties to find him."
Sirina regarded Tye with open curiosity as he spoke, both trying to read his thoughts regarding her, and also figure him out a bit too. The man seemed a bit of a mystery, which didn't bother her, more it made her determined to befriend him for some odd reason. She would show him that not all royals were snobs... and that she wasn't completely useless.
"Sure I'd be up for sparring. Learning comes quick for me so watch your back." She offered with a light smile. The smile sank a bit though as Tye became preoccupied with Taff's apparent idea of removing his brands. Welll.. she wouldn't mind sparring with Mark instead - that is if the man should ever reappear. Shrugging inwardly she turned to regard Xochi, giving the other two time to figure things out between them.
"Have you been in many fights?" She asked softly, replacing her knife in her sash and hunkering by the small dragon, hazel hues regarding her seriously. "If any, I mean." She added, not wanting to assume. While she waited she ate a few more bites of fruit which served to finally take the edge off of her hunger.
As she spoke with the dragon, she also began to wonder what sort of plan the two left here had concocted. She had heard Taff mention getting back to the pirates layer, and assumed he wanted to recover his King Merthyr. As she considered this, she thought a bit more about Merthyr, hoping the royal was holding up alright in the clutches of those scoundrels. She figured he probably wasn't dead, no one smart would waste such an opportunity as holding the King would be.
"Sure I'd be up for sparring. Learning comes quick for me so watch your back." She offered with a light smile. The smile sank a bit though as Tye became preoccupied with Taff's apparent idea of removing his brands. Welll.. she wouldn't mind sparring with Mark instead - that is if the man should ever reappear. Shrugging inwardly she turned to regard Xochi, giving the other two time to figure things out between them.
"Have you been in many fights?" She asked softly, replacing her knife in her sash and hunkering by the small dragon, hazel hues regarding her seriously. "If any, I mean." She added, not wanting to assume. While she waited she ate a few more bites of fruit which served to finally take the edge off of her hunger.
As she spoke with the dragon, she also began to wonder what sort of plan the two left here had concocted. She had heard Taff mention getting back to the pirates layer, and assumed he wanted to recover his King Merthyr. As she considered this, she thought a bit more about Merthyr, hoping the royal was holding up alright in the clutches of those scoundrels. She figured he probably wasn't dead, no one smart would waste such an opportunity as holding the King would be.
Xochi listened to the humans conversation, eyes bright with curiosity. Her scaly head would turn to and fro to look at the current speakers face as they spoke. The dragon spoke up when the matter of sparring came up, and looked to Tye as she did, "That one's injury is still healing, he is strong... but should still be resting as much as possible."
The Coatl looked back to Sirina when she felt the female's gaze settle back on her. When the human crouched nearer to her, Xochi slid forwards smoothly and rose half of herself from the ground, seeking to climb back up onto her shoulders; it seemed she enjoyed the warm presence of the other.
Xochi paused for a moment, considering the question. "I have seen battles, and seen even more of the carnage that they bring afterwards..." The feathers on her head flattened to her body as she thought. "As for fighting... I have. I dislike it. Some of my kind revel in it, but I do not. But it is important to know how and when to protect one's self."
The Coatl looked back to Sirina when she felt the female's gaze settle back on her. When the human crouched nearer to her, Xochi slid forwards smoothly and rose half of herself from the ground, seeking to climb back up onto her shoulders; it seemed she enjoyed the warm presence of the other.
Xochi paused for a moment, considering the question. "I have seen battles, and seen even more of the carnage that they bring afterwards..." The feathers on her head flattened to her body as she thought. "As for fighting... I have. I dislike it. Some of my kind revel in it, but I do not. But it is important to know how and when to protect one's self."
Where is everyone
Well, that solved that problem. Of course, it made for about thirty more, but she wasn’t going to worry about those now. Those were problems for ten minutes from now Arianna, not right now Arianna. And for right now Arianna, there was the issue of food. She should have eaten, or at least taken more food from the pirate ship she had disabled so long ago. On that note, she idly pondered how they were doing. Or how that engineer was doing. Surely he had fixed the boat by now. Unless the storm had sank them. The blade slipping from her fingers roused her from that errant train of thought and back to the more pressing issues at hand.
“Oh, you clever rascal you.” She grinned, slyly offering him a wink. “I’ve endured a great deal of attempts from men to find some excuse to touch me, but I have not seen it done so cunningly subtle in a long time. Bravo, Frank. You might be worth the trouble, after all. But not right now. We should get going. My little leaf here won’t hold the water off forever, and as handsome as you are, I didn’t give you my only weapon just to stand around and stare at you holding it. However, maybe if you struck a pose… Something commanding. Eloquent. Graceful. Think you can do that?” It would be entertaining to watch, for sure. Her mind would only wait a half second for him to respond before moving forward, though.
“So where we going, Frank? I could use a bite to eat. Maybe some roasted duck. Got any of those around here?” She gasped, using her now swordless hand to cover her mouth in surprise. “Er, I mean… I would never kill an animal… Have never killed an animal… Animals are the best thing ever. I have a few at home I keep as pets. Super nice. Well treated. Love ‘em to death.” Nice recovery. “Shut up.” She muttered aloud. “What I clearly meant to say was, got any roasted coconuts?” Did people even roast those? “Or whatever it is you Druids eat out here to stay healthy.” Her eyes scanned his body quickly. “Healthy-ish, at any rate.”
