Setting Things In Motion...

Philippa Grant

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Post subject: Setting Things In Motion...

The ship was in.

Phil had offered a bit of coin to a young street urchin in exchange for keeping an eye out for the ship that flew Duke Kristolf’s colors, and since the urchin was eager to collect, she got the information in a very timely manner. She was again in drag for now, clothes traditional of a young sailor’s dress uniform, which consisted of white trousers and white top with blue piping at the sleeves and around the flap at her back. A white sailor’s cap was worn, keeping much of her hair concealed. Around the docks, she looked like any other young sailor lad out to enjoy what time he had at port and looking to spend what little coin he had to his name—just as she knew any of the men aboard that ship were going to be itching to do.

This was something that she had to do before she could finalize any of her plans for getting to the Duke before he got to her. She needed to find out what there was to discover about his most recent activities, and she needed to learn what she could about the ship and the men on board. What better way than to make a few friends, which was easy enough with sailors. All she’d have to do was buy them a couple o’ pints.

She hadn’t exactly told Lysander where she was going, as she knew he would have insisted on coming along, and she knew, too, that a nob like him would have the typical sailor clamming up in a hurry. No, it was best, she had decided, that Phil go off on his own.

As was often the way with sailors, the men newly on liberty away from the ship stumbled into the tavern nearest to the docks; a rough place called “The Wench & Warlock”. Well, Phil had been in worse, and the ‘lad’ strolled in, glancing about for some likely looking new mates.

There was an open-faced looking bloke sitting off by himself… pleasant looking but not carousing as loudly and raucously as his crew mates. He looked at the sailor boy dubiously as Phil approached, with a “What you want, swabby?”

“Why, I wants to buy you a drink, Chappy.” Phil grinned, already reaching into money belt.

He laughed, shrugging, “Well, aw’right then. Grab a chair an’ lay some tin out there on the table, lad, an’ you’ll ‘ave yourself a true enough friend in Toby Brewster.”

That was when a barmaid approached, asking what Phil wanted, and she announced, “A pint yer best fer meself and for me mate ‘ere, and one for ‘im too.” Pointing to a grinning fellow dropping into a chair at their table.

“What’s goin’ on, Toby?”

“Oh, this young navvy ‘ere is buyin’ us a round, Ned.”

“Hm, and to what do we owe such kindness?” Asked this Ned.

The young lad in question gave a shrug of the shoulders. “Mostly just to make meself some new mates with which to pass some time, though I couldn’t help noticing the ship ye just come off of and the colors it was flyin’.”

“Yeah. What of et?”

“It just so ‘appens that me sister went off to work in the household of yer Duke Taenar, an’ me poor mum ‘as near worried ‘erself to death now that the letters ‘ave stopped comin’.”

Phil saw the two exchange rather knowing glances, and she knew she had them.

~*~

It went like this over the course of a couple of days. She didn’t want to spook them off too by pressing for too much information too soon. So, she had made a habit of meeting up with them about the same time every evening. Through doing this, it was revealed to Philippa that no local girls dared to go work in the Duke’s estate because of the rumors of his sadistic appetites. Even Ned’s sweetheart had had a run in with the scum. So there was no love of him from these two decent blokes who had only taken the job because of desperation and hard times. She had discovered that there was unrest on the ship, too, as the Captain was a good friend of the Duke’s… so good a friend, in fact, that he was often sent out to collect little lovelies that he felt might be to the nobleman’s liking… and some of the girls made their way to the captain himself. She found out, too, that they were hoping to find some more able-bodied seamen while they were in this port, as some had already deserted. Yes, things weren’t going well at all aboard this ship, and she could already see some openings to make a move.

“Come on down to the ship tomorrow, Mate.” The men told her. “We’ll put in a good word fer ye, though don’t say we didn’t warn ye...”

“I jus’ might do that, Lads, as I’ve been getting’ right soft livin’ the last weeks on land, and it’d be nice to figure out jus’ what’s come of me sister… Might e’en ‘ave a friend interested in coming along fer the voyage.”

And that was her plan too, as she departed their company. She regretted having to lie to them, as they seemed decent blokes. Soon, it’d all be revealed though, she hoped… and she was pretty sure she’d still have their help if only because they had their own blows to their pride from Kristolf and all.

