”Why do you call me La Sirena?”

“Because there is more to you than you realize. Your potential is as fathomless as the ocean.”

The cryptic words had not been understood at the time Sadira had uttered them. Now, as she stood at the window of the rented rooms she inhabited in Grand City she understood all too well the reasoning behind the name, title really, La Sirena. For all that she was a seer she doubted highly Sadira had known the clue, the key, she had handed her in those two simple words. Though ever loyal and compliant in the public eye, or when around Sadira or Stativare, she'd used what little time she called her own to dig into just what Sadira wasn't telling her.

It had been a key that had unlocked more questions than answers, answers she knew she would not get from Sadira unless it suited the First Breed lady to give them. It might have proven more than the ever-composed concubine could endure if not for the appearance of the lust goddess, Callidora. A deal with struck between the divine lady and Stativare and as a result the lady descended to Hell to fulfill her end of the bargain; in Stativare's bed.

Sadira did not care for that, no not at all, and in her annoyance one day simply departed Stativare's circle of Hell, seemingly for good, taking any answers she might have been able to provide with her. Luckily she had not needed Sadira; Callidora in her long association with Morlis had more than enough information their family to satisfy what she'd hoped to learn. She owed a debt of gratitude to Callidora, truth be told, for she knew instinctively it had been she who had caused Stativare to grant her request to leave Hell. She would not be completely free, she was still under a sentence for having killed the demoness she'd thought was her mother, so she would act as Stativare's emissary outside of Hell when the need arose. The rest of her life was her's to do with as she pleased and he could no longer command her into his bed.

It was as free as she was likely to get any time soon and she seized it with both hands though she had not truly abandoned her desire for total freedom. It was at the very least a step in the right direction. But the question remained, where to go? Return to Earth, Venice in particular; it had been the first place she could think of but the life she'd led there had not ended well. In the end she'd chosen Aleris, a place where she had felt she would truly thrive, having taken the position of the Chronicle's Editor in Chief as well as a seat at the head of her family. It should have been perfect. Should have. Why return now, then? Because it still had potential.

She began to doubt herself when she arrived in Aleris only to find it in the midst of rebuilding after a massive war had destroyed a good portion of the land. Grand City was the place she'd called home until forced to the frozen wasteland of Arthuran after being taken into Stativare's household, and so it was to Grand City that she'd first gone. Information on what had happened was plentiful, many people eager to retell the tale of the epic war that had been waged right there in their own city. Repairs were well underway but there was much yet to be done and finding lodgings had taken some time. It was a bit of luck found her housed in what would normally be the guest house of an estate owned by a once wealthy merchant in Grand City. Struggling to repair and support his massive property he had been only too happy to take her gold in return for the use of his guest house while she sought her own land.

As is often the case women traveling alone, especially those who volunteer little to no information about themselves, drew attention and a fair amount of speculation but her demeanor did not invite questioning, the only name she gave that of La Sirena.

She quickly realized Grand City was not for her though the spirit of the town remained unbroken. It was not where she was meant to settle and daily she would depart her rented lodgings, a hired carriage waiting to take her throughout the continent of Eiler as she visited the various towns, searching for the place she knew she would eventually call home. It wasn't until she was forced to depart the carriage and board a narrow barge manned by a man with a single navigation pole that she felt she was close to finding it.

It was into the city of Joi that the bargeman took her. Once a totally dry city it had been covered in water when a massive tidal wave had overrun it. The water had receded somewhat but would never leave the city fully dry again. Rather than relocate or abandon their homes the artisans of Joi had begun construction on a canal system, ornate stone bridges taking shape to form walkways from building to building and between the few places within Joi that were dry. Though not exactly like Venice, to be sure, it was so similar she fell instantly in love. She'd always been happier living on the water and the ocean that now acted as the foundation for the water city of Joi would be close enough to offer comfort.

Her decision made she returned to Grand City, her cloaked figure seen that very night entering the offices of Land Management where she'd placed a bid for two plots of land within the city limits of Joi though somewhat on the outskirts so as to afford a bit of privacy. Luckily there was a manor in place so building would not be necessary though she had no doubt repairs would be required. It didn't matter, she knew it was the place for her and she but waited for her offer on the land to be approved and the deed placed in her hands.

Left with little to occupy her while she waited for the, understandably, slow government offices to get back to her on her offer for the land (they had more pressing matters to deal with these days) her mind often wandered to those one might have expected to be at her side. Hael, for example. With her freedom he had been granted his. Though still technically bound to her she had given him his freedom and leave to do with it as he pleased. Though they'd reconciled somewhat he was uncertain if he wished to join her and chose instead to take some time to decide for himself, for once. She could not fault him for it. Who was left, though? Her family? Hardly. Antonio no longer qualified, quite literally, and she had no idea where the rest of them were. She'd lost track of Salome when she'd been removed from hell at the same time as Najia. She'd been told only that Salome was safe.

As if she should accept their word on it. Asking one final boon of Callidora she'd asked the Goddess to get word to Salome letting her know Sarine was out of Hell and where she could be found. Who else was there to contact, really? No one knew what had happened to Medora, she'd vanished when Morlis had died as had most of Morlis' women. Antonio...he was not her family and she had no desire to lay eyes upon him again. Perhaps Hael would choose to join her but then again he may not.

She'd come to Aleris in a time when the land itself was renewing, starting over, to find a new beginning for herself. It seemed Aleris was the Land of New Beginnings and whether she made her way alone or with others at her side she was free now to create her path. To achieve all that those before her had failed to achieve.

She intended to make Morlis' legacy into a joke and look better than him doing it.

"You're not bound to this circle and can come and go. With Najia sent away, honestly there is no need for you to be here."

"But what of my sister, Sarine?"

"Don't worry about that, for now depart, Salome. Take the gifts you've been given including your freedom to wander and learn the truth. Remember your words past to me."

"Yes, Sir and thank you."

She had at first thought to go back to her fathers lands. Hell no, she'd had enough of his burning taint upon her that she'd almost seemed to rid herself of as soon as she learned she could.

Over the time spent to herself, she'd done a series of things. First, Andras, she'd given the imp male back to Stativare. She wanted nothing of morlis around her, that male was a constant reminder. As such, in perhaps a moment of sympathy she'd been granted a new companion from the house that would keep her company.

She didn't look to the new companion as a lover in that sense. He was there with a purpose which was to help her and she learned in leaps in bounds, he was no usual demon. He was a scholar and he pet her. It was just that simple, she had a companion to keep her company as she hated to be alone.

Learn the truth.

What the hell had that meant, it still bugged her as she settled into a small gazebo like room that Callidora had alloted her to borrow. She'd had absolutely no want to run around the temple. She'd run into some of her father's other children and there would be a fight on hand and she knew the goddess frowned on such things.

Honestly, she'd asked the goddess of the place and was told to talk to a woman on the temple grounds. A strange woman that stuck to the forest. What an odd place to find someone, but it saved her again wanting to get violent.

Salome was a hot head and then some. She'd caged it after the confrontation with the Mistress but when her collar had been snapped she was free and she was allowed to think all the violence she wanted, she'd not act on it.

The woman, Adriene waited there in the forest for her as she walked in a bundle of pink and tilted her head. "You look like my daughter but what they hell did they do to you?"

"What do you mean?"

"My daughter that Morlis took after she was born didn't look as you do, she looked as I do."

"My father's name was Morlis, my mother was his concubine Tessa. My name is Salome, can you explain why I was told to find the truth and to seek you out?"

"Your mother is -Not- Tessa, never was. You were taken from me as I wasn't deemed a good mother, in his opinion."

"Who the hell are you?"

"Adriene, the nymph of these woods, their guardian. You're half forest nymph."

