[M]A Call of Gold (IC)

[AngelFire]

Mature: Violence, Most likely substance abuse, Sexual Themes, and anything else that Pirate-y.

OOC

The late afternoon heat dance through the cobblestone streets of the Lokga. For weeks, there had been whispers of a Pirate ship landing from ocean side city to ocean side city in Eglar, calling forth anyone brave enough to face the angry seas. Today, it was proven they were not merely rumors, but an actuality. Children darted through the streets, tiny boats gripped tightly in their hands, as their parents gave chase. In Eglar, Piracy had been declared illegal, and anyone found guilty of working with a pirate would be punished by death.

Far in the distance a ship bounced in the soft waves of the ocean, it’s black sails the only thing visible in the distance. No pirate would be foolish enough to present their flag in the oceans belonging to Eglar, but this one stood at the edge of ownership. An unfamiliar life boat tied off onto the dock, carried two people whom smelled like pirates. The stench of blood, plunder, and violence dancing from them as they directed themselves towards the, Black Sails Pub.

Passerby’s avoided the new people, recognizing the bright gold insignia of a Cher Pral diplomat, on the lapel of the female. A woman of such a class, wouldn’t be welcome in the rough and tumble Black Sails Pub, normally their female clientele being of the entertainment variety. But once inside she took her velvet hood down, revealing her smiling form. Her crew already waiting in the cramped area. No guard would be out tonight, they were all celebrating the King’s eldest son getting married.

“Welcome to the El Tesoro Vicioso,” The woman spoke, as she pulled herself onto the counter tops. “For those of you who do not know, I am Captain Madina Pedregón. As tradition asks, we are here to celebrate our new crew mates joining us on a long job.” She paused taking a flagon of honey beer. “You no longer are tied down to a Nation, rather, you are joining a family. Whatever biases you have for another Nation, you will leave it on these shores!”

“For if she hears nationalist squabbling, she will send you into the ocean.” Théo chortled, raising his glass. “Why else would we need replacements?”

“Hush Théo,” she sighed, lightly punching his shoulder. “Enjoy tonight, for tomorrow we sail!”

[Mfable]

Voskhod walked through the room silently as his Captain spoke, occasionally swiping a bit of food or a swig of alcohol from those not paying enough attention to him. With a chuckle and a laugh, he raised his cheap bottle of booze to the Captain and to the room. ”Tonight everything is on the house, courtesy of the establishment!” With a grin, he exclaimed to the nearby bartender and owner of the establishment, “I buried some of your more expensive and worthwhile treasure in town and won’t reveal the location until everyone is sufficiently drunk.” It was a lie of course, everything was within his pockets at that very moment, but the bartender would not know until much later. With a wink, he headed off to celebrate with the rest of his crew and with everyone else in the bar.

[Vaidia]

The place certainly stank-- a mix of yesterday's vomit left to seep in the sun, and as if the builder had chosen to makes the walls from a mixture off piss and sand. But, then, any hovel her Captain ended up in seemed to share the same stench, although the scenery changed. Around her were the sorts she once vowed to protect against; thieves who'd cut a throat easier than a purse, and ones' whose wills were scripted in the ink of blood and lawlessness. But, now, they were brothers and sister to her now. It was strange, how the where and what of a person changed, but who they were remained the same. Comrades. Friends. She found their laughs no less joyous, and their jokes-- though often more crass-- no less a thing to laugh at.

Perhaps that meant she wasn't so different from them, or they from her. They were all humans in the end.

Vetra had been sitting in the Black Sails Pub for a good time already. She had left the ship earlier in the day (after much convincing from her Captain) and had spent some time in the city. As it was her custom, she had made a stop at one of the orphanages in the city after finding someone that wasn't convinced she would make a lunch of the children for directions. And, as always, she had taken some of her salary to buy gifts for the children. She brought small things of joy-- sweets for all and dolls for some and wheeled contraptions for others, watching their weary approach before realizing they realized she meant no harm.

Of course, charity wasn't her only reason for visiting. She remembered from her years at the Orphanage that all the best secrets and rumors were said in the presence of "hapless" children. Thus, a doll was given for some advice on where the Thieves guild was currently holed up. A toy wagon for rumors on a runaway that may be a good recruit to the crew. And sweets for the celebration of a Wedding.

The mighty woman looked around with satisfaction. She had brought in some new recruits for this campaign, or at least invited them. There was plenty of work to be done on the ship and, as great as she was, she could not simply do it all alone. She was only human, after all. Most of the (new) people in the Pub were weary of her at first, but after a few drinks, and challenge to see if anyone could beat her at arm wrestling, things were much amicable. She was still undefeated at arm wrestling.

It was just as Vetra defeated two rather burly looking men (together) that the door opened, and the moment they had all been waiting for began. Her Captain had arrived, giving welcome to them all. Vetra razed her own tankard, which looked no larger than a tea cup in her hand, in cheers.

