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Post by Captain Erica Skylar on Jan 23, 2013 14:45:59 GMT -5
"I'm tellin' ye, ye pigheaded girl, it can't be done!" Chris slammed his broad hand down on the Captain's desk, scattering maps, schematics and quills every which way.
Captain Skylar, of the pirate ship Fairbreeze, raised her voice to match her skipper's. "If we brag to be the best ship of fortune on land or above it, I say there must be a way!" She leaned over the desk at him.
They glowered at each other for a moment. In the corner of the room, Nakele, the first mate, calmly sharpened her knives. Though the roars that had filled the Captain's chambers all morning easily reverberated through every metal bone of the ship, the rest of the crew remained as aloof as Nakele. Arguments like this were common between the Captain and "Cross Chris".
The skipper sighed and rubbed his face with his hands. Most of his hair was long, but the shorter locks in the front would stick up at all angles when he agitatedly ran his fingers through them. Awkwardly he tried to pat them back down. "Aye, of course there's a way, but I wouldn't be damned foolish enough to try it."
"Christof, have you looked at the guest roster? Personal invitations from Lord Damian, the Duke of Tortall, to countless pirates turned merchant." She spat for emphasis. "Countless fat ships left neatly in a row, ready for the plunder."
"Captain, how do you expect to raid the richest ships on the richest island in all of Aria and escape undetected? Nakele has the softest hands I know, but not that soft." His tone was that of a weak protest. Erica knew that he had already began concocting a plan, he was just too stubborn to admit it.
Nakele raised her head at the sound of her name. The women exchanged glances. "Do you think you can do it?"
The first mate shrugged casually. "With a sound plan, I could lift the crown from the King's very head, and he would not pause from his tea," she spat in derision, "God save his Majesty."
"God save the King," the other two murmured hollowly.
Erica turned to Chris once more. "Well? We only have three days."
He hesitated. "I have a plan lass, but ye ain't going to like it."
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"Be still Erica!" Nakele swatted the back of the captain's head again before returning her eyes to her work. She pulled on corset laces with two strong hands, cinching it tight.
"I still don't know why I'm the one who has to wear this stupid frilly frock," Erica grumbled, holding onto her bedpost for dear life as her first mate yanked at the contraption about her middle.
"You are the only one who can," Nakele replied shortly. "Now sit down."
Erica's sarcasm was bitter as she counted the reasons off on her fingers. "The men are too supicious, the few other girls we have on board are either to country or too young, and you," she winced as Nakele started on her hair, "you're too black."
"Thank you for reminding me." With careful fingers Nakele set aside the feathers and beads that usually adorned Erica's hair. She eyed the waves of blonde hair, spliced with a few orange strands. With a sigh she began the long process of brushing, pinning, and powdering that the hair would require.
"This plan sucks," her captive captain complained. "I mean, Christof has made some terrible plans before, but this one has to be the worst."
"You know it is a good plan." And in fact, it was. Erica would enter the party as the highly eligible daughter of a wealthy Lord, along with her own personal "guard". Their presence would serve two functions; distraction and observation. If they could keep anyone from leaving the gathering too soon, the chances for success would be far greater. Meanwhile, Cross Chris, Nakele, and the rest of the crew would be emptying cargo holds.
If all went as planned, they would slip easily into the night.
They passed the next several minutes in silence, the hiss of the comb and the brush filling the companionable quiet of the Captain's quarters. With the last pins in place, and the ornate green Metal combs gently settled in her hair, Nakele moved to powder and rouge Erica's bronze skin.
Without thinking, Erica caught Nakele's hand and brushed her fingers across her lips. The affectionate act was one of friendship, nothing more. "I would feel better if you could come with me."
Nakele blushed under her dark skin. "You know I can't do that. I have to keep these clumsy pirates from alerting the guards by mistake."
"I know," Erica sighed. "I know."
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Later that night, the Fairbreeze set down briefly on Tortall, dropping off a handful of its passngers. Erica and her escort of five would arrive at Lord Damian's estate by carriage. Some time after the heist would begin.
In a rustle of skirts the Captain disembarked from he vessel, resplendent in green silk accented with gold thread and green Metal. Chris helped her down, ruddy with surprise. "Yer gorgeous lass."
"Oh shove off Christof," she muttered darkly.
"Aye, she's a ghost of herself, Criss Cross." A clever lad named , of all things, Tracy, winked at the skipper. He was to be part of the Captain's escort. Indeed, with all the hair and face powder, Erica did appear like a ghost.
Tracy received dark scowls from both of them for his observation. "Keep yer head low if you can. God willing, we'll be in and out in a jiff." Chris clasped her hand firmly.
"I'll take that as a promise." And with that, the two groups parted, the Fairbreeze pulling silently away from the island as the carriage rumbled to the hill of lights that marked their destination.
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Post by mewsara100 on Feb 6, 2013 21:23:01 GMT -5
"You realize just how dangerous this is, don't you?" There was a glimmer of unease in his tone as he addressed Nikolai. His lavender pupils sharpened as he took in his half brother. In one hand, Alistair held the coarse parchment on which an invitation had been issued in the swells and elegant curves of noble penmanship. He had, of course, forged it himself-to his neverending pride.
Still, how had he allowed Nikolai to talk him into such a plot? He considered the younger man a moment and allowed his free hand to play thoughtlessly with the single blond braid that ran across his shoulder and over the threadbare cloth of his rich purple overcoat. His eyes-a darker shade of violet than the coat, warmed in amusement. He might have been harsh, he thought...but Nikolai had him beat when it came to wits. He'd fallen right into his brother's plans-but that wasn't unusual.