She thought she’d been careful. Truly, she had been, but not careful enough. She’d tried to be careful of what she asked… to sound merely curious, but maybe she’d gone too far. Maybe she’d been recognized and reported. Any number of things were possible, really. Anyway, things were about to get rather interesting as she made her way back to Lysander’s room in the ever darkening evening because by about half way ‘home’, she was fairly certain she was being followed…

Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2011 3:27 pm

Villek

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Post subject: Re: Setting Things In Motion... (Villek)

Those years in exile were a far better fate then the jail he may have languished in or perhaps the noose that would have been coiled about his neck. But to every advantage of remaining free despite the blood upon his hands there was a disadvantage or rather numerous. The truth of Annalyse's death known by very few and with his own hand silencing some of those with doubts, the Duke himself or minions thereof put paid to Villek discovering any truth but that which he'd been led to believe. Thus the dreams of a secret admirer having lost the girl that had won his heart without ever knowing it had sworn vengeance upon those responsible.

Instead through friendship alone at first became a debt for without the Duke's influence and wealth he'd have met his own end, perhaps the afterlife may have been kind and thrown his soul into the light of his dear,dead beloved. Even a debt could not have bound him to becoming the Duke's 'problem solver' for the years he had. Death and more had been visited upon Annalyse and yet a student, a disciple, a willing acolyte to the taking of life was born in Villek. Given names and asked to slay to prove his loyalty had the first few times been enough to motivate Villek, but his conscience ate at him, accusing eyes of who else but the dead and one especially changed him. Becoming intolerant to others, obsessive at honing his skill with the dagger, the number of which he kept on his person increasing the more proficient and ingenious his methods of concealment became. But a steadily improving instrument he became, all those daugters, wives, preyed upon by the Duke's perversions left behind loved ones not all willing to let injustice go unanswered, Villek was the answer to that. Not with a willing hand did he stalk and remove these 'obstacles' but fabricated evidence of their misdeeds ensured Villek stayed on track.

The years slid by, the pawns upon the board more active had him plucked up from afar and set in place, aboard a ship, instructions simply to ensure the Duke's assets were not compromised, the reason and wording vague yet the Captain had clearly too been given his own set of instructions and Villek quickly established himself as a man not to be approached. A man among the crew had in fact voiced this fact, bemoaning the work he had to do whilst one stood idle, strangely he was not aboard ship next day,perhaps he'd swam to shore, shore being days away,perhaps not.

Inevitably rumours of the Duke's exploits were a frequent though hushed topic amid the crew, his intrusion would have undoubtably have stilled loose tongues had he not spent many a year fading into the background, food for thought but hardly damning evidence. Still many a night had him on deck or within the rigging, pulling out daggers at times before resheathing them, a habit that kept him quickhanded and deadly and alone, for how could such a man as he find peace, believing the chance of something more from life had passed him by.

From the precarious perch of the crow's nest he was among the first to spot what the watchman declared aloud to all "Land ahoy!" The imminent arrival ashore within the next few hours drew Villek down into his cabin, there to polish and hone his blades, one might have thought him without emotion but the truth was he feared becoming close to anyone.

Staying aboard the first night, but using the time to go over the ship from aft to prow, sailtop to bilges though little of consequence revealed itself, it was the coming dawn and return of the common tars that had him seeking his bed, not before rousing the Captain. "I'll be going ashore come the morrow, double the watch, arm them, see it done." That the whole of what he said though having had a blade sliding over the tips of his fingers at the time had added a certain..persuasion to his 'suggestions'.

Yet his bunk didn't long have him lay there, the port, the surrounds and curiosity too had him once again on deck, surveying the taking on of supplies with nary a word to any and barely a glance his way from most. He looked entirely as he meant too, unremarkable, a slouch to his walk, a muttered grumbling as he pretended to help in certain tasks, all camoflage to his efforts to spot what didn't belong, and there was nothing amiss at first glance.

So the tavern became his next..port of call, even assassins became bored. A few proffered coins and a cunning excuse had him brought food without having to venture in where he'd stand out too plainly, comings and goings logged within his mind, a tally of the crew, of locals,only one among stood out. Why did he care? what motivated him to care about the 'boy' he'd witnessed over successive nights except something he couldn't precisely lay his finger on seemed out of place and he'd learned to trust his instincts.

Stalking after the lad one of those nights to try to put his suspicions to rest or to find them proven true, instead he found himself taking shelter across from the building the lad entered, sleep a rare thing, duty at least giving him purpose, perhaps one day soon to filfill his own promise to Annalyse's unknowing spirit.

Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2011 5:17 pm

Philippa Grant

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Post subject: Re: Setting Things In Motion... (Villek)

Yes, it had wound up being a very interesting evening indeed. Philippa had tried to shake her stalker by slipping into a still opened shop in the merchant district, but Villek had anticipated that she might try to sneak out the back. Already on her guard, Phil decided that it couldn’t be a mere coincidence that there was a drunk man in the alley when she’d distinctly sensed she was being followed; not when the taverns were all several streets away. So, she’d confronted the man, discovering that he worked for the same Duke she’s been laying a trap for.

He didn’t like the questions she was asking, and Phil didn’t like it when it was implied that her sister was of low class and morals. She couldn’t help it if she’d placed that dearly departed sister on a bit of a pedestal after her murder. The memory of her and their Da had been all that had kept her going during her toughest times. So, she had lunged at the supposed stranger—still in the guise of a lad, of course—with steel glinting and a demand that he take back what he said because her sister was a true lady.

It was not Phil’s demands that had had the man go into somewhat of a state of shock. It was the auburn waves that tumbled down about her furious face as her hat tumbled to the ground… the way they softened her features to show the uncanny resemblance that she bore to Annalyse, whom he had secretly pined over in his own youth before she’d been taken away from them all.

More accusations on both sides, but eventually, Phil had gotten him to realize the Duke’s terrible lies… providing more cruel details, perhaps, than she’d had to in telling the tale of what had really happened to her sister.

Phil tried not to crow her triumph at how swimmingly her plan was going, but it was difficult. She was still young enough to be occasionally foolish and cocky. A passing urchin had caught the girl’s eye, and she called for him as she and Villek left the alley. Whispered instructions were given to the lad (still not fully trusting Villek) for him to go find Lysander and where that same fellow could be found. A coin was offered to the lad with the promise that another would be his upon successful delivery of the message. The child seemed eager enough to get the job done, since he ran off (going the long way, as Phil had instructed). She didn’t want to lead this somewhat shady character back to their room. So, she had decided that the best thing would be to meet at one of their favorite pubs.

It was close enough to the inn that, hopefully, she wouldn’t have to wait long for him to meet up with them, but far enough that Villek wouldn’t necessarily see where her beau came from. She ordered some shepherd’s pie and some mead, eying the man with her suspiciously. He wasn’t exactly a stranger, but he looked only vaguely like the slightly awkward youth she remembered from her days at the Taenar Estates. “Sorry for all of the cloak and dagger stuff, but… well, a lass can’t be too careful when a powerful man wants her head on the chopping block, so to speak.” She smirked, adding, "And well, you were, sort of stalking me."

Posted: Sun Oct 16, 2011 5:55 pm

Villek

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Post subject: Re: Setting Things In Motion... (Villek & Lysander)

It wasn't how Villek had foreseen things happening, so much of his life had been turned upside down, back to front and then shaken up until the pieces thrown out before him left him lacking any direction save one, the Duke had to die, had to pay for taking away his chance for something so very prescious. It wasn't a hard decision, it may have gone differently had Philippa to his eyes especially been anything other then a reflection of her sister.

She'd taken the lead whilst he was still reeling from how he'd been used, not knowing but surely suspecting he'd been used in more ways then had been discovered. He found himself often gazing at Phillippa who he followed having reclaimed his daggers, wondering if it was to late to reclaim his humanity, but seeing her only brought to life a longing and ache within his chest for something he could never claim as his.

Silence had always been a veil he'd worn well, but now it just made that emptiness inside him feel all the more intense, the mask was in place by the time they reached an Inn, outwardly calm save for something within his eyes up close one might describe it of a man with but one purpose to his existance, still a habit had his eyes roaming over all, assessing, weighing up threats. If anything he became much more focused on everything but his companion, not that he could ignore her existance, the smirk drawing his eyes back to her and what she said. "A..sorry, Phillipa I'd not have harmed you.." It was all he had to say, Annalyse's murder might as well have been the day before for however Villek thought he hid his emotions he was a man in pain.

Settling, rather withdrawing once he felt they were safe, he was barely aware he'd slid his hand in to lightly clutch at the never to be delivered letter, part of him wanting to ask Philippa of her sister, to get to know how she'd been through her eyes but he was just finding ways to exquisitely torture himself. His expression remained tight, if he let what he felt come to the surface he didn't know if he'd be able to pull himself back together, it was the anger coupled with all else he felt that enabled him to. "It would be unwise for me to be gone to long from the ship.." Not that it would sail without him the Captain too much a coward to dare so much as raise sail without a nod from Villek.

