Witch continued

[Barrok]

from KoR

The sailor on watch says, "I will fetch the Captain, she can answer your questions." He gestures for the official to wait. "I will be back directly, please wait."

He dashes below deck, making no effort to be quiet, his quick steps echoing through the ship.

[Onya]

Onya is surprised to see this sailor appearing from no where it seems. She says in a hurried tone as she tugs on Lucien, "Come on Lucien Your charm will keep the lady guard from getting to antsy while she waits for the captain of this Witch." I wonder where Sova is? The enchantress says as an after thought

[Barrok]

Tobias softly smirks and listens still pretending to be asleep in the corner, wondering what is going to befall the people he was travelling with next.

[Knight of Roses]

As the official waits, she clicks her fingers and is handed another scroll by her assistant.

[Onya]

Onya lets go of Lucien's arm and scampers up the steps to the open deck. She emerges from the door with caution and then with a graceful casual walk she saunters to the side of the deck where the guard waits.

[The Speaker in Dreams]

As Onya breaks away, Lucien says, "Wait ... " and then trails off. Damn, woman! he thinks, we haven't even been introduced to a "captain" yet, and I'm not sure I can bluff my way past that ... still, I can't leave her alone up there.

With that he also climbs the steps, though in a less hurried fashion than Onya. When he finally emerges, it is with that same sort of foppish manner that he's adopted and he heads for the area where the dockmaster waits and really does little but attempt to see what the fuss is all about and how the dockmaster handles the appearance of Onya, and then Lucien following close behind.

The only indication he gives to his presence before seeing the dockmaster is to call out to Onya in a clear voice, "Well, Kitten, any idea what this *yawn* fuss is about at this ungodly hour?" he says faking a disinterest and slight annoyance to his voice with the insertion of a yawn mid-statement for emphasis.

[Onya]

Onya scampers over to Lucien and snuggles up to him saying in a sweet innocent purr, “Oh Masterrrrr I didn’t mean to wake you. I just wanted to enjoy the night air. Forrrgive yourrrrr prrrrecious kitten Masterrrrrr? It seems that nice Lady on the pier wants to see the Captain of this ship.”

[Knight of Roses]

The official looks up. "A merchant? Are you a passenger of this vessel?"

[Barrok]

Tobias nudges Alain really hard.

"I'm thinking that maybe we should get off this boat and have a gander at the port. If anything being out in the open maybe better than being cooped up here"

[The Speaker in Dreams]

"That I am, madam. It seems that the ship will be doing some trade in the near future and," he coughs her for emphasis and puffs his chest out in a sort of self-important fashion, "naturally I was the best suited for such a venture."

He looks over the side and appears to size her up, "You seem like an officious woman ... and rather comely I might add," he says the last under his breath as if indicating some sort of flirtation, "Is there some matter of business I may offer my considerable services to you for?"

[Knight of Roses]

Lucien's blood runs cold as the woman regards him, much as a diner would regard an unwelcome insect in their food. "I am simply clarifying some of our records, sir. What is your name?"

[Onya]

The Enchantress stops pawing at Lucien so he can keep tiring to stall the Dominion guard with his delightful charm. She stands next to him pouting like a child with her head down feeling like a piece of baggage. During the brief conversation thus far the arcane energy prowls through Onya’s being like a caged great cat ready to be released from her cage.

[The Speaker in Dreams]

"Well ... there are those that call me Tim, madam. Though you may call me by my full name of Timothy Pradon." He replies, and each word he says carries with it the same schmarmy charm he's been playing to - as if he's oblivious of her interest. "I'm a simple man," here he pauses to simply pat Onya on the shoulder gently, "with exquisite taste. That's why I'm here - to add some style to this barge and some finesse in business." He suddenly appears distracted and annoyed in a sudden change of manner, "Although I don't know why I'm," he yawns deeply here then continues, "here, though. It's a bit early for this sort of thing, eh? Was there something else you needed ... dear?"

[Onya]

With a brief break in the conversation, Onya quickly whispers in her charming ghost companion’s ear saying, ‘Shoo me off Lucien and I’ll try to find Sova while you keep stalling the Dominion beauty.”

[Knight of Roses]

"Have you papers to that effect, Master Pardon?" grates the official through clenched teeth.

[Skurvy]

Having been listening from the darkened hatch, Alain appears on deck, cloak swirling about him in the night air.

"Master Pradon I cannot protect you if you insist on leaving your quarters and taking the night air without telling me. Even with the safety of the Dominion protecting us, you can't be too careful at the docks. Now perhaps the lady should wait away inside, before she catches her death of cold."

Alain makes a slight bow to Onya, gesturing toward the hatch belowdecks.