Nikolai's tall, lean body stood beside Alistair's battered red reading chair-the chair he'd managed to stuff haphazardly into their tiny flop. "I wouldn't ask you to forge the document unless I was sure I knew what I was doing. You know me better than that by now." Unlike Alistair-whose elegantly disgruntled appearance was almost that of a true-blooded nobleman, there was something animal, something wild in the flicker of amusement in Nikolai's jade eyes.
Silence filled the room then and Nikolai turned on his heel in the small, cramped space to kneel next to the small bot-bellied furnace in the corner of the room. It was-like the rest of the city, a hand-me-down from a more primitive time-a time when the world wasn't mastered by steam...or not as much, at least. Still, it was the thing he loved most about the rundown shack. It made things smell nice. He poked at the iron beast a moment with a long metal rod, pushing around small bricks of compacted saw-dust to extract more heat.
Behind him, he could hear Alistair shuffling about, lifting things up and setting them back down. Ten years they'd been together, and still he'd yet to understand his half-brother's fascination with small trinkets. That was what took up most of the room, after all-trinkets they'd stolen-interesting or otherwise bizarre scraps of copper and brass. It was, he thought, what made his brother such a talented thief.
"If we go, you've got to promise you won't steal anything too obvious." Alistair's voice was in his ear now, and too late he realized that the blond had knelt down next to him to stare over his shoulder. Those violet eyes watched him, always curious and always somewhat chilled.
Nikolai made a face, but already he knew he wouldn't be able to agree. After all, to him it wasn't the value of the item, but the difficulty he faced while obtaining it. He enjoyed that thrill-enjoyed using his wits to get him there. It was thrilling to know he could smile like a gentleman and lie like a rug at the same time. After another long pause, he felt his lips twitch. Just say it, he reminded himself firmly. Just promise it!
He spoke without thinking after a moment and gritted his teeth immediately afterward. "I swear on my honor that I won't get caught." The guilt was there, but that wasn't unusual. It was fleeting, because what reason did a bastard gypsy have for telling the truth? He doubted Alistair believed a word of it, but the reassuring squeeze to his shoulder felt nice.
Well, Alistair thought, staring at Nikolai's reflection in the chipped mirror that hung precariously from one wall of the flop. His brother cleaned up nicely. Just like a noble, he thought with a broad streak of pride. The clothes, he boasted silently, were his finest work, as were the jewels.
Had he made the clothes? No. Had he mined or earned the Metal used in the jewelry? ...nope, not one piece. Had he stolen all of it in one fell swoop? Yes, yes he had. His gaze sharpened and became cold once more as he slid the midnight blue velvet over Nikolai's black vest and white shirt. "Your frock is crooked. Secure it with the green Metal broach, won't you?" he muttered, tailoring the coat with thread and needle.
Nikolai huffed and his fingertips moved up to run uneasily along the low tail Alistair had made of his dark hair. It was, like the broach he wore, secured with green Metal. He didn't doubt some of it was fake...but it looked real enough. After all, a thief was too suspicious to flaunt his plunder at such an event. Besides the soft, thin fabric of the black slacks, or the sturdy, well made soles of the dress shoes, he supposed he looked 'noble' enough.
After all, he never brushed his hair-not usually, at least. Now, though, it felt so...soft. Too soft, he thought and cringed. His face had been scrubbed, and he smelled...strange. Like fire, he thought and sniffed his sleeve. Yes, like fire. The clothes smelled clean, and the cologne smelled expensive. In all, he wanted to gag.
Alistair had hoped to keep his amused grin to himself. As he tightened the cloth around Nikolai's neck, though, it positively beamed from his lips. If Nikolai insisted on going, then he'd enjoy teasing him. "Now remember what you promised, Niko...and I wish I could go with you." He gestured vaguely to his ears and his smile turned uneasy. Different islands had different opinions on elves. He wasn't about to take chances. "Now go-the ferry is about to dock and you can go to the island if you hurry."
Just like that Nikolai bustled out the door and nearly tripped over himself in the process. Damn, those new shoes... He was used to his boots... Still, he endured the ferry-ride with a calm smile, grateful to have hit ground at last as he stepped off.
He wasn't there to steal anything big, he reminded himself. He wasn't there to get caught, either. His grip on the invitation tightened and he gulped, beginning to move through town. If a valuable enough find presents enough of a challenge, then he might consider it. Until then, though, he supposed pick pocketing would do him just fine. After all, he had the sly hands for it.
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Post by Captain Erica Skylar on Mar 8, 2013 17:25:30 GMT -5
Erica took in deep gulps of air against the rocking of the carriage, trying to swallow her nausea. On any other craft, her stomach held true, but something about carriages always sent her belly into a fit. Perhaps it's nerves? she mused to herself. Or maybe it was the stuffiness of the carriage. Already she missed the open sky.
After what seemed like an eternity, the handsome carriage shuddered to a halt inside the handsome gates of Lord Damian's handsome estate. One of her "guards" opened the carriage door while Tracy gallantly offered his hand to Erica. "Careful, Madam," he spoke to her in a low voice. "You are looking a bit too green."
She blushed out of embarrassment and annoyance as she stepped out of the vehicle. The night air seemed to restore her a bit, and she let Tracy escort her up the wide marble stairs. The rest of her men would use the servants' entrance to station themselves appropriately, but it was their job to make the grand entrance.