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2011 4:51 am

Lysander Kirk

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Post subject: Re: Setting Things In Motion... (Villek & Lysander)

Lysander heard the knocking at his door and frowned. He wasn't expecting anyone and if it'd been Pippa she would have just come in. So it was very cautiously that he opened the door and looked around. At first he didn't see anyone and was about to close the door. Then there was a soft clearing of the throat sound and he looked down. Before him stood a small lad with his hand held out. "Sir, I've been tasked wif the duty of gettin' you down to tha pub. Now we gonna dos this tha hard way, or my way?"

He grabbed his jacket and closed the door behind him, "Just where are you taking me by the way?"

"To the nice young lad and his male friend. Now if you'll be so kind...She wants to meet you at the pub." he motioned Lysander to walk on past him.

The nice young lad and his male friend? This made him move a bit faster than he normally would have. The pub she'd mentioned to the street urchin was fairly near by. The closer he got to it the colder the felt himself become. He tried to keep himself under control, but if she was in trouble he wanted to be prepared.

He opened the door to the pub a bit harder then he had meant to. It flung open and hit the wall hard enough that it bounced back and if he hadn't already been moving it probably would have hit him in the face. As it was it just slammed shut again. Looking around the Eldest Kirk took note of where people were in the tavern. Most of them were looking at him now, but that wasn't what he was worried about.

His attention was drawn to the table with Pippa and her "male friend". She was eating and drinking. He didn't appear to be. They had become semi-regulars at this pub so no one came to scald him for the door. They did look a bit worried. Lysander ignored all of this and made his way over to the table.

As he came up to the table he bends over and kisses Philippa's forehead. "Hello Pippa, Darling. You sent for me?" He turned and looked at the man with her. In greeting he nodded to him, but that was all he gave him, "You going to introduce me to your friend?"

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2011 7:51 am

Philippa Grant

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Post subject: Re: Setting Things In Motion... (Villek & Lysander)

Philippa was eating with her usual gusto,(Hey, living out on the streets or even on a naval ship had taught her to eat when she got the chance to.) though she did avoid the temptation to wipe her mouth on her sleeve. She’d once taken all of those lady lessons and while she was out of practice, she had it in her. Still, at Villek’s claim that he’d not have hurt her, she couldn’t help but smirk. “Who’re we kidding?” She decided to be blunt. “If Lady Luck hadn’t intervened, one or the other of us would’ve had a knife in the gut out in that alley.” It was her sister who had saved the both of them. Phil’s likeness to the dead girl and Phil’s recollection of Annalyse’s secret fondness for the Villek of years passed.

“And no one’s gonna miss you for another little bit yet. Not if you aren’t on the watch schedule. The Captain’s not going to set off in the middle of the night with only half his crew…” She might have said more, but she was startled by a certain chill as the door flew open. The amiable atmosphere went dead quiet for a moment as everyone paused to stare at Lysander, but upon seeing him, the girl was hiding an amused smile behind the napkin newly lifted to wipe at her mouth. She wasn’t looking like a lad anymore. Well, she was still in her sailor togs, but her hair was down. The street urchin accompanying Lysander arched a brow, but shrugged his shoulders. It wasn’t any of his business he figured. Besides, either way, Phil was cut of the same cloth. One street rat knew another. So she was all right by his book. Especially since she didn’t seem to mind sharing what coin she had for the odd errand.

After receiving the kiss to the forehead from Lysander, she flipped another coin to the lad and called out to the pub owner, “Maudie, get this lad somethin’ to eat, would ye? On me.” She was going to need to earn some more coin, she reflected, as her money belt was getting a bit light. Business concluded, she turned her attentions back to Lysander.

“I see you wasted no time in getting here, Luv.” Then, she was gesturing to Villek; then from Villek to Lysander. Was it just her or was her beau making a small show of possessiveness? Well, that was all right. She reached out, catching his hand with her own. “I’m not sure that we could be called friends just yet, but this is Villek an old… acquaintance and new ally. Villek, this is my Lysander.”