[Onya]

Look Master,” Onya says with the excitement of a child,” Here comes one of the handsome sailors that bordered the ship with us, Ooooo, he looks upset. I better go so you can explain why we are up here when we were told to stay below,” The Enchantress kisses Lucien on the cheek keeping up the ruse and then scampers off like a playful little kitten waiting to be chased. She glances over Alain’s way and greets him with a quick grateful smile and then continues to the lower deck. Once below she tries door knobs to see if any cabins are unlocked. If she finds any she will open the door and peer in looking for Sova and any in authority.

[Onya]

After unsuccessfully searching for Sova or anyone else in charge the Enchantress decides to take matters in her own hands before the energy of the arcane diminishes until she rests. Onya scampers back up on deck and marches over to the pier side of the deck. Hands on hips she looks down at the dominion guard and says in a frustrated voice, "You know what noble lady of the Dominion. Master is a merchant of a ghost ship save this handsome sailor unless he is a ghost playing tricks. It’s been kitten do this Kitten get me that Kitten wash my back Kitten Kitten for weeks now and I am very tired. Come now master so Kitten can quickly tend to you and then get some much needed rest. Have a nice walk Noble Lady. Now if you will excuse us...” Onya grabs Lucien’s arm and pulls him toward the lower deck.

[Barrok]

Tobias finally moves his very lazy bum from the ship staying towards the back of the group awaiting to see what is transpiring.

[Knight of Roses]

The Captain arrived, not looking very pleased. She is dressed in a heavy coat pulled over her night gown, her graying red hair held back in a thick braid.

She dismisses those who are not crew. "Get back to you cabins, my ship, my business." And moves down the gang plank to talk with the official.

[Skurvy]

Alain ushers Lucien and Onya belowdecks and away from the troublesome official.

"Best we keep a low profile for now, until the ship is underway," he says once they are safely out of hearing range belowdecks.

[Knight of Roses]

The voices of the Captain and the Official are low but not friendly and they talk for some time.

[Barrok]

"If this situation gets more heated shouldn't we actually step in and perhaps help the Captain out at all?" Tobias whispered.

[Skurvy]

"We might hinder more than help ... no sense in bringing down a full Dominion inspection on our heads if we can escape it."

Alain strains to hear the voices, but they are too low.

"Maybe someone should get as close as they can without revealing themselves, see if they can listen to what is said."

[Barrok]

Tobias nods.. "Most wise there Alain. I feel I shall only hamper if I were to try to cling to the shadows, I do not really have that level of subtlety yet, though I shall make sure that I am behind your erstwhile shadow readying a couple of spells to help them"

[Knight of Roses]

Finally a bag is handed over to the official who smiles and nods, before turning to move off down the dock.

The Captain storms back up the gangplank in obvious ill-humour.

[The Speaker in Dreams]

Lucien goes down in the general tumult, playing as the slightly snubbed and looking to appease fop - he's generally listless in movement and offering thanks to both Onya and Alain.

As soon as they are below decks, he looks to Alain, "My thanks ... that was getting awkward and we've yet to meet the captain proper. I'm sure this will make it worse on our lot, due to certain actions taken ..." He looks annoyed and is scanning the halls.

"As for helping the captain - yes. We sure as the nines hells best do whatever we can for the captain, or we'll be tossed to sea I'm sure." He says this with a bit of annoyance and clear agitation. "Let's just keep as low a profile as possible." He finally catches a glimpse of Onya moving from door to door and he turns to Alain and Tobias giving a brief nod of the head, "I'll be right back ..." With that he heads down the hall with all speed calling for Onya.

"Oh, *kitten*," he says with clear sarcasm dripping from his voice as he closes with her.

"Next time you have some sort of nervous reaction about visitors in the middle of the night, do what the rest of us do and find a good hole to disappear into. You damn near have gotten us right in the hands of dominion troops, and the captain is sure as hellfire NOT going to be happy about learning we're on her ship like this." He's clearly angry, though his voice is somewhat restrained as he does not want to make too much noise. He is close to her and is speaking with a smouldering tone to his words.

"Make a note, lady: next time you're in a city under martial law and invasion, do NOT come running out on deck and announce your presence when you're essentially stowing away on a ship trying to SNEAK out!!" He lets the last part get a bit loud - as if he's lost control of himself. The usual cool demeanor is gone and she can see for a brief moment the inner self of Lucien - the self that worries, the self that doesn't want to die, and the self that came forward in the first place to help out the people in trouble that fell in his path.

There is a brief moment of silence as he realizes that he has let his guard slip, and then he places his hand up to his face and draws it downwards from his eyes to his chin as if replacing a disguise which has come loose. "I just mean you need to think before you run into a dangerous situation. I've already gone through all the trouble of helping you out of the fire a few times, and it'd be a shame to lose you after all of that effort."

