Spyglass of Atlantis | RP Thread

RE: Spylass of Atlantis| RP Thread

Jenna smiled as the Byelan man, who she presumed was the captain of the Vile Compass, came down to meet them. The man introduced himself as Rilerius XII and gave a hearty laugh, before showing off his ship, and welcoming the three to the crew. With a grin, Jenna stepped up to the man, and shook his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain Rilerius, my name is Jenna Lightwind, and I look forward to serving on your crew." Jenna said, before taking a step back. She couldn't wait to get aboard the ship, and start sailing. From what she heard, they would be looking for Atlantis, and Jenna was more then eager to go a long on this expedition for the lost city. The mere thought of all that gold nearly caused her to start drooling, if she hadn't caught herself.

She turned and watched as the other two, a fellow Laiedian, male and a bit older then she was, and a young female Oquenise. Jenna didn't really have anything against the race, but she really didn't care much for them either. She really just didn't care about race or age, or anything. Right now, all she cared about was getting aboard, and setting sail, going on adventures, finding gold, and drinking until she passed out. She had wanted to be a pirate for so long now, and now, she would finally get her wish.

 

RE: Spylass of Atlantis| RP Thread

"The bell has been raised from it's watery grave. Do you hear it's sepulchral tone?"​

The song drifted from the Oquenise woman's mouth lightly, quiet yet smooth. The lyrics held no personal meaning to her, yet the tune was pleasant and the song itself safe-- the vixen had, after all, learned it during her imprisonment aboard a sea-faring vessel, so no pirate was likely to find it reprehensible enough to justify hateful actions.

Although, really, the Oquenise's actions were far more likely to instigate a beating than a hushed song ever would. Peering into a tall crate, the vixen named Vareci gazed hungrily at the bounty of apples inside. Not one of them was any sort of luscious or perfect anymore, but they were edible and juicy and by the generosity of Yuaron, Vareci would only take one and then be satisfied for the day... 'Thievery is never justified, but neither is slavery nor physical punishment... it is only one, in the end,' Vareci concluded after her internal debate. Swiping one of the delectable red fruits up with an uncleanly paw, the Oquenise absconded to a corner of the room, humming the song she had left off singing as she bit into and savored the apple.

'Near two months I've been on this ship... and what have my ethics paid for the time? Thievery...' The word was bitter to her, yet the act was necessary. 

A new hope had been kindled in the vixen though. Recently, the captain of The Vile Compass had approached her, with that typical disdainful look in his eye. Seeming reproachful of his own words, he had explained to Vareci that he would release her-- actually set her free-- if she would cooperate with the vessel's newest objective.

'Peacefully I had allowed myself to be taken to the ship and made a prisoner... though it didn't become some routine adventure, like I had suspected. It's been practical torture, and I will regain freedom...' Ears perking up, she heard someone approaching. Roughly chewing the remaining apple in her mouth while she stuck the leftovers in an inconspicuous cranny nearby, Vareci deftly stood up and crossed nonchalantly to a crate, feigning productivity.

Rather dubiously, she thought, 'And all that must be achieved by this poor crew is the finding of Atlantis.'

 

Kristoph Palmer sat perched confidently on a rock formation just near the edge of the docks. It was certainly one of his favourite places to catch a moment's reprieve against the bustle of the island of Byelan, where he had taken up temporary residence after his ship had run aground. The memory was still painful to bear... the former captain of the Retaliation still mourned the loss of his prized ship quite deeply. A wound like no other... he thought, somberly, One with th' salts of th' seas poured directly inside of them. He winced at his own thought process. This had taken place many months ago, and today was not a day for mourning. It was the day that he was to set sail as a crewman aboard a new ship - the Vile Compass. He had caught many whispers in the dead of night, speaking the tale of the treasures that this infamous boat was to bring. The captain - a Byelan man known as Rilerius XII - Kristoph had met only a couple times, in passing.

He stood up as he saw the ship coming in. She was a beautiful piece of work, and the gold lettering upon her hull glinted in the light. It was almost enough to bring tears to the salted former captain's eyes... but not quite. She remained a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, however, with her redwood planks and brilliant carving. A fact that he chose to bring up to a nearby bystander. "She's a beauty, eh?" He spoke with a lighthearted tone and a hearty laugh - a rumbling, powerful laugh from his belly that had almost become his signature in better times. Without waiting for the response of the man, he wandered off on his own, chuckling. His laugh died down as he walked over in a way that only a confident pirate could. After all, this had been the life of Kristoph Palmer for several decades. The barrel-chested man puffed himself up, taking his cap up from beside him, and placing it firmly on his head. The breeze of the day wafted the familiar scent of the sea to his nostrils, and he shut his violet eyes, taking in the magnificent scent as the brine sprayed up to greet his rugged, chiseled face. The water caught itself in his beard, beading upon the chestnut strands of hair that had been only barely kept as he worked his odd jobs along the port of the island. No, that life was certainly not for him. He belonged out at sea, living a life of adventure and only a mild bit of danger.

The man contemplated stopping for a quick pint of the port's ale in a farewell, but he ultimately decided against it. The sea did not take kindly to those who kept her waiting; this he knew all too well. "Quite the dilemma, indeed," he mused, aloud. He pursed his lips slightly, before smoothing out his vest and stroking his beard. Though he knew Rilerius by face and by name, they had struck a deal. He would be seeking the treasure in order to repair his own boat, but in turn, Kristoph had to serve under the Byelan man. This mutual partnership would ultimately end perfectly as a delightful bargain for them both. Kristoph's services, he knew, were in high enough demand that he had to turn down several other offers for the vying of the legendary treasures of the mythical Atlantis. And whispers now followed him as he walked along the docks, turning down onto the pier at which the Vile Compass was docked. He greeted them pleasantly, turning to shake hands with the men who wished him well on his journey. Though he had not been a man of the land in Byelan for long, his presence had seemingly been noticed. "Thank ye, I shall do me very best." He gave a toothy grin - he and the crew of the Vile Compass would return as celebrities to this island - Kristoph was quite certain of that fact.