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2011 12:08 pm

Villek

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Post subject: Re: Setting Things In Motion... (Villek & Lysander)

Who was he to judge the manner into which she tucked into her food she'd ordered in moments of their arrival, he'd done far more that went beyond a mere lack of table manners. No she wasn't Annalyse even though there was far too much of her in her to dispel his natural attraction. Any answer he had regards that had to wait because of Lysander's attention catching entrance, but with that aside he felt awkward that she knew more of how his ship would be Captain'd then he did.

Tugged from a mind he spent far too many hours delving inside of to get the measure of the man and is dramatic prelude to approaching their table, learning more then he really cared to see or hear, but the Gods seemed content to play their games, the hearts and minds of men tormented for their amusement.

"Aye.." A pause, seemingly surprised the word had sprang to his lips, a break in his more proper manner of speech as he saw it. "Yes, I'm Villek, though she'd have learned more of me had she not spoken of you so fondly.." Well it wasn't strictly true but the open affection they had displayed to one another after a mere initial nod to acknowldge his prescence had left no doubt as to their relationship. Though had he introduced himself first his words might well have been 'I'm a ghost from a past that might have been, seeing a future that will never be' perhaps his inner poet was no longer dormant.

Wearing a bitter smile his mind spun back to words of hers he'd let slip by unanswered, muttering to himself. "But one twist of a blade may have laid sorrow to rest." Glancing at the remnants of a meal eaten in haste, perhaps wondering how the fare had tasted. The truth was he effected an air of disinterest because there was some things a man just didn't need to see, such as a vision of 'Annalyse' enamoured to another, knowing after all she wasn't didn't lessen the ache within.

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2011 1:19 pm

Philippa Grant

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Post subject: Re: Setting Things In Motion... (Invite Villek & Lysander)

The meeting between Lysander, Philippa, and Villek had not exactly gone swimmingly, what with the latter’s longing glances and heavy heart and the former’s chilly politeness and mostly discreet shows of possession. Men. Phil had reflected at the time. Still, an uneasy truce had been reached and plans had been made. Plans that were now about to be put into motion!

Philippa had her trusty ol’ seabag slung over one shoulder, and for now, she was back in a variation of her old guise. She had her hair twisted up and hidden beneath a simple sailor’s cap, a pair of fitted breeches. She had foregone her shoes, and the upper portion of her clothes was hidden beneath a monkey jacket (though it was longer than the standard ones, reaching to mid-thigh as opposed to her waist) that was just bulky enough to help conceal what she had ‘up top’ while aiding her in looking just like any of the other swabbies hanging about the docks. Over the years, she’d also perfected a certain masculine swagger. She wanted those aboard the ship that she had befriended to be able to recognize the ‘Phil’ they’d come to trust… the Phil who had been slyly sowing seeds of discord for the past week or so.

It seemed that few of the sailors were happy with their lot, disliking the Captain who took great pleasure in shaming them and a Duke who was, at least, rumored to have taken advantage of some of their dear sisters and sweethearts. She hoped this would make them more receptive to her scheme because she’d rather command through loyalty than fear… though with Lysander and Villek (and eventually Deanna) backing her, she was pretty sure that the latter could be managed easily enough.

Lysander was at her side as they came into sight of the ship flying those hated heraldic arms and colors. Phil bounced up on to her toes, flashing him a broad grin. “Isn’t she a beaut? She’s called The Revenge, and if that’s not a sign from the gods, I don’t know what is… though I think I’ll rechristian her when all this is over…”

Oh, yes. Phil was already thinking of the ship as her own, despite the obstacles that remained… or the fact that claiming it was, well, larceny. Duke Taenar surely owed her something, she had justified it in her mind. Besides, the sense of irony to come riding in on a ship that he himself owned and had named Revenge!

Anyway, as they neared the ship, Phil called up to the man on watch, her voice dropped lower than what it should have been. “Why, ‘ello there, Guv’nor. Me mate and I were told we might find gainful employment on this ‘ere barky… I’m a mate av Ned and Toby.”

“Ah, roight. They said to keep an eye out, though they neglected to mention ‘ow scrawny yeh were.” The bloke was laughing, but if he’d hoped to get much of a rise out of Phil he would be disappointed.

“Oh, it’s true I don’t look like much, but I’ll promise ye that no one can get about better an’ faster in the riggin’ than Phil Grant.” Hitching a thumb at her own chest. “An’ me mate ‘ere ‘as other merits what might make ‘im useful. So, why not let us on an’ let the Cap’n decide, eh?”