"To the Captain!" She called out, those around her also raising a glass and giving a guttural mix of 'hear hears' and 'Arrrrs' that sounded rather like a chorus of drowned cats. All the while she kept a careful eye on Voskhod, as the more he drank, the more likely he would forgot what happened the last time he took something from her. She could remind him, of course, and hold him by his feet over the ship until he came to his senses.

Another voyage was at its wellspring, and who would know where it's currents would lead them? Perhaps only the Gods knew. But where her Captain went, Vetra would follow.

[Nikaris]

Rumors floated on the wind about a Pirate Captain in need of a crew. Anyone who was smart would simply pass the rumor along, but never entertain the thought of joining; it was too risky for most people. On the other hand, risky is exactly what the young women--otherwise known as Inga--needed. When the wind tossed her locks and whispered of a chance to escape, to run, that is exactly was Inga did. Taking to the road like the devil was at her heel the brunette made her way to the Black Sails Pub.

After several days of wandering with a purpose, the women made it to Eglar. Making her way through the street was nothing short of simple. She weaved in and out of bodies who were too focused on themselves to notice a visitor like herself. Voices rose over one another in a joyous union as the people of the town celebrated the union of the eldest King's son. Easily ducking under and arms that swung out of seemingly nowhere Inga found her destination. Black Sails Pub. Moving easily into the building the women pushed open the doors. The smell nearly knocked her over. It was perfect.

"...and tomorrow we sail!"

Head jolting in the direction of the voice Inga automatically noticed the women sitting on the counter of the bar. With a stunning red bandanna and an air of confidence, there was no denying that this woman was the Captian that she was searching for. Sliding a drink off of one of the trays passing by Inga casually walked over to the group, raised her glass and joined in with the others.

"To the Captian!"

[zingthe3rd]

A smelly place full of drunkards and thieves. A place that suited Sin well, at least the drunken thief part. Sin knew the perils of drinking all too well, though it did not stop him. Drinking too much would lead someone to spew their guts everywhere, something Sin was fine with doing, but preferred to do it overboard. He figured that was a common courtesy, one that most people did not keep in mind. Many people just vomited all over the floor, or all over the person seated at their table. It was enough to make Sin vomit himself.

As he took a swig from his bottle, he watched the captain climb up on the counter, giving a quick, rousing speech. "For tomorrow we sail!"

"Aye!" He cheered, raising his bottle and taking a swig.

Then came the cheers. "To the captain!"

Sin smirked, rolling his head slightly "To the captain!" he cheered, raising his bottle again. He put his feet up on the table he was seated at and put his hands behind his head, smirking again. Tomorrow would likely be the start of quite a few long days, so he figured he would relax for tonight.

[AngelFire]

Spoiler: Voskhod 

With so many near him, Voskhod gained a hundred fifty-one silver pieces and thirty-six gold pieces. All in all, a well-off night, in a place such as this. The Captain sighed at the boatswain’s announcement, both she and the bartender sharing a glance. Madina whispered something to her companion, before going back to the wooden floors. Those celebrating, parted as she made her way to Voskhod. Her fingers gripping his upper arm, a smile touching her features.

“Tell me Voskhod, do you respect me?” she hummed, facing him. “And my ship?”

Spoiler: Vetra, Inga, Sin 

Théo chuckled at Voskhod’s statement, opting to watch the captain and the bartender share a silent conversation. He greatly enjoyed the thief already. Helping the captain down, from her perch, he continued his way to the merriment, appearing besides Vetra and Inga. The male knew the faces of Vetra, and found the new woman fairly interesting. Though the, El Tesoro Vicioso had quite a few women on its crew manifest, it was still rare to find those whiling to join a Pirate ship.

“Greetings to the Finest of Amazons,” he smiled to Vetra flirtatiously. “And I am unfamiliar with your beautiful face. Théo Fétique. I am the ships Quartermaster.”

Music echoed through the building, as cheerful conversation mingled with the melody. Women with tankard flagons of beer at hand, they gladly took any empty vessels before bringing another.

“Are you enjoying the Pirate life?” the older bartender asked, bringing Sin a fresh drink.

[Mfable]

Voskhod jumped as she gripped his arm. She was one of the only persons in the world that he was genuinely afraid of. With a stutter, he looked up at her like a child caught stealing bread from the baker. ”Y-yes, of c-course Captain! I’m sorry for whatever I did! I’ll fix it! I promise!” Her Captain and her ship were just about the only two things he really did respect.

[Vaidia]

As the drink continued to flow, the pub seemed much less rank. There was no doubt the owner of the pub knew that it was little worth investing in a pristine establishment when most of the patrons would be too drunk to appreciate it. That money was better spent on drink, food, and bribery to make the place could continue with its current patronage.