A snort resonated from the tiny female as she crossed her arms over her ample chest. "Then why am I an imp, a pink imp at that?"

"Because your body shifted itself upon it's ruling party's demands. It's the curse of those that are under Morlis's bloodlines. Your body, your thoughts center around that creature."

"Then why do you insist I'm yours then?"

"Simple, touch a tree and see what it tells you."

Slender fingers went to the closest tree if nothing then to disapprove her. What she felt, saw was something entirely different. She relived the memories of Adriene, up to her birth.

"Her name will be Salome."

"I want her name to be Alura."

"It will be Salome and she'll be raised with me, you can't argue she'll ever every benefit. A rich doting father, plenty of attention."

"She needs to learn the ways of her people!"

"She'll learn MY ways, that is all Adriene."

She watched Morlis walk away with the child and the woman fall apart.

A tilting of her head as she looked to the woman a bit. "You didn't fight much did you. Did you love him that much?"

"Didn't you."

Ouch! She scowled and sat down. "What am I now?"

"You need to go to the creek and stare at your reflection, take a bath in the waters of your home. See what it reveals. The woods will talk to you as they always have, words you mistook for those demonic haunties and tried your dabbling and I do Mean DABBLING in the dark arts for your father's wantings."

Her companion silently studied and nodded standing guard as Salome walked to the water's edge and stripped bathing in the water.

Water sometimes is like a mirror, reflecting truth as the glammour around her faded. Could she still summon the little tail, definately. Could her hair fade pink, definately. But it wasn't whom she was. What she saw as she ran her wrang water from her hair was long soft brown strands and soft purple gaze like Adriene's. She looked alot like her and the child like apperance of her faded.

"So that's the truth of it all."

"You need to learn the way of the woods, please stay and learn with me... Salome.." She couldn't call the other woman daughter, she didn't have that right.

It had been months since the day all this had transpired. She'd stayed and tended the woods with Adriene, in a way found a bit of fondness for her, the stories, learning more of her father, about her self and more about the actuality.

Her hand strayed to a tree and it whispered of a messanger approaching. She slid a white cloak about her shoulders and met them at the edge of the forest.

"Salome Desidario."

"That is not my name anymore, I'm Salome, what is it you wish." Her eyes brooked fire at the use of the name.

"The Lady sends word that your sister Sarine has returned to Aleris, should you wish to regain your family."

"Thank you."

She turned and walked back into the woods to where Adriene was sitting talking to her companion.

"Will you go back to your sister?"

"She's really my sister? Not another of morlis's lies?"

"She is a daughter of Morlis as are you. So in truth she is a sister."

"Then I wish to see her, can I take one of the tree's here, a baby sapling with me so we can always have a way to commune with one another?"

"Of course, the tree's no matter where you go will always be a solice for you and your sister is a wise woman."

"I've gotten some books together for you, from the goddess's libraries for you to take. Learn more, grow wise my daughter."

"Thank you, Mother."

Salome rose and with a tilt of her head the companion rose, kissed Adriene's hand and departed with the other woman.

Packing simply they'd aquire what was needed later. Where to go to find her sister, it wasn't going to be hard, she'd ask the tree's which way the sarine wandered.

A hand placed upon a tree as she wishered where she wanted to go. She needed no sorcerer to get her where she needed to go, she just had to trust the way of the trees, the natural magic within.

The outskirts Grand City faded in when she lifted her hand from the tree and she walked forward with her companion.

"You need a name other then companion, what was your old name?"

"Garreth."

"Let's go then, Garreth."

Through the woods they walked listening in to what was said from the trees.

"A woman named La Sirena would be whom to talk to to find your sister," was the whispered word of the woods.

"Then we begin a hunt for La Sirena to find Sarine."

This is a repost of chat logs from the room #Aleris for the purpose of including it in this ongoing storyline.

La`Sirena: The scent of the ocean and sound of the waves lapping against the docks grew louder the closer she came to Hinewai Harbor. The late hour meant nothing as far as harbor activity went and all about her men and women bustled about their business, loading or unloading ships, procuring passage, and hawking wares. She ignored them all, for the most part. She was in search of a very specific type
of service, one that would require special skills that the average sailor would not have. She drew notice no matter how she tried to blend into the crowd, her figure swathed in a midnight blue velvet cloak, the hood pulled forward to conceal black hair that had been twisted at the nape of her neck into a messy, yet elegant, bun often referred to as a lovers-haste knot as there was no need to pin the coil of hair in place, so names after a lady's need to quickly compose herself and her appearance after a tryst. Her demeanor did not invite approach and she was left mostly to her own devices as she walked quickly through the chaos that made up a typical dock, especially in light of the recent tragedy; they were only just getting things set to rights and rebuilt and that certainly added to the sense of disarray that permeated the Harbor. With each ship she came to she paused a moment, eying the vessel, a few softly spoken questions to the sailors coming and going telling her if this was what she sought, or not. She'd had no luck at all until one very helpful deckhand of the last ship she'd visited offered up a little insight. “No M'Lady, ye'll not find what ye're lookin' for here, our Cap'n don't do nothin' like that. Nah, what ye're lookin' for is the Megalodon. Cap'n by the name of Gabriel Wolfe. He'll be able to help ye.” She'd smiled at the clearly besotted man, realizing it likely due in part to what she was that had him falling so quickly under her spell, ready to spill all his secrets if she but asked it. She'd thanked him with a gold coin and a soft touch to his arm that had the hardened sailor actually blushing. Armed with the name of a ship and captain that may be able to assist her she went in search of the Megalodon's berth. The ship was easily spotted even to one such as she, the sharks teeth on the front a dead give away. Slightly awed by the size of the vessel anchored just off the coastline she nearly missed the crew men loading a long boat, obviously intent upon returning to the Megalodon. Moving forward she called out to them, gaining their attention. “Good evening, gentlemen. Are you crew members of the ship the Megalodon? If so, I seek an audience with your Captain Gabriel Wolfe. I can pay you for your trouble.”

Gabriel`Wolfe: Ah. Another hour or so and they'd be back on open water. They still had business to see to in Aleris so there wouldn't be a return voyage home tonight. Home. He really didn't know the meaning of the word. Oh he could recite the dictionary definition as if he were reading from it, but the word held no meaning -to- him. Now belonging, that he understood. He belonged on his ship, he belonged on the ocean – the world that ocean belonged to was a small detail he rarely troubled himself with. If there was water, if you could put a ship on it, that is where he belonged. And his crew? They belonged in detox. Obviously they drank far too much for them to think some gold and a mention of his name was enough to bring a strange young woman from the harbor to his vessel. The Megalodon. A 52 gun Leviathan. She could stop a Maelstrom from spinning, she could weave through the points of Poseidon's Trident, and the crack of her guns shook the columns of Atlantis. At least those were the rumors. The truth was far less provocative. She was a tried and true vessel he had spent years designing, and nearly a fortune building. Much of his bounty went to keeping her at prim condition. And when she was prim, when she was proper, she was every bit the Monster of the ocean many thought her to be. He took quite a bit of pride in her, so when there was a knock on his cabin door followed by a “A miss..eh..La..Sirena 'ere t'see you, sir. Says it's urgent.” A glance slow to raise came to the door, lingering a few seconds on the tide chart sitting before him. He remembered asking for supplies. He remembered asking for a good bottle of brandy. He didn't remember asking for a meeting with a miss anyone. Setting his lens down on the table he called out. “Urgent? Well then, by all means Mister Williams, open the door. After all..a pistol shot to head is urgent, isn't it? But I don't need to worry about that..because she isn't armed, is sh..” He had managed to get out 'by all means' when his first mate opened the door and allowed the lady to enter, stepping in partially so as to nod to the captain and also catch a last glimpse of the girl. “...she.” He looked to her as she entered, the presence of her chased away any sarcastic musings there might have been. Instead he glanced to Williams. “Are we squared away, Mister Williams? Mister WILLIAMS?” The first mate did a double take. “Aye sir, all square.” Gabirel nodded. “Good. Secure the longboats, draw anchor. Once I'm finished here we depart. Dismissed.” Williams slowly drew back and closed the door with him, and the captain turned from the woman so he could walk to his desk. A bottle was taken up so he could pour himself a brandy. “My apologies. Normally I'm much more dashing...I just hadn't planned on entertaining this evening, Miiss La Sirena is it? I am Captain Wolfe. How can I be of service?” A glance was sent over his shoulder towards her as the half snifter was gestured in her direction.