Ultimately, they were let on and Phil would nod to Ned and Toby and a few other chaps she’d met since the ship had come into port. They were lined up in different lines, and she realized that it must be time for inspection. She didn’t see Villek right off, but the thought occurred to her to check the shadows. She didn’t get the chance, though, because there was a commotion from one of the division lines. She could see a man who she vaguely remembered from her childhood; a man who had always been in the Duke’s entourage. He had to be the captain, especially considering how much more richly he was dressed than his men. He seemed only about half sober, but he was yelling and cursing and there was a poor ship’s boy who was suffering the brunt of his anger… a little lad who couldn’t have been more than eight years old.

A hand was raised to strike the lad, and that was when Phil spoke up. “Well, now. I’d ‘eard that things were uneasy on this barky, but no one ‘ad mentioned that the Captain was a coward preying on wee lads in addition to all of his other less than admirable qualities.”

A sudden hush because speaking so bluntly was… well, it was mutiny, except that Phil wasn’t yet a member of the crew. Still, it just wasn’t done. A Captain’s word was law on his ship. As she’d hoped, the man’s blow did not land on the boy’s cheek because he was whirling to face Phil. She flashed an apologetic look to Lysander. This hadn’t exactly been part of her plan, but she couldn’t stand by while he abused a kid. So, things were progressing a bit faster than she’d planned. Hopefully, it wouldn’t change things too much.

“Brave words for someone who looks more like a boy than a man himself. Just who do you think you are?” Growled the captain as he stomped over to tower over Phil. Every other person on the ship was silent, anxious to see how this would play out.

There was only one thing Phil could think to do, and she just had to pray that she hadn’t been imagining the flash of steel from the shadows and that Lysander was ready for the chaos that might ensue.

“Well, now. I think the answer to that question is something that the owner of this ship would be very interested in knowing.” Hat was pulled off to let auburn waves tumble down about her shoulders, and monkey jacket was shrugged off to reveal maidenly curves, accentuated with a corseted pirate’s coat, in blue and gold. She looked rather like some pirate queen, save for the lack of her boots and rapier. (The latter of which was in Lysander's keeping simply because she'd had not easy place to stash it. Hey, she couldn’t help it if she liked to make an entrance.) “Does the name Philippa Grant ring any bells? No? Well, what about my sister, Annalyse, who was raped and murdered by Kristolf Taenar?”

The captain’s brow furrowed, but then recognition dawned. From the other men, there was a collective gasp.

“Seize her!”

There were some men loyal to him—the wasters that could be found on most ships, who always did the least amount of work, but who enjoyed the rougher tasks—who would be quick to try in following his order. Others, like Toby and Ned though, hesitated.

“Got this?” A look to Lysander and to Villek, too, assuming he’d made himself seen by now.

And she would leap into the rigging, climbing up into the foretop without a second thought, knowing that her comrades could deal with the wasters without too much trouble. To those men who had not yet acted, who seemed caught between what they knew was their supposed duty and their own memories and misgivings, she would call out, “Hear me, for I met many of you and know you to be good men… men what didn’t sign on for a job like this. I know, too, that the tale of my sister is not the only one whispered about in the duchy where Duke Taenar rules… and I wager that a fair share of you have your own grievances against him and, perhaps, even against the captain. Mutiny is no easy subject amongst us sailors, but this is the chance for all of us to rise up and to set right so many of the wrongs perpetrated by this man who is anything but noble, regardless of his high birth!”

Well, that sounded awfully inspiring if she did say so herself… “Are ye with me?!”

Another shout to go retrieve the 'conniving little bitch' was uttered by the Captain, and two or three of the wasters made good on this, climbing up into the rigging after her. They were quick and able-bodied, but Phil was quicker, thanks to her small stature. Her delight in being back in her element was obvious, despite the danger as she led them on a chase through the rat lines and such. There were still a good 5 or 6 others, too, down on the deck, going for Lysander since he was obviously her comrade at arms, and they figured they might have leverage to get her down should they manage to get the better of him.

Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2011 8:36 pm

Villek

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Post subject: Re: Setting Things In Motion... (Invite Villek & Lysander)

An alliance or was it just a mutual goal had been forged in sweat, blood and tears even if the latter two were solely his so far. Yet sketchy plans had been agreed upon before Villek had wished them well before departing with relief. Stalking back to the ship but in no hurry to reach it he had plenty to occupy his mind and he had to find some semblance of peace within himself before he dare venture aboard. "The shadow return'eth, as the dawn grew near. Tread by tread, without no fear. Thoughts a whirring in his head, the Duke will soon, I swear lay dead..Annalyse.."