Remembering this, Erica stood taller, attempting to conjure that glowing and yet disinterested air that saturated the mannerisms of the noblewomen attending. Tracy's roguish smile glinted near her ear. "I'd relax if I was you, Madam. Yer making the most awful face."
Erica's surprise smoothed the frown out of her brow. "No worse than you, I'd expect. You smile like a thief." She beamed falsely, attempting to keep up appearances. To her relief, they were almost to the top of the stairs. Moving in this get-up was a nightmare.
Tracy chuckled warmly as he helped her up the last few steps. "I am but a humble knight, m'lady. I am not expected to be much more than a thief." Merriment twinkled in his eyes. Some of the tension released inside Erica's belly. Tracy's somewhat impish nature calmed her mind.
The herald, garbed with the colors of Tortall in a delicately purple suit with ivory Metal buttons, cleared his throat expectantly.
Tracy inclined his head towards the herald, retrieving their invitation from the inside pocket of his dinner jacket. "Miss Catherine, Lady of Duraleigh," he introduced charmingly.
The permanent sneer on the herald's face seemed to grow deeper, his eyes glazed over in a haughty and disinterested way. Tracy took Erica's arm once more as they were announced.
"Miss Catherine, Lady of Duraleigh, daughter of Lord Frederick and Lady Alanna, Duke and Duchess of Duraleigh, and her escort, Sir Hugh of Tracy, knight of Duraleigh." Heads turned, taking in the highly eligible and attractive Miss Catherine. Erica's heart caught in her throat and in sheer panic she forgot to move.
Tracy steered her gently down the stairs, and the murmur of voices rose to a chatter once more. Once at the bottom of the staircase, she gave him an appreciative look, but asked, "Hugh of Tracy? That is what you all decided to write on the invite?"
"In truth Tracy of Hugh," he winced, walking with her slowly around the edge of the ballroom. "They do not really pay attention if there is anything less than Lord in front of your name."
Erica sighed. "Too terribly true. I suppose we must make ourselves sociable now, right?
"Why yes. You are playing tantalizing bachelorette tonight."
"Don't remind me," she said, rolling her eyes.
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The Fairbreeze hovered silently over the island, basking in the light of the stars. Such a clear and pretty sky was unfortunate for the crew, as the ship had to lurk farther away from the estate than they would have liked.
And that meant Nakele remained glued to the spyglass while Cross Chris was reduced to pacing the decks agitatedly."Well lass, what dya see?" he sputtered after another long wait.
Nakele stared without movement or sound or several seconds more. "They made it inside."
"All of them? Has anyone been caught? No trouble yet, right?" He tugged at his hair and spun slowly on one heel.
Nakele blinked calmly then slowly turn her head towards Christoph without moving the spyglass. "The lads are going around back, otherwise I cannot say." She resumed her surveillance duties.
"Aw, bugger off, you! How kin you be so calm about this?" he huffed spitefully.
"I trust my Captain. And I trust you, even if you do not trust me."
Chris worked his lips for a moment before words finally spilled out. "Trust me? What've I got anything to do with it?"
"It's your plan," she said plaicidly. "Otherwise you would not be so ruffled."
He grew almost blue in the face. "Ruffled? Woman, don't tell me I'm ruffled. Gentleladies get rufled! Men get mad or or impatient or sometimes nervous. Don't go calling me ruffled." He crossed his arms and leaned against the rail.
A soft smile touched Nakele's lips. "It will be several hours before we can move. Rest, Skipper." She walked below-decks. "And that is an order!"
Chistoph scowled in her direction long after she had gone, muttering darkly to himself as he took a big tog of gin. "Orders my lily-white ass," he grumbled.
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Post by mewsara100 on Mar 15, 2013 18:18:50 GMT -5
Enormous, he thought, forcing himself not to stand about and gawk at the ferry port. Stepping off the boat with the surety of someone who'd done it thousands of times before, he noted the surrounding patrons as they exited. Young men and women-all stately and bright-eyed-shuffled towards awaiting carriages. These were his fellow guests, he assumed and ran his fingertips gingerly along the forged invitation. He hoped beyond anything he'd ever hoped for that Alistair was as good as he boasted with his forgery.
The coat, the boots, the cloth about his neck-it was stiff-crisp and suffocating... Oh, how he abhorred such frivolous things...but this could earn him a nice keep indeed. Enough to fix the small ship they did own-one for sport (as it stated on the forged licence that accompanied it). Or maybe a few month's bread and a better flat? Suddenly the stiffness of the cloth didn't hold so much trouble to his mind. Maybe they could finally travel to an island that would, for sure, accept Alistair-him being what he was.
As he neared the awaiting carriages, he was faced with a decision. Should he attempt to convince a driver that he was-indeed-invited? Not sure if they'd been positioned there by the royalty that would attend, or if they had been sent out by the owner of the estate to gather guests, Nikolai heaved a deep sigh and reached for the letter. A stout, ruddy faced gargoyle of a man eyed him suspiciously a moment. He could barely catch the glossy blue of a glass eye and-to his surprise-it amused him. The man had been stuffed into a powdery white wig and dressed in something frilly that made his own wardrobe appear fairly plain-something he suddenly found himself grateful for. The round man scowled, and his tiny fingers tightened on the reigns of a horse. "State-chur business, kid. Ya ain't got nun hur..."
"I come seeking a ride to the Damian Estate," he called , suddenly feeling playful. Perhaps this night would indeed turn out well. He reached into his pocket without fumbling now and held up the letter. He watched the man squint to read it, but he already knew he didn't care.