What a poor way to start the conversation. Some small talk might help. “Crazy weather we’re having today, huh? I haven’t seen a storm like this since I was a little girl. I remember it like it was interesting. There I was, playing on the beach, and it just blows in outta nowhere. Clear skies to cloudy, just like that.” She snapped her fingers. “The tide came in, washed me right out to sea it did. And the current was much too strong to swim back in. I thought I was finished. That was the end. Nature had decided my time was finished. But in the end, a dolphin pulled me back to shore. Didn’t even miss dinner. True story.” At least some parts of it were. Probably.
“Oh, you clever rascal you.” She grinned, slyly offering him a wink. “I’ve endured a great deal of attempts from men to find some excuse to touch me, but I have not seen it done so cunningly subtle in a long time. Bravo, Frank. You might be worth the trouble, after all. But not right now. We should get going. My little leaf here won’t hold the water off forever, and as handsome as you are, I didn’t give you my only weapon just to stand around and stare at you holding it. However, maybe if you struck a pose… Something commanding. Eloquent. Graceful. Think you can do that?” It would be entertaining to watch, for sure. Her mind would only wait a half second for him to respond before moving forward, though.
“So where we going, Frank? I could use a bite to eat. Maybe some roasted duck. Got any of those around here?” She gasped, using her now swordless hand to cover her mouth in surprise. “Er, I mean… I would never kill an animal… Have never killed an animal… Animals are the best thing ever. I have a few at home I keep as pets. Super nice. Well treated. Love ‘em to death.” Nice recovery. “Shut up.” She muttered aloud. “What I clearly meant to say was, got any roasted coconuts?” Did people even roast those? “Or whatever it is you Druids eat out here to stay healthy.” Her eyes scanned his body quickly. “Healthy-ish, at any rate.”
What a poor way to start the conversation. Some small talk might help. “Crazy weather we’re having today, huh? I haven’t seen a storm like this since I was a little girl. I remember it like it was interesting. There I was, playing on the beach, and it just blows in outta nowhere. Clear skies to cloudy, just like that.” She snapped her fingers. “The tide came in, washed me right out to sea it did. And the current was much too strong to swim back in. I thought I was finished. That was the end. Nature had decided my time was finished. But in the end, a dolphin pulled me back to shore. Didn’t even miss dinner. True story.” At least some parts of it were. Probably.
Merthyr's back was badly torn indeed, the final lash wrenching a hiss unwillingly from the royal's lips, that he quickly silenced so as to not give this torture the least pleasure..
It was the first time he had ever been physically harmed and felt as if his back was burning on fire at every strike.
Merthyr's eyes were teary and he had been bitten into his lower lip to the point of bleeding noticeably by the time Triss had finished. Still he was brave and, more than that, he was stubborn, so much so that he would not grant Tris the pleasure of a single scream or loud groan despite the agony.
He let a sigh of relief relaxing his shoulders a little when Goff finally counted to 10 now grateful the punishment has been so modest in number indeed, letting out the air he had been holding as he tensed and winced throughout the ordeal.
He immediately offered his wrists to the thug, without the least reluctance, allowing him to bind the hands to his front and following them out of his own accord to wherever they wanted to lead him, worrying what sort of questioning Triss was about to delve into this time around.
Taff rubbed his forehead briefly
"Look we do not have many days left... if king Merthyr doesn't have the royal ring before end of the week, these thugs may well kill him or drag him to Port Royal by boat for a proclamation in person. Time is not on our side either way.
Are you sure you can play the pirate card well enough and bring me to their presence?" asked Taff
"We will need to scabbage the beach for pirate looking clothing too, as you are currently, you hardly look the part, unless you wear my clothes? As you stand, it is clear you are a prisoner or a slave rather than one of them. We could attack one of their scouts and borrow the attire but that supposes we will find a scout and one easy enough to take down, which may not be the case, we could fing a too large group to take down or none at all" pointed out Taff wondering if an attire swap would be the safest and quickest option
Morgan slammed his dagger and fist against the table clearly furious at what he had just been told.
"Find the royal seal or I will have your beating hearts laid upon the table, you have no more than two days. Tris will stay to ensure our royal doesn't dare run away again... and don't forget we need a lass and an heir we can raise ourselves, according to our ways.
Now go, deliver the message and find the servant and the missing royal ring" prompted Morgan whip to hand and dishing a lash or two to get the messenger moving quicker.
It was the first time he had ever been physically harmed and felt as if his back was burning on fire at every strike.
Merthyr's eyes were teary and he had been bitten into his lower lip to the point of bleeding noticeably by the time Triss had finished. Still he was brave and, more than that, he was stubborn, so much so that he would not grant Tris the pleasure of a single scream or loud groan despite the agony.
He let a sigh of relief relaxing his shoulders a little when Goff finally counted to 10 now grateful the punishment has been so modest in number indeed, letting out the air he had been holding as he tensed and winced throughout the ordeal.
He immediately offered his wrists to the thug, without the least reluctance, allowing him to bind the hands to his front and following them out of his own accord to wherever they wanted to lead him, worrying what sort of questioning Triss was about to delve into this time around.
Taff rubbed his forehead briefly
"Look we do not have many days left... if king Merthyr doesn't have the royal ring before end of the week, these thugs may well kill him or drag him to Port Royal by boat for a proclamation in person. Time is not on our side either way.
Are you sure you can play the pirate card well enough and bring me to their presence?" asked Taff
"We will need to scabbage the beach for pirate looking clothing too, as you are currently, you hardly look the part, unless you wear my clothes? As you stand, it is clear you are a prisoner or a slave rather than one of them. We could attack one of their scouts and borrow the attire but that supposes we will find a scout and one easy enough to take down, which may not be the case, we could fing a too large group to take down or none at all" pointed out Taff wondering if an attire swap would be the safest and quickest option
Morgan slammed his dagger and fist against the table clearly furious at what he had just been told.