[Onya]

Onya looks into Lucien’s eyes as he chides her with great remorse in her own eyes and sadness on her face. Remembering the well deserved chidings from her grandfather because of her impulsive wild nature she addresses Lucien once he is done with shaky words coming through quivering lips saying,” I am sorry, Lucien.” The girl goes over to Tobias with the same expression and voice she looks into his eyes and says,” I am sorry Tobias.” She then goes over to Alain tears streaming now from her amber eyes and through soft sobs she says, I am sorry, Alain. Please extend my sincere apology to Sova. I was so looking forward to….” Her words fade away. She turns and heads to the cabin holding her belongings. Once inside she takes the belt holding her sword from underneath her robe and put around waist on the out side. Onya puts her backpack on her back and head hanging she comes out of the cabin and heads toward the stairs.:(

[Knight of Roses]

The Captain talks with a low voice to the sailors on watch, emphasizing something with strong gestures.

As Onya emerges onto the deck, the Captain spots the slender woman. "Below decks with you, I have had enough trouble from unexpected passengers."

[The Speaker in Dreams]

As Onya heads up the stairs, Lucien follows and calls to her, "Onya!" He hears the captain's command and pulls her by the hand back down the stairs.

"Damn, girl! Staying out of sight means staying out of sight, not heading topside again and leaving." He says this with a bit of stunned disbelief at her actions again.

"No need to march off ship for something like this. Mark it, note it, and move on, Onya." He says this in a short fashion as he's motioning for everyone to find a cabin. "We should all get out of the way until we're summoned for now," he says to everyone gathered, then adds to Onya, "You, too, Onya. Like I said before, 'It would be a shame to lose you so soon'" as he gives a wink to her as a way to reassure her of her place with them.

"Anyone know where Sova got to?" he asks as they all search for empty cabins. "By the way ... we'd best losen our purses - there is no WAY the captain's going to take us on by the goodness of her heart now."

[Barrok]

Tobias chirps in,

"I am sorry to say friend Lucien that all my monies were given to a local library to aid it for others to be able to study and hopefully for more of the youths to learn to read. If however you could offer to the Captain that if he acquires any wound I will make sure that certain healing spells are destined for him."

[Onya]

Onya jerks away Lucien gentle grip. Her face still damp with tears Onya speaks up softly saying, "Sirs there is no need for any of you to part with your gold. I gave Sir Lucien five pearls before we came on deck and I have some gold plus my father first sword which has two small rare yellows diamonds in the hilt. Also I will offer to help swab the deck or help the cook. Excuse me now Sirs, I'll go find a hole to crawl into and stay out of the way. Goodnight Sirs." Onya starts to look for the way to the cargo hold.

[Barrok]

Tobias smiles
"Onya please lets not crawl too much into any hole and hide yourself away. It would surely be for the best if at least fro little while we stuck together somewhat, if not for protection in sheer numbers then at least we can rid ourselves from any boredom that ways heavy on us. I often find that I can be a bit too irrational and would prefer to have a few people stopping me from endangering everyone. So please stay if not for you... for my sake. Honestly I am an absolute loon sometimes."

Tobias gave a little chuckle trying to raise the spirits of his comrade.

[Onya]

A sweet smile replaces the sadness on wild cat’s face. Onya walks over to Tobias. Placing a hand over his heart she gives him a quick gentle kiss on his cheek. She turns to the ghost warrior’s and says in a weary voice, “After you, Sirs. I’ll take what is left even if it’s this corridor.”

[Knight of Roses]

The Captain comes down and eyes all of her new passengers coolly. "I expect all of you to remain below decks until we leave in the morning. Once we are out on open space, all of you will meet with me on the foredeck. Understood?"

[The Speaker in Dreams]

"Yes, ma'am," Lucien says with no airs of foppishness what so ever. If anything the response indicates his willingness to comply with the captain's orders.

He waits and watches to see if anything of interest transpires before turning around to leave. When he's certain that he's dismissed with the captain's approval Lucien looks for the room where all of his things had been stored previously and heads to it.

[Onya]

Onya waits for everyone to find a cabin all the while wondering where Sova is. Once her Ghosts have places to sleep she starts looking for an empty cabin.

OOC: How many cabins on this deck, KoR?

[Knight of Roses]

The visse ship's cook brings soup and watered wine to the new passengers. "Eat up and drink down, you lot, nothing more until tomorrow morning."


OOC- There are three open cabins, each with two narrow bunks.

[Skurvy]

Alain gratefully strips off the bulkiest parts of his armour, and sets to give them a good clean to while away the time. Removing his mighty falchion from its sling, he does his best to sharpen and oil the blade, before storing it all neatly by a bunk.

"I for one will be glad of the brief respite."

With that, he lies back on a bunk and shuts his eyes, apparantly to sleep.

[Onya]

Onya takes the refreshments from the cook nodding in appreciation. Once he leaves she sits on the steps and starts enjoying the soup and wine even though she knows she should not drink the wine. Between a bite of soup Onya speaks up rather loudly saying before Tobias and Lucien scamper off, “Does anyone know where Sova is?”