Instead, the man's face lit up. For a moment, he wondered why...and then he noticed it too. There was a dagger in his boot. He'd put it there just in case-a precaution that was habbit for him. He wasn't about to admit that he had another in his belt, or up his sleeve, but it was too late to hide the one in his boot. "For protection," he assured, holding up his free hand in defense.
This further amused the man, it seemed, for he threw back his powdery white hairpiece and his toothless mouth opened into a mad howl of pleasure. His ruddy face grew crimson now, and he had to swipe at his eyes with the sleeve of his hand before calming back down. The horse glanced back, as if he were used to the outbreaks of laughter. Judging by the flask in the man's own belt, it wasn't difficult for Nikolai to understand why.
"Yer a slick'n, aint'cha? I like yer type, boy. Get in, I'll give ya a ride... Ain't seen many thieves try for this hellhole before-but ya got slick fingers."
He wasn't about to question it. The man was past middle age and drunk off his horse-so to speak-so Nikolai grinned back and got in. Nobody else, he realized with relief. No one else outside the carriage.
The ride was relatively calm-relatively quiet except the cackle of the driver as he talked to himself. Nikolai was past the point of fear, though. Sitting back in his seat, he yawned and rolled his shoulders. This COULD go terribly wrong, he thought to himself and sighed. If it did, he'd be the first one to run away.
The estate was even more brilliant up close, he thought, gawking once more. The heavy weight of nervousness settled upon him again, and he moved stiffly to get out of the carriage. He could still hear the man cackling, and he didn't glance back as the carriage moved away. This was it, he thought, feeling the boots moving on their own.
All around him, he was keenly aware of the glances, the whispered gossip and the flitter of fans over female faces. He was no expert in gentlemanly behavior, but he'd flirted his share. Tossing that flirtatiously inviting smile over his shoulder at a group of women, he knew it was the right move. Instantly, it felt as though he'd found a way to blend. He handed the invitation to the man inside, forcing himself to act oblivious to the sneer.
"I apologize for my tardiness." He smiled courteously, casting a glance into the ballroom. The colors, he thought in mild appreciation. If he could pick pocket even some of the rare metals here, then he'd be set for a while.
Alistair stood in the middle of the clutter that was their shared flat/hideaway. Hands fisted around one another behind his back, he paced the room. He continued to glance at the pile of clothes on the chair-remembering telling Nikolai to go dressed in such a stiff coat. He'd have trouble drawing his knives, he thought and gritted his teeth some. Oh, the things that could go wrong. What if he messed up the forgery? It was an impossibility, he thought-but it could still happen.
His blond braid swung behind him as he paced-tiptoing around piles of clutter. He moved then to the boarded up window to peak out at the glow of the dock in the evening light. The ferry had left, he thought, flopping down on the chair. At least Nikolai had remembered his knives...
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Post by Ayla, The Grimm Princess on Mar 23, 2013 21:55:11 GMT -5
"Take him to the dungeons at once," he said with a swish of his naval blade in demonstration of his proud efforts capture a well wanted pirate. "Such a pity, Romulus Hook, also know as The Captain Wolf, I knew pirate scum such as yourself would dare try and invite themselves into my friend, The Duke's, ball however I always imagined a 'Wolf' being much more difficult to capture." He chuckled as the royal guards dragged the dreaded pirate off.
"My, my Commodore Jonah," Lord Damien, The Duke of Tortall said walking up to his friend, wearing his traditional dress of pale and violet. "Do they ever dare give you the day to rest?"
"Not a one, My Lord" Jonah said sheathing his blade with a smile before bowing to The Duke.
"Oh no," said The Duke waving his hand in unison with his shaking head. "Do not bow yourself to me, my friend, besides it is I who should bow to you. You just arrested a blood thirsty pirate under my watch, one who slipped into my estate uninvited. I thank you dearly." He offered The Commodore a hand to shake and as Jonah lifted from his bow he took the hand firmly and shook it well.
"It is but my duty, My Lord," he said with a chuckle. "I am but thankful I found him without him noticing me."
"Indeed," said the Duke. "Spira forbid you get into a tussle and ruin your best dress suit." As if by instinct, Jonah brushed off the naval uniform of Red and Grey.
"Yes that would be unfortunate," he said smiling as he looked up. It was then and only then his eye had been caught by another guest. A frown at first was replaced with a smile. "If you will excuse me, my wonderful host, but an old acquaintance of mine just arrived and I have been meaning to thank her for some time."
He began to leave but as he did the Duke said to him, "Alright, my friend, but won't you join me in an hour to see The Sky Dancers preform? It would please me to no end if you would sit with my family in our balcony viewing box."
The Commodore smiled and turned to bow to the Duke.
"It would be my honour, after all, my date is Nathiane and to witness her preform from the comfort of your company would give me no greater delight."
The Duke almost stumbled at her name and chuckled.
"My, my, you always were well with the ladies, but to court Nathaine The Butterfly of The Sky Dancers is quite unexpected," he smiled with content. "I will let my guards know to show you the way in, say half an hour?"
"Of course, My Lord," he said rising from his bow, a smile upon his lips. "I will see you then."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Lady Catherie, is it?" he asked the fair maiden with a peck on her hand. "It is an honour to meet the famous Bachelorette of Duraleigh." He smiled warmly at her. "Do you not recall my face or name? I am Commodore Jonah, we met at the famous Shepherd's Glen while the Great Steel Dancer defeated Nero and his Three Blades." He smirked slightly at the memory of chasing the lady he saw before him, Captain Erika Skylar down for piracy that day. "Fret not, I am only here to talk." He said to reassure the disguised pirate captain that he had no intentions of arresting her on this night. "I wanted to share a bit of information about a certain pirate in your home island of Duraleigh, Captain Skylar is her name, I believe you've heard it."