"Find the royal seal or I will have your beating hearts laid upon the table, you have no more than two days. Tris will stay to ensure our royal doesn't dare run away again... and don't forget we need a lass and an heir we can raise ourselves, according to our ways.
Now go, deliver the message and find the servant and the missing royal ring" prompted Morgan whip to hand and dishing a lash or two to get the messenger moving quicker.
Tye frowned as Taff rubbed his forehead. So far, they didn't seem to make very good team mates. "Aye. Don't worry about that. We'll have to find a search party first..." The thief glanced in the direction of Xochi, knowing well the wisdom of the creature's reminder but feeling he had to push himself regardless. If all went well, there'd be plenty of time for him to rest. Later. Still... his weakness would worsen circumstances if he was found out. "Oi, Rin." He chose to address her as, rather than her title, on purpose. "I... might need yer help anyway."
The boy was loathe to reveal his plan, especially to two who seemed like bleeding hearts, but it would have to be done to avoid unforeseen contingencies. "We'll be goin' to find a search party, first. If we're lucky, we'll find a small one." He drew up his dagger. "Its like y' say, Taff. We might find a large group. But I need a good disguise, an' as far as I can tell, we don't 'ave a good one between us an' the beach is probably the first place they'll check. One or two of 'em will have t' die. Then we can go find Merthyr." He glanced at the princess again. "You want to help?"
_
Mark listened politely as Arianna tried her hand at a few conversation topics. He chose this time to answer her question about their destination. "...Just a hiding place, for now." After all her efforts, leaving off like that seemed disappointing. "Did I mention I love ribs?" That's better. "In all seriousness though, I don't think coconuts are cooked... but our little friend you were so interested in probably knows the answer."
It didn't take long for them to find their way back to the cave entrance. Arianna's conversation made it seem faster to him, which the older slave found odd. "Our friends here call me Mark. You can keep calling me Frank if you want, though."
_
Merthyr was lead further into the den until the two came upon a stout shack constructed of local wood. From a window in the side a dark smoke emanated, disappearing into the canopy. Two voices exchanged words inside; one familiar, the other not so. A third voice chimed in briefly and the second was silent a moment.
The pirate guiding the king knocked roughly on the door, eager to be done with anything related to Tris. The door was opened, revealing the voices to belong to Chowder, a short, cowled man with a prosthetic arm (that seemed to move on its own, despite being constructed of wood) and an older, local man.
The local's brow was knit with strained contemplation. He took a glance at the slave's condition and scoffed, gesturing him toward a nearby, straw-strewn cot. The brigand moved to lead him there. "Where's the leathuh?" The pirate escort asked.
The cowled man shuffled near them, leather straps already in his hands. The local grunted with objection as the stout one leaned toward the king's existing bindings. "Tris wants me to fix that with him tied to the bed? He will hardly be able to leave on his own in a few minutes. Out of the way."
Then the local man was there, rag and bowl of water in hand to clean the wounded man's injuries.
Chowder and the brigand who guided the slave king there stood back as the local man gave the cowled one orders, sending him scurrying around the room in search of herbs for a poultice.
The boy was loathe to reveal his plan, especially to two who seemed like bleeding hearts, but it would have to be done to avoid unforeseen contingencies. "We'll be goin' to find a search party, first. If we're lucky, we'll find a small one." He drew up his dagger. "Its like y' say, Taff. We might find a large group. But I need a good disguise, an' as far as I can tell, we don't 'ave a good one between us an' the beach is probably the first place they'll check. One or two of 'em will have t' die. Then we can go find Merthyr." He glanced at the princess again. "You want to help?"
_
Mark listened politely as Arianna tried her hand at a few conversation topics. He chose this time to answer her question about their destination. "...Just a hiding place, for now." After all her efforts, leaving off like that seemed disappointing. "Did I mention I love ribs?" That's better. "In all seriousness though, I don't think coconuts are cooked... but our little friend you were so interested in probably knows the answer."
It didn't take long for them to find their way back to the cave entrance. Arianna's conversation made it seem faster to him, which the older slave found odd. "Our friends here call me Mark. You can keep calling me Frank if you want, though."
_
Merthyr was lead further into the den until the two came upon a stout shack constructed of local wood. From a window in the side a dark smoke emanated, disappearing into the canopy. Two voices exchanged words inside; one familiar, the other not so. A third voice chimed in briefly and the second was silent a moment.
The pirate guiding the king knocked roughly on the door, eager to be done with anything related to Tris. The door was opened, revealing the voices to belong to Chowder, a short, cowled man with a prosthetic arm (that seemed to move on its own, despite being constructed of wood) and an older, local man.
The local's brow was knit with strained contemplation. He took a glance at the slave's condition and scoffed, gesturing him toward a nearby, straw-strewn cot. The brigand moved to lead him there. "Where's the leathuh?" The pirate escort asked.
The cowled man shuffled near them, leather straps already in his hands. The local grunted with objection as the stout one leaned toward the king's existing bindings. "Tris wants me to fix that with him tied to the bed? He will hardly be able to leave on his own in a few minutes. Out of the way."
Then the local man was there, rag and bowl of water in hand to clean the wounded man's injuries.
Chowder and the brigand who guided the slave king there stood back as the local man gave the cowled one orders, sending him scurrying around the room in search of herbs for a poultice.