La`Sirena: She had not intended to use any influence on the men loading the long boat. It just sort of..happened, as if often did. Though there was oddly not as much lust behind their enchantment as one might expect given what she was. Something she herself had only become aware of recently and she added it to the mental list of things she needed to figure out. First things first, she needed to meet with this Captain so did not attempt to circumvent their fascination with her as she knew it was likely the only thing that would get her on that ship without their Captain's permission. She might not appreciate being what she was, at least in part, but she was too practical not to make use of the benefits it could provide. The group of eight men ushered her onto the longboat, overly solicitous as they assumed she would be awkward on the water. On the contrary she moved about the longboat with perfect confidence, finding her sea legs effortlessly. She rather enjoyed the trip out to the Megalodon, actually. She'd always preferred being near the water and thought longingly of the home she would make for herself when her land purchase request was approved by the King. Having let her mind drift during the trip across the water they were soon coming alongside the Megalodon and the lay dock was lowered. The crew member who'd introduced himself as Williams was at her side to escort her up the plank to the dock of the Megalodon. It was he who escorted her to his Captain's quarters, his knock on the door and announcement that she was there to see him greeted with obvious annoyance on part of his Captain and she couldn't help the small smile that touched her lips at the surly sarcasm coming through the door as Williams opened it to allow her to step through. Easing through the door as the Captain grew to the end of his harangue she raised her head and let her dark cobalt blue eyes move to meet his and he abruptly fell silent before finally finishing his sentence. She thought she understood why, a strange jolt of what could only be called...awareness...causing her to gasp imperceptibly from within the hood of her cloak. In moments Mister Williams was dismissed and she was left alone with the man who introduced himself as Captain Gabriel Wolfe, her eyes following him as he went to pour himself a drink. “It is I who should apologize, Captain,” she finally said, her hands rising to lower the hood that partially concealed her features. “I did not mean to intrude on your solitude at this time of the night, but I did not wish to lose the chance to speak with you.” He'd asked why she was there so she got to the point without dissembling. “I have been told you are capable of moving between the various realms, not just you but this ship as well and any cargo you might be carrying. I have need of an escort to another realm and the transport of cargo from that realm.”

Gabriel`Wolfe: She dismissed the brandy so he took it for himself as he rounded the desk and sat on the leather seat behind. It was evening and the ship was anchored so his hair had been let down and the long deck coat was hung on the wall by the door. He simple white shirt with laces left undone at the neckline. On the shirt though was a strange harness style bit of leather with eight straps upon it. A small table with an identical number of pistols sat off the side of his desk. It was just easier leaving the multi-holster on his person than unstrapping it until bunking down for the evening. Other than that unique bit of attire he was as a-typical appearing as one might think. A few small scars on his hands, a few more on his 5'o clock shadow coated face. His eyes were a curious mix of white looked to be faint white and brilliant green – like foam on the tide. Those eyes focused on her as she spoke, showing a mild curiosity but not the allure held by his crew. Joy softened but battle hardened, that was the best way to describe his demeanor. He listened to her, her return apology and then her reasons for coming aboard. Ah, so it was another contract. Technically he was a privateer, supposedly in service to the queen and the empire. As far as they knew that was the full truth. But the gambler's version was that being of the not so human lineage he was made him privy to certain information that most humans seem to have lost touch with or turn a blind eye to. One encounter leads to another and before you know it you find out there are portals that lead to other worlds, other oceans, uncharted territory. How could he not follow the tide when it seemed so willing to pull him along? The woman wanted transport, of herself and cargo. Sounded easy enough, which told him it was certainly anything but. “You've been told, hmm? All in a positive light I trust?” Sipping at his brandy and sizing her up for a brief instant he set the glass on the top of his desk, turning it with his fingers as if thinking to himself. “Alright, Miss. I won't ask the nature of the cargo, it's bad for business. What I will ask though is..if you're looking for a ship such as this to travel to some other world so it can bring back a shipment, this must be a very valuable product. Which begs the question..how much risk is there to be? And please, do not lie to me. Knowing whether or not I'm able to show my face in this place again will have a drastic effect on compensation.” A tap of his finger against the glass and he nodded softly, as if confirming a thought. “And if I'm forced to wear disguises..rest assured, someone is paying for it.”

La`Sirena: Her eyes followed him as he moved around his desk and took a seat behind it, his casual state of dress not lost on her though it was to be expected considering the time of night and the fact that she had basically barged in on him. The fact that he was very handsome and looked quite good in his casual state of dress was also not lost on her, though she kept such thoughts carefully locked away, the instinct once again denied in the face of maintaining her composure. Realizing that he was staring at her the same as she was at him, taking her measure no doubt, she slowly approached his desk, letting him look his fill. Beneath the midnight blue cloak was a form fitting satin dress of a slightly lighter blue, skimming down her figure to her ankles where it flared slightly, the neckline leaving her shoulders bare. Sinking into one of the chairs before his desk uninvited she listened as he began to work through her request, assuming it was the cargo she wished transported that would require such hearty vessel as his. He wanted to know what the nature of the trip and cargo was, and the risk involved, which was only fair. He would need to know what he was potentially up against lest she find out he was not up to the task when confronted with the danger. Still..she was reticent to divulge such information, fearful he would refuse the job once she did. She was on the verge of speaking when he announced it would be extra if he had to wear a disguise and she couldn't help the smile that curved her lips, her eyes lowering as if attempting to conceal her humor back behind the carefully composed facade. Yes Captain, all I have heard of you is good, which is why I'm here. It isn't the cargo that is of such value that it may be risky to transport it...it's me. The cargo is simply a large amount of household goods I wish relocated here to Aleris. The reason I have need of such a vessel as yours is because....it isn't safe for me to go to Earth. I need to go to Venice, 16th century Venice to be exact. And once I am back on Earth...back in a realm where the Morning Star holds dominion...I become a target. It is possible that emissaries from Hell will attempt to abduct me while I am there.” There, she'd said it, and it sounded like far too much trouble to her own ears. She could only imagine how he felt about it all. There were details about the trip they would need to discuss, arrangements to be made, but those were moot points indeed if he was unwilling to deal with the potential problems that came with associating with her.