"I have indeed," was the answer.
"Good, good," he said clasping his hands behind his back. He took a couple of steps away looking at the party guests. "Then I hope you will take this news to your home and share it with your fellow citizens, she will not be hunted any more as of yet."
"Oh?"
"See, thus far, Erika has only participated in dishonourable acts of piracy, the highest of which is steeling from another pirate. Thanks to her efforts, Captains James The Giant and Cut-Throat Carrie have been both arrested. See, when she attacks other pirates, she leaves their vessels very damaged and nearly impossible to steer or even to accelerate which, if a predator such as The R.S.S. Anaconda makes their vessel sitting prey. I have even had the honour of watching Captain Bone Jones go done into fire with his ship." He chuckled to himself as he remembered the event.
"What's the use in saying all of this to us?" her body guard asked. Jonah turned to face them, his smirk more deviant and confident than ever.
"Because there are rumours The Green Lady of Duraleigh is going to attacked by her and, since it is in the nation of Aria's best interests to leave Captain Erica free until she helps us exterminate the last of the pirate infestation, you might need to seek another way to keep your home-island's idol safe." He gave a quick nod and said, "If you'll excuse me." As he began to leave he turned and added, "You really should stay to see the performance of The Sky Dancing Circus, they will be clearing the center of this main hall for the occasion. It is a show to die for."
He walked until he was out of ear shot and stopped at a young woman who wore a pink gown with a pink fan covering her face. Her brown hair was tied up into a elegant bun.
"Did I not hear that the performance you star in begins in but, half an hour?" he said checking his pocket watch.
Nathaine giggled, it was light and care-free. She snapped the fan closed and with a smile looked at her Commander.
"I wore my uniform underneath," she said. Her eyes were huge and they almost smiled with her lips. "Besides I wanted to see her, The Shadow Pirate. She is after all my next target, isn't she?"
"Indeed she is," Commodore Jonah said with a chuckle. "I'll be with The Duke as we planned." He moved to stand next to her against the wall looking out into the party guests. "So, Nathaine, how many?"
"His security is easy to slip," she said with a giggle. "But then again, we planned it that way. Leaking the formula to make a forged invitation was a great idea sir. All the pirates and thieves in the nation will try and use this to their advantage, gathering quick but high loot as we just sit back and wait patiently until they leave where we have them followed to their vessels and take them down. More than half of the remaining pirates are captured over night."
"Nathaine," Commodore Jonah said to remind her to stay focused. Nathaine smiled nervously.
"Sorry Sir," she said. "I've seen three from BlackBeard's crew, one of Geisha Twins is here, Nick the Notorious is here with two crew-mates, three captains from The Rogue Hawk Fleet are here and otherwise it looks like just a dozen common thieves. Oh, and Nikolai just entered about fifteen minutes ago. What's the plan on him by the way sir?"
"Where is he?" Jonah asked.
"Well, I heard the Harold call his alias a bit ago, I don't see him right now," she said and with a sigh added. "Gosh he's cute."
"Nothing for now then," and with a scoff, Jonah added. "He is well contained as long as he plans to stay in the company of his filthy half brother. Now, if you'll excuse me Nathaine, I will be in The Duke's Balcony."
"Yeah," she said scratching the back of her head nervously smiling. "I should get back to the circus group, they're worried about me."
He bowed and she curtsied as they left each other's company.
She turned down one of the many vast hallways and began looking for the room her circus group resided in.
"I knew I should have drawn a map," she said after five minutes of trying room after room. "Ring Leader is gonna kill me for sure if I arrive late again."
"Lost little girl?" a rough voice said. She turned to face the voice and there stood Nick the Notorious, Pirate Lord. He was obviously sober, for once, and he wore a red coat that parted just at his knees. His face held a scar that crossed his left eye under a very brimmed hat that held a feather. His right hand had been cut clean and in its place a mechanic implanted hand held the hilt of his sword instead.
"Yeah," she said oblivious as always. "I'm kinda in a hurry too, so could you tell me where the Sky Dancing Circus group went?"
"She'll do," he said as his two henchmen appeared from the shadows behind her. The smirk that shown on her face was seen by Nick for only a mere second. With lightning reflexes and precise aim she used her first two forefingers on both hands, and, with extreme accuracy, struck both henchmen in several places up their spin, in their ribs and arms and legs, all of course, in no more then ten seconds' time. They fell limber and, essentially, paralysed onto their knees, then flat on their faces. She then turned to Nick and with equally quick movements tore off her dress drawing a kuni blade from the circus sweats underneath, pinning him into the wall, the blade tip at his throat. She smiled, as if it was all just a game. Her face never lost her innocent look after the smirk faded again.
"So, the circus group?" she asked batting her eyes as she kept kuni steady at Nick the Notorious's throat. His eyes were wide with fear and his knees shook with panic. He pointed a shaky left hand to his right.
"Th-th-that-t-t-t wwwway," he finally managed to say. She smiled with closed eyes as she round into a spin kicking him into the wall. He fell passed out.
"Thank you," she said with the same closed eyed smile of contentment before realizing she had just knocked him out. "Oops, not again. Gah, I never get to thank anyone." She grumbled a narrow-eyed frown to herself. "They must all hate me and think I'm rude." She sighed. "I guess I'll have to leave them here," she said with a shrug. "After all the plan only works if they make it back to their ships. Oh! The Circus Group!" She said running off to the left. "I'm gonna be late for sure now!" She ran frantically with a wide eyed look of panic, of course, stopping finally realizing she was running the wrong way. "Gah I'm so stupid!" she said turning around to run the other way.