That tread of feet did stop however not through fear or obstacle save the unseen, but to replay Philippa's words of comfort, was 'she' talking through her, was 'she' truly capable of forgiving him for becoming the man he had, a man measuring himself by deeds he loathed himself for. 'Easy for you to say' A part of him wanted to voice but this was drowned out by a chorus of others saying different. Phillipa was her sister, she'd have known Annalyse better then anyone and though he was scared to let hope flicker rather then flare to life it did.

Having chosen a path that made him the spoken of shadow amid others, he'd ceased his steps in the solitary darkness, yet the glint of steel a forewarning to the unwise disappeared and instead from within his robes the long ago written letter was removed, unfolded. Even in absence of light his words were committed to memory and as breathe seeped from parted lips to rise as ghostly plumes he began to speak, to recite the words both within and before him. As each was offered to only his own ears he felt that spark within ignite something more, a gathering burst of warmth that before he finished with her name had him crying, no sobbing as he fell to his knees, her name repeated a few times but that warmth remained, and what else could he think then she had heard and had at last found her way to him.

Time became meaningless, neither the sky lightening nor the cold ache settling within his limbs stirred him, but when he at last opened his eyes and rose he felt invigorated and more alive then he had in years. "I love you Annalyse, I know you can hear me, I can feel you..I..." Within a mind that had suffered to much and snapped or was it truly what Villek believed it to be answered. "Shush, shush my Villek, you need to harden your heart, rub your eyes now, hide that smile. The deed is not yet done my sweet poet, but if you need me just look inside, I'll be here waiting, be what you must be, no man is perfect, I never wanted that, only you.."

"Ive really lost it now.." He muttered and took deep calming breathes, the sound of laughter echoing within, feet and a plan in motion covering the remaining distance to the ship. The gangplank approached but having called out a word the distinctive chink of a sword resheathing had him stepping aboard and beckoning those on watch, fore and aft towards him. "Today you'll be tested, remain loyal to those deserving but listen well for you'll get but one chance to choose your path..now go, seek out and tell those you can." This occuring only hours before Phillipa and her entourage such as it was arrived with the Sun still lazily spilling outs its rays over the rooftops of the town.

No turning back now but then there never had been from the moment his mind had been opened to the truth. Stood amid crewmen one among many but not one of, he scowled at the Captain and his behaviour to one without the means to fight back. Listening to Phillipa but his eyes were on a couple of figures, armed yet making a poor show of being disinterested bystanders. No sooner had the signal to act been spoken and hands and silver darts flashed through the air felling those two were they stood, following up with a trio of daggers thunking into the decking at the Captain's feet. His own carrying him to stand by Lysander, his eyes on the Captain, trusting his back to be guarded as much a way of showing he'd chosen his side as to try and remove any doubts Lysander may have had to his loyalty.

Now even the spectacle of Philippa's hair unfurling, silken sheen to her locks and her carefully chosen attire were lost on Villek, strange perhaps compared to the night before but there was too much at stake for distraction whatever it may be. A dagger remaining in hand now spun up and caught, thrown from one hand to another, an artist at work showing off his craft as he with Philippa's final words to the crew lunged and wrenched the blade through belt and cord, leaving the Captain redfaced and humiliated as hands too late tried to save his pants from falling to his ankles. "Say a word, just say a word and I'll have your throat next.." He hissed and yet in being merciful he felt inward improval and that brought a smile, though with the glint in his eyes it would be misconstrued in the worst of ways.

Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2011 11:07 pm

Lysander Kirk

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Post subject: Re: Setting Things In Motion... (Invite Villek & Lysander)

They'd had a long conversation the night before. They'd held each other, discussed what they wanted to happen in the next few days, and in the future beyond that. He'd let some of his insecurity about her doing this show, and had gotten what he needed in return, false promises. Lysander had asked Philippa to promise she'd be safe, even though he knew that there was no way to make good on that promise. Even staying at home wasn't safe any more. But she knew what he'd needed and made the promise.