Gabriel`Wolfe: She explained her situation to him, and his focus upon it came in stages. “it isn't the cargo...it's me.” He leaned forward a bit when he heard that. A little further when she said Earth would no longer be safe. Not just a country, not just a continent, but the world itself. Venice, he knew the place well. A city built on water, of course he knew it intimately. And as he'd brought his glass up to take a drink, she mentioned how it was the “Morning Star” who was the threat. He scoffed a bit while drinking, coughing once or twice as he sputtered, bringing his balled up hand to his mouth, manners and all. Clearing his throat immediately he looked directly at her with a look of both surprise and almost boyish intrigue. “Morning Star? You mean Lucifer..as in the bloody Devil? And emissaries from Hell you say?” Oh, if ever a line to reel a man in. He laughed, his free hand coming to the edge of the desk as he abruptly stood and drained the glass of its contents in a less than restrained gulp. Setting it down he suddenly came from around the desk and walked towards his door; “Bring you to Venice, then return you with your belongings back to Aleris' shores. Guard you from Lucifer and whatever opposition he sends your way, hmm?” Grasping the latch he threw the door open. “All Hands!” Everything about the massive shipped stopped. 290 sets of eyes turned in his direction. Even those below deck turned their attention up towards the top deck as they heard his voice. “A contract has come on board. One that will have us set sail for Venice!” A mild but composed out of cheering came. The men and women aboard the ship were mostly human but not all were. Though many weren't from Earth originally, they still enjoyed passing through. Gabriel raised his hand and silenced the sounds. “It's an escort. We'll be carrying a special cargo..one that Old Red will be trying to take. And I imagine if caught with the cargo, we'll be shown no quarter. If taken, every life on this vessel is forfeit. I doubt they'll be inclined to take prisoners.” A hushed silence so complete that it made the gentle waves against the ship seem to echo that much louder came over the deck. “Well, that's brilliant I say. I hadn't planned on giving any prisoners anyway!” Another cheer came, this one louder than the last. “Fate sent us an invitation to dine with the Devil lads! Be there anyone who left their appetite?!” A resounding ~NO!~ came. “Then let us set the table and put this Sharks TEETH to USE! Mister Williams, double time!” And then like a crescendo every able hand was beginning preparations, they would be ready to set off by the time the captain and the young woman were. Stepping back into his quarters the door was closed, and from his breast pocket he removed the black leather hair tie to begin putting his long brown hair back into a ponytail. “All the damnation of Hell is going to have -nothing- on my bill..” said with a smile, of course.

La`Sirena: She was expecting the look of surprise that over came him. It was the look of boyish excitement that came along with it that had her staring at him, nonplussed. When he began questioning if he had heard and understood her right, that she was referring to Lucifer and not some other entity touting themselves as the Morning Star she nodded slightly. “Si Capitano,” she uttered quickly, reverting automatically back to her first language, so startled was she by his reaction. It wasn't every day that someone, anyone, was able to surprise her or, most especially, unbalance her, but he did it. She rose from her chair as he came around the desk and headed for the door without saying anything further about her request. He paused at the door, turning to recap the offer as if to be sure he had it right and again she nodded. “Well..yes,” was all she got out before he flung open the door and went out to address his crew. Forcing herself out of her surprised stupor she followed after him until she was framed in the doorway to his quarters. She watched, avidly, as he addressed his crew, explaining the contract she proposed to him. He outlined their task and the dangers involved in it then demanded if there were any among his crew not up to the task, a question that was met with a resounding denial. She could sense the rise in energy on the ship as their fervor was stoked by the words of their Captain and again that night she felt a smile touch to her lips, her eyes on the back of the ship's Captain as he extorted his crew to greater and greater heights. Old Red, the reference to Lucifer caused that smile to widen. When Gabriel turned to enter his quarters she caught herself and the smile fell away though amusement still glinted in her dark blue eyes. Stepping back so he could enter unimpeded she remained silent as he closed the door and drew back his hair, tying it up in what she realized was a subconscious action that meant relaxation time was over, he was on the clock. He smiled when he spoke again and without thought she smiled back, his own smile infectious it seemed. “I must make some arrangements before departing. I'm certain you've noticed the state Aleris is in, I must ensure my current holdings will be cared for in my absence. I can be ready to depart by tomorrow evening, if that timeline suits you Captain. Once in Venice you and any number of your crew you feel is necessary are welcome to stay in my villa while I tie up some legal matters.” Something told her he wouldn't really care for leaving his ship but hopefully he would take the same comfort in the fact that her villa was, in fact, on water.

Sirena's late night trip to Hinewai Harbor had proven to be far more fruitful than she had ever dreamed possible. It had taken some time but her patience had paid off when she came upon information about Captain Gabriel Wolfe and his ship, The Megalodon. Her luck continued in the form of several of the Megalodon's crew members who were on their way back to the ship that was anchored rather noticeably off the coast of Hinewai, too large to pull into the Harbor proper. Persuasion, and gold, had granted her passage in the long boat out to the Megalodon where she had been presented to Gabriel Wolfe.

She'd been possessed of no assumptions on what she would be greeted with when she came face to face with the Captain she had heard so much about in just a few minutes, his crew only too happy to extol his many virtues on the short trip out to the ship. What she found was a pleasant surprise in the form of a rather handsome, and dashing, Captain who clearly hailed from Britain though clearly was not British. He might have grown up on Earth, in Britain, but he was something...other, like her. He was also swift to make a decision. No sooner had she explained the contract she offered him than he had accepted it, even going so far as to rouse his crew into a fevered pitch in anticipation of the mission.

It was a simple job, really. On the surface. She would be returning to where she grew up in 16th century Venice to liquidate the Desiderio villa and other holdings now that she was the head of the Desiderio family officially in both human and demonic terms. There was also the matter of her mother's estate which would need to be handled in the wake of the woman's disappearance. She required escort to Venice and transport of any household good she chose to keep back with her so she could set up her home in Joi once the land was approved. That wasn't the tricky part of the job. Quite simply put, Earth was no longer safe for her.

Her freedom had been granted by her designated jailer, Stativare de Ingis, though she wasn't entirely free. In exchange for her agreement to act as his emissary should he require such services in the mortal realm as well as to fulfill the duties of her position as his Caira she would remain officially under Stativare's dominion with the agreement that he would not enforce said dominion over her. It was a close to freedom as she was likely to get without being truly free and, unfortunately, the remnants of servitude were necessary for her protection. It wasn't just a matter of being a hybrid though that certainly added to her value among the Hellish ranks. She was also a conduit; a demonic sorceress who had undergone the required training and initiations necessary to allow her to act as an energy conduit between the mortal realm and Hell. In a nutshell she could absorb the emotions and energies put out by mortals, typically negative or lustful ones, and feed that energy into Hell, to a specific person in Hell if she was so elevated to the position of Caira. And she was.

Remaining under Stativare's dominion offered some protection but only so much. It was safer for her, and all demonic hybrids really, in Aleris. The Morning Star was an Earthly entity/deity, his dominion Earth itself. Spies, bounty hunters, assassins and the like could be sent to Aleris after her but it would be a far harder task to compel her from Aleris than it was Earth. The problem was, the second she was back on Earth Hell would know it and without Stativare's physical presence there to deter them it would be nothing for Hell's minions to attempt to snatch her for the Morning Star's use. Caira's of any skill were few and far between and she had proven adept at sorcery from a young age. Lucky her.

She needed a man of the Captain's skills and a ship of the Megalodon's ability to ensure her safety while on Earth. The task had not caused Gabriel to shy away at all but rather made him giddy as a school girl. He was more than ready to take on “Old Red” as she'd heard him refer to Lucifer, the irreverent title causing her to smile in spite of herself.

Their business concluded they made arrangements for her to return to the Megalodon with the things she would need for the trip in a day's time and they would depart. Escorted back to the shore by Mister Williams she moved quickly through the streets of Grand City from the Harbor back to the estate on the outskirts of the city where she still rented lodgings from the Master of the House who sought to refill his coffers by renting out the guest house behind his home. Already her mind was filled with lists of things she would need to get in ready for the trip, the affairs she would need to put in order before she left. A trip to the land offices would be needful to advise them she would be gone for a time but her request for the land would remain active regardless as well as a quick word with Mr. Darnley to let him know she would be gone and to make sure she had paid him enough in advance that her lodgings would still be there when she returned.