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Post by mewsara100 on Mar 24, 2013 19:49:49 GMT -5
Grand, he thought with mild amusement. Enormous, the ballroom was intricately decorated and filled with all manner of well-dressed nobility. He listened as the herald called his alias-a name he tried not to use often-in fear of any connection being made. Instantly, he noticed the wave of recognition from the crowd-as it had happened to so many other well-known thieves who had-coincidentally-also found their way into the ball. Many guests recognized him-and he supposed it should have flattered him. He wasn't there to do much harm, though...he hoped.
His suspicions rose with his hypothetical hackles as he descended the grand staircase and into the ocean of rolling, cresting, swirling color. Compared to many, his fairly plane coat and boots were less than appropriate. They were still somewhat frayed-still somewhat dull in comparison.
It hardly mattered, though. Almost as soon as his booted feet hit the sleek, shiny floor, his jade pupil's zeroed in on every shining, glamorous piece of jewelry-every stunningly intricate and very expensive decoration. He had to resist the urge to pluck some of the higher priced items right from under the raised noses of the guests. It was an impulse he'd worked long and hard to suppress. He refused to let others prove his and Alistair's reputations right...
He glanced up, watching silently as a man in a red and grey naval uniform passed. He recognized him almost immediately as Commodore Jonah and promptly stepped back. Had it been Alistair in his place, the blond might have picked a fight. They'd, needless to say, gotten into a bit of trouble with the man before-not enough to be arrested-but still...
He took a long moment to study the man's back, eyes narrowed distrustfully. It was no secret that the man thought of Alistair as filthy, Nikolai as well for being related to him. He bared his teeth a moment before quickly smoothing out his disgusted expression. He had to get to wait for the guests to drink themselves into a stupor. Perhaps he would pick pocket during the sky circus performance? It seemed the best time.
He turned after a moment, spotting a pink streak down a nearby hallway. His eyes narrowed curiously as he stepped lightly through the crowds, studying faces and picking out marks as he reached the hall. He followed the young woman-a lady others had referred to earlier as Nathaine. She was pretty, he thought with peaked curiosity. He had to quickly tamp it down and press his back flush against the edge of the wall as he listened to Notorious Nick speak from around the corner.
He peaked out to watch and his eyes widened in astonishment at the woman's quick reflexes. He might have applauded her performance, had he not been laying low. He waited until she'd walked on to follow, stepping with silent, catlike reflexes over the unconscious pirate. Being the best at what he did meant stealth, after all. He followed her a while, and only then did it register what she'd worn under her dress. His cheeks flushed lightly before quickly he regained himself. A soldier? He'd have to be very...
He blinked, eyes wide as he rounded the corner. The impact of his body against that of another person sent him tilting and flailing backwards, grasping for anything to steady himself. He toppled, rubbing his head gingerly as he stared up. Nathaine...
Well, he thought. Careful was out of the question now. He'd have to be sly. "Ah...I'm terribly sorry, miss. I'm afraid I was not watching where I was going. You wouldn't happen to have seen a little girl running through the hallway? Her parents are very worried, and I've been searching for her for a while now." The lie slid so easily from his lips-like water from a fountain. He smiled timidly-harmlessly, and bowed at the waist to her. "It is a great privilege to meet someone as beautiful as yourself, miss."
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yami
Ranger
Guardian
Posts: 21
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Post by yami on Mar 24, 2013 21:25:34 GMT -5
Her body almost moved on its own as she danced about the stage, flinging daggers up in the air, catching them on their way down with her feet as she swung herself around in the flashiest way possible. These people, people of this class, rarely paid mind to entertainment unless it was worthy of attention. Her convoy had never been happier to receive a request to perform at such a gathering as this, however, it also meant that there could be no slip ups. If they were to continue on from here, they would need to coin. The best way to get the coin, was to impress as many of the guests as possible.
Again daggers were thrust up into the air, numbering now five as she danced around the stage to the beat of several musical instruments, her movements in time with the beat of the song. If her act was good enough, she would look entrancing enough in her actions for many of these esteemed guests to stay and watch. There was of course that slight fear in the back of her mind, the fear that her family might be here, and recognize her. But she kept her cool in the knowledge that even if they were here, they wouldn't expect their daughter to be doing anything akin to what she was. Dancing about a stage, juggling blades.
Again she caught two blades with her feet, before sending them back up into the air, catching the rest with her hands, before using those to catch the two she had just sent sailing upwards. She stopped in her movements, her breathing slight as she held the blades skyward her eyes lowered towards the ground and her feet crossed as was typical for such a performance. Her task for now was complete and several applause sounded around the ballroom. Not as many as she had hoped, but it would be enough for now. People were still filling in after all. With a slight bow she flipped backwards as the stage curtain closed.
There she nodded towards her captain, leaving him before he could utter a single word of criticism to her. She honestly couldn't care less what the man had to say. All she cared for at this moment in time was acquiring herself a drink. She had earned it as far as she was concerned. As such she was swift in returning to her quarters and grabbing a small pouch of coin. Nothing too grand, but it would be enough for a drink and some food. She was no party guest, but the performers were still welcome to pleasures, so long as they could pay. Many of her crew had saved up their money just for this occasion when they had heard the news that they were requested to perform here. A grand day indeed this was turning out to be.