Sirina was only too happy to oblige Xochi, proffering her arm for the dragoness to climb up to wherever she was pleased to perch. A soft smile slipped over Sirina's features as she felt the dragon’s weight settling. It was rapidly becoming a comforting presence, and she was glad the dragon seemed happy with her company.
She was about to turn away to perhaps practice throwing her knife when Tye's voice captured her attention once more, her posture shifting so she could raise an eyebrow toward the man. Declining to immediately answer, she instead listened to the plan as Tye figured it to be, wondering where her own help was desired. Attacking a bunch of pirates didn't seem the smartest move to her, but then, their marooned group had few options.
Finally, as Tye pressed the question to her, she gave a nod, eyes flashing with determination. "I'll help. What did you have in mind? As we already discussed, my fighting skills leave something to be desired."
She was about to turn away to perhaps practice throwing her knife when Tye's voice captured her attention once more, her posture shifting so she could raise an eyebrow toward the man. Declining to immediately answer, she instead listened to the plan as Tye figured it to be, wondering where her own help was desired. Attacking a bunch of pirates didn't seem the smartest move to her, but then, their marooned group had few options.
Finally, as Tye pressed the question to her, she gave a nod, eyes flashing with determination. "I'll help. What did you have in mind? As we already discussed, my fighting skills leave something to be desired."
(Sorry for the late reply!)
Once Xochi settled around Sirina’s shoulders and was securely in place, the little dragon neatly folded her hands under her belly comfortably in the same fashion a feline might. As the woman shifted to look to Tye she too focused her attention onto him as he discussed their plan. It seemed he would not heed her advice. The colorful crest on her head wilted as the Thief brought up the necessity of killing, not to mention bringing along the inexperienced lady to help in the task.
The Coatl sat quietly on her human perch, deciding it best to let them sort out their own plan of action, but she knew that if this female would be involved in risky business of fighting the cutthroats of the island, the dragon would accompany them as well. Xochi gave a small squeeze of reassurance to the woman, intent on staying by her.
Something on the breeze alerted the dragon now, and with tongue flickering, her fiery gold eyes flitted towards the entrance of their hideout. The other human male. Xochi mused silently. And… A soft hiss slipped from her snout, loud enough for her immediate company to hear the warning sound. The new arrivals would likely be within sight within a few moments. Xochi puffed out a nervous sigh at the thought of having to deal with that female who had the persistent chatter of a monkey and an apparent appetite for dragon.
Once Xochi settled around Sirina’s shoulders and was securely in place, the little dragon neatly folded her hands under her belly comfortably in the same fashion a feline might. As the woman shifted to look to Tye she too focused her attention onto him as he discussed their plan. It seemed he would not heed her advice. The colorful crest on her head wilted as the Thief brought up the necessity of killing, not to mention bringing along the inexperienced lady to help in the task.
The Coatl sat quietly on her human perch, deciding it best to let them sort out their own plan of action, but she knew that if this female would be involved in risky business of fighting the cutthroats of the island, the dragon would accompany them as well. Xochi gave a small squeeze of reassurance to the woman, intent on staying by her.
Something on the breeze alerted the dragon now, and with tongue flickering, her fiery gold eyes flitted towards the entrance of their hideout. The other human male. Xochi mused silently. And… A soft hiss slipped from her snout, loud enough for her immediate company to hear the warning sound. The new arrivals would likely be within sight within a few moments. Xochi puffed out a nervous sigh at the thought of having to deal with that female who had the persistent chatter of a monkey and an apparent appetite for dragon.
Well, they were off. In whatever direction that would lead them. Or rather, her. Which was exceedingly more relevant than whatever he was planning. Maybe he would try to kidnap her. Maybe he really was a Forest Druid. Maybe he’d take her back to some small cottage and she’d get to meet his beautiful wife and lovely kids, bounding through the tall grass of a sun drenched meadow whilst the sun crested over a distant horizon. Maybe he was a cannibal. Did he say he liked ribs? “So uhh… Forest Druids don’t eat people, right?” The question waited until he had ceased talking, ignoring any uniformity to the conversation to blurt itself out before she could catch herself.
Her mouth pressed quickly onward like a horse unbridled from the carriage her mind rode upon. “Because if you like ribs, you should really try, you know, pig ribs. Or…” What else had ribs that was eaten regularly again? “Chicken… ribs…” That didn’t sound right. “At any rate, human ribs probably aren’t nearly as tasty. And look at me. All skinny and malnourished. Why I bet there are tons of pirates around here much meatier than I am. Of course, they are much filthier as well. Much… much... filthier.” She shuddered. “Ugh. If I ever have to touch one again it’ll be too soon.”
Panting and out of breath, her mind finally caught back up. “A hiding place, you say? Well, I’m honored. Knowing where you practice all your rain dances will give me a decisive edge on the agricultural market. Speaking of, can you please make this stop? You know, if you’re that kind of Forest Druid. If not, then… well… I’m sorry? Can’t say I’ve ever met one before. Don’t know how your caste system works.” Didn’t he say something else? “But if that critter does talk, I fear I will need you to translate. Some of us aren’t as well versed in bird-snake-creature dialect as others, I’m afraid.”
Their pace was steady, and after some time she could see a little cave off in the distance with various figures standing around it. As she didn’t know where precisely she was being taken, she could only presume by her counterparts confident steps that these were friends of his. Her voice still quieted, planning escape routes should the situation turn sour. He seemed friendly enough, but that didn’t guarantee his companions to be. “After you, Frank.” She motioned, entirely unwilling to place any more people to her back than was absolutely necessary. It would also give her a chance to see just how much he trusted her in the process.