She was slipping around the side of Mr. Darnley's manor into the gardens that would lead to her rented lodgings when she heard the man in question call out her name. Glancing over to see him on his back veranda gesturing for her to join him she acquiesced, thinking she could get her own business seen to as well, only mildly curious about what he wanted as she assumed it was to speak to her about their arrangement.

”Buona sera, Signore. What can I do for you this evening?”

Her melodic voice cut softly through the night as she approached the veranda and mounted the steps, coming to a stop in front of her landlord. A slight curtsy was given, her head inclining in an antiquated gesture of greeting that seemed second-nature to her. It wasn't a gesture of submission, though no doubt Mr. Darnley would take it as such, she mused as she glanced at the man's face from beneath sooty lashes as she rose back up. Such fools men could be, a little feminine gentility and they fell all over themselves in masculine pride.

The portly older gentleman had an air of puffed up self-importance as he awkwardly attempted to mirror her courtly greeting with a clumsy bow. Still, it was an effort so she smiled gently at the man which only furthered his flustered state. It was only through years of carefully cultivated self-control that she didn't grab the man and shake him into telling her what he had wished to speak to her about but finally he put her out of her misery and explained his reasons for calling her over.

”I wished to let you know, Miss, that there was someone asking after you in Grand City today. I over heard her describing you to one of the shop keepers though I did not tell her I knew you. I thought you may wish to know you were being sought after first.”

He seemed so pleased with what he perceived as his heroic actions and truthfully it did benefit her to know someone was looking for her before they found her. But who was it? She'd grown alarmed at first but when she heard him casually mention that it was a woman seeking her any concern abated somewhat and she began to speculate on the person's identity.

”Grazie, Signore Darnley. This is information I would very much wish to have and I am grateful to you. Can you describe this woman?”

Puffing up even further beneath her praise he began to describe a young woman with brown hair who happened to be carrying a tree. Frowning gently at the unfamiliar description she again thanked the man and retired to her own lodgings. Once inside and divested of her cloak she went immediately to her private chambers. She wanted to know who it was looking for her and she knew just how to find out.

It was to a silver bowl set atop a marble stand in front of the window where the moon could touch to the water within the bowl that she went. Gazing into the placid surface of sea water her right hand rose and gracefully gestured over the surface, a soft ripple forming on the water in response.

”Someone is looking for me...show me,” she intoned, her voice taking on a slightly deeper timbre as she fueled the command with the magic necessary to make it happen. The surface clouded over a moment before clearing to reveal the image of the young girl Darnley had mentioned. She looked quite different from how she remembered her but Sirena knew in an instant that it was her younger sister, Salome. Gone was the pink hair and the impish air she'd carried about her. Now all she carried was a small tree, something that had Sirena laughing quietly. Salome knew, then, what she was. It was something Callidora had revealed to her before her departure, something she would have told her sister if she still did not know when they were reunited, but it seemed Callidora had ensured that she would find out on her own. Good, one less shock for Salome to deal with. She still had to inform their sister that Antonio was no relation to either of them.

Now it was just a matter of finding Salome, or Salome finding her. From the table next to the stand of sea water she picked up a silver dagger and pricked her finger, several drops of blood falling to the surface of the sea water which again rippled in reaction to this new magic she stirred within it.

”Blood to blood I summon thee...Salome, come to me. Use the bond of our blood and follow it home.”

If her spell was successful it would cause Salome to feel a tug in her gut, an instinct that told her unfailingly where to find her. It would pull her unerringly in Sirena's direction until they were reunited and the spell was ended. The spell complete another wave of her hand over the water's surface had the image of Salome clearing away to leave behind nothing more than the placid surface once more. She still had work to do, after all, preparations to be made for her trip and with a bit of annoyance she realized she'd forgotten to speak to Mr. Darnley about her impending departure though perhaps it was for the best. She would not take Salome with her, there was no need to put her in danger and this would work in her favor. Salome could remain in her lodgings and act as proxy in her affairs if the land office attempted to contact her.

She didn't wish to leave Salome so soon after welcoming her to their temporary home but this trip was important and she might not get another chance with such good odds as she had with the Captain Wolfe as her escort. If necessary she would delay departure until Salome located her if she did not find her by the morrow, but whether it be the next evening or the one after that, she would make her final trip to Earth, likely for a very long time. In the company of Captain Gabriel Wolfe..who'd had the loveliest sea-foam green eyes she'd ever seen.

Oh dear...where had that thought come from?

Wandering through grand city was easier thought then done. She didn't want to socialize with people. Not that she knew what and who when it came to people much anymore. She wasn't actually wanting to run into old aquantances or those damn lazy ass whores in Sirencs corner.

She sighed a bit as she rubbed her temples and went about keep walking. She'd gotten to the news place and saw it under new management, part of her would really love to burn the damn place down.

A shift of her long lashes she played her fingertips over a tree leaf in her hand. She had a little sapling to remind her but also to talk to the woman, her mother? She didn't really think or see her as that. So many years thinking her mother was Tessa. She was confused at best but alot calmer then she had been.

She did wonder who ran the corner now adays but eh it was neither here nor there. Getting a few things into a basket for food as they walked she asked Garreth what all what going on as of late and what he thought. Getting his thoughts on the situation oddly calmed her a great deal.

It was when she felt a tug and jerk to her mind, she paused and jerked her head one way. "We go this way and now." She took off and ran towards the jerk in her body, her blood. Off she went and tore down the street running

Sarine was around, she felt it!

Salome found her just as she had known she would. Unsure of how long it would take she had sent a message to Captain Wolfe requesting a delay in their departure. A brief explanation was offered as he had a right to know why she would be delaying his crew but she kept it simple, saying only that she needed to attend to her family before she could leave for Venice. His reply had been most gracious, assuring her she could take whatever time she needed given the amount she was paying them and requesting that she give them enough notice to ready the ship for departure. It was a fair request and it had been left at that with no further communication from the dashing Captain from that point.

No more than a day had gone by before Salome had followed the compulsion of the spell to her doorstep. Notification from the land offices had arrived and she was just returning from having been granted the deed to the land she desired so she was in high spirits when she arrived home to be run into, quite literally, by Salome and her traveling companion. Under no circumstances would she allow an emissary of Hell into her personal domicile so Salome's companion had been sent back to their lodgings while she and Salome retired to her temporary home to catch up.

In the course of their conversation Salome revealed she had met her true mother and had learned of her heritage. It was her hope to find a bit of land on Eiler where she could start a community garden of sorts thereby employing her new found ability to encourage plants to grow as well as to help meet a need she saw in Aleris in the wake of the war. It was an admirable idea and one she couldn't help but to support. In the course of their conversation she revealed to Salome that Antonio was not their brother. With Ilario dead under suspicious circumstances that left only the two of them as far as Morlis' offspring. That she knew of, anyway.

There was no doubt in her mind that there were others. Some of them male, no doubt, and that was a problem. But it was a problem for another day and one she intended to handle alone. Her father had been a whore of epic proportions and a manipulative bastard at that, of course there were others.

For now, though, her plans must be seen to and that meant traveling to Venice to set her affairs to rights there. Her plan was outlined for Salome, what she intended to do with the Desiderio property there, as well as when she should be returning. An invitation had been extended to Salome that she might stay in Sirena's own lodgings in her absence, if she so wished, but as lady steadfastly refused to allow any emissary of Hell into her personal domain Salome chose instead to retain her own lodgings so as to keep her companion close by. Though she might not understand Salome's desire to keep him close by she accepted it and said nothing about Salome returning to her own rented lodgings. She may be the head of the family now but she would not follow in her father's or Antonio's footsteps and attempt to dictate the lives of those within it.