***
The time had passed rather swiftly she found as she wove her way in and out of the richer folk abound as such meetings. The woman were dressed in gowns of silver gold and Sapphire, the very manner of most of them embedded with several fine jewels, the rest had intricate trim, patterns swirling along the fine cloth, most of which was silk. They all looked beautiful, and none of them paid her, a small form wearing no shoes, and dressed very much as one would expect a circus performer such as herself to dress, any mind. Her bare feet pittered quietly across the floor in stark contrast to the clicking of heels of the woman. One woman in particular though, caught her attention, both for her beauty and the dangerous glint within her eyes. A glint of unease, of fear that something they were up to might be discovered. She knew such a look well enough. She had worn a similar expression all those days ago. She searched her memory for the woman's name. All guests of importance had their name announced as they entered after all. Lady Caterina? Something like that. She would have gone up to the woman and inquired if she would like anything, as a way to make idol conversation. But such a foolish thought was completely crushed as she saw the rather well known form of Commodore Jonah, a vile excuse for a man...or so her father had always told her. As such she thought nothing of weaving her way around the good Lady Caterina, through more bodies, her eyes catching sight of but for a moment, a man weaving his way through the crowd, away from the vile Commodore. Her curiosity piqued yet again as she lightly pranced her way after him, still weaving in and out of the crowd.
She still had time before it was once more her turn to perform again. As such she had plenty of time to sate her pallet for the unknown, a hunger which only grew as she noted he was moving away from the crowd. Towards the backstage area in fact. "What is your game?" the words were barely a whisper, and barely audible even to her ears. She quietly tapped along after him, watching him even as be began to speak to another, she did not yet see. If whomever he was speaking to was not a member of the actual stage act, she would have to tell them both to leave. For the moment, however, she would merely listen. Attempt to see what was going on.
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Post by Captain Erica Skylar on Apr 1, 2013 13:08:30 GMT -5
Erica wilted slightly with relief as the Commodore took his leave. Inside, she was trying. "Something is off, Tracy," she breathed, ignoring the sinuous snakes of guilt that the officer had unleashed into her belly.
"Aye, that there is milady." He touched his cap, then his throat, then his belly, an old sailor's trick to ward off evil. "Though we can't stop now, and by all my means, Captain, it seems he won't stop us either. Perhaps we should signal the ship? This sky prancing performance should provide the distraction we were hoping for."
"Yes, go ahead," she murmured distractedly. She blotted the sweat from her brow with her frilly little handkerchief. Already her tan was beginning to show through her make-up. She lifted her head as the knife dancer passed, distracted momentarily, though she quickly returned to her thoughts.
Tracy sent a casual eye around the room until her locked eyes with another crewman. Very subtly, he gave them a nod before turning back to his Captain. He resumed his knightly tone. "Aren't you feeling well, Lady Catherine?"
Her eyes followed their messenger until he made it safely outside. "Yes, just a bit out of my element. Our dear Commodore was certainly forceful, though, wasn't he?" She pasted a charming smile on. "Me? Spectating at a Great Steel Dancer match? The very nerve." She gave a tittering, if strained laugh.
"Aye, Milady, I could not picture you...ah...spectatin'." Tracy remained stone-faced as he proffered his arm. "I expect several young gentlemen are anxious for a dance before the show. Shall I take you to them?"
Erica had to restrain herself mightily to keep from rolling her eyes. "Lead on," she groaned.
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The crewman nervously stood outside, fiddling with a pink camelia in his hands. Pink was the thirty minutes to go signal. A red one would call it off. He fidgeted and sighed, hoping he would be seen by the ship. When it touched down, he would remain on look out until the Fairbreeze took to the sky once more. Then he must alert Erica and then all of them could get the hell out of here.
Needless to say, the young lad was nervous. This was more responsibility than the Captain had ever given him.
"'ey lover boy, what're you doing out here?" The cabin boy jumped and turned. A few other foot servants had come outside as well, looking markedly more relaxed. The one who spoke was big and gruff looking.
"L-lover boy?" His voice cracked, going high and squeaky. "Whadya, lover boy?"
The biggest foot servant gave a great bellowing laugh and the other two, chuckling, flopped on the grass."That flower in yer hands, boy! Don't tell me yee've taken a fancy to one o' the maiden girls?"
"Oh, oh, oh, um...well yeah. Yeah I have," he lied, nervously blushing.
One of the younger boys, who had a great flop of white blonde hair, scowled good-naturedly at the Fairbreeze cabinboy. "It best not be my Ruth. Ah've been sweet on her forever."
The other boy, one with mousy brown hair, seemed disgrunlted that they were talking about Ruth again, though he didn't say anything. He did, however, seem keen on his young friend.
The big guy snorted. "Aye, and it's taken forever for ye to find yer stones long enough to tell 'er." "Hey!" Blondie threw a dishtowel at the older foot servant. "That ain't exactly fair Leon!"
"Alright, easy lad," Leon chuckled, catching the dishtowel. "I was jist messin' witcha, you know that Coppers." Leon cast a shrewd eye at the cabin boy. "So which one you have yer eye on?"
He flushed again, remembering the pretty redhead that had scooted past his Captain on the way to food. "Well I don't rightly know. It were one of the girls dressed in pink 'n red." He twirled the flower furiously between his fingers.
Coppers, who was starting to seem more and more rowdy, laughed and plucked the flower from his hands. "Woooo, boy, yer aiming yer sights high!" He waved the flower around, prancing about like a boy with a kite. The quiet boy smiled warmly up at silly Coppers "That girl's a sky dancer!"