Her mouth pressed quickly onward like a horse unbridled from the carriage her mind rode upon. “Because if you like ribs, you should really try, you know, pig ribs. Or…” What else had ribs that was eaten regularly again? “Chicken… ribs…” That didn’t sound right. “At any rate, human ribs probably aren’t nearly as tasty. And look at me. All skinny and malnourished. Why I bet there are tons of pirates around here much meatier than I am. Of course, they are much filthier as well. Much… much... filthier.” She shuddered. “Ugh. If I ever have to touch one again it’ll be too soon.”
Panting and out of breath, her mind finally caught back up. “A hiding place, you say? Well, I’m honored. Knowing where you practice all your rain dances will give me a decisive edge on the agricultural market. Speaking of, can you please make this stop? You know, if you’re that kind of Forest Druid. If not, then… well… I’m sorry? Can’t say I’ve ever met one before. Don’t know how your caste system works.” Didn’t he say something else? “But if that critter does talk, I fear I will need you to translate. Some of us aren’t as well versed in bird-snake-creature dialect as others, I’m afraid.”
Their pace was steady, and after some time she could see a little cave off in the distance with various figures standing around it. As she didn’t know where precisely she was being taken, she could only presume by her counterparts confident steps that these were friends of his. Her voice still quieted, planning escape routes should the situation turn sour. He seemed friendly enough, but that didn’t guarantee his companions to be. “After you, Frank.” She motioned, entirely unwilling to place any more people to her back than was absolutely necessary. It would also give her a chance to see just how much he trusted her in the process.
"I was brought up a royal slave and manservant, at the palace, fighting was never required, if anything it was shunned outright" admitted Taff rubbing the back of his neck "This is why I need your help" muttered Taff sheepishly
"besides, druids would never directly injure or harm anyone, that, that goes against life itself and all principle of life preservation" winced Taff shuddering at the idea of killing anyone.
He went silent and smiled broadly at the two new arrivals.
"There's grilled meat being kept warm and there's fruits that the search party brought back" mumbled Taff about to address her highness by name and title but remembering her order not to do and so switching to the generic name of "Rin" to comply with her command as much as possible.
Merthyr was too weakened to struggle against the pirates and appreciated Chowder enough to not want him in further trouble on his account. He let himself be tied down, his cheek resting against the surface as he watched events unfolds. Chowder and the other pirate going to and fro fetching strange herbs
Now of all times he felt he needed Taff for advice, he seemed to know all the plants, herbs, mixtures and their purpose and effects, right now, he felt like a blind mind lacking such information
"What are you going to do to me?" frowned Merthyr "Are you going to drug me into compliance, weakness or forgetfulness? Are you going to poison me with your remedies?" asked Merthyr hesitantly this being the question that alarmed him the most when the local exclaimed he would barely be able to move by the time he was done.
In all cases and seeing the rag and bowl he knew he was in for an excruciating back rub far removed from the massage he often received in his royal chambers to relieve pressure, stress and muscular strain. He clenched his fist and grit his teeth not about to show them the privilege of screams, though he could not promise himself to hold back hisses or even silent tears if it became painful
At times the treatment could indeed be truly worse than the punishment himself and with a torn back, a cloth looked as threatening as the whip itself.
"besides, druids would never directly injure or harm anyone, that, that goes against life itself and all principle of life preservation" winced Taff shuddering at the idea of killing anyone.
He went silent and smiled broadly at the two new arrivals.
"There's grilled meat being kept warm and there's fruits that the search party brought back" mumbled Taff about to address her highness by name and title but remembering her order not to do and so switching to the generic name of "Rin" to comply with her command as much as possible.
Merthyr was too weakened to struggle against the pirates and appreciated Chowder enough to not want him in further trouble on his account. He let himself be tied down, his cheek resting against the surface as he watched events unfolds. Chowder and the other pirate going to and fro fetching strange herbs
Now of all times he felt he needed Taff for advice, he seemed to know all the plants, herbs, mixtures and their purpose and effects, right now, he felt like a blind mind lacking such information
"What are you going to do to me?" frowned Merthyr "Are you going to drug me into compliance, weakness or forgetfulness? Are you going to poison me with your remedies?" asked Merthyr hesitantly this being the question that alarmed him the most when the local exclaimed he would barely be able to move by the time he was done.
In all cases and seeing the rag and bowl he knew he was in for an excruciating back rub far removed from the massage he often received in his royal chambers to relieve pressure, stress and muscular strain. He clenched his fist and grit his teeth not about to show them the privilege of screams, though he could not promise himself to hold back hisses or even silent tears if it became painful
At times the treatment could indeed be truly worse than the punishment himself and with a torn back, a cloth looked as threatening as the whip itself.
The boy flashed a smirk at Rin when she agreed to assist. "Well, iffin all goes well, y'won't need to be a good fighter. Hopin' t' catch them unawares. There's lots of hidin' spots on this island." He glanced at the coatl dragon. "Don't suppose you'd be willin' t' help us out with that...?"
Tye paused a moment as Taff confessed his inability to fight to take a deep breath; to one without context, it might seem as though he were exasperated. The thief rested his hand on his chest as he breathed out. "Well, that's the reason I asked... Don't think it'll be easy t' do this alone. I can handle the hard part, but its hard to keep up th' pace. Literally." Thoughtfully he raised that hand to inspect his fingertips, checking for the faint remnants of hypoxia. It was far from his desire to consider these labors so soon after his injury but accepting unfavorable circumstances was the norm to the former street rat.