Deciding it was time to get her own tasks back on track a missive was sent to Captain Wolfe stating she would be ready to leave that night provided that was enough time for the good Captain. Her things had been prepared in advance and as it was yet early in the day it was decided she would make the trip to Joi to inspect her newly purchased property. That particular journey involved a carriage ride to Harbor where she boarded a small ferry type vessel that would travel the straight between the point of Hinewai Harbor and that of Joi, the craft paid handsomely to skirt the tip of Joi around to the western side so they might approach from the cove that her property bordered.

As the small craft entered the private cove she stood at the prow, eyes fixed upon the coast line and the land that was now ~her's~. The bottom floor had been flooded and would not be reinforced as the foundation. The rest of the house was surrounded with water, the canals being crafted by the citizens of Joi surrounding three sides of the structure while the fourth was a stone pier, of sorts, that ended at the coast line, a small stone stairway leading down to where any craft that approached could make berth. She didn't have much time but was able to tour the property, making note of what she would need, which furnishings she would like in which rooms, essentially indulging in the dreams she had for her new home. If she could not return to Venice for good she would make Venice wherever she was.

Time passed far too quickly, for her liking, and soon she had to depart. As the small craft rounded the tip of Joi heading back for Hinewai Harbor she couldn't help the way her deep blue eyes turned towards the shoreline several miles off the coast of Hinewai, nearly open water as it was the only place large enough for the Megalodon to drop anchor. The immense ship was there, visible in the distance due to it's size, and she imagined by then that Captain Wolfe would have received her letter. It was her fondest hope that they would be departing that evening. It had been arranged with Captain Wolfe previously that when she was ready to depart a host of his crew would arrive to escort her so it was to her lodgings that she made way to wait on Captain Wolfe's crew or his letter stating they could not depart that evening, whichever eventuality came about.

Arriving at her rented home she was greeted with the presence of a copy of The Chronicle sitting on the stoop. As she herself had once been the Editor in Chief of the Chronicle she couldn't resist the temptation to crack open the newspaper and see what had become of it. She frowned slightly as she read the Editorial about the recent conflict surrounding Jade and the newcomers to Aleris. Another war, already? The possibility seemed to have potential though there was naught to be done about it on her part so she rifled through until she came across the gossip column. Najia had written that column in her time, a position she had obtained at the order of someone outside of the paper rather than any actual skill, but she imagined a gossip column was similar regardless of who was writing it.

She wasn't wrong in that assessment and allowing her eyes to pass over the words written there in black and white her gaze slowly narrowed. Reid Feral had not only given away her identity he had proceeded to speculate on whether or not she would be some kind of pass around toy for Captain Wolfe and his crew. She felt the heat of anger suffuse her skin and in the span of a few seconds several possibilities for dealing with Reid were entertained and discarded. She was not in the habit of acting rashly out of pure emotion, it was a level of control she had struggled to cultivate and maintain her entire life. Relinquishing that control never boded well for anyone.

And then she wondered if Captain Wolfe had seen it and just what he thought of Reid's comments.

Sure she knew her sister would rather she stayed where she wanted her and felt she was safe. But Garreth was her companion, oddly though she doubted Sarine would believe her, he wasn't her lover. Just her companion, friend and protector. Sure she had needs but her needs were met other ways then the large hulking demonic male that she'd been allowed to take from hell with her.

Sure the news of Antonio had actually hurt, to her she couldn't see him the monster that was the man her father had become. But it was something perhaps someone had deliberately wanted to spare her. She still was haunted by memories that made her shoot up at night from a sound sleep panting and on edge.

But after that conversation she'd make sure to go to Sarine's rental and go tend the gardens. Ensuring that the old withered husks would bloom to fruitation once more. Her sister had been grateful to the man that had allowed her to rent the abode, as had the old withered woman that she herself rented from. So it wasn't a suprise when gardens bloomed with constant attention from the woman's small hands. Her rainbow eyes sometimes came to life other times they seemed a simple tone of pink. It depended on her mood and as she tended the garden , the rainbow tones caressed each plant with patience and devotion.

She'd felt when her sister had returned from the shorter excursion and she had no doubt the woman would read what the stupid fuck over at the newspaper had written. She -hated- the newspaper, enough so it started to show as she tended the garden outside her rental. Garreth had become aggitated, picking up on her mood, and her green thumb actually turned black as a rose bush she was tending flourised then crashed and burned. "Mother fucker!" she snarled and sat back dusting her hands. She was mad at herself, letting her moods get the best of her, it always had in the past.

"I really wish, I could see that fucking place burn and take the moron writing with it!"

She didn't like her sister gossiped about, she cared little for the war information. Instead she just saw it as more stupidity and that meant her skill to bring life back to plants was needed. Perhaps she should contact the lord of this particular land and petition to build a communial garden for people. They needed food, beauty, plants. Besides, she was as likely to torch the Corner as she was the Paper place.

"I'd burn it down for you, Salome." She knew he would, he'd do what she asked but she by no means controled him. He was there to protect and keep her company, at times ground her.

"I hope some day it does, but you shouldn't do it. The moronic gossip monger might try to peg you as a mass murdering demon and me your satanic controler." She rolled her eyes. With luck Reid would drown in his own pernicious bile the snake that he was. She was sure her sister had seen , and of the two. Salome was the more impetuous one. Perhaps she should kill all his plants and make sure he ate nothing but mandrake and belladonna from now on.

La`Sirena: A letter had been sent to Captain Wolfe informing him she was finally ready to depart at his convenience along with an apology for delaying the departure of his crew while she handled her family affairs. As it was early in the day she'd taken the time to visit the land she had just been deeded, the manor house on the property in need of renovation so as to adapt it to the now under water city, the first floor now the water filled foundation of the structure. Her favorite part of the property was that it sat on the shoreline of a secluded cove, a cove just the right size for a ship to make berth without being seen should there ever be a need. Her arrival back at her rented lodgings in the Grand City coincided with the arrival of Captain Gabriel's first mate who carried with him a return missive from his Captain. They would depart that evening and Williams was there along with several members of his crew to assist her with her things and see she made it to the dock safely. Smiling at his consideration she invited the sailors into the small guest house that served as her rented home, her belongings already packed for the voyage and stacked in the front room. She traveled lightly for a woman who carried herself as she did, one large trunk for her clothing and necessities, and a smaller all metal (as well as enchanted) lock box for her private papers and other legal, and magical, items she might need while seeing to business in Venice. The group of seamen made short work of taking the trunks out to the rented carriage on the street and locking the door to her rented home behind her she drew the hood of her heavy midnight blue velvet cloak forward, hiding her features in shadow though her identity was now common knowledge thanks to Reid Feral. There was no need to notify Salome, she knew Sirena would be departing soon and would stay put until she returned. Settled into the carriage the sound of a man's clicking voice was heard and the horses spurred into action, the old carriage rattling through the city streets heading for the docks, her left hand rising to grip the strap over the door to avoid being overly jostled. She far preferred travel by gondola. Their progress slowed as they neared the dock, the busy streets teeming with ship crews attempting to trade or barter their goods for necessities, arranging passenger fares, along with the doxies looking for business among the horny crewmen. Finally they broke from the bustle of carts and the like and were heading for the area of the dock where the Megalodon was anchored. It was too big to come up to the docks so she was then transferred to a shore boat along with her things and rowed out to the ship just as she had been the night they'd met. In short order his efficient crew was assisting her up the gangplank and onto the deck of the ship.