"Hey! Give it back!" he cried. That fool-headed boy was going to ruin his signal!
"Now that's enough Coppers." Leon took the flower back. "Ye've had yer fun, Coppers." Coppers made a face, then flopped on the ground once more. With his large, meaty hands, Leon passed the slightly rumpled flower back to the cabinboy. "I'm sure she'll love it lad."
"Naw, he doesn't have a chance," the dark-haired boy spoke up. "Those girls ain't never gonna come down for the likes of us."
"And why not?" Leon cuffed the boy affectionately. "They be common folk like the rest of us. Ye boys think one of these prissy tender handed noble girls would run off 'n join the circus?" He gave his great bellowing laugh again, and all of them laughed along with him.
He looked down at the flower, smiling softly. Could he really get a girl to like him?
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In the air above Tortall, the ship waited. Unfortunately, they weren't also watching. A slightly drunken and cross Cross Chris frowned up at the sky from his seat on decks. "Why do ye have to be such a difficult lass?" he murmured to himself.
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Post by Ayla, The Grimm Princess on Apr 1, 2013 15:19:24 GMT -5
Nathaine almost fell backwards as well, but, being a creature of such grace she was able to catch herself before the fall by gripping the railing upon the wall. She held her head, it beat with pain and as her eyes opened her vision became double. She didn't hear the words said by the one whom she bumped into, she just fumbled around aimlessly going back the way she came before knocking herself between the eyes.
"Owwwww," she said in almost a drunken way.
And that road of course got her more lost than ever. Before she realized it, she was outside in the brisk air. Her vision returned to normal, though her head beat with pain. As she look outside at the property edge, which also marked the island's great cliff end, she nervously fumbled with her almost pyjama-looking outfit of red and pink. It often frustrated her that outfit looked so much like a uniform that was too loose and yet too well...fitting? It's how she was first found by the stiff commodore, go figure.
Let's face it, Nathaine wasn't really military material, so like many operatives, she didn't volunteer. She's been in the circus for much longer than the navy, it does pose a natural cover for her bounty-hunting secret life. Secret forced life that is.
It was dark and brisk and, of course she looked outwards over the cliff's edge, and therefore the best place to look as her eyes refocused. Nothing but endless dune seas of the horizon below...except...
"The Fairbreeze?" There, there is was, the Ghost Vessel herself. So wonderfully beautiful in Nathaine's opinion. "So...magnificent, the life of a pirate must be."
"That girl's a sky dancer!"
Her ears perked at the term, and, curiously as if by design she followed the sound of the voices until she was peaking around watching the scene play between the four foot servants. One she recognized as Terrick, the young cabin boy of the Fairbreeze, she had done her research on the Ghost Pirate Ship. And as she listened, her smile shown, for what she was about to do to some would seem like trickery, but I guess to Nathaine, it was called honesty.
She was, after all, tired of being an operative...she wanted her freedom...much like someone she knew who juggled knives.
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"And who says Mr. Terrick couldn't get one of us to fancy him?" she said rounding the corner, showing herself. She walked up, cutely, light on her feet, almost bouncing with each step. "I'd wager with his sweet heart he could have most of my circus group dying for him to court them." And, teasingly she tugged on his cheek with a pinch of her fingers. "That and he's so cute." She hugged him from behind, and when her mouth wasn't shown she whispered "If you can get me on the Fairbreeze, I will make sure my friend who juggles comes with."
She circled around to his side. "Now, we all have jobs and I'm late for mine, can any of you wonderful gentlemen point me the way to where my troop is set up? If so, he may be graced with a soft kiss upon my brow."
Please oh please oh please let this be the road to freedom!
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yami
Ranger
Guardian
Posts: 21
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Post by yami on Apr 2, 2013 11:14:30 GMT -5
She recognized the figure who stumbled dizzily past her, her pink attire nearly unmistakable in the circus. She pondered for a moment what had happened, and in her curiosity stumbled out of her hiding spot, and backed into a fairly well dressed man. A customer?! Crap, she turned around swiftly, forgetting her curiosity as she bowed apologetically.
"I am very sorry. Please fo-don't be mad." in her embarrassment she had nearly let her formal accent come back. She needed to maintain the disposition of a common folk, which meant little formalities as far as she was concerned.
She finally looked up into this eyes, and noted that they were beautiful. Absolutely endearing. Yet within those eyes she also saw nervousness. This man like the lady Catherine, seemed to be afraid of being discovered. She again found herself wondering just why that was.
"You really shouldn't be backstage like this sir. It is for our band only." she as politely as she observed most common-folk could, alerted him, her eyes wandering down to his shoes for a time, as she took in the whole of his outfit. It was at the shoes that her dark blue eyes lingered, observing the glint of a dagger there, and she had to struggle not to gasp. Hardly any nobles carried weapons on them, and those that did never carried them in their boots. They always proclaimed such a placement was more befitting of a thief.
She forced her eyes back up towards is, a small sheepish smiled yet again forced onto her face as she offered her hand. "Perhaps I can escort you back towards the party?" she would, she resolved, lead him back into the swarm of guests, and then leave him be. The last thing she wanted right now was to be caught up with a thief, not when she carried such a precious memento on her, that was also a precious metal. One of the most precious metals at that.
Her hands went unconsciously towards the necklace as she turned to lead the 'guest' back towards the crowd. She wouldn't give away that he was a potential thief to any guards, she would just let him wander into trouble all on his own. She could be in enough of her own as it was already.
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