After that she'd finally fallen asleep again. Lysander couldn't though. He was a half-breed, and didn't require as much sleep as others, even though he usually keep normal sleeping hours with Pippa to make her feel more comfortable. She would fall asleep and as usual, he would pretend to do so as well. Once she was sound asleep he would watch her for hours. She may not be able to keep the promise to him, but he would be sure that he kept his to her. He would be by her side for as long as she'd have him. Shortly before sunrise he felt something familiar. Almost like a memory trying to make itself known again. He closed his eyes and concentrated on it, but after a minute or two it was gone again. Deciding that it was just his imagination playing tricks on him, he returned to watching his Love sleep.

Finally the sun rose and she woke up. The Kirk "woke up" shortly after and just smiled to her. She was a basket of energy. She was excited and nervous, and when you put those together in someone that small it made her practically bounce around the room. They considered breakfast but Lysander for one, wasn't hungry and doubted he'd be too hungry until this whole thing was over. So instead they dressed. He'd decided to be a bit less conspicuous and threw a shirt on under his normal hooded jacket, but otherwise remained the same. At the questioning glace from Philippa he answered, "It makes me look more normal. Not many humans would go out with their coat open and no shirt on when it's been as cool out as it has been."

He stayed silent the entire time he and "Phil" walked to the boat. He'd decided that it'd probably be best to let her do all the talking. He was there for muscle and support anyway. She'd gained access to the main deck of the shit and almost as soon as he saw the captain and the little boy, he knew that things weren't going to go the way they'd planned. At the look and question from her "Got this?" she'd asked, he simply nodded and handed her the package he held for her. He wasn't about to get wrapped up in fighting and leave her without at least her sword.

Villek had taken down a couple man already and was standing off with the captain before the rest of the men had a chance to move. Leaving Lysander to watch his back. A show of trust he was sure of, but it didn't convince him that this man wouldn't turn on them the moment he had the chance. He'd made the mistake of trusting a man with his life before and it didn't go well for him or his sister afterwards. The man had been in a position of ultimate trust with him, and had turned on him. So while he appreciated Villek's show, he wasn't about to trust the woman he loved to him just yet. As they say "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." He didn't believe Isa blamed him for what had happened, and he was positive that Pippa wouldn't either, however he did, and would again if something happened this time and he didn't stop it.

Unfortunately for the captain even though he was basically captured the men didn't seem interested in stopping. They would try to "protect" the captain and if they did then he'd reward them, however if he died in the fight, the next "alpha dog" would step up and take over, telling the tale of how he lead the men in battle for revenge (so ironic) and took back the ship. Lysander didn't say anything, not even a "battle cry" as he wadded into the group of four charging men. Only two of them had weapons, but they were both small blades that neither seemed trained with.

It was funny how some people thought that just be holding the weapon they were skilled with the weapon. None of these men showed the skill or grace that Villek had. And Lysander had been watching and taking notes. That alone was almost enough to make him not trust the man. The first man that got to Lysander was rewarded with a punch to the nose that sent him to the floor covered in blood and screaming. This move was followed up with a twisting motion that almost looked like a dance move as the second man stabbed at him with a knife. Twirling around to take hold of the man's arm and use his motion against him, Lysander ran the man's hand straight into the gut of the third one. For one shocked second the two sailors stared at each other unsure of what had just happened. Then the eldest Kirk's head was flying backwards into the skull of the man with the knife, while his fist made contact with the other fellow's jaw. They both went down with a moan. The forth man stood there watching it all, the knife shaking in his hand. Lysander made a move towards him and the dropped the knife and ran, jumping off the side of the boat with a splash.

He'd almost laughed, but it'd under-mind what the others had seen of him. Villek was the one skilled with knives that didn't seem to mind killing (to those who were watching and didn't know his true feelings). He'd even given the captain a warning not to move. Lysander on the other hand had taken four man out without saying as much as a word and didn't even have to touch the fourth one. After that he'd gone about cleaning up his mess and threw the three men, overboard. None of them had been injured enough to kill them, just leave them in pain for a long time. Even the knife wound had been directed towards the gut and if he had it looked at soon enough it wouldn't be deadly.

With that done he returned to standing silently, where he could keep both Villek and Philippa in his sights. He'd not used a single power yet, which was good. He didn't want anyone to see any of that until much later when it'd be needed. There was no fun in showing off too soon. As he stood there looking over the ship for anyone else who might be looking for a fight, that feeling came over him again. Like a memory trying to come up from the darkness of his mind. And then it was gone again. He didn't let anything show outwardly, but he hoped he'd get a chance to talk to Philippa about it later.

Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 3:45 am

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