_
"Wouldn't know." The older slave replied curtly to her first question. After all, he wasn't really a forest druid. After she mumbled nervously about different kinds of ribs he was almost certain the woman said something about touching pirates. He glanced over at her curiously but kept going.
Then they were back at it; her speaking about fluxuating topics and him half-listening while guiding them through the cave."Oh, don't worry. You don't need to be a forest druid at all to figure out what they're saying. It just kind of..." He hesitated whilst shifting a vine out of his path. "...Happens after a bit."
As Mark and the stranger arrived Tye fixed the latter with a wary gaze. "Mark?" He started. In response the older man stepped forward and smiled. "I found her all cold and out in the rain. Couldn't leave her like that, now could I?" The older man's mirthful reply failed to ease the younger one's nerves.
The younger addressed her. "Who're you?" Meanwhile, Mark glanced away and rubbed his shoulder, all too aware of how that question went the last time.
_
Chowder nibbled on his lower lip as Merthyr was manhandled. He opened his mouth to answer the slave-king's question for them but was interrupted by the irritable carib.
"I'm going to drug you into health, daydreamer. But with this medicine you will feel better, but be sluggish and unbalanced. Unfortunately-" The cowled one handed the local man an unfinished mixture within a mortar and pestle in exchange for the soiled waterbowl and rag, "-it will not do much to dampen that wandering head of yours. You'll be dizzy, but you'll be aware. And if Tris wants to argue, maybe he'll reconsider doing that with the man who prepares his medicine."
The carib huffed and finished up grinding the mixture into a paste. Then he carefully administered the paste to Merthyr's back as his assistant exited the shack.
Chowderhead smiled, formerly having no idea what was going to happen either. "Oh! That gives us time to play cards! I think."
The local man shrugged. "Sure...?"
Tye paused a moment as Taff confessed his inability to fight to take a deep breath; to one without context, it might seem as though he were exasperated. The thief rested his hand on his chest as he breathed out. "Well, that's the reason I asked... Don't think it'll be easy t' do this alone. I can handle the hard part, but its hard to keep up th' pace. Literally." Thoughtfully he raised that hand to inspect his fingertips, checking for the faint remnants of hypoxia. It was far from his desire to consider these labors so soon after his injury but accepting unfavorable circumstances was the norm to the former street rat.
_
"Wouldn't know." The older slave replied curtly to her first question. After all, he wasn't really a forest druid. After she mumbled nervously about different kinds of ribs he was almost certain the woman said something about touching pirates. He glanced over at her curiously but kept going.
Then they were back at it; her speaking about fluxuating topics and him half-listening while guiding them through the cave."Oh, don't worry. You don't need to be a forest druid at all to figure out what they're saying. It just kind of..." He hesitated whilst shifting a vine out of his path. "...Happens after a bit."
As Mark and the stranger arrived Tye fixed the latter with a wary gaze. "Mark?" He started. In response the older man stepped forward and smiled. "I found her all cold and out in the rain. Couldn't leave her like that, now could I?" The older man's mirthful reply failed to ease the younger one's nerves.
The younger addressed her. "Who're you?" Meanwhile, Mark glanced away and rubbed his shoulder, all too aware of how that question went the last time.
_
Chowder nibbled on his lower lip as Merthyr was manhandled. He opened his mouth to answer the slave-king's question for them but was interrupted by the irritable carib.
"I'm going to drug you into health, daydreamer. But with this medicine you will feel better, but be sluggish and unbalanced. Unfortunately-" The cowled one handed the local man an unfinished mixture within a mortar and pestle in exchange for the soiled waterbowl and rag, "-it will not do much to dampen that wandering head of yours. You'll be dizzy, but you'll be aware. And if Tris wants to argue, maybe he'll reconsider doing that with the man who prepares his medicine."
The carib huffed and finished up grinding the mixture into a paste. Then he carefully administered the paste to Merthyr's back as his assistant exited the shack.
Chowderhead smiled, formerly having no idea what was going to happen either. "Oh! That gives us time to play cards! I think."
The local man shrugged. "Sure...?"
As Rin watched Tye take several breaths, her eyes narrowed a bit and she moved to stand beside him. Grateful for the reassurance of Xochi as the small dragon squeezed her shoulder slightly, Sirina raised her chin and took a breath. Addressng Tye again she spoke in a firm voice, "I said I may not be much help in the fighting arena, but that doesn't mean I am not willing to stand by you and do my best. I am not a coward to run and hide, nor leave my companions to fend off danger alone."
Her gaze was level, and the hazel eyes serious. At Xochi's warning chirp, Rin glanced toward the sanctuary's opening to see Mark arrive... with the new woman in tow. Sirina bit her lower lip as a thread of worry moved through her. There were already enough unknowns. Would the woman turn on them? Why was she here seemingly alone? Still, the woman was here now, and there was no reason not to carry on with plans. She would be keeping a close watch on the newcomer when she could though.
As they approached, Sirina made no attempt at conversation with the woman, but turned interested eyes between her and Tye as the man asked a question Rin was sure would release a flood of words, words that had only a very small chance of actually answering the question. Her clothing, after Sirina had spent a few moments by the fire, while damp still, had begun to dry a fraction now that she'd been out from under the rainfall for a time, and her gender, while not completely hidden again, wouldn't be obvious at first glance.