He reached the end of the docks, prepared to meet the others. A Laidéan woman, beautiful enough to catch Kristoph's eye, and a woman who appeared to be Oquenise. He did not know what to make of her, immediately, since he had had relatively little interaction with members of her race... but he did not pay her much mind. Her lack of confidence was evident from the moment she took the hand of their captain for a shake; Rilerius the Twelfth stood proud upon his own ship. Kristoph spoke for the first time in weeks to the man, "Rilerius! A pleasure to meet you again." The tone he took was one as though he was greeting an old friend, and he ignored the handshake to go in for a grand hug. As he backed off, he tacked on a compliment to the friendly gesture, "And might I add whatta fantastic vessel she is," acknowledging the beautiful craft which he stood before. "Inspiration suitable for the journey we be facin', no?" Another signature toothy grin. The woman who had caught his eye before introduced herself as Jenna Lightwind, and she was certainly ravishing, though she had a deathly flair about her. Her bright red hair was fittingly matched to a high-end red vest. A cutlass was strapped to her waist which told Kristoph that she was for eyes only... though perhaps, given time, it would be fitting to get to know her. Peacock feathers were stuck in her hat, giving her a slight aristocratic air. He wasn't quite sure what to make of her, but he smiled and stretched out a hand, "A pleasure to meet you as well, Ms. Lightwind."

The final addition to the crew of Rilerius, the Oquenise woman. He acknowledged her with a curt nod and nothing more, simply because her obvious amount of discomfort amused him. He did not want to rudely burst out laughing in her face, though he was not aware of the customs of the Oquenise like he was the Byelan people. "S'pose we'll be gettin' on with the journey, then? Let us aboard! Been dyin' to see this ship o' yers, cap'n." He placed heavy emphasis on the final word, as though it were some sort of quiet in-joke between the two. The word was odd, as he was no longer recognizing a peer in his group, but rather a superior to him. It was slightly off-putting, but Kristoph took it in good stride, happy to be returning to the sea after so much time spent on land.​

 

"Same to you, Kristoph." Jenna said with a grin as she shook his hand, after he had extended it out to her. From the way he spoke to the captain, and his general demeanor, Jenna could tell this many had plenty of experience aboard a pirate ship. Though from the way he had been examining her before stepping up to her, told her that he was of the lecherous sort. But that didn't concern her at the present moment, as the captain had once again began talking. He began making a speech about how his fantastic ship (Which she had to admit was quite a beauty, in her opinion.) had been made by Laidean hands. He seemed to be a bit bigoted, but otherwise, seemed to be a friendly person.

Jenna smiled as she followed him on board with the other two, looking around and marveling at the excellent craftsmanship, now that she had a much better view while on deck. The captain then began explaining about the voyage they would be taking in a bit more detail, showing them the spyglass case, and what exactly the spyglass was spose to do. And then the captain mention the reward, which got the rest of Jenna's attention. All we can carry, huh...? Jenna smiled at the thought, which was followed by many thoughts of what she would do with that money.

It was then that a Laidean man, who would be identified as Uson the captain's first mate, and reported to the captain about a prisoner. After the captain introduced him, the man greeted them and said something to Kristoph, identifying his last name as Palmer. Jenna realized that the man was the captain who she had heard had been stuck here since his ship was wrecked. She contemplated this revelation as she began to follow Uson, after the captain had told him to show them their new quarters, with an added racist comment, that he laughed at. This crew was certainly turning out to be an interesting one.

 

Her first reaction to the question was curiosity. It certainly wasn't commonplace for a Laidean to ask an Oquenise their opinion about human culture-- much less when the person who asked was officially ranked so much higher. It was obvious to Vareci that the man was seeking some type of affirmation. The vixen turned to the first mate, leaning a paw down to press on the parchment she had received. 'The scatter-brain forgot to bring an inkwell,' Vareci noted without derision. 'Anyways. How to step about this...?' Voicing what she really thought about humans, she knew, would not earn any favor nor help anyone in particular. The man clearly needed to hear a certain response, both for himself and his soul. To push him towards betterment...

"Laideans are a controversial race, to be sure, sir," Vareci began, speaking with respect that only she could be able to identify as insincere. "Yours is a powerful people, and is naturally both revered and despised by different circles. Laideans are skilled, to be sure, and are worthy of greatness." Vareci paused for a second, glancing down at the pen and parchment. She resumed gazing sympathetically at the first mate when she continued speaking. "Of any beings in this world, they are most adept at working with fate, as well as controlling it. Is it fair, then, for my people to be targeted by such a gifted race?" Her voice kept steady, and held a generic tone. "The world would be a much better place, sir, if the Laideans became forthcoming with their graciousness and turned their hearts towards unity."

It was clear that she finished her answer there. The speech was devoid of mistakes, in her mind. At the least, she was convinced she had put up such a display that the first mate wouldn't suspect deception. Vareci turned back to the crate, letting her eyes finally succumb to a glimmer of cynicism. 'Hmph. Laideans. They are a proud race, wrought with hubris and greed. It is true, though; the world would be more peaceful if they would stop being so thoughtless and turn instead to compassion.'