Gabriel`Wolfe: Money made the world go 'round, that was a truth he'd discovered in every realm the Megalodon had traveled to. Purchase this, sell that, find a way to keep the money coming so as to keep things afloat (as it were). Different realms meant different jobs but the work was always the same. Sail from point A to point B, destroy something, protect something, all under the mantle of "Privateer". As his crew finished making ready for sail he awaited the return of Ms. La Sirena. After all without her there was no job, no compensation. Beyond that though the young women herself was intriguing ( and the fact he thought so after such a brief encounter was not lost on him). Which is why he found himself reading over a column in the realm-wide newspaper for the eighth or so time. The words he read were no less irritating the eighth time around, and the name that lined the bottom had already been burned to memory. REID FERAL. Slander was not something a man of his values was willing to tolerate. In the business he had given his life to a man's name and reputation were everything, and he had worked damned hard to earn his. But how to handle such a thing when not only did he have a new task to see to, but perhaps a profitable future in Aleris. When things became personal the work stopped coming, people began doubting your ethic -- and a direct approach on this Feral person was nothing if not personal. So the question remained; what to do? He pondered over that query as a quarterman was heard announcing the return of a long-ship. No doubt it was Mr. Williams with Ms. La Sirena. Standing from his desk and pulling his coat from the rack he slipped it over his shoulders while eying the paper. Had she seen the article? Would it change anything about the job, or the nature of it? Either way he decided it best to mention that he'd seen it just so that it didn't appear he was avoiding anything. Only a coward hides in the face of slander and accusation, and he was no by no measure a coward. As he exited his quarters and laced his hair behind his head he walked to the gang-plank, standing at the head to greet his employer as she came. Williams couldn't help grinning slightly as he saluted and walked passed, gaining only a cutting glance from his captain before attention was again focused ahead. No doubt Williams had read the article ( bloody brilliant ).

La`Sirena: Oh she had read the article, the damnable article written by the gossip mongering Reid Feral. There was annoyance there to be sure, especially at the willful bandying about of her identity. Now anyone left behind in Aleris that knew of her Father or their family knew she had returned. Anyone, dammit. It had been but a matter of time before her identity became known but she had expected to have more time to secure her standing in Aleris before then. Beyond that she had a more pressing concern where that article was concerned. It became quickly apparent that the crew members who had been sent to escort her to the Megalodon had seen the article and it left her wondering just how that might effect their conduct towards her. Though such thoughts had naturally occurred to her none of her suspicions showed on her face, her expression schooled into the impassive mask she typically wore. Any concerns she might have had were soon allayed as the men treated her with the same deference they had shown before, stumbling over themselves to assist her, though she did catch the odd smile or sly look out of the corner of a man's eye. So be it, let them have their little titillation’s, so long as they behaved themselves. She wasn't completely lacking in a sense of humor, after all. Soon enough the long boat was approaching the Megalodon and William's was assisting her up the gangplank, them men carrying her luggage following behind. Handing her over the side of the ship she was deposited in front of Captain Wolfe, the smile Mr. William's flashed his Captain did not go unnoticed by her either. Using the shadows cast by the hood of her cloak to conceal her gaze she allowed herself a moment to take in the image Captain Wolfe made as he stood there, waiting to greet her in his uniform. He was quite unlike any man she'd ever spent time around, handsome in a way she had yet to experience before, and it would be a lie to say she wasn't intrigued by that. But she had other matters to attend to, she wasn't looking for romantic entanglements right now, no matter what her inner demon wanted. It wasn't just demonic need, though....there was something else about him, something she couldn't quite put her finger on. Realizing after a moment that she'd been staring while they all waited for her to speak she quickly dropped her gaze, her head lowering slightly as she finally greeted him. “Buona sera, Captain Wolfe. I appreciate your patience in postponing the trip.” Had he read the article? Just what did he think of the idea of her being made his bunk warmer?

Gabriel`Wolfe: An old mannered mid-bow was given to the young woman as he smiled warmly. Williams grin along with the hushed conversations he knew would soon be combing over the deck were enough motivation to make an immediate decision. Any rumors had to be addressed sooner rather than later. Did she feel the same though? Was she familiar with what such rumors could do on a ship? Realizing he too was staring a clearing of his throat came before he spoke. "Good evening Miss La Sirena. I assure you no apologies are necessary. This is your contract after all, we disembark only when you are prepared to make way and not a moment before. That is the agreement." Business as usual, convey that much. "I am pleased to see you...." There was a pause as he decided on his next words, and the delay was long enough to have crew member eyes on him. A sigh came next. "..pleased to see you still wish to continue with our agreement. After this Feral persons article I had wondered if you still had use for my ship." Voices could be heard in quiet conversation along with the typical sounds of a crew readying to make way. A more curious look was given toward the woman as he stepped in a bit closer, his own voice softly spoken so only she could hear, his lips barely passed the opening of her hood. "Begging your pardon Miss, I do not intend to offend you in any way..but might I suggest addressing this Reid Feral business here, now, in front of the crew. Should these rumors be given chance to build momentum it will be that much harder to stifle them. I've found it best to nip these matters in the bud or risk an untruth blossoming into an accepted fact." There was a pause in his voice as he noticed her stiffen slightly when he came closer to her. She seemed on edge. Something in him reverted back to a younger frame of mind, back to when he had less control over impulse and instinct and still acted with a more -- juvenile mind. Easing back slowly his eyes met her own and he smirked subtly; "There is nothing worse than rumor becoming fact when it brings all the consequence with none of the benefit." Bollocks -- where the Hell did that come from? A shadowing came to his eyes for such a brief instant it may go missed, a passing 'ink' like cloud that vanished before it ever fully appeared. It made him ease another few inches away (and those youthful instincts began to ease). Who or what was she?

La`Sirena: She heard the whispers, knew that she and the good Captain were now the subjects of much speculation and, in time, gossip. Already hushed conversations were flaring up around them, the furtive glances towards the pair of them more than enough to confirm their whispered conversations were about them and the article Reid had written, the damnable little feline. She understood the game, she'd once had Reid's job, but it had put a crimp in her own plans and that little fact annoyed her. Then the Captain was greeting her and the sound of his voice was enough to capture her attention, drowning out the hushed whispers surrounding them. It was the title he afforded her that had her smiling slightly, her voice slipping from the shadows of her hood in response. “Please Captain, just Sirena.” There were several titles she could lay claim too, and often did in an attempt to distance herself from others, but there was no desire to do that here, oddly enough. Then he stepped forward, his head canting down so that he was practically sharing her hood with her. His nearness swept over her, his scent surrounding her, and she stiffened as she felt the familiar reaction stirring within her only it was something different this time, there was another draw there, one she'd never felt before. A tingle down her back drew her effectively out of the sudden wash of hyper awareness as one of the sigils interwoven into the marque on her back that traveled from the base of her neck to the small of her back flared to life in the presence of a specific emotion, his emotion. She heard it in the way his voice took on a more casual tone, in the way he smirked as he spoke words she knew he had not intended to say, the way he stepped back from her, a shadow passing over his eyes as he became aware of the fact that he had reacted to something, something to do with her. Something that had made him react without even realizing it. There would be questions, she had no doubt, but she showed no lack of composure as she met his gaze, her own knowing eyes fixing to his. “I quite agree, Captain. Let us address it now so it does not become an issue later.” Somehow it seemed as though her words carried more weight than just Reid's article.