Her gaze was level, and the hazel eyes serious. At Xochi's warning chirp, Rin glanced toward the sanctuary's opening to see Mark arrive... with the new woman in tow. Sirina bit her lower lip as a thread of worry moved through her. There were already enough unknowns. Would the woman turn on them? Why was she here seemingly alone? Still, the woman was here now, and there was no reason not to carry on with plans. She would be keeping a close watch on the newcomer when she could though.
As they approached, Sirina made no attempt at conversation with the woman, but turned interested eyes between her and Tye as the man asked a question Rin was sure would release a flood of words, words that had only a very small chance of actually answering the question. Her clothing, after Sirina had spent a few moments by the fire, while damp still, had begun to dry a fraction now that she'd been out from under the rainfall for a time, and her gender, while not completely hidden again, wouldn't be obvious at first glance.
Caves were always one of two things. They were either damp, abysmal, dark places full of jagged rocks, creepy animals, and dangerous drop offs. Or they were inhabited by lunatics, dwelling deep within the protection of the tunnels, daring anyone to enter and ensuring they never returned. She wondered if this cave was the latter. Even If it wasn’t, neither flavor was getting her anywhere near her eventual goal. Whoever this person was, and whoever his friends were that were rapidly coming into sight, were clearly not pirates, making this endeavor taste all the more bitter in her mouth. She should have just moved on.
That was no longer an option. Regardless of the capacity to use it, she wasn’t going to leave without her sword, but he wasn’t likely to surrender it any time soon. For now, she would play along. This first character seemed amiable enough, why shouldn’t the rest of his companions be equally so. At least, it was usually a safe assumption that birds of a feather flock together.
Speaking of, the first thing she saw, easily visible against the grey backdrop, was the fantastical bird snake thing. It immediately caught her attention again, dragging her gaze away from the other occupants until only her peripheral vision cared to track them, and only then because strangers could never be fully trusted. Especially not cave dwelling possibly cannibalistic Forest Druid ones. “Oh hey, it’s my two favorite living things again. Casey and the weird bird snake thing!” Had another not interjected a question, feet might have started carrying her over to see them more closely. Another thing she hated about caves. Dismal light.
“Who am I?” It took some effort to pull her eyes over to who was addressing her. Even then, he only got half of her attention. “I think the better question is, who are you? I mean, look at this place. You call this a home? The floors haven’t been mopped in… forever. There are hardly any windows. I shudder to think where you use the bathroom at. Would it kill y’all to get some better ventilation in here too? Because I can only think of two words to describe this place. Musty and damp. Also depressing. At least get a door or something. We just walked right in. Did you know bears live in caves? What would you do if a bear just walked right in?”
That was no longer an option. Regardless of the capacity to use it, she wasn’t going to leave without her sword, but he wasn’t likely to surrender it any time soon. For now, she would play along. This first character seemed amiable enough, why shouldn’t the rest of his companions be equally so. At least, it was usually a safe assumption that birds of a feather flock together.
Speaking of, the first thing she saw, easily visible against the grey backdrop, was the fantastical bird snake thing. It immediately caught her attention again, dragging her gaze away from the other occupants until only her peripheral vision cared to track them, and only then because strangers could never be fully trusted. Especially not cave dwelling possibly cannibalistic Forest Druid ones. “Oh hey, it’s my two favorite living things again. Casey and the weird bird snake thing!” Had another not interjected a question, feet might have started carrying her over to see them more closely. Another thing she hated about caves. Dismal light.
“Who am I?” It took some effort to pull her eyes over to who was addressing her. Even then, he only got half of her attention. “I think the better question is, who are you? I mean, look at this place. You call this a home? The floors haven’t been mopped in… forever. There are hardly any windows. I shudder to think where you use the bathroom at. Would it kill y’all to get some better ventilation in here too? Because I can only think of two words to describe this place. Musty and damp. Also depressing. At least get a door or something. We just walked right in. Did you know bears live in caves? What would you do if a bear just walked right in?”
((So sorry for the wait, I got caught up in other things, and there's not must for my character at the moment))
Xochi looked to Tye when he asked if she would help, to which she gave a subtle nod to him in reply. The dragon stayed quiet now that Arianna had appeared, not wishing to bring any further attention to herself.
The coatl remained coiled around Sirina’s shoulders, but her feathery crest was lowered as she looked back to the chatty woman wearily.
Xochi looked to Tye when he asked if she would help, to which she gave a subtle nod to him in reply. The dragon stayed quiet now that Arianna had appeared, not wishing to bring any further attention to herself.
The coatl remained coiled around Sirina’s shoulders, but her feathery crest was lowered as she looked back to the chatty woman wearily.
Merthyr felt the effect of the healing remedy as his mind became drowsy and somewhat foggy and his body felt as if it had lots its strength
"How long will I remain in this debilitating state? I am a slave around these parts, I have no doubt that I will be expected to do chores sunrise to sundown if not more." asked Merthyr waiting to be told when he would be able to stand up again.
"It would be lovely to play cards with you mister Chowder... royalty is always pleased and honoured to play with decent men as you are. If time allows us to do so, that is... master-at-arms may have work lined up already" assured Merthyr with a small polite smile.
He far preferred to play cards with a fool but friendly pirate than face Tris in this unsteady state.
Taff looked at Tye and took a deep breath nodding in understanding
"Your injury was extremely serious, my friend. Many die over less and it will take a lot longer to heal as well, the more you travel and move about.
I can help you with your ill health. I can cast a switching spell and take up your current injuries upon myself into my body but... outside of this sanctuary my magic weakens.