Vetra grinned wryly, watching as the crowd resumed it's activity like a great many gears whirring back into motion. She could still see the captain from where she sat, being as tall sitting as most people were standing, catching sight of the glint of the woman's hair in the murky light of the inn. Business continued, and old habits remained like a stain that never washed. It was no longer her job to make sure no harm came to the one she watched, the Captain plenty capable of that herself.

Vetra looked away, looking back to the rest of the pub. The two burly men who'd challenged her before were gone, replaced by a considerably smaller woman who was a stranger to her eyes. A much more petite woman, but one still seemed to hold herself the poise of the boldest of their lot. Impressive. She leaned forward, still grinning. "Ah, I hope your here to join our crew, as I do not think you would fare so well in trying to best me in arm wrestling."

“Greetings to the Finest of Amazons. And I am unfamiliar with your beautiful face. Théo Fétique. I am the ships Quartermaster.”

Ah! The Quartermaster! The mighty woman glanced away lazily from the new crew member, her grin growing even wider. Théo was a kind man, although perhaps often one too forward, and had a keen mind for organization. "So strange to meet on land, Old Man!" Vetra began, gesturing broadly and nearly taking out one of the service woman, "He's the Quarter Master in already thinking himself a quarter the way in your pants, but is no master of the bed." With this, she let out a deep bark of laughter.

[Nikaris]

Cool, frothy amber liquid passed through full lips as the brunette took a gulp if the bitter tasting beer. The lip ring shined in the light as her throat muscles moved the liquid into her stomach. Although Inga drank the amber liquid, she was never one to fully enjoy the taste of it. Breathing a sigh of relief once the mug was lowered from her lips the brunette noticed that a rather brutish woman stood tall and confident--who appeared to be taller than everyone in the bar from Ingra viewpoint--a few feet in front of her. There was a brief moment where Inga wondered if she too was here to join the crew.

Fortunately, the women didn't have to wait long before finding the answer.

The women addressed her, mentioning that she hoped Inga was due to the fact that she would not fare well against the levienatn of women. Whoever she was, she was not wrong. Inga would more than likely break an arm if she challenged the women. Before she could answer though another figure appeared between them. The taller women and male greeted each other in was appeared to be a familiar manner. Suddenly, the male turned toward her and greeted her in a flirtatious manner. Within seconds the women piped in and blatantly stated that the male--now known as the Quarter Master and Theo--was trying to get in her pants. Not to mention that he wasn't very good.

Despite hearing the other women's warning, Inga could not help doing a once over of the man who had wedged between both women of her. He did not appear to be much older than her. With both ears pierced and a black bandana tied around his head he definitely looked like a pirate. Much unlike herself.

"Foruntely for myself, I do plan on joining the crew so an arm wrestling match will be not needed," Inga grinned while glancing up at the other women, "As for you, Quater Master," Her glance fell back down to the shorter man, "Inga. Nice to meet you too. Although, I assure you if I was an Amazon that would not be how you want to greet me."

[AngelFire]

Spoiler: Voskhod 

The captain smiled, as if hearing exactly what she wanted, her fingers letting go of his elbow. After a moment, she tilted her head to the older male, sitting beside the crew member named Sin. A look of pure adoration touching her features, as she redirected her stare to the male.

“Have you ever wondered why ‘The Black Sails’ is still open, despite being an openly friendly pirate watering hole?” She asked, lacing her fingers into his and lightly tugging him farther into the bar. “He’s good friends with the king’s son, but it’s also because when need be he gives information to the king. Any threats against the Eglar empire and such. There’s also the little-known fact that the bartender is also a pirate.” The captain whispered the last bit, leaning close to his ears. “He happens to be the previous captain of El Tesoro Vicioso, most certainly a man who needs to be respected. Agree?”

Her words said more than what she did, a passive threat to mind himself around the bartender. The captain paused now standing before the Théo, Vetra and Inga.

“Captain,” Théo bowed, letting go of both women. “What can we do for you?”

Spoiler: Vetra and Inga 

Théo covered his hear with his right hand, momentarily letting go of the woman in his grasp, mocking hurt. He couldn’t hold it for long before a flirty smile touched his lips.

“My beautiful Vetra, I do believe I am a little more than a quarter of a way in her pants,” He chuckled, smiling at Inga. “Such a beautiful name, for such a radiant woman. It’s such a pleasure to see another precious face on our ship, though I must ask, what is it that you specialize in?”

Moments past, before the captain walked to the small group, Voskhod trailing slightly behind. On farther study, one would notice the captain’s fingers laced with the males. Théo cleared his throat, tossing his hands to his side, a nervous smile touching his face.

“Captain,” Théo bowed, letting go of both women. “What can we do for you?”