Gabriel`Wolfe: "...so it doesn't become an issue later." He would be hard pressed to ignore the potential ways such words could be taken. But since she didn't make notice of what he had said he would offer the same courtesy. However there was a momentary glance shared, a glance that offered something words might fall short of -- that despite the words or their intent, the thoughts they brought to mind weren't beyond considering. Say such a thing out loud? Why risk being mistaken in such a thought when a look that 'said' just as much could be explained away simply enough. He did offer a nod though in regard to her agreeing with him, and the captain was soon following through. "All hands, eyes front!" And all at once everything stopped. The crew seemed caught immediately in suspended animation as they turned their attention to him. He moved to the rail where the main mast netting ropes were tied off and gripping one of the support lines he pulled himself up on the rail, turning toward his crew. "I will be brief. No doubt many if not all of you have read the article written by a mister Reid Feral. No doubt many of you have already had a discussion or two about the finer details of that article. Well gentlemen and ladies, let me be the first to say..." His eyes turned to Sirena, and suddenly he thought; if he denies all details of the article that would mean he shared no ties to her, which would mean she was free -- free for any member of the crew to approach her with romantic intent. Normally he could rely on his business ethic to prevent such a thing from happening, but at that moment the words he said next had -nothing- to do with business, even if he told himself otherwise. "..to say that such business is my own. That information is privy to no one but Miss Sirena, and myself. This Feral bloke has no idea of the things he writes, and he does so from a place of assumed safety...from behind a desk." A slow, devilish grin came along his lips. "Before we set sail from these docks...I feel that it is not only our duty as honest, hard sailing men..but our obligation as people to show that one cannot tarnish the reputation of our employer without consequence. I say if the bloke wants to write stories...we 'give' him a taste of Shanghai. What say you?" There was laughter and loud, resounding approval soon following. And with the devious look he sent Sirena, she would see there was another set of impulses beneath the man she'd first met.

La`Sirena: It was just a look, a single look shared between them that spoke volumes. Oh dear, this trip was going to be fraught with more dangers than simply eluding the Morning Star. He was beginning to look like a walk in the park compared to the thoughts that look roused in her most secret thoughts. Luckily, for her at least, he turned away then and addressed his crew. She fully expected to hear him deny the allegations made in Reid Feral's article, that she was not there to be the bunk warmer for their Captain nor there pass around girl. He did none of those things, however. She heard the hesitation in his voice as he began, saw the shift in his gaze as he glanced her way only to hear him announce that such things were their business alone, thereby implying that there was potentially some manner of romantic interest between them. Oh he changed their focus deftly enough, shifting their attention to Reid Feral himself, proposing that they perhaps kidnap, if she understood her nautical slang, him to show him what it was like to be aboard the Megalodon. The idea was not without it's merit, and she appreciated the fact that it was supposedly being done in defense of her honor, but that didn't stop her eyes from narrowing slightly from within the shadows of her hood, her gaze fixed on Gabriel as his own eyes returned to her, the grin curving his lips coupled with the gleam in his eyes revealing more than he perhaps intended to. She wasn't the only one fighting off instinct or the odd compulsion. By the depths, what was he? The contrary impulse to disagree with him and announce that Reid's article had been fabrication, nothing more, was there to be sure, the demons of her father's line had always been ruled by impulse and those impulses were not always in their best interests. She had spent years curbing those impulses though, refusing to share the same disregard for caution as the others in her family, and she was able to resist the rather foolish desire. She had no wish to undermine his authority on his ship and truthfully speaking she didn't mind what his words had implied, not completely. That in and of itself was a problem. No romantic entanglements! She didn't want them, didn't need them, right? Propelling herself into motion she was soon standing at his side, her voice soft as she interjected herself into his Shanghai planning. “I can assist you with this, if you wish. I was once the Editor in Chief of the newspaper in Aleris, I know the building like the back of my hand. Perhaps we should discuss a course of action?” Truth be told she just wanted to get out from beneath the watchful eyes of his crew though one would never know it with the elegant composure she carried herself with.

Gabriel`Wolfe: Her sudden willingness to assist accomplished 2 things -- neither of which were something he felt she intended. The first being that she didn’t deny what he'd said, or clarify it either. This would only make the assumption that both she and Gabriel were either already intimate or had intent to be all the more "factual". But at least it would make certain his crew and their regard to her would remain professional. None would approach her if they believed her his, that was the truth of the matter. And the second thing she'd achieved, by not only denying any part of the plan but also offering to assist -- there existed no better way to endear ones self to such a surly, distrustful lot than to join them in their pursuits, ( the more dangerous the better ). The captain couldn't help but let his smirk widen as he glanced to Sirena and nodded. "Your assistance would be much appreciated. And it would be selfish of us to deny you your place in all this since it does involve your name." Giving his attention back to the crew he hopped down from the rail. "It's settled. Before we make way there will be one last bit of business to see to on land. Miss Sirena and myself will discuss a plan, and once one is set we will get things under way. By the time all is said and done we will make sure Mister Feral has quite a tale to tell the masses...assuming we don't fire him out the long guns." The crew laughed as he walked from the rail and gestured for Sirena to follow him back to his quarters. As he passed his first mate he nodded; "Mister Williams, you have the helm. Make ready to drop sail on my order. Once we have the writer on board I want to be beyond the horizon before anyone knows he is missing."

Very rarely did her plans come off without a hitch so it was of no real surprise when her plans to leave Aleris for Venice and be returned within a fortnight had been blown off course. Dealing with Salome and then the land acquisition had caused her plans to be delayed far longer than she'd intended. By the time she was on the Captain's ship, ready to depart, enough time had elapsed for Reid Feral to write another article in his gossip column. This time his chatter focused on Salome and she could not help but shake her head at the words printed before her. No doubt Salome would have a fit upon reading this. A fact that only served to strengthen her resolve to see the Captain's impulsive idea through.

Naturally there had been some speculation as to the rumors Reid has spread about the nature of her business on the Megalodon and as a result the Captain had suggested they Shanghai the Editor in an effort to curb his tongue where Sirena was concerned. Instead of cautioning against such an idea she had stepped in and offered her assistance. That had been unexpected, to them both. That evening had been spent planning, the following morning taken up with the final preparations for their departure; there would be nothing to hinder a quick get-away once they had Reid on board.

Truth be told she found it all rather exciting. It was rare that she allowed herself to indulge in such shenanigans as a child and especially not as a grown woman. Still, their actions could have repercussions, consequences that would make starting a life in Aleris difficult for both of them. As the sun began to set the crew members designated for their little excursion began to gather on the deck and, once the now familiar figure of Captain Wolfe joined them, she stepped from the shadows and moved to stand next to him. She was dressed in a manner that she hoped would allow her to escape much notice, her black gown simple and unadorned, her typical midnight blue cloak exchanged for an equally black one that could be pulled forward to hide her features.

Dark blue eyes passed over each man assembled before her face tilted upward, allowing her meet Gabriel's gaze. ”Are you sure about this Captain? It may be impossible to remain in Aleris as a free citizen after such an action.”

Of course he may have no intentions of staying in Aleris once his contract with her was ended and for the first time she realized that once he had returned her to Aleris with her cargo intact it may very well be the last she would ever see of him. It had always been a possibility, of course, but she found herself unexpectedly bothered by the notion and a small frown appeared between her brows.

”I promise, my honor will not be slighted if you wish to simply depart for Venice now.”

If he still wanted to catnap Reid, she would assist as she had said she would, the looks of admiration from the crew members when she'd announced she would help enough to cause her to wish to see it through. But she would be lying if she said she didn't hope he might want to stick around the area. Ah well, no matter. If Reid was angry she would take him shopping once they got to Venice, that ought to sooth any surly fur ruffled feline.

”Either way I am still ready and willing to help.”
The ability to enchant any who might be lingering in the building with Reid and make them forget they ever saw any of them could potentially come in handy. She could also put Reid into a magical sleep which may be necessary to get a pissed off cat, a gay male cat no less, on board the Megalodon without alerting the authorities. Hands rose to pull the hood of the simple black cloak forward, hiding her features save for the shadow of her lips. She had told them how to reach the Chronicle building, had explained the lay out of the building in as much detail as she could remember with the caveat that the war may have caused damage that would change said layout. They had prepared as much as they could, it was now simply a matter of do or do not.

”Lead the way, Captain.”