Druid magic is strongest in these temples and shrines after all, beyond its entrance, I can still hold onto your injury but I will not be able to do anything else or assist you any further at all, I can neither command the weather or even heal any new wounds... understand? You will be fit as a fiddle before the battle starts, anything happens to you during the fight or after, you cannot count on my help any more, I will be as useless as a rock dropped in a lake" explained Taff
"How long will I remain in this debilitating state? I am a slave around these parts, I have no doubt that I will be expected to do chores sunrise to sundown if not more." asked Merthyr waiting to be told when he would be able to stand up again.
"It would be lovely to play cards with you mister Chowder... royalty is always pleased and honoured to play with decent men as you are. If time allows us to do so, that is... master-at-arms may have work lined up already" assured Merthyr with a small polite smile.
He far preferred to play cards with a fool but friendly pirate than face Tris in this unsteady state.
Taff looked at Tye and took a deep breath nodding in understanding
"Your injury was extremely serious, my friend. Many die over less and it will take a lot longer to heal as well, the more you travel and move about.
I can help you with your ill health. I can cast a switching spell and take up your current injuries upon myself into my body but... outside of this sanctuary my magic weakens.
Druid magic is strongest in these temples and shrines after all, beyond its entrance, I can still hold onto your injury but I will not be able to do anything else or assist you any further at all, I can neither command the weather or even heal any new wounds... understand? You will be fit as a fiddle before the battle starts, anything happens to you during the fight or after, you cannot count on my help any more, I will be as useless as a rock dropped in a lake" explained Taff
Tye gave Rin and Xochi an appreciative smirk before Arianna and Mark's entry. So far he trusted them the most, followed by the druid of course. If it werent for the thief's passive mistrust of those in power the man might have been in first place.
After hearing what the newcomer had to say the expression disappeared. He looked back at her with a scowl, his eyes narrowing in cold consideration. "...Mark." He said again. The older slave shrugged. "To my knowledge she isn't one of them." The younger didn't stop frowning.
"She's not trustworthy in th' slightest." Tye started. "Can't afford that kind of uncertainty." The boy slid his hand down from his chest; he didn't want the woman to see his own weakness. The older man shrugged. "Well, she did give me her weapon." To that, the thief's eyes lit up. "Help us out then."
Mark tilted his head at them. "With what?"
"We're goin' hunting. I need a new pair of clothes, an' Taff here needs a way in."
The older man's eyes widened and he gaped for a few seconds, furrowing his brow afterwards and leaning forward slightly to say, "You sure about this?" Though it was a question, his tone was somewhat forceful; imploring the younger man to stay.
They both turned their heads when Taff offered assistance. Tye wrinkled his nose and shook his head, opening his mouth to speak. Mark interrupted him. "Do it. Whatever plan you're cooking you can't afford him to go around like that." The thief growled at the older man's interruption, folding his arms in a belligerent pout.
"And I'm helping, too."
"Och. You don't even know what th' plan is!"
The older slave flashed a smile. "Tell me on the way?"
Tye groaned in exasperation.
_
The carib sighed. "Ah... Tris this, Tris that." He mumbled. Chowderhead, on the other hand grinned gleefully and looked around for a surface to play on. "What games d'ye know, o king?! Oh, I'm so excited!" The local man finished applying the medicine and cast about, searching for something else. His assistant re-entered the building and was waved over. They exchanged quiet words and the cowled man was off again, rummaging through a nearby cabinet.
Meanwhile the Carib placed a hand on Merthyr's shoulder-- careful not to touch his wounds-- and murmured. "You will be safe as long as you are here, but if you try to escape I have no control of what they'll do to you. So think with that wandering head of yours and stay a while." He squeezed his shoulder lightly and let go.
After hearing what the newcomer had to say the expression disappeared. He looked back at her with a scowl, his eyes narrowing in cold consideration. "...Mark." He said again. The older slave shrugged. "To my knowledge she isn't one of them." The younger didn't stop frowning.
"She's not trustworthy in th' slightest." Tye started. "Can't afford that kind of uncertainty." The boy slid his hand down from his chest; he didn't want the woman to see his own weakness. The older man shrugged. "Well, she did give me her weapon." To that, the thief's eyes lit up. "Help us out then."
Mark tilted his head at them. "With what?"
"We're goin' hunting. I need a new pair of clothes, an' Taff here needs a way in."
The older man's eyes widened and he gaped for a few seconds, furrowing his brow afterwards and leaning forward slightly to say, "You sure about this?" Though it was a question, his tone was somewhat forceful; imploring the younger man to stay.
They both turned their heads when Taff offered assistance. Tye wrinkled his nose and shook his head, opening his mouth to speak. Mark interrupted him. "Do it. Whatever plan you're cooking you can't afford him to go around like that." The thief growled at the older man's interruption, folding his arms in a belligerent pout.
"And I'm helping, too."
"Och. You don't even know what th' plan is!"
The older slave flashed a smile. "Tell me on the way?"
Tye groaned in exasperation.
_
The carib sighed. "Ah... Tris this, Tris that." He mumbled. Chowderhead, on the other hand grinned gleefully and looked around for a surface to play on. "What games d'ye know, o king?! Oh, I'm so excited!" The local man finished applying the medicine and cast about, searching for something else. His assistant re-entered the building and was waved over. They exchanged quiet words and the cowled man was off again, rummaging through a nearby cabinet.
Meanwhile the Carib placed a hand on Merthyr's shoulder-- careful not to touch his wounds-- and murmured. "You will be safe as long as you are here, but if you try to escape I have no control of what they'll do to you. So think with that wandering head of yours and stay a while." He squeezed his shoulder lightly and let go.
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